I thought I’d take some time this month to pass along a couple of important items that were rolled out earlier this year at the AMA Expo that I hope will be of interest.
AMA President Bob Brown and James Williams, the FAA’s executive manager of 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 all AMA members.
Secondly, the new AMA Foundation was officially dedicated. The AMA Foundation was developed to create financial support for aeromodeling as a hobby, sport, and scientific pursuit. Some of the main areas of focus will include scholarships, youth programming, club assistance, and government advocacy.
Additional information about the AMA Foundation and how you can participate can be found at www.amafoundation.modelaircraft.org or you may contact Mandee Mikulski at [email protected].
The Expo featured an interesting and 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.
The following comes from District VII Associate Vice President 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, which began as a helicopter club, later expanding to include all aircraft, is active within its community. In 2012, club members realized how lucky we 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 and not have a Merry Christmas.
Club members then reached out to the Toys for Tots area coordinator and explained that they would like to hold an event to raise funds and gifts for the children. With an enthusiastic thank-you, our partnership began.
The 2013 event, held on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, welcomed pilots from all areas of Michigan who had a great deal of fun. Santa Claus visited as well 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 on faces 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.”
August 16 was announced as the date for this year’s National Model Aviation Day. The event’s primary goal is to further the positives of model aviation through public awareness in addition to raising monies for worthy charities. The 2013 National Model Aviation Day effort resulted in a $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 your own National Model Aviation Day event is on AMA’s website and will appear in printed ads in Model Aviation. With everyone’s help we can build on what was accomplished last year.