SCAM ALERT We received a call from a club officer about a phone scam they recently experienced. The scammer was sneaky – they went to the club’s website and grabbed the listed phone numbers of club officers, excluding the president. They texted each officer a statement similar to: “Hello, this is <president’s name>, Are you busy? I have an idea.” “Thanks! I was thinking it would be a great idea to reward our officers with a gift certificate for all their hard work with the club. I’m pretty tied up with some tasks right now, would you mind picking up $100 VISA gift cards that we can h ..read more

More than 1,000 spectators descended on the AMA International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) on April 8 to witness the Total Solar Eclipse in Muncie, Indiana.  The IAC was designated an official viewing location and worked with the city of Muncie to provide an experience like no other in recent memory. Dozens of AMA members joined the party and some camped and flew as well.   Spectators were able to get exposure to model aviation during the day of the eclipse with a visit to the National Model Aviation Museum, flying demonstrations, and AMA’s new simulator trailer.    ..read more

The flying is finished and Team USA’s, Senior category has taken first place at the FAI F1D World Championships for Indoor Model Aircraft in Slănic, Romania! From Left to right: Brett Sanborn (2nd), Yuan Kang Lee (1st), Corneliu Mangalea(3rd) The Junior team finished second. Individually, Kang Lee placed first in the Senior category, Daniel Guo finished on top in the Junior category, and Emily Guyette finished first in the Female Senior category. Read how they came out on top in David Lindley’s blog that followed the day-to-day action. https://thef1dblog.wordpress.com ..read more

We are excited to be a part of the Toledo RC Swap Meet, brought to you in part by the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA).   You don’t want to miss the RC Swap Shop, RC Industry Exhibitors, attendee giveaways, and much more!  Please be sure to stop by Jefferson Conference Room 1 for a meet-and-greet with Randy Adams, AMA District III vice president. This meet-and-greet will take place from 10:30-11:30 am on Friday and Saturday.  Plan now to attend this epic event at the Glass City Center, formerly known as the Toledo Seagate Center, on April 5-6!  Home ..read more

The following was submitted by AMA member David Ronningen:  It was a combination of trust on behalf of an Arizona resident and a huge coincidence that enabled a determined seller and a willing Colorado buyer to close a long-distance sale.  Terry Hauger, an Oro Valley, Arizona, resident was put in contact with 14-year-old Skylar Buckwald of Firestone, Colorado, through a Facebook marketplace site. Skylar was inquiring about a Multiplex Fun Cub RC airplane he had been seeking for quite some time and Terry had one to sell; however, a deal fell through after it was learned shipping cost ..read more

What are your plans for June 28-30 this year? Consider attending the AMA National Fun-Fly, which will take place on those dates at the International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) in Muncie, Indiana. This annual event, sponsored by Du-Bro, has been revamped and combined with a community day. Registration is now open!   The AMA Foundation team and AMA Headquarters staff have been working hard to make this gathering bigger and better than ever. In addition to three free days of fun-flying, pilots will be able to enjoy a free breakfast, a free dinner, a pilot hospitality tent, goody bags, f ..read more

The following press release was provided by AMA member Paul Stimmel. Press Release 2024 Dayton Modelrama Swap Meet and Auction Manufacturer and Distributor Expo www.daytonmodelrama.com April 26th & 27th Dayton, OH Montgomery County Fairgrounds Release Timeline – Ready Now Over 25 years of steady growth, “Dayton” (formerly known as the Midwest Modelrama) now fills the entire 42,000 sq ft Montgomery County Fairgrounds with 350 tables over 2 days.   The event is hosted by the Dayton Wingmasters AMA#499 It all started 25 years ago in an 80-table union hall, the show was very ..read more

By Rob KurekCommunications Director The Fédération Aéronautique International (FAI) has confirmed that drone racing will be featured at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China. The event is scheduled for August 7-17, 2025.  According to a FAI news release, this follows the debut of drone racing at the 2022 games in Birmingham, Alabama.  Although the venue is currently unknown, the FAI stated that preparations for the next event are already underway, including the selection of 32 drone pilots.   “Given the widespread appeal of this sport among youngsters, the FAI anticipates ..read more

By Rob KurekCommunications Director Did you know that US Drone Soccer shares a partnership with the AMA? Perhaps you are not even familiar with drone soccer. https://www.dronesoccer.us/ In essence, it’s a fast-paced event using drones and borrowing from the rules of soccer, all while embracing STEM education and attracting youth throughout the world. View a video below that explains how the program works and what motivates participants. We recently received a news release from US Drone Soccer updating the competition aspect of the sport. The release notes: “Students from across the country a ..read more

Registration is now open, so make your plans to attend now! To register for the 2024 Nats, visit the online Nats registration. The Outdoor Nats takes place July 7 through August 9 this year. To make RV camping reservations at the International Aeromodeling Center (IAC), visit our online camping reservation portal. Nats 2024 Calendar of Events Indoor Free Flight, July 1-5 RC Pylon Racing, July 7-12 RC/CL Scale, July 11-14 RC Scale Aerobatics, July 16-19 RC Soaring, July 20-28 Outdoor Fee Flight, July 22-26 RC Aerobatics (Pattern), July 29-August 2 RC Helicopter, August 4-7 Control Line (All ..read more