Annual Aeronautics Expo slated for Jan. 9-11
Liset Márquez, Staff Writer
ONTARIO — The 11th Annual Academy of Model Aeronautics 2009 Expo featuring radio-controlled model airplanes, helicopters, trains, cars, boats and more - along with live demonstrations, will be at the Ontario Convention Center from Jan. 9-11.
The annual event, which is open to the public, helps bring modelers together, said Jeff Nance, director of marketing for the academy.
“We’re an organization that promotes education and the development of model activity,” he said.
The Academy of Model Aeronautics has more than 150,000 members, and there are more than 2,500 model flying clubs throughout the country, he said.
The expo, which is open to the public is one of the few chances the public will get to see all types of manufacturers of these models under one roof, Nance said.
The event will feature daily live demonstrations from pilot Nick Maxwell, a member of the academy.
“It is good not just for the kids but the whole family,” Nance said. “There is plenty to explore and plenty of activities.”
Since its inception in 1931, the academy has focused on handing out scholarships to children and have now reached $1 million awarded in college scholarships, Nance said.
Young people who have joined the academy take much more away than playing with a toy; many have gone onto join the air force,or studied engineering, he said.
“Learning about flying model aircraft helps you learn more about math activities, helps
you learn more about science activities,” Nance said. “Many went on and made a career out of it.”
Years ago model toys were gas-powered and the equipment itself was a little pricier, Nance said.
Now the switch has been made to electric-powered, forcing the price down.
“Now you can run into the hobby store and put it together in under one hour and teach yourself how to fly,” he said.
Expo hours are Jan. 9, noon to 6 p.m.; Jan. 10, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Jan. 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For ticket or other event information, call (800) I-FLY-AMA ext. 272 or visit www.modelaircraft.org
