President's Perspective

Homecoming this year was dedicated entirely to modelers, and the modelers responded. I CAN SEE a Demoiselle in the air surrounded by myriad other Radio Control models. There is a turbine-powered model ready for takeoff, and behind me in the pits (ever wonder where that term came from?) are models ranging from a little electric-powered model with a wingspan of roughly 15 inches to a couple of Giant Scale models. Not far away I see an Old-Timer Free Flight model droning upward behind an ignition engine. Now that's something few new modelers have seen. Someone just launched a Towline Glider but seems to be having problems getting it to go in the calm air. Where am I? It's Homecoming, held June 7-9 at the National Flying Site in Muncie IN. To say that this year's event was a success would be an understatement. I spoke with modelers from coast to coast, and everyone I talked to was having a good time. Saturday evening we held an open membership meeting, and the spirit was upbeat and supportive of the new Homecoming. What was new? We did not hold the annual Grand Event concurrently as in the past, and Homecoming became a stand­alone event. When combined with Grand Event, which is intended to expose the public to modeling. Homecoming was restricted. Attending members felt that they were playing second fiddle to the needs of the Grand Event. Parking had to be moved back to allow room for the exhibits, flightlines were shared with hands-on activities for kids, and the members didn't feel like it was their event. Homecoming this year was dedicated entirely to modelers, and the modelers responded. I can't remember another event where more people expressed such a positive response. Those who missed this year's event missed a good one. Most feel that next year's event will grow considerably. Plan now to attend. Thanks to the Headquarters staff and the volunteers who made it possible. Among the events that took place during the weekend was a book and magazine sale of duplicate publications from the museum library. The sale was well attended, and it gave many people the opportunity to look at the newly remodeled and enlarged museum store. One of the crown jewels of AMA's facilities — the National Model Aviation Museum — is where modelers and the general public can enjoy hours of gazing at the history of aeromodeling. The Frank V. Ehling Memorial Research Library allows us to preserve the archives of our hobby as a resource for those who need that information, and it is common to find someone enjoying the reading room. The museum is being enlarged, and it should be quite improved by next year's Homecoming. Another move involving the museum building is that the manufacturing portion of our Supply and Service Department is relocating to the very back of the facility. If your club, church, or company is in need of banners, printed shirts, plaques, or like items, be sure to check out this service. They do good work at competitive prices, and the income helps reduce our reliance on dues income. , " , There was another highlight for me this weekend. Amid a lot of hecklers, I got to fly one of Don Lowe's big aerobatic models! AM 'Til next month. :: Dave Brown AMA president [email protected]