AMA News

AMA NEWS

Help Needed from N.Y., Chicago & L.A. Modelers

When foreign teams travel to the RC World Championships at the end of June they will be faced with transferring from the airport of arrival in the U.S. to another stage of transportation to Springfield, Ohio. They will need to change to another airline (possibly at another airport), or to a train or bus connection, or to rental cars.

This can be a very difficult situation for people in an unfamiliar country, especially upon arrival at international airports like JFK in New York or O'Hare in Chicago. There are typically problems in getting model boxes from one mode of transportation to another, even if it is only from one side of an airport to another.

What can greatly ease the situation is for U.S. modelers to meet the incoming flights and help the visitors to get on to the next stage of travel. This has been done for American teams in the past and would be a great gesture of friendship and return of hospitality which has been shown to us.

Needed, therefore, is a list of AMA'ers who are willing and able to help this effort. Those interested in offering such help should advise AMA HQ, including information as to what size vehicle might be available to help move the visitors from one point to another, if necessary. If familiarity with a particular language is available that should be noted too.

Arrivals are expected from Sunday, June 26 through Wednesday, June 29. It would be particularly helpful if some clubs in the principal areas would take this on as a group project. AMA will help by alerting customs officials at the key airports and by providing identification for the greeters so that the visitors will recognize who is available to help them.

If the situation fits you this is a chance to share in and help promote international goodwill. A few hours effort can be a major contribution to the success of the World Championships.

More AMA Action With the FCC

Before the Federal Communications Commission, Washington, D.C., in the matter of an inquiry relative to preparation for a General World Administrative Radio Conference of the International Telecommunications Union to consider revision of the International Radio Regulations, the subject also known as FCC Docket No. 20271, the following was filed on February 28, 1977:

Comment of

The Academy of Model Aeronautics

The Academy of Model Aeronautics, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as Academy or AMA), by its attorneys, submits the following comments in the Commission's Third Notice of Inquiry in Docket 20271 relative to the preparation for a General World Administrative Radio Conference in 1979.

1. The AMA is the governing body for model aircraft activities in the United States. Its membership at the end of 1976 was in the neighborhood of 62,000, of which approximately 75% regularly fly model aircraft under licenses issued by the Federal Communications Commission. Furthermore, as a representative of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale, the Academy is concerned with RC activities worldwide as well as those within the United States.

1. At the present time, radio control (RC) activities are conducted under a license issued by the Federal Communications Commission in the Radio Control (RC) Service (formerly the Class C Citizens Radio Service). In this Service licensees are permitted to operate on six 27 MHz channels and seven 72 MHz channels. Both frequency bands are increasingly subject to interference, as will be discussed below.

1. In the 27 MHz band, five of the six channels available are interleaved with the Citizens Band (CB) Radio Service (formerly the Class D Citizens Radio Service); and the remaining channel is shared with CB operations, generally operating at higher power, making the channel useless for RC operations. In previous filings, the AMA has advised the Commission of the numerous instances in which licensees in the CB service have taken delight in "shooting down" model aircraft in flight by intentionally transmitting on the RC channel themselves (in violation of the Commission's Rules) or by using such strong signals on the adjacent channels that the low power signals of the RC transmitters (generally in the neighborhood of 100 milliwatts) are overcome and the adjacent channel signal with resulting loss of the model aircraft.

1. The 27 MHz band has been the frequency band where RC operations have developed and many countries have allocated 27 MHz channels for RC operations because of the pioneering efforts of U.S. modelers operating on these channels. Since the 27 MHz band is used in many international model aircraft meets, suitable operating rights in this portion of the spectrum are of importance to the model aircraft fraternity.

1. Nevertheless, the AMA believes that the illegal CB operations will eventually drive RC activities away from the 27 MHz band and that alternate frequencies will have to be found. A petition for allocation of additional channels has been filed with the FCC. Furthermore, other countries are beginning to move away from the 27 MHz band and frequencies due to interference problems similar to those experienced in this country. It is expected that these frequencies will become more prone to interference as use by other services increases. The AMA believes that by 1980 this band will be of little use to the Radio Control (RC) Service unless other means of modulation and coding are found.

1. The Commission has noted a requirement for 10 MHz of spectrum in the 470-494 MHz band for the Citizens Radio Service (presumably including RC operations) in paragraph 48 of the Third Notice of Inquiry. The AMA has taken into consideration the frequencies which may become available in this band and believes that some RC operations may find advantages in operating in this band. The AMA believes that sharing with other services is possible so long as those sharing the frequencies with RC operators are subject to the same power restrictions as the RC operators. Obviously, sharing with high power repeater type systems would not be possible. Maximum power levels in the order of 0.5 to 0.75 watts are suggested.

1. The Radio Control (RC) Service has had experience in sharing its frequencies with high power stations in the 72 MHz band and has found that while it may be workable, there are areas where the 72 MHz channels are highly useful for RC operations in those areas where there are no co-channel high power stations operating in the same area. However, in some areas of the country where the 72 MHz channels are used by high power stations and the 27 MHz channels are subject to CB interference, modelers are finding it extremely difficult to operate safely.
2. With respect to the Commission proposal to make the frequency band 160-190 kHz available for Amateur Radio Service operations, the Academy suggests that, subject to proposed restrictions in power, modulation, class of license, etc., this band may be useful for RC operations.

1. The AMA requests that the Commission approach the World Administrative Radio Conference in the model aircraft sector as an opportunity of establishing a group of common frequencies for RC activities, world-wide. This would certainly eliminate the present difficulties in international competitions where different countries use different frequency bands for RC activities. In view of the pronounced educational and scientific aspects of RC activities, of which the Commission is aware through prior AMA filings, it would be highly desirable and in the broad public interest to establish suitable portions of the spectrum devoted to this activity.

Respectfully submitted, The Academy of Model Aeronautics, Inc., By Jeremiah Courtney, its Attorney, Washington, D.C. Frank Ehling Night was celebrated at the annual Hobby Industry of America Trade Show in Houston on January 31. Frank, AMA's Technical Director since the early 60's, was honored by a triple award presentation: the HIA's Award of Merit, AMA's Distinguished Service Award (shown here being presented by AMA President Johnny Clemens, right), and the Model Aviation Hall of Fame. The awards were in recognition of Frank's many years of service to AMA, to model aviation as a whole, and to the model industry. His contribution of the AMA Cub design (also called the Delta Dart), which has helped thousands of youngsters build and fly their first model airplane, was particularly highlighted by both the HIA and AMA. In addition to these three awards Frank also received a painting of the Cub, created by Bob Lopshire, in honor of the years when the Navy version was used during the National Championships of 1968-1972.

Our AMA Club newsletters show more PRIDE, more NEWS, more INFORMATION, more TECHNICAL HELPS, more COMMUNITY CONCERN, more INTELLIGENCE, more SPIRIT OF TOGETHERNESS, more SENSE OF HUMOR, and more darned QUALITY than you could ever imagine existed. The "magic" of exchanging newsletters has challenged each editor's pride to equal or be better the "other guy." THE RESULT IS SIMPLY FANTASTIC — and I wish you could share all the newsletters with me! Be sure you have thanked your club newsletter editor. It is through his eyes that we see you and your club. And I want to personally thank each of you editors, because it is from you that I am still learning to be a good president.

I AM GOING TO PICK SOME INTERESTING BITS FROM SOME OF THE NEWSLETTERS TO SHARE WITH YOU. I hope you enjoy them!

FROM THE "GLOW PLUG" — The "GLOW PLUG" is the official bulletin of the MIDDLE TENNESSEE R/C SOCIETY, JOHN WORKMAN, editor. A cartoon in the "Glow Plug" which I enjoyed said — "Don't worry about a little wind — If I had a plane left, I'd fly!"

AN AMA LICENSE FOR ONLY $2.50? From excellent editor, CHRIS JOINER, in the COLUMBUS-FT. BENNING RC FLYERS "TAKE-OFF" (Columbus, GA) a reprint of a 1958 AMA membership application blank. It offered, "1. Complete Public Liability Coverage While Flying Your Models at Anytime. 2. Full AMA Membership. 3. AMA'S MODEL AVIATION Magazine. 4. Sporting License. 5. Rule Book." "ALL FOR ONLY—$1.50 up to 16 years. $2.00 16 to 21. $2.50 21 years and up."

Chris comments, "AMA membership was a real bargain then at $2.50 a year . . . come to think of it, it's still a pretty good deal now."

AT THE WRAMS SHOW IN NEW YORK Someone asked me, "What Club do you belong to?" I answered, "The Dallas RC Club." He said, "I have a real good friend who is a member of that club!" I said, "Is that right? Who is he?" He answered, "I can't think of his name."

WATTS NEW — FRESNO (CA) RADIO MODELERS, INC. newsletter is edited by FLOYD LOCHE. In "WATTS NEW" Floyd notes that RICHARD TINDALL is Vice-President and therefore is in charge of the club vice! The "vice-man" advises, "ASK YOUR BUDDY NOT TO FLY NEXT TO THE PIT AREA, as his model might get away from him and he MIGHT HAVE TO THROW HIS TRANSMITTER AT IT TO TRY AND STOP IT!"

THE SUFFOLK WINGS RC MODEL AIRPLANE CLUB newsletter "WING TIPS" is sent to club president and editor, RON FARKAS. The March issue has an amusing cartoon dominating its first page. It shows a man in full pilot's costume launching a folded paper glider, and with many more of same around his feet. The caption under the sketch reads, "WHO NEEDS A FLYING FIELD?"

I HAVE HAD A BAD CASE OF FLU — at least I hope I have had the flu — because I'd sure hate to feel this lousy if I'm well!

DON'T LOSE THE SMALL PARTS! Here is a clever idea from FRED W. GILL-MAN, president of MERCER COUNTY RC in New Jersey. In their newsletter "PROPASH" (editor, RICHARD RADCLIFFE) Gillman suggests that when you disassemble anything with small screws and springs which might fly away or fall on the floor, put the whole thing in a clear plastic bag before starting. Then

AMA News

while reaching in the bag with one hand poke a small hole through the bag for your screwdriver, tweezers, or wrench, and everything will be "in the bag!" GREAT!

AN EXERCISE IN PROPER CONDUCT

The MID AMERICA R/C SOCIETY (MARCS) of Salina, KS, accomplishes several things by holding their club meetings in the Salina Police Station. First they provide themselves with a meeting place. Second, the atmosphere of a police station is bound to assure proper conduct at meetings. And third, it must be a nice feeling to know that you have the police for friends in case of any problems which might arise. And it must be an assuring feeling for the police to at least know that this many citizens are doing proper things and raising their kids in educational and youth energy-absorbing activities. A SHREWD MOVE BY ALL!

This information comes to me from the "MARCS" newsletter, EVERETT SAILSBURY and RON GLASGOW, co-editors.

EXPENSIVE and EXPANSIVE—

-and fattening!

Someone offered a wise warning—"SNACKS STRETCH SLACKS!!"

Several friends lately have mentioned that I look like I had gained weight. Perhaps, but I am very healthy. And I looked up my weight on a medical chart and I find that I AM NOT OVERWEIGHT. (But I did find out that I am 4 inches too short for my weight.)

TOUGH JOB? ADVICE FROM DES MOINES—

GWEN and K. K. McCLURE, newsletter editors for MODELAIRES RC CLUB quote Abe Lincoln, "WHEN YOU FIND A STUMP THAT IS TOO BIG TO PULL OUT, TOO GREEN TO BURN, AND TOO TOUGH TO SPLIT, YOU PLOUGH AROUND IT!" I dig that!

A HEARTFELT THANKS TO AMA VOLUNTEERS!!

RON RIDGEWAY, an AMA Control Line flyer from Kokomo, IN, wanted to share his feelings with you and me. Ron could only get off work for the last of the Dayton Nats and rode down on his "750" (motorcycle) to see the Combat finals. While riding on the vast Wright-Patterson Base in the RAIN at 1:00 AM looking for his friend who had a camper, Ron ran his bike out of gas! No gas stations open for miles.

At this point TWO ANGELS APPEARED in the form of a couple of aged tired, but friendly, AMA OFFICIALS who had worked all day, but still had time and compassion enough to help a buddy in trouble. The two officials rounded up some gasoline from a generator so Ron could get into Dayton and a dry motel. He found the next day that his friend with the camper had stayed in a motel as the campground was afloat.

Ron ends his note to me with, "Please print this because, since I can't remember the names of these two fine men, this is my only means of saying THANK YOU to a couple of AMA 'angels.'"

EVEN IF YOU DON'T LIKE HIM—

Even your enemy is still right most of the time!

MORE ON THE GODFATHER PROGRAM—

From the MILE-HI R/C CLUB of Denver, the "Tailspinner" editor, BOB GODWIN, writes "Much as we would like to take credit for the 'Godfather' beginner's guidance program, I'm afraid we can't. In the March 1976 issue of RC Modeler was an article about the Dandenong and District Aircraft RC Society Godfather program in Australia. We never could have come up with a more appropriate title for such a fine idea."

Bob, that will set the record straight as to where the inspiration came from. But since it was your newsletter that brought it to my attention, I am sure that you and all the "Mile-Hiers" will enjoy knowing that other clubs are following your lead. I found one such mention in the RACINE RC "FLYER" newsletter from Racine, WI. I can't give you the name of the newsletter editor other than "STEVE," because there was no name on the newsletter. "Steve," if you are going to do that good a job on your newsletter, put your name on it, because even the president of AMA might want to write to you!

DON'T FORGET— EVERYBODY SEES YOUR WORK

One cynical model builder was overheard saying to another, "If he was to get all the wrinkles out of his wing he would have two more feet of wingspan!"

NATS NEWS— FROM DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE

From Denny Hackthorne of the RIVERSIDE RC CLUB of the city where this year's Nats will be held in California, I have just received a beautifully put-together organizational chart. If the rest of the work on the Nats is half as well set up as the Riverside RCers have set theirs up the Nats will be a world-beater! On the chart everybody has his "slot" and his duties and responsibilities are SPELLED OUT! And all this beautiful effort, mind you, is being put out by VOLUNTEERS who will be giving up their vacation and much more to give someone else a chance to fly in the Nats.

THIS SPIRIT IS HARD TO BEAT, but it is the spirit that we never cease to be amazed at! It is the SPIRIT OF AMA! And just who IS AMA? WE ALL ARE!!

IN FACT, ALL OF CALIFORNIA HAS "CAUGHT THE FEVER!" This includes MARCH AFB, the AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION OF RIVERSIDE, the RIVERSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, and all the California AMA'ers who are volunteering for duty. About the only thing we need for the August 5th through 14th Nats is YOU. Y'ALL COME!

HACKTHORNE PULLS A NATS FUNNY!

A few days before we went to Riverside for our first planning meeting, John Worth was on the phone to Denny Hackthorne (president of Riverside R/Cers) and asked him if his club would be willing to help with the Nats. Denny said he would be willing to help only if John could get the Nats out here if you guys would be willing.' Then just a couple days later he announced to the club that he had "swung it" and that he had gotten Johnny Clemens, John Worth, and Earl Witt to come to Riverside for a planning meeting. When the members of the club learned this, they thought he had set up a big meeting with out-of-town dignitaries, but when the day came the club members didn't believe it as many thought Denny's "roasting" bit they came down to the hotel out of curiosity, just to see what Denny was pulling.

You should have seen the expressions on the faces when into the room walked the real live President of AMA, the Executive Director of AMA, and the Secretary-Treasurer of AMA, all supposedly "called" there by Hackthorne on a couple of days' notice! You want to watch this Hackthorne! He'll have you picking your own pocket and thinking you are making a donation!

TONGUE-IN-CHEEK ADVICE!!

One of my favorite newsletter editors is DAVE BILLS who sends me the Virginia Peninsula "SEAGULL." Hiding way inside his March '77 issue is this "tongue-in-cheek" advice. Dave sez, "While we are on the subject of modern physics, you novices ought to be careful about flying too high or too far away because of the undue strain you put on your transmitter's RF section. Something like a rubberband stretched too far, I guess. I always remember when I once ruined a shotgun by trying to shoot ducks that were flying too high over Arkansas!"

A FUND RAISING PLAN!

I am always coming at our AMA Executive Director, John Worth, with some new venture that I think AMA should enter into. Upon presenting my latest one I said, "John, how about it?" Without a moment's hesitation he answered, "Sure! I'll send our Special Events Director, Larry Bolich, out to bring in a bunch of hostages, and we'll raise some funds!"

SPEAKING OF HOLDING HOSTAGES

Don't worry about anyone being so foolish as to hold John Worth and me (Johnny Clemens) for ransom. All that they could hope to get in return for Worth would be some red tape from Washington, and in return for me, probably just some fertilizer from Texas!

A MODELER SPENT SO MUCH ON MODELS—

that his conscience hurt him—so he bought his wife a parrot to talk to her plants when she was away from home.

IN MEMORIAM— ANNA MAE GIESEKE

One of the most admired of all the active flyers in the AMA family has been Robert C. Giesecke. Bob worked very hard over a period of years to perfect his skill in Control Line Precision Aerobatics. His efforts were rewarded with his winning the World Championships as well as National Championships. Those of us who admired his dedication and triumphs, knowing that a great amount of Bob's confidence stemmed from the solid backing of his wife, Anna Mae, and their fine kids, were deeply saddened.

Bob and Anna Mae were on vacation in Acapulco when a swimming accident overtook them and Anna Mae lost her life. She was returned to the Giesecke home in Irving, Texas, and then was taken to Greenville, Illinois, for a service and interment. The Giesecke address is 3202 Dartmouth, Irving, Texas 75062.

It is hard to imagine this beautiful family without the wife and mother, but I am sure that all of our AMA "family" will pray with me that Bob and the children can use model aviation and the love of all of us to somehow lessen the burden. God bless these beautiful people.

John E. Clemens, AMA President

******all for now******

AMA News

Don't Send Fees to the FCC!

A filing fee is no longer required for an FCC license. Sending a check, money order, or cash with your application will only cause a delay in processing your license. Personal checks received are destroyed. Money orders and cashier's checks are returned to the sender. Cash payments are returned by U.S. Treasury check.

The Commission is still studying the problem of refunding prior fees. A Public Notice will be issued on any future decision.

Please do not call or write the FCC regarding fees. They are swamped with hundreds of thousands of applications—millions in the case of CB. Better to ask AMA.

CB Applications Swamp the FCC

A record number of CB applications—980,253—were received during January, 1977. This is the highest number of applications filed during any one month period in the Commission's history. Actually, more applications were received during the first five days than for the entire year of 1973.

Some of the reasons for this increase may be due to:

• The suspension of CB license fees on January 1.
• The increase in channels from 23 to 40.
• The availability of new 40 channel sets.
• The Christmas rush.
• Increased public awareness of CB.

A total of 504,484 new CB licenses were issued during January, boosting the number of licensed CBers to 8,159,176. Meanwhile the same thing, on a smaller scale, is happening with RC licenses—AMA has distributed many thousands of FCC license applications since Christmas. Plenty more are available to clubs, individuals, manufacturers, or dealers who request same from AMA by phone or postcard.

AMA booth, above, at the WRAM Show in New York last February was a busy beehive, signing up AMA members and applicants for free FCC licenses. At show's finale, Executive Director John Worth, left in photo below, presented AMA’s Distinguished Service Award to Leon Shulman in recognition of PR efforts which resulted in a major article in the NY Times promoting model aviation. Harry Clayton photos. Help Needed from NY, Chicago & LA Modelers — foreign teams traveling to the RC World Championships at the end of June will be faced with transferring at airport arrival in the U.S. to another stage of transportation. Springfield, Ohio will need a change to another airline, possibly another airport; train, bus connection or rental cars can be a very difficult situation for people unfamiliar with the country, especially upon arrival at international airports like JFK, New York, O'Hare, Chicago. Typically problems getting model boxes moved to transportation on the other side of the airport arise. What can greatly ease the situation is U.S. modelers meeting incoming flights and helping visitors get to the next stage of travel. As has been done...

Needed, therefore, is a list of AMAers willing and able to help. Those interested in offering such help should advise AMA HQ, including information on what size vehicle might be available to help move visitors, points of another necessary familiarity, particular language available. It should be noted, too, arrivals expected Sunday, June 26 through Wednesday, June 29 would be particularly helpful. Some clubs in principal areas would take the group project. AMA will help alerting customs officials at key airports, providing identification greeters visitors will recognize. Available help in this situation fits a chance to share and help promote international good will. A few hours' effort can be a major contribution to the success of the World Championships Internationale. Academy concerned with RC activities worldwide as well as in the United States.

AMA Action — FCC

Before the Federal Communications Commission, Washington, D.C. In the matter of inquiry relative to the preparation of the General World Administrative Radio Conference of the International Telecommunications Union to consider revision of the International Radio Regulations, also known as FCC Docket No. 20271. The following, filed February 28, 1977:

Comment — Academy of Model Aeronautics. Academy of Model Aeronautics, Inc., hereinafter referred to as Academy or AMA, and its attorneys, submits the following comments to the Commission's Third Notice of Inquiry Docket 20271 relative to the preparation of the General World Administrative Radio Conference 1979.

1. AMA is the governing body for model aircraft activities in the United States. Its membership, end 1976, numbered 62,000, approximately 75% regularly fly model aircraft under licenses issued by the Federal Communications Commission. Furthermore, a representative of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale teams past would be a great gesture of friendship to return the hospitality that has been shown us.

1. At the present time radio control (RC) activities are conducted under licenses issued by the Federal Communications Commission. Radio Control (RC) Service, formerly Class C Citizens Radio Service. Service licensees are permitted to operate six 27 MHz channels and seven 72 MHz channels. Both frequency bands are increasingly subject to interference, which will be discussed below.

1. In the 27 MHz band five or six channels are available interleaved with the Citizens Band (CB) Radio Service, formerly Class D Citizens Radio Service. The remaining channel is shared. CB operations generally operate at higher power making the channel useless for RC operations. In previous filings AMA has advised the Commission of numerous instances where licensees of CB service have taken delight in shooting down model aircraft in flight by intentionally transmitting on RC channels themselves, in violation of the Commission's Rules. Using such strong signals on adjacent channels, low power signals from RC transmitters, generally in the neighborhood of 100 milliwatts, cannot overcome the adjacent channel signal resulting in loss of model aircraft.

1. The 27 MHz band has, in frequency bands where RC operations have developed, countries have allocated 27 MHz channels for RC operations because of pioneering efforts of U.S. modelers operating on these channels. Since the 27 MHz band is used in international model aircraft meets, suitable operating rights to this portion of the spectrum is of importance to the model aircraft fraternity.

1. Nevertheless, AMA believes illegal CB operations will eventually drive RC activities away from the 27 MHz band and alternate frequencies will have to be found. A petition for allocation of additional channels has been filed with the FCC. Furthermore, other countries are beginning to move away from the 27 MHz band frequencies due to interference problems similar to those experienced in this country. As expected, frequencies will become prone to interference as use by other services increases. AMA believes the 1980 band will be of little use. Radio Con

AMA News

"Show" at Mentor, Ohio. This year's show featured 75 categories of display competition with 195 awards. Co-Directors Joe Eiben and Larry Wimmer can take the bows for this one.

NEW CLUB

A note from Brian Logsdon, secretary of the Ashville (Ohio) Aces, tells of their relatively new club. The club apparently concentrates on CL and has scheduled quite a number of club contests with concentration on events for the younger or novice fliers. For those who may have an interest, you may contact the club through Brian at 5612 St. Paul Road, Ashville, Ohio 43103.

While on the subject of young modelers, let's address the subject a bit. We were all young once (although it's getting harder to remember) and a lot of us got started in this hobby at a tender age. For those who had the counsel and guidance of more experienced modelers, I'm certain that it was a more rewarding experience and our progress more rapid. I personally never had much of this and, believe me, if I hadn't been a rabid modeler, I would have chucked it quickly. Workable assistance programs operate at the grass roots level and often boil down to the one-on-one relationship. Clubs can certainly assist in the process by organizing activities aimed at encouraging the youngster or beginner. Notice that I don't single out youngsters for preferential treatment, but include all modeling beginners as a needy group. Every club should have an organized beginner assistance program to make those first attempts less painful and discouraging. For those who have thoughts on this subject, let's hear it. One more thing; as far as I'm concerned, local clubs are the backbone of this hobby. They really run the show and certainly without them we would have no contest schedule and probably no hobby of consequence at all. They form the backbone of the national organization and together with the rapidly increasing special interest organizations determine the future of modeling in this country.

While on the subject of worthy causes, let's plug the Second Annual Fun-Fly to be held on May 15 by the Defiance, Ohio Kiwanis Club. This annual affair is designed to raise money to help finance a number of Kiwanis-sponsored worthy causes. The show will be held at the Ayersville High School stadium starting at 1:30 p.m. For more information contact W. E. Heitman, PO Box 488, Defiance, Ohio 43512.

IV DISTRICT REPORT

John Spalding District IV Vice-President 5803 Ellorie Street Lanham, MD 20701

Associate Vice-Presidents: G. C. Henne, 609 Pickett Rd., Mechanicsville, VA 23111 V. D. Halls, 800 Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28210 George A. Morey, 17 Orchard Ln., Wilmington, DE 19809 Ronald Somberg, 1413 Wood Home Rd., Centreville, VA 22020 Paul A. Vaccucci, 6403 Winthorpe Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28301

Time rolls around fast enough without sitting down every month and writing a column that you won't see in print until approximately 40 days later. But it must be done. At the time you read this, district members will have returned from the 1st annual District IV AMA Meeting in Richmond. I hope you all attended and were entertained and enlightened. Many of the Richmond and other Virginia guys have worked hard to make the meeting a success. We have even discussed making it into a trade show and a model show for the Southeast Central states. So I hope it went over well.

By now also, you have done your shop work and the aircraft are in readiness, or have already been tested. So the flying season starts now, you can fly pretty good and the airplane looks pretty good, so why not put on a show? That's right, your club could have an air show team and you can get into "show business." It's different from regular Sunday flying, but it's fun, too. And rewarding.

Headquarters will be distributing information soon on working for the Muscular Dystrophy charity program with Jerry Lewis. This is a truly worthwhile national effort and can win us (the Academy) members a lot of respect and attention. And how about your local government and park department? They have times when they would like to have your club participating in a static or flying display. It is one way to get to know the people in position to help you obtain a flying site. Or repay them for providing the one you have.

So, get your club interested in public relations. Get an air show team going, or promote a static display, or otherwise get yourselves involved in your area's programs. It'll pay in fun for the members, benefit the club, and help in many worthwhile public projects.

By the time you read this, the Spring Executive Council meeting will also be over. HQ has been trying to get the agenda out a few weeks in advance. Now, if they do, that means your local Associate Vice President will get a copy right away. Give him a call, next time, and get him to review the items and get your club's opinions on the points to be discussed. Then he can call me and give me a consensus of what his area's clubs think about the upcoming discussion. That's tremendously helpful to me at the meeting and the way the system is supposed to work. Of course, it isn't always possible to get that much lead time on agenda items, but when it is, why not use the opportunity to air your opinions on solving problems?

The World Championships for RC Aerobatics will be held in Springfield, OH, June 28 to July 4 this summer. For those in the Washington area, we hope to have a hosting program as we did for Doylestown in 1971. If you can house, feed, and entertain foreign guests after the meet, send HQ a note. More information on this should be elsewhere in this issue. For those of you who are interested, we think the RCWC will be an even better show this time than Doylestown. So, it will be worth the drive to see the great contest.

As many of you must know, the recent recession/depression/inflation really hurt the building industry among many others. In 1971, I worked for a firm building houses that had nine national offices producing many hundreds of units annually. Well, things came and went, and the company that was once one of the largest in the country nearly went under. Now, slim and trim, the company is going again and has just rehired yours truly to handle a new project. Of course, the numbers have changed drastically to fit today's parameters; a hundred units instead of a thousand a year. But, the houses are selling and things do feel a little better than a couple of years ago. So I'm starting a new job with old friends and with new rules with most of the old systems. It is worrisome and challenging, but it feels good to be employed again without an end just around the corner. So to my friends out there, who're interested, it ain't exactly good times, but is one heck of a lot better than the bad times the industry and those of us in it have just lived through.

V DISTRICT REPORT

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

Jim McNeill District V Vice-President 517 South 20 Avenue Birmingham, AL 35205

Associate Vice-Presidents: Gene Hammont, 3332 Wiley Rd., Montgomery, AL 36106 Richard C. Jackson, 107 White Blvd., Summerville, SC 29483 Chris Fitts, 5941 Warner Road, Columbia, GA 31904 Bill Kite, 850 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 00961 Julie Woods, PO Box 127, Scooba, MS 39358

The big news this month is the splendid Air Show Team being fabricated in the Miami area, Art Johnson, Manager. This group of Pattern fliers is currently applying for OFFICIAL AMA status as an Air Show Team and will be the first in the district. See photo on next page.

Darrell Mims of Clanton, AL, reports he has just last week formed a new club, the Central Alabama Model Pilots. More on them later.

New Contest Director Ronnie Farmer of Decatur, GA, sent me this fine picture of himself holding his 95% Stiletto by Les McDonald. Les's CL stunt ship won him the WORLD Championship last year. You remember that Ronnie belongs to the Atlanta Skyraiders and the Atlanta Stunt Conspiracy. Good show, Ronnie.

A reprint guest editorial from James Scroggins of "Hangar Flying," the Broward Co. RC of Hollywood, FL:

"If you belong to a club, in heaven's name belong to it. If you are proud of it and it brings you pleasure, speak well of it, stand by it, and stand by what it represents. If put in a pinch, an ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of cleverness. If you must slander, condemn, and downgrade—resign your position, and ..."

AMA News

AMA Aero Honor Society additions for new newsletter editors: Bill Cole of Chattanooga RC Club; Lyman Slack and Jules Fogel of the Tropic Aero's in Miami; Ken Stewart, John Drake, Kent Moc, Jim Alsbrooks, Lou Vagias for the Eglin Aeromodelers "Beam." (I'm still trying to find out who June is?)

They sent back issues of their newsletter "Radio Waves" and put me on the mailing list. This club has an annual building project and a formal training program for new fliers. Member interests are varied, and several of them won trophies at the Expo model show last year.

I'll take this opportunity to thank the Palos Park R/C Club for inviting us to their annual dinner dance. My wife and I greatly enjoyed the evening.

VIII DISTRICT REPORT

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

Associate Vice-Presidents Dave Averill, 9117 L. Barrancas NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111 Red Garmes, 523 N. Lebanon, Sapulpa, OK 74066 Frank Osborne, 18 Mohave Dr., N. Little Rock, AR 72116 Bud Tenney, Box 345, Richardson, TX 75080

Eventually the winds will die down and the dust will settle. Some of our district got well mixed lately with the high winds. New Mexico blew into Texas and Oklahoma, and they in turn blew into Louisiana and Arkansas. With winds up to 60 to 100 knots, it made Hutchinson look calm.

I hope that the dust has settled and the wind died down in time for your local contests. There are many contests coming up this year in our district. I hope that you all planned early with your Contest Coordinators. They have been working hard getting their job done. Should the weather catch up to your contests, they get blamed for that also.

I'll be getting back on the contest trail again this year. Have even made tentative plans for district meetings for Control Line at Fort Worth and possibly Soaring at Lawton. I am open to suggestions for RC, FF, Pylon, etc. If we can't get together, then look me up at the contest sites that I get to. I'll be happy to hear your suggestions and gripes anytime.

As of May 1, I will be back to having my weekends off again. That is what kept me down last year. I am changing jobs again with the Air Force at Sheppard. So I am looking forward to seeing many of you again.

The club activity has been at a high level in our district this winter. I have been able to keep up with it through the many club newsletters that I get. I have the highest regard for the editors of these newsletters. They do a great job and do not always get the recognition that they deserve. Each month I get one or two additional ones. Keep them coming in.

I am looking for someone to replace Jerry Farr on the Carrier Advisory Board. Jerry resigned. I would like to thank him for the job well done. I need someone who not only flies the event, but is willing to spend the time with the correspondence.

SAFE FLYING IS NO ACCIDENT!

IX DISTRICT REPORT

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

Associate Vice-Presidents Claude Brennan, 2202 Mariposa Blvd., Casper, WY 82601 Gerald Deacon, 6460 S. Andes Pl., Denver, CO 80232 Max Hansen, 1909 Wisconsin St., Huron, SD 57350 John Breckinridge, 7610 Lowell St., Overland Park, KS 66204 Lonnie Roeder, 1745 S. 9th, Fargo, ND 58102 Jim Mowrey, R.F.D. 2, Box 56, Kinsey, KS 67547 Oscar Olsen, 6111 Maple, Omaha, NE 68104

In last month's column, I announced the appointment of Jerry Deneau as Associate Vice President for District IX, Colorado area, and I had asked him for additional help.

One of the first things I asked Jerry about was the details on how the Denver area models have been able to get their local and state governments' help in obtaining and furnishing flying sites. Following is Part One of his report:

"Here, in the Denver area, we have five RC clubs (including one RC Soaring club), an Antique Model club, one U-Control club, and a Free Flight club. All of these clubs have one thing in common—they need a place to fly. One of the most recent clubs to find a flying site is the Mile Hi RC Club. They are currently ready to finalize acquisition of a flying site just southeast of Denver at the Arapahoe County Recreation Area. Presently, this club is flying at Lowry Air Force Base, but with new buildings under construction, they will soon lose this site.

"Larry Holt has been working hard on this acquisition. So, I went to Larry's house one night and asked him how a club goes about approaching government agencies. He was very cooperative and suggested the following:

"1. First of all, be prepared for a lot of footwork. One of the best approaches is to lease city or county land that is undeveloped. Under this arrangement, the model club leases the land for a token payment and agrees to the following:

a. Anyone who complies with the rules for the area may fly at the site.

b. Usually, persons flying at the site must be covered with insurance. (Here is where your AMA insurance is really valuable.)

c. The sponsoring club will establish the rules and is responsible for seeing that they are enforced.

d. Many times, mufflers are required. However, this requirement is usually dependent on how close residential areas are to the site.

e. The sponsoring club improves the site and installs runways, pit areas, etc. However, club members must realize that this is not a private club field and that others may fly there if they comply with the rules.

"2. The best place to start is to contact the city or county planning department. Ask to see a planner who is familiar with city or county land that is vacant. (Don't contact the Director at this time, as he is very busy and you don't have a proposal developed yet.)

"Approach the planner with the feasibility of leasing land, and after an informal talk to begin with. The planner, after he understands your needs, will then bring this up to the Director and will obtain the governmental approval that would be required and will advise you of the procedures which you should go through to get the land.

"3. An existing land-use map is an excellent source of information on vacant land. Good potential areas are lands that are in flood plains. No building can be in these areas, but they usually can be easily developed into flying sites.

"4. Once a site has been located and it ap-

AMA News

Help Needed from NY, Chicago & LA Modelers

Foreign teams traveling to the RC World Championships at the end of June will face transferring airports upon arrival in the U.S. and another stage of transportation in Springfield, Ohio. They will need to change to another airline, possibly to another airport, train, bus or rental car. This can be a very difficult situation for people unfamiliar with the country, especially upon arrival at international airports like JFK, New York, and O'Hare, Chicago. Typically there are problems getting model boxes moved to transportation on the other side of the airport or to another carrier.

What can greatly ease the situation is for U.S. modelers to meet incoming flights and help visitors get to the next stage of travel. As has been done in the past, a list is needed of AMAers willing and able to help. Those interested in offering such help should advise AMA Headquarters, including information on what size vehicle might be available to help move visitors from point to point, and any necessary familiarity with a particular language should be noted too. Arrivals expected Sunday, June 26 through Wednesday, June 29 would be particularly helpful. Some clubs in the principal areas would take this on as a group project. AMA will help by alerting customs officials at key airports and providing identification so greeters and visitors will recognize available help. The situation fits a chance to share and to help promote international good will; a few hours' effort can be a major contribution to the success of the World Championships Internationale.

AMA Action — FCC

Before Federal Communications Commission, Washington, D.C. — In the matter of inquiry relative to preparation for the General World Administrative Radio Conference of the International Telecommunications Union to consider revision of the International Radio Regulations (also known as FCC Docket No. 20271), the following was filed February 28, 1977:

Comments of the Academy [sic] of Model Aeronautics

Academy of Model Aeronautics, Inc., hereinafter referred to as Academy or AMA, by its attorneys, submits the following comments in response to the Commission's Third Notice of Inquiry in Docket 20271 relative to preparation for the General World Administrative Radio Conference, 1979.

1. AMA is the governing body of model aircraft activities in the United States. Its membership at the end of 1976 numbered approximately 62,000, approximately 75% of whom regularly fly model aircraft under licenses issued by the Federal Communications Commission. Furthermore, AMA is the representative to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale for the United States.

1. At the present time radio control (RC) activities are conducted under licenses issued by the Federal Communications Commission Radio Control (RC) Service, formerly Class C Citizens Radio Service. Service licensees are permitted to operate six 27 MHz channels and seven 72 MHz channels. Both frequency bands are increasingly subject to interference, as will be discussed below.

1. In the 27 MHz band five of the six channels available to RC are interleaved with the Citizens Band (CB) Radio Service, formerly Class D Citizens Radio Service; the remaining channel is shared. CB operations generally operate at higher power, making the channel useless for RC operations. In previous filings AMA has advised the Commission of numerous instances where licensees of the CB service have taken delight in shooting down model aircraft in flight by intentionally transmitting on RC channels themselves, in violation of the Commission's Rules. Using such strong adjacent-channel signals, the low-power signals of RC transmitters (generally in the neighborhood of 100 milliwatts) cannot overcome the adjacent-channel signal, resulting in loss of model aircraft control.

1. In many countries the 27 MHz band has been allocated for RC operations because of pioneering efforts by U.S. modelers operating on these channels. Since the 27 MHz band was used at international model aircraft meets, suitable operating rights to this portion of the spectrum are of great importance to the model aircraft fraternity.

1. Nevertheless, AMA believes illegal CB operations will eventually drive RC activities away from the 27 MHz band and alternate frequencies will have to be found. Petitions for allocation of additional channels have been filed with the FCC. Furthermore, other countries are beginning to move away from the 27 MHz band because of interference problems similar to those experienced in this country. As use by other services increases, these frequencies will become more prone to interference. AMA believes that by 1980 the 27 MHz band will be of little use for Radio Control

AMA News

Help Needed from NY, Chicago & LA Modelers

Foreign teams traveling to the RC World Championships at the end of June will be faced with transferring at airport arrival in the U.S. and another stage of transportation. Springfield, Ohio, will need a change to another airline, possibly another airport, train or bus connection; rental cars can make for a very difficult situation for people unfamiliar with the country, especially upon arrival at international airports like JFK, New York, and O'Hare, Chicago. Typically there are problems getting model boxes from one mode of transportation to another side of the airport.

What can greatly ease the situation is for U.S. modelers to meet incoming flights and help visitors get to the next stage of travel. A list is needed of AMAers willing and able to help. Those interested in offering such help should advise AMA HQ, including information on what size vehicle might be available to help move visitors, what point another transfer would be necessary, and what familiarity with a particular language is available. It should be noted, too, that arrivals are expected Sunday, June 26 through Wednesday, June 29 — help during these days would be particularly valuable. Some clubs in principal areas could take the group as a project. AMA will help by alerting customs officials at key airports, providing identification and greeters visitors will recognize. When available, help in this situation is a chance to share and promote international good will. A few hours' effort can be a major contribution to the success of the World Championships Internationale.

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