AMA Executive Director Mixes It Up In Detroit

      While making a personal trip to the Detroit area on June 4, 2009, AMA Executive Director Jim Cherry mixed AMA business with flying pleasure.
     He contacted the Skymasters Radio Control Club of Michigan, to see if an impromptu meeting could be arranged. Working from its e-mail list, the Skymasters asked surrounding clubs if they could send representatives to meet with Jim.
     The response was great! Officers from clubs located more than 100 miles away drove in to get the latest from the Academy. Two Model Aviation Hall of Fame members, Pete Waters and Keith Shaw, were present. Ken Myers, who edits the widely read Ampeer newsletter, was also in attendance.
     Jim shared valuable insights over dinner. Then it was off to the Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, where the Skymasters, in conjunction with the Romeo Skyhawks, Radio Control Club of Michigan, and Greater Detroit Soaring and Hiking Society, hosted weekly indoor flying sessions last fall and winter.
     Jim was impressed as he entered the arenas. Even though he had seen pictures of the facility, his comment was, "Pictures don't do this justice."
     Using one of the meeting rooms, Jim reiterated the AMA's current position with the FAA and addressed questions from those in attendance.
     The activities then moved to one of the soccer fields. I brought a variety of indoor electric-powered aircraft, and Jim, along with a plethora of those present, got some stick time before heading home. MA

—Joe Hass
Skymasters President

Help Preserve Aeromodeling's Past

     The preservation of model aviation history is a priority of the National Model Aviation Museum, and that heritage includes model aircraft plans.
     Do you have a collection of plans from kits or magazines? We are looking to expand the Academy's collection of 18,000 and fill in what we are missing.
     If you are interested in making a donation, please contact the AMA Plans Service, at (765) 287-1256, extension 507, or plansservice@modelaircraft.org. If you want to keep your original plans, we will be happy to copy and return them to you.
     Please verify our needs with the Plans Service before mailing any plans. Thank you for your help in making our archives complete. MA

—National Model Aviation Museum Staff

AMA Custom Products: More Than Banners ...

     What is the easiest way to make your club recognizable to outsiders with a single glance? How can you show your club treasurer that you appreciate all his years of service? Are you hosting a big club event and don't know how to distinguish its location?
     If your club realizes the need for made-to-order apparel and signage, AMA's Custom Products will work for you: our members. Custom Products offers screen-printing, award and trophy engraving, and tailor-made vinyl banners and signs.
     AMA members receive discounts on merchandise, which makes this service a smart tool for meeting your club's promotional needs—at a lower cost!
     Visit www.modelaircraft.org/products.aspx to see everything Custom Products has to offer or E-mail products@modelaircraft.org for more information. MA

—MA Staff

AMA Thanks Its Lifetime Supporters!

     The Academy recently welcomed Life Member Robert Conrad (Redlands CA).
     For information about becoming a Life Member, contact AMA Headquarters at (800) 435-9262. MA

—Membership Department

Also in this month's In the Air section in Model Aviation:

• US Wins Team Gold at F3D World Champs!

• 25 Years Ago in MA: October 1984

• An Amazing Modeler

• Canada Jets

• A "Win-Win" With McDonald's

• Find Ways to Fly—Even Overseas

• Science Works with Aeromodeling