AMA News
Sig Memorial Scholarships Awarded to Three Students
The Scholarship Fund created in honor of the memory of Glen Sigafoose, co‑founder of Sig Manufacturing Company, is helping three young men with their educational burdens. Glen lost his life in a Pitts Special accident in 1980. The fund was set up by Hazel Sig, with financial contributions from the company, friends and other supporters, and is administered by the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
Any student who is an AMA member, active in model aviation, and has financial need may apply for consideration. AMA Scholarship winners are automatically eligible. There is no set number of winners picked annually. The 1984 recipients have each had a $1,000 check sent to their universities to help with advanced education.
- Walter S. McIntosh — Champaign, IL
Studying aeronautical engineering at the University of Illinois. Although enrolled in the College Work/Study Program, Walter depends on scholarships, grants, and loans to meet university expenses. A keen model aviator, his demanding school schedule and summer work commitments have left little time for aeromodeling. He remains committed to a career in aerospace despite the prospect of significant student debt.
- Gregory Schmidt — Park Falls, WI
Attends the University of Wisconsin–Madison and will begin his sophomore year in September 1985. Although he will spend the summer working, he will still come up short on tuition costs. A deserving modeler with varied interests in model aviation, he looks forward to completing his program at UW–Madison and returning to aircraft design, building, and flying when time allows.
- John L. Martin — Kewaskum, WI
Attends the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. Having used savings intended for college and with help from working parents, John is working through the summer to stay in school. A very keen model aviator, his modeling has taken a back seat while he concentrates on his studies.
A detailed look at these scholars shows them to be typical model aviators: assets to their clubs and communities with positive goals to become useful, productive citizens. Glen Sigafoose would be proud to have sponsored these students; the Scholarship Fund is helping them along the road to higher education. Congratulations to the recipients.
Tom Hutchinson Memorial Scholarship
Rosemary Hutchinson recently established the Tom Hutchinson Memorial Scholarship Fund to pay tribute to her late husband, Tom, an avid free‑flight enthusiast who spent hundreds of hours helping beginners, especially young people. The Academy of Model Aeronautics, recognizing the educational values inherent in model aviation, will make an annual grant from the fund to help university‑age students.
We are pleased to announce the first recipient of the Tom Hutchinson award:
- Suzanne Kusik — Huntington Beach, CA
A keen free‑flighter who competed at the Nats in 1983 (Westover AFB) and again in 1984 (Reno). Suzanne became well known to many AMA members after a fine photograph of hers was selected for the Academy trade‑show exhibit. A skillful modeler of great patience and dedication, she is a pleasure to watch in peanut‑scale events. The Academy Scholarship Committee selected Suzanne; Mrs. Hutchinson provided total funding. A check for $500 has been mailed to Miss Kusik. Congratulations!
Synopsis — Executive Council Meeting
The Executive Council met August 5, 1985, at the Quality Inn, Chicopee, MA. The following is a continuation of the meeting synopsis begun in last month’s issue.
D. Special Interest Groups
An application from the National C/L Speed Society was referred to Chairman Ed McCullough for response.
E. By‑Laws (ref. April 1985 meeting)
Regarding a pending by‑laws amendment that would allow reversing, by a 3/4 vote, Presidential decisions pertaining to international modeling activity, a motion was made to reconsider the amendment for the purpose of changing the required 3/4 vote to a simple majority. The motion failed: 7 for (ED, EVP, 2, 6, 7, 8, 10); 7 against (Pres, NAA, 1, 3, 4, 9, 11).
F. Safety
- McNeill reported that a club safety flag will be distributed to all 1986 chartered clubs. If a club maintains a perfect safety record, a special ribbon or other item might be considered later. The idea of using CDs as a motif for club safety officers will be developed for 1986 distribution.
- Bob Underwood reported on the "CD safety authority" issue. A letter and ballot were sent to all Contest Board members; of 74 responses, 61 agreed with the proposal. After considering comments, the original proposed statement was revised and the Council unanimously approved the Technical Director’s recommendations.
The CD authority statement will appear in the Rule Book in the "Contest Director" section, between "Responsibility & Interpretations," as a new paragraph entitled "Authority." The paragraph will read: "The Contest Director at an AMA‑sanctioned event has the authority to perform safety inspections of any equipment and to prevent any participant from using equipment which, in the CD’s opinion, is deemed unsafe."
This item will also be published in Model Aviation as soon as possible.
G. Nats Steering Committee
Johnny Clements, Chairman, rated the 1985 Nats a 9 out of 10. He acknowledged early communication difficulties but noted quick improvement and credited the new Nats Steering Committee for working well. He recommended reactivating the previous "Nats Executive Committee" structure, allowing the committee to choose and assign its own members.
Concerning the 1986 Nats, Clements reported inspecting the Lake Charles site and noted that pre‑planning has begun for a possible two‑week Nats with two days of fun flying in the middle.
Travis McGinnis suggested improvements: give the General Manager more latitude to assign key people; develop a convention handbook; place more emphasis on the convention aspect; and have Nats management handle the hobby shop rather than assign it to an HQ staff person.
IV. Budget vs. Expense
The Council requested more budget information—reports that track budget items and compare them to actual expenses. McNeill was asked to investigate implementing computer‑generated reports every two months. The Executive Director noted the Accounting Department is producing quarterly reports from its computer, so bimonthly reports should be possible.
V. Models Outside Safety Limits
The Council expressed concern about negative publicity from images that could be interpreted as encouraging model activity outside AMA’s Safety Code—citing a non‑AMA magazine cover photo of a child sitting in a large model airplane. It was decided the Executive Director would discuss the Council’s concerns with the publisher to ensure large model photos and related text are carefully screened.
VI. AVP Travel Allowance
It was noted that some rural Associate Vice‑Presidents have (text missing in source).
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
Thank You To: I received a very nice letter from Nick Mechas, President of the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada (MAAC), commending two AMA members who assisted at the World Championships for Helicopter, hosted by MAAC in London, Ontario (July 14–19, 1985):
- Horace Hagen — acted as FAI jury member and provided invaluable counsel on procedures.
- Dick Robbins — F3C team manager who helped implement a frequency system that worked flawlessly and permitted the competition to run smoothly.
Thank you to Nick, Horace, and Dick. It’s a fine feeling to know the two countries can work well together—Hands Across the Border!
Let's Cooperate, Safely A Control Line contest was held at a site shared with Radio Control flyers. Although the field layout allowed RC flying without approaching the C/L area, some RC aircraft flew over the C/L circles to gain favorable wind, coming dangerously close to people and C/L turns. A C/L participant tried to reason with the RC flyers but was met with belligerence from one quarter‑scale pilot. The situation was only resolved after the C/L participant identified himself as an AMA AVP.
The incident highlights safety risks: a midair collision or engine failure could have led to two uncontrolled aircraft among people. We must work cooperatively across modeling disciplines, respect each other’s rights, and avoid ego‑driven behavior that endangers safety.
Another Field Lost? Each month brings reports of flying fields lost or in jeopardy. The Chula Vista (CA) Radio Control Club faces possible loss of its field, being turned into a wildlife sanctuary. Larry Kosta’s editorial recounts the effort of helicopter flyers who testified before the city council and contrasts that organized effort with local indifference. His message: stand up, be counted, and use solid, loud publicity to gain public and governmental support.
Public awareness is crucial. The AMA should pursue a strong publicity program—similar to those of the NRA or Sierra Club—to make our presence and needs known. Local clubs should ask: How many people outside your club know you exist? More public awareness will help protect flying sites and the hobby. Write your VP; get involved.
Along the Same Lines A Sport Aviation "Washington Report" by David H. Scott discussed growing bureaucracy and loss of legislative control to bureaucrats—a parallel the President draws to AMA governance issues. The President notes recent internal developments have affected the AMA and implies the need for vigilance and member involvement. (Continued on page 103 in original.)
National Mall Show Program
Geoffrey Styles Director of Public Relations
Once again, the AMA will provide handout materials for any chartered club holding a mall show in 1986. We are placing orders with suppliers for printed materials and will ship a package to each club that requests one.
Remember: 1986 is the 50th anniversary year for the Academy. Consider making special backdrops or signs for your mall show display to highlight that your club is part of a national organization celebrating its 50th year.
Membership for 1985 passed the 105,000‑member level—another AMA milestone. Celebrate, take the sport to the public, and build up your local image. Let us know how we can help you.
District Report
Don Kraft District I Vice‑President P.O. Box 1828, Duxbury, MA 02331 (617) 934‑6248
Beth and Carl Goldberg Award This award goes to six people annually to recognize vital, behind‑the‑scenes contributors to the modeling movement. It includes cash and a plaque.
At this year’s Nats banquet, one award was presented to Charles Nelson of the Central Massachusetts Radio Control Club. Charlie, primarily involved with scale modeling, has been very active in his club and served as a club officer. This year he placed third in RC Sport Scale, Expert, at the Nationals. District I joins in congratulating Charles Nelson.
II DISTRICT REPORT — New Jersey & New York
John Byrne District II Vice‑President 36‑29 213th Street, Bayside, NY 11361 (718) 225‑8319
Associate Vice‑Presidents:
- Pete Bianchini, 260 S. Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10705
- Tom Brown, PO Box 861, APO NY 09123
- Frank Costello, 27 Kearney St., Dover, NJ 07801
- Frank Dresch, 9 Willow Ave., Piscataway, NJ 08854
- Ray Juschak, 7 Evergreen Ave., New Hyde Park, NY 11040
- Hank Liska, 48 Cory Dr., Toms River, NJ 08753
- Adam Satter, 41 Perry Ave., Latham, NY 12110
- Len Sauter, 20225 Rabbit Lane, Phoenix, NY 13135
Frequency Coordinator:
- George Myers, 70 Freilich Farm Rd., Hicksville, NY 11801
Second (District) Thoughts In a recent column, AMA President described me as a "watch‑dog" regarding spending AMA money. I accept that appraisal and feel a deep responsibility to ensure our funds are wisely disbursed. I have repeatedly voted "nay" on proposals to increase dues. While dues may be held for 1986, rising insurance premiums may compel a rate increase in 1987. I remain concerned about insurance and operating costs and will be vocal about controlling them.
The Start of Something Big(ger) Ray Juschak (Long Island AVP) provided a photo and report of a kids’ glider contest at the Syosset field of the Long Island Silent Flyers. The children had a great time, spectator attendance has grown, and one mother even wants to join flying RC gliders—an encouraging sign.
Garden State Circle Burners (GSCB) The GSCB returned from the 1985 Nats with at least eight awards, including seven first places. The club welcomes new members; inquiries may be addressed to Reuben MacBride, Sr., 1206A Clifton Ave., Clifton, NJ 07012. The author had the pleasure of presenting the Club Excellence Award to GSCB President MacBride at the AMA Annual Membership Meeting.
Nats Note Thanks to all District II members who supported the 1985 Nats at Westover. Out of 1,037 registered contestants, 235 were from our district—the most of any district.
AMA HQ SERVICES STAFF
- Executive Director: John Worth
- Executive Coordinator: Joyce Hager
- Comptroller: Gisele Jackson
- Competition Services Director: Micheline Madison
- Nets General Manager: Vince Mankowski
- Special Services Director: Carl Maroney
- Membership Director: Carol Merfeld
- Special Events Director: Douglas Pratt
- Public Relations Director: Geoff Styles
- Technical Director: Bob Underwood
- Administrative Coordinator: Bob Vozslavek
- Publications Director: Carl R. Wheeler
- General Counsel: Jeremiah Courtney
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
