President's Perspective - 2014/10
In Memoriam — Bliss Teague
AMA District IV Vice President Bliss Teague was the epitome of a Southern gentleman. In recent years, Bliss fought a terminal illness but continued to serve as district vice president. On August 2, he made his final flight. We will miss Bliss's common sense and dedication.
The AMA offers sincere condolences to Shirley, his wife of 55 years, and to his family.
In accordance with the AMA Standing Rules and at Bliss's request, Hank Mausolf assumed the role of interim District IV vice president until a special election can be conducted this fall.
EAA AirVenture — Model Aviation Highlights
This year's model aviation representation at the EAA's AirVenture was by far the best ever.
Featured performances included:
- Matt Chapman and Frank Noll — a full-scale/model tandem aerobatic routine, the highlight of the air show on two days.
- A scale demonstration by Mike Barbee, Will Berninger, Paul LeTourneau, and Brian O'Meara.
- Indoor flying demonstrations by RJ Gritter and Devin McGrath at the Gathering of Eagles Banquet.
AMA volunteers were located at KidVenture, the EAA AirVenture Museum, and on the main exhibition grounds at the new Pathways Pavilion, providing a constructive introduction to model aviation. Thanks to everyone who was involved!
Maker Faire Detroit
Maker Faire is a gathering of people interested in anything new and creative. AMA was fortunate to attend Maker Faire Detroit held at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan. AMA's education trailer allowed us to extend our avocation to attendees at the museum complex.
If you have never attended a Maker Faire event, I highly recommend it. Many displays are of great interest to aeromodelers. Maker Faires are held in approximately 150 locations around the world.
IRCHA Jamboree
The International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association (IRCHA) continues to produce the premier RC helicopter show in the world: the IRCHA Jamboree. More than a thousand modelers attended this year at AMA's International Aeromodeling Center.
It is amazing to see the advancements in equipment, but the prime focus remains generating and renewing friendships. For first-time attendees, many new friends were made. For returning participants, it was old home week.
FAA Interpretative Rule & National Model Aviation Day
As I write this column, the comment period for the FAA Interpretative Rule is still open thanks to a 60-day extension AMA requested. A number of people have yet to provide their thoughts to our government. Complacency will certainly cause unhappiness in the future.
Despite negative reactions, the FAA is attempting to show its support of National Model Aviation Day on August 16. FAA personnel plan to attend a number of AMA events.
Membership & Voting Reminder
You will soon receive your AMA renewal notice for the upcoming year. Also included will be an election ballot.
Please respond promptly and vote for the candidate of your choice. Voting is granted to each Open and Senior AMA member. Please vote!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
