District VII
Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Hello District VII members. We are well into the winter season but, on the flip side, we will soon be back to flying outdoors.
Through the hard work and dedication of AMA’s Government Affairs team, we will be able to enjoy our activities without overbearing rules that would have restricted the hobby.
The goal is for AMA chartered club fields to be recognized as FAA Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs). As you read this, the work toward this will be well underway.
Although there is still much work to do, great gains have been made. As a recreational hobby, we were able to eliminate the requirement for the paid monthly subscription to a UAS service supplier and the 400-foot range limits.
Because things are constantly changing, be sure to keep up-to-date by visiting the AMA website at www.modelaircraft.org.
I want to reach out to District VII members for your opinions about what you feel would be the best way to provide real-time information to you.
I would also like to provide a way for District VII clubs and members to share their projects and provide a great community site. Among the options would be to create and update a District VII Facebook page or bring the District VII website back online.
What are your thoughts? Which would be more convenient for you? Do many have Facebook accounts? Email me at with your comments.
With spring coming, I am sure you are all as eager as I am to get back outside and start flying again. Unfortunately, we have lost some of the trade shows that provided us with the opportunity to see new equipment and help build excitement for the upcoming season.
The promise of a COVID-19 vaccine and its benefits should aid in bringing back some normalcy so that we can enjoy our modeling passion with friends and family.
I want to thank Steve Seltmann for providing photos of the Pontiac Miniature Aircraft Club’s (PMAC) 2021 Snow Fly.
Send in what your club is doing for the season. Your club event might be featured in this column!
Steve Seltmann performs a low flyby at the PMAC 2021 Snow Fly.
PMAC members enjoyed a cold day of flying at the PMAC 2021 Snow Fly.
Bundled up to stay warm, a PMAC member launches his EDF. No matter the temperature, the club members enjoyed the passion of flight.
PMAC members displayed a couple of their model airplanes at the 2021 Snow Fly.
Until next month, stay safe and remember to share your passion with others.
Randy Gibson
Vice President
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTS
Bruce Baier, Oshkosh WI;
Lee Frederickson, Ada MI;
David George, Riverview MI;
Bud Gorman, Knife River MN;
Bob Johnson, Fond du Lac WI;
Mark Robotti, Lindstrom MN;
Len Todd, Baldwin MI;
Dell Shannon, Osceola IA;
Marc “Doc” Shelstrom, Lancaster WI;
Peter G. Van Heusden, Bloomfield Hills MI;
Kent Woods, Ames IA;
EVENT SANCTION COORDINATORS
Michael J. Haller (RC), Fond du Lac WI;
Marc Warwashana (CL), Whitmore Lake MI;
AMA Headquarters (FF);
FREQUENCY COORDINATORS
Al Schwartz, Roseville MN;
Pete Waters, Northville MI;
