A BANNER YEAR FOR MODEL AVIATION
By Rich Hanson, AMA President | richh@modelaircraft.org
I THINK ALL WOULD AGREE that in 2020, and throughout most of 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges and hardships to our communities, families, and in our personal lives. Our community of modelers is no exception, with many of us experiencing illness, lockouts, quarantines, loss of livelihood, and even death within their circles of family and friends. We’ve experienced disruption in our lives because of myriad mitigation measures, social distancing, and the curtailment of group activities impacting our social, cultural, and spiritual lives.
I am elated that, through it all, the hobby has remained strong. Modelers found new and innovative ways of enjoying the hobby. Many spent their time in their workshops, completing old projects, and starting new ones. Others found ways of continuing to fly while complying with local health requirements. And many individuals and clubs shared the hobby using online platforms such as Zoom and GoToMeeting.
The pandemic’s largest impact fell on group events. In 2020, virtually all of the contests, fly-ins, and specialty events were canceled. Although 2021 has seen the revival of several events, it has only been a fraction of what would normally occur. Nevertheless, as the resurgence brought on by the COVID-19 Delta variant has begun to recede, we’re seeing a dramatic increase in the number of aeromodeling events occurring across the country. I believe that this will continue well into the new year, and 2022 will ultimately be a banner year for model aviation.
One shining example of the prominence of model aviation and its contribution to our society and the aerospace industry occurred when, on April 19, 2021, the first model aircraft to operate on another planet, Ingenuity, took flight from the surface of Mars. It was through the ingenuity in the mind of AMA member Matt Keennon, project manager for AeroVironment, Inc., and many other members of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory team who are either current AMA members or were model aircraft enthusiasts in their youth, that this historic endeavor came to fruition.
Ingenuity has exceeded all expectations, outperforming its intended mission
and continuing to break new scientific and aeronautical ground as it operates alongside its extraterrestrial partner, Perseverance. Although only projected to complete five flights on the Red Planet, on November 6, 2021, the 4-pound aircraft completed its 15th flight, having survived the solar conjuncture and operating at an increased 2,700 rpm to contend with the thinner summer atmosphere.
It’s fitting that the small craft carries with it a piece of history. Attached to a cable beneath the helicopter’s solar panel is a postage stamp-size piece of muslin fabric that covered one of the wings from the Wright brothers’ Flyer 1.
Carl & Beth Goldberg Vital People Award
Many clubs have a vital person, and some are fortunate to have more than one member who goes above and beyond to support model aviation, our clubs, and our members. They do this quietly, sometimes in the background, and often ask for little in return other than an occasional thank-you.
In 1983, Carl and Beth Goldberg asked the AMA to help create an award to recognize those who go above and beyond. Called the Carl & Beth Goldberg Vital People Award, it is presented annually to “vital people in the background of the modeling movement whose efforts enhance the enjoyment of the hobby and whose accomplishments are seldom formally acknowledged.” Carl (1912-1985) was an exceptional model aircraft designer and a prominent figure in the history of the AMA and aeromodeling. Many of you might recognize the Goldberg name on model kits from Carl Goldberg Products.
AMA has continued this recognition by awarding the Carl & Beth Goldberg Vital People Award to nominated and deserving individuals. The recipients are selected by a committee composed of one member from each AMA district. The winners are announced each year in late October.
This year, the award recipients are Timothy Simons (District III), Steve Prew (District V), and Peter Waters (District VII).
A very insightful and heartfelt response was received from Stephen Prew:
“I cannot thank you and the panel of AMA representatives enough for selecting me for this award. I am truly thankful and surprised to be receiving an award for something that I just plain (or is it plane?) enjoy doing. The real reward is watching an aviation student light up when he or she is in control of a model airplane and having fun. I would like to pay this forward by donating a $200 check to the AMA scholarship fund.
“Once again, thank you. I am so proud to be a member and intro pilot instructor of this great organization.”
Please continue to enjoy this great hobby.
