Executive Director View from HQ
"It sure is nice to get positive comments..."
The fun-filled month of July is over — it was called the "Nationals" and the official flying ended on August 3. I will not go into a lot of details since there will be an issue devoted to the Nats, but I want to say "Thank you" to all the volunteers, especially Ron Morgan, who was here the entire time. Without volunteers this event would never take place.
One volunteer I want to highlight is Earl Witt. Earl has held just about every volunteer office there is; he is a life member, past president, has received nearly every award, and has worked 50 Nationals. I am sure most of you have met Earl at some time during his tenure. Next time you see him, go up and thank him for his dedication to this hobby. There are not many people left who have devoted so much volunteer time to the Academy. Again, the Academy sends a big THANKS to our volunteers.
Nationals — quick facts
- Over 1,100 contestants and mechanics attended — about 40 fewer than last year.
- Entry levels were up in most events except Pylon.
- Weather cooperated for the most part; pattern fliers had the worst conditions, with low ceilings that forced flying to be delayed until noon each day.
- Contestants and mechanics came from all but five states.
- District attendance: District VI — 209; District V — 144; District III — 141.
Let's see if next year we can get entries from all states.
Site improvements and appreciation
I would also like to thank all the members who called or told someone how much the site had improved from last year and how cooperative the Maintenance Department and Competition Department were. It is especially nice to get positive comments after the long hours put in during the contest and the many hours of preparation beforehand. Good comments make employees feel proud that they helped make members' visits enjoyable.
Even though this event is over, work continues on the site. We are constantly trying to improve and maintain what is here. Believe it or not, preparations for next year begin now.
Conduct and safety reminder
On a sad note, we had to ask one member to leave the site during the Nats for unsportsmanlike conduct. We understand how upsetting it is to lose your airplane and how your only thought is to find it — but not at the expense of being reckless or obnoxious. Speed limits are posted and will be enforced. Yes, the site belongs to the modelers, but there are rules and regulations that must be followed. Headquarters will not allow anyone to destroy property or endanger others. Everyone should have a good experience and should treat the site and facility like their own. Would you wash an engine in your bathroom sink? If the answer is no, then why would you do it in the bathrooms at HQ?
Good news for parents — youth outreach
Members should be aware of efforts the Academy is making to develop educational programs aimed at enticing new members. Most of our programs are currently directed at 5th through 7th graders. One immediate step is a reduction in youth (under age 15) dues for 1998:
- Junior youth rate (without magazine): $1.00
- Junior youth rate (with magazine): $13.00
In discussions with various groups, it was agreed that the previous $7.00 youth rate was high. This change is intended to relieve some of the financial burden and encourage more youth memberships. Let’s see how many youth members we can sign up for 1998 — it would be great if every adult member sponsored a child. They are the future of the AMA.
On the light side — auction at the EAA Fly-In
An auction was held at the EAA Fly-In on July 30 at the "Gathering of Young Eagles." Through a combined effort of AMA and the National Retail Hobby Store Association, a completely assembled airplane (with radio and engine installed), along with Academy membership, was presented to John Gauch of Batavia, Ohio. John is an employee of Sporty's Pilot Shop. Good luck, John, with your model.
Leader Members questionnaire
Thank you to all the Leader Members who responded to the questionnaire mailed several months ago. A committee has been formed to review and summarize the input and possibly make suggestions for improving what we are currently doing. This summary will be published in a later issue.
Happy flying,
Joyce Hager Executive Director
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
