The Inside Loop

Rob Kurek, AMA Communications Director, highlights the excitement of flying season and the upcoming 100th National Aeromodeling Championships. He encourages both seasoned and novice aeromodelers to attend competitions, which enhance skills and foster community. The issue features insights from former AMA Competition Director Tony Stillman on the benefits of competition, Gerald Meux's journey in RC Pylon Racing, and a park-friendly aircraft design, the "Beagle Pup." Nostalgic reflections include the Byron Originals Aviation Expo and a touching story of Paul and Cindy Edmunds, who share their journey intertwined with the show. Kurek introduces the AMA Foundation Copilot Recognition Program to honor those who support aeromodelers' success. He concludes with a quote from Matt Keennon about the Ingenuity helicopter landing on Mars.

On the Fly Late-breaking news from Headquarters - 2001/02

Former HQ Staff Member Dies
Robert E. Vojslavek, former AMA
Director of Operations, active volunteer, and
longtime modeler and AMA member,
passed away October 21, 2000. He was 63.
Most recently, Bob was instrumental in the
creation of AMA’s Grand Event—an annual
activity at the International Aeromodeling
Center, designed to introduce the public to
different kinds of outdoor hobbies. He also
brought organized Radio Control car activity
to the national flying site.
For more information, see page 143
of this issue. MA

Safety Comes First

Audio-Visual Indicator: I'm sure that those of you who enjoy flying Electric powered models took note of my March 1995 column, which pointed out one of their greatest advantages: "they start with the push of a button!" I'm also sure it came as no surprise when I mentioned one of their greatest disadvantages: "they start with the push of a button!" Still confused? I'll try to clear it up one more time. Push the button-the model is "armed" for flight. Push the button again-the model is no longer "armed" for flight. Simple enough, right? Well, not quite.

Interview: Dave Brown

Q: What are your goals and priorities as the new president of the Academy? A: Goals are very difficult to set this early on. A simple goal would be to focus AMA on main-core modelers, as well as youth and beginner programs. Also, we need to turn around our decline in membership and get us back on an upward curve. . .the major thing is that in order to do that, we have to come up with more flying sites. (Lack of) a sufficient number of flying sites is the major reason for the stagnation we are experiencing. There is not enough of an emphasis on flying site programs. If we don't have flying sites, we don't have a sport-period.

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