President's Perspective-2013/04

… current political
efforts are draining
money from our
other programs.
Misson 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.
T he AMA Expo in Ontario,
California, was the venue for a
meeting between AMA and FAA
offi cials.
James Williams, head of the FAA’s
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration
Offi ce, was scheduled to offer his
perception of AMA’s efforts in our FAA
seminar. He was unable to make the trip,
but offered comment via Skype.
James Sizemore did make the trip and
provided additional positive comments.
All who were present appreciated the
participation of the FAA representatives.
You may view the discussion on the
AMA website at: http://amablog.
modelaircraft.org/amagov/2013/02/09/
ama-faa-forum-ama-expo-2013.
It would seem that the FAA and
AMA discussions have turned positive,
although I am sure the next few months
will prove to be
quite interesting. I
hope the results will
be worth our efforts.
Although our
efforts with the FAA
may be positive,
proposed state and
local legislation over
drones and privacy
issues have exploded
at an alarming rate. AMA has been
doing everything it is capable of doing
to address these issues. A recent meeting
between District X Associate Vice
President Lawrence Tougas, Government
and Regulatory Affairs Representative
Rich Hanson, and California offi cials in
Sacramento was worthwhile.
We are also coordinating efforts
with a major aircraft manufacturer to
counteract a proposed law in Oregon.
This particular proposed law could
make it a felony to own a model with a
camera. Efforts in Texas and Virginia are
also taking place.
This past weekend, AMA
representatives attended E-Fest in
Champaign, Illinois. While we were
there, Hobbico offered its corporate
assistance to our political
efforts.
As a member of the
Academy, you can
help. Please keep
AMA Headquarters
informed of any
proposed legislation
that may hinder model
aviation. Aerial photography
should be limited to the fl ying
fi eld and should not involve
commercial activity.
Posting questionable pictures
or video on the Internet creates
additional ammunition for those
who are opposed to our activity.
Individual privacy and safety are of
extreme importance with everything
we do.
When running for AMA president, I
campaigned on the
premise that I would
not raise dues. I
wish to maintain
that promise, but
the current political
efforts are draining
money from our
other programs. If
you or your club
could possibly
provide a donation, it would certainly
allow us to provide a stronger, morefocused
effort. Please contact AMA
Headquarters for additional information.
I hope that those who attended the
AMA Expo in Ontario, California,
appreciated the efforts of the many
who helped organize the event. Thanks
are extended to those who were
professionally involved.
Special thanks to the Pomona Valley
Model Airplane Club for its assistance
within the convention center and for
the use of the club’s great fi eld at Prado,
California. The club’s efforts allowed
us to fi lm a segment of our new AMA
Flight School that includes fl ying
instruction by Andrew Jesky.
I watched the shoot evolve throughout
the day, and the result should be of
value to all. If you have not viewed our
new effort, it may be found at: www.
amafl ightschool.org.
The video, featuring Andrew, will be
posted soon, as will others from noted
members. Bookmark this site. We will
frequently post new segments.
FAA meeting and proposed legislation
6 Model Aviation APRIL 2013 www.ModelAviation.com
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
Bob Brown
[email protected]
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