President’s Perspective - 2011/05
The AMA’s Congressional Awareness Campaign, launched in late February, resulted in more than 80,000 letters sent to elected representatives during its first three weeks. The purpose of the campaign was to make Congress aware of the positive value of model aviation as a wholesome, recreational family activity.
We also want our representatives to know that model aviation is a great educational tool and has been the stepping stone for many young people to careers in aviation and aerospace. Because of the efforts of our members, we were successful in doing that.
Our ability to make this point is important. It will help our representatives have a better understanding of what we do as model‑aviation enthusiasts while the FAA’s effort to create regulation for small unmanned aircraft systems winds its way through the regulatory process.
To most modelers the difference between what we do as recreational users of the National Airspace System and that of the commercial, public‑use operators is easy to identify. However, to a non‑modeler that difference isn’t quite as clear. This campaign helped make that difference clearer for many members of Congress.
Partnerships and outreach
Building relationships with other aviation‑oriented organizations is an ongoing AMA effort. The common denominator between most aviation organizations is an interest in anything that flies. Nearly everyone will agree that enticing young people to get involved in aviation has become more of a challenge in the last several years. AMA’s work with organizations such as the EAA and the Civil Air Patrol focuses on programs that will spark an interest in aviation in young people.
Working together, we think we can build on the successes that we have had individually and create new opportunities. Our goal is not merely creating an interest in aviation in kids, but creating an interest in aviation that will last a lifetime.
I had an opportunity to exchange ideas with the Soaring Society of America’s recently elected chairman, Al Tyler. We talked about ways that we could work together in areas that not only support our respective missions, but would build that awareness and interest in aviation that we feel is important to our futures.
In addition to being a full‑scale soaring enthusiast, Al is also a modeler. We have agreed to meet at the annual Joe Nall Fly‑In in May to continue our discussions. There is tremendous value in our organizations working together, and we both believe that only good can come from our collective efforts.
Camp AMA
When AMA built the Claude McCullough Education Facility addition to the National Model Aviation Museum in 2009, one of the uses we envisioned was holding a summer camp for kids who are interested in model aviation. That vision will become reality in 2011.
- Dates: June 6 through June 9, 2011
- Location: International Aeromodeling Center (IAC), Muncie, Indiana
- Program: Inaugural Camp AMA (advanced program)
- Participants: 10 RC fixed‑wing pilots and 10 RC helicopter pilots, ages 13–18
- Instructors: Some of the best RC pilots in the country, many who fly at the world‑class level
- More information: http://www.modelaircraft.org/education/campama.aspx
As the program evolves it will be expanded to include other modeling disciplines.
75th Anniversary Celebration
Plans for AMA’s 75th Anniversary celebration, to be held this summer from July 14 through July 17, are coming together. The celebration will include four days of open flying for our members, special flight demos and exhibits, on‑site vendors, as well as special guest speakers.
- NASA will attend with Exploration Experience, a traveling interactive exhibit that takes visitors through the past, present, and future of space exploration.
- Guided tours of AMA’s headquarters administration building will be available during the celebration—a great opportunity to meet some of the AMA staff members who work so hard for our benefit.
- AMA’s National Model Aviation Museum will be open extended hours.
The 75th Anniversary Celebration organizing team is working hard to make sure that the event will be a memorable experience for all who attend.
F3A Precision Aerobatics World Championship
Later in July, the United States and AMA will host the F3A Precision Aerobatics World Championship at the IAC. Teams from more than 30 countries are registered to attend.
- Dates: July 24 through August 2, 2011
- Note: If you have an interest in RC Pattern, this is an opportunity to see the best pilots in the world competing for the title of World Champion.
There are many other exciting things going on at AMA. It’s nice to be able to take some time away from our FAA concerns to tell you about them.
Annual Membership Meeting
The annual AMA membership meeting will be held again this year on Thursday night, May 12, during the Joe Nall Fly‑In. This will be a great opportunity to hear more about the FAA issue, upcoming events at the IAC, plus several other new programs and member benefits AMA will be implementing throughout 2011.
See you next time.
Dave Mathewson AMA president [email protected]
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
