Decision Time

If you have read Sport Aviator for any length of time, you know that I only write here when there is an important need to tell you something. Sport Aviator exists solely to help newer model pilots, their instructors while also recruiting new pilots from the general public. Therefore, our readers need information and really don’t need to hear ramblings and opinions from me unless they have a question or need help. When they do, they email me at EditorSptAviator@aol.com and I try to help. But now there is something to say so here goes.

First, allow me to thank everyone for making Sport Aviator the success it has become. Without the support of our hundreds of thousands of readers (the company counting Sport Aviator readers calls you “Unique Visitors” but we consider you the people for whom we exist), Sport Aviator would not be the publication it is today. Without your support, it might not even have remained a publication these past four years!

Second, we need your advice. For the past four years, Sport Aviator has presented a mix of basic and mid-level technical information, piloting how-to’s, aircraft reviews and some event coverage just to let newer pilots know how varied and deep a sport model aviation truly is.

The aircraft reviewed and technical information presented has been about an even mix between glow power and electric propulsion. The aircraft have ranged from RTF Basic Trainers to aircraft suitable for second or, at most, third aircraft. The only helicopters reviewed have been the beginner level, twin-rotor versions and the “next step up” – small, single blade electric powered basic machines. The piloting information has been from” How to Land” to “Performing Advanced Maneuvers.”

All the article decisions have so far been made by the Sport Aviator staff (better known as just little (?), OK big, ole` me) plus some help from those at Model Aviation. I think it is time for a second opinion. And it is past time we should have asked our readers to provide that opinion.

Third, we would like your opinion to help us guide future article content. Please write me a short email about the following:

1)      How has Sport Aviator helped your modeling career in the past?

2)      Did Sport Aviator help entice you into joining the sport and/or the AMA?

3)      What you think of the publication’s past content mix?

4)      Would you change the product review mix listed above and, if so, how?

5)      Would you suggest that Sport Aviator have information forums for readers?

6)      What other improvements would you suggest AMA make to Sport Aviator? (Be as practical as possible on this one but please give us your true thoughts.)

I know, these are essay questions and require work to answer. A multiple choice question survey would be easier and there definitely will be one in the near future. But multiple choice surveys provide only numerical answers and then only to those subjects we think to ask about in the first place. But I need to understand your real thoughts on these subjects plus new ones our staff didn’t think, or know, to ask about.

So, please email me at EditorSptAviator@aol.com with your answers to the above six questions plus any other short thoughts you might wish to share. Knowing the dedication of our readers and their intense desire to participate in our sport, I expect, and hope, that there will be a goodly number of suggestions. If so, it might not be possible for me to answer all the emails but they will be read, seriously considered and shared with AMA management.

Thank you again for being the most important part of Sport Aviator and for your help on this. I look forward to reading your suggestions sent to me at: EditorSptAviator@aol.com

Frank Granelli
Editor – Sport aviator
E-Mail - EditorSptAviator@aol.com