District VII Report - 2012/05
Tremendous! Remarkable! Outstanding! Those were just a few of the words that came to mind when I found out that the FAA reauthorization bill had passed the Senate and House and was signed into law by the president. I’m sure many of you were already aware that the bill contained an amendment exempting recreational RC model aircraft from the small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) legislation contained in the bill. Although there will still be hurdles to overcome in ironing out the details and interpretation of the bill in the future, our right to operate our model aircraft has been preserved without undue government interference. I commend the team of AMA staff members and volunteers for their efforts as well as those of the AMA membership. The 90,000 letters you sent to your elected representatives were heard.
The following text and photos come from District VII Associate Vice President Randy Gibson.
Indoor Flying — Mid Michigan Radio Control Helicopter Association (MMRCHA)
You wake up in the morning, a fresh blanket of snow is on the ground, the wind is blowing. Temperatures are very cold, it is overcast … what does it mean? A beautiful day for flying—indoors! Mid Michigan Radio Control Helicopter Association (MMRCHA) held its first indoor flying session in Alma, Michigan. MMRCHA is a radio control club based in the middle of Michigan that is active in promoting all forms of RC modeling. Originally started as a helicopter club, it has expanded to include all forms of model aviation and brings its passion to the area.
MMRCHA had been working hard to secure an indoor flying location to bring wintertime RC flying to the central Michigan area. On February 18, 2012, the club’s efforts paid off with a successful indoor flying meet. Twenty pilots participated with various electric airplanes and helicopters. There were even a few unique quadcopters and a flying bird — yes, a radio control bird. Spectators also came and enjoyed the show put on by the pilots.
With much appreciation for the efforts by Huling’s Hobby House and Arrow-Swift Printing, the local community was made aware of the RC event and came in large numbers. From children to adults, they were able to learn about modeling and see various types of aircraft flying. Some even had the opportunity to try flying radio control airplanes themselves under the instruction of MMRCHA’s introductory pilots. The most common question from the spectators was: “What will be the date of the next event?” MMRCHA is hoping to hold another indoor event before the outdoor season is here, but that won’t slow this club down. Many other events are in the planning stages.
Keep up with the activities by going to the club’s website: www.mmrcha.org
Take a kid flying.
Associate Vice Presidents
- Bruce Baier, Oshkosh, WI; (920) 233-1127; [email protected]
- Lee Frederickson, Ada, MI; [email protected]
- Randall Gibson, Lansing, MI; [email protected]
- Bud Gorman, Knife River, MN; [email protected]
- Don Held, Elmira, MI; (231) 584-2662; [email protected]
- Noel Hunt, Shelby Twp., MI; (586) 677-1540; [email protected]
- Ed Kincer, Fenton, MI; [email protected]
- Tom Pierce, St. Clair, MI; [email protected]
- Mark Robotti, Lindstrom, MN; [email protected]
- Lloyd Swanson, Cedar Rapids, IA; (319) 373-0947; [email protected]
- Kent Woods, Ames, IA; (515) 232-8180; [email protected]
Frequency Coordinators
- Al Schwartz, Roseville, MN; (651) 633-2286; [email protected]
- Pete Waters, Northville, MI; (248) 486-4800
District VII Vice President
- Tim Jesky
- Vice President, District VII — Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 2886 E. Country Ln., Monroe, MI 48162
- Tel.: (734) 384-6085
- Website: www.amadistrict-vii.org
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
