AMA News

AMA News

AMA Hall of Fame — 1984

Once more, distinguished people from the world of model aviation have been voted into the AMA Hall of Fame. These additions to an already-illustrious gallery of exceptional contributors to our sport were nominated by AMA members and selected by the Council of Past AMA Presidents. The process continues annually—any Academy member may ask for nomination forms from AMA Headquarters and submit candidates for this honor prior to the selection process. Meanwhile, we honor the following:

Walter Caddell Walter has been a hobby shop retailer for more than 20 years and Executive Director of the Hobby Industry Association for almost as long. Walter and his family have lived and breathed model aviation for many years. In the 1940s he organized clubs and fought for flying sites in north Chicago. He was responsible for organizing a model airplane meet that led to Plymouth sponsorship of large-size contests. His club gave Control Line exhibitions between double headers at Chicago White Sox games, providing exposure for the sport to thousands of people. Although Walter, by his own admission, was never a winning flier, his sustained contribution has been of immeasurable value to the Academy and the sport. Perhaps his most important effort was support of AMA in the dark, financially difficult days of the 1960s. His coordination with industry and his dedication to the Academy helped bring us out of debt and into an era of stability that benefits all today. When funds were needed to build AMA’s National Center for Aeromodeling, Walter promoted HIA support for the project, resulting in a $50,000 check to the Academy—vital support at a critical time.

Owen Kampen Owen, who passed away in 1982 at age 60, was a quiet innovator whose designs and contributions will live on. He developed new construction techniques, including rolled-plywood fuselages and the foam wing used by Ace RC. His articles appeared in major magazines, and he specialized in small-engine radio control models—many still in production. His 1/2A Pylon Racers have been built and flown by hundreds. Owen was a founding member of the Madison Area Radio Control Society (Wisconsin), serving as president, newsletter editor, and committee leader. He was instrumental in securing a city park for model aviation and was active in civic work and public speaking. An accomplished artist and instructor at Madison Technical College, his portrait work was widely reproduced in national magazines and illustrated the Danny Dunn children’s books. Owen’s final portrait, of Professor Merle Curti, is displayed at the University of Wisconsin.

Frank Nekimken Frank became a model aviation institution in Chicago over many decades. He devoted much spare time to youth involved in the Chicago Parks Board model aviation programs, keeping many youngsters occupied through difficult years and helping develop instructional programs and opportunities for young modelers.

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AMA HQ Services Staff

• Executive Director: John Worth
• Nats General Manager: Vince Mankowski
• Executive Coordinator: Joyce Hager
• Comptroller: Gisele Jackson
• Competition Services Director: Micheline Madison
• Special Services Director: Carl Maroney
• Membership Director: Carol Merfeld
• Public Relations Director: Geoff Styles
• Special Events Director: Douglas Pratt
• Publications Director: Carl R. Wheeley
• Administrative Coordinator: Bob Voia
• General Counsel: Jeremiah Conway

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Synopsis — Executive Council Meeting (April 20–21, 1985, Midway Motor Lodge, Chicago)

The following is the remainder of the synopsis begun in last month’s issue.

#### VIII. New AMA Divisions

• The President reported letters from boating organizations requesting divisional status.
• Discussion: some felt AMA would gain frequency influence; others favored expanding AMA’s scope.
• It was noted the boating organizations’ interest needed to be clarified (insurance only or more).
• Motion to engage in further discussion with boating organizations about forming divisions passed (9 for; 5 against).

#### IX. District Assignments

• Guam is assigned to District X.
• Puerto Rico is assigned to District X.

#### X. Official Score Sheets

• Since many competition events lack standardized score sheets, the Technical Director was tasked to develop official score sheets for Rule Book events, to be completed by December 31, 1986. Motion passed unanimously.

#### XI. Radio Direction Finder Equipment

• Recommendation to research feasibility of providing radio direction finder equipment to clubs. Concern noted that the complexity and expertise required may make it useless in the model world.

(Meeting adjourned until the following morning.)

Reconvened April 21, 1985, at 8:02 a.m.

#### XII. AVP "Instant" Memberships

• Because normal membership issuing is slow for overseas addresses, a motion to authorize instant memberships for overseas AVPs in APO N.Y. or APO F.S. addresses for U.S. citizens in the designated areas of their AMA districts passed (11 for; 2 against).

#### XIII. Awards

• Motions for awards carried unanimously: six Awards of Excellence to clubs, three Distinguished Service Awards to individuals, two Superior Service Awards to individuals. Publicity to follow after presentations.

#### XIV. Permanent Flying Site

• Plan explained for acquisition of a permanent national flying site. Task force named:
• Dwayne Renkin (financial advisor)
• Hardy Brodersen (director/manager)
• Russ Ketzger (land management/acquisition)
• A.J. Smith (aviation integrator)
• Fund raiser to be named
• Concept: acquire a 2-mile-square tract, with an approximately 1.8-mile-diameter flying circle to accommodate many aviation disciplines, plus land for strips, headquarters, hangars, hotel, and commercial areas.
• Long-Range-Planning Committee appointed:
• Chairman: Bill Mathews
• Members: Pete Waters, Travis McGinnis
• Ex officio: John Grigg, John Worth
• Motion to establish a $5,000 budget for 1985 for the task force passed (8 for; 5 against).

#### XV. Next Executive Council Meeting

• Summer Executive Council meeting approved for Monday, August 5, in Chicopee, MA; Nominating Committee meeting Sunday, August 4, at 8:00 p.m.

#### XVI. Electric Power Contest Board

• Motion to form an Electric Power Contest Board effective January 1986 failed unanimously.
• However, due to rapid growth of electric power, an Electric Advisory Board with members from each district was approved unanimously; Contest Boards charged with developing Electric categories and rules.

#### XVII. Special Mailing (for RCHTA)

• RC Hobby Trade Association requested a direct-mail promotion to AMA members. Council nearly unanimous in disapproval (2 abstained) on grounds it would set an undesirable precedent. Suggested alternative: offer AMA Club mailing list (available on request).

#### XVIII. RC Pylon World Championship Budget

• Preliminary budget for the 1985 F3D World Championships presented; acceptance motion passed unanimously.

#### XIX. Safety Videotape

• Motion approved unanimously to accept Ken Wells’ RC Video Magazine safety videotape offer, provided it covers Control Line and Free Flight safety and toxic chemicals. Safety Committee to coordinate; Film Projects Committee to advise. Expenditures to be added to 1986 safety budget.

#### XX. AAAA Status for SAM Champs

• Motion approved unanimously to grant 4-sanction status to the 1985 SAM Champs, provided entries are open to all AMA members.

#### XXI. CD Safety Authority

• Rule Book lacks specific authority for Contest Directors (CDs) to judge unsafe equipment. Technical Director tasked to develop suitable language with Contest Boards to grant CDs authority to inspect and reject unsafe equipment.

#### XXII. Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

• Wohlers Insurance Company proposed offering $10,000 Accidental Death Insurance to active AMA members while traveling to, at, and returning from AMA-sanctioned events at no cost to AMA or members. Motion to accept passed (9 for; 2 against; 1 abstained).

#### XXIII. Annual Publication / Dues Discount

• Proposal to discontinue the $2 early-renewal discount and use funds to publish a special annual publication was discussed. Negative reaction to discontinuing the discount, but publication idea favored.
• Motion approved unanimously to plan a special publication commemorating AMA’s 50th anniversary (1986) without changing the renewal discount.

#### XXIV. 50th Anniversary Plans

• HQ staff discussed ways to celebrate the 50th anniversary in 1986, including a special membership card, use of the old AMA 50-year logo, and special stationery.
• Ideas suggested by Council included:
• a large banquet (and other smaller ones throughout the year)
• special old-time events at the Nats
• national AMA open house on either weekend of the Nats
• fireworks at the Nats
• model displays in airport terminals
• publish roster of members from 50 years ago
• use the Nats as the main focus for commemorative activities
• “all types” fun fly at Dulles Airport
• special travel package to Washington, D.C., and AMA HQ
• The Council will act as Committee of the Whole in anniversary planning.

Meeting adjourned at 12:25 p.m.

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Executive VP's Report

Jim McNeill AMA Executive VP 617 South 20th Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205

Want to Help?

AMA formed a Safety Committee two years ago. Committee principals: Johnny Clemens, Dave Brown, and Jim McNeill. Advisory board members include representatives for various disciplines:

• RC Giant Scale: Don Godfrey, Dario Brisbiglia, Bill Wilbur, Les Hard
• RC Pylon Racing: Vic Leerhoff
• RC Sport: Joan Alyea, Bill Paez
• Control Line: John Thompson, Doug Dahlke
• Free Flight: Terry Riemer, Howard Haupt
• General Safety: Paul Samaras, Don Lowe, John Worth, John Preston, Dick Patton
• Show Teams: Bill Altenhofen, Al Schaeffer

The Safety Committee plans to produce a first-aid booklet for all AMA Chartered Clubs covering topics such as heart attack, stroke, heat exhaustion, eye injuries, model fuel ingestion, open cuts, burns, insect bites, snake bites, shock, choking, broken bones, seizures, serious bleeding, drowning, and unconsciousness. The booklet will be free to all AMA Clubs; contributions and suggestions are welcome (acknowledgment provided for used contributions). The committee decided to use a green cross on the booklet cover.

The committee also obtained approval and funding to purchase and mail 2,000+ flags to every AMA Chartered Club. Each flag will bear the AMA emblem and the word “SAFETY.” Clubs with perfect safety records (no claims) will receive a ribbon indicating the year to fly below the flag.

Selected correspondence and notes:

• Allan Wehmann (Ladson, SC) donated a $30 refund to the AMA Museum Fund in principle protest to dues handling—thanks noted.
• Editors who mail their newsletters to AMA HQ receive the AMA National Newsletter automatically.
• News and suggestions from members about editor gatherings, awards, and programs are welcomed.

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Executive Director's View From HQ

John Worth AMA Executive Director 1810 Samuel Morse Dr., Reston, VA 22090

Gathering of Eagles

The Chicago Aeronuts 50th anniversary celebration in April was a major event for AMA. Many awards were presented: Award of Excellence, Distinguished Service Award to the Aeronuts club, Hall of Fame presentation to Frank Nekimken, Distinguished Service Award to Jim Richmond, President’s Legion of Honor to Carl and Beth Goldberg, and a Meritorious Service Award to Hardy Brodersen. The Executive Council met in conjunction with the celebration.

AMA's 50th Anniversary (1986)

AMA is planning a year-long commemoration in 1986, likely tied to the National Championships. Plans include:

• a special issue of Model Aviation tracing AMA history since 1936
• a special souvenir license card for all 1986 AMA members
• special pins and patches
• possible mall show program with displays contrasting 1936 designs and current craft
• vintage flying contests and other commemorative events

Ideas for promoting and recognizing the 50th anniversary are requested from members—send thoughts to AMA HQ.

Sailplane Scale Models

The Soaring Society of America (SSA), sister organization in the NAA, operates the National Soaring Museum in Elmira, NY, and seeks non-flying scale sailplane models for permanent display. Donors’ names would be shown; consistent scale preferred but not required. Contact SSA via AMA HQ for information or to offer models (provide size/scale details).

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E.C. Meeting (continued)

• The Council declined to allow an RCHTA special mailing to AMA members, suggesting instead that RCHTA use the AMA Club mailing list available on request.
• A motion accepted the F3D World Championship preliminary budget unanimously.
• The Safety Videotape proposal from Ken Wells was accepted with requirements to include Control Line, Free Flight, and toxic chemical coverage.
• The Technical Director was charged to develop language to empower CDs to reject unsafe equipment.
• A Wohlers Insurance proposal to provide $10,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance for active members at AMA-sanctioned events was accepted (9 for; 2 against; 1 abstained).
• Planning for the 50th anniversary publication and related activities was approved without altering the early-renewal discount.

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III District Report

Dave Brown District III Vice-President 4560 Layhigh Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013

Associate Vice Presidents:

• Eva Biddle, 2156 Street Road, Warrington, PA 18976
• Joe Eiben, 36980 Valley Forge Dr., Solon, OH 44139
• Francis Huffman, 504 21st St., Vienna, WV 22180
• Corky Heffman, R.R. 108 North, Holgate, OH 43527
• Elder Jackson, 1025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
• Eugene Shelkey, 217 Euclid Ave., Scottdale, PA 15683

Frequency Coordinator:

• James Bearden, 5552 Foxrun Ct., Cincinnati, OH 45239 — Phone: (513) 542-4406

District notes:

• Clubs take pride in their flying sites; submissions of pictures and site details are requested for possible magazine features.
• The WORKS field in Miamisburg, OH, has new runways, taxiways, and shelter; field was preserved after noise complaints through PR and reorientation.
• LARKS field in Sulphur, LA, is a fine site with clubhouse, concrete shelter, and blacktop runway; note cautions about frequency boards—better to have pins marked than rely on board markings.
• Masters Tournament results: Tony Fraczkowiak 1st, Bill Cunningham 2nd, Dave Brown 3rd. Team manager: Dick Penrod.

See you at the Nats.

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IV District Report

Howard Crispin District IV Vice-President 611 Beechwood Dr., Charlottesville, VA 22901

Associate Vice Presidents:

• Wayne Abernethy, 9205 Caredon 3, Upper Marlboro, MD 20740
• Bob Champlin, 205 Tipton Rd., Newport News, VA 23606
• Doug Holland, 3517 Fernwood Dr., Raleigh, NC 27612
• Raymond LeFrancais, 465 Chinquapin Tr., Christiansburg, VA 24073
• Scotty Moyer, 11 Orchard Lane, Wilmington, DE 19809
• Charles Spear, 288 Holly Lane, Mocksville, NC 27028

Frequency Coordinator:

• Paul Yacoubocci, 6484 Winthrop Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28301 — Phone: (919) 488-5986

District notes:

• Mid-Atlantic RC Show (Timonium, MD) offered good space, ventilation, parking, and catering; vendors could exhibit at a club field after the show.
• Control Line representation included a meet sponsored by the Skylancers at Anacostia NAS with strong participation.
• Soaring publication note: Herk Stokely publishes Soar Tech (technical RC soaring journal) — current issue #4 for $5 U.S. ($12 air mail foreign).

Plans to report on outstanding district newsletters in next issue; impressions from the Nationals to follow.

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VI District Report

Bob Underwood District VI Vice-President 4109 Concord Oaks Dr., St. Louis, MO 63128 — Phone: (314) 487-1957

District notes:

• Dedication of the new Bartlesville, OK flying field by the Falcons Model Club: 32 acres provided by the Corps of Engineers, 300 ft asphalt runway, parallel grass strip, crosswind runway, and excellent facilities. Project required persistent coordination with Corps, city, and donors.
• Buder Park "Flying-for-Kids" Day in St. Louis raised funds and awareness for handicapped children; many organizations participated and several thousand people attended.
• Congratulations to the Falcons and to all clubs partnering with government and community organizations to create facilities and events.

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VIII District Report

Johnny Clemens District VIII Vice-President P.O. Box 64573, Dallas, TX 75206

Associate Vice Presidents:

• Bob Friedl, 5512 Southwood, Little Rock, AR 72205
• Gene Herpel, 301 N. Yale Dr., Garland, TX 75042
• William Hurley III, 927 Commerce, Pleasanton, TX 78064
• Al Rabe, 1904 Valley Oak Ct., Irving, TX 75061
• Larry Sartor, 1415 Manor Dr., Bartlesville, OK 74003
• Ed Shearer, 4016 David Dr., Metairie, LA 70003

Frequency Coordinator:

• Tom Blakeney, 2300 May Lane, Grand Prairie, TX 75050

District notes:

• Masters RC Aerobatic Team Selection (Lake Charles, LA): District hosted a successful Masters; planning for the 1986 Nationals in District VIII has begun early.
• Chenault AFB and Burton Coliseum were surveyed; Burton Coliseum looks promising for indoor events and meet headquarters with ample RV parking.
• U.S. RC Aerobatic Team selected for Holland: Tony Fraczkowiak, Bill Cunningham, Dave Brown; alternates Steve Rojecki and 13-year-old Chip Hyde.
• Young modelers: Dan Cohen (age 13) attended an Executive Council meeting and impressed members with his questions and demeanor—example of promising youth involvement.
• Advice: “Pray for good health.”

All for this flight.

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X District Report

Jim Scarborough District X Vice-President 30717 Rue Langlois, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90274

Associate Vice Presidents:

• Darwin N. Barrie, 8252 E. Turney Ave., Scottsdale, AZ 85251
• Glenn Carter, 2020 Golf Palms Lane, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
• Bob Kampmann, 6312 Kennerly Ave., Orangevale, CA 95662
• Mike Lee, 262 Bergen Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89110
• Bob Reynolds, R.R. 5, Box 51, Tucson, AZ 85710
• Betty Stream, 3723 Snowden Ave., Long Beach, CA 90808
• Al Tuttle, 417 Ethelinn St., Pukalani, Maui, HI 96768
• Al Williams, 445 Westbay, Chula Vista, CA 92011

Frequency Coordinators:

• Hal Jackson, 8288 Sunset Ave., Fair Oaks, CA 95628 — Phone: (916) 961-9603

District notes:

• San Luis Obispo State Championship (One-race pylon) hosted FAI pylon team selection trials. Tom Wiggin (CD) and the SLO club ran a smooth meet; team selected: Dave Shade (1st), Tom Christopher and Ernest Nikodem tied for second; first alternate Art Arro.
• San Fernando Valley Silent Flyers reprinted the Technical Anthology (23 papers) — $12.50 includes postage; order from Jim Wichert.
• Sacramento Red Barons (191 members, 16 juniors) engage community outreach (Boy Scout invites, public TV phone auctions) and fundraising (soup and hot dog sales).
• Hawaii: modeling activity booming; monthly fun flies and day events well attended.
• Eureka: attempts to start sailplane events using a 200-ft bluff at Humboldt Bay; contact Gary Todoroff for details.
• Simi Valley Flyers developing a new field (county park lease) with plans for a paved runway and grass surrounds; club donated $100 to the AMA mortgage fund.
• Phoenix: hot summer slows activity; Sun Valley Flyers held a Q-Tee Pylon race (24 contestants).
• Las Vegas: signs require AMA coverage to fly; city will enforce. Mike Lee distributes a safety/newsletter for Nevada clubs.

If you want the AMA booth at shows, reserve it by contacting District X.

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Miscellaneous Club & Local Notes

• A club near Carbondale uses the city landfill as a hard-packed dirt strip (~400 ft) with ample pits and parking; monthly Pylon Racing each second Sunday April–September; successful mall show with diverse exhibits and strong local publicity.
• Arvada Associated Modelers adopted Witt Elementary School Aerospace Club, exposing 35–50 students/year to basic aeromodeling through simple, rewarding kits and gliders; Model Aviation magazine is a popular periodical in the school library.
• Many local clubs continue educational outreach, youth programs, and fun-fly events—details available from respective district officers.

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Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.