back to it. If we do that, we bring more youth, more families into this. As an organization, we need to enhance our educational component, allowing for better programming for youth, partnerships with educational institutions, and more.
There is work to do and it will take time. I ask for your continued support to make this happen.
DISTRICT XI
Mike Ingram
Wenatchee, Washington
Hello, I’m Mike Ingram and I’m running for the Office of AMA District XI Vice President.
I have been involved in this great hobby for the past 60 years starting in 1965. I consider myself very fortunate in that I had a great mentor in my father. My father was a scale builder and flyer and his passion spilled over to me. I started with Free Flight and Control line back when if you wanted to participate in the hobby, you had to build it first. We transitioned to R/C in the mid 70’s. Although R/C scale competition is my greatest passion, I still enjoy many of the other disciplines of this hobby. Over my many decades in the hobby I have competed in everything from Hand Launch Gliders to Control Line Carrier and Scale, to Pylon Racing, to Pattern, to Fixed Wing R/C Scale. Giant Scale R/C bit me hard a few years ago and today 33% to 40+% models is where I spend most of my time and energy.
My focus in becoming a District VP will be to promote the hobby and events across the District. I believe supporting Clubs and Schools that are emphasizing the importance of getting our youth involved in aviation and STEM programs is paramount to the survival of our hobby. I firmly believe in mentoring newcomers to the hobby, young and old, which in turn serves to strengthen the modeling community. My decades of experience will help me to assess and understand the needs of our members and our Organization.
My accomplishments that have furthered the AMA and its members include:
Leader Member, District XI AVP, Contest Director, R/C Contest Coordinator for District XI, LMA Inspector, Scale Contest Board Member, Hall of Fame Board Member, and Initial Pilot Instructor.
I look forward to meeting District XI members in my travels around the District. I ask for your support in becoming your voice for the AMA. Respectfully, Mike Ingram
Your Passion, Your Hobby, Your Community
Phil Tallman (Incumbent)
Medical Lake, Washington
Hi, I’m Phil Tallman, and I respectfully ask for your support to continue serving as your AMA District XI Vice President. I am also running for AMA Executive Vice President, and I want to share why.
My goal is to continue delivering strong, dedicated leadership on the AMA Executive Council. As our current EVP reaches the end of his final term, I am honored that he has nominated me to step into this national role. I am ready for this next level of responsibility.
Because I remain deeply committed to our district, I am also running to retain my seat as District XI VP. If elected to both roles, I will transition to the EVP position. Rest assured, District XI will remain in exceptional hands. I have worked closely for over a decade with the other candidate running for this seat; if he steps into the role, we will maintain seamless communication, and I am fully confident in his ability to lead.
Model aviation is my lifelong passion. I enjoy nearly every facet of the hobby—building, flying, trading, and competing. While I consider myself primarily a sport flyer with a love for fun-fly events, my interests span almost every discipline. I fly everything from micro indoor aircraft to 40% scale outdoor models, spanning control line, free flight, RC sailplanes, electric, glow, gas, helicopters, and quadcopters. Recently, diving into gas turbines has brought an exciting new spark to my flying.
For the past seven years, it has been my privilege to serve as your District XI VP. Alongside the Executive Council and AMA staff, I have worked hard to protect our freedom to fly within an evolving regulatory landscape. Navigating FAA rules and proposals is a continuous challenge, but our collective advocacy is making a real difference.
Following my retirement this year from a career as a Senior Engineering Manager, I now have even more time and energy to devote to the AMA. The leadership, problem-solving, and mentorship skills I honed in the engineering world are tools I apply to this role every day.
Looking ahead, my top priority is expanding support for our local clubs. Attracting new members is only step one; we must focus heavily on retention and engagement. We need to ensure that new pilots develop their skills, stay involved, and find long-term joy in model aviation.
I truly love traveling throughout the district, attending events, and—most importantly—listening to you. Your ideas, concerns, and experiences shape the decisions I advocate for at the national level. I am committed to being your voice and working to keep our organization thriving. Thank you for your continued trust and support.
I am especially grateful for the support and encouragement I receive from members across the district. Your kind words and trust mean a great deal to me and reinforce the importance of the work we do.
Thank you for your continued support of AMA and our shared passion for model aviation. I respectfully ask for your vote so I can continue to represent you as your District XI Vice President.
