1996 marks the 11th year of my participation with the Texas Airport Operators Conferences. Each year the Conference has been bigger and better, more participants and more exhibitors. I treasure the friends which I have come to know through these annual meetings.
My efforts over the years have been to increase understanding of the aircraft modeler by the full scale community and conversely to bring back to the Academy of Model Aeronautics some understanding of the problems which the full scale folks have faced in modelers. I proudly report to you that some of my efforts have borne fruit. There have been at least two new clubs formed which have been a result of my presence at the conferences. There have also been some “horror stories” which you have brought to me which we have discussed and tried to resolve.
I have continually urged that any modelers granted the use of airport facilities or to be involved in a special event at the airport be a Chartered Club of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Dealing with an established organization is necessary both for your confidence in the control of the modelers in following your rules as well as for the liability insurance which they can provide to you at no cost.
I was very gratified this year to learn of several airport organizations which have, or soon will be, involving modelers in shows and other events. Especially gratifying was the report from the City of Edinburg. The Airport Manager, Mr. Arnold Vera, invited modelers to use an abandoned runway thinking that 5 or 1 O people might participate. When 150 modelers attended, Mr. Vera brought the Mayor of the City out to see the event. The Mayor promptly directed that a permanent facility be built at the site!! Edinburg modelers now have their own runway, a ramp, and a covered pavilion with facilities!! I hope that this will be an association which will benefit both the airport and the modelers for many years.
I thank you all very much for the privilege of meeting with you for the past eleven years, and look forward with eager anticipation to number twelve!! Keep Them (Safely) Flying!!!
With warmest regards,
Bob Spivey
Academy of Model Aeronautics
Austin, Texas
Number twelve for Mr. Spivey will be April 9, 1 O, & 11, 1997. More details on the 1997 Texas Airport Operator’s Conference will follow in the next WINGTIPS issue.