AMA Hosts Eclipse Watchers, Promotes Model Aviation

On April 8, 2024, the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) in Muncie, Indiana, became a bustling hub of activity as over a thousand enthusiasts and spectators gathered to witness a rare total solar eclipse. The AMA IAC, recognized as an official viewing site, partnered with the city of Muncie to host this unique astronomical event, which captivated attendees with more than just a celestial phenomenon.

From 2010 (YouTube Version): Leading Air Show Performers Give Their Perspective and Advice

On December 6th through December 9th, the Paris Las Vegas Hotel hosted over 1,500 air show professionals and enthusiasts to the 2009 International Council of Air Shows Convention. Started in 1967, the annual ICAS Convention provides professionals a community forum in which to network with industry leaders, plan upcoming air shows, and offer continued support to fellow performers and representatives. This year's convention saw a two percent increase in attendance over the 2008 convention despite the struggling economy; ICAS President John Cudahy expressed optimism going into the 2010 air show season stating that the attendance at all air shows increased over 2009.  

Paul Poberezny's Lesser-Known Organizational Baby is In Good Hands

Paul Poberezny's work needs little introduction in the world of experimental aviation, sport flying, and hobbyist aeronautics, being attached to what has grown into a titan today. Sometimes, growth makes it easy to miss the little things, and today's "little guy" is smarting more than ever just looking at the price tags of "cheap" aircraft. Poberezny, seeing similar things while he was still with us, tried to forestall such a development, beginning the Sport Aviation Association, a group that centered itself entirely on the average everyday pilot. Now, a passionate group of industry vets have inherited the charter of Paul Poberezny's lesser-known organizational baby, and they're taking up his mission anew.

Classic Light Prop Gains More Options with a Price Cut, to Boot

The newest contender on the Ultralight scene is Ultra-Prop and their Ultra-Prop II, a new, lightweight design aimed at ultralights and experimental. The new Ultra-Prop II aims to strike the optimal balance between efficiency, weight, and performance in all phases of flight. The Ultra-Prop II sports enough adjustability to fine-tune the pitch as desired, with a variety of pitch blocks offered from 8 to 13 degrees. Ultra-Prop adds no twist to its blades, so those block measurements are essentially fairly comparable to blade angles on traditional offerings.