View From HQ
FAA regulations and member response
Although the FAA regulations matter is worrisome for AMA, there is a very bright spot: our members and many supporters are rallying behind our cause.
As of this writing, more than 80,000 letters have been sent to federal representatives through our Congressional Awareness Campaign. This underscores the passion for our hobby and sport that is out there just waiting to be mobilized.
Government relations and advocacy
Rich Hanson, former Executive Council member and current government relations and regulatory affairs representative for AMA, has been leading a terrific team effort by staff and volunteers to keep our members and friends informed and energized. His campaign has worked. We’ve gotten the attention of Congress and, no doubt, the FAA.
AMA, safety, and membership
I’ve been involved with AMA for more than 40 years. I know firsthand how well we conduct ourselves regarding safety issues and believe that we have earned the right to continue to be self-policing without government intervention. Our Safety Code is strong and our flying field activities remain the safest in the National Airspace System.
We’re not perfect—far from it—and we’re always open to suggestions about how to do things better. AMA does things the right way. It’s never been a better time to be a member of AMA. Tell your friends and even your congressperson.
Twin Falls Aeromodelers — thank-you note
In January I received a nice thank-you note from the Twin Falls Aeromodelers. It read:
“On behalf of the Twin Falls Aeromodelers, I just wanted to thank you for your assistance last summer in helping us supply gliders for the kids who attended our fun-fly and demo days.
“The gliders were a big hit and the club members had a great time helping out as well. We still talk about the fun everyone had on those two days.
“We really appreciate all your help. Thanks so much!”
— Dan Lee
Thanks, Dan, for the nice words, and I’m glad that we could assist your club in exposing young people to model aviation.
Staff update
On a sad note, one of our employees, Jeff Hoover of the Maintenance Department, has been very ill. Many of you who have come to the International Aeromodeling Center have met Jeff and have had very kind words to say about him, along with the other members of the maintenance crew.
As co-workers of Jeff’s, we at AMA pray and wish for his speedy recovery. Please keep Jeff in your thoughts.
Shows and communication
As I am writing this I have just returned from the Westchester Radio AeroModelers (WRAM) Show and a swap meet in Perry, Georgia, and I am getting ready to head to the Radio Control Expo in California. I look forward to attending many of the shows in which AMA participates. It gives me a chance to visit with individuals I normally would not see and to meet new members.
Recent and upcoming events:
- Westchester Radio AeroModelers (WRAM) Show
- Swap meet in Perry, Georgia
- Radio Control Expo in California
I hope that those who attend these shows find the various seminars informative. We try our best to keep our members informed about important issues, and I again ask that if you have an email address, please submit it to us and keep us informed of any address changes. We use electronic means to get information out in a timely fashion.
Closing
Enough for now. Go out and fly if you are located in a place where the weather is good!
MA
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
