AMA News
PR Roundup
- See PR Roundup section for additional items.
Sound and Model Aeronautics
- See Sound & Model Aeronautics section for technical coverage.
Sound Symposium
A sound symposium will be held the evening of Saturday, June 13, during and in conjunction with the Grand Opening at Muncie. Basic aspects of sound—mufflers, propeller issues, and vibration isolation—will be covered. Everyone is invited to attend.
Grand Opening
Last-minute reminder: the Grand Opening of the Muncie flying facility will be held June 13–14, 1992.
Sanction Alert
By Executive Council action on April 11, 1992, effective immediately, the Academy will no longer allow dual sanctioning with any organization not recognized by the AMA.
Contest directors should note that all future sanctions will carry the following text: "THE AMA SANCTION IS VOID IF THE SAME EVENT IS SANCTIONED BY ANY OTHER ORGANIZATION NOT RECOGNIZED BY THE AMA."
AMA Fax Numbers
AMA now has two fax numbers:
- Membership applications: (703) 435-0798
- All other business: (703) 435-7236
Use the correct fax number to prevent delay in processing your membership application.
Membership Meeting
An AMA membership meeting will be held on the evening of October 22 in conjunction with the Tournament of Champions in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Save Money Now (1992 Nationals)
Registering before May 22 can save Nationals contestants a lot of money. Advance registration for the 1992 Nationals ends May 22; after that all entry fees increase substantially. There may still be time to get your application in and be part of the excitement at the less-expensive rates. AMA will be accepting onsite registration as late as the day before your event.
The site at Westover Air Force Base is shaping up to be one of the best Nationals ever. The Air Force, the local community, and the host clubs from District 1 are working hard in preparation for the 66th annual National Championships. If you would like an entry form and information package, write or call: 1992 National Championships 1810 Samuel Morse Dr. Reston, VA 22090 (703) 435-0750
Focus on Competition
Refer to the "Focus on Competition" section for information on equipment lists and sticker stations.
A Sign of the Times (Chicopee hotel)
AMA has learned that the largest hotel for the 1992 Nationals in Chicopee has declared bankruptcy and closed. Refunds of deposits are being handled through Quality Inn's Maryland office. If you are due a refund, call (301) 593-5600 and ask for Beatrice Bemini.
We apologize for the inconvenience. Adequate housing is available about 15 minutes away in West Springfield. For a list of hotels or motels in Springfield, contact AMA Headquarters or the Springfield Convention and Visitors' Bureau at 1-800-723-1548.
AMA Elections — Nominations Due
Nominations for the offices of President; Vice President, District 1; Vice President, District 5; and Vice President, District 9 are due at AMA Headquarters by Friday, July 10, 1992. Any AMA Open member may submit a nomination. The nominee must be a Leader Member of the Academy.
A letter of acceptance from the nominee must be on file at AMA Headquarters by July 15, 1992. The nominee must also submit a resume of professional qualifications and model aviation experience. The resume should include, but not be limited to, the following:
- A statement regarding Leader Member status, including the date on which it was conferred.
- Background in the following areas which may apply:
- Management experience
- Financial background
- Insurance employment and/or expertise
- Legal experience
- Technical background, including aeronautics, electronics (especially radio-frequency propagation and usage), acoustics (as relates to noise studies and analysis), and other areas of engineering
- The nominee's aeromodeling background must be noted. If elected to national office, the individual will be required to deal with questions relative to all phases of aeromodeling and should have a broad-based background.
No person may nominate himself/herself for an AMA office. An incumbent must be properly nominated and have accepted to be placed on the ballot.
AMA Museum
It will take a year to unpack, sort items, and create new displays, but we hope to open the museum in summer 1993. Box after box from the AMA Museum has arrived in Muncie, IN.
1992 Chicopee Nationals Notice
The Ho-Jo Inn (formerly Quality Inn) in Chicopee, Massachusetts, has gone bankrupt and closed. Individuals who held room reservations at the inn were individually notified. Dorm rooms are still available at Elms College at the rate of $20 per night per person. Write to Chip Smith at AMA Headquarters for room reservation forms. There are still hotel/motel rooms available in nearby Springfield, MA.
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President's Corner
By Don Lowe, President of the Academy of Model Aeronautics
Don Lowe 902 Little Bend Rd. Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
Competition: who needs it? Everyone does. Man is a competitive animal. One can see it in every facet of our culture. Some are more competitive than others, but competition is learned behavior in our society. It is apparent in aeromodeling as we constantly strive for improvement, testing our progress against our peers.
Competition pervades every aspect of our hobby, even within the model industry. Companies strive to produce better products to improve market share and reputation. Ego—our drive to be recognized—pushes us to improve; if controlled it leads to better products and performance, but if unchecked it can be harmful.
The Sunday flier with his .40-powered Ugly Stick may not consciously think of himself as competing, but he competes against himself and his flying buddies. We love praise—for flying ability, aircraft beauty, or equipment choices—and as skills increase we look for better models and greater challenges. One-upsmanship is common: your buddy gets new equipment, and you want it too.
For some, competition is formal rule-book contests; for others it’s fly-ins, fun flies, or informal gatherings. But make no mistake, the spirit of competition or the desire to satisfy the ego is present. Many travel hundreds of miles to fly at events that provide no awards, just the satisfaction of competing. Fly-ins and fun flies are valuable and satisfy many needs.
Competition drives excellence in our sport and industry. We advance the state of the art with better products and designs. Aeromodeling is diverse—a kaleidoscope of variations—but it is also an entity; each element supports the others.
The AMA tries to serve all facets of the sport: formal competition and the non-rule-book fliers alike. We provide insurance, flying site support, public-relations efforts, help with frequency acquisition and protection, and interface with the FAA and other government agencies. It isn’t easy to be all things to all people, but unity gives strength and amplifies our voice.
Did you know there are over 160 different competition categories in the rule book? This diversity reflects our hobby’s range of interests. The Academy supports every facet of aeromodeling—from local assistance to international competition—and we are interdependent.
Industry and AMA have worked together on accomplishments such as frequency allocation and narrow-band radio equipment. The phase-in plan and technical transmitter/receiver requirements were developed cooperatively. This teamwork resulted in better, narrower-band equipment and benefits for all.
Next time you fly, consider that your takeoff, loop, or axial roll is a form of competition—against yourself and others. The reward is satisfaction and the feeding of that common human trait: ego. Competition is wonderful.
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District Report (District 1)
Don Krafft District 1 Vice President PO Box 1828, Duxbury, MA 02331 (617) 934-6248
495th R/C Squadron Scale Show: This annual event took place on March 3, 1992 at the Unitarian Church in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. Art Alfino and many club members presented a fine collection of scale models. Ralph Dionne operated the gourmet food shop. Space and photo captions were limited.
Closing thought: Some people are considering joining the SFA; before you do, please consider all the AMA has done for this hobby. The $15 buys much more with the AMA. Think about where the frequencies came from each time you turn on your transmitter.
As promised, here are profiles of five District 2 Associate Vice Presidents. The numerical listings indicate the first three digits of the postal codes (zip codes) each represents. Contact the AVP for your area to coordinate district needs.
Adam Sattler (120–123, 128, 129, 133–136)
Adam attended Siena College, graduating in 1953 with a BS in chemistry. He worked 37 years at General Electric Company in technical fields—chemistry, coolant technology, shielding, and radiological engineering—retiring in 1987.
His modeling experience began in national competition. He has been active in RC Pattern and contest board activities, was District 2 Coordinator for NMPRA, U.S. representative and chairman of the F3D Pylon subcommittee (organizing U.S. entries for F3D Pylon at the AerOlympics at Lakehurst, NJ in 1974), and has been Event Director for Pylon Racing at the AMA Nationals.
Adam has served as president of the Thundervolts RC Club and as a member of the Thundervolts AMA Show Team. His current objectives are to share his experience in aircraft building and maintenance, radio and battery maintenance, fly safer, and work to obtain a permanent flying site for the Thundervolts RC Club and nearby AMA charter clubs.
Terry Terrenoire (130–132, 137–139, 148, 149)
Terry, 46, married 25 years, father of three, was strictly a sport flier until 1984. He built his first .60-size model with his son in 1984 and has since attended contests. Terry has served as Aerodrome Society president, vice president, secretary, and editor of the club newsletter. He has been a Contest Director for seven years, coordinated a mall show for the club for eight years, and started an annual float-fly. Terry has built 125 RC planes and logged 2,500 flights in 22 years. He regularly gives talks at local schools, service clubs, and scout groups.
Everett Woodman (077 and 087)
"Woody" is retired and living in Bayville, NJ. Active in model aviation since the mid-1930s, he joined AMA when it was the NAAA. He served in the Coast Guard during WWII and returned to modeling afterward, becoming a Contest Director for 24 years.
His current interests are RC Scale, Free Flight, Scale Rubber, and RC Assist Old-Timer. Woody helped pioneer the Old-Timer RC Assist movement and worked to get recognition from the Society of Antique Modelers (SAM). He served three terms as vice president of SAM and is still active, currently serving as RC Assist Rules Coordinator.
Ron Farkas (117–119)
Ron enjoys a wide range of modeling: Free Flight, Control Line, RC sport and scale, low-powered sport, and helicopter flying. He participates in fly-ins and helps newcomers. He is a member of several clubs on Long Island and has worked for the Grumman Corporation for 23 years. Ron holds a BS in mathematics and an MS in operations research, and he is a private pilot.
Gus Pandajis (140–147)
Gus was born in New Haven, CT in 1934. He served four years in the U.S. Air Force and holds a BS in mechanical engineering. He retired from Eastman Kodak in November 1989 and operates Panos Hobbies in Penfield, NY.
Gus became interested in modeling in 1944 and has flown powered Free Flight, Control Line, and RC. He still has his original reel pulse radios and the first engine he used (a Super Cyclone .01). He has been a Leader administrator for five years and helped form two RC clubs. Gus has assisted organizations and clubs when needed and is involved in the Central New York Model Aircraft Association (CNYMAA).
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District 4 Report
Howard Crispin District 4 Vice President 6118 Beechwood Dr., Charlottesville, VA 22901
Associate Vice Presidents:
- Robert E. Ballentine III, 105 Blue St., Severn, MD 21144 — (410) 969-6356
- Bob Chapman, 205 Tottman Rd., Newport News, VA 23606
- Don Gorrell, 215 N. Main St., Emporia, VA 23847
- Scott Hoppe, 1517 Ferncreek Dr., Mechanicsville, VA 23111
- Doug Holland, 1317 Ferndale Dr., Ringgold, PA 17970
- Scott Meyer, 117 Stoney Brook Ln., Williamsburg, NC 27594
- Dick Smith, 7611 Tyrone Ave., Waynesboro, VA 22980
- Charles Spoth, 2828 Holly Ln., Rochester, NY 14609
- Jack Swisher, 2084 Holly Ave., York, PA 17402
- Paul Yacoubian, 6406 Montrose Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28301 — Evenings: (919) 488-5966
Change: Rick Christoph has asked to be relieved as associate vice president for District 4 (western Virginia). Rick holds a Ph.D. and is a professor at James Madison University; workload prevents him from continuing. Richard (Dick) Smith will replace Rick. Dick has experience in aerobatics, scale, USPJA judging, judging at local meets and the Nationals, and retail/model business experience.
Museum: Comments have been received about the museum move from Reston. The Muncie site is intended to be a showcase flying site and needs attractions to draw broad audiences. The museum at Muncie will have period-themed areas (1920s–1950s), replica hobby shops, a history of various flying types (Free Flight, RC, Scale, racing, etc.), and rotating displays tied to flying-site activities. This will take time to assemble; Grand Opening visitors can see progress. The move should help raise the profile of aeromodelling beyond the "toy" image.
Patuxent Aeromodellers and Air Expo: The Patuxent Aeromodellers Radio Control Club in Maryland has participated in the annual Air Expo, presenting flying and static displays and running a raffle for Navy Relief. In 1992 the Air Expo was canceled due to inability to secure the Blue Angels or Thunderbirds. This reflects broader military and budget cutbacks that may reduce such public showcases.
Courtesy and aeromodelling: A letter from Roger Krenzin (Waxhaw, NC) highlighted outstanding friendliness from the Colonial Virginia Aeromodellers when a traveling visitor arrived at their field. Clubs should be welcoming to visitors; this fosters goodwill and potential long-term support.
Summer events: Consider attending the Grand Opening at Muncie or the Nationals at Westover AFB. Other notable events include the Scale World Championships in August and part of the Free Flight Championships over Labor Day weekend.
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Miscellaneous AMA News Items
- The proposal to add a $5 extra license (an extra fee to compete) has been rejected.
- Clubs and members continue to fix and repair large warbird models after minor crashes; photos and examples exist from various clubs.
- The West Pasco Model Pilots Association hosted a SAM 77 event in Odessa, Florida.
- The Memphis Area Soaring Society has a club mascot (a turkey named "Struts") and members active in youth participation; photos show family involvement (e.g., Amy Harvey receiving a Spirit 100).
- The Nelson .15 engine has been donated annually to the winner of the Nationals FAI Power event as part of the McNeill Cup tradition. Henry Nelson donated a Nelson .15 for this year's prize.
- The Fort Rucker Wiregrass Radio Control Club hosted a fun fly at the Hunt Army Helicopter Stagefield.
- Clubs joke about accepting donated land with conditions (e.g., paying taxes forever).
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District 6 Report
Jim Sears District 6 Vice President
March travel plans were repeatedly hampered by weather, canceling trips to swap shops and field visits. Despite setbacks, local events were attended when possible.
Local highlights:
- Lexington Model Airplane Club mall show photos were received.
- The Muncie AVP and volunteers have been instrumental in developing the Muncie flying site; Gary Bussell has done significant work.
- Planned travel includes Sun‑N‑Fun in Florida and an Executive Council meeting in Orlando.
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District 7 Report
Peter Waters District 7 Vice President 115 E. Main, Upper Level, Northville, MI 48167
- Visited many clubs and noted strong preparations for the 1992 flying season.
- The Toledo Show at the Seagate Center was a success; the venue move was a vast improvement.
- Presented an Award of Appreciation to the Weak Signals for competition support and scholarships.
- Byron Show will move to Ankeny, near Des Moines, with a new aeropark planned for 1993.
- A new AVP for northern Minneapolis, Mark Robbott, has taken on coordination duties.
- Noted the passing of Al Doerr of Grand Rapids; his annual Al Doerr Fly-In will continue in his memory.
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District 9 Report
Russ Miller District 9 Vice President 980 N. 3rd Street, Carrington, ND 58421 Days: (701) 652-2739 — Evenings: (701) 652-2321
News from Colorado:
- Sky Corral held an annual mall show on February 29 at Pueblo Mall with 17 finished aircraft, an electric helicopter, an electric speedboat, and a sprint car. Spectator voting determined awards and the turnout generated inquiries and potential new members.
News from South Dakota:
- The Empire Mall Show (Sioux Falls RC'ers) on March 14–15 included 91 entries from 52 contestants.
- Notable displays included a 1/3-scale J3 and a scratch-built 1/4-scale Sea Fury. Club members built stanchions for displays quickly and efficiently.
- An unofficial district meeting was held during the show.
News from North Dakota:
- Interest in forming new clubs in the Rugby and Devils Lake areas has emerged.
V.P. thoughts: The column relies on material forwarded by modelers; more contributions are requested.
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Letters and District 10 Correspondence (Selected)
- Concerns and strong opinions have been expressed about District 10 organization, boundary issues, and financial accountability. Several letters urged restructuring, professional presentations to Leader Members, and, in one case, called for an officer's resignation related to disputed spending and fund accounting.
- Responses from members include offers of donations to regional field funds and debates about voluntary versus mandatory fees for district facilities.
- Members are encouraged to submit proposals with supporting documentation for district restructuring or other major changes.
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PR Roundup
Geoffrey Styles Director of Marketing
- Jefco Modelers (Denver, CO) held an annual auction grossing $76,230 from 1,332 items offered; admission counted 462 bidders. After expenses, the club's share exceeded $9,000. The club uses custom software to track auctions and has installed a sound meter at the runway entry to monitor noise and prevent overly loud aircraft from flying.
- A two-volume set of Paul Matt drawings is now available from Aviation Heritage Books (Sunshine House Inc., 806 Lockport Road, Terre Haute, IN 47802). The set includes three-view drawings of 124 aircraft types with dimensions and airfoils.
- A newly formed model airplane group in Nigeria has requested books, drawings, and other documentation to help grow. Contact Mr. Brendan Umeh, Secretary, Model Aircraft Club, PO Box 1491, Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria.
- The Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA) offers useful materials for clubs seeking publicity: "A Teacher's Guide to Aviation" and pocket pamphlets "Fly a Reporter" and "Fly a Leader." These materials suggest strategies for involving media and political leaders to help secure or retain flying sites. Contact AOPA Communications, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, MD 21701 or (301) 695-2160.
- Bill Bishop, founder of Comet Models and AMA Hall of Fame inductee, celebrated his 80th birthday and sent memorabilia to AMA.
- Example of effective PR: Don Ross sent a thoughtful letter to the National Parks Service describing indoor modeling and proposing an annual "People's Building" event at Floyd Bennett Field, helping strengthen relations and access.
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Sound & Model Aeronautics
Howard Crispin, Jr.
Large-model flying ("Big Bangers") continues to grow rapidly, raising noise awareness and the need for research and improved technology.
Key technical points:
- Many mufflers reduce overall decibel levels but show high readings at higher harmonics; well-engineered mufflers should mitigate these harmonics.
- Sound meters measure the entire spectrum and do not indicate which frequencies contribute most to total levels. High harmonics (1,000 Hz and up) are not attenuated by A-weighting and thus strongly influence readings.
- The propeller often produces the highest peaks even with a good muffler; second are harmonics from the engine and exhaust.
- Propeller selection can reduce overall sound levels—specifically, choose a prop that minimizes increase in rpm in the air relative to full-throttle ground rpm. Proper prop selection can lower flight sound levels by 4–6 dB.
- Vibration isolation is essential on large models to prevent "drumming" of fiberglass fuselages and film coverings, and to protect airframe and control systems.
- Environmental/legislative considerations: press articles link small recreational engines (boats, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, etc.) to significant atmospheric pollution. Proposed regulations could affect small engines; technologies such as catalytic converters or advanced mufflers might be required, possibly increasing costs. Follow proposed regulation developments closely, particularly in California.
- Trade shows: new equipment and sports-engine muffler tests were observed at recent shows; further analysis will appear in future articles.
If you have sound-related data, muffler theory information, or examples of successful noise mitigation, forward them to the AMA Technical Director or Howard Crispin for inclusion in ongoing research and guidance.
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Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
