View from HQ
Joyce Hager, Executive Director
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 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 events are open to the public and will feature the best fliers from around 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 donation is one of the largest single contributions 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. 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 summer program, 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.
Brick options:
- $100 — 4 x 8-inch brick
- $500 — 4 x 8-inch granite brick with gold lettering
- $1,000 — 8 x 8-inch black granite brick with gold lettering
These bricks are attractive and will last forever. They make a great gift for model aviation 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.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
