Author: Bob Brown
Edition: Model Aviation - 2013/03
Page Numbers: 6

President's Perspective - 2013/03

Trade show season means new merchandise is unveiled

Bob Brown [email protected]

The season for trade shows is upon us, and most of us are eagerly waiting for manufacturers to unveil new merchandise. New radios, support equipment, and innovative aircraft will draw attention, but the focus may be the advent of the collective-pitch quadcopter. I am aware of at least one well-known manufacturer that will market this unique type of machine. Today's technology is unbelievable.

I was happy to see Dave Lockhart, Devin McGrath, RJ Gritter, and several others step forward to organize the first FAI F3P contest in the U.S. at the Holiday Electric Fly-In held in Geneva, Ohio. The initial interest in the event was positive; the next step will be to generate recognition of the event. A team selection program will have to be developed with the goal of selecting a team for the 2015 FAI F3P World Championship.

The National Society of Radio Controlled Aerobatics (NSRCA) is interested in providing the initiative to do this. Jim Quinn, NSRCA president, and I have had a positive discussion about the topic. I am looking forward to the group's efforts.

F3P and several other new events might justify status by the FAI and AMA as world championship categories. Many AMA members would like to participate in these events but are unaware of the procedures required for recognition.

All of our programs are governed by the AMA World Championship Teams "Blue Book," which is located at www.modelaircraft.org/files/2014_blue_book.pdf. Additional rules are also found in the team selection program for each category. If you need assistance with the development of any new FAI program, please contact AMA/FAI Team Coordinator Colleen Pierce at AMA Headquarters.

Guidelines for FPV and autonomous flight

During the past several months, Andy Argenio has chaired the AMA Advanced Flight Systems Committee, tasked with reviewing and revising the two documents that provide guidelines for First Person View (FPV) and autonomous flight. These documents are:

  • Document #550: Radio Controlled Model Aircraft Operation Utilizing First Person View Systems.
  • Document #560: RC Operation Utilizing Failsafe, Stabilization, and Autopilot Systems.

We expect to reach final approval for these documents during the January Executive Council meeting. Our desire is to accommodate those AMA members in a safe and legal manner. Public privacy is becoming a dominant focus of the federal government; statements in the two documents illustrate our desire for compliance.

There is no doubt there are those who will violate the need to fly in a safe, intelligent fashion. These irresponsible individuals will continue to jeopardize model aviation as we know it today. Please show that you are a responsible pilot.

Commemorative bricks

Last year was successful for the sales of commemorative bricks at AMA Headquarters. Purchasing a commemorative brick for inclusion in the AMA Walk of Fame is a great way to honor an individual or show a club's appreciation of the Academy. The brick is tax-deductible and is a permanent sign of dedication.

For more information:

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.