AMA NEWS
Sig Memorial Scholarship Program
Geoffrey Styles, Director of Public Relations
The Sig Scholarship fund was created by Hazel Sig‑Hester, president of Sig Manufacturing Company, in honor of her husband Glen Sigafoose, cofounder of the company, who was killed in 1980 in the crash of his Pitts Special during a full‑scale air show. The purpose of the fund is to assist college‑age students with their higher‑education plans. With financial contributions from Sig Company, friends, and other supporters, the fund has become well established. The fund is administered by AMA.
Eligibility and awards:
- Any student who is an AMA member, has an active aeromodeling background, and demonstrates financial need may apply.
- There is no set number of winners each year.
- The 1986 winners received $250 each; checks have already been sent to the specified universities.
1986 winners (selected bios):
- Edward J. Dumas Jr., Knoxville, TN — Plans a career in the aerospace industry. Living in a rural area with limited part‑time work, Ed developed a computer program with commercial potential to help finance his education; he will also enter a college work‑study program.
- Tad J. Gease, University of Wisconsin–Platteville — Majoring in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering. Active model aviator and athlete; built several models and continues to coach newcomers.
- Charles J. Klein, University of Virginia, Charlottesville — Majoring in Political Science. Member of City RC Club of Allentown (PA); enjoys fixed‑wing aircraft and helicopters; active in community service and academic competitions.
- Todd G. Morey, Traverse City, MI — Studying Aviation Technology at Purdue University.
- Aimee Olson, Fargo, ND — Attending local state university; majoring in Wellness and Physical Fitness. Trained dancer and model; competed in Slow and Fast Combat.
- Robert Tackas, Torrington, CT — Attending Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University; active in his club as safety officer and newsletter editor; interested in R&D in aerospace.
- Brent Wagner — Pre‑med student at University of Missouri–Kansas City; active in Scouting and model aviation; developed a speed‑control system used in an F‑82 Twin Mustang.
- Elizabeth Throne, University of Maryland, College Park — Planning a major in Marketing/Advertising; active in Model Aviation events, athletics, community volunteer work, and writing.
We believe Glen Sig would be proud of this talented group of winners.
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Sound & Model Aeronautics
Howard Crispin Jr.
The AMA Executive Council met 24–25 October 1987 and discussed noise related to model aircraft operation. With ongoing efforts to obtain and retain flying sites, sound control is of critical importance.
Recommended field guideline:
- 90 dBA measured at 9 ft, 90° to and downwind from the muffler side of the aircraft.
- Measure over a hard surface (pavement) for consistency. Readings over grass can be 2–6 dBA lower due to grass depth, moisture, and soil conditions.
- Approximate propagation: at 250 ft the level will be just over 61 dBA; at 500 ft it will be about 55 dBA.
- The FAI F3A standard remains the competition standard; this 90 dBA guideline is an additional recommended field maximum to help achieve acceptable levels for flying sites.
Research and next steps:
- Very little recent research has focused on propeller noise. We need data on exhaust, intake, and propeller contributions versus overall installation noise.
- The Executive Council has conditionally approved a research proposal (details and contract terms still to be finalized). The study is likely to begin in January and continue about one year.
- AMA plans to recognize and possibly reward significant progress in sound reduction; procedures will be published after the next Executive Council meeting.
- Members with relevant devices, samples, or data are urged to send them to AMA Headquarters or to Howard Crispin marked "SOUND COMMITTEE MATERIAL" to ensure proper handling.
Please work with neighbors and local authorities to obtain and keep your flying site. Your input and experimentation are welcome.
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Club Officers — Free CompuServe Offer
For a limited time, officers and newsletter editors of chartered AMA clubs can receive a free introductory subscription to CompuServe. ModelNet is the AMA Forum on CompuServe.
What you can access:
- Electronic mail, instant news and weather, Electronic Mall shopping, research services, stock quotations, and more.
- Over 200 Forums covering computers and many other interests; ModelNet is devoted to modeling of all kinds.
- Typing GO MODELNET from CompuServe accesses the Forum. There are 18 message boards and about 400 messages; you can read and reply to topics across the modeling spectrum (R/C, indoor, etc.).
- ModelNet Data Libraries store Model Aviation articles, lists of clubs and hobby shops, contest calendars, and user‑uploaded articles, programs, and picture files.
- The Conference Room (type CO) allows real‑time keyboard conversations among users; clubs have used it to host meetings with guests or AMA officials.
- ModelNet can be used to join AMA and get quick proof of insurance: download the online application form from Data Library 12, fill it out and upload to DL 12 to get fast processing and temporary proof of insurance.
How to get the offer:
- Contact Doug Pratt at AMA Headquarters and request the ModelNet information package. AMA will include a free CompuServe IntroPak (waived initiation fee plus one hour of free time) and detailed ModelNet instructions.
- The offer is open to club officers, including newsletter editors.
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ModelNet Practical Notes
- To reach AMA HQ quickly via ModelNet, leave a message on ModelNet's message board under Subtopic #1, "AMA Business."
- Newsletter editors have a dedicated Data Library for exchanging articles and graphics.
- Conference Room sessions are scheduled weekly and may feature special guests.
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Help Your Club — Library Video Package
Many public libraries now lend VHS tapes. AMA offers five films on video tape depicting facets of the hobby. Tapes are normally $25 each.
Special library package:
- If your club will donate a set of five AMA tapes to the local library, AMA will send the set to your club for $100.00, postpaid.
- You may make copies of the tapes for club use before donating the originals.
- To order, send a club check for $100.00 to the AMA film librarian and request the special library video tape package.
This is an opportunity to share model aviation with your community.
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Events and Club News
- Fourth Annual Long Island Helicopter Championships — Congratulations to Bob Brassell and LIFTS (Long Island Fly Together Society) in Melville, Long Island, NY. The event continued to feature Novice, Intermediate, Scale, and FAI classes.
- Fourth Annual noncompetitive Giant Scale Fly‑In — Held August 22–23 at the Chenango Bridge Airport, Binghamton, NY; sanctioned by AMA and IMAA. Camping and free pilot food were provided. Photos from Jim Leary and Bill Orr were submitted.
- The Ribcrackers mourn the passing of Bob Quinn, longtime builder and newsletter editor.
- The Minneapolis Model Aero Club mourns longtime Free Flight flier Tommy Thompson, who died on the flying field.
- The MARCOS lost Ken Kindschi, an active member known to many.
Condolence letter:
- Joe L. Norcross reported the death of his father, Lee Norcross (AMA 1058), age 71 — an active Free Flight flier and past president of the Thunderbugs. Our sympathies go to these families.
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AVP Insert — Paul Smith (summary)
Paul Smith, an AMA member since 1961, specializes in control‑line competition flying and has focused on international FAI competition since the mid‑1970s. He endorses AMA funding for FAI team selection programs and encourages participation for those interested in top‑level competition. Paul is also active in AMA politics and welcomes contact on control line, contest coordination, and the FAI program.
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Regional Aeromodeling Centers — Editorial Suggestion
A proposal was made to create regional aeromodeling centers to provide local resources beyond the volunteer district VPs and AVPs. Suggested functions:
- Help acquire and preserve flying sites
- Offer flight schools, modeling seminars, publicity and government relations
- Provide film/tape rentals, membership services, insurance claims handling, reference libraries, and potentially AMA‑owned flying sites
The idea warrants refinement and member input; please contact your district VP with thoughts.
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Sound Committee — Call for Input
AMA is initiating studies and setting standards on sound reduction. If you have devices, examples, or data that may contribute, send them labeled "SOUND COMMITTEE MATERIAL" to AMA Headquarters or to Howard Crispin so they are routed correctly.
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AMA HQ SERVICES STAFF
- Executive Director: John Worth
- Executive Coordinator: Joyce Hager
- Comptroller: Gisele Jackson
- Competition Services Director: (name on staff roster)
Out of fuel... Gotta land!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
