On July 11, 2026, AMA Foundation Executive Director Steve Haston attended Aviation Community Day in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was joined by AMA Acquisition & Member Benefits Manager Kenny Cassidy. Steve shared the following about his time at the event:
"Aviation Community Day 2026 started off with the kind of weather that makes me wonder how the day will turn out. Rain was falling kind of hard when Kenny and I arrived at the Indianapolis Aviation Technology Center with the AMA Model Aviation Experience Sponsored by Wing simulation trailer. I drove the trailer to the event, and we got everything ready while hoping for a good turnout. Still, the rain came.
"By 11 a.m., the rain had cleared and the event was packed. Families, students, and aviation professionals filled the hangar, all wanting to learn more about aviation and airplanes. All of a sudden, the simulation trailer was busy, and it stayed busy until we closed at 3 p.m. I estimate that about 180 kids had the chance to fly an airplane on the simulator. For many of them, it was their first time at the sticks. People of all ages went from being unsure to confident in just a few minutes. Those first flights, just like you and I had, show how model aviation can open the door to a lifelong interest in flight, engineering, technology, and discovery.
"Kenny was a natural throughout the day. He welcomed families, encouraged new pilots, answered questions, helped each child celebrate their progress, and connected with several potential new AMA members.
"We also made several promising contacts with others who share our drive for aviation and education. One of the best conversations of the day was with a commercial pilot and member of Women in Aviation. That conversation has already sparked an exciting new project. I cannot share the details yet, but it will be creative, meaningful, and fun. So, keep following the AMA Foundation—something very cool is beginning to take flight, and you won't want to miss it."
