COMPETITION
CREATES INNOVATION
By Chad Budreau, AMA Executive Director | chad@modelaircraft.org
I WAS INVITED TO speak at a panel discussion at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which was held January 5-8, 2022, in Las Vegas. The Consumer Trade Association hosts this weeklong event to showcase the latest in automation, robotics, and innovation. CES is considered the most influential technology event in the world.
Before my speaking engagement, I spent a day walking the showroom floors that were spread across multiple buildings. I encountered everything from robotic baristas and fitness trainers to smart beds that can sense medical emergencies and alert responders.
The panel discussion that I participated in addressed the future of the drone industry. Early on, I was asked about recreational drone photography. I acknowledged that it is a great recreational outlet, but I shared that drone photography is just a tiny fraction of the hobby. The hobby is so diverse
that one could spend a lifetime learning about all of the different disciplines of aeromodeling. In fact, many spend a lifetime just mastering one discipline of our hobby!
Throughout the panel discussion, I reminded attendees that recreational model aviation is not a new phenomenon and has been around for centuries. I also stressed that innovations, including those at CES, depend on a vibrant and thriving hobby. AMA members were inspired by our hobby to help create radio control, fly Apollo and shuttle missions, and even design the Mars Ingenuity helicopter.
This message is not only important to the world’s leading innovators at CES, but also to our members. The next time you’re at AMA’s International Aeromodeling Center, spend a few minutes in the National Model Aviation Museum’s Lee Renaud Memorial Library and archives. It doesn’t take long to see that innovation, scientific advancement, and education are woven throughout the fabric of AMA. It can be found inside the first issue of Model Aviation, in AMA’s 1966 IRS Articles of Incorporation, and today in AMA’s mission and vision statement.
One outlet to encourage innovation among hobbyists is competition.
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Aeromodeling contests began almost as soon as two people could fly a model airplane. Today, the Nats is the largest model aviation hub of competition, dating back to 1915, although most consider 1923 as the first official year for the Nats.
After visiting the museum’s library, spend a few minutes enjoying the Nats exhibit near the vintage hobby store display. You’ll learn how members challenged each other in Free Flight, innovated tethered aircraft, and eventually pushed the limits of RC.
The first RC systems were developed by hobbyists such as Walt Good, who later became president of AMA. The systems were very large, required a huge ground-based system, and controlled only the rudder.
In 1937, some brave members dared to show off their RC skills during the Nats. The October 1937 issue of Flying Aces described the winning RC flight as “... rather hectic and swervy,” and “... careening and swaying for all the world like a drunken sailor on an ‘up’ escalator.” Nonetheless, hobbyists were further inspired to practice, innovate, reengineer, and push the boundaries before returning for the 1938 Nats.
The Tournament of Champions (TOC) is another example of competition driving innovation. Events such as the TOC not only inspire hobbyists but also manufacturers and the commercial industry. Be sure to check out the museum’s TOC exhibit to learn more.
Although the Nats and the TOC are significant examples of competition driving innovation, competition comes in all shapes and sizes at the flying field. Competition could be as simple as who gets the first flight at an event, or challenging a friend to make the smoothest landing during a relaxing summer evening.
Members were inspired by the hobby to innovate amazing technologies; competition is a great way to continue that trend. We should look for opportunities to encourage friendly competition, especially among youth, to inspire the next generation of innovators.
