View from HQ - 2004/08

192 MODEL AVIATION
Joyce Hager Executive Director
View from HQ
IN OUR PART of the country, the flying
season is finally here. Events are taking
place nearly every weekend at the
International Aeromodeling Center in
Muncie, Indiana. Check AMA’s Web site
(www.modelaircraft.org) under the
Competition section to see if there is an
event that interests you. If you are
planning to bring an airplane to fly, be
sure the site is not closed to open flying.
The first big event for AMA is
Homecoming. It is planned for the
membership with open flying and a nice
barbecue on Saturday night.
If you have never been to the Muncie
site, this is the time to come. Most of the
AMA Executive Council members will be
there, and tours of the new facility will be
offered. The National Model Aviation
Museum and museum store on-site are
must-visits; they are open every weekend
from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The AMA staff is deeply involved in
preparations for the Nats and the CL
World Championships (CLWC). There are
30 countries signed up to participate in the
CLWC. Both of the events are open to the
public and will feature the best fliers from
all over the world.
I want to thank the Toledo Weak Signals
for again making a $5,000 donation to the
AMA scholarship fund, with all the money
going to the top winner. The Weak
Signals’ is one of the largest single
donations made to this program.
When scholarship winners receive their
awards, they should make a special effort
to thank the Weak Signals directly for this
contribution. I know that AMA appreciates
the contribution and all the other support
that the club gives us.
If you need information about how to
apply for one of AMA’s scholarships,
forms can be found on our Web site, or
just drop us a note and we will be glad to
supply you with the information. AMA
has many good programs. Take the time to
read your Membership Manual or review
our Web site; there may be something that
can help your club or your education.
If you haven’t been on AMA’s Web site
lately, you need to check out the new
online magazine for beginners. Sport
Aviator is an extension of Model Aviation,
but is geared toward the beginner. It can be
found at www.masportaviator.com/.
There is also much information on
AMA’s Education Web site. If your club
needs a program for the summer, check it
out and see if one there fits your needs.
The address is www.buildandfly.com/.
Put your name in the Walk of Fame.
Since it is flying season in Muncie,
Indiana, it is time for me to mention the
AMA Walk of Fame: a sidewalk located in
front of the new building. You can
purchase an inscribed brick and have a
permanent place at AMA.
Approximately 450 names have already
been placed on this walkway. It is a great
way to remember someone who has passed
away.
The cost is $100 for a 4 x 8-inch brick,
$1,000 for an 8 x 8-inch black granite
brick with gold lettering, or $500 for a 4 x
8-inch granite brick with golden lettering.
These are very attractive and will last
forever. It is a great gift for those model
enthusiasts.
With all that has happened since
September 11, 2001, one of AMA’s
members has offered to serve as the AMA
chaplain. This is strictly a volunteer
position. Allen Goff has asked to
occasionally have some space in the
magazine. I told him that when space
permits I will run his column here. MA
If we live our lives
enjoying the journey,
a few crashes along
the way will only
strengthen our faith.
The Chaplain’s Corner
Occasionally, as space allows, I will be sharing brief thoughts in a
piece called “The Chaplain’s Corner.” AMA has agreed to recognize the
office of chaplain, and I am excited to give that office voice.
We are in the process of developing a description of the duties that a
chaplain might fulfill. It is my hope that this voluntary position will be a
source of encouragement and comfort to our membership.
I would love to hear from you. Please contact me by E-mail at
[email protected] and enter “AMA Chaplain” in the subject line.
Those of us who build models actually bond with the aircraft as we
glue, sand, and paint. We invest a part of ourselves in each project.
After all of that investment, we bravely take the airplane to the flightline
and wait to send the craft skyward.
From time to time, the elements or pilot error sends our works of art
crashing into the pavement, never to fly again. It is at times like these
that it is best to remember that the joy you had in the building is worth
the effort in spite of the outcome.
If we live our lives enjoying the journey, a few crashes along the way
will only strengthen our faith.
—Allen Goff
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