AMA News

SOUND & MODEL AERONAUTICS

Howard Crispin, Jr.

This month we will take a look at some mufflers designed for large engines. Operators of Giant models and Scale models should consider these designs. These mufflers may not fit every installation, but they provide useful guidelines for application.

Competition Radio Control Scale calls for an effective muffler but gives no definitive information on what constitutes such a device. The result is that many fliers install what amounts to nothing more than an exhaust extractor. Consequently, RC Scale aircraft are among the noisiest being flown today. Some competition models, such as Pylon Racers, might be louder, but they are not flown at as many sites as Scale and Giant models and they do not create the same footprint in flight.

Compliance with the rule (and the establishment of proper guidelines) is not difficult. Often it is necessary to plan ahead so that adequate provision is made for installation of a good muffler and exhaust pipe.

Recent articles have discussed Americans' increasing problems with hearing. Many of us in model aeronautics do not consider the dB levels we subject our ears to every time we start our engines, even those who make an effort to quiet their planes.

The AMA has established a recommended sound level of 90 dBA at 9 ft. This guideline is intended to assist us in operating within an environment that permits continued activity in a given locality. It says nothing about personal exposure: we often start and run up engines within 1–2 ft. of our ears. If we have 90 dBA at 9 ft., how loud is it at 2 ft.? It's in the neighborhood of 108 dB. If an engine/muffler registers 105 dB at 9 ft., you will have about 118 dB at 2 ft. You are operating at levels that can cause permanent hearing damage. This is an important reason to look for better mufflers.

Mufflers — three options presented:

1. Quadra muffler modification (Douglas Wall, Forrest City, Arkansas)

• Split the existing Quadra muffler and install a plate cut from steel.
• File the plate to a close fit inside the muffler; corners will need fitting.
• Weld the plate to the inside center of the stock unit.
• Ensure no parts in the muffler vibrate.
• Douglas reports a very significant reduction in sound level using this plate.

1. Add-on mower muffler (Douglas Wall)

• Use a readily available muffler (from small-engine shops or hardware stores).
• Adds about three ounces to a Quadra 35 installation.
• Soft-mount the muffler (using soft mounts described in an earlier article).
• Some mower mufflers have a single tube; add a second tube to match the existing piece to balance both halves of the exhaust at the Quadra interface.
• Connect the add-on to the existing muffler with a piece of heater hose and a common screw (hose) clamp.
• Deflectors can be made to suit exhaust directionality.
• Douglas reports about a 7 dB reduction with this installation and similar results on a Quadra 42. He feels this is superior to common in-line mufflers and sees no apparent increase in back pressure.

1. Multi-volume muffler (Bert Baker, Everett, Washington)

• Intended for SuperTigre 2000–3000 engines and similar-sized engines.
• Design follows the concept that the muffler volume should be a minimum of six times the engine displacement.
• Basic unit can be made from bouillon or chicken-broth cans (easy to clean).
• Drawing is not to scale; Bert says it will fit many radial-engine‑cowled airplanes (P‑47, Zero, BT‑13).

(Muffler for ST3000 using a Campbell's soup can — diagram)

---

AMA News

Washington‑National Airport 50th Anniversary

Washington‑National Airport celebrated its 50th year of service on June 15–16, 1991. AMA participated and works closely with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and the Washington Airports Task Force. These affiliations give AMA and model aviation visibility with federal departments, airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and other aviation groups.

AMA was invited to participate in the birthday celebration and set up a display in the Butler Aviation hangar, alongside airlines and municipal exhibits. AMA provided a videotape player and monitor, brochures, documents, and a cutaway profile P‑51 Mustang (generously provided by Tom Runge, president of Ace R/C).

An AMA staff member manned the booth for the weekend and described the event as hot, sticky, crowded, and satisfying. One highlight was a restored 1940‑vintage DC‑3 owned by the Continental Airlines Historical Society. The author recounts a memorable DC‑3 flight, interactions with Continental staff, and appreciation for the experience.

---

SYNOPSIS — EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING

November 22, 1991

Executive Council Meeting Synopsis

The Council was brought to order at 9:50 a.m. by the president. The meeting was held July 21, 1991, in Muncie, Indiana, with the following members in attendance:

• President Don Lowe, Altamonte Springs, Florida
• Executive Vice President Dave Brown, Hamilton, Ohio
• VP District I Don Krafft, Duxbury, Massachusetts
• VP II John Byrne, Bayside, New York
• VP III Bob Brown, Bradford, Pennsylvania
• VP IV Howard Crispin, Charlottesville, Virginia
• VP V Jim McNeill, Birmingham, Alabama
• VP VI Jim Sears, Burgin, Kentucky
• VP VII Gene Hempel, Garland, Texas
• VP IX Travis McGinnis, Arcadia, Colorado
• VP X Reggie Keyawa, Carmichael, California
• VP XI Ed McCullough, Portland, Oregon
• Lance Zellers, NAA

Approval of Minutes

• Minutes of the April 20, 1991 Executive Council meeting were unanimously approved after disposal of a motion to amend.

President's Report

• The president expressed concern about safety at a sanctioned event where models overflew buildings and people and asked that AMA not sanction the event at the same site again. By consensus, the Council supported the president's decision for now and referred the issue to the Safety/Insurance Committee. The Committee was asked to consider:

1. What position AMA should take on unsafe sites.
2. Whether to continue to withhold sanction if the event is requested again.
3. Whether to amend the safety code to deal with unsafe sites.

• An attorney noted that insurance coverage will not apply for events denied sanction for safety reasons.
• IMAA withdrew a request to use AMA property in Muncie for its 1992 festival. The president will suggest IMAA contact the Executive Director to work toward mutual agreement, preferably for 1993. The president also ordered criteria be drawn up for use of the Muncie facility.
• The meeting went into executive session; on reconvening, a migrating‑chamber engine presentation and a flight demonstration were given.

Executive Vice‑President's Report

• The Council approved appointing a new general counsel.
• The Council acted on a Safety/Insurance Committee recommendation for a "waiver of liability" statement to be signed by those joining AMA and entrants at sanctioned events; motion passed 10 for, 3 against.
• A cash flow problem was noted for year-end, largely due to a particular accident; the bank has required a $1,000,000 line of credit for which $1,000,000 of AMA funds is set aside. Executive Director and Comptroller will meet with bank officers.
• Balloon payment on the Reston Headquarters building is due July 1, 1992.
• Model Aviation advertising revenues: 40% are overdue; aggressive collection efforts planned.

Executive Director's Report

• Deceased members' names will be purged from computer files. Families of deceased life members will be offered the opportunity to purchase the vacant AMA number, with 90 days to respond.
• Alphanumeric membership numbers approved.
• Preliminary plans for the Muncie grand opening are in place for June 13–14, 1992, including a black‑tie dinner (ticketed), open flying, and displays.

Nominating Committee

• Minutes accepted unanimously.
• Agreed in principle that an elected officer may not write for pay for Model Aviation during his term; bylaws committee to draft appropriate wording. Motion passed 11 for, 1 against.
• Future nominees must submit credentials demonstrating qualifications for the board.

Property Development Committee

• Architect reported progress on Muncie property development: building contract signed, construction survey completed, building permit expected by August 1. Construction expected to take ~122 days.

Scholarship Committee

• Council approved dispersal of the 1991 scholarship fund (10 for, 2 against). Two other recommendations deferred.

Safety Committee

• Addition to safety code passed 11 for, 1 against, 1 abstention. Effective January 1, 1992, add to general section item 8:

"In any case, models using rocket motors as a primary means of propulsion are limited to a maximum weight of 3.3 pounds and a series G motor."

• Second recommendation (members operating cars and boats in accordance with an outside safety code) was referred back to committee.
• Safety columnist for Model Aviation may not continue; by consensus the column will continue under a different pen name, not by a full‑time AMA employee.

Marketing & Nationals

• Demographic survey to be mailed to a sample of membership.
• Control Line and RC Nationals: total count 1,004; event trouble‑free and well run.
• Site preference for 1992 Nationals: 1) Westover AFB, Massachusetts; 2) return to Lawrenceville; 3) Tri‑Cities, Washington. Headquarters will pursue Westover.
• Headquarters' request that FAI stamps not be required for entry into AMA's FAI team selection programs was not approved.

Awards (moved and unanimously carried)

• Distinguished Service: Cole Palen and Frank Macy
• Superior Service: Frank Costello and Bill Flouri

Next meeting: November 9–10 in Reston, Virginia. Finance Committee meeting: October 12 in Reston.

---

Campaign Statements — District Vice President

Vice President — District 2

Joe Beshar, Oradell, New Jersey

• Accepting nomination for AMA VP, District 2.
• Highlights and accomplishments:
• 1940 Official Class A Gas Free Flight world record holder.
• Past president, North Jersey R/C Club (membership grew 11→135).
• Past president, Society of Antique Modelers (SAM) (membership grew 275→1,500).
• Past president, Interstate Flying Club; arranged flying at Bear Mountain State Park, NY.
• AMA Contest Director; CDE at least two model meets per year.
• Attended Paris meetings on FAI/CIAM committees.
• Directed Aero Picnic Program; published model articles.
• Directed AMA Mortgage Depletion Program (raised >$25,000).
• Recipient of AMA Distinguished Service Award and Carl Goldberg Vital People Award.
• Chairman, Electric World Championships Team Selection Committee and Contest Board member.

John Grigg, Lockport, New York

• Seeks election as VP District 2; previously served as VP (1979–80) and AMA President (1981–86).
• Over 47 years as a builder and flier; background in aerospace configuration management.
• Amateur Radio operator (N2IJ).
• Pledges improved communication: monthly district newsletter with Executive Council actions and early information on plans affecting members. Will accept feedback as direction for Council votes.

George M. Myers, Hicksville, New York

• AMA member since 1942; aeronautical engineer and retired.
• Longtime modeler and instructor; wrote column "Radio Technique" for 15+ years.
• Observes AMA's transition from promoting the science of aeronautics toward becoming a professional sports organization; intends to work for district interfaces with state/local governments and to assist in obtaining and holding flying sites and generating district‑level activities.

Vice President — District 4

Howard Crispin (incumbent), Charlottesville, Virginia

• Requests re‑election as VP District IV to continue ongoing programs.
• Major efforts:
• Sound reduction: hundreds of hours of study, research, and testing on engines, propellers, and exhaust silencers.
• Service on Bylaws Committee, Special Interest Group Committee, and Ad Hoc Committee for Membership.
• Promotes all phases of model aviation through visits and magazine write‑ups.
• Seeks to continue dedication and service to members.

Bradford Booth, Graham, North Carolina

• Intends to emphasize relaying the wants and needs of the average modeler to AMA, and to create stronger communication between clubs and AMA.
• Background: lifelong modeler; committed to returning decision‑making control more toward the average modeler.

District 6 Vice President

Jim Sears (incumbent), Barling, Kentucky

• After seven years as VP, asks for another term.
• Highlights:
• Responsive to member communications and traveled extensively to visit members.
• Represented sport fliers' interests; voted to preserve insurance coverages.
• Requests members take time to vote — one vote can make a difference.

Vice President — District 8

Gene Hempel (incumbent), Garland, Texas

• Seeks re‑election as District VIII VP.
• Roles and experience:
• Chairman of the Safety Committee; member of the Insurance Committee.
• Managerial experience in engineering and business law with Texaco Instruments.
• Over 30 years as a modeler in Free Flight, Control Line, and RC.
• Emphasizes safety, insurance, and site acquisition/retention.

Charles Stevens, Pasadena, Texas

• Longtime modeler (since age 10), Air Force veteran (1957–1960), and heavy equipment mechanic.
• Active in Prop Nuts R/C Club since 1980; served as president.
• Pledges to fairly represent district membership and be available when needed.

Vice President — District 10

Reginald R. Keyawa (incumbent), Carmichael, California

• Elected official since January 1, 1989.
• Extensive travel in the district: >10,000 miles, 100+ club visits, 1,000+ letters answered.
• Focus on unification, building and preserving flight sites, and initiating regional sites and financial assistance to clubs.
• Urges members to review statements and vote.

Beverly Wisniewski, Lake Havasu City, Arizona

• Emphasizes AMA as both a membership service and multi‑million dollar business; business must benefit the membership.
• Experience with National Rally and National Championships.
• Pledges responsiveness to all areas of modeling.

---

EXECUTIVE VP's REPORT

Dave Brown AMA Executive VP 4560 Layhigh Road, Hamilton, OH 45013

• Muncie site construction has started; with luck, a museum building, roads, and a multi‑purpose flying site will appear within months.
• The '91 Nationals were among the most pleasant in recent history; attitude of officials and contestants improved.
• RC Pattern innovation: contestants required to work half a day running scores; this increased camaraderie and understanding among competitors, judges, and volunteers.
• Likely site for the '92 Nationals: Lawrenceville unless early commitment from Westover AFB is obtained.
• Mail: reader letters included concerns about a "Plane Retainer" product and issues with the new dues structure when multiple family members are joined. HQ staff considering options.
• Entry to base flying sites (e.g., Wright Patterson AFB) varies; AMA card may be sufficient when events are scheduled but local procedures differ.
• Closing: Till next month.

---

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S VIEW FROM HQ

Vince Mankowski AMA Executive Director 1810 Samuel Morse Dr., Reston, VA 22090

Waiver of Liability

• At the July 22 Executive Council meeting, Council directed that all membership applications will include a waiver statement in addition to the safety code compliance statement. The waiver reads:

"I am aware that modeling may present hazards, and I exempt and relieve the Academy of Model Aeronautics, Inc., from all liability for personal injury, property damage or wrongful death caused by negligence."

• This statement does not diminish AMA-provided insurance (fire/theft/vandalism, medical coverage, general liability). The waiver ensures members recognize modeling hazards and agree not to sue AMA for negligent claims.
• Sanctioned events: Each contest kit will include a more comprehensive "waiver of all claims and release of liabilities" for participants to sign and for the Contest Director to witness; this relieves AMA, AMA officials, and contest officials from negligence suits in many cases.

Comments on society and litigation

• The waiver is a defensive measure to protect AMA from lawsuits that could otherwise force AMA to take on policing roles or jeopardize the organization. Some members will grumble, but it's a necessary step.

Free Flight Success

• At the 1991 Free Flight World Championships in Yugoslavia, AMA member Randy Archer won the F1C World Championship. James Parker finished second in F1A. Team results: USA second in F1A, 10th in F1B, sixth in F1C. Congratulations to team members and managers.

Intro‑Pilots reminder

• Intro-pilot designations expire December 31, 1991. Clubs wishing to designate intro‑pilots for 1992 should do so early.

Muncie grand opening

• Grand opening weekend planned for June 13–14, 1992 (open to all members; a formal ticketed dinner Saturday night). More details to follow.

AMA Today videos

• Volumes I and II produced; Volume III expected late October or early November. To order, send $10 to AMA (attention AMA Today).

AMA numbers

• Deceased life members will be deleted; numbers offered to families, then to membership. Life memberships will be priced at $1,500 going forward. Alphanumeric AMA numbers will be offered — watch for details.

Nationals future

• Efforts to hold the combined Nationals at Westover AFB in June 1992 are ongoing. Possibility of returning to Tri‑Cities or holding Nationals in Muncie after facility completion. Member preferences will be solicited at 1992 Nationals.

Annual Meeting

• The 1991 annual membership meeting was held with the National Fun Fly at Wright‑Patterson AFB; the meeting included a Phase I Muncie report, a report on field equipment and the sound monitor program, and Q&A.

Late news: Prospect of a combined Nationals at Westover AFB in June of '92 — more details next month.

---

District Reports

District I Report

Don Krafft District I Vice‑President PO Box 1828, Duxbury, MA 02331 (617) 934‑6248

Monadnock Balloon and Aviation Festival

• Event held June 14–16 at Dillant‑Hopkins Airport, Keene, New Hampshire.
• Ashuelot Valley Flyers hosted model‑building contest, miniature aircraft display, and two days of RC demonstrations.
• Model contest attracted 27 entries and awarded Best of Show and division prizes; a 10‑year‑old junior earned a first-place plaque in the plastic display division.

Food for thought

• When flying someone else's airplane, check it thoroughly and take your time—this helps avoid disputes if damage occurs.

Videotape

• "Pilots on the Ground" (about IMAA scale airplanes) is available for loan.

Lyme Disease

• Warning about Lyme disease in the District; early medical attention recommended for unexplained bites or rashes.

(Continued next month.)

District III Report

Bob Brown District III Vice‑President 1255 High St., Bradford, PA 16701 (814) 362‑7702

• Long flying season; Butler Aircraft Modelers built a new 20 x 32 picnic shelter and hosted a Memorial Day Breakfast.
• Humorous theatrical piece submitted by Jim Wilson (Dayton Wingmasters) illustrates spouse support and club life.
• Photos and event highlights from District III modelers included.

District IV Report

Howard Crispin District IV Vice‑President 611 Beecher Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901

Associate Vice Presidents:

• Robert E. Burbank, Severna Park, MD
• Chuck Foreman, Mechanicsville, VA
• Scott Moyer, Wilmington, DE
• Doug Holland, Raleigh, NC
• Charles Spero, Mocksville, NC
• Rick Christopher, Harrisburg, VA
• Paul Yocobacci, Fayetteville, NC

Meetings and district geography

• District IV has 158 chartered clubs, spread out over a large area. Regional meetings in western North Carolina are being considered to improve attendance and usefulness.

Waiver of Liability statement

• The waiver requirement was controversial. Howard Crispin voted against the Waiver of Liability as presented, along with Districts 10 and 11 VPs, due to lack of detail at the meeting. He asked for a full explanation to be published in Model Aviation. His concern: the insurance issue is dominating Academy resources and attention.

Indoor Free Flight

• Postal contests and Japan vs. USA F1D events were held; results included strong U.S. performances. Contact Tom Vallee for more information.

Flying sites

• Progress on acquiring some sites, but clubs facing lost sites without alternatives can be in danger. Clubs invited to use nearby fields should be courteous and observe host rules. AMA Headquarters has resources to support field searches—use them.

Sound and Model Aeronautics

• The muffler article and sound‑reduction efforts were summarized (see main SOUND & MODEL AERONAUTICS section).

District VI Report

Jim Sears District VI Vice‑President Barling, Kentucky

• Ballots to be distributed; please vote (Jim running unopposed).
• Purchased a new scanner for the district to help clubs.
• Attended Nationals (six days) and Council meeting in Muncie; Phase I construction delayed by paperwork but expected to start.
• Attended indoor and local events; presented a Superior Service Award to Roger Wathen for youth work.
• Visited local clubs and supports more photos and coverage in the district column.

District VIII Report

Gene Hempel District VIII Vice‑President 301 N. Yale Dr., Garland, TX 75042

• IMAA Rally of the Giants was hosted by Irving R/C Flyers Association — excellent turnout and models. Voters in District 8 urged to participate in VP election.

District IX Report

Travis McGinnis District IX Vice‑President

• Reports from Nebraska: Grand Island Modelers secured a new field on city land; Hastings Skylarks renovated their paved field and signed a 15‑year lease.
• In Colorado, Sunnyside Aviation held a successful mall show and fun‑fly despite poor weather.
• Sky Corral R/C Club held a mall show with club displays, AMA brochures, and videotapes of events.

---

AMA News — Miscellaneous Columns and Reports

• Several photo captions and club reports highlighted club activities: Mel Whitley's British Hawker Sea Fury model; Mike Kelly and John Hayes launching RC soarers; club work restoring high school swap meet space; volunteer control board innovations for contests; Manatee County Appreciation Day where the Manatee County Recreation Council received a plaque, showing gratitude to local officials and an effective method for retaining flying fields.

• District VI: many clubs used the district scanner; scanner demand is heavy. Nationals had good local hospitality and successful club fundraising (raffles).

• District VIII and District IX: additional event recaps, club visits, indoor flying, and calls for members to vote and get involved.

---

Sound & Model Aeronautics (reprise)

Howard Crispin, Jr.

(Condensed summary — see main SOUND & MODEL AERONAUTICS section above.)

• Emphasis on the need for effective mufflers for Giant and Scale models.
• Reminder of AMA's 90 dBA at 9 ft. recommendation and personal exposure risks.
• Three muffler options described: Quadra plate modification, mower muffler add-on, and Bert Baker's multi‑volume can design for SuperTigre engines.

---

On Indoor Flying and Props (column)

• Many older kit manufacturers supply out‑of‑date flying scale kits that require modernization to fly well.
• Beginners should learn to select and experiment with propellers and rubber power: vary diameter, pitch, blade area, rubber quality, and loop length.
• Keep a notebook of date, prop, rubber, and number of turns to track what works; systematic experimentation advances the builder from beginner to expert.
• A good indoor flier maintains a supply of propellers and proper rubber and uses methodical adjustments to achieve maximum duration.

---

End of reformatted text.

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