Author: Lawrence Tougas
Edition: Model Aviation - 2015/03
Page Numbers: 147

AMA Expo 2015 just came to a close. It was, as always, a busy weekend. For me, the highlights included the excellent turnout we had for the District X meeting—more than 150 people attended—and the excellent turnout of both vendors and visitors. I got a chance to speak with so many members and saw old friends.
Joe Bridi, a highly respected pattern pilot and aircraft designer, and Mark Radcliff, AMA District III vice president and a member of the championship USA World Precision Aerobatics Team in 1975, 1977, 1979, and 1981, and was individually third in the world in 1979, admire a very special Dirty Birdy. Joe was the father of the Dirty Birdy and built this one for the Tournament of Champions (TOC) founder and Circus Circus President William Bennett. It is covered with the signatures of legendary TOC fliers such as Hanno Prettner, Dave Brown, Jerry Nelson, and many others including Joe and Mark.
Phoebe and Rodney Heaton from Los Angeles get help building a Sky Streak from Stan Christopher of the Black Sheep Squadron.
Lowel Wexler placed first in the Scale jet static display competition. His 135-inch Gulfstream G550, powered with twin Kingtek turbines, was truly awesome.
Norbie Lara, former serviceman and Wounded Warrior Representative, accepts a check from AMA President Bob Brown and Mandee Mikulski for $100,000. These were the proceeds from the hard work our clubs did on National Model Aviation Day, along with sponsors Ready Made RC and HobbyKing.
Cody Seibel, from Chino Hills CA, prepares to launch his Sky Streak.
Phil Goodwine, former president of the Pomona Valley Model Airplane Club, was given a Distinguished Service Award to recognize the club’s hard work hanging large-scale models from the rafters of the Expo venue and more.
Bill Wallace was the lucky winner of a Futaba 14 SG that was given away at the District X meeting courtesy of Hobbico. The meeting was a huge success with a standing-room-only crowd.
The California Scale Modelers Association was recognized with the AMA Award of Excellence for its hard work organizing the static display contest.
There were some wonderful airplanes and people at AMA Expo 2015. The dates for next year will be January 8-11. It will be better than ever, so don’t miss it.
Happy landings.