AMA News

AMA News

Sound & Model Aeronautics

Howard Crispin, Jr.

Corrections

• In an earlier article the square-root symbol was missing. That does make a little bit of difference when one tries to solve the equation. The formula should read:

V = √(kγp/ρ)

• There was also some confusion regarding the formula for the speed of sound. The formula given earlier expressed the speed of sound in miles per hour; if you wish to have it in knots, change the constant accordingly. The speed of sound in air at 68°F is about 1,126 feet per second and increases roughly 0.1 percent per degree Fahrenheit. I am most familiar with working with that factor in terms of Mach number. All of this probably does very little to clear things up; I'll avoid numbers as much as possible in the future.

Public Relations

• Complaints about sound usually arise after a club has been operating at a site for some time. Sound disturbances often become the vehicle by which some individuals attempt to have a flying site closed.
• Consider the number of modelers in your community relative to other activities (softball, mowing, motorcycles, etc.). Modelers are often a small percentage and therefore vulnerable.
• The alternative is an active public relations program. Find a club member who can communicate effectively with neighbors.

1. If you are looking for a new flying site, visit and talk with every individual within hearing and visible range.
2. Explain your activity in detail; bring models and demonstrate what you intend to operate.
3. Explain control functions, radio operation, the organization you belong to, insurance coverage, and the educational and recreational benefits of aeromodeling.
4. Invite neighbors to the field and involve them in activities.

• PR does not stop once the field is operating. Continue to talk to neighbors, invite them to events, and work to reduce sound levels wherever possible.

Trade Show Activities

• At the Toledo trade show I talked to many engine and sound-suppression manufacturers. Most recognize that aeromodelers have a problem with sound levels, though some marketers do not.
• Manufacturers often focus on competition gains rather than quiet operation for the casual flier. It is essential that manufacturers hear the concerns of users.
• Developments noted:
• "Magic Muffler" with the add-on Magic‑Mute from Condor Hobbies — I heard a plane with one installed and it was noticeably quiet for a Schoenfeld .40.
• Tom Miller (SEMCO) is working on a line of quiet pipes.
• K & B has introduced a new .20 with a muffler advertised as unusually quiet (no dB readings yet).
• If these developments pan out and manufacturers are made aware of the problem, progress will follow.

Ownership of Published Data

• Individuals who submit patentable or copyrighted technical information shall have their rights respected. Material published in Model Aviation of this nature remains the property of the originator and cannot be used without their written permission.

FAI Standards and Sound Measurement

• At the recent CIAM meeting in Paris a new definition for measuring sound for F3A models was adopted. This method will be used at the upcoming Nationals for sound checks of all Pattern flying. Each flight will be checked (this is to gather accurate data, not to impose penalties).
• The new standard:
• Maximum noise level: 98 dB measured at 3 meters from the center line of the model with the model placed on the ground at the flying site.
• With the motor at full power, the measurement is taken 90° to the flight path on the right-hand side and downwind from the model.
• Microphone placement: on a stand 30 cm above the ground in line with the motor.
• No noise-reflecting objects shall be nearer than 3 m to the model or microphone.
• Measurement made prior to each flight. Models failing the noise test will not be allowed to fly and the score for that round will be zero. (Note: this specific penalty will not apply to the Nats operation.)
• An additional paragraph was adopted for in-flight noise: After the flight, each judge will independently score the in-flight noise level as "too noisy," "average," or "very quiet." If a majority of judges score the model "very quiet," the flight score will receive a five-point bonus per counting judge.
• Theoretical note: 98 dB at 3 meters is theoretically equivalent to 105 dB at 1 meter; measuring at 3 meters was chosen to gain greater accuracy.

Prop Diameter and RPM

• Ed Izzo published a chart relating prop diameter and RPM to prop tip speed and sound levels (see Model Aviation, July 1983). The objective is to minimize dBA by running as slowly as possible while maintaining necessary maximum RPM for the airplane combination.

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E.C. Meeting (Executive Council)

Before taking up the agenda the President:

• Obtained Council approval to pay Howard Crispin's $150 deductible for an auto accident encountered during travel on AMA business.
• Distributed a written report on the 1986 FAI-CIAM April Plenary meeting.
• Invited the NAA representative to report on the status of the Collier Trophy; Langworthy stated NAA is attempting to establish a $250,000 trust fund. The President accepted the topic for review during the Budget agenda item.
• Advised that Joe Beshar had written to express strong exception to parallel mortgage-reduction schemes that might confuse the membership and negate mortgage-reduction efforts.
• Noted many letters had been received opposing the recent Council action to increase VP column space in the magazine.
• Appointed an Awards Criteria Review Committee: Jim Sears (chair), Jim McNeill, Pete Waters.
• Appointed Bob Underwood and Carl Wheeler to draft a presentation nominating John Worth for NAA's Elder Statesman of Aviation Award.
• Advised that George Buso and John Grigg should continue to be listed by NAA as AMA's official CIAM delegates to the FAI.
• Reminded everyone that individuals cannot conduct polls under AMA auspices unless the Council has given prior approval.
• Assigned George Buso to the new post of FAI Team Selection Committees Coordinator.

Approval of Minutes

A. The minutes of the February 8–9, 1986 Executive Council meeting were unanimously approved as amended by the Council at this meeting and by prior written amendments. B. The minutes of the March 19, 1986 telephone conference were approved as amended.

• A motion directed the Bylaws Committee to draft procedures regarding voting in telephone conferences; approved 11 for, 1 against (Dist. 7).

II. Executive Vice President's Report

• Regarding Model Aviation's accounts receivable, McNeill reported satisfaction with current handling.
• On the Officer Services budget, McNeill noted bills from local telephone credit cards. A motion set a cap of $600 per year on telephone calls charged to credit cards for executive council business; approved 11 for, 1 against (Dist. 8).
• McNeill reviewed headquarters salaries and noted difficulties retaining quality employees due to local salary competition.

III. Film Report

• Jay Gerber (AMA film producer) bid farewell after 15 years. The President presented him with an AMA Fellowship Award.

IV. Finance Committee Report

• Chairman Brown stated the projected 1986 deficit will diminish AMA's accumulated surplus; adequate reserves are necessary.
• Motion (for vote at the Nats Council meeting): In lieu of free membership, contest directors shall receive a $10 voucher per day per meet (up to two days, maximum three per year) upon HQ receipt of contest reports; Nats and world championship workers shall receive a $7 voucher per day (up to four days); vouchers nontransferable; effective 1987.

V. Budget

• Worth noted the 1986 budget reflects required levels of service. A motion to accept the 1986 budget as presented was approved 11 for, 1 against (Dist. 6).
• A motion to accept the 1987 budget was passed.

VI. Committee Reports A. Safety

• McCollough advised some sanctioned contest officials tolerate flying models over 55 pounds. A motion was approved unanimously: AMA will not knowingly issue a sanction for any event (including demonstration flights) where a model weighing more than 55 pounds will be flown. The sanction applies to the entire event.

B. Special Interest Groups

• McCollough attempted to determine if Electric and CL Speed groups want S.I.G. recognition; no response received.

1986 Nominating Deadline Change

• In 1986 AMA will elect the President and Vice Presidents for Districts 1, 5, and 9 for three-year terms beginning in 1986.
• Nomination procedures published in Model Aviation (June 1986, p. 103).
• All nomination letters must be received at AMA Headquarters 15 days prior to the Nominating Committee meeting. The Nominating Committee meets Friday, August 1; the deadline for nominations is close of business Thursday, July 17.
• Candidates accepting a nomination must provide a statement for publication in Model Aviation; statement to accompany the letter of acceptance in a sealed envelope.

Changes to Membership (selected categories)

• Jr. newsletter: 1986 $10.00 → 1987 eliminate
• Sr. newsletter: 1986 $12.50 → 1987 eliminate
• Spec. Jr.: 1986 $2.25 → 1987 eliminate
• Sub Jr.: 1986 $3.50 → 1987 eliminate
• New member recruitment bonus: 1986 $5.00 → 1987 eliminate
• Op-2nd family member: 1986 $17.00 → 1987 $18.00
• Op-Sr. citizen: 1986 $18.00 → 1987 $20.00
• Op-nonnewsletter reg.: 1986 $26.00 → 1987 $30.00
• Op-newsletter early: 1986 $24.00 → 1987 $28.00
• Op-Mag. reg.: 1986 $30.00 → 1987 $34.00
• Op-Mag. early: 1986 $28.00 → 1987 $32.00

Sound (continued)

• Future issues will include photographs and details of muffler designs and other sound-suppression items. If permission to use published information is not given, contact the originator.

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E.C. Meeting (continued)

C. Nats

• Clemens reported good committee/HQ coordination for the 1986 event with an encouraging number of early entries; indoor site uncertain; 1987 Nats site could be Muskogee, OK.

D. Sound

• Crispin reported positive manufacturer attitudes at the Toledo Show.

E. Frequency

• Brown reported transmitter verification tests at Toledo showed a high percentage of transmitters operate outside specifications.

F. Bylaws Committee

• Mathews intends to:

1. Finish the Standing Rules project.
2. Recommend details concerning Contest Boards/Council jurisdiction amendment.
3. Develop amendment preventing elected officers from being offered employment at AMA until a set number of months after service termination.
4. Offer an amendment on "impeachment & removal of officers."

G. Redistricting

• Krafft is collecting data; no presentation yet.

H. Flying Site Acquisition

• Committee renamed Real Property Acquisition Committee. Hardy Brodersen relieved as chair; Pete Waters appointed.
• Waters requested S.I. Groups submit site layouts and special requirements.

I. Election of FAI Juries

• Free Flight: waiver from new FAI jury requirements for 1986 team selection finals approved.
• Soaring (F3B) Finals Jury: Ray Marvin, Dick Crowley, Bob Underwood.
• Electric (F3E) Finals Jury: Joe Beshar, Bob Slift, Dwight Holley; Mike Charles (alternate). Districts 10 and 9 opposed.
• Pylon (F3D) Finals Jury: Cliff Telford, Bob Brown (chair), Wayne Yeager.

V. Action/F3B Contestants

• In Executive Session, a vote to exclude several AMA members from future AMA events as contestants (Rick Schrameck, Steve Neu, Casey Goeller, Keith Finkenbinder) resulted in 10 vote no; none voted yes; three council members voted. Thus the charges were dismissed.

Special Item

• Geoff Styles recommended AMA join the American Tort Reform Association. A motion to pay first-year dues from the PR budget passed 11 for, 1 against (Dist. 5).

VI. PR Staff Expansion

• Worth requested additional PR staff due to travel demands. Motions passed:
• Approve half-year budget addition for a PR secretary; 10 for, 2 against (5,6).
• Approve half-year budget addition for a PR assistant; 8 for, 4 against (3,5,11).

VII. F3B Representation to FAI/CIAM

• Peltz questioned U.S. representation and lobbying strategy at CIAM. Discussion did not change policy.

VIII. Council Meeting Structure

• Motion approved unanimously to create a Special Rule of Order: non-published agenda items may be introduced and discussed but not moved or voted upon before the following Council meeting unless accepted by majority voice vote for critical/time-sensitive items.

IX. Council Members on Committees

• Motion passed unanimously: whenever possible, all committees appointed by the Council should include at least one Council member.

X. Vote on CB/EC Jurisdiction

• (Item continued in meeting minutes.)

Attendance (Executive Council meeting)

• President: John Grigg, Lockport, NY
• Executive Vice President: Jim McNeill, Birmingham, AL
• Executive Director: John Worth, Fairfax, VA
• District Vice President: Don Krafft, Duxbury, MA
• AVP-II: Ray Juschkus, NY
• VP-III: Dave Brown, Hamilton, OH
• VP-IV: Howard Crispin, Charlottesville, VA
• VP-V: Bill Mathews, Birmingham, AL (arrived after agenda item IV)
• VP-VI: Jim Sears, Burgin, KY
• VP-VII: Pete Waters, Northville, MI
• VP-VIII: Johnny Clemens, Dallas, TX
• VP-IX: Travis McGinnis, Arvada, CO
• VP-X: Dave Peltz, Chatsworth, CA
• VP-XI: Ed McCollough, Portland, OR

Guests and Academy staff present:

• Ev Langworthy, Executive Director, NAA
• Gisele Jackson, Comptroller
• Micheline Madison, Competitions Department Director
• Geoff Styles, PR Director
• Bob Underwood, Technical Director
• Vince Mankowski, NATS Executive Director
• Carol Merfeld, Membership Director
• Michael Woodfolk, Assistant Membership Director
• Bill Read, Computer Programmer
• Bob Vojslavek, Administrative Services Director
• Lou Ward, PR Secretary

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AMA-Delta Dart Direct Purchase Plan

• AMA-chartered clubs may procure a box of 40 Delta Dart kits in a bulk pack for a special low price of $20 each.

Indoor Sports, Fun and Games

• Compliments to Ed Whitener (Honorary Society of Newsletter Editors) and Bill Lindemann (ERMAC) for contributions to indoor and free-flight items.
• ERMAC held its First Indoor Scale Model Airplane Contest at Rutgers Athletic Center on April 19, 1986 — thanks to Rutgers University and Edison Recreation Area.

Oneida Lake Flyers Association

• New member of CNYMAA located off Route 49 in Constantia, NY. Contact President Dan Murphy (675-3132) for membership.

Clinics and Events

• Thanks to Dean Kraus, Dean Pappas, Tim Borsetti, and others for organizing the first AMA and NCRC Pattern Pilots and Judges Clinic at the NATS (May 2–4).
• STARS 9th Annual RC Scale Rally: July 12–13 at Olean, NY Municipal Airport; this year honoring Naval Aviators on their 75th Anniversary.

Obituary / Tributes

• Tribute to Jack Freling by Bob Schoppe in The Logbook (Jericho Flyers). Condolences to his family and club.

Visual Reference

• Photo submitted from the 30th Annual Pattern Contest (Aeroguidance Society) showing Ivan Kristensen, Dean Pappas, and Lance Murphy (3rd, 1st, 2nd respectively).

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III District Report

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

• The recent Executive Council meeting featured the first hearing under Article V, section 3 of the bylaws; the individuals were acquitted but the precedent may create more hearings in future.
• Free licenses for Contest Directors (CDs) were replaced by a $10 credit voucher per day (up to two days, max three per year) upon HQ receipt of contest reports. This reduces record-keeping and financial impact; free memberships for all event workers would be impractical.
• Dues increase for 1987:
• 2nd adult family member: $17 → $18
• Senior citizen: $18 → $20
• Open memberships: increase by about $2 (e.g., Open Mag reg. $30 → $34)
• Rationale: 1986 budget projects a $100,000 operating deficit; reserves are about $500,000. Insurance cost uncertainty requires reserves and modest dues increases now to avoid insolvency.
• Flying site loss is a nationwide concern. District 10 will pilot flying site seminars, with potential nationwide expansion.
• Suggestion: clubs buy a $30 Radio Shack sound level meter and standardize measurements (e.g., 100 dBA at 10 feet, measured at right side in line with cylinder head) to demonstrate efforts to control noise.
• Jay Gerber received an AMA Fellowship — congratulations for his film contributions.
• Alcohol at the flying field is an emerging issue. The Rule Book gives CDs authority to disqualify participants impaired by alcohol or drugs. Clubs may adopt rules such as suspension from flying for anyone found under the influence while operating a model; appoint a safety officer to enforce such rules.

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IV District Report

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

Associate Vice Presidents

• Robert E. Babura, Severn, MD
• Chuck Foreman, Mechanicsburg, PA
• Doug Holland, Raleigh, NC
• Raymond Lebranois, Christiansburg, VA
• Scotty Moyer, Wilmington, DE
• Frances Cooper, Moorestown, NJ
• Paul Yacobucci, Fayetteville, NC

Summer Fun

• Early events reported low turnouts despite fair weather. Sanctions are up, and several new contest directors are available.

Public Relations

• Reiterates the importance of PR with neighbors to prevent loss of flying sites. Invite neighbors to the field, offer buddy-box experiences, plan picnics, and explain the sport.

Show Teams

• AMA Show Teams provide dynamic public demonstrations and excellent PR. They practice safety and perform under a variety of conditions. Support your local show teams.

Travel Service

• Nino Di Ronza's travel service assists members and teams with travel and model box handling. Contact: 703-471-0105.

Dues and Insurance

• The Council reluctantly approved a dues increase to cover anticipated insurance cost increases. This year's budget shows a small deficit manageable with reserves, but future insurance volatility necessitates higher reserves.

Come to the Nationals at Lake Charles for the 50th Anniversary!

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Corrections (compilation)

Howard Crispin Jr.

• Earlier errors: missing square-root symbol in formulas. The proper notation uses the square root; a corrected form given in various pieces was V = √(1.27 T) or V = √(kγp/ρ) depending on context. There was confusion in the original presentations; the speed of sound expressions may require changing constants depending on whether results are desired in miles per hour or knots. Reminder: speed of sound ≈ 1,126 ft/s at 68°F and increases about 0.1% per °F. The author will avoid numbers as much as possible in future pieces.

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A Changing of the Guard

Lee Webster

• Thanks to Bill Matthews and the Executive Council for confidence in appointing me to fill Bill's unexpired term. I have been involved in model aviation since the "Jimmy Allen" days across free flight, glider, control line, and radio control. My local club is Coffee Air Model Club, Tennessee.
• I look forward to seeing members on the contest trail. Please bring problems, ideas, and comments. Better communications will improve effectiveness.

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VI District Report

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

Associate Vice Presidents

• William Kern, Bedford, IN
• Bruce Maloney, Owensboro, KY
• Raymond Meyers, Hazelwood, MO
• William G. Snavely, Auburn, IN
• Bryant Thompson, Rantoul, IL
• Stan Watson, Hazel Crest, IL
• Bill Zimmer, Iva, IL

Frequency Coordinator

• Loren Holm, Quincy, IL

• First trip to AMA headquarters; facility and museum noted.
• Encourages donation to the mortgage reduction fund.
• Travel to mail shows and club visits: enjoyed Balsa Busters (Somerset, KY) and Flying Cardinals (Crestview, KY).
• Mall shows and local club fly-ins are great for community involvement. Suggest clubs offer no-frills flying events to bring flyers together.
• Noted individuals and clubs supporting youth and free flight activities; encourages support for young aviators.
• National Newsletter discussion: many members favor the idea; push for improved format and regularity.
• Recruiting an AVP for the St. Louis area underway.
• Announced AMA's 50th anniversary at the Nats in Lake Charles; encourages attendance.

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From AVP Boyd Bowdish

• Minneapolis area report: late spring and high water flooded some fields; clubs ran Builders' Shows during recovery.
• Minnesota Association of Aeromodeling Clubs published an Event Calendar (72 events).
• Mall shows active; Alexandria show used static display as a sanctioned contest with prizes.
• Aviation/Aerospace Education Council of Michigan K–9 Teachers' Program "Come Fly With Me"; contact Capital City Airport, Lansing, MI 48906.
• Solicitation drive to clear the builder's mortgage — members encouraged to participate.
• Personal notes and community updates.

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Miscellaneous and Programs

AMA-Delta Dart Direct Purchase Plan

• (See previous section.)

AMA Computer Network

• Electronic mail and up-to-date information via:
• CompuServe: 76703,3041
• The Source: 576323
• Contact Doug Pratt at AMA HQ (703) 435-0750 for info.

Youth Art Contest Proposal

• Concept: art contest for students (chartered clubs or interested individuals can coordinate).
• Age categories suggested: 5–8, 9–12, 13–15, 16–19.
• Standard sizes and media to be determined. Each work to be accompanied by artist info and a sponsoring club statement.
• Jury selection: AMA would form a jury to select winners; awards and presentation venues to be determined.
• Invitation for comments and volunteers.

Academy Technical Award

• Recognizes outstanding technical achievement that:

1. Improves performance of present equipment,
2. Represents equipment performing new tasks,
3. Simplifies building or flying tasks,
4. Encourages safety or sound operation.

• Consideration based on need, effectiveness, innovation, and future applications.
• Nominations: deadline for postmark is September of the nomination year. Forms available from Bob Underwood, Technical Director, AMA HQ.

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AMA Hall of Fame

• The Hall of Fame celebrates notable contributors to model aviation. The Selection Committee (all past AMA Presidents) selects inductees annually.
• Nomination: request a form from AMA HQ, complete with background data, and resubmit for distribution to Past Presidents.

Inductees (selected years and names)

• 1969: Walt Billett; Willis Brown; Carl Goldberg; Walt Cook; Charles Grant; Gus Walker; Frank Zaic
• 1970: Dick Korda; Al Lewis; Bill Winter
• 1971: J. C. Randall
• 1974: W. L. "Bill" Brown; W. R. Fry; Irwin Polk; Nat Polk; Sal Taibi
• 1975: Harold W. "John" Alden; Jim Kirkland; Irwin G. Ohlsson; Walt Schroeder; C. O. Wright
• 1976: Harold DeBolt
• 1977: Frank Ehing; Merrill Hamburg; Chester Lanzaro; Henry Struck
• 1978: John Brodbeck; Maynard Hill; Bert Pond; Pete Soth; Ken Willard
• 1979: Duke Fox; Phil Kraft; E. T. Packard; Leon Shulman; John Worth
• 1980: John Clemens; Claude McCullough; L. Glen Sigafoose; Matt Sullivan; Bill Winiewicz
• 1981: Sid Axelrod; Kenneth Held; E. J. Lorenz; Fred Megow; Ben Shereshaw
• 1982: Mel Anderson; Lou Andrews; Leroy Cox; Edward Lidgard; Bob Palmer
• 1983: William Atwood; Dale Kirn; Joseph Ott; Edward L. Rockwood; Wally Simms; Stephen Calhoun Smith
• 1984: Maxwell B. Bassett; Clarence F. Lee; Joseph Lucas; Dick McCoy; Lee Renaud
• 1985: George Aldrich; Myrtle Conrad; George Perryman; Granger Williams; Lawrence Williams; Walter Caddell; Owen Kampen; Frank Neikirk; Richard Sapolus; Joseph Stanzel; Victor Stanzel

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Closing Notes

• Send photos of safety officers in action for the column.
• Keep Battle Creek warm and happy flying — see you at the Nats and around the contest trail.

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