EDUCATION THROUGH AVIATION
Contact
5161 E. Memorial Dr. Muncie, IN 47302 (765) 287-1256, ext. 516 [email protected]
Introduction
As the new Education Director for the Academy, I would first like to thank the Executive Council, Education Committee, President Dave Mathewson, Executive Vice President Mark Smith, and the entire AMA staff for this opportunity and the warm welcome I have received. I also have to thank my family, especially my wonderful wife, Lisa, for her amazing support of my major career change and the time I’ve spent with model aircraft.
My background
Like most of you, my interest in model aviation started with a fascination for all things that fly. My earliest memory of watching airplanes was with my dad chasing the old Stearman that would come around to crop dust. We would jump in the car and do our best to keep up with it for as many fields as possible.
Around the time I turned eight, Dad introduced me to control-line flying. I spent many fun-filled hours with my buddies flying the Cox PT-19. We actually figured out how to strap the model and flight box on our banana seats and spend the day flying. In the meantime, Dad would take me to the annual open house at what is now Grissom Air Force Base. I’ll never forget the first time I heard a B-52 taking off!
In 1968, Dad bought me a Citizens' Band (CB) radio that I still have. We built a deBolt Champ, put a Veco .19 in it, and since that first successful flight I have been totally hooked on model aviation. The vast majority of my participation in the last 15–20 years has been in precision aerobatics—often called Pattern—but don’t hold that against me! The heart and soul of our organization belongs to all of you who simply have fun enjoying model aviation.
When I think about who my closest friends are, it’s amazing how many of them are modelers. I don’t think that’s a coincidence. We all share the same passion for things that fly, enjoy the fun times we spend together, and totally respect each other as friends, competitors, and sources of information about model aviation.
Philosophy and responsibility
I’ve spent 32 years as a high school band director, so pressure and daunting situations should by now be second nature. In fact, they’re not! I feel strongly about the word “Academy.” In ancient Greece, the academy or college of philosophy in the northwestern outskirts of Athens was where Plato acquired property in approximately 387 BC and used to teach. At the site there had been an olive grove, park, and gymnasium sacred to the legendary Attic hero Academus (or Hecademus)—the very gymnasium from which Plato himself taught. As Education Director of an Academy, I must bear the responsibility of living up to the name—that’s a daunting charge! Bottom line: I feel strongly about our responsibility to deliver educational resources to all of our members, associates, and potential clients.
Outreach and club support
So, now you know about the word Academy and a little bit about me. What’s your story? How do you, your club, or anyone you know share information through model aviation?
One mission I’m on is to do all we can for clubs. We want to provide clubs with all the assistance possible to support outreach efforts, including:
- Local schools
- Mall shows
- Flying demonstrations
- Any place a modeler is sharing information about model aviation
Additionally, we are pursuing collaborations with national youth groups. Dave Mathewson recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the EAA and its Young Eagles program. We are pursuing similar relationships with other youth groups and hope to soon report our success. Don’t ever forget the importance of sharing our great hobby—someone shared it with you. When you do any kind of outreach, you are establishing yourself as a contributing member of that community. Does that help keep or acquire a flying site? You bet it does!
Closing
Finally, thanks to all of you for your many contributions and dedication. Send me your story—pictures, video, anything you have. I’ll make sure that how you share gets shared!
Fly and have fun!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
