Two months ago I mentioned
the negative aspects of our FAI
program. Recently, I met with
Fédération Aéronautique Internationale
(FAI) Secretary General Jean-Marc
Badan to discuss some of the issues. I
also met several members of the FAI
staff.
The meeting was positive and their
progressive philosophy might be what
the AMA needs. The FAI Aeromodelling
Commission (CIAM) also elected a new
president, Antonis Papadopoulos, from
Greece. I have known him for several
years and feel his presence will be
enlightening.
Considering the positive views of
these gentlemen, the Academy and the
National Aeronautic Association (NAA)
have invited the FAI Executive Board to
host its August 2012 meeting at AMA
Headquarters in Muncie, Indiana. I hope
the invitation will be accepted and those
representatives will be able to witness
and comprehend our positive aspects.
Next month we will meet with
representatives from all of the air sports
organizations in the United States.
That meeting will be an attempt to
understand the needs of all of the FAI
participants in the United States.
I am optimistic that the outcome of
this meeting will provide a more unifi ed
philosophy directed toward FAI activity.
With all of this activity, we hope the
AMA, NAA, and FAI have a more
positive and productive relationship.
The FAA Saga Continues
The saga of the FAA continues. I
certainly can say that the past month
has provided little, if any, positive
comment. It is becoming apparent that
the FAA interpretation of the recent
Congressional Act is not the same as
that of the Academy.
We have problems and every member
of the Academy should realize this.
One of the issues is the proliferation
of the Notices to Airmen/Temporary
Flight Restrictions (NOTAM/TFR).
We recognize this and have attempted
to rectify it, but comments to the
government have fallen on deaf ears.
We will continue our efforts but
everyone should be aware that the
upcoming presidential elections will
certainly generate concerns with more
NOTAM/TFRs.
Ron and Jane Morgan
Ron Morgan has decided that this
will be his last year as manager and CD
of the AMA Nats. Ron and his wife,
Jane, will be missed in future years.
Anyone who has competed in the Nats
in Muncie must have appreciated the
Morgans’ efforts.
I hope Ron will not totally retire;
his services are invaluable. Please join
me in thanking Ron and Jane for their
devotion to AMA!
Dave Guerin will work with Ron
at this year’s Nats and assume the
managerial position in 2013.
The Nats will continue
to be the highlight of
competition within
the structure of the
Academy.
A special thankyou
is extended to
the other directors,
managers, offi cials,
and competitors
who make the Nats
possible. If you have
not had the pleasure of
competing or spectating,
why not do it this year?
Information about our
National Aeromodeling
Championships can
be found at www.
modelaircraft.org/events/
nats.aspx.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/07
Page Numbers: 6
