Dream Flight

We're happy to announce the winner of the California Dream Flight Sweepstakes. Christopher Mayer, of Owatonna, MN, was randomly chosen from entries submitted by approximately 5,000 people.

The California Dream Flight sweepstakes challenged entrants to make a voluntary donation to the AMA Foundation to build a foundation for the future. The sweepstakes raised $15,000 within the entry period.

[caption id="attachment_2422" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Grand prize winner, Christopher Mayer[/caption]

Mayer’s prize included round-trip airfare for two to California; a three-day/two-night stay at DoubleTree by Hilton; free admission to AMA Expo, in Ontario, California; a rental car and a $250 food stipend; and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride in Lady Alice, a full-scale P-51 Mustang.

Chris was shocked when he learned he was the grand prize winner.

"No one really ever expects a call like this," he said. " To receive this call literally is the answer to a lifelong dream." A ride in a P-51 Mustang has been number one on his bucket list for as long as he can remember.

Chris has been involved in model aviation since 1981, devoting much focus over the last 15 years to large-scale WWII vintage aircraft. He has even passed on his passion to his sixteen-year-old son, Collin, who is already an accomplished RC pilot.  Chris says the hobby has allowed him to meet many fantastic people with similar passion and he enjoys sharing in their knowledge.

[caption id="attachment_2429" align="alignnone" width="1024"] "Lady Alice" owner and pilot Dr. Kendall Wagner, sweepstakes winner Christopher Mayer, and AMA Foundation board member Daniel Bott pictured in front of the P-51 Mustang[/caption]

 

 

A second prize, donated by ROTOR F/X, was awarded to Gerry Hinshaw, of Lathrop, MO. He won support services needed to apply for and obtain an FAA Section 333 exemption.

[caption id="attachment_2417" align="alignnone" width="980"] Second prize winner, Gerry Hinshaw[/caption]

Thank you to all who entered the sweepstakes, especially to those who made a donation in support of the AMA. The foundation is committed to providing resources for the next generation of aviators through AMA scholarships, government advocacy, club and flying site support grants, AMA Flight School and e-learning opportunities, and the preservation of more than 10,000 artifacts in the National Model Aviation Museum, located in Muncie, IN.

For more information about the AMA Foundation visit our website.