High in Muncie
A Reston memory
Back in 1988, I visited the Reston site of the AMA Headquarters (Model Aviation, April 1988 issue). I was most impressed with the many historic models displayed, and I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with the folks there who were involved in our organization.
Such a visit elevates you from being just a member of the AMA. It gives you the opportunity to personally meet the people who are involved with our AMA.
A return visit to Muncie
Recently, I had a déjà vu visit. My wife, Pearl, and I were on our way to St. Louis for a U.S.S. Ranger reunion. We took scenic Route 24 south from Toledo. The road wound through trees showing their best fall colors, and roadside stands were overflowing with pumpkins and other fall garden produce. We really had to remind ourselves to concentrate on driving and the road—the colorful displays were at their peak. The changing of the seasons is a delightful bonus for living in that climate belt!
At Fort Wayne, we opted to make some time. Interstate 69 served our needs. In short driving time, we were tooling into Muncie for lunch. At the restaurant, we asked for directions to the AMA site. The waitress wasn't quite sure of the location, but a busboy overheard and remarked, "Oh, that's where they fly those models."
We exited from the highway, and several signs became silent directors to our destination. We spotted the farmhouse on one side and the large entrance sign bearing the AMA logo that was designed by Frank Zaic.
We went into the structure that housed the personnel and saw a number of models already exhibited in the lobby. More will be on display soon. We logged in and chatted with the friendly staff. We are planning a follow-up visit once AMA's move to Muncie is completed. After visiting the building, we toured the flying areas, and before leaving I assembled the kite I try to fly in all the historic locations I visit. Although there was no steady breeze, we did manage to photograph several successful launches.
Thoughts on Muncie and the future
Many rumblings have emerged about the Muncie deal. I can recall the same type of discord about the Experimental Aircraft Association's (EAA) venture in Wisconsin. The vision of a few men with determination and conviction has resulted in a magnificent EAA site. I am certain that AMA's new venture will have the same results at Muncie.
I am aware of the miles-from-the-site argument. However, our highway systems and airline specials can make a visit to Muncie a reality. (I can now attend ship reunions, whereas in the past I was unable to because of work, raising a family, or lack of ready cash.)
Modelers from the Detroit area regularly pile into a car or van and share the cost of driving to spend such weekends. Modelers find a way! I also am aware that some modelers in the country feel left out of the selection process. But look at our voting record—only a small percentage speak out; there must be an element in the ranks that takes hold, leads, and makes decisions.
The site in Muncie is a practical vision that will become a very successful and established site in the history of the AMA. Get high with the AMA at Muncie!
— Stephen E. Kanyusik
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
