President's Perspective — 2014/02
More legislative efforts are needed
Elections and appointments
- Thank you to those who voted in the recent election.
- Congratulations to Andy Argenio, reelected in District I.
- Congratulations to Kris Dixon and Jim Tiller, the new vice presidents in District V and District IX. Their contact information is available in the masthead of their district columns.
- Thank you to Jose Soto and Jim Wallen for their countless hours of service while they served as vice presidents for their respective districts.
- The AMA Executive Council has appointed Keith Sessions as the new chief financial officer. His many years of experience in the financial world will add credibility to the organization.
My tenure as president has been focused on FAA matters. We hope to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) soon. This is a monumental step in the right direction, but it will not conclude our efforts.
More work is needed to allow us to continue enjoying our hobby within today’s regulatory environment. Please remember our efforts extend to Congress and the various states that have proposed legislation affecting aeromodeling.
AMA Foundation
The IRS has recognized our efforts in establishing the AMA Foundation. AMA can now provide avenues for those interested in including AMA in their financial plans and bequests.
The foundation was established to support the ongoing development of aeromodeling through education, promotion, and community-based programming. The mission of the AMA Foundation is to inspire financial support of aeromodeling as a hobby, sport, and scientific pursuit — a legitimate part of our communities and a necessary component of the full aviation continuum.
Additional information, including new donor programs and giving opportunities, will soon be available.
FAI Changes
The president of the FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) is Antonis Papadopoulos of Greece. Under his leadership, the FAI is reviewing its current world championship program and beginning to understand the need to sunset classes with little participation outside of Europe. The entire world should not be responsible for financing activities popular only in certain European countries.
AMA has long recognized the necessity of revitalizing the FAI program, and we look forward to progress. AMA competitors should understand the need to focus on newcomers and introduce them to world-class competition.
AMA Headquarters Updates
Systems and website
AMA’s Headquarters staff is updating its computer systems. Throughout this year you will see many enhancements designed to provide better service to our members. The AMA website is under constant revision with the goal of making it easier and more enjoyable to use. A wealth of information is available through the site, and we are finding ways to make it more easily obtainable.
Our new online sanctioning process became available in early November 2013; additional features are already being planned.
Publications
The Model Aviation staff has produced a well-received magazine based on positive response from a majority of AMA members. You now have the opportunity to obtain a digital version of the magazine, along with its enhancements.
Park Pilot will soon see changes in style and content as we continue to prioritize keeping our membership informed.
Museum and events
The National Model Aviation Museum continues to enhance its collection. Those who can visit the museum are pleased with the experience; to reach more members, staff are creating a virtual museum that can be experienced from any location in the world.
National Model Aviation Day generated $76,000 in donations for the Wounded Warrior Project. August 16, 2014 is the date for this year’s event, and the Wounded Warrior Project will again be the recipient of the proceeds. Thank you to all of the clubs and members who participated.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
