About 18 years ago, right after the birth of our first son, Stephen, the Radio controlled airplane addiction began!! After flying circles round and round in the air for years, we were introduced to "Precision" flying, which turned into an "IMAC Passion". IMAC has so much to offer its members. The camaraderie and friendships are second to none. It also offers a self-paced program where one can improve his or her precision skill sets through the five offered classes of IMAC. I find so much joy in flying a sequence or an  unknown sequence, and experiencing the ups and downs that come with each flight.

I have been involved in IMAC at one level or another for the past 10 years. It has been my pleasure to witness the tremendous growth in the organization. I have seen substantial progress in the equipment, airframes, and the new infusion of very talented pilots. The weekend road trips with Linda, Jordan and Stephen, and sometimes Buddy, our Jack Russell, are events I really look forward to.  Each contest brings a new set of weather conditions, a new face to meet, and another fun-filled weekend! IMAC is a part of the Flying Hamilton’s. I hope the IMAC Bug bites you as well. It certainly provides many rewarding moments of joy and fun!

After 27 years of working in nuclear medicine, I can tell you this much, any day spent flying, coaching, building, repairing airplanes, and leading this organization is better than the best day at the office!!!

Don Hamilton

I started flying at 10 years old. I flew pattern from that time until 2000. I'm a past National Champion in pattern. I flew in the TOC, Don Lowe Masters, and Invitational class at the Shootout. Many time finalist in F3A at the NATS and U.S.Team Trails. I've flown in 20 NATS competitions. Started flying IMAC in 2004 and have enjoyed every minute of it. Precision Aerobatics in either discipline is a great challenge. I've been married to beautiful and very supportive wife Kim for 8 years. We have 3 children. Our son Hayden, and twin girls Ali and Gracie.

Rick Byrd

1990 was the year I started out in IMAC in the Basic class. Presently I fly in Unlimited. Having attended IMAC’s Judging Instructor’s class in Ohio 2003 I was appointed as a South East Judging Instructor and organized & taught 6 IMAC Judging Schools, including the first IMAC National/International School in Jacksonville FL in 2008.  My judging experience includes the Don Lowe Masters, Tucson Aerobatic Shootout & also as the Chief Judge at the recent Clover Creek Invitational in Tennessee.

At the present time, I am Chairman of the IMAC Sequence Committee and elected as the Secretary of IMAC in January 2009.  I really do love flying & judging aerobatics.

Wayne Matthews

I have been interested and intrigued by airplanes my entire life. I have served two terms as president, three years as news letter editor, and for the past nine years, treasurer for my local flying club, the Winston-Salem Radio Control, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

I first began competing in Precision Aerobatics about 25 years ago and have competed in seven NATS. I have been Contest Director for numerous pattern competitions at local clubs. In 1999, my interests turned solely to IMAC. I then began holding local contests for IMAC competitions. I was Co-Director for the Scale Aerobatic NATS in 2004 and 2006, and the Event Director in 2007 and 2008. I’ve been married to my lovely wife, Rhonda, for 12 years, and those who know me, know that she has always supported me in every endeavor I have taken on in this hobby.

I was appointed IMAC Treasurer in May 2004 to complete the 2003-2004 term. I was elected for the 2005-2006 term, re-elected for 2007-2008 term, and again re-elected for the 2009-2010 term. I am an avid member of IMAC and passionate about its growth worldwide. Your confidence in my abilities speaks loudly. I will continue to bring the experience and commitment needed to uphold the duties of this position.

Phil Vance

1986 my son was born and I found radio control airplanes that year. My interest was always to fly the most aerobatic airplane I could find. Early on it was a Chipmunk and then Goldberg Ultimate bipes and now I am starting my 7th year in Unlimited flying. The 30 years as an educator was enjoyable .....and now a gradual accumulation of responsibilities have come my way and that makes me happy. President of my home club for 12 years, AMA contest coordinator for 10 years, AMA AVP 2008, Scale Aerobatic Contest Board 3 years, a year on the ISC, Associate Regional Director for a number of years, and now the Regional Director of the South West. My biggest thrill is making the Tucson Shootout each year and trying to improve enough to challenge the youngsters that seem to be proliferating as each new year dawns. The challenges ahead for me and for IMAC are a constant source of satisfaction as well as just another opportunity to excel in this life. I just hope to continue this passion for flying as long as I can and I hope to pass it on to many.

Tim Attaway

I have been flying model airplanes since I was 11 years old. Throughout my life, its something I have never really taken a break from. I wish I could say Model Airplanes kept me out of trouble when I was a kid but, my parents would argue that point. I look at it as I would have been in deeper trouble without the distraction of flying RC.

I have flown everything from Gliders to Helicopters to Quickee 500 racers. In my 30 years of RC, nothing has held my attention the way IMAC has.  I enjoy the people we see every weekend throughout the summer and I love the competition aspect of our part of the hobby.

I am employed as a Corporate Pilot for State Farm Insurance Company. I have been married to my wife Karen for 13 years and she and my two daughters completely support my obsession with IMAC. I am very lucky.

Wayne Geffon

In 2004, I heard about a precision style of flying that involved duplicating full scale planes. I had been a pattern flier from back in the early 80's, so it peeked my interest. I went to my first contest in Sherman Tx. and was hooked ever since. I have been in R/C since 1978. In my years of flying, I have flown everything from trainers to jets to heli’s. I have been my local clubs Vice-President now for 4 years. I am on my second year of working on the ISC and enjoying it. I spent the last two years as the SCARD and Chief judging instructor. I have helped with putting on our regions last three judging schools.

My everyday life includes (at this time) being engaged to a great gal which most everyone knows in the SC area. She reads and calls Aresti better than most. I am the Director of the Paramedic Program at Kilgore College. I have been in EMS for over twenty years and been teaching for 13 years. I have 3 grown kids on their own and a 15 year daughter. I also have two wonderful little ones (future step children). I hope to convert one to an IMAC pilot one day.

There is still many challenges in our region and I plan to do the best job I can to promote our IMAC contests.

Eddie Bernaldez

I've been flying model airplanes continuously of all sorts for 7 years now. I started when I was a teenager then along came family so I had to take a break.
I then discovered IMAC and I have been hooked ever since. I love the competition and the friendships I have made in the 5 years since I came back. I look at IMAC as a way to immensely improve my flying skills and promote IMAC in anyway I can. I hold several IMAC primers throughout the year as well as take time to work with the kids from the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

I started working with these kids when I lived in Orlando and flew General Aviation. Since I can no longer fly GA I decided to use model aviation as the tool and even had a little contest with the kids to decide what type of graphics went on my all white Comp-Arf Extra 260, hence Casper was born and has been a huge hit since.

I'm employed by Verizon Business and a Senior Network Security Analyst at our ICSA Labs division in Mechanicsburg Pa. I'm really lucky since most all of the upper management where I work are GA nuts and all at one point or another have been to the field to watch me practice. The company supports me in IMAC and the foundation so they see to it I get the time off I need to support my "habit"
Bill James

I was born in Pensacola, Florida and have lived most of my life in North Carolina. Currently, I reside in Catawba County, NC. I have been married 25 years to Nancy, and we have two sons, Matthew and Anthony.

I have been flying radio-controlled aircraft for more than twenty years. I have been president of my local flying club for over ten years. After flying one year in Basic, one year in Sportsman, one year in Intermediate, and one year in Advanced, I have flown the last four years in the Unlimited Class.

You can reach me at 828-612-3726 or via email at serd@mini-iac.com. I welcome your correspondence and feedback.

Mark McClellan

  I have flown R/C off & on since 1978 and caught the IMAC bug 11-12 years ago. I live in Spokane Washington and it all started out innocently enough as a flying buddy of mine (a previous pattern flyer) said we should go fly a small local Imac contest for fun. Well, I left that contest with my Goldberg Ultimate still intact and that was all it took, I was hooked. I attended a couple more local contests and then traveled over to the Seattle area and entered Sportsman for my first Northwest points contest and had a blast. I flew Sportsman at the Imac Nationals in Toledo Ohio in the late 90's then moved to Advanced for about 5 years and now fly in the Unlimited class.

After 10 plus years, numerous different airplanes, meeting a great bunch guys, and the same wife (Thank you honey) I can say that I still enjoy this sport as much as I ever did. I look forward to leading the Northwest Region and contributing to IMAC’s future for the next few years.

Keith

About 18 years ago, right after the birth of our first son, Stephen, the Radio controlled airplane addiction began!! After flying circles round and round in the air for years, we were introduced to "Precision" flying, which turned into an "IMAC Passion". IMAC has so much to offer its members. The camaraderie and friendships are second to none. It also offers a self-paced program where one can improve his or her precision skill sets through the five offered classes of IMAC. I find so much joy in flying a sequence or an  unknown sequence, and experiencing the ups and downs that come with each flight.

I have been involved in IMAC at one level or another for the past 10 years. It has been my pleasure to witness the tremendous growth in the organization. I have seen substantial progress in the equipment, airframes, and the new infusion of very talented pilots. The weekend road trips with Linda, Jordan and Stephen, and sometimes Buddy, our Jack Russell, are events I really look forward to.  Each contest brings a new set of weather conditions, a new face to meet, and another fun-filled weekend! IMAC is a part of the Flying Hamilton’s. I hope the IMAC Bug bites you as well. It certainly provides many rewarding moments of joy and fun!

After 27 years of working in nuclear medicine, I can tell you this much, any day spent flying, coaching, building, repairing airplanes, and leading this organization is better than the best day at the office!!!

Don Hamilton

I started flying at 10 years old. I flew pattern from that time until 2000. I'm a past National Champion in pattern. I flew in the TOC, Don Lowe Masters, and Invitational class at the Shootout. Many time finalist in F3A at the NATS and U.S.Team Trails. I've flown in 20 NATS competitions. Started flying IMAC in 2004 and have enjoyed every minute of it. Precision Aerobatics in either discipline is a great challenge. I've been married to beautiful and very supportive wife Kim for 8 years. We have 3 children. Our son Hayden, and twin girls Ali and Gracie.

Rick Byrd

1990 was the year I started out in IMAC in the Basic class. Presently I fly in Unlimited. Having attended IMAC’s Judging Instructor’s class in Ohio 2003 I was appointed as a South East Judging Instructor and organized & taught 6 IMAC Judging Schools, including the first IMAC National/International School in Jacksonville FL in 2008.  My judging experience includes the Don Lowe Masters, Tucson Aerobatic Shootout & also as the Chief Judge at the recent Clover Creek Invitational in Tennessee.

At the present time, I am Chairman of the IMAC Sequence Committee and elected as the Secretary of IMAC in January 2009.  I really do love flying & judging aerobatics.

Wayne Matthews

I have been interested and intrigued by airplanes my entire life. I have served two terms as president, three years as news letter editor, and for the past nine years, treasurer for my local flying club, the Winston-Salem Radio Control, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

I first began competing in Precision Aerobatics about 25 years ago and have competed in seven NATS. I have been Contest Director for numerous pattern competitions at local clubs. In 1999, my interests turned solely to IMAC. I then began holding local contests for IMAC competitions. I was Co-Director for the Scale Aerobatic NATS in 2004 and 2006, and the Event Director in 2007 and 2008. I’ve been married to my lovely wife, Rhonda, for 12 years, and those who know me, know that she has always supported me in every endeavor I have taken on in this hobby.

I was appointed IMAC Treasurer in May 2004 to complete the 2003-2004 term. I was elected for the 2005-2006 term, re-elected for 2007-2008 term, and again re-elected for the 2009-2010 term. I am an avid member of IMAC and passionate about its growth worldwide. Your confidence in my abilities speaks loudly. I will continue to bring the experience and commitment needed to uphold the duties of this position.

Phil Vance

1986 my son was born and I found radio control airplanes that year. My interest was always to fly the most aerobatic airplane I could find. Early on it was a Chipmunk and then Goldberg Ultimate bipes and now I am starting my 7th year in Unlimited flying. The 30 years as an educator was enjoyable .....and now a gradual accumulation of responsibilities have come my way and that makes me happy. President of my home club for 12 years, AMA contest coordinator for 10 years, AMA AVP 2008, Scale Aerobatic Contest Board 3 years, a year on the ISC, Associate Regional Director for a number of years, and now the Regional Director of the South West. My biggest thrill is making the Tucson Shootout each year and trying to improve enough to challenge the youngsters that seem to be proliferating as each new year dawns. The challenges ahead for me and for IMAC are a constant source of satisfaction as well as just another opportunity to excel in this life. I just hope to continue this passion for flying as long as I can and I hope to pass it on to many.

Tim Attaway

I have been flying model airplanes since I was 11 years old. Throughout my life, its something I have never really taken a break from. I wish I could say Model Airplanes kept me out of trouble when I was a kid but, my parents would argue that point. I look at it as I would have been in deeper trouble without the distraction of flying RC.

I have flown everything from Gliders to Helicopters to Quickee 500 racers. In my 30 years of RC, nothing has held my attention the way IMAC has.  I enjoy the people we see every weekend throughout the summer and I love the competition aspect of our part of the hobby.

I am employed as a Corporate Pilot for State Farm Insurance Company. I have been married to my wife Karen for 13 years and she and my two daughters completely support my obsession with IMAC. I am very lucky.

Wayne Geffon

In 2004, I heard about a precision style of flying that involved duplicating full scale planes. I had been a pattern flier from back in the early 80's, so it peeked my interest. I went to my first contest in Sherman Tx. and was hooked ever since. I have been in R/C since 1978. In my years of flying, I have flown everything from trainers to jets to heli’s. I have been my local clubs Vice-President now for 4 years. I am on my second year of working on the ISC and enjoying it. I spent the last two years as the SCARD and Chief judging instructor. I have helped with putting on our regions last three judging schools.

My everyday life includes (at this time) being engaged to a great gal which most everyone knows in the SC area. She reads and calls Aresti better than most. I am the Director of the Paramedic Program at Kilgore College. I have been in EMS for over twenty years and been teaching for 13 years. I have 3 grown kids on their own and a 15 year daughter. I also have two wonderful little ones (future step children). I hope to convert one to an IMAC pilot one day.

There is still many challenges in our region and I plan to do the best job I can to promote our IMAC contests.

Eddie Bernaldez

I've been flying model airplanes continuously of all sorts for 7 years now. I started when I was a teenager then along came family so I had to take a break.
I then discovered IMAC and I have been hooked ever since. I love the competition and the friendships I have made in the 5 years since I came back. I look at IMAC as a way to immensely improve my flying skills and promote IMAC in anyway I can. I hold several IMAC primers throughout the year as well as take time to work with the kids from the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

I started working with these kids when I lived in Orlando and flew General Aviation. Since I can no longer fly GA I decided to use model aviation as the tool and even had a little contest with the kids to decide what type of graphics went on my all white Comp-Arf Extra 260, hence Casper was born and has been a huge hit since.

I'm employed by Verizon Business and a Senior Network Security Analyst at our ICSA Labs division in Mechanicsburg Pa. I'm really lucky since most all of the upper management where I work are GA nuts and all at one point or another have been to the field to watch me practice. The company supports me in IMAC and the foundation so they see to it I get the time off I need to support my "habit"
Bill James

I was born in Pensacola, Florida and have lived most of my life in North Carolina. Currently, I reside in Catawba County, NC. I have been married 25 years to Nancy, and we have two sons, Matthew and Anthony.

I have been flying radio-controlled aircraft for more than twenty years. I have been president of my local flying club for over ten years. After flying one year in Basic, one year in Sportsman, one year in Intermediate, and one year in Advanced, I have flown the last four years in the Unlimited Class.

You can reach me at 828-612-3726 or via email at serd@mini-iac.com. I welcome your correspondence and feedback.

Mark McClellan

  I have flown R/C off & on since 1978 and caught the IMAC bug 11-12 years ago. I live in Spokane Washington and it all started out innocently enough as a flying buddy of mine (a previous pattern flyer) said we should go fly a small local Imac contest for fun. Well, I left that contest with my Goldberg Ultimate still intact and that was all it took, I was hooked. I attended a couple more local contests and then traveled over to the Seattle area and entered Sportsman for my first Northwest points contest and had a blast. I flew Sportsman at the Imac Nationals in Toledo Ohio in the late 90's then moved to Advanced for about 5 years and now fly in the Unlimited class.

After 10 plus years, numerous different airplanes, meeting a great bunch guys, and the same wife (Thank you honey) I can say that I still enjoy this sport as much as I ever did. I look forward to leading the Northwest Region and contributing to IMAC’s future for the next few years.

Keith