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Kevin Conners wins AMA Foundation Sweepstakes

Congratulations to Kevin Conners of Westbrook, CT, the 2016 winner of the AMA Foundation for the Future Sweepstakes. Kevin and his brother-in-law flew to California for the ride and to attend AMA Expo. Kevin was really excited to win. He had been checking modelaircraft.org to see if a winner had been selected. “When I called you and was told I had been selected, I was surprised, and excited, and felt very fortunate to be the winner. The ride in the P-51 will be remembered and treasured forever!” Kevin said. Dr. Kendall Wagner has agreed to donate another ride in 2017.

 

Congratulations to Kevin Conners of Westbrook, CT, the 2016 winner of the AMA Foundation for the Future Sweepstakes. Kevin and his brother-in-law flew to California for the ride and to attend AMA Expo. Kevin was really excited to win. He had been checking modelaircraft.org to see if a winner had been selected. “When I called you and was told I had been selected, I was surprised, and excited, and felt very fortunate to be the winner. The ride in the P-51 will be remembered and treasured forever!” Kevin said. Dr. Kendall Wagner has agreed to donate another ride in 2017. Stay tuned for more information, and make sure to visit our website to learn more about Kevin and his experience, amafoundation.modelaircraft.org.     [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OXGNvIaocM[/embed]

Kentucky Float Flyers granted five years for access to land in their community

The Kentucky Float Flyers has been awarded with a $75 Club Recognition and Reward Grant by the AMA for their float-fly charity event held on Memorial Day. The Kentucky Float Flyers are a unique club to aviation hobbyist, they flow over water. While the club was waiting to board approval to receive access to this land to use for their club, they put in all their efforts to host a charity for the community. They chose to donate to several charities including, Winchester Youth Soccer League, the Clark County Animal Shelter and the Nursing Home Ombudsman Association.

 

The Kentucky Float Flyers has been awarded with a $75 Club Recognition and Reward Grant by the AMA for their float-fly charity event held on Memorial Day. The Kentucky Float Flyers are a unique club to aviation hobbyist, they flow over water. While the club was waiting to board approval to receive access to this land to use for their club, they put in all their efforts to host a charity for the community. They chose to donate to several charities including, Winchester Youth Soccer League, the Clark County Animal Shelter and the Nursing Home Ombudsman Association. The club was able to raise hundreds of dollars for each charity. For their commitment to the community, the club was granted another five years to access to the land. The AMA Foundation thanks organizations, like the Kentucky Float Flyers, for truly making a difference in our communities.   12920348_1758126267736020_481754056195417562_n

Coachella Valley RC Gold Leader Club hosts fly-in for Wounded Warriors and Rebuilding American Warriors

Coachella Valley Radio Control Club enjoyed their weekend hosting an annual War Birds Fun Fly benefiting Wounded Warrior Project and Rebuilding American Warriors.  The event had more than 30 pilots flying model military airplanes from World War I and II. Coachella Valley Radio Control Club has remained a Gold Leader Club for consecutively 12 years. They allow anyone at any age  to join their club if they wish to fly planes and are passionate for the hobby. “This is just one of those thousand points of light for people to enjoy that helps others at the same time.

 

Coachella Valley Radio Control Club enjoyed their weekend hosting an annual War Birds Fun Fly benefiting Wounded Warrior Project and Rebuilding American Warriors.  The event had more than 30 pilots flying model military airplanes from World War I and II. Coachella Valley Radio Control Club has remained a Gold Leader Club for consecutively 12 years. They allow anyone at any age  to join their club if they wish to fly planes and are passionate for the hobby. “This is just one of those thousand points of light for people to enjoy that helps others at the same time. We are so proud of our facility and the fact that it was built with no public money” said club President, Dan Metz. Dan3-248x298 The AMA Foundation admires the non profit club for working to make a difference in the community and sharing their love of model aviation to all. To view the full story, view here.  

Get to know scholarship recipients Connor Barnes and Tyler McCormack

High school graduates Connor Barnes and Tyler McCormack might have different career goals in mind, but the one thing they have in common is that they’re passionate about aeromodeling.

 

High school graduates Connor Barnes and Tyler McCormack might have different career goals in mind, but the one thing they have in common is that they’re passionate about aeromodeling. [caption id="attachment_3361" align="alignright" width="300"]tylerandconnor Tyler McCormack (left) and Connor Barnes (right)[/caption] Connor of Mooresville, North Carolina, began flying RC Giant Scale aircraft when he was 11 years old, and Tyler, Sandown, New Hampshire, began when he was 10. Both attended the RC Scale Aerobatics Nats this year. Connor was judging and Tyler was competing in the event. They seemed to be having fun at the event, held at the International Aeromodeling Center, Muncie, Indiana. Connor and Tyler said that they plan to continue flying. Tyler plans to fly model aircraft at night, but Connor hopes to fly something much larger while studying commercial aviation and unmanned aircraft systems at University of North Dakota. Tyler’s scholarship of $9,500 is helping pay for his education at Northern Essex Community College, where he is studying computer sciences and information technology. After graduation, he hopes to get a job in that field. “It’s gonna help out a lot the first two years,” he said of the scholarship money. Some of Tyler’s aeromodeling friends told him about the AMA scholarship program and he decided to apply. “I was fairly surprised about the amount. I was shocked,” he commented. It was clear that Connor also felt fortunate to receive an AMA scholarship. “It means a lot being [selected]. I know I have the support of AMA and it shows that they really care about the future,” he said. “It’s very nice of [AMA]. An aviation career is really expensive. It’s not the tuition but it’s the flight costs. For a year it’s about $20,000 on top of the tuition.” Connor, who received a $2,000 scholarship,  had some advice for other prospective college students who are considering applying for an AMA scholarship. “It never hurts to apply for them. It’s always worth a shot because you never know how many will apply.” On the subject of applying, high school seniors can now apply for 2017 AMA scholarships. The link to the scholarship application is available at amaflightschool.org/ama-scholarships and applications are due by February 1, 2017.

Bob Underwood instrumental in scholarship program's success

If it weren’t for Bob Underwood’s hard work and dedication—and the help of other members of the AMA Scholarship Committee—AMA might not be celebrating awarding a total of $1 million in scholarships. Bob, a chairman and member of the AMA Scholarship Committee for approximately 35 years, was instrumental in the scholarship program’s success. He was thrilled when he found out that the program had reached this milestone. “I felt very happy about that. That was very nice,” Bob stated. “In those early years [of the program], we were giving away a total of $2,000, or $3,000, or $4,000 a year.

 

If it weren’t for Bob Underwood’s hard work and dedication—and the help of other members of the AMA Scholarship Committee—AMA might not be celebrating awarding a total of $1 million in scholarships. Bob, a chairman and member of the AMA Scholarship Committee for approximately 35 years, was instrumental in the scholarship program’s success. He was thrilled when he found out that the program had reached this milestone. “I felt very happy about that. That was very nice,” Bob stated. “In those early years [of the program], we were giving away a total of $2,000, or $3,000, or $4,000 a year. “The fact that it did eventually reach that sum is great. I am so pleased to see us hit that $1 million number!” According to Bob, the late Cliff Telford established the AMA Scholarship Committee in approximately 1970, and Bob joined the committee in 1973. The committee members spent countless hours setting up criteria and guidelines by which the scholarship candidates could be evaluated. [caption id="attachment_3351" align="alignleft" width="300"]BobUnderwood2 Bob Underwood (right) and Jeff Troy (left) at AMA's 75th anniversary celebration in 2011.[/caption] In the early days of the scholarship program, it was funded purely by donations and later by setting aside 15¢ of dues collected from each Open paid member. That figure was later increased to 30¢ per paid Open member, according to Bob. Today, the program is funded through donations, member dues, and endowments. Gordon Schimmel, who became the chairman of the AMA Scholarship Committee after Bob retired, had some nice things to say about him. “Bob was not the only person to recognize that the strength of model aviation was in the educational growth of future generations, but he was (and is) an outstanding example of AMA members who walk their talk through decades of service to the organization. His dedication and support of the scholarship program, as well as other committee work over the years, was fundamental in helping the Academy become what it is today—a highly respected leader in the field of aerospace education.” Gordon added that while serving on the committee, Bob was also “serving in numerous other capacities for the AMA, including stepping in as interim executive director at a critical time when the Academy was being relocated from Reston, Virginia, to Muncie, [Indiana].” Bob retired from the scholarship committee in roughly 2009. In addition to serving as interim executive director for AMA, Bob has held leadership roles in two clubs, created an annual model air show to raise money for the Missouri Park Board Scholarship Fund, served on the Radio Control Contest Board, was elected District VI vice president in 1983, and was inducted into the AMA Model Aviation Hall of Fame in 1997. He currently serves as an Associate Vice President for District VI, is a voting member of the AMA Model Aviation Hall of Fame Committee, and is a member of the FAI Executive Committee.

Beresford Area Radio Flyers donate to swimming pool funds

The Beresford Area Radio Flyers Club has been awarded a $75 Club Recognition and Reward Grant by the AMA for their generous donation to Mayor Jim Fedderson for the swimming pool project. The club was mentioned in the Beresford Republic newspaper honoring them and their dedication to aviation. The club mentions their attachment to the Academy of Model Aeronautics and says that the AMA promotes all types of model aviation. The club also mentions they are able to use the Beresford Flying Field due to being members of the AMA.

 

The Beresford Area Radio Flyers Club has been awarded a $75 Club Recognition and Reward Grant by the AMA for their generous donation to Mayor Jim Fedderson for the swimming pool project. The club was mentioned in the Beresford Republic newspaper honoring them and their dedication to aviation. The club mentions their attachment to the Academy of Model Aeronautics and says that the AMA promotes all types of model aviation. The club also mentions they are able to use the Beresford Flying Field due to being members of the AMA.   The Beresford Area Radio Flyers are actively working toward promoting educational programs to school classes, civic groups and scouting organizations. They encourage anyone with a passion for aviation to come check them out.

Sonoran Desert Flyers Makes an Impact on Members

The Sonoran Desert Flyers pilots do their best to provide great experiences to those who are interested in learning more about model flying. Over the years the members have impacted hundred of people, including new pilot Ryan. Ryan, 40- years old, has Cerebral Palsy, a disability that causes muscle spasms, slow growth, and involuntary movement. Despite all of this, he is a practicing psychiatrist. His father, Steve, took him out to the Sonaran Desert Flyers field to learn more about model flying-a hobby he believed would be fun for him to try.

 

The Sonoran Desert Flyers pilots do their best to provide great experiences to those who are interested in learning more about model flying. Over the years the members have impacted hundred of people, including new pilot Ryan. Ryan, 40- years old, has Cerebral Palsy, a disability that causes muscle spasms, slow growth, and involuntary movement. Despite all of this, he is a practicing psychiatrist. His father, Steve, took him out to the Sonaran Desert Flyers field to learn more about model flying-a hobby he believed would be fun for him to try. With the help of the Sonoran Desert Flyers, they were able to set up a day for Ryan to fly on a Tuesday morning, even though their typical flying day was Saturday. They packed up all their gear, found their club trainer, and set flight. Ryan enjoyed the experience so much that he will continue flying. The club is setting him up with a transmitter tray to smooth out his hand movements. The Sonoran Desert Flyers makes it possible for everyone to enjoy the love of model aviation. Bob Schuman, member of SDF, states, “All in all, this is what SDF does best. Stop by and meet them, your life will be better.”   Ryan SDF with Ryan

Sarasota Warbirds Awarded with Club Recognition and Reward Grant

The Academy of Model Aeronautics has recently awarded the Sarasota RC Squadron with a $175 Club Recognition and Reward Grant. The Warbirds were featured in Suncoast News Network for their Feel Good Friday Feature. The Sarasota RC Squadron hosted a fly-in benefiting the Sheriff’s Associations. The event was open to anyone interested in the hobby and encouraged attendees to bring a stuffed bear for cops to keep in the back of their car if a child is ever found to be in a bad situation.

 

The Academy of Model Aeronautics has recently awarded the Sarasota RC Squadron with a $175 Club Recognition and Reward Grant. The Warbirds were featured in Suncoast News Network for their Feel Good Friday Feature. The Sarasota RC Squadron hosted a fly-in benefiting the Sheriff’s Associations. The event was open to anyone interested in the hobby and encouraged attendees to bring a stuffed bear for cops to keep in the back of their car if a child is ever found to be in a bad situation.   Board member, David Speed, said the event was “nothing but radio control warbirds in honor of the veterans that worked on planes from WWI, WWII and the Vietnam War.” The event had a multitude of planes flying such as, real jets, P25’s, P51’s and airplanes ranging from $400 to $10,000. Warbirds The AMA Foundation would like to thank the Sarasota RC Squadron for their efforts in raising over 40 bears for children. Their dedication to the hobby does not go unnoticed. warbirds event The AMA Club Recognition and Reward Program was established to encourage clubs to promote model aviation. The AMA offers clubs cash incentives for positive local media coverage for a public event, public service, club announcement, or other coverage. Click here to learn more about this program.    

Ready Made RC to host FPV Fest, June 16-18, 2017 at AMA Headquarters

Save the date for FPV Fly-In event on Friday, June 16 to Sunday, June 18, hosted by Ready Made RC. The fly-in will be held at the International Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana. Proceeds from the event will generously donated to the AMA Foundation. Visit the event page on Facebook to learn more.

 

Save the date for FPV Fly-In event on Friday, June 16 to Sunday, June 18, hosted by Ready Made RC. The fly-in will be held at the International Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana. Proceeds from the event will generously donated to the AMA Foundation. Visit the event page on Facebook to learn more. FPV Fest  

River City Radio Control Club Club Recognition Reward and Grant

The Academy of Model Aeronautics has awarded the River City Radio Control Club with $175 with a Club Recognition and Reward Grant. The 25 member RC club was featured in a  Vicksburg Living Magazine article. The article featured the River City Radio Control Club member Sam Pitchford, an aviation hobbyist since the  1960’s. Pitchford talked about his love for model aviation and how he got started on the hobby.  “It’s good therapy. When you’re flying you can’t think of anything else but what you’re doing. Your problems disappear.

 

The Academy of Model Aeronautics has awarded the River City Radio Control Club with $175 with a Club Recognition and Reward Grant. The 25 member RC club was featured in a  Vicksburg Living Magazine article. The article featured the River City Radio Control Club member Sam Pitchford, an aviation hobbyist since the  1960’s. Pitchford talked about his love for model aviation and how he got started on the hobby.  “It’s good therapy. When you’re flying you can’t think of anything else but what you’re doing. Your problems disappear. They’re not around when you’re flying that airplane.” said Pitchford. The members of the River City Radio Control Club utilize the Crosswind Air Park. The air park is an old landfill off of 16th Section school property, however, when it closed the club began leasing the field. Now you will find the club out every Sunday afternoon and on some days throughout the week. The members have a wide range of model airplanes from P-51’s to aerobatic craft and home built airplanes costing up to $5,500. One particular member of the AMA, President Phillip Cameron, is currently working on building a model of World War II B-17  bomber. He has previously built a B -17 RC model plane and an electric plane. The Vicksburg Living Magazine discusses how all members of the River City Radio Control Club are members of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Richard Dunaway, the clubs longest member, states “It protects us and the landowners. Our membership is open to anyone as long as they are AMA certified and flies a plane.” The AMA Foundation appreciates the members of the River City Radio Control Club for their membership and dedication in the organization. The AMA Club Recognition and Reward Program was established to encourage clubs to promote model aviation. The AMA offers clubs cash incentives for positive local media coverage for a public event, public service, club announcement, or other coverage. Click here to learn more about this program.

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