Adopt-A-School
Geoffrey Styles Director of Public Relations
Every so often the question is asked, "What are we doing to attract more young people to the hobby?" This comes from a wide variety of sources—old‑time modelers, hobby shops, manufacturers and AMA members.
The Academy Adopt‑A‑School concept was introduced to encourage chartered clubs (and individual members) to make their presence known in their communities through involvement with local educators. One club has developed multiple contacts and, based on information published in their newsletter (July 1984), they have shown almost 2,000 youngsters some of the fun and skills model aviation can offer.
The Joint Military RC Flyers Club, based at Camp Pendleton, CA, has been working in their region for several months. President Frank Smith has led the effort and five schools have benefitted:
- Santa Fe Elementary School — 690 students
- California TMR Elementary — 140 students
- Monte Vista Elementary — 480 students
- Beaumont Elementary — 450 students
- Vista High School Aeroscience — 20 students
These schools are in the Vista School District. The club has its sights set on the Oceanside School District as well, with a defined goal of exposing 16,000 students to model aviation in the months ahead.
Their program is simple. In the words of Marlin Kinning, editor of The Corsair (the club newsletter): "a short orientation talk, followed by a flying demonstration, followed by a lot of kid enthusiasm."
The club has also been invited to give demonstrations at the California Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association and at the Oceanside Police and Firemen's annual picnic. Their work with the schools is creating positive waves well beyond Oceanside city limits. Isn't that what model aviation is all about—people helping people and introducing them to the best sport in the world?
How about it? What can your club do to add to the Adopt‑A‑School project?
The 1984 Mall Show Project — A Report
Geoffrey Styles Director of Public Relations
AMA‑chartered clubs from across the nation collaborated in the 1984 Mall Show Project. Some clubs had exhibited in shopping centers for years; others had not previously displayed publicly. The combined experience made the project a great success and sets the stage for working together again in 1985.
The Academy supplied clubs with handout materials for spectators. Several clubs produced custom leaflets and brochures tailored to local needs. One club reported gaining a new flying site after their exhibition and subsequent TV and radio coverage drew attention to their need for a field.
The Academy provided dozens of videotapes to supplement tabletop displays. Clubs sent blank VHS tapes to AMA Headquarters so staff could record three or four of the best AMA films and return the tapes for use at mall shows. Many clubs also purchased professional tapes from the Academy Supply and Service Department ($25 per tape).
A few letters from participating clubs:
- Jim Koch, Kansas City RC: "I would classify it (our mall show) as a great success. We generated a lot of interest and got several new members as a result."
- Bob Spivey, Aero Modelers, Austin, TX: "We held a flying demonstration on January 25th which was a direct result of the press releases I sent out for the mall show. The TV show aired on April 14th and we got phone calls as a result. They used my phone number as the last item on the screen!"
AMA News
Nats Entry Restriction?
Historically the Nats has been open to any AMA member and to foreign nationals. However, some countries do not allow non‑citizens or non‑residents to enter their national meets. Should we consider denying entry to nationals of countries that do not reciprocate? Currently Canada and Mexico allow entry to foreigners and are allowed the same privileges at our Nats (including awards). For countries that do not extend that privilege, should we restrict them from AMA events—perhaps allowing them only to enter FAI events hosted concurrently?
This is the question being asked. Please write to your District VP and let him know how you feel. Non‑reciprocal foreign entry is small but slowly growing.
Noise Comments
The possibility of implementing noise standards (as discussed in the August issue) has stirred strong interest. Note that the concept is only under consideration. Ideas originate largely from the AMA Noise Committee.
Letters received have been both strongly opposed and strongly supportive. Some fear noise reduction will harm facets of the sport (for example, certain Control Line events). Others see noise standards as necessary to retain flying sites.
Points raised include:
- Concern from Control Line flyers who fear restrictions could eliminate CL flying. (Many supporters also believe noise standards could save flying sites and help CL survive.)
- Industry concerns about imposing difficult standards before manufacturers improve efficiency.
- Some RC groups (e.g., ducted‑fan builders) are already working toward noise reduction. Surprisingly, RC Pylon fliers have not complained despite earlier suggestions for where restrictions should be placed.
The AMA Noise Reduction Committee is working on establishing standards that are achievable now and can be tightened over several years to meet public expectations. All letters pro and con will be bundled and forwarded to the committee. You may also write your District VP to add your views.
More VP Expose
As promised, impressions of various VPs continue.
- Bill Mathews, VP District V: Became a VP in 1979. An attorney in Birmingham, AL, specializing in income tax law. Active in Free Flight and occasionally flies RC. Considered by some as the conscience of the Executive Council—often advocating reduced expenditures while maintaining a strong organization.
A few short items of interest:
- Joan Alvea (Pueblo, CO), AMA Safety Advisory Board member, reports a doctor at Pueblo St. Mary Hospital advises against using cyanoacrylate glue to temporarily close cuts at a flying field—glue must be cut out before treatment. Use pressure pads (cloth or T‑shirt) and get the victim to a doctor while someone holds pressure. Thanks, Joan.
- Ornithopter interest: Pat Deshayes in Seattle formed an Ornithopter Modelers' Society. Patrick Deshayes: 2349 West Newton, #204, Seattle, WA 98199. If interested in forming an AMA Special Interest Group, contact them.
Executive Director's View From HQ
John Worth AMA Executive Director 1810 Samuel Morse Dr., Reston, VA 22090
The Nats Needs Help... The Reno Nats is history. For about 1,500 participants the event will linger in memory. Unfortunately, this Nats suffered from a manpower shortage: over 60 volunteers who pre‑signed did not show. Normally a Nats involves 300–500 volunteers; this year there were less than 200 despite 76 competition events.
Problems included local coordinators relocating before the Nats and backups being unavailable. A few local AMAers pitched in, but it was too little, too late. This experience highlights how dependent AMA is on volunteers. We have relied on dedicated people for years, but many are worn out from repeated calls for help.
One serious idea under consideration is a fund to recruit, train and pay people for major events and international activities. Currently one dollar of each adult member’s dues funds national team activities and related items, but that funding is inadequate. Members should consider supporting a plan to have selected people compensated to represent AMA professionally at major events.
AMA News
A Success Story
"Are you the jerk who was flying low and recklessly over my house and yard yesterday?"
An irate individual confronted a club officer after seeing a radio‑controlled plane fly low and fast in the city. The incident threatened to involve the Mayor, town council, and police—potentially jeopardizing all flying on the island.
The club implemented a pre‑made complaint plan:
- Phone all members to check for the offender. (No one confessed.)
- Make personal contact with each neighbor to:
- Confirm the incident (it was accurate).
- Inform them the club is concerned.
- Assure them the club does not support unsafe flying.
- Invite them to visit the club field (three neighbors visited; one expressed interest in learning to fly).
- Send a special newsletter outlining the incident and investigation.
- Send a formal letter to each neighbor summarizing findings and inviting them to the field.
Investigation concluded the offender was a non‑club member, an out‑of‑town person who left after flying. Because the club acted quickly and professionally, calls to officials were not made and model flying continued at Aquidneck Island.
Moral: Have a "pre‑made" complaint plan before an incident occurs. If you wait until after a complaint, you're behind the power curve.
District 1 Activity
- The Ocean State Pattern Championships were held in mid‑July at the former Naval Air Station in Charlestown, R.I., a prime flying site. Facilities include a repurposed control tower used as contest headquarters and other community amenities.
- New England RC Championships were held July 28–29 in Orange, N.J., directed by Fred Kruse. A memorable moment: an 18‑wheel refrigeration truck arrived with a surprising banquet of shrimp, chicken and trimmings for competitors.
Tip o' the AMA Hat
Thanks to special people in District I: Louise Izzo, Beverly Seal, and Barbara Kraft—who staffed contest booths, served as scorers/tabulators, and supported Masters competitors with smiles and dedication.
Other mentions:
- Cobras club secured a busy mall location for demonstrations and drew large crowds. Delta Dart sessions were popular. Congrats to Jason Bogal of Syosset, NY, for the greatest‑distance win.
- It is our sad duty to report the death of a revered District II aeromodeler, William (Fred) Schmidt, long‑time contributor to the Long Island R/C Society.
70,000 Feet... And Beyond!
As Chairman of the AMA Film Projects Committee, I joined John Worth and Jay Gerber to review more than 70,000 feet of film for an R/C aeromodeling cinematic project. Due to the volume and continued shooting into September, the premiere is scheduled for early 1985. Notable footage includes Henry Ford and William B. Stout watching an R/C demonstration by the Good brothers (Walt and Bill).
I regret missing the Eastern Free Flight Championships at Galesville but was able to visit the Tri‑County RC Club's annual contest in Jamesburg, NJ, and glean insights from members in the field.
The Roving Eye
Photographs captured at recent meets include Tom Polapink and his helper (and father), Pete Polapink, at the PARCES Scale Meet at Floyd Bennett Field. A humorous photo shows a modeller exhausted at an ARCS contest—identify him and see your name in print!
GEAR UP AND LOCKED!!!
District VI Report
Bob Underwood District VI Vice‑President 4109 Concord Oaks Dr., St. Louis, MO 63128 (314) 487‑1857
Associate Vice Presidents:
- Loren Holm, 643 Hill and Brook, Quincy, IL 62301
- William Kivett, 1080 12th St., Bedford, IN 47421
- Raymond Meyers, PO Box 243, Smithville, MO 64089
- William G. Stanley, PO Box 281, Auburn, IN 46706
- Stan Watson, 3402 Hickory Lane, Hazel Crest, IL 60429
- Bill Zimmer, Box 72, Varna, IL 61576
Frequency Coordinator:
- James A. Cheek, 5654 Grandchester St., Lexington, KY 40505
Tom Sawyer State Park (Louisville, KY) E. P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park is unique as an urban state park in Louisville. The Radio Control airfield has a 400 ft. by 35 ft. paved runway surrounded by roughly 20 acres. The Tom Sawyer Model Aircraft Association (a volunteer group composed of RCRC, LRCC and independents) helps oversee flight safety rules, organize shows and maintain the airfield. The field hosts local, regional, national and international shows, including a Quarter Scale show and a Sailplane contest (August 18–19, 1984).
Rita Stosberg, park manager, notes that while she wasn’t initially a fan of noisy airplanes, she learned pilots love the outdoors and that flying is a concentrated, technical recreation—consistent with the park's mission to provide leisure and recreation.
Alligators Revisited A reader in Canada sent a photo and note about an alligator reportedly eating a model airplane—"Florida alligators do not like to eat motors or rubber tires." The note made us smile.
Quincy Mall Show Bob Rogers, president of the Skywinders (IL), reports a successful mall show April 1, 1984, at the Quincy Mall. The marketing director called their display one of the most professional he had seen. They have been invited back for March 1985.
World Championships and Nats The Underwoods returned from France with a third place in RC team competition and commendable placements in other events. Gratitude extended to supporters and representers of AMA and the U.S. team.
Closing thought: "Unless a man undertakes more than he possibly can do, he will never do all that he can." — H. Drummond.
Fly safely—Bob.
(District VI includes Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri)
District VII Report
Hardy Brodersen District VII Vice‑President P.O. Box 1104, Birmingham, MI 48012
Assistant Vice President:
- Jack Finn, 368 Hampden Dr. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Associate Vice Presidents:
- Arthur A. Arbo, 10140 Woodbridge Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103
- Boyd Hendrick, 6400 Glenwood N., Golden Valley, MN 55427
- Russell Ketzeger, 2625 E. Sherwood Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53207
- Robert R. Lundberg, 4928 Tioga St., Duluth, MN 55804
- William Rohm, 4494 Tanglewood, St. Joseph, MI 49085
- Al Schroeder, 3105 Dorsett Dr., Madison, WI 53711
- Ron Sears, 132 S. Roslyn, Pontiac, MI 48054
Frequency Coordinator:
- Pete Walters, 1177 E. Main, Upper Level, Northville, MI 48167
Day: (313) 348‑0085; Evening: (313) 437‑4244
The Perspective from Iowa
Attendance this summer: four RC glider contests, one Pattern contest, one Free Flight contest. A trend is emerging in Iowa/Minnesota border areas:
- RC Glider participation is growing annually.
- Pattern and Free Flight participation is declining.
Reasons:
- Free Flight: lack of flying sites and adverse spring weather (wet, windy).
- Pattern contests require consecutive days and travel, making time commitment difficult for members with jobs and families.
- RC Glider contests are less expensive to enter and maintain: no fuel or related recurring costs, easier repairs after crashes, and the ability to enter multiple classes per day (more flying and more contest fun).
Conclusion: RC Glider competition is likely to continue increasing; Pattern and Free Flight will struggle to maintain current participation levels.
(Contributed by Jack Finch, Assistant VP, District VII)
From Bob Lundberg, AVP, Duluth, MN
- June 24: Traveled to Babbitt, MN, for a family‑oriented "no event" fun‑fly run by the Babbitt Rabbit RC Fliers. About 30 fliers participated; prizes were drawn hourly.
- July 1: Duluth‑Superior R/C Club held a "no event, no prize" fly‑in—just flying and visiting.
- At Babbitt, Bob heard his first four‑cycle engine run—much quieter and promising for noise concerns.
Wings & Things RC Club (Wurtsmith AFB) The club's big project this year was the Wings & Things display and flying demonstration at the Wurtsmith AFB Open House. With the Thunderbirds appearing, up to 35,000 people were expected—public relations became paramount. The club has improved its flying site, turning an eye‑sore into a functional facility, earning compliments from the base.
Key City Bald Eagles (North Mankato, MN) A new club formed in the Mankato area leased eight acres and grew from three originators to 12 members, later chartering at 29 after a successful mall show and school involvement. The club has three grass runways (largest ~60 ft by 500 ft). Members fly a variety of models including large power‑assisted slope soarers and Quarter Scale types. Jerry Cattrysse is secretary/treasurer.
Election Time! Please vote. The nominating committee produced a strong slate. For Executive Vice President, consider the candidate with the best professional credentials. For District VII, support your local nominees.
Closing note from Hardy: Fly safely.
(District VII includes Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin)
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If you would like a cleaned single‑file version of any specific section (for printing, club use, or distribution), let me know which one and I will prepare it.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
