Executive Director View from HQ

Executive Director View HQ IM7F\ AMA staff serve first issue new membership year would like extend warm thank members Academy Model Aeronautics loyalty support association AMA staff serve look forward successful 1998 year organization also beginning 1998 trade show season hope see affairs Attention Chartered Club Officers planning have 1998 Chartered Club renewals mail week January 12 kits will mailed club contact please ensure records up date Club fees have remained same $20 basic fee $20 additional insurance request $30 special wording insurance certificate order avoid delays processing renewal please sure submit required paperwork proper fees signature Now hard part Please patient AMA receives 2500 club renewals during two-month period much staffs time effort dedication goes years renewal season make effort have club material returned club contact prior March 31 deadline Please part correctly can part timely fashion Another exciting venture 1998 AMA will offering new service members process being trained new equipment will enable us produce customized t-shirts jackets hats bags etc Questionnaires sent chartered clubs requesting some basic information will sending out items test market see well received thrilling opportunity us hope produce significant amount non-dues revenue have suggestions what would like see send comments Shirley Cook AMA HQ may have noticed page six magazine has new column called Fly section intended bring important timely news Headquarters about membership issues AMA activities programs column part effort improve expand communication membership encourage everyone take time read month Now sad note Memo riamBob Wischer October 12 1915-November 24 1997 must report passing recent AMA Hall Fame recipient Bob Wischer Filled passion designing building flying Radio Control Scale models consummate modeler flawless building techniques realistically reproduced flying honed through constant weekly practice made Bob formidable competitor levels nationally internationally Bobs significant victories 1974 won FAJ Federation Aeronautique Internationale Scale World F4C Championships US Scale competitor achieve goal Bob epitomized scratch-builder skills extended far beyond ability translate aircrafts photos measurements necessary threeviews plans produce model developed unique processes simulating details aircraft carved flying propellers stripped balsa stock large blocks classic story came Bob assisting forum during EAA Experimental Aircraft Association convention Oshkosh Wisconsin asked definition scratch building Bob replied moments pause Grow own balsa tree audience treated response fictitious present realized wasnt far truth him Bobs ability coupled wife Dollys skills determination carried through levels life Calling upon professional background draftsman Dollys interests conservationist designed physically built home Wisconsin design featured passive solar concepts before became catch-phrase Bob unable find what considered suitable heating plant designed built Throughout years Bobs representation AMA US Scale community impressive served FAI ClAM Scale subcommittee did volunteer work world championships wrote column Model Aviation assisted conventions trade shows things addition indomitable competitive spirit will continue provide inspiration modelers Bob blessed support love wife Dolly everpresent assisting way possible May know worldwide aeromodeling community reaches out love prayers support enfold family has requested memorials Bobs name designated Frank Ebling Museum Scholarship Fund Underwood Happy flying Joyce Hager Executive Director jhager@modelaircraftorg March 1998 176