Late Summer Review
Bob Brown — [email protected]
As I write this, AMA is waiting for the FAA comment period to end. I hope everyone has commented and a positive resolution can be reached between AMA and the government.
As AMA president, I commend Carl Dodge for his dedication and for becoming the 2014 FAI Control Line Speed World Champion. Congratulations!
The US Control Line Team manager, Bill Lee, recently said, "There are very few who can claim a lifelong devotion with two world championships, separated by 24 years! It was a moment that made us all very proud, proud of Carl, proud of our team, and proud of being an American."
We lost another highly regarded member on August 26, 2014. Those who knew Joe Beshar can appreciate his efforts for aeromodeling. He had myriad achievements, including tenure on the AMA Executive Council, the FAI CIAM Electric Subcommittee, and several AMA committees. Perhaps Joe’s most notable effort was with the AMA Flying Site Program and his work with the Environmental Protection Agency. His leadership allows us to obtain new flying sites each year. Wes DeCou has written more about Joe in "In the Air." Condolences are offered to his family.
I spent August 19, National Model Aviation Day, at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Interim District IV Vice President Hank Mausolf, the RadioActive Airshows team, and local modelers worked in conjunction with the First Flight Society to produce a great display and demonstration. It was a pleasure to meet Phil Woodruff and Debbie McFadden from the First Flight Society. I hope a cooperative effort can generate some aeromodeling programs at the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
Early in September, pilots from 13 countries converged in Muncie, Indiana, for the first International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC) World Championship. Thanks to the event staff and volunteers, vendors, sponsors, and all of the teams and pilots for creating a great event.
Event highlights:
- Team results:
- 1st: United States
- 2nd: Canada
- 3rd: Australia
- US dominance in individual classes:
- Unlimited: four of the top five places
- Advanced: four of the top five places
- Intermediate: top three pilots
- Sportsman: top three spots and fifth place
- Freestyle:
- 1st: Cody Wojcik (USA)
- 2nd: Tyler McCormack (USA)
- 3rd: Spencer Nordquist (USA)
Several young competitors highlighted the event:
- Ariel Jack (13, Canada) — the only female competitor; competed in Sportsman.
- Felix Scander (Sweden) — competed in Advanced and Freestyle.
- Kal Reifsnyder (10, USA) — placed second in Sportsman.
The AMA renewal form and ballot should be in your hands by now. I am sure you know the value of your membership. Perhaps its most important benefit is our efforts with the federal government and the FAA. I hope everyone renews as soon as possible to illustrate his or her support. Thanks to excellent financial management, the dues structure has remained the same for nearly a decade. Can you name any other group that has managed to accomplish this?
Elections allow you to select the best possible candidate to fulfill various AMA offices. This year’s elections include:
- Executive Vice President
- Vice President — District III
- Vice President — District IV
- Vice President — District VII
- Vice President — District XI
Please review the candidates’ campaign statements and vote for those whom you consider fit your needs. Please vote!
The indoor flying season allows many of us to fly during the winter months. If you need help acquiring an indoor venue at which to fly, perhaps a call to Tony Stillman at AMA Headquarters would be of benefit. Tony can provide suggestions and answer questions about insurance coverage. It’s amazing how a few indoor flights remove the doldrums of winter!
Is your field in need of improvements? There are funds and assistance available from the AMA. Complete a simple application, and a 2015 Flying Site Grant may benefit your club. More information can be found at: www.modelaircraft.org/files/2015FlyingSiteGrantApplication.pdf
This year I have been fortunate to travel thousands of miles to various activities throughout the US and Europe. I’d like to thank those who offered their hospitality.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
