Hi David

I am getting a sense that there is a split within the waiver holders. It would seem that with about 750 waivers having been issued that there would be some unanimity within the community.

While I am aware of some of the issues that turbines are facing, I can not pretend to know all of them. I know that there are speed limiters that do not work reliably, that there is a desire to raise the amount of fuel that can be carried, above and beyond the 55 pound limit. That a 40 pound thrust limit was being sought, and that changes in the waiver process have been sought, as was inclusion in the experimental class. I know that you have fought for buddy box training, although I understand that issue has pretty well been resolved. I know that you are fighting the perception that every jet crash results in a fire.

My personal perception is that jet jockeys, on the whole, pay more attention to safety than any other segment of the modeling community. This is a relatively new set of technologies that are continuing to develop rapidly. I know the AMA has taken an attitude of “show me it’s safe, then we will talk”. The waiver process has been cumbersome and burdensome… and expensive. Again, personally, I think the AMA has taken the correct approach. I see the restrictions easing, but, a concern for safety that will continue. You are the elite of modeling, in more ways than one. I think you are always going to be held to a higher standard.

There seems to be unhappiness everywhere. Every segment is pointing at the other saying “they need more rules, but, not us”. The AMA is looked at by many members as a huge $10 million organization. The simple fact is that one catastrophic accident can destroy it, and, that is not limited to jets by any means. As you point out, you see the need for additional personal insurance coverage of $4 million. Where does that leave the club and/or the landowner? The AMA has an aggregate insurance limit of $15 million, with the rest of the AMA behind that. It is pretty obvious that the total $25 million may not be enough in the event of a catastrophe. What do you suggest the AMA do to insure that it continues as a viable organization? Is there any other choice than to take a relatively conservative approach to safety? Not just with reference to turbines, but in it’s overall approach to safety.

JR