The following is an expanded version of the November 2012 District X column from Model Aviation magazine. Additional photos not printed in the magazine are located here.

Jerry Deebach of the Tucson Radio Control Club shares with us an afternoon he spent at a recent aviation seminar.

A bright sunny Saturday morning in Southern Arizona was the stage for an FAA Safety Team, or FAAST Seminar to be held at the Sierra Vista Municipal Airport. This field is unique in that it is also home to Libby Army Airfield. The US Army, US Border and Customs, and during certain times of the year, US Forest Service occupies the south side of the airport, with civilian operations on the north side. The US Army also has a major training center for Unmanned Aircraft at nearby Fort Huachuca. The Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) site trains soldiers and US Marines as well as Australian military personnel.

The Flight Instructor who is the FAAST representative in our area works at the UAS training school as an instructor, as do I. When she asked if I could set up a display and provide a speaker for this event, I told her the AMA would be glad to interact with our full scale cousins. AMA legislative liaison, Rich Hanson stepped up, along with District X Associate Vice President Kevin Houser. Between the three of us, and Tucson Radio Control Club (TRCC) President Bill Barnitz, the AMA participation came to life fast. AMA HQ staff shipped display goods and a trade show backdrop.

Show day saw a number of TRCC members driving down to Sierra Vista to join a group of local R/C flyers. The indoor display was in the same hanger as the Seminar. Outside on the ramp the Army brought two UAV’s for display, the Shadow 200, and the Grey Eagle. This was the first time most in attendance had seen either of these aircraft up close.

During the breaks, the AMA Booth space and static displays were swarmed with curious Full Scale Pilots. The quality and size of these models amazed everyone. Bill Barnitz of the TRCC gave a great presentation on R/C flying and spoke to the interaction of AMA and FAA. After a fine lunch provided by the city of Sierra Vista, there was a question and answer/photo session. Ft. Huachuca provided vans for transportation to its museums, which have a rich history in Old West Arizona. The TRCC members were treated to a tour of the Air Traffic Control Tower, with its breathtaking view.

What a great day for AMA to interact with its FAA Big Brothers, and get a chance to see the UAV’s that are saving the lives of our Military Personnel.

Thanks goes to FAAST Representative JC Shine for asking us to help with this event, and to Rich Hanson, Kevin Houser, LTC Tim Timmons, and Joe Nelson for their great photos.

Please take a moment to check out the additional photos we have posted online. Until next month may you have nothing but happy landings.