President's Perspective — 2014/03
The 2014 AMA Expo was a huge success
As I write this, I am more than 30,000 feet in the air, heading east from the AMA Expo in Ontario, California. It was an enjoyable but intense week. Professionally, it was a proud time for AMA members.
We have expended considerable effort with the FAA over several years, which came to partial fruition when we signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Jim Williams, the Executive Manager of the FAA UAS Integration Office. This MOU will allow the AMA and the FAA to ensure the continued safe operation of model aircraft in U.S. airspace. Continued effort will be necessary, but I am optimistic about the future. My gratitude goes to Jim Williams for his cooperative efforts.
Notable speakers and presentations
- Michael Tuscano, president and CEO of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), provided input to AMA members. Michael, Jim Williams, and Rich Hanson also offered their collective insight into current UAS issues during a seminar. More information is available at www.modelaircraft.org/video/uas0114. Michael expressed positive thoughts toward a working alliance between AUVSI and the AMA.
- NAA President Jonathan Gaffney introduced Carl Johnson, vice president of Programs — Broad Area Maritime Surveillance within Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Systems sector. Carl presented Northrop Grumman’s latest project, the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System carrier demonstration aircraft. This airplane has operated from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush. The carrier landings illustrate that tailless unmanned aircraft can integrate seamlessly and operate safely from an aircraft carrier at sea. Although much of the information is classified, Carl disclosed enough to show how remarkable this aircraft is. Carl also noted the shortage of young, energetic engineers and Northrop Grumman’s interest in attracting youth to careers in aeronautical engineering.
- Rick Larsen, vice president of marketing, and Sean Elliott, vice president, government and industry relations, represented the EAA. These longtime modelers offered encouraging comments about the involvement of aeromodeling in the EAA organization. Look for increased modeling activity at the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 28 through August 3, 2014.
- Mandee Mikulski spearheaded the kickoff of the AMA Foundation. The infrastructure is now functioning, but additional effort is needed to bring the Foundation to full fruition. One new feature at the AMA Expo was recognition of recent donors. Your donations are appreciated; please consider including the AMA in your estate planning.
Many individuals from the aviation community made the 2014 AMA Expo a beneficial event in the history of model aviation. This year certainly produced some lasting memories. Thanks to all of the AMA volunteers, event organizer Lora Knowlton, and the AMA employees whose efforts made the Expo a huge success!
As winter ends, have you considered the condition of your equipment? Several weeks of inactivity do not extend the longevity of your batteries. Diligent maintenance will help ensure another enjoyable flying season.
Fly safely!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
