AMA Hall of Fame — 1984
The Council of AMA Past Presidents has approved the following selections for the Hall of Fame.
George M. Aldrich (San Antonio, TX)
George M. Aldrich has made exceptional contributions to model aviation. As a competitor in regional, national and international events, he won many trophies and helped advance flying skills and techniques. He served as a judge at FAI‑sanctioned Control Line Aerobatic World Championships and wrote for several national magazines.
His design career dates back to his teens. His remarkable design—the Nobler—gained a reputation for winning more Control Line contests than any other airplane. Other Aldrich designs include the Streak series (Flight Streak, Baby Flight Streak, Combat Streak, etc.), many of which remain in production. As Contest Director and leader of model aviation activities, George helped form clubs, served on contest boards, developed and wrote Control Line event rules, and contributed the "Fuel Lines" column to Model Builder magazine (1977–1979).
Always an innovator, he started a full‑time business in 1968 reworking and customizing engines. He incorporated in 1974 and added a line of glow plugs and fuel. Magnum Fuel, introduced in 1976, received instant recognition. In 1981 he became an AMA Life Member. Generous and helpful, George has always given of himself to assist other modelers by phone, letter or in person.
Myrtle Robbers‑Coad
Myrtle Robbers‑Coad is well known to West Coast modelers. In 1946 she was the All‑Western Open Lady Champion. A tough competitor, she has directed local, regional and national events and served AMA as District Vice‑President (1952) and Contest Coordinator for many years.
During World War II Mrs. Coad published the Oakland Cloud Dusters "Propwash" newsletter to keep members in touch. She organized and conducted "Keep 'Em Flying" classes that produced black silhouette models used in aircraft recognition training for servicemen. She competed in every class of Control Line and Free Flight events, placed among the top competitors at the 1948 Nats, and won against notable opponents. She has been a key figure in WAM (Western Associated Modelers) and chaperoned the 1951 Plymouth Meet team to Detroit. She encouraged her three sons to build, fly and compete; together with her husband she won Rubber Class C Free Flight in 1948. Myrtle remains active and well deserves this honor.
George Perryman
George Perryman is an aircraft designer with Lockheed and a long‑time model aviator. A keen Free Flight competitor, he has won hundreds of trophies at local, national and SAM contests. He helped start several clubs, including the Griffin (GA) club in 1938. As an AMA District Vice‑President and Associate District VP, George has been a tireless volunteer. As a Contest Director and as a writer for the model press and newsletters, he has shared knowledge and guidance for decades.
He is a member of the City of Atlanta Advisory Board for Youth Training and believes model aviation is an excellent medium to help young people develop their abilities. George has traveled overseas as a member of U.S. teams, serving as Captain of Wakefield or Nordic teams in 1951, 1953 and 1954. Affectionately known as "Big Daddy," he has consistently given back to the sport and helped many get started.
Williams Brothers — Granger (R) and Lawrence (Larry) Williams
Granger and Larry Williams have been involved with aviation since just after World War I. They worked on aircraft restoration as youths, designed and built full‑size aircraft until the Depression, and switched to models in 1935. They developed a strong interest in Control Line after seeing a Jim Walker Fireball fly. Several Williams models were kited by Modelcraft in the early 1940s.
During WWII, when dry cell batteries were unobtainable, Granger started XCEL Mfg. Company producing wet cell units and propellers for small airplanes. After military service, the brothers produced the "Super‑Scurr" propellers and later returned to Radio Control when equipment improved. They designed successful all‑metal team racers and won the Team Race event at the 1952 Nats with an all‑metal scale Cosmic Wind Minnow—the only scale model ever to win that event at the Nats.
The FAST club in Los Angeles became a pioneer show team under their guidance. They performed at the annual Hobby and Craft Show and flew seaplanes from an artificial pond; several of those seaplanes are now in the AMA Museum.
In 1952 both joined North American Aviation producing wind‑tunnel models. Returning to RC in 1959, they started a business producing non‑metallic fittings (nylon hinges, clevises, bellcranks) and later moved to a large facility in San Diego County (1970). Active in local clubs and professional model aviation, their business and personal contributions have earned them wide respect.
President's Corner
By the President of the Academy of Model Aeronautics
JOHN C. GRIGG 6387 Badger Drive, Lockport, NY 14094 Home: (716) 434‑3955 — Work: (716) 631‑6314
Editor’s note: President John Grigg had written an extensive column for this issue but decided against printing it. It was too late in the magazine production schedule for a substitute, so his message does not appear this month.
Executive VP's Report
Jim McNeill AMA Executive VP 617 South 20 Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205
EVP Bob Shriner (Mt. Vernon, WA) wrote about proposals to assess members to retire the mortgage on AMA’s building in Reston. He found the idea appalling, noting many modelers cannot afford current dues and that unemployment is high in some areas.
Jim McNeill explained the rationale for remaining in Reston: the move from Washington, DC to Reston increased space to 15,000 sq. ft., provided security of ownership, and preserved rapport with the FCC and the NAA. He noted the mortgage has a low interest rate and that retiring it now could cost AMA the opportunity to earn higher interest on invested funds. However, as a fiduciary, McNeill prefers to pay off the mortgage so AMA can fully own the building.
Letters from members:
- Dr. Sandy Frank (TX): "100,000 members times $9 equals $900,000 mortgage. Special assessment? Tell me where and when to send my $9."
- Gerry Sunderlage (Milwaukee, WI): With 90,000 members and a $900,000 debt, $10 each would pay it off in one year; he prefers this to paying interest for many years.
- Vernon Wallace (VA hospital, Kingman, AZ): Requested membership applications to organize veterans' events; John Worth was contacted for applications.
- Paul Samaras (JEFCO Aeromodelers, Safety Officer): Advocates that AMA require a safety officer for every chartered club; notes safety records influence the availability of flying sites. AMA now offers a free Safety Officer shoulder patch—clubs need only write John Worth with the club name and address to receive one.
Executive Director's View From HQ
John Worth AMA Executive Director 1810 Samuel Morse Dr., Reston, VA 22090
Nats Perpetual Trophies
For years perpetual trophies moved annually and were sometimes lost, damaged or returned without proper engraving. Trophies are now on permanent display in AMA’s National Center for Aeromodelling in Reston. They are maintained, engraved annually, and viewable by visitors. Winners now receive a colorful certificate for framing and permanent display.
Major perpetual Nats trophies handled this way include:
- Dick Black Trophy — high time regardless of age, FF Coupe d'Hiver
- McNeill Cup — high time regardless of age, FF FAI Power
- Mulvihill Trophy — high time regardless of age, FF Mulvihill Rubber
- Tulsa Glade Dobbers Trophy — high time regardless of age, Outdoor HL Glider
- Stout Commercial Trophy — single flight high time regardless of age, AMA or FAI Stick
- Stout Indoor Trophy — high time regardless of age, Indoor Cabin
Other annual awards (Hi Johnson, Lee Renaud, Sid Axelrod, Sig Memorial, etc.) involve different procedures.
"Illegal" Transmitter Controversy
The January 1985 issue of Model Aviation included a strong statement about legal RC transmitter operation in AMA activities. Concerns arose when questions were raised about the legality of transmitters used during RC Soaring Team selection. AMA sought legal counsel; advice reiterated that use of 72 MHz RC band frequencies requires FCC type‑accepted (or type‑approved) equipment.
Key points:
- AMA is compiling a list of known type‑accepted equipment to assist clubs and contest officials.
- The manufacturer’s type acceptance sticker on the transmitter is the quickest check of legality.
- Operators should be familiar with FCC Part 95, Subpart C (Radio Control Radio Service) rules.
Quoted counsel (summary):
- FCC sections 2.1201 and 2.1219 govern importation of radio equipment; importation for "consumption" of radio equipment that is not certified in compliance with equipment authorization rules is generally prohibited.
- For RC transmitters, importation without FCC type acceptance is not permitted (except limited purposes).
- FCC Rule Section 95.209 permits an RC station on 72 MHz to “transmit only with an FCC type accepted (or type approved) transmitter.” Use of a transmitter not type accepted voids the operator’s authority to operate the station.
- Although individual licenses are no longer required for eligible persons, all FCC rules applicable to the Radio Control Radio Service remain in force.
AMA News
Speedmark and Pacemaker
The Speedmark model is being restored by Toby Blizzard in Phoenix, AZ. Dan Lutz plans to build scaled‑down models of both the Speedmark and the Pacemaker. It was suggested these restored models find their way to the AMA Museum for preservation.
Membership Statistics (February 1985)
- Total members: almost 74,000.
- Primary interests: Radio Control — 78.58% (almost 80%); approximately 11,000 indicated a general interest rather than a specific category.
- Control Line and Outdoor Free Flight: just over 1,800 each (~2.5%).
- Scale: just over 1,100.
- Indoor: just over 200.
- Publications: of those subscribing to Model Aviation or the AMA News section, 96% pay extra for the magazine.
- Senior Citizens: over 4,000 total; 3,000+ aged 65–69; almost 1,000 aged 70–74; ~200 aged 75–79; 29 aged 95+.
- District membership (largest to smaller): District 10 (west coast), then 3, 5, 2, 6, 8, 7, 4, 1, 11, 9.
- State leaders: California leads with over 10,000 members and the most Senior Citizens (~900) and the most Juniors (364). Florida leads second in Senior Citizens (500). Junior membership: Pennsylvania (204), Texas (193), New York (190), Florida and Ohio (151 each), New Jersey (133).
Please Use These Model Fields!
The Interstate Model Flying Club (IMFC) has two fields in New York's Bear Mountain State Park. The Parks Commission permits IMFC members to fly there but wants to see sufficient participation to justify continued use. Active flyers are sought; IMFC membership dues are $5.00 per year. Flying requires both IMFC and AMA membership cards; park police will ask for credentials.
Contact:
- Joe Beshar, President — Norvell, NJ — 201‑261‑1281
- Seymour Poppoloy, Secretary — Hackensack, NJ — 201‑489‑2220 (days)
- Vic Bock, Executive VP — Bogota, NJ — 201‑343‑6661 (201‑373‑8041 days)
The IMFC fields are about 15 miles north of the George Washington Bridge, off the Palisades Interstate Parkway.
Visitors
Nat Lancaster (AMA 674) and sons Matthew and Josh visited the National Center. Nat manages the Denver Air Show Team and flies with Pico Modelers in Jefferson County, Colorado.
Central New York Model Aircraft Association — Ninth Annual Symposium and Model Show
The CNYMAA and its eleven member clubs presented the ninth annual show in early February. The event is low on commercial booths and emphasizes club participation, friendship, and symposium presentations by acknowledged experts. The show features static displays and competitions of model aircraft, cars and boats.
AMA thanks CNYMAA for permitting a District 2 AMA membership meeting and for hosting the AMA booth. The Saturday night banquet of the Aero Radio Club of Syracuse (ARCS) included presentation of the AMA Club Award of Excellence to two organizations instrumental in creating the CNYMAA.
Certificates of Appreciation were presented to: Oswego Valley Modelers; Cortland Aero Modelers; Elbridge Flying Eagles; Onondaga Model Aircraft Club; Auburn Finger Lakes RC; 1000 Islands RC; Mohawk Valley Thunderbirds; Midstate Modelers; Grenadiers of North Syracuse; Aero Radio Club of Syracuse; and Syracuse Thunderbirds Aero Radio Society.
Congratulations to Charles Wilson (Cortland Aero Modelers), Show Director, for keeping the event running smoothly on February 2–3.
17th Annual WRAM Show
The 1985 WRAM Show was held February 23–24 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, NY. Attendance exceeded past years. WRAM has presented these "Spectaculars" for 17 years and the event is a major force in promoting modeling and aeromodeling.
AMA held its District 2 meeting at the show and presented an AMA Certificate of Commendation to Bob Hunt (International Control Line record‑breaker and Editor of Flying Models) for outstanding service as U.S. Team Manager at the recent FAI Control Line Internationals at Westover AFB.
A Club Award of Excellence was presented to the Central Jersey Radio Control Club (CJRC), accepted by President Ralph Clemens. The WRAM Show continues to be a lively, well‑organized event that benefits the modeling community.
"Gear up and locked!"
IV District Report
Howard Crispin District IV Vice‑President 611 Beechwood Dr., Charlottesville, VA 22901
Associate Vice Presidents:
- Wayne Abernethy — 9205 Clarendon, 3, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
- Bob Champion — 205 Tilton Rd., Newport News, VA 23606
- Bill Helms — 2000 Triangle Road, Charlotte, NC 28210
- Raymond Tennant — 4685 Cunningham Tr., Christiansburg, VA 24073
- Scotty Moore — 11 Orchard Lane, Wilmington, DE 19809
- Charles Spear — Rt. 3 Box 794, Mocksville, NC 27028
Frequency Coordinator:
- Paul Yocum — 6404 Winthrop Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28301
Phone: Evening (919) 488‑5986
I was preparing this column when I suffered a heart attack on the evening of March 11. I expect to be out of action for a couple of weeks and will miss several scheduled visits and my annual trip to Toledo. By the time this appears in print I expect to be back on the trail.
Items from the district:
- David Stone (Pensacola, FL) requests information on slope‑soaring areas within a 600‑mile radius of Pensacola. Call (904) 432‑2531.
- Brad Winsor (Auburn Planesmen, Auburn, AL) returned to modeling after a long absence and credits club membership and field access for his renewed interest.
- The Thermal Thrusters of Metro‑Atlanta held a banquet attended by ~50 people. Bill Ettinger (Berkeley Models) gave a historic slide presentation.
- Birmingham RC Association suffered vandalism when a bus crashed the locked gate and destroyed a field shelter; H.D. Spivey donated materials for repairs.
- Knox County RC Club (Knoxville, TN) arranged for Tennessee Model Hobbies to pay newsletter mailing costs in exchange for including a monthly hobby shop "Sale Paper."
- Congratulations to 14‑year‑old Alicia Weigel of the Tampa RC Aircraft Club for being the only female solo in the club’s history. She soloed after two months of instruction and now flies an Ugly Stick powered by a K&B .61.
- RCAFC of Orlando is planning the next Tangerine event. The RC World Flying Festival (co‑sponsored by RC World Fliers and Rocket City RC Club) is in planning; exhibitor space is filling fast.
- Several clubs (West Orange Sunfilers, Tropic Aeros, Brandon Modelers, Anniston RC Club) are at risk of losing flying fields to development.
- Safety reminder: check prop hubs for fractures—there have been incidents of serious injury from backfires.
- A Vertical Unintended Flight Interruption (VUFI) is a humorous term sometimes used in place of "crash."
V District Report
Bill Mathews District V Vice‑President 1718 Somerset Circle, Birmingham, AL 35213 — (205) 879‑5550
Associate Vice Presidents:
- Greg Dox (?), Rt. 4, 166 Peony Dr., Smyrna, TN 37167
- Richard Jackson — 2118 Thorne Dr., N. Charleston, SC 29405
- Arthur Johnson — 302 Banyan Dr., Delray Beach, FL 33444
- Joseph Micalizzi — SR 00866, Box 1532, Fajardo, PR 00638
- Ed Moorman — 70 Fifth St., Shalimar, FL 32579
- Harry Shearon — PO Box 876, Oneonta, AL 35121
- Tom Thacker — 1401 N. Harrison Rd., #9B, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Frequency Coordinator:
- Burnett Fields — PO Box 1633, Strickland Rd., Interlachen, FL 32612
Phone: (904) 684‑2517
Notable items:
- Ed Hunter (Dixie Sky Devils, Amory, MS) sent maps to club flying sites; offers to provide maps for other Mississippi clubs.
- Ed Moorman (AVP, north Florida) has assisted members with medical claims for cut fingers and notes that prescription pain medication is often not covered.
VI District Report
Bob Underwood District VI Vice‑President 4109 Concord Oaks Dr., St. Louis, MO 63128 — (314) 487‑1957
Associate Vice Presidents:
- John Guenther — R#1 Box 75, Borden, IN 47106
- Loren Holm — 544 Hill & Brook, Quincy, IL 62301
- William Kern — 1088 Elk St., Bedford, IN 47421
- Raymond Mewers — PO Box 243, Smithville, MO 64089
- William Snavely — PO Box 281, Auburn, IN 46706
- Stan Watson — 3402 Hickory Lane, Hazel, IN 60429
- Bill Zimmer — Box 72, Warren, IL 61375
Frequency Coordinator:
- James A. Check — 654 Grandchester St., Lexington, KY 40505
I appreciate the many expressions of support as I prepare for a move to headquarters. District VI clubs overwhelmingly favored the Council‑appointed route to fill vacancies rather than holding an election.
Please ensure your club contact information at HQ is current so important mailings reach the membership. The AMA booth and Underwood Honda have been active at recent shows.
Recent events:
- Pot O' Gold show (South Bend RC) had strong attendance despite local flooding; AMA literature distribution was busy and successful.
- Tri County Aero Club (Vincennes, IN) held its first annual dinner. The club presented a $100 check to the Debt Reduction campaign.
- All Season flying patches remain popular; to qualify, fly at least once each month of the year. Patches are $2.50 each.
- Warbird Day in Chesterton, IN (Sun Downers) will be held on July 20; bring warbirds and cameras. Contact Dan Thomas: (219) 762‑7642.
Newsletter comments received:
- From the Radio Control Club of Chicago (Dan Williamson): praise for the District newsletter’s quality.
- From Tri County Flypaper (W. Sachtzen): lighthearted note on explaining terms like "counterclockwise" to youngsters.
Cheers, Bob
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
