District VII — Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Tim Jesky
Vice President [email protected] 2886 E. Country Ln., Monroe, MI 48162 Tel.: (734) 384-6085 Website: www.amadistrict-vii.org
I'd like to pass along a couple of important items that happened at the AMA Expo that I hope will be of interest.
FAA memorandum of understanding
AMA President Bob Brown and James Williams, the FAA’s manager of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Office, signed a memorandum of understanding that further cements our partnership with the FAA in ensuring safe operation of model aircraft in the national airspace. To be recognized by the FAA as the go-to organization for expertise in safe aeromodeling operations is a big win for AMA members.
AMA Foundation launched
The new AMA Foundation was officially launched. The AMA Foundation was developed to create financial support for aeromodeling as a hobby, sport, and scientific pursuit. Main areas of focus will include scholarships, youth programming, club assistance, and government advocacy.
For more information and how you can participate:
- Website: amafoundation.modelaircraft.org
- Contact: Mandee Mikulski, [email protected]
AMA Expo presentation
AMA Expo featured an inspiring presentation given by “Miracle on the Hudson” copilot Jeff Skiles, detailing the crew’s heroic actions after US Airways Flight 1549 lost all engines shortly after takeoff because of bird strikes.
Toys for Tots — Mount Pleasant, Michigan
The following comes from District VII Associate Vice President (AVP) Randy Gibson reporting on a Toys for Tots indoor event he helped organize this past winter in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. The Mid Michigan Radio Control Helicopter Association (MMRCHA) held its second annual event to benefit the Toys for Tots Organization.
MMRCHA began as a helicopter club and later expanded to include all aircraft. The club is active within its community. In 2012, club members realized how lucky they were to have the ability to fly model aircraft, but also recognized that many area children would wake up without a toy under their tree. Club members contacted the Toys for Tots area coordinator and explained that they would like to hold an event to raise funds and collect gifts for the children. Our partnership began.
The 2013 event, held on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, welcomed pilots from all areas of Michigan who had a great time. Santa Claus visited and many area children were able to give Santa their Christmas wish list. In addition to their visit with Santa, the children had an opportunity to try their hands at flying some indoor RC airplanes. The smiles showed the fun everyone had. The Toys for Tots coordinator was happy with the donations received, and members of MMRCHA even volunteered time to help distribute the toys to the families a few weeks later. Club Vice President Bill Dittenber commented, “We are so very fortunate to be able to participate and enjoy this hobby. It feels good to give back to the community and share our passion.”
National Model Aviation Day
August 16 was announced as the date for this year’s National Model Aviation Day. The event’s primary goal is to highlight the positives of model aviation through public awareness and to raise money for worthy charities. The 2013 National Model Aviation Day effort resulted in $76,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project, and we will again support that organization in 2014.
Information about where to find an event or how your club can organize a National Model Aviation Day event is on the AMA website and will appear in printed ads in Model Aviation. With everyone’s help we can build on what was accomplished last year.
Take a kid flying!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
