View from HQ
Joyce Hager, Executive Director
As I write this, winter is still alive and well in Muncie, Indiana. I think I have seen enough snow and cold weather for one year! By the time you read this column, spring will be here. I feel as if we will all go nuts if the sun doesn't shine soon and bring some warmer weather. I know I am not alone in this feeling.
The club-renewal process is in full swing right now. I want to thank all of the clubs for submitting a copy of their bylaws. Later this year AMA will review those bylaws submitted and, if necessary, we will make recommendations for improvement. This does not imply that your charter will be in jeopardy; we are only trying to look out for your best interest should a problem arise.
By the time you read this, clubs that have renewed should have their charter and site-owner (if applicable) certificates. If you have not received these items, please contact Club Secretary Lois Pierce ([email protected]). All email addresses and forms can be found on the AMA website: www.modelaircraft.org.
For those who surf the Internet and interact on other websites, I am sure you are aware of the considerable talk about model airplanes being used to spread doom. Since September 11, 2001, this issue has surfaced roughly once every six months.
I want to thank all concerned AMA members who bring this to our attention. We do appreciate it and have designated one person at AMA to respond to such inquiries. That person is Programs Director Jay Mealy ([email protected]). AMA has taken the position of not involving itself in discussions concerning this subject on the Internet. We feel that the less is said about it, the better off we will be. However, behind the scenes we are working to verify these reports and protect the hobby/sport. In fact, we are working with several government agencies on this issue. Check the website for important news or see the "What's New" section.
In December, AMA President Dave Brown and several members of AMA's staff met with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in Washington, D.C., to discuss the transport of model aircraft and equipment. We are working with transportation security personnel, teaching them about what items our members would travel with.
AMA Technical Director Steve Kaluf will be going to New Jersey to do some testing at the TSA facility. He will actually take airplanes in model boxes through the X-ray machines to see what triggers them. Then we will find out what we can do to educate our members about packing their models for air travel and teach the airline community what to look for.
This will not happen overnight, but as soon as we know how to help our members, we will get this information out via the website or push email. It just takes time and patience. The AMA website contains detailed information concerning this issue.
There you will also see that we are encouraging members to help support the rocketry community with a problem they are having. A recently published article indicates that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) wants to put restrictions on high-powered model rockets.
We encourage you to write to your senators and voice your concern. See the front page of the website for details about how you can assist. Remember, there is strength in numbers!
At this time in our history, it is important for all modelers to be especially conscientious when flying their models. It is important to follow the safety code and project a positive image of our sport at all times.
As we get into the full swing of the flying season in Muncie, Indiana, check out the website to see what the schedule is for the site. This is a special year in aviation with the Celebration of Flight taking place across the country. I hope many of you will get a chance to visit the AMA Headquarters this year.
Michael Smith, the National Model Aviation Museum curator, and his staff have built a display featuring the Wright brothers and the events that led to their first flight. I think what you see will impress you.
Several issues ago I asked what members would like to see in my column. I am no different from a club's newsletter editor; I simply run out of ideas. I did receive some suggestions, and I appreciate them and welcome additional comments.
One member sent me an email stating that MA articles refer to helpers and was curious about what skills are required, what experience is needed, and when to volunteer to help at events. This is an excellent question. Here are some basic guidelines and suggestions if you are interested in helping out:
- AMA does not provide volunteers for events held on-site other than the AMA-sponsored Homecoming. The contest director running an event is responsible for recruiting needed volunteers.
- The "Competition Calendar" or the "Contest Calendar" on the AMA website generally lists events and contact information.
- Skill and experience needed depends on the event. No experience or skill is required to be a timer or run scores. For other tasks, event directors are often willing to train you for the job that needs to be done.
- Some jobs only require a partial day's work. This information should be provided to you when you contact the event director or send in your volunteer information.
- If you want to volunteer to help in the museum while you are in Muncie, contact Michael Smith at AMA Headquarters: (765) 287-1256, extension 500, to find out what projects may be happening during your stay and see if you can assist.
I hope this provides some insight.
Hurry up, spring!
Happy flying,
Joyce Hager Executive Director [email protected]
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
