FAA issues continue to consume
a great deal of effort from the
Academy’s leadership. Rich Hanson,
Mitch Rose, and I met with four groups
in Congress. These individuals included
staff from the Senate Appropriations,
the Senate Aviation staff, the House
Aviation staff, and Senator James Inhofe
(R-Oklahoma).
The highlight of the meetings was
to present Senator Inhofe a plaque,
thanking him for his amendment to the
FAA Modernization and Reform Act
of 2012. His efforts certainly provided
attention and support for model aviation
in our endeavors with the FAA.
The congressional discussions
illustrated the impact of last year’s
letter-writing campaign. I heard several
people comment that they did not
realize the passion our members had in
support of our hobby. At no time during
the discussions were negative views
expressed. We certainly have friends in
Congress.
FAI Program
For the past several months, I have
been focused on my attempt to satisfy
the AMA Executive Council’s desire to
reduce the expense of our FAI program.
I attended the National Aeronautic
Association’s (NAA) board meeting and
a meeting of the various air sport groups
in the United States.
It became evident that the Academy
is not the only group dissatisfi ed with
the direction of the FAI. Monetary issues
were dominant, but also included
were a Eurocentric attitude, the lack
of desire to eliminate competition
classes of little interest, and failure
to recognize the need for activity
outside the world of competition.
NAA president, Jonathan Gaffney,
responded to the issues and will
produce a plan of action.
Those within the Academy should
realize that we are attempting to
resolve this situation in a positive,
constructive manner. I do not think
any council member wants the AMA
to isolate itself from the rest of the
aeromodeling world.
National Electric Fly-In
The National Electric Fly-In, held June
15-17, was a success and my thanks goes
to CD Jay Smith, AMA Headquarters
staff, and the many volunteers. More
than 100 pilots enjoyed the event.
Kevin Hines and Mark Murdock
provided an informative introduction to
fi rst-person view (FPV) to everyone who
was interested. Dave Mathewson and I
enthusiastically fl ew their FPV models
with much enjoyment.
AMA has developed FPV guidelines,
which are available on our website at
www.modelaircraft.org/fi les/550.pdf.
Interest in this facet of model aviation
is growing at a fast rate. Why not give it
a try?
… we are
manner.
Thanking Senator Inhofe
attempting to
resolve this
situation in
a positive,
constructive
Mission Statement
The Academy of Model
Aeronautics is a world-class
association of modelers
organized for the purpose
of promotion, development,
education, advancement, and
safeguarding of modeling
activities.
The Academy provides
leadership, organization,
competition, communication,
protection, representation,
recognition, education
and scienti c/technical
development to modelers
Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/09
Page Numbers: 6
