AMA News

AMA News

AMA Announces 1990 Technical Award Winners

The Academy of Model Aeronautics has announced the recipients of the 1990 Technical Award. This annual award recognizes modelers whose work has produced technical or scientific advancements in model aviation.

Fred Otto Burgdorf, Bob Davis, and Gale Helms were honored.

• Fred Otto Burgdorf

Burgdorf was recognized for a production propeller that lets model aircraft operate very efficiently at much lower sound levels. This noise‑reduction technology helps the aeromodeling community—especially in obtaining and maintaining flying sites. The propeller was originally designed to maximize engine torque while meeting sound‑level limits for FAI F3A competition (R/C aerobatics) but has since found applications in R/C sport, R/C scale, control line, and free flight. Research continues on designs for large aircraft and speed‑competition models.

Burgdorf has owned and operated Landing Products Company (propeller manufacturer) since 1985. A resident of Woodland, California, he has been involved in modeling for decades. An engineer for Westinghouse Electric Corporation, he also owns Burgdorf Software Development, which supplies propeller‑design and production software. He holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Davis and is a former U.S. Navy pilot.

• Bob Davis

Davis was honored for many contributions to aeromodeling and for adapting established products to new uses. He greatly expanded the use of CO2 motors—originally intended for small free‑flight models—producing larger CO2 units that can be used in R/C models and applying similar concepts to diesel engines. Davis has been an active modeler since childhood, resides in Milford, Connecticut, and has operated Davis Diesel Development since 1975.

• Gale Helms

Helms was recognized for innovating hinges made from DMD (Dacron‑Mylar‑Dacron). DMD hinges are strong, flexible, and easy to install; Helms’ design allows hinging on relatively thin surfaces without an unsightly bulge—very practical for competition models. His hinges have been used on many winning Formula 1 models. A resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Helms has flown R/C models since 1957 and retired after a long career with Westinghouse Electric Corporation.

For more information on award recipients and nominating procedures, contact: Bob Underwood, AMA Technical Director, Academy of Model Aeronautics, 1810 Samuel Morse Drive, Reston, VA 22090; tel. 703‑435‑0750.

FAI Supporter Pin — Help Fund U.S. Teams

U.S. World Championship team members are 100% funded by AMA. Help defray team expenses by purchasing an AMA‑FAI Supporter pin for $10. Order from AMA Supply & Service, Item No. 2087.

PR Roundup

Geoffrey Styles Director of Marketing

Some clubs are doing outstanding public‑service and outreach work:

• South Alabama R/C Modelers Club (SAR/CM), Foley, Alabama

The mayor of Foley declared Model Aviation Week in recognition of the club’s donations of educational materials to local schools, instruction of young people in building and flying, and the construction of an RC trainer to help new fliers learn to fly. Such civic engagement builds positive local relationships and public visibility.

• Thermal "G" R/C Club, Erie, Pennsylvania

Rich Miller sent a front‑page Sunday feature in the Erie Times‑News showing flying, workshop activity, and field preparation with photos. The reporter portrayed the sport positively—covering skills, costs realistically, fellowship, and the club’s excellent relationship with the field provider (Lawrence Gehrlein Model Airpark). Good media coverage can spark new interest and membership.

• Rainbow Aero Modelers Society (RAMS), St. Francis, Wisconsin

RAMS promotes model aviation in local schools; retired teacher Dan Allman leads outreach to Milwaukee area high schools. The club flies on county property, maintains the field via dues, and meets monthly in a room provided by Great Midwest Savings and Loan Bank. The club has about 72 members and often shares activities with seven other local clubs.

Take Pride in America (1991) Clubs that clean up or improve public land should apply for the Take Pride in America contest. The Act was signed into law on November 28, 1990. Gather endorsements, submit an application to your state office, and you could win state or national recognition.

Camp Discovery — East Greenville, Pennsylvania (SOS) John Christopher, Camp Discovery coordinator, seeks volunteers to run a model aviation day for abused children in summer 1991. Bucks County fliers and nearby clubs are urged to get involved. Contact Mr. Christopher at 215‑679‑2144 to volunteer or coordinate a club/AMA project.

More next month.

George Steiner Receives McEntee Award

The Westchester Radio Aero Modelers (WRAMS) established the Howard McEntee Award in 1972 in memory of a noted radio‑control experimenter and designer. Past recipients include Bill Walt, Maynard Hill, Paul Runge, Hal deBolt, John Worth, and others. This year George Steiner received the award at a WRAMS luncheon in White Plains, New York.

George Steiner has served on the Academy’s Frequency Committee and Frequency Advisory Council. With 26 years in radio control and 18 years as an associate editor of R/C Modeler magazine, he has designed radio equipment, conducted extensive empirical lab tests, and helped industry adapt to a harsher radio environment. His work has aided clubs and the national organization in preparing frequency control plans. The Academy extends hearty congratulations.

Tech Award (cont.)

Fred Burgdorf has manufactured propellers since 1985 with Landing Products and supplies software to assist propeller design and production. He has many years of modeling experience and a technical and aviation background as described above.

Bob Davis has been active since childhood, owns Davis Diesel Development, and brought CO2 and diesel‑concept advances to modelers.

Gale Helms developed practical DMD hinges used in competitive models and has a long history in R/C modeling and industry.

Contact Bob Underwood, AMA Technical Director, for additional details (see contact above).

Synopsis — Executive Council Meeting January 19, 1991

Attendees included President Don Lowe; Executive Vice President Dave Brown; Vice Presidents Don Krafft, John Byrne, Bob Brown, Howard Crispin, Jim McNeill, Jim Sears, Pete Waters, Gene Hempel, Travis McGinnis, Reggie Keyawa, Ed McCollough; EVP Larry Howard (NAA); Executive Director Vince Mankowski; Executive Director Emeritus John Worth. AMA staff present: Bob Underwood (Technical Director), Micheline Madison (Competitions Director), Carl Maroney (Special Services), Bob Vojsalavek (Operations), Lynne Collins (Comptroller), Ross McMullen (Publications), Bill Baker (Marketing). Guests included C. Milton Peacock, Felix Gora, and attorney Bill Matthews.

Key actions and reports:

• Approval of minutes from the October 27, 1990 meeting and the December 17, 1990 telephone conference.

• Executive Vice President’s report: discussed an AMA member lawsuit, recommended establishing a policy for settlement limits and purchasing umbrella liability coverage; stated the accounting system will soon itemize legal expenses by case; reported on NAA financial matters and a January 26, 1991 meeting at AMA HQ to discuss NAA’s future role.

• Executive Director’s report: 1991 travel schedule approved. Membership processing issues (signature requirement) are improving; membership reports to Council continue weekly through February. The Council agreed to produce an annual theme issue of Model Aviation and that officer columns should not appear in that issue. The Council voted 12–1 to support the Junior Free Flight team per NFFS suggestion. An ad hoc committee was formed to draft guidance on handling vice presidents’ accounts (chair: E. McCollough; members R. Brown, J. Sears, V. Mankowski).

• Executive Director Emeritus reported museum additions: a large collection of film outtakes and internegatives from 25 years of movie production.

• Membership Committee (ad hoc) report: Recommendations included reinstating member‑to‑member insurance (motion from 12/17/90), exploring a 12‑month membership option, purchasing an additional $5–$10 million in liability coverage, and maintaining the signature requirement on applications/renewals. The committee suggested investigating formation of a separate for‑profit corporation to handle insurance and recommended exploring ways to help local clubs finance flying sites. The Council agreed to pursue several of these recommendations.

• Property Acquisition and Development Committee reported on site planning for Muncie, Indiana, and is considering various flying‑site requirements.

• Frequency Committee/Frequency Advisory Council: a recommendation to discontinue the RC equipment certified list in Model Aviation was rejected by Council. Headquarters was directed to remind manufacturers of receiver guideline changes and to reference the receiver equipment list.

• Insurance Committee: endorsed purchasing additional liability coverage; Council unanimously approved purchasing up to $10 million in umbrella coverage.

• Safety Committee: the committee’s definition of a Controlled Live Barrier received consensus approval. The committee provided guidance for event site layouts, spectator set‑backs, and flight‑line considerations; Headquarters was asked to prepare a sketch for club use.

• Marketing Department: Council approved an advertising campaign to increase membership and the concept of a corporate membership program. Council approved permitting paid advertisements in the AMA Today video newsletter and authorized production/distribution of the next two issues (motion passed 11–2).

• Sound handbook: nearing completion.

• Pennsylvania case (AMA vs. State of Pennsylvania): Council authorized Headquarters to assume management of the case, begin with a counter‑proposal, and send an AMA staff member to a state board hearing.

• Other business: Council adopted a new FAI document; agreed to host the Free Flight World Championships in 1993 and the 1992 Scale World Championships; granted requested funds for F3B team assistance. Council accepted NFFS to conduct Indoor Nationals under a $2,000 cap on AMA’s share; AMA HQ will assume responsibility for the Outdoor Free Flight Nationals (week of June 16 in Lawrenceville, Illinois). The AMA annual membership meeting will be held June 8–9 at Wright‑Patterson AFB.

• Policy decisions: foreign (non‑U.S. resident) AMA members cannot be Contest Directors, Leaders, Executive Council members, nor have by‑laws voting privileges.

• Club alcohol use: no action taken; HQ will inform the club president of AMA’s position forbidding alcohol at flying sites.

• Awards approved: Superior Service Awards for Bill Chandler, Max Blosser, and Ed Benson; Distinguished Service Award for Kevin Collins.

Next Executive Council meeting: AMA Headquarters, April 20, 1991.

Executive VP’s Report

Dave Brown AMA Executive Vice President

Dave Brown reflected on recent events including the Gulf War, noting public support for troops and a few humorous anecdotes. He highlighted a Supreme Court ruling removing limits on pain‑and‑suffering and punitive damages in liability awards, which complicates insurance and liability concerns. AMA excludes punitive damages from coverage but does cover pain‑and‑suffering, which can be costly. Officers continue to seek the best coverage possible within current economic and legal realities.

On a lighter note, Brown encouraged members to enjoy flying season and the cycle of building and flying that defines the hobby.

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, usually for local service.
• Distinguished Service: Third‑level award presented with Executive Council approval for long‑term service in AMA office or committee.
• Meritorious Service: Automatic to outgoing Executive Council members.
• Fellow Certificate: Automatic to outgoing President; also for long and dedicated service on behalf of others.

Club or Individual Awards:

• Technical Award: For technical achievements that improve modeling.
• Vital People’s Award: Up to six cash awards per year to unsung club‑level heroes.
• Hall of Fame: Presented with the Council of Past Presidents’ approval.
• President’s Legion of Honor: For major personal donation or exceptional financial contribution.
• Award of Service: Issued to clubs (vice‑president approval) for community service.
• Award of Achievement: Issued to clubs (vice‑president approval) for competition service.
• Award of Excellence: Issued by Executive Council as an upgrade for significant achievement.

A New Membership Benefit!

Vision Eye Plan (VIP) has been added to AMA member benefits. The program offers savings of 20–60% on eyewear through about 4,000 providers (including many Sears, Montgomery Ward, J.C. Penney locations and national optical chains). The AMA/VIP membership card was included with 1991 membership packets. Members who have not received the card should contact AMA at 703‑435‑0750 ext. 274 to request a free discount card.

Vision Eye Plan is administered by First American Health Concepts (FAHC), Mesa, Arizona. FAHC reports that more than 85% of Americans live within 20 minutes of a FAHC facility. Clear vision supports safety in model aircraft operations.

Executive Director’s View From HQ

Vince Mankowski AMA Executive Director

• Desert Storm tribute idea: The office considered producing a special Model Aviation issue recognizing AMA members who served in the Middle East and sending copies to deployed troops. Though the rapid end to the conflict prevented timely distribution, AMA encourages members to send names, photos, and brief notes about members or family who served so they can be recognized in the museum.

• First‑class postage glitch fixed: A mailing problem occasionally caused second‑class mailings to arrive before first‑class mail. The process has been corrected so first‑class service now performs as intended.

• Magazine changes: AMA is considering changing Model Aviation from saddle stitch to perfect binding and may slightly reduce magazine dimensions to offset postal rate increases.

• Membership news: After initial issues with unsigned applications, renewals improved from 74% to over 100% compared with the prior year (reaching about 105% at one point). There remain roughly 40,000 1990 members who had not renewed as of the report.

• Revenue and dues: AMA now derives about 18% of income from non‑dues sources (versus historically higher dues reliance). Increasing non‑dues revenue is a priority to avoid raising dues while providing member value.

• AMA as a 501(c)(3): AMA is a not‑for‑profit corporation with the responsibilities of a business and a mission to promote and protect model flying. As a 501(c)(3) it can receive tax‑deductible donations because of its broad public mission.

• Muncie property development: AMA leases about 280 acres and farms another 680 acres to generate income to fund site development. Phase I (museum building and multi‑purpose flying site) is targeted for completion by the end of 1991. AMA plans to transfer much of the Reston museum collection to Indiana in late 1991. A short‑term line of credit will assist in funding Phase I until agricultural revenues and fund‑raising provide cash flow. Final site plans are under review pending water and sewer permits.

• Fax handling: HQ treats fax requests the same as mail; faxes do not interrupt normal operations.

• Clubs and certificates: Club renewals were mailed in two batches; flying‑site certificates began shipping March 11. A delay occurred due to late receipt of an insurance policy number; certificates now include the policy number and are being mailed promptly.

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Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.