AMA News
1987 Hall of Fame
Nine distinguished model aviation personalities have been elected to the Academy Hall of Fame for 1987. Men and women nominated by AMA members were selected by the AMA Council of Presidents for their contributions to the sport of aeromodeling. The AMA Hall of Fame was established to recognize in a significant manner those who have made outstanding contributions to the dignity or progress of model aviation.
Any AMA member may present a nomination. Forms are available from AMA Headquarters — write to Joyce Hager to request a form. Nominations must include supporting details to substantiate the background and achievements of the nominee. Please submit nominations to arrive at AMA before March 31 each year to allow the Council of Presidents adequate time for deliberation.
Here are the latest Hall of Famers:
#### Donald R. Clark Donald R. Clark has been building model airplanes since 1934 and achieved LSF Level V in 1981. Over the years he has built and flown hand-launched gliders, rubber-powered planes, indoor microfilm models, free flight powered planes, control line, and radio control aircraft. Don and two partners developed the Thermic Sniffer, widely used by RC sailplane fliers; the product was later sold to Ace RC of Higginsville, MO, but Don still repairs Snifflers sold prior to 1984. He also worked with Dr. Walter Good on the Royal Rudderbug aircraft (1953).
An AMA member since the 1930s, Don has been very active in club affairs: first president of DCRC (1952); secretary of the East Coast Soaring Society (1971–1974); USA Team Manager, Soaring, at Lakehurst, NJ (1974). He was the first recipient of the Schweizer Sportsmanship Award in 1974, has been a member of the DCRC Air Show Team since 1977, and is a founding member and multiple-term board member of the Capital Area Soaring Association. Don has developed tasks and rules for AMA sailplane records and assisted at numerous world record trials. His long record of participation and generous assistance to others make him an ideal Hall of Fame member.
#### Bill Gough Bill Gough has been designing, building, and flying models since 1925 and has been a competitive flier for more than 50 years. His models have been featured in Model Aviation (see June 1980, September 1983, July 1986). From 1935–1938 he developed balsawood models for Comet and later designed aircraft for Lindberg and Monogram. He worked with Warwick Electronics on radio and phonograph prototypes and was involved in TV cabinet design.
Bill served many years as secretary/treasurer for the Illinois MAC, helped establish new clubs, and taught building classes at the Lincoln-Belmont YMCA. He contributed columns on model aviation to Sunday newspapers (at one time appearing in 17 national papers) and wrote for Model Airplane News and Air Trails. Many successful fliers credit Bill with helping them get started.
#### Jim Richmond Jim Richmond is a five-time World Champion (1968, 1978, 1984, 1986, 1988) in indoor events and has set dozens of indoor records, including four world records. His indoor designs are widely copied and have become standards of comparison. The National Free Flight Society presented him Plane of the Year awards in 1970, 1978, 1980, 1982, and 1985. An engineer by profession, Jim holds 17 patents for mechanism designs and has published numerous articles that serve as references for other modelers. He is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.
#### Dale Root (deceased 1986) Dale Root began in Chicago and moved to California in 1941. He was a designer, modeler, competitor, and hobby shop owner (Root's Hobby Hut, Oakland, CA). He was known for designs such as the Little Freak 27, Ascender, and Low Ender; several of his plans were published and three designs were widely kitted on the West Coast. Dale pioneered pneumatic retracts, spoilers, smoke systems, and notable RC maneuvers — reportedly the first to spin an RC model. He co-founded the East Bay Radio Controllers, which grew into one of the largest clubs in the U.S., and provided more than 40 years of leadership to the sport.
#### Hazel Sig‑Hester Hazel Sig‑Hester, President of Sig Manufacturing Company (Montezuma, IA), has been involved with model aircraft since 1951. Hazel and Glen Sigafoss started Sig as a mail-order balsa business; it grew into a large manufacturing operation employing many long-term staff. Sig has been a legendary supporter of AMA clubs and the National Center; Hazel and Maxey Hester have provided generous support. The Sig catalog is known as the "modelers' wish book." Hazel builds and flies full-scale and model aircraft and sponsors Sig scholarship awards administered by AMA.
#### Henry A. Thomas Henry A. Thomas, a member of the First Arkansas Soaring Team (FAST), is a designer, draftsman, artist, writer, builder, and flier who prefers to work behind the scenes. For more than 60 years he has mentored many aeromodellers. He provided illustrations for major publishers, ran a monthly "Sketch Book" feature in Air Trails in the late 1920s, and published pioneering articles on topics such as coupled flaps and propeller design. Active in FAST (which he helped establish), Henry continues to design aircraft and generously helps others.
#### Frank Tlush Frank Tlush, with his brother Charles, was connected with AMA since its early years. Charles was a member of the first AMA Council. Frank worked with Lt. H. W. Alden in formation activities leading to AMA’s establishment. The Tlush Brothers produced contest-winning models (notably the 1936 Texaco winner and the 1939 Mercury Meteor) and founded the Tlush Super Ace Engine Company in Lyndhurst, NJ (1934–1939). Tlush engines were briefly produced again in the early 1970s. Frank ran a retail store that was visited by many noted aeromodelers. Frank and Charles donated a collection of drawings, photos, clippings, and model displays to the AMA Museum in 1986.
#### Elbert J. (Joe) Weathers (deceased 1984) Elbert J. Weathers was a flier, designer, club leader, writer, and manufacturer. His earliest known drawing dates to October 5, 1931; his Towline Glider #W-8G was published that year. He produced more than 90 original designs ranging from racers to scale and endurance models. Weathers co-founded the San Diego Aeroneers in 1935 and served as corresponding secretary until 1940. During World War II he worked for North American Aviation; afterward he founded Rite‑Flite Specialties (manufacturing engine mounts, tank mounts, and tail skids). Several of his original models are preserved in the AMA Museum.
#### Dolly Wischer Dolly Wischer has been an AMA volunteer and Nats worker for more than 20 years. She produces signs quickly from available materials and has been invaluable at national events. Dolly designed the Super Zue, which Goldberg Models developed into the Falcon 56, and she built a pulse‑proportional radio to control it. She served as Scale Team Manager for U.S. teams (1981, 1984, 1986) and managed team logistics and support. Dolly has been an effective fundraiser for AMA, making and selling handmade teddy bears to support the National Center; her personal efforts have raised more than $3,000. Selected an AMA Fellow in 1975 and honored with the President's Legion of Honor Award in 1986, Dolly’s Hall of Fame selection is richly deserved.
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RC Equipment Certified
The following radio systems (transmitters and receivers) have been independently certified by a registered professional test laboratory or by a U.S. importer/distributor as meeting or exceeding the Radio Control equipment specifications in the Academy Guidelines for operation at 20 kHz frequency spacing. This listing is informational only and not an endorsement.
- Airtronics Spectra PCM 7P and 7H (Receiver Part No. 92985)
- Airtronics Quantum PCM 8P and 8H (Receiver Part No. 92985)
- Airtronics Module Series FM MD7P and 7SP (Receiver Part No. 92785)
- Airtronics Vanguard FM/PCM 4 and 6 (Receiver Part No. 92965)
- Airtronics Vanguard FM 4 and 6 channel (Receiver Part No. 92765)
Future issues of Model Aviation will contain an expanded listing as additional information is received by AMA.
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Good News!
The AMA Film Librarian has Beta videotapes available for sale at $25 each. Titles:
- "Those Marvelous Miniatures" — 46 min.
- "Adrift on the Air" — 30 min.
- "Diamonds in the Sky" — 30 min.
- "Full Scale Excitement" — 37 min.
- "Wired for Excitement" — 30 min.
Order from: AMA Film Librarian, 1810 Samuel Morse Drive, Reston, VA 22090. Include $25 per tape and specify "Beta." All shipping charges are prepaid by AMA.
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AMA HQ Services Staff
- Executive Director: John Worth
- Executive Coordinator: Joyce Hager
- Administrative Services Director: Robert Vojslavek
- Technical Director: Bob Underwood
- Comptroller: Lynne Collina
- Competition Services Director: Micheline Madison
- Special Services Director: Carl Maroney
- Membership Director: Mike Woodfolk
- Public Relations Director: Geoff Styles
- Special Projects Director: Doug Pratt
- Publications Director: Carl R. Wheeley
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AMA Awards
#### Officer Awards
- Award of Appreciation: First-level award presented at the discretion of the vice-president, president, or executive director for district service or special recognition.
- Superior Service: Second-level award presented with Executive Council approval, often for local service.
- Distinguished Service: Third-level award presented with Executive Council approval for long-term AMA office or committee service.
- Meritorious Service: Automatic to outgoing Executive Council members.
- Fellow Certificate: Automatic to outgoing President; also for long, dedicated service on behalf of others. Recipient need not have held office.
#### Club or Individual Awards
- Technical Award: Presented with Executive Council approval for technical achievements to better modeling.
- Pilot People's Award: Up to six cash awards per year to unsung heroes at the club level.
- Hall of Fame: Presented with approval of the Council of Past Presidents; almost equal in stature to Fellow Certificate.
- President's Legion of Honor: Presented with approval of the President, Executive Director, and Executive Vice‑President for major personal donation or fundraising.
- All Season Flyers Patch: For flying at least once each month for 12 months (club officer approval required).
- Award of Service: Issued to a club with vice-president approval for community service.
- Award of Achievement: Issued to clubs with vice-president approval for competition service.
- Award of Excellence: Issued with Executive Council approval as an upgrade for significant achievements.
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District III Report
Bob Brown — District III Vice‑President 1255 High Street, Bradford, PA 16701 — (814) 362‑7702
Associate Vice Presidents:
- Francis Toughill, 504 21st St., Vienna, WV 26101
- Nelson Goode, 1944 S. Hibsh St., Allentown, PA 18103
- John Halfpenny, 1022 Woodbine Dr., New Stanton, PA 15672
- Jay Mealy, 208 Winter St., Clearfield, PA 16830
- Lawrence R. Weller, 15631 Greendale Ave., Maple Heights, OH 44137
- Gil Weiss, 3004 Hallowell Ct., Bensalem, PA 19020
Frequency Coordinator:
- John Ortiz, 1272 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort, PA 18704 — (717) 287‑4020
Highlights:
- Junior Free Flight World Championship: Melinda Anderson placed fifth in F1C — the highest placement among U.S. contestants. Team member Jimmy Buxton shared enthusiastic reflections on the experience and the value of FAI youth programs.
- IMAA Festival (St. Clairsville, OH): Over 400 models represented nearly every AMA district; excellent flying site and hospitality.
- Pittsburgh club visits: ARCS hosted an Old‑Timer RC meet with a unique dice-roll final scoring; SPARKS continues to develop an improved county park site.
- FAI Pylon Team Selection Race (Labor Day weekend): Hosted by Toledo Weak Signals; proceeds donated to the FAI Pylon team fund. Thanks to Joe Vislay, Wayne and Karen Yeager, and club volunteers.
- Safety concern: Members are urged not to stand in pits or close to the flight line; recent incidents show a real danger.
- Upcoming auction: Murrysville RC Club auction — Sunday, November 6, 1988 (Circleville Fire Hall, Irwin, PA), 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Renewals: 1989 renewal forms are being processed with a Lockbox system to expedite activation.
- Elections: If your district has an election, PLEASE VOTE.
Closing: This month's club picture features the Clinton Model Aviators of Wilmington, OH. Have a happy Thanksgiving!
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District IV Report
Howard Crispin — District IV Vice‑President 611 Beechwood Dr., Charlottesville, VA 22901
Associate Vice Presidents:
- Robert E. Stuber, 17 Otis Drive, Severna Park, MD 21146 — (301) 969‑9356
- Bob Chippence, 205 Tipton Rd., Newport News, VA 23606
- Dick Huffman, 8703 Star Crest, Harrisburg, PA 17112
- Chuck Freeman, 5811 Ringwood Dr., Manassas, VA 22111
- Doug Holland, 3177 Fernwood Dr., Raleigh, NC 27612
- Scotty Krueger, 11 Orchard Lane, Wilmington, DE 19809
- Charles Spear, 288 Holly Lane, Mocksville, NC 27028
Frequency Coordinator:
- Paul Yocum, 6408 Winston Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28301 — (919) 488‑9886 (evenings)
Highlights:
- Don Clark (District IV member) received his Hall of Fame plaque at the CASA Open Contest. Don’s achievements in soaring, design, contest organization, invention of the Thermic‑Sniffer, and long service are celebrated.
- Tribute to Gene (Tex) Hartman‑Gruber: A lifetime modeler who began in 1929, served at NACA/NASA building models and structures, taught youngsters to build models, and served as an official timer at national championships for many years.
- Flying sites: Maryland and local jurisdictions are working to establish flying sites in the Baltimore area. AMA’s PR/Flying Sites Department (Geoff Styles) has compiled a useful file of letters, contracts, and documents — contact Geoff at AMA Headquarters if seeking a site. Cooperation between nearby sites is critical; compatibility testing and good relations with existing clubs and authorities are recommended.
- Request for club input: District IV seeks reports of site acquisition procedures, contract types, costs, and start-up experiences to aid other clubs.
- Juniors: Have you and your club worked with juniors this month?
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District IX Report
Travis McGinnis — District IX Vice‑President 8027 W. 81st Circle, Arvada, CO 80005
- Notice: Chuck Brannon, Jr. of Casper, WY, passed away June 15, 1988. Chuck was active in many forms of modeling, founded the Casper SAM #45 Club, served as an AVP for District IX, and will be missed. Condolences to his family.
- Photos and newsletters: Charles Andraka (Albuquerque, NM) shared pictures from a Pattern meet hosted by Jefco RC Club (Littleton, CO) and copies of the Albuquerque RC Club newsletter, the Glitch.
- Nebraska report (AVP Tom Boyd): The Lincoln Sky Knights hosted their 29th annual RC event (open fun-fly format) with 68 registered pilots and 105 aircraft flown. Guests included Vince Markowski (AMA HQ), Jim Van Loo (MAA), Bruce Thorpe (designer of the Sig Spacewalker), and Byron Originals Show Team members. Lynn Elsner hosted a flying day on an 800‑ft irrigated grass field near Crete, NE, with about 50 pilots and large spectator attendance.
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Local Events & PR
- LIARS and LIFE (Long Island clubs): Successful shows and airshows were held with strong volunteer efforts from club officers and members. The Long Island Flying Eagles plan the Wally Rodriguez Memorial Air Show at Sunken Meadow on September 18, 1988 (rain date: 9/25).
- Queens (NY) Museum of Science Indoor Demo (July 17): An indoor flying session drew crowds at the Museum in Flushing Meadow Park. Don Ross participated and assisted other fliers.
- New indoor flying site (NY/CT area): Wilton High School Field House (Wilton, CT) hosted two successful exhibitions in May. For more information contact Roger Kleinert, 17 Gardiner St., Darien, CT — (203) 655‑1585. Credited to Gary Underwood and Ed Whitten’s New York Indoor Times.
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Editorial & Comments
- Record certificate incident: A flier’s world record dossier was lost for over a year, later recorded at FAI as a world record after delays, and the flier received an incorrect certificate with the wrong category and misspelled name. The flier (Jerry Kranjock) seeks resolution and apology; the incident highlights administrative shortcomings that need addressing.
- Thoughts on the Nats: The National Model Airplane Championships (Nats) face logistical and participation challenges. Free Flight was canceled at recent Nats; some events were moved or scattered. Participation at the Nats represents a shrinking fraction of AMA membership (approximately 0.8% of 135,000 members). Suggestions to revitalize national competition and broaden appeal:
- Create separate true National Championships for each discipline (Pattern, Pylon, Soaring, Indoor, Control Line Racing, etc.) at the best possible sites rather than combining all events into one logistically impossible meet.
- Hold more AMA‑sponsored fun‑flys to attract the majority of members who are fun‑fliers.
- Repurpose Nats Committee experience into a National Convention Committee to organize a large aeromodeling trade show/convention.
- Organize seminars and "how‑to" sessions with top experts to draw attendees.
- Give the aeromodeling industry a global showcase and invite companies and stores worldwide.
- Make events family-friendly and host them in convention-oriented cities with tourist attractions (examples: Orlando/Disney, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Washington, D.C.).
The editorial argues AMA must rethink the Nats model to serve a larger portion of the membership and provide meaningful national events.
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Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
