AMA News

Sound & Model Aeronautics

Howard Crispin, Jr.

Most members are well aware that competitors in F3A Aerobatics are required to meet a sound‑level check for their flight scores to count. This category is flown at the Nats, so every flier is checked. These fliers are prepared for the test, and it is rare for any flier to fail. There is ample reason to expect sound levels to continue to drop well below the mandated figure.

However, these tests have little effect on the broader, nationwide sound problems affecting everyday sport fliers. Much of the time at the Nats was spent gathering data more pertinent to the needs of the sport flier. More must be done for the sport fliers.

How does the problem arise? Manufacturers are producing equipment aimed at competitors, which sport fliers also use. Sport fliers also want to fly fast and loud. That desire contributes heavily to the problem. We need to adjust flying conditions to the reality of flying sites. Guidelines should be established and recommendations proposed and followed in order to lower noise levels at our fields and surrounding areas.

Sound levels and distance. Prior to the Nats there was concern that Q‑500 racing would grow in popularity because of its low cost and accessibility. The event was flown at the Nats for the first time this year. A change was made recently in mufflers supplied with engines, so it was necessary to check noise levels. Q‑500 engines will need to get quieter if the event is to be flown at many fields.

Readings were taken on a Webra ABC Speed .40 with the stock muffler (required by the rules), running a Rev‑Up 9 x 6½ Standard prop. Readings were taken at three meters. The engine peaked at 16,500 rpm and hit 101 dBA. The prop was then changed to a Rev‑Up Pylon (further results not printed here).

We need better mufflers and, while R&D continues, we should use the best available mufflers now. Noise complaints are often the easiest way for opponents to attack a group's image and can lead to loss of flying sites. Proposals for a standard of 98 dB at three meters have been suggested; with today's technology a lower level may be possible without significant power loss. Start now to head off future problems.

Hearing protection note: long‑term exposure to loud engine noise causes irreversible hearing damage. Wear ear protection (earplugs or earmuffs) when necessary, and push for quieter engines and better mufflers.

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AMA News

Synopsis — Executive Council Meeting (July 10, 1987)

Following the Nats meeting, Lincoln, NE

Officers and Council

• President: Don Lowe, Altamonte Springs, FL
• Executive Vice‑President: Jim McNeill, Birmingham, AL
• Executive Director: John Worth, Fairfax, VA
• District Vice‑President: Don Krafft, Duxbury, MA
• VP‑II: John Byrne, Bayside, NY
• VP‑III: Dave Brown, Hamilton, OH
• VP‑IV: Howard Crispin, Charlottesville, VA
• VP‑V: Lee Webster, Manchester, TN
• VP‑VI: Jim Sears, Burgin, KY
• VP‑VII: Pete Waters, Northville, MI
• VP‑VIII: Johnny Clemens, Dallas, TX
• VP‑IX: Travis McGinnis*, Arvada, CO (proxy)
• VP‑X: Betty Stream, Long Beach, CA
• VP‑XI: Ed McCollough, Portland, OR
• NAA Executive Vice‑President: Ev Langworthy

*Selected by the Executive Council to replace the deceased District IX VP Dick Crowley on an interim basis as prescribed by AMA bylaws.

Present — Academy executive staff

• Micheline Madison, Competitions Department Director
• Bob Underwood, Technical Director

Guests

• Lillian Worth, Velma Teubner, Suzie Stream
• Bill Mathews (counselor)
• Al Williamson
• Joe Beshar (AVP District 10; mortgage depletion program)
• Bill Johnston (Lincoln Sky Knights)
• Ed Hunter (AVP District V)
• Horace (Horrace/Horrace D.) Cain (former VP District VI)
• Ed Warren (District VIII)

A copy of the official minutes may be obtained upon request from AMA HQ. Minutes will be available approximately November 15 and are official until review; suggested changes/corrections may be made at the next Council meeting scheduled October 17, 1987.

The regular meeting of the Academy of Model Aeronautics Executive Council was brought to order at 9:34 a.m., chaired by the President.

I. Report — Nominating Committee (H. Crispin, Chairman)

• The following names were placed on the 1988 election ballot:
• Executive VP: Jim McNeill (incumbent), Dave Brown, Horrace D. Cain
• District III VP: [names listed in official minutes]

II. Previous Minutes

• April 25, 1987 minutes were amended with written Council input and approved unanimously.

III. Executive Vice‑President’s Report (Jim McNeill)

• Distributed the latest Headquarters organizational chart; job descriptions are available.
• Motion to elevate Executive Coordinator Joyce Hager to executive staff level — approved unanimously.
• Discussion about the Executive Director's heavy workload and possible authorization to hire an assistant; general consensus to table the motion.

IV. Mortgage Depletion (Joe Beshar)

• Reported approximately $21,000 raised.
• Project did not realize the expected initial support; shortfall attributed to bad timing, the 1987 AMA dues increase, and lack of support in some areas.
• Solicitation is voluntary and will continue; assessment will be pursued.
• Council thanked Mr. Beshar for his work and success to date.

V. Finance Committee (Dave Brown)

• Reported the 1988 budget will show a surplus.
• Recommended using the surplus to improve the insurance program to help alleviate flying‑site problems.
• Recommended forming a committee to explore using AMA reserves to assist clubs; staff to report back. Recommendations approved.

VI. Noise / Sound Study

• The available data on sound should be published in Model Aviation.
• Howard Crispin was requested to develop a sound level criterion and an implementation proposal for consideration at the next meeting.

VII. Insurance

• Proposal to hire risk management consulting expertise was considered but not approved due to insufficient actuarial data to generate a plausible report (vote: 11 against; 2 for — ED, EVP).

VIII. District VII AVP Meeting

• Pete Waters requested funds to conduct an AVP meeting in his district — motion approved.
• It was agreed that during a VP's three‑year term the annual "AVP allowance" may be used based on the total available per term, rather than per year.

IX. Access to Membership Database

• It was recommended to install a modem on Headquarters' prime computer and establish dial‑in access for Executive Council members with modem‑equipped computers to access membership data. Motion approved unanimously.

X. Questionable Advertising

• Concern about advertising that implies electrically powered models can be flown anywhere without permission.
• Use of the word "governing" in AMA materials was considered legally risky because it connotes control and accountability. A motion to delete the word "governing" in connection with AMA materials was approved unanimously.

XI. Scholarship Fund

• Motion approved unanimously to rename the AMA scholarship fund the "AMA/C. H. Grant Scholarship Fund" in honor of Charles Hampson Grant.

XII. Executive Director Contract

• After executive session, motion recorded: effective in 1988, the Executive Director's contract to be renewed for three years — first two years as Executive Director, the third year as Executive Consultant. Motion passed (9 for; 2 against; 1 abstained). A salary increase reflecting cost of living adjustments was approved.

XIII. Contest Director (CD) Testing/Monitoring

• CD testing and certification delegated to the Technical and Competition Departments at Headquarters.
• Before conferring CD status, the appropriate district VP shall be contacted for acceptance or rejection. Upon acceptance, the first year shall be probationary with credit for no‑charge membership.

XIV. Rule Book (Sanctioning)

• HQ suggested changes were adopted to separate sanctions for non‑rule‑book flying events and nonflying events from rule‑book flying events. Motion approved unanimously.

XV. Team Selection Juries

• Modifications to paragraph 18.4.3 in the "Sanctioned Events" chapter were approved, with the added statement clarifying that the jury acts as a group and individual jurors are powerless alone.

XVI. Telephone Accounting

• Telephone expenses for the President and EVP are separate from their budgets and shall not be listed on their expense account reports.

XVII. One‑Day Junior Membership

• The 25¢ one‑day Junior membership category (eliminated in 1986) was reinstated unanimously.

XVIII. Previous FAI Deficit

• Recommendation accepted to write off previous FAI carryovers; future FAI budgets to be approved without carryovers. Motion approved.

XIX. Safety Code Changes

• Recent safety code changes made in 1987 (prior to October 1) were given an effective date of January 1, 1988.
• Added wording to clarify operation on FCC‑allowed frequencies and authorization for properly licensed amateurs.

XX. Instructors' Insurance Coverage

• Discussion on clarifying insurance coverage for AMA members who provide model flying instruction for a fee; intent was to allow coverage when activity is not operated for profit, but a specific decision was deferred pending legal advice.

XXI. Committee Appointments

• Travis McGinnis confirmed to continue as a Scholarship Committee member and to assume the chairmanship of the Nats Steering Committee, roles he held before filling the District IX vacancy.

XXII. Noise Survey

• Headquarters was directed to draft a noise survey to send to all chartered clubs after Council review; the President will write the preamble.

XXIII. President to Attend World Championships

• Council unanimously approved the President's request to attend the Free Flight and RC Aerobatic World Championships in France in August.

XXIV. Contest Board Majority

• Changes to contest board voting criteria were initiated: move from two‑thirds to a 60% threshold and eliminate the requirement for a majority of each Contest Board for general rule changes. A committee was formed to study alternate methods of introducing general rules (Committee: Dave Brown, Don Krafft, Travis McGinnis).

XXV. Election

• District IX: As prescribed by the bylaws, the Council nominated Travis McGinnis and Tom Boyd to run for District IX vice‑president; the election will be conducted with other 1988 elections.
• Election statements and campaign material:
• Published election statements will be limited to allocated AMA space (approved).
• Write‑in candidates will not be allowed space in Model Aviation or on the ballot (approved).
• No Council member may use his column to make political statements for or against candidates (approved).
• Candidates may purchase advertising space in Model Aviation (approved).

XXVI. Committee Reports

• Safety: Discussion of net setups and liability concerns; further recommendations to follow.
• Film projects: NFL film preview and Headquarters video in final editing.
• Frequency: Next phase in frequency phase‑in on track; transmitter checking guidelines to be produced.
• Marketing: A demographic questionnaire developed to be sent with the next renewal mailing.
• Awards criteria: New awards proposed to elevate the status of the Award of Excellence; voting to follow.
• Show teams: Two new pilot teams established (California and Wisconsin).

XXVII. Awards

• Motions for six awards were unanimously carried: four Superior Service Awards, one Distinguished Service Award, and one Award of Excellence.

XXVIII. Next Council Meeting

• October 17–18 Council meeting location changed from Florida to AMA Headquarters, Reston.

XXIX. Adjournment

• The assembly observed a prayer for the repose of the soul of recently departed District IX VP Dick Crowley. The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

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Executive VP's Report

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

• AMA is expected to have an aggregate of two million dollars available beginning in 1988 for self‑insurance. The dues increase this year, careful spending, and modest insurance claims point to a projected $600,000 surplus by year end.
• The AMA Scholarship Fund will henceforth be known as the "AMA/C. H. Grant Scholarship Fund" in honor of Charles Hampson Grant.
• The one‑day Junior membership of 25¢ is officially back. A Junior can pay 25¢ at a contest and fly a power model up to 1/2A size or a nonpowered model.
• Safety patches are available at AMA HQ. Chartered clubs can request patches for distribution to members upon receipt of a signed safety pledge.
• Club newsletter editors: If you have a change of editors or are a new editor who wants to be on the mailing list for the AMA National Newsletter, write to Mike Woodfolk at AMA HQ and indicate the change.
• Personal notes and anecdotes (family features, letters from members, and photos) were shared to emphasize family involvement and the breadth of activities in model aviation.

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Candidate's Campaign Statements

Executive Vice‑President

Dave Brown, Hamilton, OH

• Eight years as District III VP and chairman of the Finance Committee.
• Professional background: four years as an accountant in the U.S. Army, 10 years in general management in the hobby industry, and owner of a successful hobby industry company for eight years.
• Emphasis on sound financial stewardship; AMA's budget approaches five million dollars and assets near three million, requiring good financial judgment.
• Plea: If you believe in good fiscal oversight, vote. Apathy is a major enemy.

Horrace D. Cain, Humble, TX

• Pledges to serve the membership and to be both servant and master in collecting and directing viewpoints into useful programs.
• Background: airline pilot, experience in many forms of modeling (Indoor, F/F, CL, RC).
• Plans include enhancing AMA's financial position, upgrading FAI team programs at no additional cost to members, gaining prestige with media and local organizations, and finding new flying sites.
• Promises to be a good administrator and team player who solicits member input.

Jim McNeill, Birmingham, AL (incumbent)

• Sixteen years on the Executive Council; emphasizes experience and stewardship.
• Advocates attention to members' money and service; opposes assessments.
• Focus areas: help clubs get and keep flying sites, monitor finances and insurance, support Control Line and Free Flight groups, continue awards programs, and promote member service.
• Appeals for votes and member participation.

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Vice‑President — District 3

Eva Biddle, Warrington, PA

• Involved in model aviation since 1950.
• Past contest coordinator for 12 years; helped write rules for contest coordinators.
• Offers assistance and availability to clubs.

Bob Brown, Bradford, PA

• Active in Giant Scale movement, NMPRA, and STARS Scale Rally (director for 10 years).
• Chairman of the FAI Subcommittee for International Pylon Racing rules and Jury Chairman at two World Championships.
• Educator for 20 years; promotes modeling in schools and adult seminars.
• Seeks a progressive outlook and modernization of AMA.

Dave Brown, Hamilton, OH (incumbent)

• District III VP for eight years; also running for Executive VP.
• Emphasizes experience, respect from peers, and participation in tough decisions. If elected to both offices, will appoint another candidate to represent the district until a district election can be held.
• Urges members to vote.

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Vice‑President — District 7

Peter T. Waters, Northville, MI (incumbent)

• Emphasizes need to increase communication between HQ, district officials, club officers, and members.
• Plans to use AVPs to improve two‑way communication and expand district coverage in the National Newsletter and on CompuServe.
• Aims to reduce "them" vs. "us" attitudes and support AMA's objectives to achieve recognition for the sport.

Travis McGinnis, Arvada, CO (Life Member)

• Longtime service in District 9 as CD, Coordinator, Associate VP, and VP.
• Experience with Council meetings and working with HQ staff; seeks continued support to serve members.

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Vice‑President — District 9

Thomas L. "Tom" Boyd, Lincoln, NE

• Lifelong modeler (CL, FF, RC Scale, sport); past club president and Leader Member involved with the Nats (’79, ’82, ’87).
• Thirty‑one years as an electrical and building design engineer—skills in management, budgeting, and organization.
• Recently retired and available to travel and visit clubs; promises active use of AVPs and promotion of district club interaction and a newsletter.
• Calls for increased voter turnout.

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Vice‑President — District 11

Ed McCollough, Portland, OR (incumbent)

• Advocates collaborative district problem solving across Free Flight, Control Line, and Radio Control interests.
• Promises to represent members and their needs at Council meetings and to address problems constructively.
• Asks for re‑election if his prior service has met members' expectations.

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Newsletter Editors

• Be sure your club newsletter includes the club name, editor's name, and address so you can receive a copy of the National Newsletter.
• Vote for the candidate of your choice!

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E.C. Council — Continued Items & Reports

• The Council discussed questionable advertising that implies models can be flown without permission at schoolyards and business sites; advertisers were cautioned about joint liability.
• The word "governing" was removed from AMA materials to reduce legal exposure.
• Contest Director testing and certification procedures revised; new questionnaire format to require more club book knowledge.
• A noise survey will be drafted by Headquarters and sent to chartered clubs after Council review.
• Film and video projects were reported as progressing; frequency transition plans continued.
• Several awards were approved and will be publicized after presentation.

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District Reports

District II — John Byrne, VP

36‑29 213 Street, Bayside, NY 11361 Phone: (718) 225‑8319

Associate Vice Presidents (selected)

• Pete Balancinelli, Yonkers, NY
• Tom Brown, APO NY
• Frank Costello, Dover, NJ
• Frank Desros, Piscataway, NJ
• Ray Juchuns, New Hyde Park, NY
• Kenneth Keopjel, Ocean, NY
• Hank Liske, Toms River, NJ
• Adam Salter, Latham, NY
• Lou Santoro, Phoenix, NY

Highlights:

• Thanks to the Lincoln Sky Knights and host clubs for supporting the Nats.
• Coverage of local events such as single‑design Combat (“Swizzle Stick”) contests, Clarence Sailplane Society activity, and memorial contests.
• Reports on the Eastern U.S. Free Flight Championships and other regional contests.
• Noted the appointment of Scott Melville to replace Lance Murphy on the RC Aerobatic Contest Board.

District IV — Howard Crispin, VP

611 Beechwood Dr., Charlottesville, VA 22901

Associate Vice Presidents (selected)

• Robert E. Bahas, Severn, MD
• Bob Chapin, Newport News, VA
• Chuck Foreman, Mechanicsville, VA
• Doug Holland, Raleigh, NC
• Rick Christoph, Raleigh, NC
• Scott Mayer, Wilmington, DE
• Charles Speer, Mcleansville, NC

Frequency Coordinator: Paul Yacoub, Fayetteville, NC

Highlights:

• Control Line activity is strong in District IV; local contests and new facilities are expanding competition.
• FAI team performances: mixed results — strong in Pylon Racing and Helicopter, disappointing in F3B Soaring; lack of domestic F3B contests contributes to poor development.
• Safety concerns: overflying pits, spectators, and private property can lead to loss of sites and legal action; clubs should secure permits and avoid property intrusion.
• 1988 Nats planning meeting scheduled for September 26 in Chesapeake, VA to finalize arrangements for events, frequencies, and budgets.

District X — David L. Peltz, VP

20450 Celtic St., Chatsworth, CA 91311 Phone: (916) 362‑1962

Associate Vice Presidents (selected)

• Edward Akers
• Darwin R. Barnes
• Glenn Carter
• Bob Kampmann
• Mike Lee
• Bob Reynolds
• Jim Scarborough
• Betty Streem
• Al Williamson
• Jon Zeisloff

Highlights:

• Flying sites are rapidly disappearing across District X and nationwide; urgent action needed to secure and protect sites.
• AMA must prioritize site preservation, develop a national voice, and reallocate resources to protect flying locations.
• Critique of current spending priorities and call for radical change to ensure the sport's survival.
• Local contest and publicity successes cited as examples of positive community outreach.

District XI — Ed McCollough, VP

53 S.E. 61st Ave., Portland, OR 97215 Phone: (503) 234‑4439 CompuServe: 76067,2422

Associate Vice Presidents (selected)

• Tom Cashman, Federal Way, WA
• Al Culver, Wilder, ID
• Gary R. Fuller, Juneau, AK
• Glen Nichols, Great Falls, MT
• Dave Mullens, Seattle, WA
• Bruce Nelson, Spokane, WA
• Dick Wickline, Klamath Falls, OR
• Chris Young, Puyallup, WA

Frequency Coordinator: Robert Balch, Portland, OR — Phone: (503) 761‑1033

Highlights:

• Opening of the Kelly Point Field in Portland — an example of persistent effort to secure interim and long‑term sites.
• Stories of winter and extreme‑temperature flying in Montana (Polson, Great Falls) and the resourcefulness needed for year‑round flying.
• Coverage of regional contests: NW Scale Masters, Drizzier Circuit, Memorial Day weekend events, HAWKS swap meet, and Northwest Model Exposition.
• Emphasis on persistence, local advocacy, and publicity successes in retaining and expanding flying opportunities.

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Events & Club Notes

Pattern Contest (club event)

• Used to generate club funds via raffle and food concessions; included a dinner hosted by Bob Brodeur and assistants.
• Over 50 contestants; four rounds flown. Results provided across Novice, Sportsman, Advanced, Expert, Masters, and FAI categories.
• Longtime Contest Director: Fred Kruse; Assistant CD: Drew Davenport.

Ponderosa RC HAWKS Fly‑a‑Thon

• Held May 17, 1987; well attended by the public and covered by local cable TV and newspaper.
• Suggested as a good way for clubs to get publicity and present a positive image.

Control Line contests and regional meet notes

• Briefs on local contests; full results to appear in upcoming district pages or the AMA National Newsletter.

Sound (continued)

• Multiple Model Aviation articles by Howard Crispin on sound issues.
• Practical tips for quieter operation: use larger or higher‑pitch props, run engines slightly rich to keep rpm down, use good mufflers, consider three‑blade props to reduce tip speed, and consider four‑cycle engines (with proper muffling).

Private property and flying sites

• Ads in modeling magazines promoting flying in schoolyards or municipal parks require permission and adherence to the safety code. Advance permission and safety planning are essential.

Contest Board & Personnel changes

• Scott Melville to replace Lance Murphy on the RC Aerobatic Contest Board.
• Various volunteer appointments and committee actions noted throughout Council minutes.

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Closing Notes

• Copies of official minutes of the July 10, 1987 Executive Council meeting are available from AMA Headquarters approximately November 15; minutes remain official until review and possible corrections at the next Council meeting (October 17, 1987).
• Members are urged to participate in elections, communicate with their district VPs and AVPs, and support local clubs in preserving flying sites and promoting safe, courteous flying practices. Vote, and encourage others to vote.

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