JOIN US AT AMA’S NATIONAL FUN FLY
By Chad Budreau, AMA Executive Director | chadb@modelaircraft.org
WE OFTEN PREACH to clubs about the importance of serving your community, promoting the hobby, and welcoming the public. These actions fulfill AMA’s mission to grow the hobby, but are also critical for self-preservation. Our flying fields and clubs need to demonstrate their value as a resource to their local communities. Inevitably, encroachment, regulations, or other issues could compromise your flying field, and it’s important to have a long-standing and positive relationship with your community.
I sometimes describe these actions as building your “social piggy bank.” There might come a day when you need to cash in your social piggy bank to preserve your club and flying field. Even if that day never comes, engaging with your community is a great way to introduce others to our hobby.
As we evaluated the AMA National Fun Fly, we decided that we should practice what we preach. In addition to all of the great member activities, this year, we are also inviting the public to learn more about model aviation.
I’d like to share some of the exciting changes we have in store for the 2024 AMA National Fun Fly, which takes place June 28-30 at the International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) in Muncie, Indiana.
Members will be happy to hear that we are removing the landing fee and are welcome to join the AMA National Fun Fly at no charge! We will continue to use Site 3 as the main flightline, which will be dedicated to open flying all day and night. Additionally, we’ll continue to have the raffle, swap meet, information booth, vendors, and other services at Site 3. Site 4 will also be open for some flying, as well as plenty of space for Free Flight and Control Line operations. All are welcome.
In addition to removing the landing fee, we are feeding the first 100 registered members for free! Additional meals can be purchased for $10. During the meal, everyone is welcome to join a discussion with the Executive Council and staff about the organization, regulations, and other activities.
Although the event is free, we are still asking members to register. Secure your spot by registering at www.modelaircraft.org/fun-fly-registration.
As well as all of these activities, on Saturday, June 29, we’re opening the AMA National Fun Fly to the public. Many of the public activities will take place at the museum, Site 1, and the south end of the IAC, including Reese Airport. We’ll have free EAA Young Eagle Flights, which allow youth between the ages of 8 and 17 the opportunity to ride in a full-scale airplane. Paramotorists will also be doing demonstrations and answering questions.
Paid biplane rides will be available. We’ll show how the hobby inspires careers by having colleges on-site, drone emergency-response team presentations, and drone package-delivery demonstrations. The public will enjoy make-and-takes, rockets, buddy-boxing, guest speakers, and free RC car and boat activities. Members are, of course, encouraged to participate and enjoy these activities as well. I’m hoping to see some of you in line with me for the biplane rides.
A big thank-you to Du-Bro for supporting AMA and making this event possible. We appreciate all of our volunteers, staff, and sponsors for making this event possible.
To learn more about the 2024 AMA National Fun Fly, visit www.modelaircraft.org/funfly.
Stay safe.
