Education Through Aviation
Bill Pritchett | [email protected]
"A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore." —Yogi Berra
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So much has been said about the United States economy lately; and I always like to share the wisdom of Yogi. I couldn't resist saying hello this month with this one from the master.
While it's true that the economy has not been good for many, I think it has been generally good to model aviation. If we look back (and not so far back), it's easy to see a time when flying (especially getting started) cost much more than it does today. There hasn't been a less expensive time than today to explore, and more importantly, share the fun of flying models.
By the time you receive this, we will be close to February 24 and 25, 2012, which are the opening dates of our model aviation display, "CSI: Flight Adventures," at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
The Children's Museum (TCM) of Indianapolis is the largest children's museum in the world, with more than one million visitors annually — yes, million! From my experience, I believe it is the largest museum because it's the finest. TCM is at the forefront of creating learning experiences, with the power to transform the lives of children and families. The museum is a pioneer in both the education and museum worlds, offering engaging exhibits, interpretive activities, standards-based school programs, and teacher development workshops.
CSI: Flight Adventures
"Flight Adventures" will be a multifaceted exhibit that isn't really an exhibit, but an experience. There will be few static models, but plenty of model aviation experiences for kids to see, touch, build, and fly. TCM is one of the best opportunities the AMA has had to share the joy of modeling with children.
Rick Crosslin, AMA member and science instructor, is the liaison for the museum and has done a tremendous job of developing this project, which is being funded by a NASA grant Rick and Gordon Schimmel put together for TCM and the AMA. This is going to be a long-term relationship with TCM. For the many of you who travel to the International Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana, be sure to plan a few hours at TCM. You will be proud to be involved in model aviation and to be a member of the AMA.
Stay tuned for announcements regarding videos, activities, and great content that will be made available to all of you to use and share in your communities.
Frank G. Brewer Trophy
Last month I highlighted an announcement via press release that the AMA received the prestigious Frank G. Brewer Trophy from the National Aeronautic Association (NAA), and wrote a bit about the history of the AMA Education Committee and the committee's current roster. Mark Smith, then-executive vice president; Dave Mathewson, executive director; and I were honored to attend the award ceremony and represent the thousands of AMA volunteers nationwide who, through their generosity of time and talent, have utilized the amazing resources of model aviation in an educational way. It was an honor to be recognized in a room full of aviation heroes. Mark gave a wonderful acceptance speech, closing by saying:
"The Brewer Trophy is a welcome recognition of the Academy's work for many years, and we thank you very much, but it now says to us that we must keep our momentum going, to honor this award that the NAA has so kindly bestowed, and to reach yet another generation of young people to take to the skies with models and, very likely, with full-scale aircraft.
"We believe passionately in the potential of our young people—and are thrilled that you share that passion with us."
The honor requires us to continue, with all possible momentum, into a future that inspires people to use aviation activities, including model aviation, as vehicles for learning. Aviation is full of people who will be lifelong advocates and leaders. They encourage others, open doors, and create opportunities, and that is lasting inspiration to our industry and our country. We hope you had an enjoyable evening at the Fall Awards Dinner. It was an honor to have you with us.
"As I mentioned in my closing remarks at the dinner, while the National Aeronautic Association Awards Program is a wonderful vehicle for identifying and honoring the leaders in our nation's aviation community, it doesn't happen by accident. Nominations are identified, conceived, reviewed, and voted on by people throughout that ballroom and throughout the industry. So not only do we owe you our thanks, but we owe you our encouragement to help us identify and select people and accomplishments throughout our industry that meet the standard of joining the 'history and record books' of aviation.
"Congratulations again, and we look forward to working with you in the future."
Jonathon and NAA, thank you! And to the many modelers who, for so many years, made this happen for the AMA in its 75th year, thanks.
Maiden Flight — Dalton Rogers
Do you still get a little excited about the maiden flight? Still feel satisfaction in the success of that new airplane or the accomplishment of someone you've assisted? If your answer is yes, then you have to appreciate this story and photo with a big smile on your face.
Dalton Rogers, Houston, celebrated his birthday this year by becoming an AMA Youth Member and receiving his first model airplane. He had worked diligently on a computer simulator to learn how to fly and recently took the Champ for its maiden flight. Congratulations, Dalton, and welcome to our wonderful hobby!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
