2007 Mathewson statement
President Campaign Statement
Dave Mathewson
Camillus, New York
My name is Dave Mathewson and I’m running for the office of AMA President. I am currently the AMA District 2 VP, holding this position for the last six years. Prior I was an AVP for John Grigg and Wes DeCou. There are several areas that AMA needs to focus on going forward. I have identified four that I think are a priority—flying site acquisition and retention, enhancing our working relationship with government agencies, expanding AMA’s education programs, and promoting model aviation as a worthwhile recreational activity.
Flying site issues have dominated my time as a district vice president. I have met with every level of government in an attempt to create flying site opportunities for our members. In 2005, as a result of these efforts, I was invited to testify before a Congressional committee in Washington investigating public access to federally owned land. Experience gained through these opportunities is cumulative and will enhance our ability on a national level to successfully negotiate with those that control potential flying sites.
Spread spectrum technology is clearly our future. Yet there are tens of thousands of members who are still using, and have a significant investment in, radios that operate on 72 MHz. We need to work with the FCC to protect our continued use of those frequencies.
It is clear that our government is concerned with UAV activity in our national airspace. Federal regulations will eventually be created to address these concerns. Our job will be to separate what we do as model aviation enthusiasts from the commercial and military UAV activity that concerns the FAA. At the same time, we need to embrace new technologies and encourage those that offer innovative ideas to help find ways to safely incorporate them into aeromodeling.
Potential threats to national security continue to concern our government. We need to work with the DHS to become a source of information and advice on issues concerning aeromodeling. In our district we have worked toward developing that relationship. In New York, law enforcement authorities have reached out to AMA clubs asking us to be observant and judicious in reporting any unusual activities involving model aircraft. In doing this, the modeling community has become an asset to authorities. We need to build on this success to incorporate strong working relationships with law enforcement throughout the country.
AMA has worked hard to develop programs to introduce model aviation into our education system. However, most of these efforts are directed toward the teaching profession. We need to create programs our members and clubs can use to reach out to the younger members of their communities through organizations like Scouting, CAP, and community recreational programs. These programs would allow our members direct involvement in introducing model aviation to the children of their friends and neighbors, resulting in a growing membership for the club along with a more visible and positive presence in its community.
Good programs that promote model aviation are key to our future. A greater public awareness of the value of model aviation as a recreational and educational activity can only have positive implications, especially in the areas I’ve touched on. Our best resource to realize this goal lies with our members. For you to accomplish this we must provide you with the proper tools and support.
Member organizations like AMA rely on those who posses a clear vision and enthusiasm to remain a viable organization meeting the needs of its members. I believe that I have these qualities and ask for the opportunity to lead AMA. Visit www.mathewson4pres.com.