AMA partners with GoFly to support $2 million, two-year incentive competition to develop personal flying device
MUNCIE, IN—The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), the nation’s largest organization for model aircraft hobbyists, has partnered to support GoFly, a Boeing-sponsored incentive competition that encourages innovators to create a safe and easy-to-use personal flying device.
“AMA is excited to partner with GoFly in support of this creative initiative,” said Dave Mathewson, AMA executive director. “AMA has always supported advancements in aviation technology, and we look forward to witnessing the success of the GoFly program.”
Throughout history, model aircraft have been used to make early assessments and determine whether a full-scale aircraft is acceptable for its intended mission. The AMA continues to support Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs that encourage participation in aviation.
The two-year, three-phase competition, managed by GoFly with Boeing as the grand sponsor, will challenge teams to design and build a safe, quiet, ultra-compact, near-VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) personal flying device capable of flying 20 miles while carrying a single person. The challenge includes three prize levels:
- Phase 1 offers 10 prizes at $20,000 each, based on paper technical specifications.
- Phase 2 offers four prizes at $50,000 each, based on a VTOL demonstration.
- Phase 3 prizes are awarded at a final flyoff for a total of $1.6 million.
For more information about the GoFly prize, or to sign up for the competition, please visit GoFly.
It appears as if AMA is stepping outside of the realm of model aviation on this one.
This will deplete some of our resources that could be utilized more for the scope of what AMA is and stands for.
What the heck are you guys in Muncie thinking? First it was courting the drone flyers, look where that led. FAA all over modeling. What does this have to do with MODEL AVIATION? Are we now part of EAA? Guys, you are losing touch with the membership. Wake up!
My first reaction is “We are modelers.” This has little to do with modeling and is a huge departure from my interest area and is a distraction. Let the EAA be part of this. Stay focused, my friends.
How is this model aviation?
Why are we getting involved in general aviation while we have enough issues to deal with in model aviation. Is there some of our budget being used for this.
Why are we getting involved with general aviation when we have enough issues with model aviation to deal with? Is there any of our budgeted monies going for this. Seems off base to me.