This month’s episode of AMA Air is sponsored by XSRC HSDJETSUSA
Southeastern Model Show (“Perry Swap Meet”) Recap – (1:15)
The March 2025 episode of AMA Air, hosted by Matt Ruddick and Lee Ray, takes us on a deep dive into the Southeastern Model Show, better known as the Perry Swap Meet, one of the largest RC swap meets in the country. Taking place in Perry, Georgia, and spanning across three different buildings, this event attracts thousands of hobbyists every year. Lee was joined by Fitz Walker on his trip to the Perry Swap Meet, and though Lee didn’t bring home any planes himself, Fitz took care of filling up Lee’s trailer. Lee also captured time-lapse footage showing the swap meet’s setup, providing a unique perspective of the event, which is now shared on AMA’s Facebook page. Additional images of the Perry Swap Meet can be found on AMA’s Flickr page.
FAI F5J World Championship Preview – (9:19)
The episode provides a preview of the FAI F5J World Championship, which is taking place in Córdoba, Argentina. This international competition focuses on electric-powered thermal duration gliders. Tune in next month for the results!
AMA Air 10th Anniversary – (11:37)
2025 marks the 10th anniversary of AMA Air. To celebrate the milestone, each month Matt and Lee look back on a highlight clip from the show’s past. This month’s clip showcased a live on-location broadcast from Camp AMA in 2022. Matt and Lee reflect on what it was like to record an episode live in-person out on site.
Club of the Month — CARDS – (15:58)
This month, AMA Air recognizes the Capitol Area Radio Drone Squad (CARDS) in Lansing, Michigan, as Club of the Month. As a Gold Leader Club, CARDS boasts some of the best RC flying facilities in Michigan, boasting the largest model aircraft runway in the entire state of Michigan. The recognition highlights the club’s dedication to growing and supporting the hobby.
#IFlyAMA Facebook Group – (17:45)
The IFlyAMA Facebook group is featured as an active and supportive online community for RC enthusiasts where members share their model aircraft, flying experiences, and tips. A contest is held each month to choose the cover photo of the Facebook group. This month the winning photo was submitted by Johnnie Yaz!
Model Aviation Magazine Feature – (20:14)
In this month’s Model Aviation Magazine spotlight, Matt and Lee highlight an article on painting pilot busts for scale models. Written by contributor Stan Alexander, the article gives detailed advice on how to create realistic pilot figures, adding authenticity and detail to RC model aircraft.
Take Off and Grow Grant Deadline – (22:10)
As a reminder, the Take Off and Grow Grant, a funding opportunity for RC clubs looking to grow and promote the hobby, has its application deadline fast approaching. That deadline is April 1, 2025.
Upcoming Event Dates
Matt and Lee wrap up the show by discussing the following events AMA will have a presence at this Spring.
- Toledo R/C Swap Meet & Expo – April 4th-5th
- Purdue Aviation Day – April 5th
- California RCSupershow – April 12th-13th
- Dayton ModelRama – April 25th-26th
- SEFF Week – April 28th-May 3rd