An interest in the future of aviation
Bob Brown
AMA and the modeling community lost a member and rising pilot in a tragic model aircraft accident in New York. We at AMA are extremely saddened by this news and extend our heartfelt sympathies and thoughts to his family and friends, as well as fellow club members and model aviation enthusiasts who knew him. Blue skies.
National Model Aviation Day
National Model Aviation Day, held August 17, 2013, was a positive and successful endeavor by 176 AMA chartered clubs. Model aviation activity throughout the country generated more than $50,000 on behalf of the Wounded Warrior Project. Thanks to all and stay tuned for next year's venture.
AUVSI and Its Focus
I assume that most of our members do not know of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) or what its events include. The association's basic charge is to act as the hub of the global unmanned systems and robotics community.
For the past several years the Academy has worked in harmony with the AUVSI. AMA representatives recently attended its convention in downtown Washington, D.C. To say I was impressed would be an understatement. A large number of highly sophisticated models have been created for small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS). I met many current and former AMA members who felt that it was refreshing to see the Academy show interest in a segment of aviation future.
Last month, I mentioned the success RJ Gritter and his colleagues from the University of North Carolina had with the AUVSI international contest. While at this conference, I had the opportunity to meet the entire North Carolina club. This is a group of fine young men with a super interest in aviation. When these people were asked what they won, the unanimous answer was that several companies showed great interest in employing them.
The conference also welcomed several radio control–oriented companies including Castle, 3W, and DJI. CBS news correspondent Morley Safer spent considerable time at the DJI booth asking questions and watching the demonstration flights.
For those of us concerned about the future, we must realize the youth are a dominant presence in this arena. Should the Academy become involved if we wish to attract the interest of today's youth?
Please Vote
Again, I remind you to vote in the current AMA election.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
