Ross,

I will attempt to put my spin on your questions or comments...

1) Giant Scale Flying began many years prior to my involvement in the IMAA. I've been exposed to many long-time members and learned a great deal in a very short period of time. For more detail, I shared much of this in an article I submitted in the Winter HighFlight 2007, pg 74. Continuing on, Giant Scale flying in itself has changed a great deal since the original charter, so there's no real comparison to as it exists today. Its an apples to oranges comparison.

2) Increasing number of Giant Scale out side of IMAA? Absolutely! Again, my article addresses this very subject.

3) From what I've learned so far, IMAA seems to be strongest in the east-most part of the country. I visited a few clubs while I was on vacation in Arizona last March, and the consenses there was the same in TX. Creature of habit, repetition, old hang-outs, whatever the case, I'm pretty sure this is due to many years of participation of those in the IMAA and have not wanted to part from it. Those that don't is their choice.

4) IMAA was not based on 3D flying or the 40%'ers alone. Again, that style of flying and aircraft came into focus after IMAA was formed. 3D flying became more promanant after Quequi Somenzini had demonstrated it for the first time in a competition or demo somewhere many years ago. Someone told me when that actuall happened, but I forget. This evolved over the years (both 3D flying and 40%'ers) and its sole purpose (again, my opinion) in demonstrating the pilots individual flying skills and abilities to pushing the limits of our models. My son loves 3D flying, and I don't care for it.

Last but not least, I don't consider myself an expert on the IMAA by no stretch of the imagination. My main role is supporting the membership and the events that I sanction year around. I'm exposed to a lot of information and history along the process and I really enjoy what I'm doing.

David
#29132