AMA News
Geoffrey Styles, Director — Marketing & PR
PR Roundup
Now and then the suggestion comes up that AMA should have a speakers bureau. It sounds like a great idea, but what do proponents have in mind? At times they mean AMA HQ speakers available for club meetings; at other times they mean non‑AMA speakers available for shows, conventions, and other non‑AMA functions.
Any program involving professional speakers costs money—basic fee, transportation, hotel and meal expenses, plus miscellaneous costs. A volunteer speakers program (e.g., speakers from AMA membership) would by necessity be local in scope unless some well‑to‑do member subsidized wider travel.
Most clubs have enough skilled members to provide instructional/educational sessions during winter meetings. Every town also has aviation‑oriented people (FAA, EAA, electronics companies, manufacturers, etc.) who are often willing to address clubs. Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis and similar organizations get speakers locally — so can model clubs.
At present AMA has enough upcoming expenses (normal needs plus the Muncie property purchase and improvements) to preclude HQ support of a potentially expensive speakers program. I’d like to hear from readers who think it’s a good idea; if you write, tell me how you would propose financing it.
A recent telephone call and several faxes informed us a town is considering an ordinance forbidding model flying on park property. A complaint had been registered and police ejected some fliers even though no ordinance existed at the time. The parks department prepared an ordinance and held a public meeting; in that town only four of the 137 nearby AMA members turned out. That’s not an impressive showing for the town board.
This development didn’t happen overnight. Some clubs become impatient when they don’t get a flying field on public property quickly. Stick‑to‑itiveness pays — Mecklenburg County is an example of long‑term persistence producing success. Club members who work long and hard to make these things happen deserve praise.
Local events and items of interest:
- Laredo Club — Winter Texan Festival Airshow: large crowd; Randy Randolph a special guest. Club officers and pilots (Lynwood Jackson, John Vals, Dr. Fred Pellegrin, Richard Hale, Richard Hagy, Curtis Youngblood, Ted White, Tony White, Lee Moore, Jerry Miller, Dan Smith, Wayne Hasselfeld, Manuel Raymond, Craig Jackson) put on an excellent show. Next club competition scheduled for October 13–14 (Star 40 Racers).
- Big Bird events — Cen‑Tex and San Antonio Hawks had good turnouts and outstanding models.
- District VIII meeting — poorly attended; missed opportunity to meet AMA leadership.
- O'Connor Field (San Antonio) — facility under construction by Lorell Joiner: paved runways, pilot lounge/workshop/storage, control tower, ramp and parking; will be a showplace when completed.
- Question for members: Would you support a moveable district rally (one large rally per district) as an alternative to the Nats being the only large national gathering?
Liability and Tort Reform (ATRA)
Liability is a serious issue. AMA has supported the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) since its inception; liability protection is one reason. AMA is self‑insured — any judgment against a member ultimately affects all members.
We emphasize safety and the Safety Code to reduce injuries and legal exposure. ATRA is working through local and state action groups to bring reason to the lawsuit environment. Rising judgments increase taxes, insurance premiums, and the hidden legal‑cost component built into product and service prices. That drives up costs for consumers, hurts exports, and discourages product development.
Examples of excessive liability claims include a reported suit (Wall Street Journal, Aug. 10, 1990) against a heavy‑metal group and record companies after a suicide allegedly linked to the music. There are no simple answers, but we must keep supporting efforts to reform the system.
If you want more information on ATRA, write: ATRA 1212 New York Ave. NW Washington, DC 20005
More next month.
Sound & Model Aeronautics (Howard Crispin Jr.)
Em Millenberg (Fort Dodge, IA) reports experiments toward quieter operation of model engines. He adapted a K&B Sportster muffler to a Royal .40 previously and saw a noticeable difference. More recently he mounted a K&B .65 muffler on a SuperTigre .49 using an adapter plate machined to mate bolt patterns. With the engine on a 40‑size Impulse nylon mount, turning a 10x8 Profi fiberglass prop at 10,400 rpm on SIG 10% fuel, a reading taken nine feet from the exhaust on asphalt was 84 dB.
Key points from Em’s work:
- The SuperTigre exhaust mounting and the K&B mounting have the same bolt pattern; adapter machining made the swap practical.
- K&B muffler adapters retail about $15–$20.
- Despite workable solutions, many modelers are reluctant to pursue quieter options until noise becomes a problem.
Questions remain about manufacturers marketing universal adapters or producing muffler‑equipped engines. Given demand and marketing, muffler development could be viable; currently engine and muffler are often purchased separately.
HAM Frequencies
Are HAM/AMA members flying models on six‑meter frequencies (50–53 MHz)? If so, please send: place, name, address, AMA number, call sign, and amateur frequencies used so the Academy can better represent you.
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Executive Director's View From HQ
Vince Mankowski AMA Executive Director 1810 Samuel Morse Dr. Reston, VA 22090
The 1991 renewal notice is at the printer as this is written. Important points:
- All membership applications (renewal and new) now require a signature to confirm the applicant has read and will comply with the AMA Safety Code. Unsigned applications will be returned.
- 1991 renewal notices and ballots for officer elections will be mailed beginning October 7, with completion scheduled by October 25. Members in Districts 3, 7 and 11 may vote for the district vice president. All current 1990 members may vote for Executive Vice President. Renewals and ballots are separate: ballots go to the election auditor; renewals go to AMA Headquarters. Don’t send renewals to the auditor — it delays processing.
- FAA stamps for international competition are issued through the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). AMA member cost for NAA membership is $22 (up from $18); non‑AMA NAA dues are $35. Send NAA payments directly to NAA; do not send NAA family payments to AMA. NAA membership information will be mailed to AMA members who renew for 1991 (mailings begin in December).
- Include your date of birth on renewals to help prevent duplicate records. Recent database reviews revealed some duplicate AMA numbers; steps are being taken to prevent repeats and to clean existing duplicates.
- Over 1,200 members used the 800‑number phone renewal service last year; it may be offered again.
- AMA will include a survey with renewals and decal sheets. Please respond — demographic data help us serve members and improve marketing.
- A pilot club video newsletter, "AMA Today" (20‑minute VHS), is scheduled for production and mailing. It’s a potential regular club benefit; your feedback via a survey will determine its future.
- The AMA Executive Council and HQ are shifting some budget emphasis to provide direct benefits and better tools to AMA chartered clubs.
- Mark your calendars: National Aeromodelling Rally (AMA Fun Fly) — June 8–9, 1991, at Wright‑Patterson AFB, Ohio.
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Awards
Recognition presented to members and clubs:
- Hall of Fame: Presented with approval of the Council of Past Presidents. Nearly equal to Fellow Certificate. Service to others is not the prime consideration.
- President's Legion of Honor: Presented with approval of the President, Executive Director, and Executive Vice‑President for major personal donation, major fundraising, or exceptional financial contribution.
- All Season Flyers Patch: Awarded for flying at least once each month for 12 months. Club officer approval required.
- Award of Service: Issued to clubs with vice‑president approval for community service.
- Award of Achievement: Issued to clubs with vice‑president approval for competitive achievement.
- Award of Excellence: Issued by Executive Council approval; constitutes an upgrade of Award of Service, Award of Achievement, or other significant achievement.
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DISTRICT III Report
Bob Brown District III Vice‑President 1255 High Street Bradford, PA 16701 (814) 362‑7702 CompuServe/Email: 73767.12
Highlights and events:
- 1990 Control Line Speed World Championship: Carl Dodson (Richmond Heights, OH) is the new World Champion; his performance helped the U.S.A. to a third‑place team finish. In Control Line Aerobatics, William Wernage (Berea, OH) placed seventh and helped the U.S.A. capture the second‑place team trophy. Congratulations to all participants.
- Pennsylvania State Parks demonstration: An informal meeting/demo was held with state parks officials. The day began with a briefing, equipment checks, and a sound‑level demo using the Academy’s measurement method. Participants and contributions included:
- Howard Crispin (sound measurement demonstration)
- John Harvey (sport model sound check)
- Vern Smith, Tom Smeltzer, Bill Ide, Charles Long (Pattern flights demonstrating low sound levels)
- Carl Maroney (insurance program and safety introduction)
- Harold Hassman (food/beverage coordination)
- Tom Rodgers, Howard Cassel, Ed Zemaitis, Dave Lacas (local coordination)
The state officials were engaged and aware of modelers’ needs.
- Jackson, OH Scale event (Aug 18–19): Hosted by R/C Acres, Charleston Hillbillies, and the Mountaineers at Bob Evans' farm in Rio Grande, OH — one of the best Scale events in District III.
- FAI Pylon Race (Labor Day weekend): Held at Toledo Weak Signals’ field in Toledo, OH. Winners representing the U.S.A. team for the 1991 World Championship in Italy: Dub Jett, Lyle Larson, Henry Bartle. Wayne Yeager named 1991 team manager.
- Radio systems: Special recognition to George Steiner for extensive work with radio systems. He has gathered data and developed standards for judging radio systems and predicting performance in the 1991 environment. He has checked thousands of transmitters at the Nationals and trade shows. George’s series is running in Radio Control Modeler (starting September).
- Youth programs: Brainbuster 4‑H Club Model Building Program (Hampton, VA)
- Program led by Dave Rebelen with Brainbusters Club support.
- Location: local nursing home dining hall for building; parking lot/picnic area for flying.
- Six‑week program: three rubber‑powered models, one catapult glider, one hand‑launched glider; final week featured an R/C demonstration.
- Volunteers: Jerry Plassner, Ed Sullivan, Jim Pollard, Abram Van Doren (club president).
- Goldberg Models donated glue; other materials contributed by club members.
- Congratulations to the Brainbusters and the manufacturers who donated.
- Safe Flyer Patch: Fliers who pledge to use the AMA Safety Code may obtain a Safe Flyer Patch. Send a photocopy (typed or handwritten) declaration with your signature (see AMA Supply & Service Catalog) and a $2 check or money order payable to the Academy of Model Aeronautics (no cash).
- Noise guideline reminder: The new AMA noise guideline is 90 dBA measured at 9 ft. Be considerate of neighbors.
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DISTRICT IX Report
Travis McGinnis District IX Vice‑President 8027 W. 81st Circle Arvada, CO 80005 Computer address/EMAIL: 76007.2750 Fax: 303‑420‑1670
Regional news and personnel:
- South Dakota — Huron Prop Busters: Tom Sroufe reports Denny Hughes (Frankfort, SD), a 70+‑year‑old farmer, maintains a flying site on his farm and has hosted a fly‑in and potluck for about seven years. This year about 25 fliers and family members attended. Great PR for modeling and the local group.
- Kansas — Welcome to AVP "Doc" Scraper: Newly appointed associate vice‑president, eager to help advance aeromodeling in District IX.
- Featured local modeler: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Stan Andrews — WWII ace, longtime model builder and flier, instructor and club leader. Flies quarter‑scale and biplanes in the Heart of America Air Show Team; respected local figure.
- Colorado — Don Atwood: New additional AVP for the district.
- Background: Building models since childhood; flying R/C since 1969. Began Pattern competition in 1970. Active in club leadership, NSRCA member, AMA member for over 20 years.
- Family: Wife, daughter, and son Chris (recently moved to Expert Turnaround, placed 7th at 1990 Nats in Advanced).
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One‑Design Free Flight & Giant Scale Notes
- Tenth Annual One‑Design Free Flight Contest: Conceived and conducted by Donald H. Ross (Cresskill, NY) nine years ago; the 1991 10th‑anniversary contest is expected to outdo earlier versions. Competitors vote on the official design each year. 1991 design choices: Pacific Ace, Korda Victory, Yellow Bird. Contest director for 1991: Rich Fiore, 531 Secatogue Ave, Farmingdale, NY; tel. 1‑516‑249‑4358.
- PARCS Giant Scale and Giant Non‑Scale Super Fly ’90: Held Aug 26 by the Pennsylvania Avenue RC Society (PARCS) at Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY. Second annual event — safely and successfully conducted with strong attendance and many photographs documenting the day.
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If you have news, event reports, or questions (speakers bureau financing ideas, ATRA info requests, HAM frequency use, club achievements), please write and include contact details so we can follow up.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
