AMA’s call to
action
Bob Brown
bobb@modelaircraft.org
In April, the Academy of Model Aeronautics launched a campaign asking for each member to contact his or her congressional representatives in support of our amendments to the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2016. By doing this, you helped to ensure that the proposed legislation fully protects our model aviation community. Up-to-date information can be found at www.modelaircraft.org/gov.
For the past several years, we have spent considerable effort to protect the future of model aviation in the United States. Although we have been successful in many ways, it is now up to individual members to make their thoughts known. Ignoring AMA’s request for participation could be detrimental to the enjoyment of the hobby.
I consider the recent meeting of the FAI Aeromodelling Commission (CIAM) one of the most positive in recent years. It is apparent that the FAI now recognizes the need to represent aeromodelling throughout the world with various government efforts.
The FAI Secretary General is Susanne Schödel. Her résumé illustrates enthusiasm not only in competitive aviation, but also in the need for aviation to be recognized in political arenas throughout the world.
She is well versed in the intricacies of politics after working for several years for the Ministry of Social Affairs in Hessen, Germany. Ironically, Susanne was headed to Barcelona, Spain, for a meeting to discuss air sports political concerns.
AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs Representative Rich Hanson was part of the group that generated some of the thoughts that were discussed. The overall change in FAI philosophy will be appreciated by modelers throughout the world. This has been needed for years.
We obtained the right to host the 2018 FAI F1D World Championship for Indoor Model Aircraft competition. The site will be the West Baden Springs Hotel in West Baden, Indiana. Book your rooms for March 18-23, 2018.
The enthusiasm for multirotor competition has become a worldwide focus. The FAI recognized a subcommittee with the responsibility of moving FPV racing into a specific FAI class.
I do not recall any specific group ever receiving so much attention in the history of CIAM Plenary Meetings. This explosion of interest could be good for our activities throughout the world.
The most enjoyable part of the trip was bringing back the FAI World Cup Diplomas and medals for two outstanding AMA members—Alexander Andriukov for first place in the F1B (Rubber Power) World Cup and Peter Brocks for second place in F1E (Slope Soaring Gliders). We are extremely proud of the success of these two fine men.
The Academy of Model Aeronautics donates the Frank Ehling Diploma to the FAI. It honors Frank V. Ehling, whose simple model designs have been flown on three continents. Only one Frank Ehling Diploma is awarded annually for outstanding accomplishment by an organization in connection with the promotion of aviation through the use of flying models.
Congratulations to this year’s recipient, the National Association of Rocketry.
