View From HQ - 2009/09

craft.org/membershipdrive.aspx for the
rules and www.modelaircraft.org/
membershipdrive/leaders.aspx for the
current standings. MA
In the spirit of flight.
176 MODEL AVIATION
Executive Director Jim Cherry
he 27th Joe Nall Fly-In is in the
books. This Giant Scale fly-in is
one of the largest modeling events
in the nation. A record number of pilots
attended and this year’s expanded
flightline was so large that shuttle bus
service was provided so attendees could
move between venues.
Your AMA was present with what has
become a traditional AMA merchandise
tent, in a new “home” provided by Bliss
Teague, District IV vice president. The
expanded tent allowed members more
room to shop and provided a secure area
after hours, eliminating the need to pack
the merchandise each night.
Another tradition of Joe Nall is the
Academy’s annual Membership Meeting.
Led by President Dave Mathewson, AMA
officers gave updates of current projects
within the organization.
Rich Hanson, former District X vice
president and now serving as the AMA
government and regulatory affairs officer,
gave a detailed overview of the Aviation
Rulemaking Committee’s (ARC) recent
release and AMA’s response. Rich’s
presentation and other AMA/FAA
information can be found at www.model
aircraft.org/news/ama-faa.aspx.
T
We know that “maiden flight” means
the first flight of any aircraft. Only
those who have stood at the flightline, in
a park area, or a back yard with an
untested airplane know the feeling you
get just before that first launch.
Did I check everything? How far out
of trim is it going to be? Depending on
the sweat equity and investment, many
knees have been known to knock during
this adventure.
The Academy did just such a launch
this June in the form of a new program
to allow members to communicate with
each other. AMA’s new forums can be
found at www.modelaircraft.org/
community.aspx.
Do you have a question and are
looking for an answer? Check out our
new membership service and stay in the
loop.
In June we had the first Host and
Hostess for the season at the
International Aeromodeling Center
(IAC) in Muncie, Indiana. Tommy and
Lilly Patterson from Foley, Alabama,
donated 30 days of service to the
Academy by staying on site and
welcoming members and guests. A
special thank-you goes to the Pattersons
for helping many visitors experience a
positive stay.
The AMA Membership Drive is still in
progress. Check out www.modelair
Do you have a question and
are looking for an answer?
View From HQ
Jim Cherry
Executive Director
[email protected]
Sheila Tweedy, AMA retail operations director, with the expanded new
home at Joe Nall.
Rich Hanson, AMA government and regulatory affairs
officer, briefs more than 300 members about FAA
concerns at the AMA annual Membership Meeting.
Tommy and Lilly Patterson from Foley,
Alabama, were the June Host and Hostess.
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