I started flying glow fuel in the mid 90s. In order to fly, I needed an AMA Card. Being in So Cal at that time, there were no fields I could fly without the AMA insurance. So I joined. And I joined a chartered club, “The American Model Airport Association,” originally located in Chino. They had a field at a place called Fishermans retreat in Redlands, California. That is where I soloed under the guidance of Mr. Henry Arance. As time passed, I became a contest director, club secretary, VP, then a brief stint as President.
During this time, I found I really liked racing. I raced at Fisherman’s retreat, Whittier Narrows, and the Apollo 11 field.
In late 2005, I sold my business and migrated to Scio, Oregon. I joined a local club, Lebanon Area RC.
I have switched to racing Drones now. I rarely fly Line of Sight, mostly FPV these days. For the last few years, I have been the race director for all races in Oregon (drones). Always keeping my AMA insurance. I always felt that the people who carry this insurance show a level of commitment to safety, that I just did not see in “non insured” pilots.
So, I have insisted my drone pilots carry this insurance also. As a whole, my group of pilots are very safe to fly with. We self police, and do all we can to prevent any accidents from occurring. As of next month, I am stepping down as race director for my group. I continue to be on the board with Lebanon Area RC. 2 reasons. Its really not that much fun flying alone, and AMA pilots are the safest bunch to fly with.
The picture is my drone pilots, who ALL carry AMA, if for no other reason than I wont let them race without it.
