AMA News

Celebrate the 4th at Springfield

Plan Now to Share in Spectacular RC World Championships in Ohio

At least 60 of the world's best aerobatic pilots, plus over a hundred accompanying foreign visitors (mechanics, relatives and friends) will be at the Springfield Municipal Airport from June 30 through July 4. Fourteen countries have already informed the Academy of Model Aeronautics via the Federation Aeronautique Internationale that they intend to send teams—this was before the full details and official entry forms were even sent out!

By the closing date for official entry—May 15—at least 20 countries are expected to commit teams to the event. There were 26 countries and 76 competitors at the last RC Aerobatics World Championships, held at Bern, Switzerland in 1975.

This will be the 10th World Championships of the series which began in 1960. Each country is permitted, by FAI rules, to send a team of three fliers and a team manager, plus others known as supporters. Many representatives of the foreign modeling press are also expected. This will be the second time for this event in the U.S.—the previous time was in 1971 at Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

The U.S. team will be selected on the weekend before the World Championships, at the same site. About 30 of the top U.S. fliers will compete in the Masters Tournament Team Selection Finals, being hosted by the Western Ohio Radio Kontrol Society (W.O.R.K.S.) of Dayton, with the help of AMA, the National Society for RC Aerobatics (NSRCA) and the U.S. Pattern Judges Association (USPJA). Many of the fliers and officials for this event will then stay on to help operate the World Championships.

Springfield will thus have the top U.S. and international RC personalities on hand. It will be the "Who's Who" convention of the RC world. Admission will be free (except for a nominal parking charge for vehicles) and special facilities will be provided to keep spectators informed as to scoring and details of the meet.

A list of motels is available from AMA HQ. There are three major ones clustered together just a few miles north of the airport—Holiday Inn South, Ramada Inn, Scot's Inn—and there are several others in the city of Springfield. Camping will be permitted on the airfield for a flat rate of $10—no water or electrical hookups, but security and portable toilets will be provided. The $10 fee is for the whole period—beginning Friday, June 24 through Monday, July 4—or any portion of the period.

Opening ceremonies for the World Championships will be on Thursday, June 30, with awards on Monday afternoon, July 4th. There will be four competition days, July 1 through 4. Prior to the 1st, practice flying will be scheduled.

There will be two flight lines, about 2,000 feet apart, so that two pilots can fly simultaneously. Five judges will be used per flight—each will be from a different country; all recommended by their national aero clubs. There will also be a three-person international jury to resolve any rules interpretation questions or disagreements.

All aspects of the competition will be in accordance with rules of the international governing body, the FAI. It will be the responsibility of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, as the official U.S. aeromodelling representative of the FAI, to organize and direct the World Championships.

The service of U.S. officials will be voluntary. Proceeds from parking fees, camping, concession and souvenir sales are expected to produce only enough revenue to cover expenses of transportation and lodging for twelve international officials, portable toilets, trash collection and field cleanup, tent rental, etc. Entry fees for teams have been set as low as possible to cover their food and lodging—an FAI requirement.

Teams that have already registered intent to enter are from Australia, South Africa, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Finland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, England, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Norway and Canada. The current World Champion (winner of the 1975 event), Wolfgang Matt of Liechtenstein, will be competing, as will Hannor Prettner of Austria, winner of the past three Las Vegas International Tournaments of Champions.

Final details of the Championships will be determined at a March 25 meeting in Paris of the FAI's Bureau—officers of the Committee for International Aero Modelling (CIAM). At this meeting, judge and jury selection will be finalized—the U.S. can recommend choices but the CIAM Bureau must approve all individuals. This is an important point, because two international judges have been censured by the FAI in the past few years due to obvious bias and inconsistency.

Also to be approved at the meeting will be details of site layout, frequency monitoring, judging flying order, etc. The process is very similar to what is involved in the Olympics, though on a smaller scale. World Championships are very colorful; flagpoles are an obvious touch.

AMA News

Those who have never been to an Olympics, the scene at Springfield will be very much like what was shown on TV during the 1976 Olympics at Montreal—except that the activity will be focused on flying.

Those who were at Doylestown in 1971 will remember that there was much excitement for all involved whether spectators, competitors, or officials. A World Championships is a super event for AMA members. It's the most prestigious gathering of the modeler fraternity—a chance to be part of and share the experience producing model aviation history while seeing the world's best fliers in action.

It's a new and dramatic way to celebrate the 4th of July, with a blend of American pride and international goodwill. For many, as was noted at Doylestown, it will be the highlight of a modeling lifetime. Much will be written and talked about after the event, but the real meaning and spirit of it all will belong to those who were there. Plan now to be part of a rare event for the U.S.—guaranteed to be a special happening that won't be seen here again for many more years.

OPERATION "HOSPITALITY" RENEWED

In 1971, a plan called "Operation Hospitality" brought many of the foreign competitors and supporters (mechanics and wives, etc.) to several cities after the meet ended. During this time, these visitors were hosted by modeling families in their homes. The program enabled foreign guests to see scenic sites, stores, homes, and the historical areas.

The program is still being talked about all over the world as the highlight of the World Champs. It aided international understanding, gained prestige for the Academy, clubs and individuals, and added foreign friendships to many modeling families. The program helped to thank those in other countries who have, over the years that the U.S. has been participating in World Championships, taken our teams into their homes and shown them their hospitality. Now, it is our turn again to show what American modelers can do.

We'd like to send these visitors back to their homelands with the same pleasant memories, with new understanding of the United States, and with a fond feeling for the American modeler. But it's a two-way program—the exchange of cultural ideas, hobby interests and friendships are just as rewarding to our families as to the guests.

The program begins by those interested registering with AMA HQ their willingness to participate. The same will be done with our visitors. Then both groups will be brought together during the World Championships through a hospitality coordination center. The end result will be a working out of plans for travel and visiting after the event.

Most guests will have a few days before heading home. Many will want to visit such cities as New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, etc. With details worked out at Springfield, the guests and hosts can meet and enjoy some time together before the visitors must leave. That's what Operation Hospitality is all about—to join groups in sharing the time before departure.

No one need be concerned about a language problem. Most of the visitors will be able to speak English well enough to make interesting conversation. Others, as was proved in 1971, got to understand each other with very little trouble despite the language situation. What's needed now is simply to know who is interested—who can entertain two or more guests. In some cases there may be groups of guests as large as four who would like to stay together. So if someone has room for more than one guest, it would help to know that. This plan can be an enjoyable experience for AMA members, wives and children. If you're interested let AMA know between now and the World Champs. More information will be sent as the program develops.

NY, NJ LEADERS INITIATE COUNCIL CONCEPT

The development of a building-block type of communications network between groups of modelers in various states is currently being explored by leaders of model associations in New York and New Jersey. The idea is to have AMA chartered clubs organized as chartered chapters or associations of clubs, with delegates from such associations participating in one or more AMA district councils.

The goal is to utilize the strength of numbers to improve communications to and from modelers, to influence AMA national policies, to obtain help from municipal, county, state, and federal governments on behalf of flying sites and other modeling problems. The basis is that a few leaders backed by many individuals can be a more effective voice than the same number of people acting independently.

As was shown during the FCC/RCC crisis in 1976, the participation of many individuals speaking with a unified message can have tremendous impact upon those who decide matters of legislation, costs, and policies. To develop such unity of thought and response, however, requires input from many directions to be blended into commonly acceptable aims. This means meetings, discussions, a democratic process of determining majority thinking.

The council concept is intended as a two-way medium. It can be a means for AMA to quickly and/or regularly inform groups about developments affecting their activities. It also can be the means to advise AMA what large groups of modelers need and want.

More will be heard about this concept as it develops—it's the coming thing to help solve basic problems affecting modelers. Among those participating in current explorations are the RC Ass'n. of Greater NY, the Model Airplane Ass'n. of Greater NY, the NJ Ass'n. of Model Airplane Clubs, the Westchester Radio Aero Modelers, the Central NY Model Aircraft Association and others. The effort is being encouraged by AMA District II Vice President, John Byrne, and his Associate Vice-Presidents, with key leadership activities by Richard Brooks of the RCAGNY and Walt Throne of the CNYMAA.

Initial discussions were held at the CNYMAA Symposium in Syracuse, NY on Feb. 12-13, followed by a further meeting on Feb. 26 at the WRAM Show in White Plains, NY. More will be reported as the concept develops since many leaders agree that such a membership organizational structure will ultimately be necessary for groups of modelers all across the country.

HOW TO BEST REPRESENT AMA MEMBERS

The following article, by AMA Secretary-Treasurer Earl Witt, explores current thinking concerning how AMA members can best be represented. Following Witt's article is more specific information about what New York and New Jersey leaders are doing to develop a workable mechanism to serve their members' interests. Both articles indicate a trend is developing in regard to an improved AMA organizational structure.

The phenomenal growth of the AMA in the past ten years has resulted in an ever-increasing volume of complaints of inadequate or disproportionate representation for the needs of the members in the AMA decision-making and policy-setting procedures. The founding members of the AMA could not have anticipated its current size some 41 years ago when they convened in Detroit to establish what was then termed the "American Academy of Model Aeronautics"; nor was there any way, when the district boundaries were established, to anticipate the present distribution of membership.

Two years ago, the Radio Control Club of Connecticut circulated a proposal to change the elected structure of the AMA "to make it more responsive to the needs of its members." It was proposed to add 50 more elected officials by electing state representatives and have district meetings with a delegate voting power in proportion to the membership within the state, thereby in turn directing the district vice-president's votes in Executive Council meetings.

The proposal and the problem of more proportionate representation was taken up at successive Council meetings and, other than an expanded number of Associate VPs to provide better coverage of the AMA districts, no totally equitable or practical method of expanded membership representation was found. The AMA is a voluntary organization and in spite of its current size, could not financially support the necessary administrative costs of conducting and supporting a more complex elected representative management system, and being a voluntary organization, could not tax the membership to support an elective representation system such as is found in the U.S. Congressional system. Other proposals, such as organizing by special interest groups, were considered but apparent insurmountable problems (continued on page 65)

AMA News

Plan Now — Share Spectacular RC World Championships — Ohio

At least 60 of the world's best aerobatic pilots, plus over a hundred accompanying foreign visitors, mechanics, relatives and friends, will be at Springfield Municipal Airport June 30 through July 4.

Fourteen countries have already informed the Academy of Model Aeronautics via the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale that they intend to send teams; this was before full details and official entry forms were sent out. Closing date for official entry is May 15. At least 20 countries are expected to commit teams. Twenty-six countries and 76 competitors took part in the last RC Aerobatics World Championships held in Bern, Switzerland in 1975. This will be the 10th World Championships; the series began in 1960. Each country is permitted by FAI rules to send a team of three fliers, a team manager, plus others known as supporters. Representatives of the foreign modeling press are also expected.

It will be the second time the event is held in the U.S.; the previous U.S. event was in 1971 at Doylestown, Pennsylvania. The U.S. team will be selected the weekend before the World Championships at the same site. About 30 top U.S. fliers will compete in the Masters Tournament Team Selection Finals being hosted by the Western Ohio Radio Kontrol Society (WORCS), Dayton. Help from the AMA National Society RC Aerobatics (NSRCA) and the U.S. Pattern Judges Association (USPJA), plus many fliers and officials, will be available to help operate the World Championships. Springfield will thus have top U.S. and international RC personalities on hand.

Admission will be free except for a nominal parking charge for vehicles. Special facilities will be provided to keep spectators informed of scoring details. A meet list and motel information will be available from AMA Headquarters. Three major motels are clustered together just a few miles north of the airport — Holiday Inn South, Ramada Inn and Scots Inn — and several others are in the city.

Camping will be permitted at the airfield at a flat rate of $10; there will be no water or electrical hook-ups, but security and portable toilets will be provided. The $10 fee covers the whole period beginning Friday, June 24 through Monday, July 4, or a portion of that period.

Opening ceremonies for the World Championships will be Thursday, June 30; awards will be presented Monday afternoon, July 4. There will be four competition days, July 1 through 4. Prior first practice flying will be scheduled. There will be two flight lines about 2,000 feet apart so two pilots can fly simultaneously. Five judges will be used per flight; judges from different countries are recommended by national aerobatic clubs. There will also be a three-person international jury to resolve rules interpretation questions and disagreements on aspects of the competition. All will be in accordance with the rules of the international governing body, the FAI. It is the responsibility of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, the official U.S. aeromodeling representative to the FAI, to organize and direct the World Championships; U.S. officials will be volunteers.

Proceeds from parking fees, camping, concessions and souvenir sales are expected to produce enough revenue to cover expenses such as transportation and lodging for twelve international officials, portable toilets, trash collection, field cleanup, tent rental, etc. Entry fees for teams have been set as low as possible to cover food and lodging — an FAI requirement.

Teams have already registered intent to enter from Australia, South Africa, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Finland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, England, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Norway and Canada. Current World Champion Wolfgang Matt of Liechtenstein, winner of the 1975 event, will be competing, as will Hanno Prettner of Austria, winner of the past three Las Vegas International Tournaments.

Final details of the Championships were to be determined at the March 25 meeting in Paris of the FAI's Bureau Officers Committee and the International Aero Modelling (CIAM) meeting. Judge and jury selection will be finalized — the U.S. can recommend choices but the CIAM Bureau must approve individuals. This is an important point because two international judges have been censured by the FAI in past years due to obvious bias and inconsistency. Also to be approved at the meeting were details such as site layout, frequency monitoring, judging, flying order, etc. The process is very similar to what is involved in the Olympics, though on a smaller scale. World Championships are very colorful — flag displays are an obvious touch. Of individuals and groups. Then he got the films processed and made up as postcards. He then sent these postcards to the subjects of the pictures as surprise gifts. A CLEVER IDEA—WORTH COPYING—and MUCH appreciated!

MY BUDDY, BILL NORTHROP, IS A GIANT!

Bill Northrop and I went shopping for a shirt for Bill in a men's clothing shop in BERN, SWITZERLAND. Bill said he wore a size 16 collar. The clerk insisted on measuring Bill's neck and triumphantly announced, "You wear size 40, sir!" When we got over the shock we realized that in Switzerland they measure in METRIC! To give Bill his proper dignity I must mention that he is the producer of the excellent MODEL BUILDER Magazine.

A WIFE'S VIEWPOINT—

One of our really active model plane fliers was describing his club's new flying field, and mentioned that at the present it had no restrooms. His wife replied, "That's uncanny!"

HOBBY SHOPS AND CLUBS—

Write to AMA Headquarters for a pad of AMA License Application Blanks. Your effort will be appreciated.

AMA'S "POLISHED BRASS" BUSY IN HOUSTON

The AMA EXECUTIVE COUNCIL met in Houston, Texas, in all-day and evening session. A report of the meeting will be printed elsewhere.

THE HOBBY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA held its gigantic trade show and annual business meetings for six big days at this same period of time. AMA participates heavily in this as an Associate Organization. At the Annual HIAA Business Meeting the AMA Technical Director, FRANK EHLING, was honored by the Hobby Industry Association and by AMA for his development of the AMA CUB (or Delta Dart) beginner's rubber powered model plane and for his other services to aeromodelling. Frank was inducted into the MODEL AVIATION HALL OF FAME.

During this same period of time an impressive AMA Model Airplane display had been set up in Houston's beautiful Public Library by the AMA Special Events Director, LARRY BOLICH.

The AMA membership is very well represented by its leadership!

ICING ON THE HOUSTON "HAPPENINGS"—

For those of us who were in the Houston area for all these meetings, the climax came from a very "VIP" trip through the NASA complex at the Johnson Space Center. We were conducted through very privileged parts of the space center by a very enthusiastic NASA Engineer and AMA'er, JOHN KIKER. John, built along the lines of an Abraham Lincoln, is a most likeable and colorful fellow. With the aid of another NASA Engineer, Don White, the AMA party even got to examine the Space Shuttle flight simulator that is used to train the astronauts who will man that vehicle.

A lady AMA'er, VELMA TEUBNER, was in the AMA group touring the space facility, and she wrote a letter of appreciation to John Kiker that has a very interesting story in it. I will quote from Velma's letter to Kiker:

"Dear John: Just a note to say thanks for a most unforgettable experience. I still can't believe some of the fascinating things we were privileged to see,—and actually getting to sit in the very seats the Astronauts train in!! I guarantee that is one of the highlights of my life."

Velma continues, "I've had some interesting reactions when I tell of the experience. Some folks get the same feeling of excitement I did when I tell them of my experience—and then there are a few who look so bored—and act like they could care less! I've found these are usually pretty shallow types who hardly realize there is such a thing as a space program."

And Velma continues, "Speaking of these disinterested people, my mother has not had much use for the space program, but I keep trying to get her to admit that good things have come from it. This time I succeeded beyond my wildest dreams. Here is the little story. When we returned home I called her (she lives in Los Angeles) to see how she was feeling. She had not been feeling well lately. I also wanted to tell her of our exciting trip! I was explaining as best I could what we had seen—and what a thrill it was to see where the Astronauts actually train. In trying to give her something to hang it all together with I started to explain about the Space Shuttle. I said, 'I'm sure you've seen a lot more about the Shuttle out there on TV, as the first flights will be taking place in California very shortly.' At this point my mother said, 'Well THANK GOODNESS! I'm certainly glad to know someone is trying to do something about the transportation out here! It is perfectly terrible! Do you know Yellow Cab has even gone out of business!!'"

Velma continues, "What can I tell you? Except the Space Program has finally made a hit with my mother! Needless to say I did not try to explain further. We have laughed picturing her waiting for the next moon rocket—which is sure to be late in California, transportation being what it is out there!!!"

Velma finishes to John Kiker, "Thanks again for being such a great tour director. Also my thanks to all the great people at NASA who believe so in what they are doing. I'll never forget your statement that although it is a lot of hard work, IT'S A FUN THING! Spacefully yours, VELMA."

THE NASA GANG—ONE MORE TIME

As a final gesture of welcome the Johnson Space Center R/C Club, with John Kiker and Owen Morris leading us in, played host to all of us that night during our dinner at the Monterey House. If you like Mexican food, go out of your way and eat at the Monterey House where the Johnson Space Center people take their guests. AMA'er, Mel Brewer, made sure we had plenty of the delicious food. He also introduced us to a new kind of model "fuel" called a Margarita! And all of this was best of company, with the RC Club hosting the AMA visitors. These guests included three AMA presidents, John Worth, Cliff Weirick, and myself, and a well-known publisher by the name of Walt Schroder. WONDERFUL EVENING!

MY GAWD, WHAT A WINTER!!

I'm sure you are aware that we are having a record winter. I am astonished in reading the newsletters to see how much flying is still going on! Seems like most of the clubs in the Northeast have some sort of a "Snowbird" contest, with the models sporting skis on the landing gear. My hat is sure off to these intrepid souls. It is folks like that who make the AMA way unique.

Our weather here in Dallas has gone completely mad. Just a couple of weeks ago we were setting records for the coldest winter on record, and here today (Feb. 24th) it was 81 degrees, with an unbelievable humidity of only 14 percent. It is so dry here, we had a little river that flowed through Dallas, until some dog came along and drank it!!

And now our windy season has started with a vengeance. Today I was driving 55 miles per hour with a tailwind and my own exhaust kept passing me!

A NEW "SPOOF" JACKET PATCH FROM AMA—

My mail just brought me an envelope from AMA Headquarters with nothing in it but a new "gag" patch. It was the usual oval AMA patch, but where usually there is the word "Pilot" or "Competitors" or some such, there is the ominous word "CRASHER." Also the usual AMA Wing Emblem has a crushed wing! NUFF SAID, I GUESS!

IT HAPPENED IN RIVERSIDE!!

One evening during the Nationals Planning Meeting in Riverside, CA the whole gang went to one of the excellent restaurants which abound there. I ordered one of my very favorites (a specialty of the house) Alaska King Crab Legs. The NATS RC Category Director, Kemp Bunting, sat directly across from me. The waiter brought me a heaping platter of those beautiful crab legs. I took one look at the bounteous plate and said, "I don't know what I'm gonna do with all of these crab legs." Quick as a wink Kemp said, "Why don't you take 'em out for a walk?"

I just want to warn you! If you come to the NATS in Riverside, that is the sort of damnfoolish humor you'll have to put up with! Honestly, the welcome we are getting from Riverside and March Air Force Base is so great that it looks like a real relaxed and FUN sort of Nationals! Y'ALL COME!!

WE FIND A PRIZE IN RIVERSIDE!

Several years back we found a real crackerjack "P-R-Type" in Lake Charles in the person of LARRY BOLICH. We were so impressed that we (AMA) hired him. He is now doing a great job as the AMA Special Events Director.

We have now discovered another jewel of that type working for the Chamber of Commerce in Riverside. She is a slim, enthusiastic charmer who answers to the name of KAY DAWSON. (Of course I have already found out she is originally from Texas, which explains a lot!!) Riverside should sure be proud of KAY, because with her helping to "make it go" the NATS can't miss!

A ROAST IN THE SNOW—IN SYRACUSE

MARVIN KOWALEWSKI gave me a report on a great day February 12th in Syracuse, NY. The Central New York Model Aircraft Association had about 100 people attend a Symposium from 10 AM to 5 PM. Then the evening banquet filled the 150 people attended a "roast" to induct Harold DeBolt into the Model Aviation Hall of Fame. The roast was, WELL, JUST GREAT! I couldn't attend, but I sent my speech along to be read by John Worth. My thanks to all who took part, and especially those who did the work.

******that's all for now*******

Represent AMA (cont. from page 62)

The object of all the proposed systems is to give the AMA membership a better visibility, improved representation of total membership, and a better organizational power or influence base in dealing with local political bodies or state governments.

The Connecticut proposal for state representatives stated the representatives' duties as liaison with clubs, individual members, VP's and local and state officials.

District II, under the leadership of John Byrne, District VP, and Richard Brooks, District Associate VP, have started a district organization which will accomplish most of the objectives of the proposed AMA reorganizations, within the existing structure of the AMA, in a method which is practical and apparently entirely workable.

Rather than representative liaison with clubs and members, as proposed by the Connecticut club, the structure of the district organization starts with the member himself. For the most part, where possible, the individual members of the AMA have organized into clubs by special interests, geographic groups, or for financial cost sharing of facilities to meet the members' individual needs. Nationwide, the first step of meeting the goals has been accomplished.

The second step, which is not quite so prevalent, is the formation of an association of clubs. This association of clubs is normally on a geographic basis. Clubs within a metropolitan or reasonable commuting area organizing to provide greater group strength in promoting and meeting the needs on a larger scale than is possible with a single club, or than clubs can do separately. Clubs elect or appoint their representation to the association, usually an individual with the ability and means to readily accomplish such representation. This is done without a costly AMA-dictated election and management procedure. The association meetings are, of course, less frequent than club meetings and the problems worked on, more general.

The third step, which is now underway in District II, is forming an AMA District Council of Associations. The Council then becomes an advisory body to the District Vice-President and at the same time, provides an even stronger group base for action to meet the membership needs anywhere in a much larger geographic area. Again, the elected or appointed association representation on the Council is selected from association representatives with the ability, means, and incentive to represent the membership on a more expanded scale. Due to the travel involved, the District Council meetings are proposed for only three or four times a year.

The district-type organization obviously is not going to provide the one-to-one vote representation at AMA Executive Council meetings but it will provide a much better informed representation to the Executive Council.

The district organization will provide a progressively stronger organizational structure between the individual member and the AMA Executive Council or Headquarters. Many problems can be solved at a lower level, going up the organizational structure only as far as necessary to gain the strength required for accomplishment, relieving AMA Headquarters of the burden of problems which are very localized.

The district organization will provide a quick line of communication between AMA Headquarters and organizationally active members who could be expected to act in an emergency, such as last year's sudden proposal by the FCC to wipe out five or four of our radio frequencies. Headquarters could contact the few councils who in turn would get the word to association representatives, then to the active membership, without the costly time-consuming crash program of 60,000 plus letters to the individual members.

The cost of the district organization would be spread thinly over a broad membership base, on a basis of the need of a particular district rather than an arbitrary assessment to the entire AMA membership.

There appears to be many advantages to the district, council, association, and club organizational structure, with few detracting features. The first step, the clubs, exists and is the top step, the AMA Executive Council, is operating—give some thought to filling in the organizational gaps in your district—it looks like a great step forward in improving and strengthening your Academy of Model Aeronautics.

CONFERENCE CALL IMPROVES COMMUNICATIONS

AMA's Executive Council has found it necessary to meet in person several times a year. Since this has been done during the past few years there has been a great improvement in communications, understanding, and effectiveness within the council. The cost, however, has been high. A rough average of costs comes to about $150 per person for the travel involved, or about $1,500 per meeting of the 14-person group, depending upon the location of the meeting.

Other AMA groups, particularly Contest Boards, have noted the success of the Executive Council meetings and have asked for financial support for similar meetings. The total cost, however, has been noted to be prohibitive because there are so many groups involved: four separate Contest Boards, for example, of 11 members each.

Furthermore the council has noted that while its meetings serve the total interests of all AMA members, the Contest Board business affects only 10% or less of the membership. Thus it is difficult to justify paying for meetings of three times as many people to conduct business aimed at one-tenth as many members.

However a compromise is being sought—a means of gaining some of the benefits of group discussion by some more economical means. A recent experiment was therefore authorized to explore the feasibility of conference calls as an affordable means of improving communications.

AMA's Outdoor Free Flight Team Selection Committee carried out the experiment on February 5. Ten members of the committee participated in an hour and a half conference call that cost less than $500. A report on that experiment was then forwarded to the council for further consideration.

A general conclusion of the experiment is that it was an effective exercise, enabling some difficult subjects to be resolved in much shorter time than would have been possible by mail. From the experiment came some recommendations of how such calls could be even more effective through advance briefings by mail and with good control and discipline by participants during the calls.

Hopefully the results will lead to further tests of the idea so that future budgets might provide for such calls on a regular basis. The council will consider that possibility at its next meeting on April 16.

AMA OFFICER ELECTION—1977 NOMINATION PROCEDURES DOCUMENT

In odd-numbered years there is an election for the national office of AMA Secretary-Treasurer and for regional Vice-Presidents in the odd-numbered AMA districts (I, III, V, VII, IX and XI); in even-numbered years there is an election for the national office of AMA President and for regional Vice-Presidents in the even-numbered AMA districts (II, IV, VI, VIII and X). Officers so elected serve for the two years following the year in which the election took place.

CANDIDATE MINIMUM STANDARDS.

NATIONAL OFFICERS (President or Secretary-Treasurer): The nominee must be an AMA Leader member (note that Contest Directors are also Leader members) and he must also have served, for at least one year prior to beginning the term of office, as either an elected officer of the AMA (such as Vice-President) or as an officer directly appointed by the President or the Vice-Presidents (such as Contest Board member, Contest Coordinator, or Committee Chairman). Note: Committee members or Vice-Presidents appointed by the President or a Vice-President are not considered officers.

DISTRICT OFFICERS (Vice-Presidents): A nominee must be a Leader member of the AMA. District Vice-President candidates shall be nominated exclusively by Leader or Open members who, at the time of such nomination, are bona fide legal residents of the same district as that of which the nominee is also a bona fide legal resident; a nominee, however, can be nominated only for the vice-presidency of the district in which he or she is a bona fide legal resident. District Vice-Presidents shall be elected exclusively by a majority of those Leader and Open members voting, who, at the time of such election, are bona fide legal residents of the same district as that of which the candidates for such office are also bona fide legal residents. All other elective officers shall be nominated by Leader or Open members, without regard to residential considerations.

Note: For purposes of interpretation it is intended that the residency of a member be in accordance with his or her current address on file at AMA Headquarters.

WHO MAY SUBMIT A NOMINATION?

Any AMA member, but consent of the person nominated should be obtained prior to submission. All names to be nominated for candidacy must be submitted in writing and should be accompanied by a statement of at least 100 words concerning the nominee's qualifications. The nominees, themselves, are also urged to submit (before the meeting of the Nominating Committee) any statements, documents or evidence appropriate to supporting their nomination.

WHEN TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS.

Nominations must be submitted prior to the start of the Nominating Committee meeting. Normally the Committee meets in midsummer during the National Model Airplane Championships.*

WHERE TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS.

Ordinarily the District Vice-Presidents also serve on the Nominating Committee. Nominations should be submitted to the Vice-President of the AMA member's district (names and addresses in headings of VP columns). At the same time, a copy of the nomination should be sent to AMA HQ (not required, but preferred).

ARE ALL NOMINATIONS ACCEPTED?

Not necessarily. All nominations submitted in accordance with the guidelines here will be considered by the Nominating Committee, but only two names per office will be approved by the Committee for listing on the ballot. However, the ballot will provide for write-in votes for any additional candidates who meet the requirements.

ARE CURRENT OFFICERS AUTOMATICALLY RE-NOMINATED?

No. An AMA member must nominate a current officer for re-election and should do so in writing as per the foregoing procedures.

PUBLICATION REQUIREMENT.

It is required by the AMA by-laws that nomination procedures shall be in accordance with a Council-approved Nomination Procedures Document, and that this document shall be published at least 90 days prior to the annual Nominating Committee meeting. Note: This publication is the current Nominating Procedures Document, unless superseded by more recent publication prior to the 90-day requirement.

*8 PM August 10 for 1977. Exact location to be posted at the 1977 Nats.

AMA News

DISTRICT REPORT

Cliff Piper District I Vice-President Highland Avenue Atkinson, NH 03811

Associate Vice Presidents: Arthur Everett, 28 Sandy Hill Rd., S. Portland, ME 04106 Charles H. Leacy, P.O. Box 428, W. Groton, MA 01472 Al Novatnik, 4 Beverly Pl., Norwalk, CT 06850 John Papsgeorge, 104 Rocky Hill Rd., Hadley, MA 01035

Here we go again, and it just seems that we got through the last column only a few days ago. Have been to Houston for a meeting, where it got pretty cold while we were there. The business at hand down there for our Council meeting was not earth-shattering, and will probably be covered elsewhere in this issue. It was great to see the Astrodome, and some of the colleges down there, courtesy of good friend, Murry Frank, who was good enough to take John Byrne and me for a short guided tour. The HIA Trade Show was something to behold, with over 400 exhibitors, in multiple booth displays in over 900 booths spaces. Didn't get a chance to see the whole show get underway, because we left for home before the official opening. Met many manufacturers, including Matty Sullivan, Carl Goldberg, Bill Selzer of Cox (now Leisure Dynamics) and many more from the publishing end of our sport.

++++++++++

This column will be seen by most after our expected District I meeting, so will tell what I can now about the great hosting of our 495th RC Squadron, by club president Paul Penney, and coordinator Tom DiMilla. Mr. Tom has been quite ill and is now on the mend again. At this meeting, scheduled for Saturday, March 26, 1977 at the Nashoba Valley Technical HS, in Westboro, MA, there will be an induction into the Model Aviation Hall of Fame rendered upon old friend Henry Struck, and our chief speaker will do the honors. Walt Good came up once before for one of the old Hampshire County rally conferences, and it is our pleasure to have him once again. Larry Bolich from AMA HQ will be up with one of our new booths, and, hopefully, District VP from District II, John Byrne, will be with us. Our AMA Sec.-Treas., Earl Witt, also plans to attend, and will fly up in his full-scale Cessna. All in all, we expect a good turnout, and an excellent meeting and get-together. There will also be a Distinguished Service Award for the 495th, for their hosting of our District Meetings these past three years.

++++++++++

The New England Council has had a meeting to organize for the New England RC Champs to be held again in Fitchburg, MA. John Roberts has already volunteered to be CD. Date is set for the weekend of July 9-10, and event numbers 69-70-71-73 and 83 are expected to be run. Mr. Carmen Marchetti, the manager of this fine airport facility, has been very generous and gracious to us in granting use of the runway.

The chairman of the New England Council for 1977 is Bob Brodeur. Treasurer is Irv Searle. Secretary is Tom Bilodeau. A letter is in the works to all clubs to ask for some financial support of the Council. I'm still hoping to see more effort toward a Council of Clubs, rather than the RC Council connotation. There is a lot to say for this "domination" by RC clubs, and I guess what I'm trying to say is that there just might be enough room, still, for Ukie and FF clubs under the same umbrella. I feel that if there is not an opening for other than RC clubs in this Council, either by changing the name, or by some other means of recognition, that there will be a strong effort for a council of U/C clubs, and then a followup effort by the FF boys, or even a joint, united venture. Dammit, guys, we don't really need this. How about we all give it more thought in the very near future?

++++++++++

John Byrne always says "Gear Up and Locked." Wish I had something fancy like that to say. I'll give two tubes of new clear Ambroid cement to the AMA member who comes up with a parting line for this column. Entries close on the 15th of April.

++++++++++

Ambroid really does have a new clear cement and also claims to have a fast-drying formula with better qualities than all other well-known brands. Will try to have some samples for the District Meeting.

++++++++++

Keep the correspondence coming in, and the club newsletters. They are all great and much appreciated.

DISTRICT REPORT

John Byrne District II Vice-President 36-29 213 Street Bayside, NY 11361

Associate Vice Presidents: Bill Ross, 77-06 259th St., New Hyde Park, NY 11040 David Frindt, 11 Lince Lane, Elmont, NY 12065 John Gregg, 6367 Baker Dr., Lockport, NY 14094 Cliff Montecalvo, 74 Ranlyn Ct., Summit, NJ 07901 Jack Sammarro, 2062 Emerson Ave., Union, NJ 07083 James Slaughter, Chief, Crafts & Hobbies, USAFE/EUROPE, Box 4067, APO, New York 09000 Walter Thope, 208 Windemere Rd., Syracuse, NY 13219

Second (District) Thoughts

This being Sunday, February 13, I have just returned from a week-end in Syracuse, NY, and one of the most enjoyable aeromodeling experiences within memory. The occasion was the first—and certainly not the last—Model Aviation Symposium, sponsored and excellently executed by the year-old Central NY Model Aircraft Association. For an official description of the purposes, nature and scope of the epoch-making event, let us take a good look at the printed program which reads, in part, as follows: "Welcome to the Symposium. Today's activities are sponsored by the Central New York Model Aircraft Association. The Association represents well over 300 organized modelers; and its purpose is to promote the hobby sport of model aviation among both the general public and modelers. The Association has 8 member clubs at present, covering the Auburn, Cortland, Oswego, Syracuse and Utica areas. The basic concept of the Association is to unite the many flying clubs in the area as part of the philosophy that there is strength in numbers. Today's Symposium will give you the chance to talk and listen to many of the experts in our growing sport. If you have questions regarding engines, painting, trim, etc., today's the day to get them answered. We hope that you enjoy today's Symposium, but more than that, we hope that each and every one of you will leave here a little more knowledgable about the sport we enjoy." The Symposium Agenda listed the following schedule of events: 10:00 AM—AMA Movie "Wings and Things"; 10:30 AM—Iron-On Coverings (Frank Hogg & Dave Seifert); 11:00 AM—Quarter Midget Pylon (Hal deBolt); Sailplanes (C. McKinley); 11:30 AM—World Championships Scale (Hal Wallace); Foam Wings (Ed Izzo); 12:00 Noon—

AMA News

Lettering & Marking Models (Robert Brown); Movie "Max is I80"; 1:00 PM—Stump the Experts (All Speakers); 1:30 PM—RC Research with NASA (John Worth); 2:00 PM—NiCad Batteries (Bob Noll); Racing and Engines (Adam Sattler and Bill Zaunter); 2:30 PM—Trimming for Flight (Ed Keck); 3:00 PM—AMA District 2 Meeting (John Byrne). On Saturday evening, after the Symposium, there was a banquet in honor of Harold deBolt's admission into the AMA Model Aviation Hall of Fame. Glowing tributes were paid to Hal, upon a "roast" basis, by many of his friends, admirers and fellow modelers, who came to Syracuse from various parts of the country. Sunday morning, a meeting was held by representatives of various District 2 Associations for the purpose of further exploring the idea of forming a Council of all Associations in District 2. More about this at another time. All in all, it was a great week-end and due credit must go to the members of the Central NY Model Aircraft Association and to its hardworking officers: Walt Throne, President; Dave Mathewson, Vice-President; and Dave Seiffert, Secretary-Treasurer. These folks deserve our compliments, too, for their efforts, crowned with success, to gain considerable TV coverage through the local NBC Television Station, WSYR—TV (Channel 3). We all hope that this Symposium will become a regular yearly affair and that next time you will be able to attend, learn and ENJOY!!!

Lost and (As Yet) Not Found

Four years ago the William R. Anderson Memorial Scale Trophy was lost enroute to its recipient in Syracuse, NY. If anyone has this trophy in his possession, or knows where it is located, please contact me or Dick Smith whose address is 300 Steko Ave., Rochester, NY 14615, in order that the award may be presented to the true donor. This appeal has been received from the family of the late William R. Anderson.

Academy Awards

Although this sounds a bit "Hollywoodish," nothing could be more remote as a basis of comparison. I am pleased to announce that we were able to obtain the approval of the Executive Council at its recent meeting in Houston, of AMA Distinguished Service Awards for five organizations and one individual member, all located in District 2. The recipients of these awards are as follows: Westchester Radio Aero Modeling Society (WRAMS Shows); Mid-Hudson Radio Control Society (Rhinebeck WW I Jamboree); Joe Raspante (continuous and meritorious contributions to model aviation since 1924); Radio Control Association of Greater New York; New Jersey Association of Model Airplane Clubs and Association of Model Airplane Clubs of Greater New York (origination and participation in Model Aviation Days at Rockefeller Center, I and II).

Rhinebeck Classics Annual

We have just received word from our former Long Island fellow-modeler, Robin Riley, that the Mid-Hudson Radio Control Society will undertake the holding of a different kind of "Jamboree" than its traditional World War I type this year. This innovation will be known as the Rhinebeck Classics Annual and the site will be the same as that of the well-known WW I rally, i.e., the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, at Rhinebeck, NY. The dates will be June 25 and 26, 1977. There will be four events as follows: (1) AMA RC Scale; (2) AMA RC Sports Scale; (3) Barnstorming; and (4) Time Trials. For further information and advance entry blanks and information, contact Robin Riley, 3 Robinson Lane, Highland, NY 12528 or phone: (914) 255-1207. We predict that this new line of annual rallies will be just as successful and popular as those previously limited to WW I model aircraft. We wish them well! This does not replace the WW I Jamborees, which will continue.

Garden State Circle Burners

This is one of the outstanding Control Line clubs in our district, if not in the country at large, and the nice thing about this group is that its members absolutely refuse to be "provincial" either as regards geography or the type of models which their brother/sister AMA-ers build or fly. On Saturday, March 19, 1977 from 6:30 PM to 1:00 AM at the Rustic Lodge in East Paterson, NJ, this worthy group will hold no less than its fifteenth "Model Aeronautical Invitational Dinner-Dance." For further details communicate with Joseph A. Ryan, the dinner chairman, who resides at 18 Farrand Dr., Parsippany, NJ 07054 (phone: [201] 335-3536). As previously, I hope to meet many of our fellow AMA-ers at this year's get-together.

GEAR UP AND LOCKED!!!

AMA News

Thank you, George. Many of you may not know that George charged off so hard during the recent Capitol ice storm, that he fell and broke or bent numerous bones and muscles. And Carl Wheeley broke his ankle also during the same storm. Here's wishing both a quick recovery.

Alabama • Florida • Georgia • Mississippi • Puerto Rico South Carolina • Tennessee

V DISTRICT REPORT

Jim McNeill District V Vice-President 817 South 20 Avenue Birmingham, AL 35205

Associate Vice-Presidents: Gene Hannah, 3332 Waver Rd., Montgomery, AL 36106 Richard E. Jackson, 107 White Blvd., Summerville, SC 29483 Chris Joiner, 5941 Warner Road, Columbus, GA 31904 Bill Kite, 650 West Stone Dr., Kingsport, TN 37660 Tom McLaughlin, 4140 Fern Ct., Pine Glades, Pensacola, FL 32503 Luis Rodriguez, E-10, 5th St. Ext., Villa Rica, Bayamon, Puerto Rico 00918 Julie Woods, PO Box 127, Scooba, MS 39358

The following editors are new AMA Aero Honor Society members: John Workman, editor of the Middle Tennessee RC "Glow Plug"; Mac Hodges and Dan Wall of the Atlanta "Conley Flyers." Mac is also president this year and I secretly snipped this picture out of his fine newsletter to show you.

Also . . . Mike Crane and Kent Moe who help already-member Ed Moorman with his splendid Eglin Field "Beam." (If I find out who JUNE is who does the typing, she'll get a certificate, too); Butch Norcasker, editor of the Huntsville "Rocket City RCers"; my personal good friend Rex Hinson, new editor of the statewide "Florida Model Assoc."; Doug Canning, editor of Maitland, FL, "Flypaper" for the RCACF club; Robert Temple of the "Gold Coast Flyer"; Dan Smith of Birmingham's B'ham Aero Mod. Assoc.

All of these deserving editors receive a frameable AMA certificate making them official members of our Aero Honor Society.

If YOU are involved in a newsletter and not yet so honored, send me your newsletter.

We have a new AMA Assoc. VP for Alabama, Mr. Gene Hannah in Montgomery. Gene replaces Jim Whitley. Jim is one of the best RC fliers in this country and served three years as Assoc. VP, and loaned his good name. Thanks, Jim.

Have you heard about the Florida Gold Coast RC's team fliers? They have a team of RC experts who fly in formation and bedazzle the crowds with their daring. I have offered to make the team an OFFICIAL Dist. 5 TEAM for that end of Florida. So far I haven't heard from them yet. Does your club have a flying team? Let's get them some recognition and publicity.

District 5 "Club of the Month"

Secretary Dave Davidson of the "Orlando Buzzards," an RC Soaring club says: "We get a lot of kidding about our club name but we respect the Florida buzzard for his unexcelled ability to find and soar effortlessly in thermals high over the Florida landscape."

Located ten miles from Disney World in the center of the state, Dave and 24 more RC Soaring enthusiasts spend their leisure time copying the ethereal flights of their feathered swamp vultures.

Dave says it is not unusual to see six gliders floating in the middle of six buzzards in the same thermal. The birds actually welcome the presence of the models in their midst and enjoy their company.

Every two months they have a club contest with the St. Petersburg Pinellas Soaring Club.

Bud Moore took all the pictures, Dave sent them in. Thanks a million Bud and Dave...

Illinois • Indiana • Kentucky • Missouri

VI DISTRICT REPORT

Glenn Lee District VI Vice-President 819 Mandrake Batavia, IL 60510

Associate Vice-Presidents Roger Geers, 729 N. 2nd St., Quincy, IL 62301 Robert Gill, 216 Stuitey Lane, Springfield, IL 62704 John Markham, 5034 Madeira Dr., Ames, C. Ft. Wayne, IN 46805 Sidney Miller, 524 Corinthia Ct., Elk Grove Vil., IL 60007 Edwin Wynn Paul, 1040 Maverick Cir., Lexington, KY 40504 Robert E. Stamper, 10308 Seifert Dr., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 Phillip Sullivan, 3021 Spring Valley Ct., Anderson, IN 46011

Last month I listed some of the newsletters I receive each month. I missed a few, so I hope you didn't get excited if you send one but yours wasn't there. I'll try to name all of those sent.

Three that I missed are: "Hot Air," Silent Order of Aeromodeling (SOAR); "C.I.A.," Central Indiana Aeromodelers; Marcs Sparks, Madison Area R/C Society, Madison, WI.

Madison, Wisconsin is not in our district, but I once lived near there and belonged to the old Madison Model Airplane Club, the "Mad Macs." Carl Mohs, the Editor of Marcs Sparks, is a very good friend of many years, and I enjoy hearing about the go up there. They are sponsoring more RC Combat contests next summer, and also other Soaring and RC contests. That Combat sounds like fun, nothing like a few XXXX's on the side of your airplane!

Getting back to District VI, I received a nice club patch, letter, photos, and maps of the Indianapolis area from Ed Haas, Vice President of the Screaming Eagles RC Club of Plainfield, Indiana. Plainfield is just southwest of Indianapolis.

The Screaming Eagles club was founded about seven years ago by five modelers. It has grown to a membership of 63, with the original five still active. The club has formed the "Barnstormers," the first official AMA Show Team in Indiana. This group puts on several air shows at such community functions as the 4th of July celebration and the Fall Festival. The club entered a float in the Fall Festival parade and won the Grand Marshall trophy. Twice a year the club puts on a show for a boys correctional school located in Plainfield. Every month they have a fun fly for both novice and advanced fliers with prizes and points toward a traveling trophy that is awarded at their annual banquet. They have training nights in the spring and summer to help beginning fliers from their club and other clubs, too.

Such organization and community participation by the Screaming Eagles helps keep their flying field, a grass field 300 feet square, sitting in the middle of 60 acres of state-owned property. Tom Horrigan was re-elected president for 1977, and things are looking good. Sounds like an excellent club.

I attended a meeting of the Midwest Control Line Association last weekend. This is an informal group with members of Control Line clubs within driving distance of Chicago. We meet early every year to coordinate contest dates for the summer and to try to arrive at uniform rules for special events, such as Sport Race and Limited Goodyear. We met at REV Model Products plant and about 35 modelers showed up, some from as far away as Iowa. We move the meeting around every year, so the next one will probably be in Muscatine, Iowa.

It's with great sadness I note the demise of the SOAR Nats. I believe it was a case of something getting so good that it just got too big.

Iowa • Michigan • Minnesota • Wisconsin

VII DISTRICT REPORT

Hardy Brodersen District VII Vice-President P. O. Box 1104 Birmingham, MI 48012

Associate Vice-Presidents Keith McClure, 5703 Terrace Dr., Des Moines, IA 50312 Frank Morrissey, 14100 W. Park Ave., New Berlin, WI 53151 Wm. Brodie, 4948 Timberwood Trail, St. Joseph, MI 49085 Terry Taylor, 6308 Lombardy Lane, Crystal, MN 55428 Wayne Yeager, 623 N. Wayne Rd., Westland, MI 48185

Pete Waters, District VII RC Contest Board member, forwards this report on an important recent meeting.

The Association of Midwestern Radio Control Clubs held its annual meeting in January which, in spite of the weather, was well attended and proved very informative. We had a total of 17 clubs that sent delegates, and many other clubs showed their interest by letter.

The A.M.R.C.C. began over ten years ago and now has as its main function, the closer coordination of activities in this area, and to provide a pool of experience to share problems and knowledge with other clubs. We have members not only from Michigan, but Canada, Ohio and even Indiana. This ensures that we can participate in as many events as possible during our short flying season without conflict.

The District VII VP was unable to attend due to personal reasons, and this would have given more emphasis on the forthcoming district meeting at Lansing. However, the CARDS delegates passed on more up-to-date details, and resulted in great interest which looked like a large turn-out.

The contest action this year shows a decline in Pylon Racing, a slight increase in Pattern, and a very even spread of different contest categories throughout the year. The Pylon pushers were represented by the CAPS—Can-Am Pylon Society—who offered to supply equipment and manpower to any club running a race.

This year sees an increase in A.M.R.C.C. Championships, with a return of the Pattern Championship, and a new one in Soaring. These are run concurrently with regular AMA sanctioned meets, and in Pattern, it is a team event. This is scored on a percentage system. Each club nominates a team that can consist of as many members as they wish, and can be in any class. They accumulate a score based on a percentage of their attained flight points out of the total possible. Then the team's total is the individual percentages added together. The host clubs are providing the trophies, with Pontiac covering the Pattern, Ann Arbor the Pylon, and Greater Detroit Hiking and Soaring the Soaring. Thanks, clubs.

The Association issues an activity calendar which is updated as changes in dates, etc., are known. This is sent out by Wayne Yeager, our new AVD for RC in District VII East, 623 N. Wayne Rd., Westland, Michigan 48185, and clubs can obtain a copy, or be included in the calendar, by contacting Wayne.

Arkansas • Louisiana • New Mexico • Oklahoma • Texas

VIII DISTRICT REPORT

Murry Frank District VIII Vice-President 2933 Blankenship Wichita Falls, TX 76308

Associate Vice-Presidents Burr Averill, 8117 La Barranca NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111 Ned Barnes, 523 N. Lebanon, Sulphur, LA 70663 Frank Osborne, 18 Mohave Dr., N. Little Rock, AR 72116 Bud Tenney, Box 545, Richardson, TX 75080

I could not make it to the Dallas Hobby Fair. From all I have heard I missed a great show. I'll not miss the next one. It will be an annual event and promises to be even bigger and better next time around. The manufacturers who were not there this time were overwhelmed by its success and it should be much larger. It was the largest first for a show of its kind.

I did get to the HIA Show at Houston. I even got to go to some of the division meetings. The Executive Council had the winter meeting in Houston in conjunction with the show. Our district had two guests at the meeting because of their interest in the FAI matters being discussed at the meeting. Ed Turner of Ft. Worth and Frank Parmenter of Friendswood got their look at the Council at work. Ed is the new district member of the FAI Committee.

While I was in the Houston area, I did get to meet with one area club, the Clear Lake Winders. They have an active group and it was a pleasant surprise to me to see the large number of young people who were there.

From the M.E.S.S. of Ft. Worth, I got a list of the monthly contests at their T/C site (easy to get to and good parking). I also got a word from the Lawton (OK) Area Fun Fliers (LAFF's) that they are once again hosting a Sailplane contest—their fifth annual—May 28-29. They put on a good contest and it will be up right. I hope I can be back this year.

The contest sanctions are coming in at a fast pace. Please do not slow up the process by sending them to me. They go to the District Contest Coordinators—Larry Stanfield for RC and John Deaton for control line. Their addresses are listed in each issue of this magazine. Sending it to me slows down the works. If you are still planning a contest and have not contacted the D.C., do it now. Don't be disappointed if you can't get the dates you want. The reason for having Contest Coordinators is to hold down contests that might conflict with each other. Once again, they approve the sanction for your contest. Contact them early. enough so they can help you.

I hope that you read the report of the Council meeting. If you do, you will see that many things are happening and because of them and inflation, a dues increase for 1978 may be coming. About the only part of AMA that pays its own way is this magazine.

You should know by now that it is official, the Nats will be in California this year. They will be at Riverside (March AFB). The dates are August 6-14. It should be a fine one. It has been quite a few years since we have had a West Coast Nats. From the reports that I get, our hosts may try to outdo the hospitality of Lake Charles. Let's all show up and see if Southern California can really be as hospitable as the South (of Louisiana) was. Riverside is east of L.A., and about 30 miles from Disneyland and Anaheim.

February 12th I managed to get to Dallas for the Rounders' 3rd annual banquet. The club hosts the get-together as part of their club activities. Really, it is much more than a club get-together. It is more like a gathering of District VIII Control Line folks. People came in from Oklahoma City (the Harrises), Houston (the Bill Lee's), Gainesville (the Flukers) and a large group from Ft. Worth. This year four of our AMA officers were there — John Clemmens, AMA president; myself, Dist. VIII VP; John Deaton, Dist. VIII CC, and Charlie Anastom, Dist. VIII CL Contest Board member and a member of the Rounders. The entertainment was provided by Dubo Jeff and his able assistant, Brent Bussell. It consisted of a hilarious slide show and movie that kept the crowd roaring. Leyton Mangles, the club president, said next year they plan to have it in conjunction with the Dallas Hobby Fair.

IX DISTRICT REPORT

Stan Chilton District IX Vice-President 1401A South Hydraulic Street Wichita, KS 67211

Associate Vice-Presidents Charles Bannon, 2220 Mariposa Blvd., Casper, WY 82601 Gerald Deneau, 6460 S. Andes Pl., Denver, CO 80232 Max Hansen, 1909 Wisconsin SW, Huron, SD 57350 John Kereshovich, 7810 Lowell St., Overland Park, KS 66204 Lonnie Kroeber, 1754 S. 9th, Fargo, ND 58102 Jim Mowery, R.R. 2, Box 56, Kinsley, KS 67547 Oscar Olson, 6111 Maple, Omaha, NE 68104

NEW ASSOCIATE VP APPOINTMENT

Ivan Munninghoff has resigned as Associate VP in the Colorado area. Ivan has been busy building a 2/3rds (or 3/4) full-scale FW-190 and this project has cut into his model building and flying. Ivan hasn't lost his interest in modeling, however, as he states he'll be back in full steam upon completion of the FW-90 — which he'll fly, incidentally. (Captain Munninghoff is a flight instructor at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.) My sincere appreciation and thanks to Ivan for serving as Associate VP for District IX. Getting to know Ivan and the rest of the Pike's Peak Radio Control Club members has been one of the high points of my AMA service.

Replacing Ivan will be Gerald Deneau, AMA 95350, 6460 S. Andes Pl., Denver, CO 80232 — telephone (303) 773-6822. Gerry is 52 years young — an old time friend of mine and formerly from Wichita (he spent 23 years with Cessna as an aeronautical engineer and manager of engineering projects). Gerry moved to Denver seven years ago and is now VP of Product Development for Jeppesen-Sanderson, Inc., producers of aviation training films, materials, textbooks, exams and audiovisual training aids.

Gerry is well-acquainted with all phases of modeling and his current competitive interest is U-Control Carrier. Gerry is the only modeler I know with his own private U-Control circle and carrier deck (his home on South Andes Place sits on five acres).

My appointment of Gerry as an Associate VP is much more than is usually expected of an Associate VP — Gerry has volunteered in answer to my call for help to assist me in any way in carrying on as VP for the rest of 1977.

I am sure you have noticed my missing District IX columns over the past months. Not only have I missed writing the columns but my model building has also come to a halt. Energy conservation research construction, plus two new business ventures, have proved to have an incessantly overwhelming demand of my time — in short, there just hasn't been enough of me to go around.

With Gerry Deneau's help our District IX will have the representation it deserves for the rest of 1977 and I'll discard that thought I had of resigning before the end of my term in '77. So, fellow modelers, lean on Gerry, call him as you would me, and I will be in close contact — we'll also both attend the remaining '77 Executive Council meetings.

I do want my fellow District IX modelers to know that missed Model Aviation VP columns were the only part of my VP duties that I didn't perform 100%. AMA HQ can verify that District IX's VP votes have never been missed and are always among the quickest replies received at AMA HQ.

Thanks for being with me. We will see you here again next month.

X DISTRICT REPORT

Jim Scarborough District X Vice-President 2501 Armour Lane Redondo Beach, CA 90278

Associate Vice-Presidents Robert Barnes, 98 1080 Keonoa Mai Drive, Aiea, HI 96701 Glenn Carter, 2020 Glinn Port Lane, Walnut Creek, CA 94598 Alex Chisholm, 1100 West Shaw, Fresno, CA 93711 Ed Hognel, 2751 N. Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 John Proud, 4629 Sequoia Circle, San Jose, CA 95136 Don Treamer, 3723 Pinemont Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90808 Granger Williams, 181 Pawnee Street, San Marcos, CA 92069

The big news this month is that the Nats planning is complete. I attended the planning session at March AFB and was really pleased to see the interest the various special interest groups in the Southland have in putting on a top-notch Nats. The session was held in a fair-sized room and it was filled to overflowing with dedicated people.

Flying each day for most events will be from 7 AM to 4 PM. Entry fees have not been increased. There will be an Air Show on the final day.

Scale fliers will have a new trophy to aim for. The Air Force Association has donated a trophy for the best Scale military model. Scale judging will be done on a first in, first judged method. So get your model in early! All Scale turn-ins start Sunday, August 7 at 9 AM. Handout will start the same day at 6 PM to 9 PM, and each day thereafter at the same time.

Radio Control Pattern qualifying will be hampered somewhat through the use of only two circles. Every effort is being made to ensure that at least four qualifying rounds are flown. Should entries exceed a to-be-determined number, it may be necessary to have some sort of eliminations. I hope not, we're trying our best to avoid this.

Radio Control Soaring will be sharing the same field with the Free Flight bunch. They should get along great together. Hopefully, the field will be big enough that they won't even see one another.

Unfortunately, the Santa Ana hangars are out of the picture for Indoor flying. We are making arrangements to use the hangar at Norton AFB. This is about 26 miles from March AFB. It has an arched roof and is 80 feet to the girders. It's another 10 feet to the roof.

A reminder that the District X Annual Meeting will be held at the MACS Trade Show the 7th of May — usually present at this meeting are the President and Executive Director of AMA, besides myself. So attend and be prepared to ask questions of your representatives. I hope all my Associate VP's plan to be there.

Free Flight or Radio Control flying near airports, or in any situation which might involve the possibility of models being in the vicinity of full-scale aircraft operations, must be avoided — or conducted so as to eliminate any dangerous situations. Models should not be flown in the proximity of full-scale aircraft unless the flyer has someone else with him for the sole purpose of watching for full-scale aircraft and supervising the flying so as to prevent accident possibilities.

XI DISTRICT REPORT

Homer Smith District XI Vice-President 1417 N.W. 19th Street Seattle, WA 98117

Associate Vice-Presidents Al Culver, 1607 S. 1st Ave., Pocatello, ID 83201 Sam Brier, Rt. 1, Box 46, Coquille, OR 97423 E. H. Inghram Jr., 1050 65th Ave., S.E., Salem, OR 97306 Norman O. Stack, 4437 Fox Hollow Rd., N.E., Eugene, OR 97405 Don Zippy, 24118 N.E. Main St., Redmond, WA 98052

The 12th Annual Northwest RAMS RC Model Show is now history. It was a great show and the RAMS are to be congratulated. again for a very good job. The number of airplanes entered was down a few percent but the quality was up to even higher levels than previous years. It makes you wonder when these shows will top out in the eyes of the modeler. Probably never! The spectator interest seems to continue at high levels and that has got to help all of us.

At the banquet on Saturday night I was privileged to present the RAMS with a Distinguished Service Award from the Academy of Model Aeronautics. This award is very well deserved by the entire club but especially to those who have helped plan and execute the show over the years. Unless you have been involved putting on a large event it is difficult to imagine what it takes to put on one of these things. In a nutshell, the guys put in most of a year planning and getting the show on the road. Lots of committee meetings and arguments during that time.

The competitors put in a lot of time getting ready for a show like this, too. All you have to do is look at some of the models to see that they took months to build, months to test, and many hours to prepare for the show. Takes real dedication and determination let alone great diplomacy on the part of those who have families. What keeps them at it? You'll have to ask them!

The district meeting was held in conjunction with the RAMS symposium again this year. We thank the RAMS for the use of the facilities. The turnout was quite good considering the advance notice that most of the people got. Had some good discussion and met a few new faces. Only one Contest Board member could make the meeting but we had two of the three new AVP's with us. Oly Recio and Don Zippy made it, but Clarence Haught wrote me in advance that he couldn't make it. For the first time in several years, Al Culver and Bob Stalick could not make the meeting. Maybe next year, fellas?

**********

The Coeur d'Alene Acro-Modeling Society (CAMS) have bowed to logic and moved their symposium from the end of the crashing season to the end of the building season. Traditionally in late fall, the CAMS will move their 5th Annual Symposium to April 24, 1977. The time is 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and the location is North Idaho College Student Union at 1000 West Garden in Coeur d'Alene.

There will be displays, discussions, slides and movies for your enjoyment. For those so inclined there will be competition in the following categories:

• Top Junior Power
• Best of Show
• Best Finish
• Best Rubber Scale
• Best Power Scale
• Best Ignition Display
• Peanut Junior
• Best Bi-plane
• Best Oldtimer
• Best Pattern Ship
• Peanut Open
• Best Spirit of St. Louis
• Best CL Sport
• Top Junior Entry
• First Lady
• Best Glider

For more information call (208) 664-2061. See you there.

**********

Plan now to share a spectacular RC World Championships in Ohio. At least 60 of the world's best aerobatic pilots plus over a hundred accompanying foreign visitors, mechanics, relatives and friends will be at Springfield Municipal Airport June 30 through July 4. Fourteen countries have already informed the Academy of Model Aeronautics via the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale that they intend to send teams — this before full details and official entry forms are sent out. Closing date for official entry is May 15. At least 20 countries are expected to commit teams. Twenty-six countries and 76 competitors were at the last RC Aerobatics World Championships held in Bern, Switzerland in 1975. This will be the 10th World Championships; the series began in 1960.

A country is permitted by FAI rules to send a team of three fliers, a team manager plus others known as supporters. Representatives of the foreign modeling press are also expected. This will be the second time the event is held in the U.S.; the previous time was 1971 in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. The U.S. team will be selected the weekend before the World Championships on the same site. About 30 top U.S. fliers will compete in the Masters Tournament Team Selection Finals being hosted by the Western Ohio Radio Kontrol Society (WORKS), Dayton, to help the AMA National Society RC Aerobatics (NSRCA) and the U.S. Pattern Judges Association (USPJA); fliers and officials of these organizations will stay to help operate the World Championships. Springfield will thus have top U.S. international RC personalities on hand.

Admission will be free except for a nominal parking charge for vehicles. Special facilities will be provided to keep spectators informed of scoring details. A list of motels is available from AMA Headquarters; three major ones are clustered together just a few miles north of the airport — Holiday Inn South, Ramada Inn, and Scots Inn — and there are several others in the city of Springfield. Camping will be permitted at the airfield at a flat rate of $10 (no water or electrical hook-ups). Security and portable toilets will be provided. The $10 fee covers the whole period beginning Friday, June 24 through Monday, July 4, or a portion of the period.

Opening ceremonies for the World Championships will be Thursday, June 30; awards will be Monday afternoon, July 4. There will be four competition days, July 1 through 4. Prior first practice flying will be scheduled. There will be two flight lines about 2,000 feet apart so two pilots can fly simultaneously. Five judges will be used per flight and will be from different countries as recommended by national aerobatic clubs. There will also be a three-person international jury to resolve rules interpretation questions or disagreements on aspects of the competition. All will be in accordance with the rules of the international governing body FAI. The Academy of Model Aeronautics, as the official U.S. aeromodeling representative to the FAI, will organize and direct the World Championships with U.S. officials serving voluntarily.

Teams have already registered intent to enter from Australia, South Africa, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Finland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, England, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Norway and Canada. The current World Champion, winner of the 1975 event Wolfgang Matt of Liechtenstein, will be competing, as will Hansjörg Prettner of Austria, winner of the past three Las Vegas International Tournaments. Final details of the Championships will be determined at the March 25 meeting of the FAI's Bureau officers and the Committee for International Aeromodelling (ClAM) in Paris; judge and jury selection will be finalized then. The U.S. can recommend choices but the ClAM Bureau must approve individuals — an important point because two international judges were censured by the FAI in past few years due to obvious bias and inconsistency.

Also to be approved at the meeting will be details of the site layout, frequency monitoring, judging flying order, etc. The process is very similar to what is involved in the Olympics, though on a smaller scale. World Championships are very colorful affairs; flagpoles are an obvious touch.

**********

Speaking of seeing you there, hope I will see you at the "Fly for Life" Kidney Benefit in the month of June. Every year the HAWKS and RAMS sponsor this show at the Boeing Aerospace Center in Kent, WA. It is the greatest show of RC aircraft in the world — just ask the sponsors! Where is your nearest flying field? Where can you find help with your modeling projects? Who are the modeling leaders in your area? Who can give you good advice about the best kind of planes and equipment? Who can help you find answers to technical questions about models and equipment? Where can you find a test pilot? Who has the news?

If you don't already know the answers to these questions, you will find this listing of 1976 AMA Chartered Clubs (plus some newly chartered in 1977) extremely useful. Contact the person listed (usually the secretary) of the nearest club in your modeling interest to obtain times and places for meetings and flying sessions, and details for joining.

The principal kind of model interest for each club is shown by a one-letter code: R—Radio Control, C—Control Line, F—Free Flight, S—Scale, I—Indoor, M—Multi-interest.

Newsletters and their editors are included, also, directly beneath the clubs they serve; other notes are shown at the end of state listings. Those for national special interest groups will be listed in another issue.

The newsletters are coded to show several kinds of information. Where known, the numerals indicate the number of issues published each year; X means that the newsletter editor desires to exchange his newsletter with editors of others; P means that the newsletter may be purchased by non-club members. In initiating exchange or purchase, deal directly with the editor shown. (In some cases information was not available at press time concerning availability for exchange or purchase, and no key information is shown.)

If a newsletter exists that isn't shown, it's most likely that AMA HQ isn't receiving copies. AMA HQ is interested in receiving all club newsletters, as this is an excellent way of keeping abreast of member likes, dislikes, and activities.

The list includes over 1,200 AMA Chartered Clubs having a total of more than 35,000 individual AMA members, and over 250 newsletters. If the club to which you belong is not AMA chartered, send to AMA HQ for free club charter information. All chartered clubs are provided with liability protection, and they may also obtain low cost liability protection for owners of flying sites (and other facilities used by the club)—a tremendous help in obtaining and keeping precious space for model flying.

ALABAMA

Bessemer RC Club, George Dicke, P.O. Box 86, Bessemer 35020

Birmingham Aeromodellers Assn., Chas. Prosch, 334 Kenilworth Dr., Birmingham 35209

Birmingham RC Assoc., Henry S. Arnold, 2024 Arnold Rd., Birmingham 35216

Dauphin Island RC News, Henry S. Arnold (see above)

Decatur MAC, Ed L. Stone, 1085 Spring Ave., S.W., Decatur 35601

Gadsden Aeromodellers Assn., Dr. P. Brady Farr, 408 Redbud Dr., Gadsden 35901 Newsletter, Reesie Pearson, P.O. Box 24173, Gadsden 35904 12, R, X

Gulf Coast RC Club, Auburn Corner, Rt. 2, Box 452A, Mobile 36690 12, R

Huntsville Aeromodellers, Thomas L. Killough, 118 Roberts Rd., S.E., Huntsville 35802

Lake Guntersville RC Flyers, Lamar Gilbert, P.O. Box 96, Section 3577

Model Airplane Club of Huntsville, T. J. Heppler, Box 185, Decatur 35601

Quad Cities RC Club, Bill Reid, 337 Martin Dr., Muscle Shoals 35660

Rams of Montgomery, Inc., Billy R. Smith, 1570 Sylvan Dr., Montgomery 36106

Rocket City Radio Controllers, Hugh Heeter, 12218 Chapman Rd., S.E., Huntsville 35803 Newsletter, Jerome Hall, 4520 Baywood Dr., Huntsville 35805 12, R, X

West Alabama Aero Modellers, Stephen Stable, 1618 Northwood Lake, Northport 35476 R

Wiregrass RC Club, James C. Morgan, 105 Sweet Gum Pl., Enterprise 36330 R

ALASKA

Fairbanks Area RC Society, Ron Desrochers, P.O. Box 60456, Fairbanks 99701

North Kenai Model Airplane Club, David Unruh, Rt. 1, Box 1334, Kenai 99611

ARIZONA

Air-Zone MAC, Skip Tracy, 2326 W. Butler Dr., Phoenix 85021

Arizona RC Society, Michael R. Pollock, 4014 W. Golden Ln., Phoenix 85021

Chandler Model Airplane Club, David K. Timmons, 4610 W. Dobbins Rd., Phoenix 85001

Cave Creek Model Club, P.O. Box 1069, Cave Creek 85331

Cochise Flyers, Joe A. Hervey, 3852 E. St. Charles, Tucson 85713

Coronado Flyers, Jerry A. Johnston, 2511 W. 4th St., Tucson 85701

Comfort Flyers, Maxine F. Smith, 2715 N. Country Club, Tucson 85716

Desert Flyers, Joe A. Phillips, 1807 S. 4th Ave., Tucson 85713

Desert Hawks, Ed Hazelton, 1501 W. 41st St., Yuma 85364

Gila Bend Modelers, 1st St., Gila Bend 85337

Maricopa Flyers, Fred E. Jones, 2521 E. Dava Dr., Mesa 85204

Mesa RC Club, Richard Palmer, 1129 E. Juniper, Mesa 85203

Northwest Arizona MAC, Don C. Hart, 702 W. 5th St., Kingman 86401

Phoenix Sky Riders, C. D. Barnett, 1719 W. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix 85015

Pima RC Club, Cliff Harlan, 3821 E. Escalante, Tucson 85711

Saguaro Soarers, Tom C. Perkins, Box 325, Chandler 85224

Sun City RC Club, Ralph A. Coleman, 10483 W. Villa Hermosa, Sun City 85351

Tucson RC Club, Buddy Ames, 6500 Via Andrea, Tucson 85718

ARKANSAS

Ft. Smith Flightmasters, Jerry Hart, 5014 Wilson Rd., Ft. Smith 72901

Flight Path, Joe Lambert, Rt. 1, Box 426, Star City 71667

Mid Arkansas RC Society, Mr. Randall Snow, 2720 N. Fillmore, Little Rock 72207

Ozark Flyers, Dewey Engle, Rt. 1, Box 407, Lowell 72745

CALIFORNIA

ABC Modelers of Lemoore, John L. Buhay, 10687 Antelope Dr., Lemoore 93245

Aero Modelers of Escondido, Joe B. Castro, 4750 Hidden Valley Rd., Escondido 92026

Amador Model Flyers, Ray H. Harrington, 27542 Los Ninos, Mission Viejo 92692

Antelope Valley Flight Club, Eugene Toschi, 45227 11th St. E., Lancaster 93535

Bakersfield Siren Flyers, Tom Carey, 4018 Deacon Rd., Bakersfield 93307

BARNS, Inc., Harland Simpson, P.O. Box 5934, Bakersfield 93308 R

Barstow Buzzards, Tom Cooper, P.O. Box 2288, Barstow 92311 R

Bay Area Radio Aero Modelers, Inc., Nick Arancio, 133 Oakmont Ave., Piedmont 94610 . . . R

Birds, Inc., C. D. Smith, 4341 Graywood Ave., The Beach 90803 R

Birds Eye View, John A. Tagore, 3229 Diamond Dr., Palm Verde, Palos Verdes 90274 12, P, R

Black Bart Flying Club, Harold Mores, 139 Elm St., Cloverdale 95425

Blythe Assoc. of Modelers, Percy E. Hudson, 605 N. 7th St., Blythe 92225

Butte RCers, Donald D. Hester, 2715 Eugene, Chico 95926

Camarillo Flying Circus, R. Bowlin, 77 Daily Dr., Camarillo 93010

Canoey RC Winds, Bill Harpman, 1195 N. Modesto Ave., Camarillo 93010 12, R, X

Canyon Flyers, David Nelson, 16410 Painter St., Hacienda Heights 91345

Cetus RC Club, Edwin Eorton, 1611 Palma Dr., Victorville 92392

Central Valley RC, Marshall Seay, 754 Phillip Circle, Porterville 93257

Chula Vista Model & RC Club, Norm Poole, Box 1251, Imperial Beach 92032 12, X

Crestline Flyers, P.O. Box 67, Crestline 92325

Civic Aeromodellers, Don Panshom, 74 Marcy Ct., Newbury Park 91320

Conejo RC Modelers, William E. Spahn, 1723 Longfellow Dr., Thousand Oaks 91360 12, R

Concord Model Masters, Harold P. Jackson, 2858 Sunrise Ave., Fair Oaks 95628 12, R, P

Del Mar Modelers, Gary Harkins, 4607 Plantation Dr., Fair Oaks 95628 12, R, P

Davis Aeromodellers, Robert Henson, 2748 E. 8th St., Davis 95616 R

Delta Valley Modelers, Warren Spurgeon, 3232 Mission Rd., Stockton 95204 R

Diablo Valley Radio Controllers, Ray Menke, 1525 Woodwind Ct., Pittsburg 94555 R

Eastern Sierra Flyers, Russ Andreas, 1560 Herschel Ave., Bishop 93514 R

Escadrille Model Airplane Club, Allie Presler, 221 W. Oak St., Lodi 95240 R

Encina R/C Club, Raymond Loy, 241 F St., Eureka 95501 R

FF M.A.A. of So. Cal., Joe L. Norcross, 4836 W. 123rd St., Hawthorne 90250

Flightmasters, Fernando Ramos, 19361 E. Mesa Dr., Villa Park 92667

Fresno Gas Modelers, Jerry Thomson, 6619 S. Fresno 93721 12, P

Fresno Model News, William P. Booth, 2937 E. San Gabriel, Fresno 93726 12, R, P, X

Fresno Radio Modelers, Don R. Martin, 2423 W. Dakota Ave., Fresno 93705 R

Garrett Western RCers, Donald R. R. Myklebust, 10712 S. Zediker, Parl 93648

Harbor Soaring Society, Matthew L. Kim, 28621 Dakota Ave., Costa Mesa 92626

Hemet Modelers, Hal Hitchcock, P.O. Box 1673, Costa Mesa 92626 12, P, X

Hi Desert Aero Racers, Thomas Guy, P.O. Box 1142, Yucca Valley 92284

Hill Country Flyers, R. M. Groves, 7919 Nisqually Dr., Sunnyvale 94087

Imperial Valley R/C Assoc., Robert H. McBride, 1646 W. State St., Calexico 92231

Inglewood Modelers, Robert Miller, P.O. Box 3196, San Leandro 94577

Kings County RC, Ronald Reinwald, 1147 Freddie St., Hanford 93230

Long Beach Glider Guild, Ken Lavelle, 4307 W. 168th St., Loma Linda 90226

Manteca RC Club, Charles Comstock, 834 E. Virginia St., Rialto 92376

Marin Modelers, Charles Corsington, 1528 Aveno, San Rafael 94903

Marin RC Club, Lee Joseph, 2534 Las Gallinas, San Rafael 94903

Max Men of So. Cal., Al Hobart, 10124 Donna Dr., Covina 91722

Merced Country R/C Club, James R. Brownell, 2730 Station Ave., Atwater 95301

Mission Bay Prop Twisters, Robert Lucas, 7150 Robin Rd., San Diego 92119

Model Masters, Edward H. Dante, 10313 San Juan Ave., Southgate 90280

Model R/C Club, William A. Eychaner, 615 S. Conejo Ct., Manteca 95336

Mono County Soaring Society, Lee Slater, P.O. Box 8, Bridgeport 93517

Monterey Bay Soaring Society, John H. D. Peterson, 31 Claude Cres., Apt. No. 8, Marina 93933 12, R

North Bay Soaring Society, Karl F. Trip, 15 Laurelwood Ct., San Rafael 94901

North County Aeromodellers, Ben Bassett, 525 Alpine, Escondido 92027

North Hollywood RC Club, Julian Bloom, 6619 San Alano Ct., Buena Park 90620

Northridge Model Aircraft Club, David R. Ross, 6111 Anson, Simi Valley 93065

Oakdale Aeromodelers Flying Club, Donald A. Bergstrom, 1400 Pacific St., Oakdale 95361 R

Orange County RC Club, Lou Borrelli, 806 E. Orange Ave., Fullerton 92631 R

Orange County Soarers, Bud Donson, 312 E. 14th St., Costa Mesa 92627

Palo Verde Soaring Society, James McClure, 1431 Lamour Dr., La Canada 91011 R

Paradise Soaring Society, Jerry M. Carstens, 1106 W. 3rd St., San Mateo 94002 R

Peninsula RC Club, Lee Staples, 1010 Kehoe Dr., San Mateo 94402 R

Pomona Valley Modelers, Jack Nichols, 2378 N. Cucamonga Ave., Pomona 91766

Poway Modelers, Roy A. Sharr, 6400 Acacia Ave., Rancho Penasquitos 92129

Riverside R/C Club, Carl Hildebrand, 1669 N. Sierra St., Banning 92220

Riverside Soaring Society, Fred D. Wilson, 1751 W. 7th St., San Bernardino 92411

Rockwell International Eagles, Al Hearn, 1721 Aviation Blvd., P.O. Box 44, Redondo Beach 90278

Sacramento Soaring Society, Herb Peterson, 7344 Gannett Way, Sacramento 95827

San Bernardino Modelers, Ralph B. Stone, 2357 W. 4th St., San Bernardino 92411

San Diego RC League, Francis E. Morris, 3436 Elliot St., San Diego 92106 R

(Note: The club listings on this page continue; only the material on this scanned page has been transcribed.)

AMA News

Plan Now: Spectacular R/C World Championships — Ohio. At least 60 of the world's best aerobatic pilots, plus over one hundred accompanying foreign visitors, mechanics, relatives and friends, will be at Springfield Municipal Airport June 30 through July 4.

Fourteen countries have already informed the Academy of Model Aeronautics via the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale they intend to send teams — this before full details and official entry forms are sent out. The closing date for official entry is May 15. At least 20 countries are expected to commit teams.

The 1975 RC Aerobatics World Championships held in Bern, Switzerland, was part of the series which began in 1960; the 1977 meet will be the 10th World Championships. Each country is permitted by FAI rules to send a team of three fliers plus a team manager; others, known supporters and representatives of the foreign modeling press, are also expected.

This will be the second time the event has been in the U.S.; the previous time was 1971 in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. The U.S. team will be selected the weekend before the World Championships on the same site. About 30 top U.S. fliers will compete in the Masters Tournament Team Selection Finals being hosted by the Western Ohio Radio Kontrol Society (WORKS), Dayton, with help from AMA National Society R/C Aerobatics (NSRCA) and the U.S. Pattern Judges Association (USPJA). Fliers and officials of the event will stay to help operate the World Championships. Springfield will thus have top U.S. and international R/C personalities on hand — who’s who in the R/C world.

Admission will be free except for a nominal parking charge for vehicles. Special facilities will be provided to keep spectators informed on scoring details. A motel list is available from AMA Headquarters — three major ones clustered together just a few miles north of the airport: Holiday Inn South, Ramada Inn and Scots Inn — and several others in the city. Camping will be permitted at the airfield; flat rate $10 (no water or electrical hookups). Security and portable toilets will be provided. The $10 fee covers the whole period beginning Friday, June 24 through Monday, July 4, or any portion of the period.

Opening ceremonies for the World Championships will be Thursday, June 30; awards will be Monday afternoon, July 4. There will be four competition days, July 1 through 4. Prior and first practice flying will be scheduled. There will be two flight lines about 2,000 feet apart so two pilots can fly simultaneously. Five judges will be used per flight, from different countries as recommended by national aerobatic clubs. There will also be a three-person international jury to resolve rules-interpretation questions and disagreements on aspects of competition, all in accordance with the rules of the international governing body FAI. The Academy of Model Aeronautics, as official U.S. aeromodeling representative to FAI, will organize and direct World Championships services; U.S. officials will be voluntary.

Proceeds from parking fees, camping, concession and souvenir sales are expected to produce enough revenue to cover expenses such as transportation and lodging for twelve international officials, portable toilets, trash collection, field cleanup, tent rental, etc. Entry fees for teams have been set as low as possible to cover food and lodging — an FAI requirement.

Teams have already registered intent to enter: Australia, South Africa, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Finland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, England, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Norway and Canada. Current World Champion (winner of the 1975 event) Wolfgang Matt of Liechtenstein will be competing, as will Hanno Prettner of Austria, winner of the past three Las Vegas International Tournaments Champions Finals.

Details of the Championships will be determined at the March 25 meeting in Paris of FAI's Bureau Officers Committee (CIAM); judge and jury selection will be finalized there. The U.S. can recommend choices but the CIAM Bureau must approve individuals. Also to be approved at the meeting are details on site layout, frequency monitoring, judging, flying order, etc. The process is very similar to what is involved in the Olympics, though on a smaller scale. World Championships are very colorful; flagpoles are an obvious touch. I examined the scanned page and found no portion of the "AMA News" primary article on this page. The page contains club listings (state headings: HAWAII, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA) and page footer information. There is no continuation of the "AMA News" article to extract or correct here. No continuation of "AMA News" appears on this scanned page. The page contains club listings (state-by-state) and no primary-article text to extract.

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