2019 Campaign Statements
Note: Candidate statements reflect the opinion of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Candidate statements are published word-for-word as submitted by the candidate and are not edited by the Academy of Model Aeronautics’ staff for grammar, punctuation, or spelling. The Academy of Model Aeronautics reserves the right to remove any portion of any statement which it determines, in its sole discretion, may contain potentially defamatory remarks.
Candidates for AMA President
Randy Cameron
Springfield, Missouri
• The fabric of AMA is its 83 year history of members like you!
• AMA needs to listen better to our best asset—you the members!
• AMA must build its future and protect traditional model aviation!
I ask that you vote for me, Randy Cameron for AMA President and help protect the future of model aviation.
Since introduced to Control Line flying decades ago by my father, I have enjoyed every aspect of our hobby. With four sons and eleven grandchildren, my wife Fina and I are now teaching our fourth generation of family flyers.
My interests in our hobby are wide. I have flown Control Line, Free Flight, IMAC, 3D, combat, and sport aircraft. I’ve held every club officer position in multiple clubs over the past 37 plus years, in civilian life and while in the Air Force for 22 years.
I have been an AMA Leader Member since the mid-1980s and became a contest director in the 90’s. I served as the District VI Contest Coordinator for ten years and as a District VI Associate Vice President for prior to becoming the District VI Vice President. In 2018 I was elected to the Executive Vice President position, where I have handled many of the presidential duties as needed. I’m kept in the loop on all aspects of the AMA business, in preparation of the unthinkable happening, which could necessitate stepping into the Presidents position if needed.
As an AMA Executive Vice President I oversee all committees. I continue to serve as committee chairman to AMA Special Interest Groups (SIGs), and the Property Acquisition and Development Committee (PADCOM), working to improve the AMA headquarters flying sites—home of the AMA NATs and other events. I’ve also worked to streamline the Flying Site Improvement grant process.
The federal rules for Model Aviation must allow us to continue our hobby with the freedom to build and fly our aircraft, be they fixed wing traditional models or multi rotor aircraft for racing. AMA is strong in providing both federal and local government advocacy. Our government relations department must remain strong to continue our hobby.
The only way we can help solve the drone issues is to educate drone fliers, and bring the safe and responsible ones into our organization. Most of our AMA chartered clubs are welcoming the newest multi-rotor technologies. Today, many of our new AMA members are multi-rotor enthusiasts. The significant down-turn in media-reported drone sightings and incidents is an important validation that AMA’s efforts and influence within this community are working! I have been a staunch supporter of our marketing efforts which has allowed our membership to grow from 142,000 to approximately 200,000 members today.
The fabric of AMA is its 83 year history and members like you. In 1936 AMA was built on the principals of education, advancing technological, and providing one national voice for all modelers.
AMA needs to listen to our best asset—you the members! AMA must continue to improve on programs that; attract and involve youth in our hobby, foster club growth, aid with improving and purchasing flying sites, and other important programs.
Communication to our members must continue to improve. Existing membership and club programs are not widely recognized. AMA must improve and provide easily accessible and efficient member benefits, and eliminate costs to the members and the AMA alike.
With your vote I will bring your issues to AMA and the Executive Council, and ensure member’s needs are met. Thank you.
Feel free to email flyrc@modelaircraft.org if you have question or for more information.
Rich Hanson, Incumbent
Scottsdale, Arizona, and Fishers, Indiana
Fellow Modelers:
Over the past 26 years I’ve had the distinct honor and privilege of representing you at the AMA executive level, 15 years as the District X VP, 8 years as AMA’s Government and Regulatory Affairs Director, and now 3 years as AMA President. The decision to run for a second term was one I considered very carefully. Ultimately, it was clear how extremely important it is to finish the work we began eleven years ago when we were curiously drawn into the new and somewhat unsettled unmanned aircraft arena.
In 2008, AMA was asked to assist in formulating new regulations applicable to the emerging unmanned aircraft industry and the associated capabilities brought about by advancements in microelectronics, brushless motors, lithium batteries and onboard guidance systems. AMA’s involvement in this effort subsequently lead us down a political and regulatory path that has seen more than its fair share of twists and turns as the technology far outpaced the process.
When we began this process, I stated my belief that model aviation would continue to thrive, and we would continue to enjoy the hobby in much the same way as we have in the past; albeit, there would undoubtedly be new administrative requirements. Eleven years later we’re still flying our model aircraft in much the same way as we have for decades, and to date the only real administrative impact has been registration.
That’s not to say we’re completely out of the woods. Questions remain regarding proposed testing and Remote ID. Though it may take a couple years before it’s all said and done, I can honestly say the end is in sight. More importantly, AMA is doing everything in its power to see that the hobby remains intact and to ensure that any new administrative requirements are minimally impactful.
My modeling experience led me to a life-long career in full-scale aviation as a licensed commercial pilot with over 7,000 hours in helicopters and airplanes. I am an accomplished public administrator, serving in leadership roles in public service for over 26 years, and I’m a decorated Vietnam helicopter pilot. It was my great honor to fight for this country and to serve 27 years in active duty and reserve component military service.
I’ve been a life-long modeler having started flying control line models at age six, and through the years I can’t remember a time when there’s been such a rapid change in model aviation. The advent of civil unmanned aircraft and the emergence of new technologies have truly changed the landscape and the environment in which we live and fly, and there’s never been a more critical time for the Academy to uphold its leadership role in protecting our hobby.
The complexity and diversity of the hobby has changed significantly, and the AMA has come a long way in serving as the national body for all of model aviation. In this regard I’m proud to have been a part of AMA’s leadership team.
In its role as the community-based organization for model aviation the Academy has gained national prominence, and more than ever it’s imperative the AMA maintains effective leadership. The Executive Council must work in concert to achieve our primary responsibility of serving the membership and promoting model aviation. Moreover, in my first term as president, I’ve demonstrated the ability to achieve these results.
As your president I pledge to continue fighting to protect the core principles of model aviation as well as the rights and privileges of all model aircraft enthusiasts and aeromodeling disciplines.
Eric Williams
Schenectady, New York
I have enjoyed model aviation since I was a boy of 8 years-old. Like you, I am a grass-roots modeler that wants to see the future of model aviation well protected. In my 50 years as a modeler there has never been a more critical time for model aviation.
Over the years I have been privileged to serve in various club capacities as; president, secretary, newsletter editor, board member, and as an AMA introductory pilot. I am a founding member of several clubs and I have built many flying sites from the ground up with my fellow club members.
As the AMA Vice President for District II my work includes serving on various AMA committees including the Bylaws Committee, the Marketing and Membership Committee, the Advanced Flight Systems Committee, ad-hoc legal review committees, the AMA Executive Director Search Committee, the National Model Aviation Museum Committee, as well as serving on the FAA’s Section 349, Aeronautical Knowledge Testing Board. In all of these roles the interests of our members, our clubs, and our hobby always comes first.
My priorities for AMA are reducing governmental regulations, improving member communication, developing permanent flying sites, and vigorously promoting and protecting our hobby.
I have met with every level of government to represent model aviation. Since 2016 I have visited Congress in Washington DC, advocating on behalf of all AMA members and your local clubs. My district has an enviable record of defeating local laws impacting model aviation. In my meetings with law enforcement, elected representatives, and federal officials the distinction between responsible AMA members and careless operators is always made abundantly clear.
Communication is critical to AMA. Keeping members informed on a timely basis is essential. So too is listening to your ideas, concerns, and questions. AMA can do more to be clear and responsive to our members’ needs. As AMA president, I will establish an AMA Industry Council and an AMA Member Council. These two groups will be comprised of industry representatives and AMA members who will provide invaluable feedback and ideas for our organization.
AMA’s Flying Site Assistance Grants have helped hundreds of clubs, however AMA must do more to establish permanent, regional AMA flying sites, managed and operated by local clubs. AMA can enable this through flying site acquisition grants, legal assistance, and decades of accumulated community and governmental expertise.
AMA must offer new methods and programs that our members can use to promote and strengthen their clubs. These programs will help our members introduce model aviation to the public and promote model aviation as the positive community activity that it is.
AMA needs effective leadership, a shared vision, and clear communication with its members. My accomplishments demonstrate that I possess the qualities needed to do this and to lead AMA into the future.
Readers of my District II, Model Aviation magazine column know how much I value AMA members and the personal rewards that model aviation brings. The camaraderie, friendships, knowledge, and personal rewards of model aviation last a lifetime. It is for these reasons, and to preserve and protect our hobby, that I seek the office of AMA President.
Thank you for your time, and I ask you for your vote as AMA President.
Eric Williams
Please visit www.amaelection.com
Candidates for AMA District I Vice Preisdent
Andy Argenio, Incumbent
Smithfield, Rhode Island
I am honored to have served as the District I Vice President for 15 years. With the repeal of the Special Rule 336 for Model Aircraft in 2018 and passage of the FAA Reauthorization Rule 349, it became necessary for AMA to work more closely with the FAA and other agencies to ensure that recreational operations of model aircraft would not be dramatically affected by implementation of certain statutory conditions. After considering my seniority and experience in dealing with these and other regulatory issues, I felt I had more to contribute as an AMA executive board member.
Prior to 2010, AVPs and I focused on providing additional value for members by sponsoring 30 flying events in our district. In 2012 when Congress passed 336 our focus was to preserve our ability to fly in accordance with AMA’s Safety Programming. Whenever local legislation was introduced that was onerous to flying model aircraft, we wrote letters, provided testimony at hearings, and spoke to lawmaker. As a result, little in the way of bills impacted us. We also focused on advocacy initiatives to promote model aviation to the public by sanctioning four R/C flying events a year in conjunction with reginal/municipal airport aviation airshows.
When 336 was repealed in 2018 the board and staff negotiated with the FAA for 349 exceptions to allow us to fly at AMA sites at the altitudes, speeds and weight limits we always flew. On May 17, 2019 when one of the eight statutes was published limiting operations to 400 ft. in Class G airspace, we went to Washington and spoke with legislators and staffers about our concerns and provided rationale for them to support efforts for sensible non-overbearing rules for AMA remote pilots.
With your vote the district officers and I will continue to promote aeromodelling and protect our flying interests.
Candidates for AMA District V Vice President
Bob Brogdon, Incumbent
Powder Springs, Georgia
Hello AMA District V members,
I’m Bob Brogdon, your current AMA District V Vice-President, and I’m running for re-election to the position. I have enjoyed my term as VP over the past two and one-half years; it has been a learning experience. I do believe I have made significant and positive contributions for the district and modeling during my term. I am also pleased that I have been able to assist District V members with their questions or problems; I have also been able to make suggestions and offer advice as well as to provide guidance when needed. I believe that there is more to be done, and I’m willing to take on the task. I am asking for your vote so that I can continue to give back to this great hobby of ours. I would consider it an honor to continue to represent you and your views to the AMA.
During my term as your Vice-President I have had the opportunity to travel to many flying sites in District V; I have met many people and developed new friendships, and I have been privileged to be introduced to many aspects of our hobby that previously I knew little about. It has broadened my horizons, for which I am grateful.
I trust most of you have read my articles in Model Aviation and/or you have met me at some event in the district. I hope I have met your expectations, and I hope you consider me to be worthy to continue as your District V Vice-President. I respectfully request your consideration and ask that you vote for me.
If elected, I will continue to do my best to represent District V members and to support the AMA.
Best regards,
Bob Brogdon
Andrew Griffith
Jacksonville, Florida
Hello District-V members! I am seeking your vote to represent you, the members, on the AMA Executive Council as the Dist-V Vice President.
My professional background; I was a Navy Petty Officer flying on the P-3 Orion patrol aircraft and currently a Network Engineer and security specialist for a large software company.
I’ve been in the hobby and an AMA member since the late 70’s when I started flying gliders. I have been a regular review, event, and original content contributor to Model Aviation, Park Flyer, Fly RC, Model Airplane News, RC Heli Pilot, and RC Helicopter magazines as well as online content for RC Universe. I have been a contest director and associate VP for over 10 years and served 7 months as your District-V VP to fill the remaining term when our VP stepped down in 2016.
I currently have experience in nearly everything RC related; jets, giant scale, gliders, helicopters (3D and scale), foamies, drones, and FPV. I’m also both fixed wing and rotary turbine waiver. I feel that this diverse experience gives me an excellent foundation to understand the needs of our equally diverse members.
My experience in department management and budgeting will make for a good steward of the members dues money budgeted to the District. I attend many events and visit many fields and clubs within the district and enjoy discussing members concerns such as FAA and legal issues as well as our shared enjoyment in modeling.
My previoius experience as VP will help to hit the ground running if elected. Most importantly I learned that we have an awesome staff at AMA HQ and while there’s a lot I don’t know, I know who the experts are and who to ask whether it’s a club issue, flying site help, insurance or government relations.
I work from home and that allows a flexible schedule to take members calls, attend events around the district, and answer e-mails.
Candidates for AMA District IX Vice President
Jim Tiller, Incumbent
Custer, South Dakota
My name is Jim Tiller and I am a candidate for District IX Vice President.
Thank you for your support during my time as VP. I continue to be amazed and proud of your generosity. Without fail, when I have asked for volunteers, letters of support, donations of time, etc., everyone says: “How can I help?” I would not be asking for this job without members like you.
I am blessed with great D9 Associate Vice Presidents. I couldn’t do this job without them. I depend on their service and knowledge to handle the district affairs. They do 90% of the work and get 10% of the credit. I am proud to call them friends.
The continuing negotiations with the FAA and burdensome edicts from regulatory agencies is the most time consuming and frustrating task. But we have no recourse but to continue. We have had more than our share of issues with regulations and their interpretation in our District already. So far, we’ve survived the pitfalls with help from all of you and the staff at AMA headquarters. This battle will, no doubt, continue and require all our best efforts.
Using your D9 Scholarship Fund donations, seven D9 youth members have experienced the joy that is Camp AMA in Muncie. With your support we will continue this commitment and expand giving to other worthwhile ventures for D9 youth.
Among my committee duties, I am the council representative on the AMA Education committee. I have a passion educating youth through aeromodelling. I am committed to making our, educational programs even more cohesive, enriching and comprehensive.
In my travels through the District, I’ve met many of you who share this joy of aviation. I hope to fly with many more of you in the future.
I understand I am your voice on the council and strive to be a conservative steward of your dues. This is your organization and I pledge to be the best representative of D9 members I can.