President's Perspective 2013/07

Our activities on behalf of AMA
in Washington, D.C. have
been productive. A meeting
with Jim Williams, manager of the
FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Integration Offi ce, and his staff proved
to be positive.
Unless some unexpected roadblocks
emerge, the Academy and the FAA
should sign an agreement within the
next 90 days. I extend praise to Mr.
Williams and his department for their
willingness to understand our needs
and work with us in a positive manner.
Another effort in Washington was
a meeting with the Senate Aviation
Subcommittee staff. The discussion
focused on the difference between
models and drones. This issue will
likely be our dominant focus in the
coming months.
Although the difference is really
noncommercial use and where/how we
fl y, helping others understand the issues
can become complicated. I am sure you
will hear more about this topic.
We also visited the offi ce of Indiana
Senator Joe Donnelly. Senator
Donnelly is new to the Senate and
our desire was to inform him of the
Academy’s
value and needs.
His staff was
receptive and our
efforts should
prove to be quite
cooperative.
AMA and the FAA should sign an
agreement within the next 90 days
The AMA’s mobile
educational
presentation trailer is
on the road! Photo by
Rachelle Haughn.
On the international scene, I attended
the FAI Aeromodelling Commission
(CIAM) Bureau and Plenary meeting.
The reason for the annual meeting
is to establish rules for international
competition. This year the F3A
(Aerobatics), F3B (Gliding), F3C
(helicopters), and F3D (Pylon)
disciplines were the focus of our
representation.
The meeting’s outcome met most
of our expectations. Unfortunately a
muffl er rule was passed that will affect
Control Line competition.
Thanks to the National Society of
Radio Controlled Aerobatics and the
League of Silent Flight for fi nancially
supporting their representatives. The
funds invested help ensure adequate
representation.
The AMA education trailer is back
in action. The mobile educational
presentation contains several fl ight
simulators and videos to entice potential
modelers into our great hobby.
One of the trailer’s fi rst adventures
was to the Southeast Electric Flight
Festival (SEFF) where AMA’s presence
was warmly received. Thanks to Mac
Hodges and his crew for the great
hospitality.
If you are interested in scheduling
the unit to come to your area,
please contact Education Director
Bill Pritchett via email at billp@
modelaircraft.org or call AMA
Headquarters at (765) 287-1256,
extension