A handful of modelers can
certainly make life miserable
for all of us. In March, one
modeler ew higher than the fullscale
airplanes on approach to a
major airport. Pilots in full-scale
aircraft noted this unsafe practice and
contacted the local control tower. The
FAA also took note of this occurrence.
At roughly the same time, a First-
Person View (FPV) video popped up
on YouTube showing an FPV aircraft
ying north of Austin, Texas, above the
clouds at more than 1,000 feet above
ground level. Although it’s unlikely
that the ier was an AMA member, this
incident resulted in a visit to Austin-area
modelers by an FAA aviation safety
inspector from the local Flight Standards
District Of ces.
Another modeler frequented the
airspace near a major sports arena and
then boasted of his accomplishments
in numerous posts on YouTube.
Fortunately, this person was arrested and
jailed.
The Academy does not condone
ying outside of the guidelines of the
AMA Safety Code. As AMA president,
I appreciate the enthusiasm of the
FPV community; however, two of
the issues I mentioned were utilizing
FPV and undoubtedly illustrate the
lack of compliance with AMA’s safety
guidelines.
NPRM Delayed Again
The FAA issues have been somewhat
quiet this month. The Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) has
again been delayed. No speci c reasons
have been stated for the delay.
From all indications, aeromodelers
will not appreciate the NPRM. Please
continue to monitor the AMA website
(www.modelaircraft.org/
gov) for current information.
FAI Programs
Last month I mentioned
the necessity to review the
current FAI programs. We met with
Jonathan Gaffney at the National
Aeronautic Association of ce in
Washington, D.C. As a result, all
United States air sports organizations
will meet in June. This gathering
should result in a positive direction for
FAI participation in our country.
We are also meeting with FAI
Secretary General Jean-Marc Badan. I
hope the various groups can realize the
need for a positive international alliance.
Take Flight
The ScienceWorks Hands-On
Museum in Oregon has loaned AMA’s
National Model Aviation Museum
a great new exhibit entitled Take
Flight. The theme of the hands-on
exhibit is to teach the principles of
ight, including thrust, drag, and lift,
to middle school students.
This is one reason for you and your
family to make an excursion to the
museum. If you can’t do that, check
out the AMA Flight School online at
www.modelaircraft.org/education/
ama ightschool/index.html. Drag, lift,
weight, and thrust are illustrated in an
elementary fashion. Everyone will enjoy
these ne efforts!
2012 Nats
The 2012 Indoor Nats will probably
be taking place in Johnson City,
Tennessee, when you receive this
magazine and the outdoor portion of the
2012 Nats will start in Muncie, Indiana,
on July 9. If you would like to see the
largest model airplane competition in
the world, stop by Muncie, Indiana,
sometime in July or early August.
The schedule for the entire summer
is posted on the AMA website at
www.modelaircraft.org/events/nats/
natsschedule.aspx.
There is no cost for spectators. Why
not visit the Nats and the museum at
the same time?
You can also follow the Nats through
the daily newsletter posted on the AMA
website at www.modelaircraft.org/
events/nats/natsnews.aspx.
2012 Elections
This year’s election includes Districts
II, IV, VI, VIII, X and a special election
for District III. Nominations are due at
AMA Headquarters by June 23, 2012.
Any AMA Open member may
submit a nomination to the Nominating
Committee. Article IX of the Bylaws
de nes who is eligible for nomination.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/06
Page Numbers: 6
