As you may already know, the AMA Foundation has recently launched a brand-new Copilot Recognition Program! This program was created to allow AMA pilots to show appreciation for their copilots, whether that person be their spouse, friend, child, or fellow club member.
This program was created after AMA Foundation Executive Director Steve Haston drew inspiration from his wife, Missy, and all that she's done to assist him in his aeromodeling journey. Steve shared the following about how the Copilot Recognition Program came to be:
"We have a new and exciting AMA Foundation program: the Copilot Recognition Program! But before I tell you about the program itself, let me tell you how it came to life.
"Almost 41 years ago, I met a young woman who was completely out of my league. She was 19, and somehow, I needed to impress her. So what did I do? I decided a good second date would be to take her to an empty parking lot and test-fly a model airplane I had built myself.
"This wasn't just any model. I had recently designed and stick-built my own RC scale replica of the Space Shuttle, completed with ducted-fan power and a few extra control surfaces that I added for stability. In my mind, this was a solid plan. She actually went ... can you believe that?
"To my great surprise, I actually got it airborne. Now, when I say 'airborne,' I mean about five feet off of the ground for maybe five seconds. Then it was back to sticks. In that moment, I remember thinking, 'Was this a great second date, or did I just crash and burn twice in one flight?'
"Well, more than 40 years later, I am still dragging her to the flying field. This is where the Copilot Recognition Program begins.
"Last year, while Missy and I were traveling to visit flying sites, members, and donors, she said, 'I am your copilot!' Then, she took it one step further and created the perfect tagline for this new program: 'I'm the Goose to your Maverick!' Do you get the reference?
"The truth is, so many of us rely on a copilot. It may be a husband or wife, a son or daughter, a boyfriend or girlfriend, a partner, or a close friend. Whoever that person is, they are often a major part of what keeps us going in this hobby and sport. They support the long drives, the late builds, the event weekends, the stories, the setbacks, and the victories. They encourage us, help us, and keep us flying.
"The AMA Foundation wants to help honor these special people. Through the Copilot Recognition Program, we will recognize 11 AMA District 'Goose' winners, and from those honorees, we will select one overall 'Goose of the Year!'
"This program is meant to celebrate the people behind the scenes who make so much possible. We also have some amazing merchandise connected to the program, and I hope you will check it out.
"Most importantly, I hope you will participate. Nominate the 'Goose to your Maverick' and show them how much you appreciate all they do. Let them know that their support matters! Because the truth is, none of us get very far alone."
