AMA's 75th Anniversary

Written by Model Aviation staff As featured on page 42 in the November 2011 issue. Read an abridged summary from the article.

AMA’s 75th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, held July 14-17, was a successful gathering of many of our members and the local community. Airplane enthusiasts of all ages and disciplines took advantage of the festivities including daily airshows, seminars, NASA exhibits, vendors, and the gala.

The AMA’s education trailer provided attendees the chance to fly model airplanes on RC flight simulators. Once comfortable with the transmitter and the basics of flight, it was time to move on to the real thing—flying high-wing trainers with the help of an instructor. The smiles on the faces of these new pilots were all the thanks required to keep the instructors going all day!

Another form of “first flights” was taking place at Reese Airport in conjunction with the event. Young Eagles flights, through the local EAA Chapter, allowed countless children to come away experiencing their first-ever flight in a full-scale aircraft.

Throughout the celebration, the air was filled with aircraft—gas-powered, glow-powered, and electric motors. There were models of all kinds from Scale warbirds to park flyers. Although the majority of the action happened at Site 4, shuttle buses were on hand to ferry people to the training area, the CL flying site, the RC car track, the Soaring Nats venue, and Young Eagles event.

Evenings included many activities as well. Hot air balloons provided tethered rides to attendees and night flying was also an option.

The 75th Anniversary Gala Celebration at the Horizon Convention Center in downtown Muncie, Indiana, took place Friday night. The ballroom was beautifully decorated with aircraft and floral arrangements.

From the beginning, the AMA 75th Anniversary Celebration was planned with the member in mind. From the hats and shirts and other goodies the pilots received to the $75 cash giveaways, it was all about fun and fellowship and a way to say thank-you to AMA’s membership.

Thank you to everyone who came out to lend their support and make the 75th Anniversary Celebration feel like a big family gathering!