AMA News
New Program for Industry
AMA announces an Industry Associate Program for aeromodeling product manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, and publishers of books and magazines. For a $250 annual fee, associates will receive Model Aviation magazine and all AMA newsletters, and may use the associate logo on product boxes and advertising. In addition, associates will be entitled to a 1/4-page ad annually in the National Newsletter and will be listed on-site at the AMA National Flying Site in Muncie, Indiana.
Associate Program participants will also be able to take advantage of a support package that may include advertising discounts, Nationals sponsorship opportunities, program book ads, listings at AMA-held events, and access to cooperative mailings with the AMA.
Meeting of the AVPs
The Academy of Model Aeronautics is exploring a meeting for all 100 of its Associate Vice Presidents (AVPs) and Executive Council members. The meeting is tentatively scheduled for a weekend in September or October 1992. A mailing has been sent to AVPs asking their preferences for dates and topics.
This seminar and training program will cover major topics of interest to AMA leadership. AVPs who participate will receive an award certificate documenting accredited seminar hours and other awards for completion of the training session.
AMA Rule Book / Model Aviation Magazine
At the April 11 Executive Council meeting, Council discussed ways to provide AMA Competition Regulations to the membership. Mailing a standalone rule book to every member is expensive and inefficient; other distribution options (renewal checkboxes, deadline-based free distribution) proved impractical.
Consideration is being given to making one issue of Model Aviation magazine (one issue in a 24-issue cycle) serve as the AMA rule book. Headquarters is studying this option. Advantages include automatic distribution to all magazine recipients at the start of the cycle and the potential to offset printing/distribution costs because the rule book would carry advertising and have a two-year shelf life.
Competition License
After deliberation at the April 11 meeting, the AMA Executive Council decided not to institute a separate competition license program. The membership card will continue to serve as the member's competition license, and there will be no added charges solely for participation in competition. Concerns included added fees, increased workload for Contest Directors, and additional administrative burden on Headquarters.
AMA Financial Audit
Each year the Academy of Model Aeronautics, Inc., undergoes an independent financial audit. Copies of the audit will be sent to publishers of other model airplane magazines and are available to AMA members. To obtain a copy, send $5 to AMA Headquarters. The audit typically begins at the end of May and is presented to the Academy by the auditor in mid‑ to late June.
Equipment Listing / Gold Sticker Program
- The equipment listing published monthly in Model Aviation will be discontinued effective with the January 1993 issue.
- Appropriate changes are being made to the AMA Safety Code to provide guidelines for clubs.
- The Gold Sticker program for transmitters will be discontinued at the end of 1994. After review, the R/CMA‑AMA agreed December 31, 1994, is a reasonable discontinuation date.
- The number of transmitters being stickered has slowed significantly, reducing the need for the stickering service at shows and service centers. R/CMA‑AMA will continue to monitor transmitter frequency environments and the program's necessity.
Key Dates (1992)
Members of AMA Headquarters staff will participate in the following activities:
- June 4–7: 4th Indoor Contest, Johnson City, Tennessee
- June 6–7: MARCS Show, Towson, MD
- June 13: National Flying Site Grand Opening, Muncie, Indiana
- June 14: National Rally, Muncie, Indiana
- June 20–29: AMA National Aeromodelling Championships, Chicopee, Massachusetts
- June 27–28: IMAA Large Scale Model Fly-In, Muncie, Indiana
- July 18–29: League of Silent Flight 1992 National Championships, Vincennes, Indiana
- July 26–Aug 1: NSRCA Pan‑Am Aerobatic Championships, Lawrenceville, Illinois
- July 31–Aug 6: EAA Fly‑In, Oshkosh, Wisconsin
- Aug 1–29: Scale World Championships, Muncie, Indiana
- Sept 4–7: NFFS AAAA Free Flight Contest, Muncie, Indiana
- Sept 5–9: 1992 22nd U.S. Free Flight Championships, Lost Hills, California
- Oct 29–Nov 1: RCHTA Show, Chicago, Illinois
Property Acquisition and Development Committee
Flying Field Purchase Assistance Program
Most flying‑field purchases require loans secured against property value. Undeveloped land typically yields low loan‑to‑value ratios, often resulting in lenders approving no more than 50% of market value; clubs are then required to provide large down payments.
To assist clubs, the AMA Executive Council has agreed to provide Letters of Credit to cover deposit shortfalls incurred in field purchase agreements. The Letter of Credit is a financing assist (not a direct loan) guaranteeing the deposit to the lending institution.
Letter of Credit — example process:
- Sale price: $100,000 → required deposit (50%): $50,000. Club can supply $20,000 → $30,000 gap.
- AMA issues a Letter of Credit for the $30,000 deficit to the financing institution, guaranteeing the deposit if the club defaults.
- With AMA liaison (legal/financial officer), the club completes financing and secures the flying site.
- After approximately 3–5 years of satisfactory payments, the Letter of Credit may be removed and the club can refinance independently; AMA can then offer the Letter of Credit to another club.
This is an assist program, not a subsidized loan. The Letter of Credit carries minimal expenses and requires legal agreements outlining AMA's options should a club default.
Availability and selection:
- PADCOM has developed criteria and application forms (available from AMA HQ).
- The Executive Council agreed to start the program with a maximum of three clubs to evaluate the program across factors such as size, location, type of activity, and urgency.
Additional notes:
- Flying site acquisition remains primarily the responsibility of local modelers; AMA will help as funds and resources allow.
- AMA will focus on securing properties that serve broad AMA membership and can host events; AMA will not staff or run these facilities.
- Growth of membership increases available funds for site goals.
Muncie facility:
- The Muncie National Headquarters/Flying Site is intended as a national facility for hosting large events; it was not developed to replace local flying site needs. It is available to all AMA members.
Noise abatement:
- Noise is a major cause of lost flying sites. Howard Crispin writes monthly about noise reduction in Model Aviation and has prepared a comprehensive free report for clubs.
- Howard conducts noise surveys and offers local assistance. AMA is preparing a videotape on sound reduction and will hold a symposium in Muncie.
- AMA has contacted engine manufacturers requesting quieter mufflers and plans further propeller/propulsion noise research at Muncie.
- AMA recommends clubs adopt noise requirements proactively to protect flying sites.
For flying site assistance, call Geoffrey Styles: (703) 435-0750.
AMA Headquarters
Academy of Model Aeronautics 1810 Samuel Morse Dr. Reston, VA 22090
District & Local News
Delta Dart program (Rochester, NH)
The New England Sport Scale Association (NESSA) runs a 10‑student Delta Dart class at Rochester Middle School: five weekly 50‑minute sessions (three building, two flying), with a final visit to Rochester Airport. Instructors include Ron Dowst (parts preparation), Bob Payer (diplomas), Paul Sylvain, and Ken Lowell. Heger's Hobbies and Crafts provided discounted propeller assemblies.
District 2 — AVPs and Coordinators (highlights)
- Tom Brown (Europe APO/FPO): Retired USAF, works on F‑16C flight simulators in Germany; supports clubs and German modelers, focuses on Giant Scale, FAI Pattern, and Soaring.
- Richard J. Sobrino (Free Flight, Control Line, Indoor): Longtime Contest Coordinator for District 2; active in CL, Navy Carrier, Sport Scale.
- Ernest Nikodem (RC Pylon and Soaring): Retired USAF and former RCAF pilot; active in youth programs and Civil Air Patrol; contests and instruction.
- Robert Kircher (Pattern and Other RC): Contest Director, owner of Kircher RC Products, active in RC Soaring and contest coordination.
- Lon J. Lauter (Frequency Coordinator): Hobby shop owner/operator (Lon's RC Service), experienced in many RC disciplines, District 2 Frequency Coordinator since 1990.
Library Service — AMA / Renaud Memorial Research Library
Contact: Georgianna G. Appel, AMA Reston headquarters.
Fees:
- Museum Patrons — copies: $1/article; research projects: $5/project
- AMA members — copies: $2/article; research projects: $1/project
- Nonmembers — copies: $3/article; research projects: $25/project
Electric Fliers Note
Ron Farkas (Coram, NJ) is serving in an advisory capacity to John Grigg on electric flight matters. John Grigg (contest board member) seeks others interested. Contact: 6387 Badger Rd., Lockport, NY 14094; tel. (716) 434-3955.
District 3 Report (highlights)
- 1992 Toledo Expo drew exhibitors from 29 states and four foreign countries; 240 exhibitors total.
- Johnstown R/C Club celebrated its 30th Anniversary; original charter members honored.
- South Park Area Radio Kontrol Society (SPARKS) produced a successful mail show with over 120 models on display.
District 4 News (highlights)
- Pylon racing: Cliff Telford is leaving the Pylon Racing Contest Board and moving to Florida after many years of service.
- Brainbusters (Hampton, VA) celebrated their 50th anniversary. Founded during WWII with ties to NACA/NASA, members have contributed to aeromodelling, aviation, and community projects (including a Guinness‑record paper aircraft displayed at the Hampton Air and Space Museum).
- Scale and IMAC events are growing in District 4; several clubs are hosting new or returning events. Check Model Aviation and District 4 newsletter for schedules.
Louisiana News Bits
- St. Bernard Aerospace Club presented an annual air show with model demos and full‑scale flybys.
- Northshore R/C Club held its second annual Big Bird Fly‑In with record turnout.
- Baton Rouge R/C Club discussed Cox .049 engine reworking and interest in RC Duration.
News From Kansas
- Southwest Skyhawks R/C Flying Club (Liberal, KS) held a mall show Feb 22–23, 1992, to promote the sport; displays ranged from large scale to combat aircraft. Fundraising supported the Liberal Air Museum.
North Dakota News
August dates to remember:
- Aug 8–9: Harvey Float Fly Fun Fly
- Aug 16: Jamestown Fun Fly
- Aug 21–23: Bismarck Little International Fun Fly
- Dakota Sky Masters (Casselton) first fun fly: Sunday, Aug 16 (field two miles north of Casselton). Contact Al Foell.
District 9 News
A District 9 patch is in design; members are invited to submit input. Patch sales will be handled by AMA Headquarters when available (target completion Nov 1992).
District 10 Report (Regg Keyawa)
District 10 VP Regg Keyawa reports active participation with local airshow teams (Capital City Barnstormers), highlights from shows (e.g., interactions with Jim Franklin), and the value of AMA sponsorship for community airshow activities.
AMA Wish List — Muncie Flying Site
AMA seeks donations of usable equipment for the Muncie facility:
- Metal lathes (6 in. and larger)
- Milling machine
- Air compressor
- Small farm tractor
- Bobcat loader
- Painting equipment
- Two‑wheel trailers
- Utility vehicle (Jeep or similar)
If you have previously owned equipment in good operating condition and wish to donate, contact AMA Executive Director Vince Mankowski at AMA Headquarters: weekdays 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET, (703) 435-0750. Donations may be tax‑deductible.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
