As I write this, I can count on one
hand the number of days until I fl y
to Ontario, California, for the
AMA Expo. When I pack and take the
necessary precautions, such as making sure
all my liquids are in a small
Ziploc bag, sometimes I
reminisce about when
fl ying in passenger aircraft
was an adventure, not a hassle.
When I fl y, I always wear
Model Aviation or AMA apparel and
have a few issues of MA and Park Pilot
tucked in my camera bag that I carry
on the airplane. I also have a laminated
business card on the outside of my bag for
identifi cation—and to explain why I have
a few large cylinders, more commonly
known as lenses, tucked away inside.
I have had pilots and airport security
people comment, “Hey, AMA” or “I am a
member.”
Once I’m seated, I always offer a copy
of the magazine to anyone who seems
interested or asks questions. I also give
them to any children in my proximity.
I don’t do it because I am looking
for any kind of special treatment or to
impress anyone who might notice. I do
it because I love this hobby and I am an
ambassador for the AMA.
Copies of the magazine fi nd their way
to several other places I visit—the doctor’s
offi ce, vehicle repair shop, and the Veterans Affairs hospital, to name a few. When
the new issues arrive, a few always make their way into my vehicle. The last ones
were given to two Muncie police offi cers I saw at Wendy’s.
Being an ambassador for our hobby doesn’t require you to work for the AMA
or have several copies of the magazine to make an impact. It can be done by
simply sharing your passion with others in a constructive manner.
Do things such as welcoming visitors and answering their questions when they
visit your fl ying site. If you belong to a club, why not put fl yers in the local hobby
shop to make people new to the hobby aware that you exist?
Donating your magazine (after you’ve read it, of course!) to a local library
or school is another option. Don’t worry about hanging onto it for that article
you might need later. You can view and print every issue of MA right from the
magazine’s website!
Holding a charity fl y-in or supporting one is another great way to give back to
your community while taking part in an activity we love. Several events across the
country have given thousands of dollars to worthy charities that provide muchneeded
help right in their own communities.
How many of us wouldn’t be in the hobby if not for someone else? So pay it
forward; you’ll be glad you did.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2013/03
Page Numbers: 8
