Executive Vice President
Mark Smith — [email protected]
Hi, folks! Spring is here and it’s time to get out and test that new airplane you’ve been working on all winter.
2011 Expo — Ontario, California
This month I want to share my observations of our 2011 Expo in Ontario, California, and discuss the FAA issue.
As you may know, AMA owns a trade show in California where we invite vendors from around the world to show off their wares. Modelers attend from far and wide. This is all planned and managed by our AMA staff.
The show is also your best opportunity to meet and talk with AMA officials. At the center of the convention floor, our staff sets up the "AMA Village." This is where you can meet board members, get answers to your questions, and pay your 2011 dues. We have a flight simulator and a ton of AMA literature and magazines—all free.
Around the perimeter of the convention floor are many static displays of both full-scale aircraft and models. For example, the huge radial engines on display were used in the B-29 Superfortress, Douglas A-1 Skyraider, and Lockheed Constellation.
Speakers
Our AMA Marketing staff lined up a number of outstanding speakers who entertained us for two days straight. Presenters included:
- Joe Bock — founder of Aero Telemetry Corporation, specializing in the design and manufacture of Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) and airborne communication systems for military and commercial aerospace applications.
- Brad Lang — spoke about the Commemorative Air Force Red Tail Project, dedicated to telling the story of the Tuskegee Airmen.
- Gary Fogel — aviation historian who has written extensively on the history of gliding in San Diego.
- Katie Bosman — former AMA scholarship winner who went on to a successful career in aviation.
Meetings and Leadership
While the convention floor was busy, meetings were taking place at the hotel. Our newest addition to the Executive Council is District X Vice President Lawrence Tougas. District X is the largest district with the most modelers, and Lawrence and his outstanding team of associate vice presidents are certainly up to the task of leading West Coast modelers.
Members and Clubs
I want to share a picture (and a shout-out) of two of my West Coast flying buddies: Phil Goodwine and Charlie Mitchell. Phil and Charlie are active members of the Pomona Valley Radio Control Club, the largest club in California. They do an outstanding job representing this great hobby of ours. Keep up the super work, guys!
Government Relations
Before I close, I want to underscore how important it is for you to contact your elected representatives through the AMA website. It is incumbent upon each of us to make our voices heard in Washington, DC. Please see www.modelaircraft.org/gov for details and to keep up to date on the status of pending legislation.
That’s it for this month. Don’t forget to slather up and keep in touch!
Mark Smith Executive Vice President
75 Largo Dr. Hot Springs Village, AR 71909 Tel: (913) 568-4347
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
