AMA NEWS
Club Officers—Verify Your Roster Through ModelNet
By Doug Pratt
Club officers who access AMA's personal computer service, ModelNet can have club rosters checked and verified via electronic mail.
- ModelNet is a service on CompuServe; any personal computer with a modem can connect. CompuServe maintains local telephone access numbers nationwide (about 80% of U.S. phones can reach CompuServe by a local call).
- The club secretary creates a file listing each member's name and AMA number (if the AMA number is unavailable, include ZIP code). Upload the file to ModelNet's Library #12.
- Within one business day AMA will check each entry for membership status (renewed for 1988, expired, or not renewed) and upload the verified roster back to Library #12.
- Complete instructions are in Library #12, file CHECK.AMA.
Additional services:
- You can submit new or renewal AMA membership applications through Library #12 and receive confirmation of AMA insurance coverage within one business day (credit-card payment by MasterCard or Visa required).
- This computer verification service is provided at no charge because of improved handling economics versus mail.
- While supplies last, AMA will send a free CompuServe signup kit and ModelNet instructions to any AMA member who requests one. Contact Doug Pratt, AMA HQ, 1810 Samuel Morse Drive, Reston, VA 22090; (703) 435-0750.
State Officials View Model Demo
By Geoffrey Styles, Director of Public Relations
March 28, 1988 — State officials were invited to Gifford Pinchot State Park (near Harrisburg, PA) to view radio-controlled model aircraft demonstrations on the ground, on the water, and in flight.
- Officials from the State Game, Fish, Parks and Recreation departments attended to listen, measure sound levels, and observe demonstrations of floatplanes from the lake and wheel-equipped models from the adjacent grass strip.
- Sound levels were within acceptable ranges for both AMA standards and State requirements.
- Choppy winds made some water takeoffs difficult; one aircraft was dunked twice and the pilot abandoned that demo, while other float-equipped aircraft performed well.
- The narrow grass strip challenged land-based airplanes, but pilots displayed high skill—particularly the West Shore Flying Society of Harrisburg.
- AMA staff (Geoff Styles and Jeff Troy) and District 3 AVP Gil Weiss discussed model aviation with officials; all agreed the event was successful.
Note: Clubs can help acquaint public officials with model aviation. Contact AMA Public Relations for documentation and a supporting videotape/film available free to chartered clubs.
Sound & Model Aeronautics
By Howard Crispin, Jr.
Progress in vibration isolation and muffler inserts is reducing noise and protecting airframes and radio gear.
Vibration-isolation mounts
- Builders and competitors have been experimenting with engine vibration-isolation mounts that use Lord mounts to reduce transmitted vibration and lower sound levels.
- Ivan Kristianson, Don Lowe, Dean Koger and others have used these on F3A aircraft (F3A has a longstanding dB limit).
- Planes and Things (1226 E. Avenue J-12, Lancaster, CA 93535; evenings (805) 948-5869) now manufactures mounts bored to fit common engines (OS .61, patterns for Y.S., Rossi, and Webra). The lightweight assembly bolts to the engine backplate and weighs about 1.6 oz. Cost is approximately $15 plus shipping.
Muffler insert
- A simple muffler-insert design from Fred Buchler (522 Central Street, Endicott, NY 13760) fits the Enya .40 CX muffler and is duplicated from two sizes of aluminum tubing formed and cut to length.
- To install: separate the Enya muffler parts, place the insert inside, and reassemble. If the insert rattles, use high-temperature silicone at the ends to seal and prevent noise or oil leakage.
- The insert preserves the muffler appearance and attachment; for other mufflers you may need to experiment with sizes and shapes.
AMA HQ SERVICES STAFF
- Executive Director: John Worth
- Executive Coordinator: Joyce Hager
- Administrative Services Director: Robert Voislavek
- Technical Director: Bob Underwood
- Comptroller: Lyn (surname not available)
Life Membership Information
For a contribution of $1,000 you become an AMA contributing member with Life Membership privileges. Benefits include automatic annual renewal and:
- Model Fliers' License
- Publication service (Model Aviation magazine, including AMA News and Competition News)
- Permanent metal license card
- Life member cloth patch
- Recognition of contribution in current AMA publications
- A special "L" AMA number (e.g., L-30)
Notes and payment options:
- Your contribution is tax-deductible; the IRS may require an adjustment equal to the direct cost of servicing the Life Membership (currently estimated at about $20 per year) for tax-audit purposes.
- Alternate payment plans: $250 down, then $250 per year for three years; or other combinations over up to three years with a minimum $250 down payment.
Technical Award
By Bob Underwood, Technical Director
- In late 1985 the AMA Executive Council approved a Technical Award to honor contributions that improve model-aircraft performance, enable new capabilities, simplify building or flying tasks, or encourage safety and sound progression.
- Nominations may be made by any two AMA members and must be received by September 15 of each year. Send nominations to the Technical Director, Bob Underwood, AMA Headquarters.
District Roundups
District IV (Nationals and Large Aircraft)
- Chartered clubs in the district numbered 142 as of May 3, 1988—an increase of nine since January 1. New clubs include Brandywine Bush Pilots (West Grove, DE), Monocacy Fliers (Frederick, MD), Miniature Rotary Wings of Virginia (Dumfries, VA), Richmond Radio Control Soaring Society (Richmond, VA), Pilot RC Flying Club (Louisburg, NC), Shelby Skymasters (Shelby, NC), New Bern Aeromodelers (New Bern, NC), and Blue Ridge Thunderbolts (Horse Shoe, NC).
- Many district members volunteered at the Nationals; volunteer slots filled quickly. If you are attending the Nationals and want to help, check at the Headquarters tent for immediate needs.
- Electric Free Flight Scale is a growing Nationals event; multiengine electric models are appearing because electric power provides reliable and balanced climbs.
- For demonstration flights of large aircraft that exceed AMA's 55-lb guideline, contact Bob Underwood (AMA Technical Director) or the IMAA District Director. For District IV, IMAA Director Bob Dean, 6110 Channing Court, Charlotte, NC 28215; (704) 563-0028. Inspectors are needed for certification of such experimental demonstrations.
District VIII (Soaring, Fun-Flys, and Control Line)
- Soaring activity in District 8 is strong despite limited slope sites—organized events and collaboration among clubs in west Texas and nearby New Mexico are notable.
- Fun-flys are increasing and are valuable for making organized flying accessible and welcoming to beginners; keep prizes and competition from discouraging newcomers.
- The Dallas Model Aircraft Association runs an active Control Line program at a city Hobby Park with excellent facilities and strong beginner support.
- The editor receives many newsletters each month and notes a general increase in flying activity, especially in relaxed fun-fly formats.
Club News & Notes
- Fly-By's RC Club (AMA #2222): Thanks to Patricia Gridley (editor) for a welcoming message to new members: "Ask for help and I assure you that you will get it. You are not an imposition. You are the future of the club."
- Atlantic County Skyblazers: Compliments to Ron Lockhart for an excellent newsletter; Ron recently moved into District II and quickly became an active member and NSRCA-recognized RC Pattern flier.
- Galeville (NY): Photographs taken at Galeville Army Air Field evoke nostalgia for free-flight enthusiasts.
Noise and safety efforts (miscellaneous)
- Many clubs are active on noise-reduction topics: frequency management, new muffler designs and inserts, sound committees targeting 90+ dB goals, and general noise and safety control tips. These efforts are encouraging and important for public acceptance and continued access to flying sites.
Miscellaneous
- Hobby show at the 1988 Nationals: A hobby show will be held in conjunction with the 1988 Nationals at the Chesapeake Holiday Inn on Thursday and Friday evenings (July 28–29) and all day Saturday (July 30). The show will include industry displays, films, seminars, and more.
— End of AMA News —
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
