Welcome back,everyone! AMA members elected District X Vice President (VP) Greg Stone to the office of AMA president. Congratulations to Greg! While he has big shoes to fill on the heels of Rich Hanson’s tenure, I’m excited to see what fresh perspectives he brings to the office.
You are also stuck with me for another term. If you aspire to being elected to the office of the District V VP, I officially term-out in three years, so get your Leader Member status if you don’t have it and start thinking about taking a turn to volunteer.
I feel likeI write about this a lot. I’m always amazed at the rules that clubs come up with in the name of "safety" that are pushed through by those who want to control what others fly but, in fact, contribute nothing to address actual safety concerns.
I challenge clubs to review their safety and field rules with an open mind and consider revising rules that are aimed at curbing 3D airplanes, helicopters, turbines, or whatever isn’t flown by them. If you have a rule against gas engines because the club is near a neighborhood, or have limited operating hours to be a good neighbor, by all means; however, if you have a rule against helicopters because they look scary doing 3D maneuvers, or against turbines because you don’t understand them, maybe it’s time to address the rules.
It’s been my observation that some of the growing areas of the hobby are 3D airplanes (gas and electric), turbine jets, and helicopters because younger members are drawn to them. Don’t run them off because you have to wait a few minutes to fly a warbird or trainer.
Speaking of jets, I had the pleasure of attending Jets Over DeLand at the beginning of November 2025. Hosted by the DeLand Golden Hawks, this event takes place at the club field, which resides on a closed runway at the municipal airport in DeLand, Florida. There were more than 70 pilots. Contest Directors Mike Setteducati and Bruce Pennington did a great job.