AMA News
PR Roundup
Geoffrey Styles Director of Public Relations
During recent indoor events in Moscow, Idaho, the Kibbie Dome attracted area newspaper, TV, and radio coverage, dramatically increasing public attention. Press coverage was first-class and brought many additional spectators. At the Scale events Saturday at Vista Airfield, AMA members arriving after 7:30 a.m. had to park three‑quarters of a mile away.
A special bonus was a feature in Sky magazine, the in‑flight publication of Delta Air Lines. The July issue ran an eight‑page, full‑color photo spread by freelance writer Bernie Ward — excellent timing for the Nats. If you’d like to thank Delta for this outstanding publicity, please mail a short note of appreciation (and a quarter for postage if you wish) to:
Delta Air Lines c/o Halsey Publishing Company 12955 Biscayne Boulevard, N. Miami, FL 33181
If Delta receives 10,000 letters from grateful AMA members, we’ll make a real splash for model aviation public relations.
Washington State is celebrating its centennial year; “Wings Over Washington” is part of the festival. Several AMA clubs have developed centennial projects — one notable example is the Vashon Island Modelers.
Vashon Island projects
- Non‑stop island‑to‑mainland flight (Vashon–Maury Island is about 3.4 miles off the mainland; round trip ≈ 7 miles). Preparations included testing aircraft, selecting boats and crews, and rehearsals. A quarter‑scale Aeronca Sedan, carrying two fuel tanks (takeoff weight ~19 lb), was scheduled to depart between 11:00 a.m. and noon to match tide conditions. The beach served as the takeoff strip after inspection and debris removal. Jack Richards piloted the flight. Project crew included:
- Dick Lorance (co‑builder)
- Don Smith (alternate pilot; backup boat owner/operator)
- Philip and Elaine Carleton (owners/operators, control boat)
- Bob and Carol Lessard (owners/operators, chase boat)
- Vashon Island Modelers (general help and technical advice)
Good press coverage resulted, including a local headline crediting the fliers with a new state record — an AMA first during the Evergreen State’s centennial.
- Build‑and‑fly day for Boy Scouts at the Sportsman’s Club using AMA Delta Darts (Cubs). A $1 entry fee covered the event; models were built and trimmed in the morning and flown in the afternoon. Prizes were awarded for first, second, and third; models became the property of the builders. Club members provided technical assistance and every entrant received a free ice cream token from the local Dairy Queen.
Congratulations to Eugene Smith and the Vashon Island Modelers for the great work and news.
The AMA received the newsletter of the St. Louis Radio Control Flying Association, edited by Tom Denham. One recent issue included a photo of Max Haynes presenting Nate Fogel, club president, with a $10,000 check — a magnificent and unusual gift originating with country‑and‑western legend Roy Acuff. On behalf of the SLRCFA and all model aviators: thank you, Mr. Acuff.
The Times‑News (Burlington, N.C.) ran a favorable front‑page feature on AMA member Bradford Booth, showing him in his workshop and at the field with several lovely aircraft. The well‑written piece provided solid background on the hobby and the people involved. Brad is a member of the Burlington‑Alamance Radio Kontrol Club and lives in Graham, N.C. Thanks to Herbert Duff for sending the paper and the club news.
A note from home: I received a letter and call from Millie Sweetenham of Northern Virginia. She sent the company newsletter from Advanced Technology, Inc. featuring her husband Don (an AMA member); Don was also preparing to become a U.S. citizen in mid‑August.
Till next month.
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National Model Airplane Championships
The Tri‑Cities (Pasco, Richland and Kennewick) made competitors feel welcome at the Nationals, with turnout exceeding expectations — more than 1,000 entries. Facilities were excellent, though events were more dispersed than in past years: two airports, a school athletic area, separate fields for Soaring and Free Flight, and Indoor held in Moscow, ID (125 miles away). We try to place each event at sites that best suit the category, but ideal venues are hard to find — particularly for world‑class Free Flight (Indoor and Outdoor).
Sites noted for quality:
- Indoor: Kibbie Dome (Moscow, ID); East Tennessee State University field house (Johnson City, TN).
- Outdoor Free Flight: Lawrenceville, IL; Taft, CA.
We are exploring the acquisition of an Academy flying facility. This site is intended to serve many events year‑round — not just Nationals — and to act as a hub for membership growth and the well‑being of aeromodelling. The EAA facility at Oshkosh is an example of the kind of identity we’d like the Academy to have.
On the return East we stopped at the EAA Fly‑In (Oshkosh, WI). Every aviation enthusiast should see this show: hundreds of restored antiques, warbirds, home‑builts, and major attractions (this year included a B‑1, an SR‑71, and a Russian Tupolev transport). EAA’s show draws enormous crowds — camping areas filled with thousands of visitors.
The Byron Show (Ida Grove, IA) is another major event — probably the largest modeling show anywhere. It combines fly‑in, model airshow, full‑scale demonstrations, industry displays, swaps, and symposia. RV camping on the grounds and massive attendance make it an extraordinary annual gathering.
Should AMA develop a comparable extravaganza? An AMA‑run fly‑in/show/symposium at our own facility could be organized more easily and become a centerpiece event. Looking at the contest calendar, there are many fly‑ins, fun‑flys, and casual gatherings compared with rulebook contests. This suggests a large audience for less‑formal, fun‑oriented modeling. Examples:
- IMAC and Big Airplane circuits — many events nationwide, often every weekend in some regions — have fostered Giant Scale, Quarter‑Scale, and Third‑Scale development.
- Fly‑ins provide important, fun outlets for modelers and are likely to remain central to the hobby.
The Academy can contribute by creating a quality show that supports both competition and informal flying. What say you?
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Fun Afloat and Chores Ashore
Chester (Chet) Bojak reports on model activity around Hamburg, Orchard Park, and Cheektowaga, NY. The Radio Control Aeroflaters of Western New York fly from a well‑maintained Model Air Park (about 50 acres of cut and rolled grass; an operational area roughly 200 x 800 ft.), and the site may be expanding further thanks to work by the Hamburg Flying Knights.
Float flying is gaining popularity in the club. A member donated access to a small lake on a former recreational campsite for the club’s first Annual Float Fun‑Fly. Because floatplanes and amphibians can operate from snow as well as water, this activity promises year‑round interest, and proximity to Canada (where float flying is popular) should sustain growth. Club members like Tom Messing have been instrumental in developing the hydro program.
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Gone Flying... Forever
A few years ago Dave Keats gave me a low‑wing R/C model in need of repair — one of the earliest low‑wing reed models that belonged to Dick Branster. It had been damaged at a Chicago Nats display. Steve Mozowicz rebuilt the airframe; after silking and doping the model still needed finishing touches. At a recent memorial service for Dick and his father, modelers and family members shared stories and photos. Dick Jr. says his mother has complete records of Bramco products; someday the model and associated gear may find a place in a museum. Many of us remember the quality and design of those early systems.
I also recall Reg Waterworth, a transplanted Englishman and Romeo Club member who contributed to newsletters and club activities. He will be missed at banquets and flying sessions.
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District Roundup
Selected district notes and club news:
- Bay Flyers: Tom Stark (solid fuel) and Todd Roelkan (liquid fuels) ran concessions successfully.
- Duluth: new flying field opened.
- Cedar Rapids Aerohawks: instituted safety practices.
- Grassfield: installed a sprinkler system at its field.
- Helipad: welcome to new editor Karen Duane.
- WHAM / Muscatine MAA: CL and RC activity continues with Wayne Messner as editor.
- Twin City R/C: new field now in action after extensive work by John Krekelberg and committee.
- Michigan Whirlybirds: agreement with Fraser Club to share a field temporarily.
- Jazzies newsletter (Soaland R/C): produced on distinctive blood‑red paper; editor Rick Alter.
- Rochester AIM: started a beginner’s night thanks to Clyde Norrell.
- TRAMPS: instructors program active.
A reminder from the GLITCH: “When the going gets tough, the heck with it — just go out flying!”
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From the States: Arkansas Report
Ron Stanfield (Arkansas) reports that model aviation is alive and well across the state — travel and visits reveal the best picture.
Highlights:
- Pine Bluff RC Club fun‑fly: a turnout of 25–30 fliers, flying from a city park with paved runway and utility building. Demonstrations included glider launches.
- McGehee RC Club: small but enthusiastic; flies from a 300‑acre cow pasture (self‑dubbed the “Cow‑Patty Air Force”).
- River Valley RC Club (Russellville/Dardanelle): about 25 members; active with mall shows and Delta Dart programs for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Field is an athletic field at the local high school.
- A delightful instructor/student photo featured 14‑year‑old Jeff White instructing Harry Gault. Jeff is the son of River Valley VP Bill White.
- Little Rock soaring team hosted a Free Flight contest with Rubber events (P‑30, Pacific Age, Unlimited Rubber) and a .049 Dakota one‑design engine event despite windy conditions.
- Mid‑Arkansas RC Society: Paul Wilkening flew a four‑channel, .049‑powered trainer‑style model that may be published.
Your friend, Ron Stanfield
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That’s it for this month — thanks to everyone who sent news, photos, and stories. Keep them coming.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
