As I write this, AMA is waiting for the FAA comment period to come to an end. I hope everyone has offered a comment and a positive resolution can be reached between AMA and the government.
The US Control Line Team manager, Bill Lee, commented, “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.” As AMA president, I commend Carl Dodge for his dedication and for becoming the 2014 FAI Control Line Speed World Champion. Congratulations!
We have lost another of our great members on August 26, 2014. Those who knew Joe Beshar can certainly 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 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 fine family.
I spent National Model Aviation Day at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. 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 Memorial.
Early in September, pilots from 13 countries converged on Muncie, Indiana, for the first International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC) World Championship. The US team was the ultimate winner, with Team Canada in second place, and Team Australia in third.
US individual pilots were prevalent in the top five of all classes, with four out of the top five places in the Unlimited, four out of five in Advanced, the top three pilots in Intermediate, and the top three spots and fifth place in Sportsman. Cody Wojcik, another US pilot, won the Freestyle competition, with US pilots Tyler McCormack and Spencer Nordquist close behind in second and third places, respectively.
Several young competitors highlighted this event, including the only female competitor, 13-year-old Ariel Jack from Canada, who competed in Sportsman, and young Felix Scander from Sweden, who competed in Advanced and Freestyle. Perhaps the most notable was U.S. pilot, 10-year-old Kal Reifsnyder, who placed second in the Sportsman category.
Thanks all of those responsible for creating this great event, including the event staff and volunteers, vendors, sponsors, and all of the teams and pilots.
The AMA renewal form and ballot should be in your hands by now. I am sure you know the value of your membership. Perhaps the 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 the 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 elections include the executive vice president and vice presidents in District III, IV, VII, and 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 in acquiring an indoor venue at which to fly, perhaps a call to Tony Stillman at AMA Headquarters would be of benefit. Tony can provide a number of 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 monies and assistance available from the AMA. Complete a simple application, and 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 have provided their hospitality.
