AMA News

AMA News

Sound and Model Aeronautics

Howard Crispin

Communities nationwide are increasingly getting involved in ordinances governing what can and cannot operate in terms of equipment that generates high levels of sound. These high sound levels are perceived as noise and are subject to various controls. Operation of model aircraft often falls under a blanket category of "recreational vehicles," which can include motorcycles, snowmobiles, minibikes, snowmobiles, motorboats and similar equipment. A few ordinances specifically mention model aircraft, and one proposed state law does so as well.

Ordinances vary by community, but many follow basic criteria established by the federal government. Some years ago Congress passed laws addressing permissible sound levels for various types of equipment by specified dates. It is unlikely that many vehicles are fully in compliance; we will examine those requirements in depth at a later time.

A commonly used criterion in ordinances is that sound be measured at a distance of fifty feet from its source and must not exceed a specified level (for example, 74 dBA). Another example is a proposed state law specifying 50 dBA. Other ordinances require that a given dBA level not be exceeded when measured at the edge of an individual’s property if that neighbor files a complaint; levels commonly cited are in the order of 55–65 dBA. Consider that an ordinary office or a relatively quiet home produces sound levels in this range — this helps illustrate the problem modelers face.

What is dBA? The conventional instrument for initial purposes is the sound level meter, which reads decibels weighted at three levels: A, B and C. These weightings and their uses will be discussed in more detail later. It is important that all modelers have a basic understanding of sound measurement because everyone must be involved in solving problems related to the levels of sound we generate.

Definitions and basic concepts

• Sound: an alteration in pressure, stress, particle displacement, and particle velocity propagated in an elastic medium. For our purposes the medium is air.
• Velocity of sound: given by V = sqrt(kP/ρ) where k is the ratio of specific heats, P is pressure and ρ is the density of the medium. The velocity of sound in air at 68°F is approximately 1,126 feet per second and increases with temperature. The speed of sound can also be determined from temperature in absolute degrees.
• Frequency: the number of periods (cycles) occurring in a unit of time (cycles per second, CPS). Audible frequencies are usually within the range 20–20,000 CPS.
• Intensity: a measure of the energy flowing in the direction of propagation, stated in watts per square meter.
• Decibel (dB) scale: used because the ear responds to sound over a very large range. The lower limit of the audible range (about 10^-12 watts/m^2) is taken as zero on the decibel scale. Each tenfold increase in intensity corresponds to a 10 dB increase. A change of about 10 dB is generally judged subjectively as about twice as loud.

Quality and annoyance

Quality is a subjective attribute of sound: equally loud sounds may be distinguished by kind. Differences in quality arise from differences in the distribution of energy across the frequency spectrum. Music exhibits energy relationships between fundamentals and harmonics; noise tends to be random. Shrill, high-pitched, irregular sounds are usually judged more annoying than low-pitched, regular sounds. Model aircraft often fall into the high‑pitched category and are perceived as intermittent or irregular in flight. Four-stroke engines often seem quieter because their RPM is lower, producing lower frequencies, though decibel readings can still be high.

Measurement and analysis

A sound level analyzer that indicates sound pressure as a function of frequency can identify the components of noise — propeller, exhaust, intake, bearings, etc. For serious work in developing solutions, use of such equipment is likely necessary.

Examples and perspective

• The threshold of pain is often cited near 120 dBA; many jet aircraft exceed this even at considerable distance.
• For comparison: a Rossi .60 on a tuned pipe (meeting FAI requirements for F3A) will register about 105 dBA.
• An Enya 1.2 stock set-up (not the R120) registered a peak of about 115 dBA at one meter and an average of 108 dBA; the R120 is even louder.

Response and call to action

Modelers have accepted high sound levels for many years without understanding where those levels fall on a sound scale. Much of the recent discussion has been directed toward meeting the FAI requirement for F3A, but that does not solve the basic problem of obtaining and retaining flying sites. Whether or not we agree that our operation creates annoyance, ordinances commonly assert that we do — which means we must act.

The solution requires full cooperation across the aeromodelling community. Manufacturers must respond to the market and regulatory pressures; hobbyists and clubs must adopt quieter practices. The greatest stake lies with non-competition modelers, and manufacturer and flier effort should focus on reducing sound across all propulsion systems. We need to consider the ordinance limits, where we currently stand, and what can be done now to protect our fields through quieter operation.

Coming next: possible beginning solutions and methods for evaluating individual fields with existing equipment.

---

David "Dave" Newmark

Dave Newmark, president of the pioneer Ideal Model Airplane Company, passed away November 15, 1986. Newmark joined the 1911-founded company in 1920 and guided its success and pioneering contributions to the model airplane industry until 1964, when the company ceased operation.

He was responsible for many innovations in model design and production, and he was an early supplier to many fledgling model companies in the 1930s. A charter member of the Hobby Industry Association of America, he was also instrumental in forming MAMA (Model Airplane Manufacturers Association) prior to the establishment of the hobby industry association.

Under Newmark's leadership the company promoted models such as the Bluebird twin pusher and Cecile Peoli's 36" Wingspan (1911 official championship model), as well as the Curtis Tractor, Bleriot Monoplane, Taube Monoplane, Curtiss Flying Boat, and Newport Fighter through the 1920s.

---

Vital People Awards — Nominations Deadline

The deadline for submission of 1986 nominees for the Carl and Beth Goldberg Vital People Awards has been extended, for 1986 only, until April 30.

Background

• In 1984 the first of six Carl and Beth Goldberg Vital People Awards were presented. The awards recognize people who work behind the scenes — newsletter editors, contest organizers and judges, club officers and others whose efforts enhance the hobby but are seldom formally acknowledged.
• The recognition consists of annual cash awards and plaques for up to six people per year, administered by the Academy of Model Aeronautics.

Candidate recommendations for 1986

• May be submitted by any Open AMA member on the nomination form available from Vice Presidents or AMA Headquarters.
• Nominees shall have been AMA members for a minimum of four years and shall be living AMA members.
• Awards are made annually at an appropriate time and place.

Nomination process — Inclusion for consideration

• Club officers, past club officers (still active)
• Contest board members, contest coordinators, Nats workers and/or officials
• Special Interest Group officers
• Any “average” modeler who does an “unsung hero” job of service
• Appointed district officers or contest board members

Notes

• A nominee may be unknown regionally or nationally; being well-known should not be a barrier.
• Nominees may be individuals who have contributed significantly to the mechanics of running an organization, a newsletter editor, someone who promotes modeling in a positive light, or someone who provides guidance or inspiration to youth.
• An AMA chartered club may nominate and support one of its members.
• Any Open AMA member may recommend a nominee with three other AMA members supporting the recommendation and submit it to the appropriate District Vice President.

Exclude from consideration

• Members who have already received national recognition
• AMA officers and employees
• Magazine columnists
• Manufacturers or principals in the manufacturing business (hobby-parts)

Other rules

• The award is intended to be a one-time award to any one member; a second award could be considered after a period of five years.

Previous winners

• 1984 — William Altenhofen; Edward Aikman; Robert Cote; Robert Fishey; John Pief, Sr.; Susan Stream.
• 1985 — Darrell Decker; Bill Kleinhans; Charles Nelson; Wayne Yeager.

---

Sorry . . . No Credit Cards By Telephone

AMA Headquarters cannot accept credit card payments by telephone for several reasons:

1. Insurance requirements preclude acceptance of membership payments over the telephone. Acceptance after an accident could create coverage problems; insurance coverage cannot begin until money is received.
2. Telephone transactions are subject to error, misinterpretation, and controversy without proof of intent or what was said.
3. Extra time and effort are required to process and verify credit card status when paperwork must be created by HQ staff to record and verify the transaction.

---

E.C. Meeting

C. Articles for Model Aviation

• Howard Crispin reported he intends to supply Model Aviation with a sound article for each issue.
• At 12:03 a.m. the meeting was moved, seconded and passed to adjourn until 8:00 a.m.

E.C. Meeting Continued

February 9, 1986

XVI. Multiple Contest Boards

• Jim Sears reported he may offer a specific proposal to divide the Control Line Contest Board into several groups at a later meeting.

XVII. Council Members on Committees

• Deferred until the next meeting because the author was not present.

XVIII. FAI Team Selection Juries

• A motion was approved unanimously to amend the standing rule concerning FAI juries for team selection by striking the words "(by the Contest Director)" and inserting "by the team selection committee."

XIX. Officer Column Length

• Policies concerning VP column length and submission dates were reviewed.
• A motion passed to increase the AMA News section by eight pages, increase officers' column to one page maximum (to be edited if needed by Model Aviation staff in consultation with the officer), and acquire the additional pages by judicious editing of other columns and articles.
• Four uncommitted increased pages shall be used for committee reports and other AMA business as needed.
• Vote: 9 for (1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, ED); 3 against (5, 6, EVP).
• The first time the extra eight pages are introduced (June issue) they will be devoted to 50th Anniversary material. Full implementation of officers' pages will occur in the July issue.

XX. Alcohol and Drugs

• Crispin advised clubs should be warned that any association with alcohol is dangerous from a liability standpoint. It was agreed that publicizing AMA's insurance exclusion clause concerning alcohol and drugs would be useful.

XXI. Contest Board/Executive Council

• A motion was made; discussion and vote were deferred until the next meeting for the Council to adopt recommendations developed by R. Underwood.

XXII. Awards

• Four Superior Service Awards and one Fellowship were approved; publicity will follow presentation.

XXIII. Film Distribution

• A motion approved that each vice president be delivered one copy of the latest AMA film, charged against the officer's budget; also one videotape to be charged against the VP budget. Motion passed unanimously.

XXIV. Next Meetings — Place and Dates

• May 3–4 at Reston AMA HQs, with the budget as the first main subject.
• July 25 at Lake Charles, LA, at the Nats site, 9:00 a.m. or 15 minutes after the Nominating Committee meeting is adjourned.
• November 1–2; location to be determined; tentatively set for Reston.

---

Long Range Planning

This session focused on strategies to achieve the goals identified at the previous meeting. Discussion centered on Goal 1: Acquire and Retain Public and Private Flying Sites. Bill Mathews led a brainstorming session that produced many strategies, including:

• Noise reduction initiatives
• Improving insurance programs
• Use of films and videotapes
• Seminars and education for local and national groups
• Club programs and positive publicity
• Better use of Associate Vice Presidents and district meetings
• A hotline directory
• Advertising for sites

The meeting concluded with a plan to develop specific strategies further.

---

Film and Publications

• The new AMA production by Jay Gerber, "Diamonds in the Sky," is complete and available in 16 mm and VHS formats. Jay Gerber has produced AMA films for 15 years and was awarded a Fellowship in the Academy of Model Aeronautics for his service.
• The June issue of Model Aviation will include articles on AMA’s 50th anniversary. Starting with the July issue, each Vice President will be allowed one full page in AMA News (up from two-thirds page).
• The preliminary budget proposal was discussed; the actual budget will be voted on at the May meeting.

---

Local Events, Exhibits, and Notes

Library Exhibit

• A display at the Plymouth Public Library featured pictures of young modelers, a model rocket, and small aircraft. Library display cases can generate community interest; clubs could set up similar exhibits.

New England Air Museum

• The South Shore R/C Club's "Wednesday group" visited the New England Air Museum at Windsor Locks Airport, CT. The museum suffered tornado damage in 1979 and is now in new quarters. For more information call (203) 623-3305.

Coming Events

• Pioneer Valley R/C Club building contest (club members only): April 16, 1986. Categories include Novice, Giant Scale, Sport Scale, Sport Airplanes. Special awards: Best of Show, Most Unique Design, Team Entry. Info: Tom Tenerowicz (413) 732-9713.
• Wings of Spring Display: April 19, 1986. Fairfield League of Yankee Controllers. Open to all AMA members. $2 entry fee per airplane; aircraft must not have been flown yet. Info: Reid Kalisher (203) 798-1159 or Dick Purdy (203) 438-0213.
• Beginners Pylon Race: Farmington, CT. Pete Reed, CD.

Jefco Aeromodelers Auction

• The Jefco Aeromodelers held an auction on February 8 that was impressive in size and attendance. Over $30,000 was taken in at the auction.

Travel Notes

• A Council trip to Denver included flight delays and travel challenges upon return, but also productive meetings and social events.

---

District Reports

District III Report

Dave Brown — District III Vice-President 4560 Lahigh Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013 Phone: (513) 542-4406

Associate Vice Presidents

• Ena Biddle, Warrington, PA
• Bob Doyle, Pepper Pike, OH
• Francis Flaherty, Vienna, WV
• Corky Heitman, North Hopple, OH
• Laird Jackson, Philadelphia, PA
• Eugene Shelley, Scottdale, PA
• James Bearden, Cincinnati, OH

Report highlights

• The first 1986 Council meeting was in Denver (Feb 8–9). The Jefco auction was a major event and raised significant funds.
• A plan to reduce or pay off the mortgage was adopted, involving a voluntary $5 donation on the 1987 membership renewal and a request to industry for matching funds.
• A proposal from the Combat fliers (MACA) would take the top-placing Junior or Senior in their team-selection finals to the World Championships with the team; the Council approved this as a carefully studied, non-precedent-setting measure.
• The AMA News section of the magazine will expand to allow each VP a full page; implementation requires removing or editing other material.
• Continued promotion of electric flight records and encouragement for Juniors in competition were noted.

Additional notes

• Staten Island Modelers Association (charter 1938) has developed a field leased from the NYC Department of Sanitation; field dedication planned for July 20, 1986.
• Passing of Bill "Red" Sinram (October 1985) was announced.

District V Notes

• Stockbridge Fly-In in Georgia registered 50 pilots and over 65 planes flown.
• Atlanta area clubs are losing fields to development; some members have purchased private property (e.g., RC Acres with a 400 x 32 ft runway).
• Smyrna Air Races: April 26–27 (QMP & Formula 1, Sport Pylon). Info: Greg Doe, 407 Pony Dr., Smyrna, TN 37167.
• King Orange Internats (KOI) indoor flying was relocated with help from Delta Air Lines when McDill AFB hangar access was limited.

District VI Report

Jim Sears — District VI Vice-President P.O. Box 308, Burgin, KY 40310

Associate Vice Presidents

• Loren Helm, Quincy, IL
• William Kern, Bedford, IN
• Bruce Maloney, Owensboro, KY
• Raymond Meyers, Smithville, MO
• William G. Crawley, Auburn, NE
• Stan Wilson, Hazel Crest, IL
• Bill Zimmer, Varna, IL

Frequency Coordinator

• James A. Check, Lexington, KY

Report highlights

• Attendance at the Council meeting after a three-year absence; involvement in budget discussions and other issues.
• Positive reaction to the "Diamonds in the Sky" film premiere.
• Encouragement for entries to the Nats (50th Anniversary) and special sport flier events following the contest.
• Discussion of dues increases and the mortgage fund donation plan to help avoid raising dues.
• Warning about selling beer at contests due to insurance coverage issues; cars and boats are not insured under current policies.

District VII Report

Peter Waters — District VII Vice-President 117 E. Main, Upper Level, Northville, MI 48167 CompuServe: 70047,2162

Assistant/Associate Vice Presidents

• Bob Vossels, Golden Valley, MN
• Art Arro, Ann Arbor, MI
• Jack Finn, Cedar Rapids, IA
• Russell Knickerbocker, Milwaukee, WI
• Robert D. Lundberg, Duluth, MN
• Carl Mohs, Madison, WI
• William Rohrig, St. Joseph, MI
• Ron Sears, Mt. Morris, MI

Report highlights

• Recovering from flu; AVP contributions will appear regularly.
• Mall shows and tabletop displays continue through winter; AMA videos available from HQ.
• Insurance policy complexities discussed; HQ is working on clearer explanations and addressing car/boat coverage.
• Battle Creek Nats 1987 planning continues; the whole airport may be used as a free-flight site.
• AVP Art Arro provided an introduction and reiterated his role as liaison; he maintains competition information files and district club listings.

District roundup

• Club activities, fun-flys and contest successes highlighted; keep newsletters coming.

District VIII Report

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

Associate Vice Presidents

• Dannie Ball, Dallas, TX
• Bob Firebaugh, Little Rock, AR
• Michael S. Harrison, Hot Springs, AR
• Glen Harrell, Garland, TX
• William Hurley, Pecanland, TX
• Al Rabe, Irving, TX
• L.S. Sorrell, San Antonio, TX
• Ed Shearer, Metairie, LA

Frequency Coordinator

• Tom Blakey, Grand Prairie, TX

Report highlights and notes

• A new, lighted AMA display is available for chartered club shows and exhibits. Contact Johnny Clemens to reserve it; prompt return is required so others may use it.
• The Hobby Industry Association Trade Show in Chicago included a well-staffed AMA booth.
• Jefco Club’s auction in Denver grossed approximately $35,000 in one day; their success is noted as an example for fundraising.
• The 50th National Model Airplane Championships will be held July 26–August 3 in Lake Charles, LA, with 80 competition events and two days of 50th Anniversary celebration.
• Volunteers for the Nats should contact Lou (Mrs.) Ward at AMA Headquarters.

Appointments

• Dannie Ball appointed as an Associate Vice President and "Roving Ambassador" for District 8.
• Michael S. Harrison appointed as an Associate Vice President after running for district office.

Community relations and noise advice

• Adopt and use a sound-level code; insist on effective muffling.
• Maintain good neighbor relations; invite neighbors to club activities and publicize benefits of model aviation.
• Use community visibility: parades, mall shows, Adopt-a-School programs and positive press to promote acceptance.
• Contact Geoff Styles at AMA HQ for printed aids and site assistance.

All Season Flier Patch

• Applications for the All Season flier patch are available upon request.

---

Additional Notes and Requests

• District 10 seeks new photographs for the AMA Trade Show Booth. Send mounted 11 x 14 color prints with captions; two best submissions (by May 31, 1986) will receive a free year's AMA membership.
• Input requested on topics including noise reduction (legislated or voluntary?), adherence to the AMA Rule Book in competition, ways to get more Juniors involved, AMA technical seminars, redistricting ideas, and FAI program leadership. Send suggestions to your district VP.

---

Closing thought

Effective communication is a two-way street. AMA’s volunteer officers work to make the organization what members want it to be — but they need input from members. Write to your District Vice President or Associate Vice President to complete the communications link.

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