Attracting new, younger modelers
Bob Brown
bobb@modelaircraft.org
The drone craze has certainly created a change in aeromodeling activity throughout recent years. We have seen various new facets of model aviation come into being since 1936. I have been involved with some of those changes during my six decades of enjoyment of aeromodeling. I have witnessed the evolution of RC, Giant Scale, Pylon Racing, helicopters, 3-D flying, and now multirotors.
It is ironic that these changes have created some irritation with “traditionalists.” It is only natural that some people are reluctant to change.
I belong to the Southern Tier Aero Radio Society (STARS) club of western New York. This is a club with a rich history in the large-scale movement. Today, approximately 45 members enjoy various aspects of model aviation.
Early this year, the club unanimously voted to host its first FPV racing event. To say that the event was a success would be an understatement. Competitors from New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia attended. Some came from places with inhabitants who normally do not attend events in our area. It was great to see new faces.
These modelers are from a new, younger generation that will expand our hobby. As a result of the STARS’ effort, a new young contest director organized his first event, several potential new members were involved, and the gathering was a financial success. The club is to be congratulated in recognizing and enthusiastically participating in a futuristic facet of model aviation. Thank you!
This is the 50th anniversary of the Mid Hudson Radio Control Club’s Jamboree at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. For more information about the event, visit the club’s website at www. mhrcs.com. Congratulations to the club for continuing a great event for a half century.
Each year, I am proud to see the participants of Camp AMA enjoying their involvement at camp. This year was no exception. Special thanks to all of those involved. I am proud to consider these “kids” as my friends.
It is not too early to start thinking ahead to 2017. A great club program is to send a young modeler to camp. During the next several months, a special initiative could be set up to do this. Any interested club should contact AMA’s Education department and explore ideas for how to do this.
As I am writing this, EAA AirVenture is just a few days away. The AMA works with the EAA in a cohesive and cooperative manner. Many members are unaware that EAA’s Chairman of the Board Jack Pelton, EAA Vice President Sean Elliott, and EAA Vice President Rick Larsen attended the AMA Expo in Ontario, California, in January 2016. All of these men are modelers. Sean and Rick also attended Joe Nall Week.
The AMA efforts at this year’s AirVenture will include several locations focusing on aeromodeling exposure. I have enjoyed this show for several years and appreciate all of the volunteers’ efforts. It’s amazing that so many AMA members also belong to the EAA. If you are not an EAA member, you should consider joining.
The July 2016 issue of the EAA magazine, Sport Aviation, featured a great article focusing on Matt Chapman. Matt is not only an outstanding air show performer, but also a super modeler. I am proud to call him a friend and I wish to thank him for his kind words about the AMA and aeromodeling.
