Welcome back, everyone! I want to take a moment to welcome Tyler Dobbs officially to the position of AMA’s executive director (ED). Tyler took over the position as an interim appointment when Chad Budreau moved on. He was confirmed by the ED Selection Committee and AMA Executive Council as the new ED during the quarterly meeting in April.
I also want to acknowledge that this is the 50th anniversary of Model Aviation magazine in its current format! It has been a pleasure to be a contributor throughout the years and now as a District V vice president. Congratulations to the AMA Publications team and everyone involved.
I’ve often mentioned in this column about public perception and goodwill and the value of putting a good face on your club with the public and local officials. With that in mind, it was a pleasure to participate in the inaugural Gateway RC Public Air Show. Bill Daniel, president of Gateway RC in Jacksonville, Florida, organized the event (herding cats, really) that highlighted as many facets of model aviation as we could assemble in one place.
The Dawn Patrol crowd opened the event with a World War I gaggle of Giant Scale gas biplanes and triplanes, followed by World War II aircraft, foamies, and EDF and turbine jets. My buddy, Adam Strong, and I did an aerotow demonstration with my Hangar 9 XCub and 4-meter ASK 21 glider.
The event was promoted by the City of Jacksonville via its social media channels, and the local media was invited. More than 100 spectators showed up to watch and enjoy the weather, food, and flying demonstrations.
Until next month, stay safe.