This month’s picture shows me presenting an AMA Foundation Heritage Society certificate to Bob Harris, president of the Toledo Weak Signals club during the 61st annual Toledo Show: R/C Model Expo. The award recognizes the club’s donations to the AMA Scholarship Fund throughout the years that total nearly $90,000. A special thank-you is extended to the Toledo Weak Signals.
I hope your club will consider donating to the efforts of the AMA Foundation. Its efforts benefit the scholarship program, education and youth programming, the National Model Aviation Museum, club support, and government advocacy. The goodwill that you exhibit can benefit many people.
While I was in Toledo, I had the pleasure of attending the District III meeting coordinated by District III Vice President Mark Radcliff. Several AMA programs were explained and various volunteers were introduced. It was a pleasure to see the enthusiastic members.
Thanks to Wayne Yeager and Rick Lederman for more than three decades of show leadership. Thanks also to the club members, show vendors, and model builders for a great exhibit.
I met with several leaders of the governing body for Canadian modelers, the Model
Aeronautics Association of Canada (MAAC). We have always enjoyed a good relationship with the MAAC, and this meeting was no different.
It focused on cooperative government relations within our countries. The concerns of the FAA and Transport Canada are quite similar and the cooperation between the two groups will lead to the enjoyment of model aviation for all.
Additional meetings and dialogue will continue throughout the year.
Randy Cameron, AMA District VI vice president, chaired a meeting of Special Interest Groups (SIGs). I am impressed with the progress this group has made. Already we have a much better relationship and the result will be increased SIG benefits.
Most of us contended with a rough winter, but the warm weather is now here. Flying outside is a welcome change.
Please remember to check your equipment. Unfortunately, batteries don’t last forever. Are all of your control surfaces in good shape? Are all of the bolts and fittings secured?
It is surprising to me that a few of us have a tough time recognizing that we are not the only modelers on the field. Each year we contend with those who disagree with each other.
Often, the cause of problems is lack of adherence to the AMA Safety Code or respect for other modelers. The AMA Safety Code ensures that we all fly in a safe manner. Along with that, observing rules that have been created by your club is a must.
