Consider a donation to the AMA Foundation
Bob Brown
bobb@modelaircraft.org
I want to thank everyone who has made an effort to support the AMA Foundation. This money has continued to assist AMA with building its benevolent programs. Programs such as Camp AMA, the educational endeavors that we host throughout the country, our scholarship program, club grants, and many other projects would not be possible without your support.
The AMA Foundation’s board of directors is working to develop a strategic plan to align with the AMA’s goals. The endowment that was built to finance this plan will not only sustain the AMA’s programming in the future, but also help us as we continue to become a leader in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education arena.
I ask that you consider a donation when renewing your 2016 membership. Every dollar counts and is appreciated by the entire aeromodeling community.
AMA participated in a meeting championed by Google. The Internet giant unveiled its plans for an autonomous aerial delivery system. Various interested parties listened as Google cofounder Sergey Brin, Project Wing Director Dr. Charles Vos, and others discussed the company’s plans concerning how our airspace might look in merely two years.
One of the key designers of the project is Adam Woodsworth, an intriguing young aerospace engineer and modeler. These men expressed interest in involving, but not creating problems for, aeromodeling in the “new” National Airspace System. Some might question the potential for success, but I think it will happen.
I attended my first FPV race, held in the hangar of the aircraft carrier USS Hornet. My hosts, Dr. Scot Refsland and Greg Osborn, generated my enthusiasm for this new activity within our hobby.
I also witnessed a practice for the upcoming national FPV race. I offer a sincere thank-you to all of the racers in the San Francisco area for their willingness to fly in a safe environment while displaying their flying skills. This new challenge practically puts you in the pilot’s seat.
Scot is also the catalyst for the US National Drone Racing Championships at the California State Fair in Sacramento, California. This should be the first of many great FPV efforts that can be safely enjoyed by AMA members. The inclusion of Internet live streaming allowed enthusiasts from around the world the ability to see the event. Sponsors such as the AMA and NASA helped make this happen.
In early July, I attended Flite Fest, an event generated by Flite Test in Malvern, Ohio. Words cannot describe what happened there! More than 1,500 registrants enjoyed nearly every aspect of electric-powered flight. Although the weather generated a lot of mud, it did nothing to stop the enthusiasm of the individuals.
For those of you who claim that there are no young people interested in model aviation, this event clearly illustrates that they are very much interested. Those who attended exhibited enthusiasm that I have not seen in years. The AMA has to understand and embrace this philosophy. To everyone involved in Flite Fest, I sincerely thank you!
Nearly 200 clubs participated in recognizing National Model Aviation Day in some significant manner. It is far too early to provide numbers, but I wish to thank those who were involved.
The efforts put forth by numerous clubs and individuals allowed the public to enjoy the positive attitude of modelers across the country. I wish to thank Platinum Sponsors Hobbico, HobbyKing, Horizon Hobby, and ReadyMadeRC; and Gold Sponsors Hostetler’s Plans, RCGroups.com, Tower Hobbies, and Volaré Products.
The July 2015 AMA Executive Council meeting included a meeting of the Nominating Committee. If a member of the council in your district (Districts II, IV, VI, VIII, and X) is up for election, please participate and cast your vote. The direction of AMA is your choice. Voting is one of the benefits of your AMA membership.
