AMA NEWS
Congratulations to AMA's Scholarship Winners
The Scholarship Committee has announced the 1983 winners of AMA scholarships. With the expansion of this education assistance program, eight young people were selected to receive grants toward their higher educational goals. Total dollars awarded in 1983 increased to a new level of $10,000.
Members, Scholarship Committee 1983:
- Bob Stalick (Chairman), Albany, OR
- Cliff Telford, Bethesda, MD
- Bob Underwood, St. Louis, MO
- Betty Streem, Long Beach, CA
Nominations for AMA scholarships are open to any member meeting the requirements. Submit nominations on the appropriate forms (available from AMA HQ) to Mrs. Joyce Hager, c/o AMA, 1810 Samuel Morse Drive, Reston, VA 22090. The Scholarship Committee makes recommendations to the Academy Executive Council; final decisions rest with that body.
Robert Baldus II was selected to receive $2,000 to help with his expenses at Iowa State University. After a successful career at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, he achieved a grade point average of 3.9 out of 4.0.
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Museum Report
by Hurst Bowers
With spring at last finding its way to Northern Virginia, things are really beginning to happen at Reston. The museum is experiencing literally hundreds of visitors, and we have been very pleased and flattered by their reaction to our growing collection of aeromodeling memorabilia.
Of particular significance was the visit on March 22 by LCDR Robert "Hoot" Gibson, pilot of the space shuttle Challenger and a talented modeler himself. Hoot spent an enjoyable morning with us and thoroughly briefed Luther Hux on the technical details of modeling aerospace vehicles. The event was covered by the Washington Post and an excellent article appeared in the March 26 issue.
Another highlight was the presentation of the "Winter Special" to the museum by Colonel William Kaluf of Fredericksburg, VA. This is a re-creation of the prominent Bill Winter design of 1947–48, originally featured in Mechanix Illustrated. Colonel Kaluf's model was modified to carry 5-channel control (including wing flaps) and is powered by a .40 4-cycle engine. It will appear as a construction article in Airborne (Australia).
Recently arrived via our Toledo delegation is a model of the George Hill / Hank Walker "Hi-Lo," a notable Pattern design that typifies the state-of-the-art use of foam and fiberglass in high-performance models. It will be exhibited along with Ernie Greene's "Taurus" and Dave Brown's "Phoenix."
Among our distinguished visitors were Mr. and Mrs. Ned Kragness and the Honorable Joe Tschirgi of McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft. Mrs. Kragness has graciously volunteered to develop our docent program. Mr. Tschirgi has been an enthusiastic and innovative modeler for many years.
A contract has been let with a local craftsman for completion of shelving and display cabinetry for our AMA research library. We hope to build the finest collection of model aircraft reference material available, to be accessible to members with copying capability for research and design development. The contract also provides for more display cabinet space, intended to exhibit delicate indoor microfilm models (such as the "Boojum"-type) that Tom Vallee has generously agreed to make available.
To honor those dear to our members or those who should be remembered for their devotion to the hobby, we now offer a brass plaque program. A brass plaque, permanently affixed to the cabinet header with the engraved name, may be purchased and installed for $100; proceeds go to the building fund.
Please remember this is your museum. We invite and welcome you to visit at every opportunity. Reston and Washington are beautiful in the springtime, and there is nothing like our Center for Aeromodeling in the world.
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President's Corner
By JOHN C. GRIGG President, Academy of Model Aeronautics 6387 Badger Drive, Lockport, NY 14094 Home: (716) 434-3955 — Work: (716) 631-6314
FAI News Flash
At the April meeting of the FAI CIAM bureau, it was voted to recommend to the Plenary meeting that World Championship meets for RC Helicopter and RC Pylon be held in 1985, assuming a host country comes forward. Discussions with NMPRA President Ron Schorr indicate they may prepare a proposal for the Pylon meet; Canada may offer to host the Helicopter event.
Rumor has it the 1984 Nats will be used to select our team for the 1985 Pylon World Championship. I have checked past issues and find no prior statement that the 1984 Nats would be the selection meet. However, IF the WC is held in 1985 and IF there is no other contest between the Nats and the WC, WE WILL use the top three finishers at the Nats as our team. If NMPRA wants the best possible team to represent the U.S., it is their duty to present a team-selection plan to me.
A Golden Opportunity
The People's Republic of China has invited the AMA to send a group of modelers for a friendly competition. The team, per the invitation, is to consist of six FAI Free Flight fliers, five FAI Control Line fliers, and two officials, with specific FAI events and quotas designated.
A quick letter from HQ to those who fly those events produced an excellent response—more volunteers than could be accommodated. Final selections were made after input from special-interest groups and personal knowledge of the candidates. Those selected will be requested to write reports of their experiences for a future issue of Model Aviation.
A Younger Requests
We received a letter from a 12-year-old youth, Dan Duban, who lives at 2 South 667 Hart Rd., Batavia, IL 60510. He is eager to get into model airplanes and building, and he asked if any kid would be willing to be a flying model airplane pen pal. Junior members: consider responding. Adults in the Batavia area: consider helping this interested young fellow.
Synthesizer Problems?
There has been concern about new frequency synthesizer radios. No field problems have been reported yet because the equipment is not yet widely in use. Several clubs have preemptively banned the equipment without seeing it in operation. Let me try to dispel misconceptions.
The FCC granted the AMA petition for 50 interstitial frequencies in the 72 MHz band; all 50 are legal now. To prevent chaos, AMA instituted a frequency implementation plan that phases in use of the new frequencies over time (an eight-year period). That implementation plan remains in effect and is not jeopardized by synthesized radios.
Kraft's frequency synthesizer allows the owner to select any one of the implementation-plan-authorized numbered channels for a flight. AMA has stated emphatically that only those frequencies within the implementation plan may be used at any sanctioned events. Owners of synthesized systems may participate, but they must operate on the prescribed channels when flying with others. Clubs concerned about interference can adopt the same restriction for all flying at their fields.
Kraft's design addresses AMA concerns. Their initial idea of channel plugs proved impractical. Instead, the unit uses two switches on the transmitter and two on the receiver; both must match for operation, and the transmitter must be turned off to change channels—preventing band-scanning during flight. Currently only Kraft ZC and Signature series radios use the synthesizer; they are expensive and likely to be used responsibly. Clubs and members must continue to supervise frequency control and comply with rules governing channel use.
Do not fear progress; learn to treat new equipment with respect and care.
Show Time!
(Excerpt truncated in source.) I previously reported on the very fine show in Puyallup, WA. The first show I attended this year was the...
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Executive VP's Report
Jim McNeill AMA Executive VP 617 South 20 Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205
I have been asked to include information on our finances. If members want this information, I will continue; please send questions about how dues are spent or what you'd like to know.
Our income arrives primarily at dues renewal time. We invest these funds in short-term interest-bearing notes and use the proceeds through the year. Examples of current investments:
- Five Certificates of Deposit with a savings & loan company, each bearing 10.5% interest
- A Money Market Fund (rate determined weekly; current rate ~10.5%)
- A Master Note with a bank (rate determined weekly) for daily entries/withdrawals
In February 1984, the average yield on these short-term funds was 9.13%. We also hold other long-term investments. Write to me if you have questions—we are an open organization.
Letters from members:
- Al Alman (Spanaway, WA) requested a list of District XI AMA clubs for a fly-in.
- Bill Lindeman (Metuchen, NJ) asked about Carl Wheeler: yes, Carl is a modeler who won the FAI Power World Championship in 1952.
- Marshal Emmendorfer (New Lothrop, MI), newsletter editor, reports their swap shop had 75 tables and 450 paid admissions and plans to reserve 100 tables next year.
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Executive Director's View From HQ
John Worth AMA Executive Director 1810 Samuel Morse Dr., Reston, VA 22090
Financial Services to AMA Members
Through our parent organization, the National Aeronautic Association (NAA), AMA members are eligible for certain financial services offered by Colonial National Bank of Delaware. Services include loans, credit cards, home equity credit, and others. Participation is optional; if you use them, AMA receives a percentage of total funds involved, helping offset AMA operating costs. There is no cost to AMA for offering these programs and no AMA employee or officer benefits from them. Compare offerings with your local options and participate if advantageous.
AMA Van and Trailer Operating Well
The motor home used for many years was sold; it proved expensive to maintain. In its place we now have a 1983 Ford van plus a custom-built trailer. The combination better accommodates people and cargo for daily HQ operations, trade shows, and special events. AMA also maintains a 40-ft trailer for storage and transportation of Nationals and World Championship equipment; we rent a tractor or use rail piggyback when necessary. While not a fleet, these vehicles enhance HQ operations and reduce the need for rentals.
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Museum Report (continued)
For 50 years Bill Winter has designed, built, and flown models and remains active in the hobby. When he visits the museum it is always a delight.
Mrs. Kragness will develop the docent program. The library shelving contract should produce improved research capability and display space. The in-memoriam brass plaque program is available to members for $100 per plaque to benefit the building fund.
We also continue to receive interesting donations and exhibits. Please visit the museum—call ahead to ensure someone is available to guide you.
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District IX Report
Travis McGinnis District IX Vice-President 8027 W. 81st Circle, Arvada, CO 80005
Associate Vice-Presidents:
- Bill Biella, 7107 W. Center Rd., Univac Sta. 420, Omaha, NE 68106
- Gene Coonen, Box 2832, Casper, WY 82602
- Ed Cox, 9209 Linden Dr., Prairie Village, KS 66208
- Dick Crowley, 16413 E. Stanford Pl., Aurora, CO 80015
- Jim Marten, 4299 Dogwood, Grafton, ND 58237
- Don Kletz, 5156 E. Clouds, Sioux Falls, SD 57103
Frequency Coordinator:
- Steve Manglas, c/o Radio Service Center, 918 S. Sheridan, Denver, CO 80226. Phone (303) 922-8107; Evening (303) 936-8266
Modelers Are the Nicest People—Again!
The Mile-Hi RC Club of Denver postponed its normal Spring meet to hold a benefit for Vanessa Bennett, a 4-year-old sole survivor of a tragic accident whose medical and rehabilitation bills approached $100,000 (as of April 1984). The club held a picnic and flying demonstrations (Scale, Pattern, Sport, Helicopter); registration fees and donations went to the Vanessa Bennett Medical Fund. Contact Ron Van Nattan at (303) 755-7170 for details.
The Arvada Associated Modelers donated $100 to the benefit and challenged other Denver clubs to contribute.
Youth in Model Aviation
October 1984 has been declared Youth Month. Clubs are encouraged to adopt a school, sponsor youngsters to competitions, or otherwise introduce kids to model aviation. Example: LAMAS (La Cygne Area Miniature Aircraft Society, La Cygne, KS) purchased a subscription to Model Aviation for their local high school library and donated another to the county library.
Reports and Events
- Sweetwater Aero Modelers (Rock Springs, WY) participated in Rock Springs' first air show on September 4, 1983; club members flew early in the program and reported a great day.
- Crowley County Days (Ordway, CO) will include a free barbecue and the 2nd annual fun-fly on July 21, 1984. Contact Leonard Talkington, PO Box 42, Crowley, CO 81033; Phone (303) 267-3498.
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District X Report
Jim Scarborough District X Vice-President 30717 Rue Langlois, Rancho P.V., CA 90274
Associate Vice-Presidents:
- Darwin N. Barrie, 8250 E. Turvey Ave., Scottsdale, AZ 85251
- Tom Burnett, 6532 Bourbon Way, Las Vegas, NV 89107
- Glenn Carter, 2020 Gill Port Lane, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
- Bob Kampmann, 8312 Kenneth Ave., Orangevale, CA 95662
- Bob Reynolds, Rt. 8, Box 51, Tuolumne, CA 95380
- Bobby Steen, 3723 Snowdrift Ave., Long Beach, CA 90808
- Al Tuttle, 47E Binns St., Palos Verdes, CA 90274
- Al Williamson, 445 Westby, Chula Vista, CA 92011
Frequency Coordinator:
- Hal Jacobson, 8258 Sunset Ave., Fair Oaks, CA 95628 — Phone: (916) 961-9603
District News and Club Reports
- San Diego: AVP Al Williamson reports a Pattern contest using the new Turn-Around Pattern. They used 10-ft PVC tubes and spotters; judges sat back about 30 ft. They started with separate Turn-Around and AMA Pattern events, then combined them successfully for the second day despite bad weather and had 62 entrants.
- Tucson: I visited the Cholla Choppers, a club formed in the 1950s as a control line club; meetings are held in a custom woodshop. The club was originally chartered in 1949 as Club No. 110; a split formed TAMRA which recently voted to rejoin as Cholla Choppers.
- Orange County: I attended the Sky-Nauts of Saddleback Valley meeting. The club runs the annual Toys for Tots airshow at El Toro.
- Los Angeles area: Three paved Control Line circles have been installed; inaugural events were held.
- Sepulveda Basin (San Fernando Valley Flyers): Improvements include planted grass, new snack bar on a concrete pad, nets, extended fence, and a slurry-coated runway planned for the IF MARA Fly-In (August 16–19).
- Phoenix: AVP Darwin Barrie reports the first four-stroke fun-fly and a large 1/8th Air Force Fun-Fly with 126 registered pilots and 170 aircraft; good TV coverage and spectator turnout.
- Hawaii: On Maui, the newly formed Maui RC Modelers held a well-attended first contest (fun-fly) with hand-made trophies for winners.
- Miscellaneous: Stacy Tettemer is organizing a "1984 Crash Olympics"; send entries to Stacy at 7 Old Post Rd., Montgomeryville, IL 60538 for rules.
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All for now. Happy flying!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
