AMA News - 2001/01

2000 AMA/Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship Winners

Since 1970, the Academy of Model Aeronautics has awarded scholarships to graduating high school seniors. In 2000, the total amount awarded was $28,500.

These monies came from a variety of sources. The Charles Hampson Grant awards amounted to $22,000, which came from gifts, memorials, and the AMA general fund. The Spirit of St. Louis RC Club provided $1,000; memorials to former president John Grigg totaled $922; $1,305 came from proceeds of the Southwestern Modeling Conference; and the Weak Signals contributed $4,500 from the Toledo Exposition raffle sales. The Weak Signals' award is given to the top winner of the Grant Award.

Two additional scholarship programs exist. The Sig award comes from a memorial in honor of the late Glenn Sigafoose from Sig Manufacturing Company. A total of $1,250 was awarded in 2000. The Tom Hutchinson award is presented to individuals based on Free Flight aeromodeling activity; in 2000, one award of $750 was made.

Forty-four applications were received for the year 2000. The committee that reviews the applicants is currently made up of Jane Morgan, Cliff Telford, Charlie Bauer, Russ Miller, and Bob Underwood. Information regarding applications may be obtained from Mary Lou Vojslavek at AMA Headquarters.

Scott Arfin

Scott Arfin, who graduated from Clarkstown High School in New York, received the top Charles H. Grant award of $5,000. He also received the Weak Signals award of $4,500.

Scott has entered the Columbia University School of Engineering and plans to major in electrical engineering. In high school, he received awards for physics, science, math, and orchestra. Scott served as editor in chief of the school's award-winning math magazine. As a senior, Scott advanced to the national level of the Chemistry Olympiad.

At the Greater Metropolitan New York Math Fair, Scott earned gold and silver medals for original math research papers on data compression and perfect number theory. He ranked seventh in his class of 320 with a weighted GPA of 4.45 out of a possible 4.65. School activities included president of the Physics Club and playing in various orchestras.

Community activities included performing music at nursing homes and participating on the planning committee for an Israel Programs Information Fair. Scott also worked in a photo lab and taught computer skills to a class of 20 fourth- and fifth-grade students.

Scott's aeromodeling experience is in the Free Flight category, particularly Indoor. He has competed in the Science Olympiad in propeller propulsion events. His advanced physics teacher stated, "Scott is a fine young man with an enormous desire to learn, along with extraordinary skills." The Academy wishes him every success in his continuing education.

Michael Giansiracusa

Michael Giansiracusa of Northborough, Massachusetts was awarded a Charles H. Grant Scholarship of $4,500 and a Sig Scholarship of $750. He will be attending Cornell University, working toward a degree in aeronautical engineering.

During high school Michael played saxophone in the marching band, acted as a moderator for a United Nations simulation, played soccer and lacrosse, and established a mountain-biking club. Academic honors included selection to the National Honor Society, the Dartmouth College Book Award, and participation in the Alliance for Education's Humanities Scholars' Collaborative.

Michael contributed many hours of community service for the American Diabetes Association, the Northborough Food Pantry, and a local soup kitchen called "Our Father's Table." He has worked a variety of jobs: newspaper delivery, landscaping, bicycle shop, construction, Wal-Mart, and as a soccer referee at a sports facility.

As a member of the Central Massachusetts Radio Controlled Modelers, Michael began his involvement with the hobby in 1994. He has been active in club events and looks forward to competing in Combat events. Michael stated, "I hope to fly airplanes for the rest of my life. With so many different models, engines, and radios, this is the type of hobby that will never be boring." Best wishes for success in the future.

Joe Beuchel

Joe Beuchel of Wausau, Wisconsin graduated from Wausau East High School and is currently enrolled at St. Norbert College, where his pre-medical major is biology. Joe was awarded a Charles H. Grant Scholarship of $4,000.

As an AMA member, Joe has built and flown models with his father and twin brother since 1995. He is a member of the Wausau RC Sportsmen and developed a newcomer's web site for the club. High school activities included marching band and jazz ensemble participation; both groups have performed internationally and won awards. He also played soccer and competed in skiing, joined Spanish Club, and was a National Honor Society member. He was on the Honor Roll for all eight semesters.

Joe was employed at Kmart starting in 1998 and also worked at a Wausau animal hospital. He earned a 3.873 GPA out of 4.0. His school counselor noted his strong work ethic: "He takes hold of every assigned task and completes it well, without hesitation." Good luck in all future endeavors.

William Boenig

A Charles H. Grant Scholarship of $4,000 was presented to William Boenig of San Mateo, California. He graduated from Junipero Serra High School with a 4.0 GPA, ranking first in his class. He has entered Santa Clara University to major in engineering physics with a minor in environmental studies.

William's school and community service includes co-president of the National Honor Society, yearbook editor, vice president of Aviation Explorer Post 182, and membership on the San Mateo Youth Advisory Council. He volunteered at the Hiller Air Museum helping with Free Flight events for children and model-building projects.

Work experience includes Spanish/English translation, restoring a 22-foot sloop, and jobs at a pizza establishment. In 1998 William established a model airplane company, Ariabat RC Aircraft, which manufactures foam slope gliders.

William's interest in aeromodeling began with rocketry, progressed to an electric-powered sailplane, and led him to join the Peninsula Channel Commanders. Through the Aviation Explorer Post, he helped construct glow-powered trainers and donated several flyable models. He stated, "The possibilities of aviation's direction in the future are unpredictable and amazing. I fully intend to apply everything I learn to those problems which hinder aviation, transportation, and exploration today." Best wishes to William.

Ronald James Cotton

Ronald James Cotton of Plano, Texas received a Charles H. Grant award of $3,500. He is enrolled at Rice University pursuing biology, computer science, and electrical engineering, with interest in researching paralysis and nerve diseases.

In high school Ronald participated in Coco Best (an engineering competition), Laser Club, Whiz Quiz, and Future Problem Solvers. He was a National Honor Society member, Boy Scouts, and played flute in the marching band. He founded a chess club that grew to 70 members.

Ronald volunteered extensively—tutoring, Ronald McDonald House, Leukemia Society—and served on a teen jury for a pilot teen court program. He also helped at a local farmstand styled after 19th-century markets.

Introduced to aeromodeling at age five, he learned Radio Control using his father's trainers, learned construction techniques, and competed in Novice Pattern class. Despite other commitments, he participates in club fun-fly events like egg drop and limbo and is currently building a Sig Fazer for competition. Ronald said, "Overall, my time in AMA and the North Dallas Club has been very pleasurable and very rewarding." Best wishes.

William Pisano

William (Bill) Pisano of Longmont, Colorado received a $1,000 Charles H. Grant Scholarship. He graduated from Lyons High School as valedictorian and is attending the University of Colorado at Boulder, majoring in aerospace engineering.

Bill contributed more than 200 hours of community service: Habitat for Humanity, soup kitchen, tutoring, retirement home, neighborhood beautification, booster club, band tutoring, and church service. The town named him Citizen of the Year.

School activities included Student Council, National Honor Society, Odyssey of the Mind, school plays, National Thespian Society, and band. He was Lyons Football Lineman of the Year and active in track. He worked for Boulder County Youth Service building trails and planting trees, and as a software sales associate at CompUSA.

Bill's first model was a foam Slope Soarer, followed by a .40-powered trainer and several scratch-built airplanes requiring aeronautical design research. He helps newcomers at the flying site to "return the favor." The Academy offers best wishes for a successful future.

Jeffrey Macapinlac

Jeffrey Macapinlac of Santa Clara, California graduated from Cupertino High School and has been admitted to UCLA to pursue electrical engineering. He received a Sig scholarship of $500.

Jeffrey achieved a 3.87 GPA and was in the National Honor Society. Honors included Golden State recognition and high honors in physics, geometry, composition, and economics. High school activities: cornerback on varsity football, quarter-miler on varsity track, Key Club member, and president of the Poetry Club.

In his free time, Jeffrey DJs, volunteered as a Red Cross office assistant, and worked as a computer programmer for the Veterans Administration Rehabilitation Center. His aeromodeling began with plastic models, progressed to hand-launched gliders, then to control line, with a primary interest in speed models.

Jeffrey competed in AMA events in California, Oregon, Washington, and Indiana. He won Junior A Speed and 1/2A Profile Proto at the 1995 National Aeromodeling Championships. His profile model was published in the April 1999 Model Aviation as a construction article.

Paul Robelen

Paul Robelen of Farmville, Virginia received a $750 award from the Tom Hutchinson fund, awarded based on Free Flight activity and need. Paul is attending Pensacola Christian College, majoring in music.

Home-schooled, Paul participated in local recreational leagues (basketball, soccer, baseball) and volunteered at a camp for the deaf. Musically, he played trumpet in a local college band and piano and trumpet for church programs.

His aeromodeling activities included running a church craft program and building AMA Cubs and Profile Catapult Gliders. Paul has been an AMA member since 1991 and was introduced to the hobby by his father. At age eight he attended contests held by the Brainbusters Club and regularly flew Indoor events such as A-6, Peanut Scale, and Easy B. Outdoor Free Flight events included Hand-Launched Glider, Catapult Glider, and P-30.

Paul participated in Scale contests with the Flying Aces in Geneseo, New York, and has earned several awards. He said, "While I recognize that I will have less time to be involved with model airplanes during my college years, model airplanes will always be a major part of my life." The Academy sends wishes for future success.

Flying Site Assistance

Joe Beshar Coordinator

198 Merritt Dr., Oradell, NJ 07649 Fax: (201) 261-0223 Tel.: (201) 261-1281 E-mail: joebeshar@juno.com

Finding — Preserving — Maintaining

Does your club need funds to improve your flying field? Here is an opportunity to get $1,000 in support of the project. The following letter was received from Glenn Merritt, Marketing Director of Hitec RCD, Inc., offering an opportunity to all AMA clubs and outlining the details.

Hitec Field Improvement Fund

Hitec RCD, Inc. has established a field improvement fund to help RC flying clubs improve existing flying fields. Any club can apply with a plan that must include the following verifiable information:

1. Contact name, address, and phone number.
2. The same data for three members of the club's board of directors.
3. Number of dues-paying club members.
4. Short plan of proposed improvements.
5. Whether the field is club-owned, other, or leased; if leased, how long remains on the lease.
6. An emotional, heartfelt statement (100 words or less) defining why your club should receive money from this fund.

Entries must be postmarked before February 1, 2001. Ten $1,000 gifts will be awarded by April 1, 2001. Send your entry to:

Hitec RCD, Inc., Field Fund 12115 Paine St., Poway, CA 92064

Monica Shaw — Flying Site Volunteer

We have our first registered female Flying Site Assistance volunteer: Monica Shaw of Coos Bay, Oregon. Monica joined in July and has been outstanding in seeking flying sites in her area. Her enthusiasm is inspiring. The following correspondence from Monica is shared to recognize her efforts.

"My name is Monica Shaw. I am a grandmother, a published poet, and a loving, understanding wife. We live on the beautiful coast of Oregon, which offers pilots many different styles of flights.

"My life was once a very simple thing. I followed my loving husband through the fields of the countryside. I was introduced to the world of flying by going after my dear husband's planes that were stubborn and refused to land in their proper areas.

"At the Bay Area R/C Fliers airstrip in Coos Bay, the airplanes always thought their landing was supposed to be either across the fence at the end of the runway or down in the bay that runs the length of the field. Now they at least can stay out of the mud and land across on the island accessible by rowboat only.

"For slope soaring at the Southern Oregon Slopeiners flying sites at Cape Blanco and Bethel Creek, I believe we have successfully conquered this joy. As we approach the sites, there is the knowledge that we will get our exercise by repeating the world-famous 'Walk of Shame' many times.

"The purpose of tossing up a beautiful well-built plane and watching it glide (sometimes) gracefully over to the other side of the rim or into the sheep pasture half a mile away (which I must cross at least two electric fences) I haven't grasped yet.

"One day I saw an ad in a paper from the AMA for volunteers needed to keep an eye out for flying sites. Being a woman, I didn't know if they would take me seriously, but I said, 'What the heck, they can only say no.' I e-mailed Joe Beshar at AMA and told him of my interest. I am proud to be given this chance to help promote model aviation.

"I always look and scan the countryside for that one perfect place for a flying site. I examine the property, walk around if possible, study it from different angles, and wait to see how and when the winds pick up. I try to judge distances to trees, homes, and other factors important to pilots.

"The spot I search for might be for power gliders, rubber band, or hand-launch planes. I enjoy finding the property owner, shaking his hand, and explaining my purpose with pride. Since being given this opportunity, I feel I have found my niche in this wonderful sport and hobby. I will enjoy it more and more over time.

"So far I have placed ads in the local paper and met with or left messages for people. I feel the perfect place is just around the next bend in the road. Some farmers ask me to let them think about it; I hear stories of past RC flying attempts. My new motto is: I will always try, because if I don't, then I will fail.

"I have tried power and electric but find myself a little timid around these. I like my fingers; they are very useful while I fly. I am more at ease with gliders. I spend time with my husband doing lawn chair flying at Bethel Creek. We pack a lunch and the radio, so when we land and recharge we can have a bite and perhaps a dance on the hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean."

In early September Monica reported success: she found two flying sites for the Air Show Team and the Southern Oregon Slopeiners. One is owned by the city of Coquille and the city manager hopes to develop it next year; until groundbreaking, clubs are welcome to use it. The other is a country site whose owner wants someone to use the field rather than let it sit idle. Both sites need some maintenance but are usable; one is ready for use now. She is also looking into a private quarter-mile paved airstrip.

We need your input. Many inquiries come from members preparing presentations for a flying site; we always provide support materials and guidance. Please advise when you get final property approval and share comments about the support materials supplied. SEND ME your flying site success story so others can learn and be inspired.

Other notes: Attend the Nats next year—new museum building and improvements will make it a great experience. Consider including AMA in your gift plans by sending money, including AMA in your will, or establishing a charitable remainder trust. We can provide guidance on the best way for your gift to benefit you and AMA.

District I Report

Connecticut / Maine / Massachusetts / New Hampshire / Rhode Island / Vermont

Don Krafft Vice President PO Box 1828, Duxbury, MA 02331-1828 Tel.: (781) 934-6248

Note: See a previous issue of the magazine for a listing of all district Associate Vice Presidents and Frequency Coordinator.

Missing Captions Correction

Apologies for missing picture captions in the November column. The captions are printed below:

1. Dave Chapdelane (Coventry, CT) steering the needle valve on his 1/2-scale Combat Yak-9. The aircraft is scratch-built and flies great.
2. Steve Jablonski (Enfield, CT) with his two-meter sailplane, ready to hand-launch.
3. Fly-in Director Bob Boulis (Vernon, CT) performed double duty, serving as the event's gourmet chef.
4. Steve Jablonski discussing his electric version of a WWII vintage Gnome rotary engine with Ron Rukstela (Yankee Fliers newsletter editor).

5 and 6. Steve Jablonski holds his finely crafted Gnome rotary engine. Steve's power unit uses a Speed 400 motor and a belt-driven 3.5:1 gear reduction housing. The scale cylinders that rotate with the propeller are made from more than 275 pieces of manila paper and balsa.

1. Ron Rukstela prepares for a flight as Ryan Cahill assists. Both Ron and Ryan are from the Yankee Fliers of Connecticut club.

The following captions correspond to photos from the North East Drone Society's Annual Polar Bear Fly-In:

• Nester Benetiz (Manchester, CT), assisted by Ron Verhier (Bolton, CT), readying his 1/2-scale Combat MiG-7 for flight.
• A view of the flightline.
• Al Dion (Tolland, CT) prepares for a flight as Ron Verhier holds.
• Dave Johnson (Vernon, CT) with his scratch-built 1/4-scale Sopwith Camel, powered by a G-38 Zenoah engine.
• Calvin Goring (Mansfield, CT) starting his tailless Bill Evans design as Bill Glode (Storrs, CT) assists.
• Robin Luce (Tolland, CT) preparing for a flight.

Millis Model Aircraft Club Fun-Fly

Colin Towers, president of MMAC, reports:

"The fun-fly was run in two rounds and involved a timed event where speed, timing, flying skill, concentration, and ground-control accuracy could win or lose you points. The winner was not predicted until the event was finished; in fact, the last person to fly won. John Podhany was the winner. He had passed his solo test only a couple of weeks earlier. The event was designed for students, novices, and experienced fliers. We had three students and two novice pilots compete; all did well in the placings."

Photos included shots of the ready line, pit area, Steve Petruski taxiing his airplane, and the pilots—John Podhany is pictured center holding the winning airplane.

District II Report

Hello again. What a busy summer it was in District II. With more than 200 clubs holding events and a limited number of flying weekends, things get hectic in July through September.

The first two issues of the District II newsletter were mailed to chartered club presidents in early September and the first week of November. Thank you to everyone who offered comments; the response to increased district communication has been positive.

Dave Bowerman and the Boonville Balsa Busters (Boonville, NY) held their first sanctioned fun-fly on August 12–13, 2000 at "Bowerman International," Dave's backyard club field. Twenty-six area pilots attended, enjoying a picnic supper, several hundred dollars' worth of prizes, and an on-site hobby shop courtesy of Pete's Hobby Shop in Old Forge, NY. The event shows promise to become a premier fun-fly in the District.

Joe Beshar's November column about the Ocean County Modelers' new flying site was praised. The club transformed a former Superfund landfill into a first-rate flying site, Wiskow Airpark, named for Charlie Wiskow who led the project.

New Associate Vice President: Jim Eble Jr. is now AVP for Southern New Jersey. Jim owns Creek Hobbies in Mt. Laurel, NJ. Contact: jime@picas.com.

Other highlights: New Jersey Pine Barons RC Club picnic with about 50 airplanes on the flightline and a well-attended club picnic. Jamestown Flying Aces Fun-Fly (approx. 65 modelers). Thank you to all who added me to your club's newsletter mailing list—it's great reading. See you next time.

District III Report

Ohio / Pennsylvania / West Virginia

Bob Brown Vice President 35 Sanford Street, Bradford, PA 16701 Tel.: (814) 368-7555 E-mail: amadiii@penn.com

Associate Vice Presidents

• Mike Barbee, 6561 Calgary Court, Columbus, OH 43229-2008; (614) 891-1643
• David H. Ellis, 5261 DeWitt Road, Cross Lanes, WV 25313-1209; (304) 776-1408
• Nelson Gould, 1944 Idaho Street, Allentown, PA 18103-8519; (610) 797-8597
• Donald Klopp, 537 Hamilton Court, Trappe, PA 19426-2256; (610) 409-0129
• Tom Morris, 5131 Delford, Pittsburgh, PA 15207; (412) 461-7346
• Frank Noll, 5492 Waterloo Road, Dayton, OH 45459; (937) 435-9232
• Joe Otto, 13085 Heath Road, Chesterland, OH 44026-3225; (440) 729-0185; E-mail: JOttoAMA@AOL.com
• Matthew Turowski, 5 Dogwood Road, Drums, PA 16222; (717) 766-0661
• Joseph S. Vislay, 1381 Cranbrook Drive, PO Box 851, Maumee, OH 43537-3062; (419) 893-9637; E-mail: jsvislay@classicity.net

Frequency Coordinator: John Cottle, 1012 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, PA 18704; (717) 287-8970

In 1971, the Flying Eagles Club formed in Prompton State Park near Aldenville, PA. After securing a usage permit with the Corps of Engineers and the state, the club adopted a logo by Paul Hoock featuring eagles. In 1981 rising water levels flooded the field; the club relocated for two years before returning to Prompton when the water receded. The club has since maintained and improved its site and is now participating in state-led revitalization efforts at the park. Roger Demany, club president, provided photos from the Flying Eagles' Open House.

AVP Tom Morris presented retired AVP John Hathaway with the AMA Superior Service Award at the Mon Valley RC field near Rostraver, PA.

The Beckley Model Airplane Club (Beckley, WV) was formed 28 years ago. After losing their lease, they developed a relationship with the Raleigh County Landfill Authority and now enjoy a great field built by the authority. The club's annual Chili Fly featured strong flying displays.

District III's web page is now at: http://clubs.in-touch.net/amadistrictiii/Home.htm. Webmaster Randy Charles welcomes submissions and ideas: rcharles@in-touch.net

Happy holidays and best wishes for the New Year!

District IV Report

Delaware / District of Columbia / Maryland / North Carolina / Virginia

Chuck Foreman Vice President 412 Pine Cone Ct., Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Phone: (252) 441-5865 Fax: (252) 441-5654 E-mail: CHUCKAMAVP@aol.com

Associate Vice Presidents

• George Abbott, 8712 Westlake Court, Raleigh, NC 27613; (919) 848-6719; E-mail: GAbbott462@aol.com
• Robert E. Babura, 117 Otis Dr., Severn, MD 21144-1130; (410) 969-9395; E-mail: bbabura@msn.com
• Randy Elliott, 103 Virginia Court, Pulaski, VA 24301; (540) 980-8461; Office: (540) 994-2316
• Steve Moulton, 2217 Johnstown Rd., Chesapeake, VA 23322; (757) 421-4545; Office: (757) 463-8483 ext. 23; E-mail: moultons@mindspring.com
• Richard (Dick) Smith, 761 Gwynne Ave., Waynesboro, VA 22980-3346; (540) 943-1684; E-mail: flyrs@cwf.com
• John Stare, 826 Marl Pit Rd., Middletown, DE 19709; (302) 376-7154; E-mail: vrcs38@aol.com
• Bliss Teague, 625 5th Ave. SW, Hickory, NC 28602; (828) 324-2146; Office: (828) 733-9228; E-mail: blissteague@coninc.com

Frequency Coordinator: Paul Yaccobucci, 6408 Winthrop Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28311-1007; Evening: (910) 488-5986; E-mail: PYacco1313@aol.com

This month includes many photographs from around the District. Highlights:

• Triad Electric Fly (Winston-Salem, NC) on May 6: Charles Hicks (Greensboro, NC) with a scratch-built Avro Lancaster (91" span, 12 lb) using Astro 03SG motors in series on 24 Sanyo 2000s with Zinger 12x8 props.
• Howard County Radio Control Club semiannual float-fly (May 13): turnout of 15 floatplanes, including electric models doing touch-and-goes.
• Chesapeake Bay Radio Control Club Neighbor Appreciation Day: last two photos encourage taking a kid flying.
• Emerald Coast Giant Scalers (Wewahitchka, FL): 10th Annual Labor Day Fly-In, also sanctioned by IMAA.
• Sad news: Wilhelmina Chihasz, a long-serving AVP, passed away after a stroke. She served faithfully for 10 years and was an officer in Knoxville Knox County RC Club.

RC Club of Jacksonville officials and their city-provided field were highlighted: members enjoy a field with paved runway, roofed shelter, and storage buildings—an excellent example of local government support.

Peach State Quarter Scalers' Southern Fried Fly-In (Berryhill Airport, Lawrenceville, GA) and Gateway RC Club events in Jacksonville were also noted. One event was abbreviated by weather—members persevered.

District VI Report

Illinois / Indiana / Kentucky / Missouri

Charlie Bauer Vice President 4944 N. Orange Ave., Norridge, IL 60706-3224 Home: (708) 457-0565 Fax: (708) 457-2177 E-mail: sysbauer@charlie.cns.iit.edu

District VI web page: http://www.csam.iit.edu/~amadist6/index.htm

Associate Vice Presidents

Illinois:

• John Kallend, 1935A Hickory Rd., Homewood, IL 60430; (708) 798-7242
• Hal Parenti, 1920 Buckingham, Westchester, IL 60154; (708) 562-5752
• Jerry Worden, 400 Alden Dr., Normal, IL 61761-1202; (309) 454-3905

Indiana:

• Ron Ballard, 6302 N. 700 E., Decatur, IN 46733; (219) 724-8934
• Gary Bussell, 5000 W. Connie Dr., Muncie, IN 47304; (765) 288-3541
• William Kern, 1808 12th St., Bedford, IN 47421-3108; (812) 275-2189

Kentucky:

• Jim Sears, Box 308, Burgin, KY 40310; (606) 748-5834

Missouri:

• Bob Underwood, 32 Hollandbush Ct., St. Charles, MO 63304; (636) 939-3394
• Ken Booher, 1016 North East Barnes Dr., Lee's Summit, MO 64086; (816) 524-7307

Frequency Coordinator: Cal Orr, R.R. 1 Box 123B, Higginsville, MO 64037; (660) 584-8284; Fax: (660) 584-8285

Webmaster: Gary Parenti, 11001 Martindale Dr., Westchester, IL 60154; Eve.: (708) 531-9556

This month the column is devoted to youth members—the future of our hobby. Photos from the 2000 Free Flight Nats and youth programs were provided by Charles Markos, Free Flight Coordinator for District VI.

Downers Grove, IL (Club 279, Woodland Aeromodelers) is highlighted for assisting youth programs. George Bucic submitted photos of a Cub Scout Night with Pack 149 that concluded with a mass launch.

District VII Report

District VII Associate Vice President Chuck Spencer (Lansing, MI) reported on the C.A.R.D.S. Big Bird Fly-In: 68 pilots and 102 airplanes, and about 4,000 spectators over two days.

Awards and recognitions:

• District Service Award presented to Mike Cuba for his work organizing Smithsonian's "On Miniature Wings" program at the Detroit Historical Museum.
• Award of Merit to the Detroit Aero Modelers (D.A.M.S.) for supplying manpower and models.
• Presentation to Don Lutz (Consumers Power Co.) for facilitating the River District Eagles' use of Consumers Power property; Frank Samples and Jack DeLisle were also involved.

Club visits: Northwestern Michigan clubs B.A.R.K.S., K.A.M.P.S., and T.R.A.M.P.S. were visited despite wet weather. An 11-year-old, Steve Stevronsky Jr., gave a notable demonstration flying his Extra.

C.A.V.U.

District VIII Report

District VIII notes a change in AVP personnel: Steve Staple (Arkansas) stepped down due to time pressures. Ronald Stanfield (AMA 8590) has been chosen to replace him as AVP for Arkansas.

Ronald's view of an AVP's responsibilities:

• Attend club functions in the area when possible.
• Let clubs know an AVP is present.
• Listen to comments, problems, and complaints.
• Assist in solving local problems where possible.
• Communicate significant issues and accomplishments to the Vice President.

For information about MECA activities, contact Kay Yarbrough, 5967 Fox Hill Lane, Dallas, TX 75232; Tel.: (214) 376-2519.

The Southwestern Aeromodeling Conference (May 18–19, 2001) seeks papers, presentations, workshops, and vendors. Contact the district VP for participation details.

New staff at AMA will assist in establishing and maintaining local flying sites, including in District VIII. For flying site situations, contact Wes De Cou, 2 Countryside Drive, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920; Tel.: (908) 221-1666; Cell: (908) 672-9062; Fax: (908) 221-9297; E-mail: decou@idt.net.

Dirty Dozen Award (District VIII)

Mission: Recognize District VIII AMA members who consistently give time and personal effort to local club projects and events. Up to five recipients will be selected monthly from nominations. Monthly selectees will be honored in the AMA District VIII Vice President's column in Model Aviation and will receive a plaque at the Southwestern Aeromodeling Conference. Nomination criteria and procedures will be available on the District VIII web site: http://www.AMA-Dist-8.org/ or from the committee chairman, Wayne Beauchamp, 4100 E. 53rd, Suite 2722, Odessa, TX 79762; E-mail: crash@netwest.com.

Flying, fun, & fellowship! — Sandy Frank

District IX Report

Colorado / Kansas / Nebraska / North Dakota / South Dakota / Wyoming

Russ Miller Vice President 980 N. 3rd St., Carrington, ND 58421 Phone: (701) 652-2321 Fax: (701) 652-2994 E-mail: rumiller@dakotel.com

Associate Vice Presidents

• Max Hansen, 1909 Wisconsin SW, Huron, SD 57350
• Nathan Lancaster, 3597 S. Kendall Street, Denver, CO 80235
• Troy Lapp, 1619 Wichita Dr., Bismarck, ND 58504
• Travis McGinnis, 8027 W. 81st Circle, Arvada, CO 80005
• Don Moden, 410 Hart St., Salina, KS 67401
• Jim Ricketts, 4921 Fernwood Drive, Sioux Falls, SD 57103-5573
• Jack L. Siebert, 3611 Kimberly Circle, Lincoln, NE 68506-4524
• Chuck Smith, 1091 Cheshire Street, Casper, WY 82609-3214
• Mike Weidner, 6535 Foxdale Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80919-1788

Frequency Coordinator: Steve Mangles, c/o Radio Service Center, 918 S. Sheridan, Denver, CO 80226

Nebraska News

Lincoln Sky Knights held their third annual Don Neill Memorial Scale Contest on August 19–20. Despite rainy weather that limited participation, eight registrants flew after the weather cleared. Team Scale first place: Lawrence Sparks (Stuka) with Rich Kuenning piloting. Sportsman Sport Scale winner: Rich Kuenning (Lazer 200). Fun Scale first place: Richard Boelts (Bucker Jungmeister). Pilots' Choice went to Lawrence Sparks for his Stuka.

Waverly, NE: Sky Knight pilots flew Open Combat and 1/2-scale WWII 2610 Class in windy conditions on September 9. Top Open Combat finishers: Jeff Smith (1st), Neal Rohrke (2nd), Rick Miller (3rd). Scale class: Wes Parmenter (1st), Neal Rohrke (2nd), Jeff Smith (3rd). Thanks to club members and volunteers who helped run the event.

Colorado News

Pueblo Sky Corral held their annual float fly on July 15 at Lake DeWeese in Westcliffe. Fifteen registered fliers and over 50 spectators enjoyed floatplane flights. Low water levels made retrieval challenging; club members used scratch-built retriever craft to recover downed aircraft. Social events included lakeside lunches and a BBQ at a member's cabin.

Nevada — Reno Rotary Rendezvous RC Helicopter Fun-Fly

June 9–11: Fourth annual Rendezvous at the Reno Radio Control Club field drew 75 pilots and over 200 helicopters, with vendors and manufacturing reps. Competition ran from novice to expert. Curtis Youngblood provided flight demonstrations and support. A notable achievement: 20 helicopters hovered inverted simultaneously for one minute; documentation was sent to Guinness World Records for official recognition. Report by CD Louis Hlousek.

Las Vegas: Dust Devils and Vegas Vultures (FAC) clubs now host low-key monthly contests at El Dorado Dry Lake for Catapult Glider, P-30, combined FAI, combined AMA/Nostalgia Power, and Rubber Scale. The Southwest FAI Challenge and Gamblers Classic are held annually at El Dorado and attract increasing entries.

District XI Notes and Western Reports

Apologies to Bill Ensley, builder of the Heinkel 51A that appeared in the November District XI column; he is a highly respected modeler. After a fire damaged the Miniature Aircraft Association well house and equipment, the Mount Rainier Radio Control Society donated $200 to assist their fellow modelers—an example of modelers helping each other.

Whidbey Island RC Society reports the IMAA Big Bird Event at Skagit Field was successful: 43 pilots and 60 airplanes. WIRCS Big Bird Event drew 23 pilots with 28 aircraft. Jets Over Whidbey drew 16 pilots with 18 jets, half turbine-powered.

Red Baron Modelers (Idaho Falls) maintain a successful partnership with Bingham County Park: two paved runways surrounded by manicured grass, with county-provided capital improvements and club-maintained facilities—another successful example of cooperation with local government.

Shuswap Lake Aero Modelers hosted the Fall Classic at Sandy Point Campground, Salmon Arm, BC, with 115 registered pilots and nearly 300 aircraft.

The 21st Northwest Radio Control Model Exposition will be February 3–4, 2001. District XI meeting at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, followed by the 2001 scheduling meeting at 2:00 p.m. Please send scheduling information to Bill Smith early.

Season's greetings to all—wishing you joyful holidays and a positive New Year. Words to live by: "Indecision is the key to flexibility."

Closing Notes

If you have flying site success stories, photos, or news for your district, please share them so fellow members can benefit from the experience. Keep flying safe and have a successful, enjoyable year in the hobby.

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