AMA News
A Picture Worth a Thousand Words?
By Geoffrey Styles, Director of Public Relations
I hate to see evidence that our sport is not welcome or appreciated. Model aviation brings a great deal of fun and satisfaction, and most of us have difficulty understanding anyone who turns a thumbs down on such a wholesome pastime. Radio-controlled (RC) aircraft enthusiasts want to be a positive factor in their communities, and unsafe flying habits reflect poorly on the hobby.
At one public park a flying field was established by the Recreation and Parks Board as a community benefit. Unfortunately, the field was very close to a full‑scale airport. One sunny afternoon a student pilot in a full‑size airplane overflew the model field while an RC model—piloted by a local non‑AMA member—was airborne. Both occupied the same piece of airspace at the same time. The result: damage to the leading edge of the large airplane, a quick turn and safe landing at the airport, and the model was a total write‑off. Fortunately there were no injuries, though the student pilot was understandably shaken.
Such incidents call for FAA investigation and questions from the National Transportation Safety Board. Luckily, the Academy of Model Aeronautics maintains ongoing contact with both the FAA and the NTSB. AMA was able to inform these agencies promptly, confirm that AMA members are safety conscious, and explain that this incident did not involve an AMA club or member. Had an AMA club been involved in site selection and preparation, the Parks Authority would likely have had a better understanding of the criteria for a safe RC flying area.
What clubs and individuals can learn from this:
- Get involved early when public lands or flying fields are proposed.
- Make your activities known to local authorities through mall shows, youth programs, demonstrations, and public events.
- Build and maintain a positive public image so you will be considered a resource when opportunities arise.
Why belong to the AMA:
- The Academy works full time to promote and improve public acceptance of the sport among government, media, commercial and technical communities, and educational and public service groups. Your dues pay for these efforts.
- Model Aviation magazine demonstrates the breadth of membership and the benefits of involvement.
- The AMA insurance program has made possible hundreds of flying fields on private and public property by providing liability protection clubs and landowners require.
- AMA representation at public gatherings helps educate the public and policymakers about the sport.
Noise and community relations:
- Noise complaints are a major cause of lost flying fields. Clubs should proactively control noise through mufflers, sound‑attenuation devices, and other measures—engine attachments alone are not enough.
- If a legal complaint arises, AMA’s insurance package can provide funds and legal counsel for member clubs. Non‑AMA clubs often must raise funds or pay out of pocket.
Safe practices, training programs for beginners, sensible operations, and consideration for neighbors are the keys to long‑term success for model aviation.
Modeling Is Great — Volunteers and Outreach
By Geoffrey Styles, Director, Public Relations
Modeling thrives because of volunteers and outreach efforts:
- Dedicated club officers who maintain fields, teach newcomers, manage waste, and resolve disputes.
- Teachers and club members who run after‑school building classes and junior programs to rejuvenate the hobby among youth.
- Show teams and demonstration groups that perform at schools, malls, and public events to introduce model aviation to the public.
- The many unsung heroes: people who help with first‑aid, assist competitors, offer technical advice, or support modelers at home.
What makes modeling great is the community—the way people think a little more about others than about themselves. Keep up the good work, and keep down the noise.
Executive VP's Report
Jim McNeill AMA Executive VP 617 South 20 Avenue Birmingham, AL 35205
- Dr. Vincent Malkinski (Lake Aircraft R/C Squadron) requested contact information and press materials for a club in Raleigh—AMA PR man Geoffrey Styles is assigned to help.
- Robert Moll of Pueblo, CO, asked about Model Aviation distribution and AMA’s non‑profit mailing advantages. MA is sold in hobby shops nationwide; AMA’s non‑profit status provides a modest mailing advantage. Free memberships are offered to hardworking Contest Directors who qualify.
- Louis Torovich (Eraser Flying Club) suggested using nylon netting as a portable spectator barrier—information passed to the AMA Safety Committee and safety advisors.
- Highlights from the Tucson Winter Nationals: many officials and participants helped make the RC and CL contests successful. The meet marked its 16th year and was very well run.
- Al “Big Bird!” Alman (Spanaway, WA) and family remain active; newsletter editors should request the National Newsletter if they don’t receive it.
Photos and reports from various meets showed large models, successful teams, and community involvement. If you have problems or need assistance, contact AMA HQ.
Executive Director
Rule Book Solution? (Continued)
Every two years the late issuance of the new rule book causes complaints. To address this, the AMA Executive Council approved a special meeting between Council members and the AMA Contest Board chairmen (the people authorized to vote on changes that affect rule book timing). The meeting, scheduled for spring 1984, is intended to resolve the timing issues.
Before the meeting, anyone with suggestions is invited to write to AMA HQ so ideas can be copied and distributed to Contest Boards and meeting participants. This may be the last major action on the subject for some years, so take advantage of the opportunity to comment.
Smooth Transition . . .
AMA’s conversion to a new computerized membership processing system has gone well. By mid‑December over 30,000 memberships for 1984 had been processed with virtually no backlog (compared with a several‑week backlog the previous year). Work is also underway to convert financial accounting to computerized systems and to expand word processing capabilities.
The move into electronic processing aims to provide better service and greater capability without a large increase in staff. Early results show quicker handling of more members in less time.
Club News & Events
- Indianapolis Sixth Annual All‑City Fun‑Fly: Hosted by Hamilton County RC Modelers, five Indianapolis‑area clubs competed in bomb drop, touch‑and‑go, carrier landing, and roll‑out landing. Indy RC South won the traveling trophy. Channel 8 provided valuable news coverage—media exposure like this requires patient, persistent club effort.
- Demonstrations that show covering techniques and partially completed models draw spectators. Encourage questions and engage the public.
- Peoria RC Modelers announced a District VI Fun Fly Championship at Detweiller Park (September 15–16, 1984). Five events to be flown in rounds; a complete event list and rules will be published.
- KCRC (Kansas City) reports the 1984 Scale Masters’ Championships will be held at Lake Jacomo (September 14–16). The event moves to the Midwest after two years in California.
- Tri‑Village RC Club (Illinois) newsletter: local humor and items of interest—engage your membership and keep minutes lively.
- Thought‑provoker from the CIA Informer: the 1955 Nats entry breakdown raised questions about participation trends—clubs and organizers should consider how to attract and retain modelers, especially younger enthusiasts.
Seasonal notes and personal anecdotes aside, the best publicity comes from well‑run events, visible outreach, and consistent community engagement.
District Report
John Byrne District II Vice‑President 36‑29 213 Street Bayside, NY 11361 (212) 225‑8319
Associate Vice‑Presidents
- Pete Bianchini, 280 S. Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10705
- Tom Brown, c/o Eitel Aeromodellers, P.O. Box 6039, APO New York 09628
- Frank Connetta, 28 Kearney St., Dover, NJ 07801
- Frank Drees, 91 Willow Ave., Piscataway, NJ 08854
- Ray Liscio, 9 Evergreen Ave., New Hyde Park, NY 11040
- Hank Kiser, 66 Corl Rd., Yonkers, NY 10703
- Al Sauter, 47 Perry Ave., Latham, NY 12110
- Joe Turi, 2002 Rabbit Lane, Phoenix, NY 13135
- Salvatore Condriatore, 706 Froehlich Farm Rd., Hicksville, NY 11801
Second (District) Thoughts
The 1983 AMA elections were conducted efficiently and fairly; ballots reached members with fewer postal failures than before, and votes were audited and released promptly. The downside: voter turnout was low. Many members postpone voting because of dues timing. Elections will remain in October–November, while other times of the year can be used for licensing and dues collection.
District II Membership Meetings
- Central New York Model Aircraft Association Symposium, Syracuse, NY: Saturday, February 4, 4:00 p.m. (first meeting of 1984).
- WRAM Show, White Plains, NY: Annual District II Membership Meeting, Saturday, February 25, 2:00 p.m.
Each meeting will be about 60 minutes and well worth attending.
Club & Member News
- Lou Hollwitz: It is with sadness that we report the untimely passing of Lou Hollwitz after a protracted illness. A past President of PARCS and a well‑known contributor to the hobby, Lou was highly respected and will be missed. Our sympathies to his family and friends.
- Bill Tyler: Another loss for District II and the modeling community. Bill made significant contributions to indoor flying and aircraft design. Those who flew at the Columbia University rotunda will feel his absence. Our condolences to his daughter, Lexie.
- 1983 AMA Scholarship: Congratulations to Fabio B. Campana of Newburgh, NY, one of eight winners this year.
- Thomas E. Brown, AVP: Now stationed in West Germany as an Air Traffic Controller, Tom Brown has qualified as a Contest Director and serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the Eifel Aeromodellers. His club plans to form a show team and apply for AMA Show Team status—good luck to them.
- Long Island Aero Radio Society (LIARS): Roy Vaillancourt reported the 4th Annual Model Expo at Sunken Meadow State Park with estimated attendance near 4,000. Commissioner Orin Lehman commended the cooperative effort and public benefit of the event. Congratulations to LIARS for a successful public partnership.
For more information on meetings or district activities, contact John Byrne.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
