View from HQ
Joyce Hager — Executive Director
Almost everything about the new Headquarters is wonderful.
WE HAVE MOVED!
March 8, 9, and 12, the AMA staff moved to the new Headquarters facility. The weather was cold, windy, and wet, but the employees were ready.
I am pleased with how all the employees pitched in and helped. By Tuesday morning, March 13, most of us were up and running and ready for work.
We are still working out some of the bugs in the telephone system, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
All employees are settling in, and they seem to be very happy with the new environment. Comments are that many never realized how depressing the old building was.
The lighting in the new facility is excellent. Almost everything about the new Headquarters is wonderful.
We are in the process of planning the AMA Gala weekend in June. This will include:
- Dedication of the new AMA Headquarters building — June 7
- Celebration of Eagles III, “A Gathering of Champions” — June 8
- AMA Homecoming — June 8–10
- The Grand Event — June 9
All members are invited to attend.
We could use volunteers. If you are interested in helping, please contact AMA Headquarters. More information is available at www.modelaircraft.org.
Park Flyers
Recently there have been many questions asked about flying the type of models often referred to as “park flyers.”
These small, lightweight electric-powered airplanes can be flown in small, restricted areas, such as parks or back yards.
The problem is that the models are often purchased by individuals who are unaware of the potential interference that could occur if they are operated near an established flying site — and “near” may mean as far as three miles away.
In an effort to educate people buying these models who might not be aware of the problem, AMA discussed the issue in a regular Frequency Committee meeting and held a special park flyer roundtable discussion during the recent Weak Signals Toledo expo.
The suggestions developed at the meetings were similar.
The park flyer meeting was attended by people with a wide range of interests, including manufacturers, distributors, hobby-shop operators, magazine staff, and AMA Executive Council and staff.
The consensus of the group was that although a problem can evolve from this type of flying, it offers an opportunity to reach many new modelers. The overall concern is how to get the necessary information to the purchaser that indicates the interference potential.
Methods proposed included:
- Printed information included with kits and radio systems
- Provisions for identifying AMA flying-site locations
- Education through hobby shops
- Labels on products
- A World Wide Web site
- Various incentives to help build a database
Walt Throne, president of the National Retail Hobby Stores Association (NRHSA), is working with AMA staff to develop a plan for implementation.
There will be much more about the subject soon!
Attention Club Officers
As of April 16, 2,204 clubs have renewed for the year 2001–2002. Second renewal notices were mailed April 16.
Check with your club contact person to see if he or she has received the club’s new charter certificate and site coverage certificate.
Member Benefit
On page two of the AMA Membership Manual there is a section entitled Available Benefits and a subsection entitled Vision Care Plan.
The Vision Care Plan is a nationwide network of more than 2,700 eye-care professionals who can save you and your family hundreds of dollars on all your eyewear needs.
Outlook Vision Services offers up to 50% savings on frames, designer frames, lenses of all kinds, options of all kinds, and contact lenses. AMA members may purchase this Outlook program for $6.95 (annual membership) for the entire family — a 60% savings compared to the regular annual price of $18.
The plan is simple to use. Present your membership card and pay the discounted price at time of purchase; there are no forms or papers to file. This program even applies if you carry other eye insurance.
To receive your membership card, forward check or money order for $6.95 to Outlook Vision Services, 40 N. Center St., Suite 104, Mesa, AZ 85201; Tel.: (800) 342-7188.
Happy flying,
Joyce Hager Executive Director [email protected]
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
