Tony Stillman

Tony Stillman

"We Won Thanks For All your Help"

~~Candidate for~~ AMA District 5 VP

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Background:

I am an active modeler. I started modeling at the age of eight, building plastic models. I starting building flying model rockets at ten, and then control line when I was twelve years old. I built several rubber-power free flight models as well. I got into Radio Control flying at the age of fourteen and continue to enjoy models to this day.

I joined the AMA in 1971 and became a contest director in 1974, and have CD’ed and co-CD’ed many events including a number of local events as well as National and International events, including several USA Team Selections and World Championships. I was the pattern event director for the U. S. Nationals in 1992 & 1993, have CD’ed two World Championships in 1983 & 1999. I was the USA Pattern Team Manager for four USA World Championship Teams in 1993, 1995, & 1997, and in 2003, when we won the World Team Championships. I served as NSRCA District VP from 1992 to 1993 and NSRCA President from 1994 to 1997, and am currently serving my third term as President. On a local level, I have served in every office of my local club, which I joined in 1971. I have flown free flight, Control Line, R/C helicopters, scale, giant scale, pattern, IMAC, sailplanes, R/C assist old timers, and even some pylon racing and combat.

On July 16, 2003, I was inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame. I am also currently serving on the AMA Frequency Committee. On a local level, I have served in every office of my local club. I am currently involved in our local club field improvement committee.

I still enjoy flying today! I am a regular competitor on the FAI Pattern circuit, and attend the Nationals to compete each year. I have several models that I fly, including my own design that is currently being kitted by a national company. However, I don’t just fly pattern! I enjoy sport-flying with club members, and I am currently really enjoying flying indoor electric models in a local high-school gym. It is very relaxing, and we have a blast! Model flying is supposed to be FUN! In order for me to be an effective VP, I think it is important that I be a modeler first.

The main function of the AMA VP is to represent the district membership at national meetings where AMA policy is made. I will enlist counsel from the District Five membership in order to make informed decisions at Muncie. Most of this is done through the Associate VP’s that I will appoint. I will actively enlist interested, energetic modelers to serve with me in this area. I will make it a goal for myself or one of my AVP’s to visit your club at least once a year to hear from you!

There are so many specialties in model aviation today that it makes it virtually impossible to be knowledgeable in all aspect of the sport. When it comes to national policy-making at Muncie, I will seek out counsel from within the district. Let’s say a new policy is being discussed that would directly effect IMAC pilots. I want to be able to call someone from that group to get their opinion, if I don’t already know. This will help me to make intelligent, informed decisions.

It is vital that I surround myself with intelligent modelers who can give me counsel about the particulars with their special aspect of the sport. Not only with rules that effect competition fliers, but with everyday issues that would impact the sport flier as well. The sport flier is the heart and soul of modeling, and it will always be so. They may be the silent majority but they have concerns that must be addressed as well.

Each AMA District VP has access to funds to use within the district. These funds are used at the VP’s discretion, but should be carefully considered, so that all areas and all types of members are impacted. I will be accountable to my district membership as to how this money was spent each year.

Communication is something that has been overlooked within our district for many years. The monthly column in Model Aviation is good, but is grossly out of date by the time it is read! I will establish an up-to-date website that will allow easy access to me via e-mail. It will also create a way for anyone in the district to contact the AVP that serves their area of the district. In this way, the membership will be able to get any questions answered directly from me or an AVP. I will also establish e-mail lists and discussion boards as needed to help the membership communicate.

I will hold at least one annual meeting of the AVP’s and membership each year. This gathering will be held at a major event, so that the membership can ask questions and get answers.

The monthly column in Model Aviation will cover news from the Executive Council meetings, as well as cover events in our district. You can be sure that I will keep you informed about what is going on with your AMA on a national level. However, I will also feature reports from around the district. But not only will you read reports from me, you will also see reports from the AVP’s that are covering our huge district each weekend. I will strive to make the column informative as well as a way to feature events in our area.

As you can see, much work needs to be done! However, I can’t even start without your vote. I want you to be proud that you are an AMA member and that you are from District Five! Please take time to vote for me, and make sure your flying buddies vote as well! The future of District Five can be bright indeed!

Thank you for your support!

Contact:nneville@charter.net