District X - 2008/09
Reflections on 15 Years
In 1993, when I first took on the task of representing District X, I never really gave much thought to how long I’d serve. Quite honestly, I didn’t envision it being more than a few years. Well, there’s certainly truth in the adage “time flies when you’re having fun.” Before I knew it, 15 years had passed.
Much has changed during the past 15 years. The hobby has grown in its capabilities, diversity, and complexity. We’ve seen substantial advancements in electronic technologies, building materials, and engine design.
Technological Advances
The advent of lithium batteries and brushless motors has made electric flight a practical reality. The expansive growth in technology has brought with it new challenges and concerns, and the AMA remains committed to meeting these challenges and securing the future of model aviation.
The advancements experienced in model aviation have also enabled the feasibility of unmanned commercial flight, and the phenomenal success of unmanned aircraft in the defense industry has spurred a groundswell of domestic applications.
FAA Rulemaking and the ARC
The FAA is currently developing regulations to govern the use of unmanned aerial systems (UASs), and these new regulations have the potential to impact the modeling community.
In its effort to develop new regulations, the FAA has commissioned an Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) composed of industry representatives and stakeholders, and AMA has been invited to participate in this process. AMA has taken a proactive stance toward protecting modeling interests by creating a dedicated position to represent model aviation, and I’ve been asked to fill this position and work with the ARC.
Leadership Transition
I’m excited about representing the AMA on the committee and look forward to the challenges associated with the rulemaking process. The unfortunate downside is that it’s not possible to effectively represent District X and also dedicate the time and energy necessary to participate on the ARC. As such, I’ve decided to step down as the District X Vice President (VP) at the summer Executive Council meeting.
Associate Vice President Jim Giffin will take over the reins as District VP and will complete my current term of office. Jim is from Redding, California, is the outgoing IMAA president, and brings to the AMA a wealth of knowledge and business expertise. I will make myself available to him as best I can to ensure a smooth transition in the district’s representation.
Thanks and Closing
For my part, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my tenure as the District X VP and look forward to continuing to serve the modeling community at the national level.
I want to express my deepest appreciation for the dedication and hard work put forth by the District X staff, and my sincere thanks go out to the clubs, officers, and AMA members of District X for your support and confidence.
So for now... Keep 'em safe and keep 'em flying.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
