Model aviation has always been a foundation for aviation professionals. Many full-scale pilots, aeronautical engineers, and others say their interest in aviation began with model aviation in their youth.
AMA members can be proud that, thanks in part to your generosity, we now have another young person on his way to an aviation career. Sam Wright of Blossvale, New York, is the recipient of a 2014 AMA Charles Hampton Grant scholarship.
Anyone who attends central New York modeling events is sure to see Sam and his family. Sam’s dad, Chuck Wright, has worked in the hobby industry for decades. Sam’s mom and his sister always attend, supporting Chuck and Sam’s love of all things aviation. Congratulations to Sam and the best of luck in his studies!
April 26, 2014, was a busy day in District II. On that day, the Watervliet Wind Warriors (WWW) held its annual Tom Brown Memorial Youth Education Program benefit swap meet. Tom is remembered for creating unusual aircraft designs that earned him the nickname MacGyver. One of Tom’s aircraft would even fly forward and backward!
The WWW hold the swap meet to support the Youth Aeromodeling Program in conjunction with the Watervliet City School District. The program has proven popular with students and parents, and helps the club maintain a great relationship with the community.
It was my honor to work with noted electrical engineer and Science Olympiad supporter, Jesse Aronstein, to position the New Scotland Avenue Armory in Albany, New York, as a potential indoor flying site. Now the property of Sage College, the Electric Powered Aeromodelers club and guests flew in the armory during a “get acquainted” day on—yet again—April 26, 2014. Hopes are that the armory can host future indoor flying events.
The Long Island Aero Radio Society (LIARS) promoted its club and model aviation at the Middle Island Flight School’s open house at the Brookhaven Airport in Shirley, New York on—you guessed it—April 26, 2014. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Ninety Nines, the Civil Air Patrol and other groups participated.
The club provided AMA handouts and club information. According to LIARS president, Steve Siedlecki, “We had a huge turnout, and many kids and adults had fun with the RC simulator.” Steve noted, “We have arranged for a few schools and the local Aero Camp to come and fly at the LIARS field.”
Reaching out and inviting the public to try model aviation is a great way to build your club. The LIARS earned an A+ for its efforts.
Remember, it’s not about what we fly, it’s about the people and the friends we make!
