AMA News
PR ROUNDUP
Bill Baker — Assistant Director of Marketing
Ah, the arrival of spring. The weather warms, the grass turns green, and modelers head to the flying fields to sharpen skills for the many upcoming fun flies, rallies, and contests. Besides the fun, these events are excellent opportunities for clubs to gain publicity. Publicity is essential for club growth and for the sport. Promoted events can:
- Increase public awareness of the sport and your organization.
- Help attract new members.
- Boost member morale.
But coverage doesn't happen by accident. A newspaper article or radio/TV feature requires planning and work. Consider forming a public relations committee to coordinate publicity. The committee should include:
- A chairman
- A member with writing skills
- A member with photography skills
Committee tasks and tips:
- Target newsworthy events (opening a new field, a large regional contest, demonstrations tied to Veterans Day/Armed Forces Day).
- Develop a media mailing list with appropriate contacts:
- Newspapers: city editor, sports editor, aviation editor (if any)
- TV/radio: news director or assignment editor
- Build relationships with media contacts; canvass club membership for media connections.
- Send a press release 4–6 weeks before an event. Include the essentials: what, who, when, where, why, and a contact name with day/evening phone numbers. Keep releases brief (no longer than two pages).
More detailed information is available in AMA's Publicity Guide for Model Clubs. To request a free copy, contact: Academy of Model Aeronautics, Marketing Department, 1810 Samuel Morse Drive, Reston, VA 22090; tel. (703) 435-0750.
Club news:
- Rhode Island Aeromodellers (Bristol, RI) — Their annual Flying Circus fundraiser raised over $1,000 for the Meeting Street School (operated with Easter Seals of Rhode Island). The event featured flying teams, warbird demos, mock dogfights, static displays, spectator instruction permits, and raffle prizes. It received local TV and newspaper coverage and strengthened their public profile as they search for a new flying field.
- Rochester Area Radio Control Association (Rochester, MI) — The city of Rochester Hills constructed a permanent model airport in Earl Borden Park: a 1,000 × 500 ft tract with a 600-ft runway. Local coverage in the Rochester Clarion gave the club and AMA good publicity.
Write to PR Roundup if your club has news about new fields, successful events, or PR campaigns. Send a background letter and photos for possible inclusion.
More next month.
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PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Don Lowe — President, Academy of Model Aeronautics 902 Little Bend Rd., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
I just returned from a Council meeting in Pasadena, California, held during the IMS Trade Show to be available to District 10 modelers. At the meeting, Loren Nicholson handed me a letter raising several concerns; below is my response and commentary I believe will interest members.
- Flying sites: Securing and retaining flying sites is fundamental. Geoff Styles, hired in the 1970s for this purpose, has led an ongoing flying site support program and is allocated the funds needed. A primary reason for supporting a national facility is to provide focus for growth and additional funds for site acquisition.
- District 10 regional site: Council approved plans to develop a District 10 flying site, supported by at least 12 local clubs. It will be a home field for those clubs and open to all AMA members, with facilities for RC, Control Line, and Free Flight.
- Cost concerns: We must judge regional sites by members served per dollar invested. The loan guarantee program approved by Council in Pasadena may be more helpful — it could encourage more clubs to buy or develop sites. Helping clubs acquire leased or government-available land is riskier but merits study.
- Headquarters move to Muncie: The move enables more efficient, less costly operations and allows programs we couldn't run in Reston (symposia, flight training, technical research, better Nationals operation, and more events). While we leave the nation's capital, Muncie offers easy communications. EAA operates well from Oshkosh and still influences Washington, D.C.
- Council vs. Headquarters: Council sets broad goals and does not manage day-to-day operations. We take extra time at meetings for planning/brainstorming. Long-range planning is difficult but necessary.
- Noise: A sensitive issue. Many members prefer local solutions rather than a national dB requirement, so we've provided resources instead:
- Wrote to engine manufacturers requesting quieter mufflers (O.S. responded).
- Sponsored propeller noise research at North Carolina State University.
- Howard Crispin writes monthly on noise reduction and compiled a document distributed to clubs.
- A noise symposium will be hosted at the June Open House in Muncie; it will be taped and made available to clubs.
- Howard Crispin is available as an AMA-paid speaker; we prefer joint club meetings for cost effectiveness.
- Some contest classes and FAI (CIAM) categories are adopting noise limits; momentum is building.
- Noise is partly perception; education and industry response are our best strategies.
- Final thoughts: I value thoughtful members who attend Council sessions and contribute ideas. Remember the hobby is for enjoyment — don't get lost in politics or personalities.
Sincerely, Don Lowe President, Academy of Model Aeronautics
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S VIEW FROM HQ
Vince Mankowski — AMA Executive Director 1810 Samuel Morse Dr., Reston, VA 22090
Bob Boulis (Northeastern Drone Society) reminded me how geese flying in a V formation gain range through cooperation. Likewise, modelers who share direction and community support get where they're going more easily. Consider this a little "honking from behind" about AMA activities.
Membership kit and member benefits:
- Membership kits are in the mail with Supply & Service catalog coupons and offers.
- Member benefits may include: 12 free catalogs, four free magazines, discounted magazine subscriptions (e.g., Flying Models), a plans book, a photobook, discounts (10–50%) from suppliers, and direct dollar discounts totaling over $120.
- VisionCare program offers substantial eyewear discounts.
- A travel program and discounted long-distance telephone service are being developed.
Flying sites and programs:
- The first national flying site in Indiana is a reality; the first regional flying site is likely by the end of 1992.
- AMA launched a program to help local clubs finance purchasing their own flying sites; support staff have aided flying sites for 11 years.
- AMA is the leading — and effectively the only — organization maintaining access to RC frequencies and monitoring them. AMA spends over $50,000 annually in legal fees/committee costs and has nearly $75,000 in field monitoring equipment.
- AMA staff participates on the FAA committee drafting legislation for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles — potential implications for model aircraft airspace use.
Competition License proposal (requesting member input):
- Possible Competition License for an additional $5 annual fee.
- Required for blue book–sanctioned events.
- Benefits might include a special competitor ID, two Chabot newsletters (rule updates/tips), possible status as an FAI sporting license holder, and an AMA rule book at the cycle start.
Grand Opening:
- Membership kit includes a family pass to the Grand Opening of the National Aeromodeling Flying Facility in Muncie, Indiana, June 13–14. Save the pass for express entry and member parking.
Executive Council meeting recap (Pasadena, January 10, 1992):
- Leader membership: CD applicants will now be CD-only; leader membership requires a separate application. Current CDs will be sent a form to remain leader members.
- Video tape: A tape titled "I am the AMA" will be produced and distributed free to chartered clubs.
- Club property purchase program: Financial assistance via letters of credit to back bank loans.
- Proposal: A California modeler suggested AMA purchase land for local modelers to develop a flying site.
- Muncie development: On schedule; Control Line area work next. Fees will be charged for facility use and museum admission to help with maintenance and vandalism repairs.
Other items:
- Westover Nationals: Entry forms available. Contact Chip Smith at AMA HQ for volunteer forms (four days' work earns membership).
- Communication: Read Model Aviation columns for answers on insurance, waiver signing, dues changes, etc.
- RC Unlimited Races: Noted that the winner used glow engines (1.8 Moki).
- Maine Model Expo: March 21–22, 1992, at Augusta Armory; transmitter checking Saturday only (fee expected). Geoff Styles will attend.
- Obituary: Mike Marchand (leukemia) passed away late 1991. Condolences to his family.
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AMA HQ SERVICES STAFF
- Executive Director: Vince Mankowski
- Director, Operations: Robert Vojalavek
- Personnel Manager: Diane Gallalee
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DISTRICT REPORT — District V
Jim McNeill — District V Vice‑President 617 South 20 Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205 (205) 322-2127
Associate Vice Presidents (selected):
- Bob Barkley — Orlando, FL
- Ron Eckert — Pensacola, FL
- John Cooke — Clearwater, FL
- Gene Dale — Gulfport, MS
- J. R. Koss — New Albany, MS
- Ken Hensel — Meridian, MS
- Charles Jackson — N. Charleston, SC
- Dr. John Martin — Miami, FL
- Mike Martin — Apopka, FL
- Pat Waites — Charlotte, NC
- George Perkins — Smyrna, GA
- Terry Norton — Baldwin, FL
- Lou Webster — Manchester, TN
- Frederico Condon — Tampa, FL
- Burke Fields — Interlachen, FL
News flash:
- AMA may purchase property in California (District X) to serve several clubs. The idea may extend to one property per AMA district. I will push for a District V site — Florida is a likely candidate given the number of clubs. Proposed site size: 16–25 acres.
- Loan assistance breakthrough: AMA may extend letters of credit up to half the land value to help chartered clubs finance purchases.
- District V Fly-In: Last weekend in May; contact Karl Hensel (Rt. 4, Box 264, Meridian, MS 39305) for details.
If you live in District V and want a new AMA Rule Book, write to me and I will mail one free.
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LOSS OF FRIEND: E.A. Till (1928–1991)
AMA No. 9822
E.A. Till passed away on November 22, 1991, after a long battle with cancer. Ed was a respected Free Flight competitor and contest director, and a long-standing member of the Fort Planesmen Free Flight Club. He was remembered as a true friend and dedicated modeler.
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DISTRICT 8 — FREE FLIGHT NEWS
Russ Snyder — District 8 Free Flight Contest Board Member
Free Flight activity in District 8 was strong in 1991, with impressive junior participation. Highlights:
- Tulsa Glue Dobbers (Perry, OK): Good weather and strong thermals. Robert Dunham II achieved 10 maxes in A/B Motovator power events and took Grand Champion. Jeff Fedor (Junior) won Mulvihill, becoming the first Junior to take home a High-Time Perpetual Trophy.
- Dallas Cliff Cloud Climbers: May meet at Pyramid Acres (Don DeLoach took high-point honors). Fall event at Prairie Hill (American Truck Driving School facility) was a vast improvement; Jim Summerset took AMA high-time and high-time Gas Power awards.
- Fort Worth Planesmen: Conducted the 16th Annual Labor Day Regional Championships. Jeff Fedor (Junior) and Robert Dunham II (Senior/Open) won championship honors.
- Tri-City Flyers: 10th Annual meet (July 6–7) with a record 142 event entries by 45 contestants. Marvin Mace won C-Gas with 1,482 seconds and took high-point championship honors. Many B-Gas entries maxed.
- Autumn Cup (Seguin, Oct 12–13): Part of FAI semi-final Team Trials. Jim Bradley won F1A (Glider); Ed Williamson won F1B (Wakefield); Henry Spence and Reid Simpson tied in F1C (Power). Jim Troutman set a new F1C Junior record; Eric Schmoekel also made the U.S. Junior Power Team. Jeff Fedor earned a slot on the U.S. Junior Free Flight Team in Glider and Rubber.
- Free Flight Team Challenge: Tri-City won (7 points), Houston second (3), Fort Worth third (2).
Check six.
Russ Snyder
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NORTH DAKOTA AVP — Loren Moen
Hello — I'm Loren Moen, newly appointed AVP for North Dakota. I'm 37, married to Cheryl, with two children (Jeremy, 13; Lindsay, 9). I'm a self-employed electrician and have modeled since childhood (Control Line and Free Flight). I've flown RC nearly 25 years.
Thanks to Russ Miller for his leadership as North Dakota AVP. I look forward to serving modelers in North Dakota — please call anytime with suggestions for promoting model aviation.
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KANSAS REPORT — Don Moden, AVP
Dodge City Fun Fly (summer 1991) overcame windy conditions; western Kansas clubs know how to put on a great event. Keep it up.
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NEBRASKA NEWS — Tom Boyd, AVP
- Mid America RC Pattern (Grand Island Modelers & Hastings Skylarks): Great event with good judging. Notably, callers assisted a deaf pilot to fly his first Pattern event.
- Grand Island Air Show: Demo flying and mall display.
- Fremont Frontier Flyers: Labor Day Fun Fly and demo/display during John C. Fremont Days; considering a float for next year.
- Loop Valley Flyers (new club): Strong organization and participation; displayed when radio problems prevented flying at local Popcorn Days.
- Lincoln Area Soaring Society: June Open and a dawn-to-dusk tow-in attempt (long flights until winch/battery problems).
- Hastings Skylarks: Night flying, R/C Combat, participation in regional events.
April in District IX signals the start of summer flying season. Keep AVPs informed of events.
Thought for the month: When we are right, we can afford to keep our tempers. When we are wrong, we can't afford not to.
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WILL THE INVESTMENT RETURN?
Modeling and AMA membership hinge on having places to fly. Acquiring flying sites seems a sound investment and can yield substantial returns. Financing options include dues surcharges, professional fundraising, club matching funds, and long-range financing. Example questions to consider:
- If $250,000 buys 260 acres in Visalia, could a $50,000 down payment buy additional sites elsewhere?
- Could a $2 surcharge per District Ten member cover mortgage payments?
- Would members accept a dues increase if they knew where sites would be located?
Project planning must shift toward management-level thinking: long-range, strategic, and competitive. District Ten completed a comprehensive Regional Site Study (Project Committee, descriptions, noise study proposals, funding plans, maps, budget, rules, letters of support, etc.). Gary Hover led the study and summarized:
"The concept of a Regional Site for District Ten is both a big step for AMA and a giant step for modeling. With the continued loss of adequate flying sites, the modeling community, of which AMA is our bond, needs to begin planning for the future... The AMA must be the catalyst for acquiring regional class sites."
The Visalia site (Central California) is described as within 3.5 hours of both the Los Angeles basin and San Francisco Bay Area, near State Highway 99 and Visalia Municipal Airport (7 miles away). District Ten invites interested parties to visit and review development opportunities.
Bravo to Gary and the team.
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SOUND & MODEL AERONAUTICS
Howard Crispin, Jr.
MCC engine:
- Many inquiries followed the MCC engine article. For development status and availability, contact Fred Erickson, Engine Research Associates, Inc., 2610 Bosworth Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46805.
Seminars:
- A Sound & Model Aeronautics seminar will be held during the Grand Opening at Muncie (times posted at the event). Plans are underway for a possible seminar at the Toledo Show.
- Don Lowe and I will run bench and on-field sound tests at RC World to gather data on large aircraft noise and possible mitigations. We plan to tape sessions and produce a video for clubs.
Big aircraft and noise reduction:
- Large-model categories are the fastest-growing sector. Large engines need better exhaust systems and propellers. Many big engines can be made quiet with proper exhaust systems; gasoline power units present additional challenges but are being addressed.
New products:
- Soundmaster Big Engine Muffler prototype (Davis Diesel Development, Inc.) — 2" diameter, 14" long, ~7 oz; tested on a Quadra 6 with a 22" prop.
- Vibration isolator system for large engines (Art Designs, P.O. Box 2606, Page, AZ 86040; Arthur Cloutier). Package includes preformed metal parts, two grades of isolating material, screws, and instructions. Allow ~2.25" extra space for the engine installation.
All Season Flyer's Patch:
- To obtain the patch, send a photocopy of your signed typewritten/handwritten declaration (club secretary or another adult member signature required for non-club members) and a $2.50 check/money order payable to Academy of Model Aeronautics. Tabs for years 2–9 are $1 each.
AMA Key Dates 1992 (AMA staff participation):
- March 13–15: RCHTA Show — Los Angeles, CA
- April 3–5: Toledo Show — Toledo, OH
- April 5–11: EAA Sun & Fun Fly-In — Lakeland, FL
- May 1–3: IMS — Milwaukee, WI
- June 6–7: MARCS Show — Towson, MD
- June 13: National Flying Site Grand Opening — Muncie, IN
- June 14: National Rally — Muncie, IN
- June 20–29: AMA National Aeromodeling Championships — Chicopee, MA
- June 27–28: IMAA Large Scale Model Fly-In — Muncie, IN
- July 31–Aug 6: EAA Fly-In — Oshkosh, WI
- Aug 21–29: Scale World Championships — Muncie, IN
- Sept 4–7: NFFS AAAA Free Flight Contest — Muncie, IN
- Oct 29–Nov 1: RCHTA Show — Chicago, IL
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Keep building — models or dreams.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
