Flying Site Assistance
Wes De Cou Coordinator, Western Region
Voice: (908) 221-1666 Cell: (908) 672-9062 Fax: (908) 221-9297 E-mail: decoud@idt.net
Finding—Preserving—Maintaining
MAIL BAG: Many e-mail messages arrived in the last few weeks asking for the name of the plastic runway material mentioned in my December column. I have found the following information.
The material is called Amocoo Petromat® and is available through local paving suppliers. The material is available in varying grades and thicknesses, so you need to do some telephone calls to get particulars for your specific project.
A trade name for a similar product is Pave Dry®. It comes in 12-foot-wide rolls, 576 feet long. I'm not sure I could lift the roll, but I might be able to land on the runway.
Thanks to District VIII Vice President Sandy Frank and the Internet for the above information.
Reiss Normand of the Tri-Parish RC Flying Club in Bunkie, Louisiana, wrote to say, "...after the better part of a year talking to everyone who would listen, a flying site was found only five miles from town.
"Your article in the December issue of Model Aviation was right on target.
"Any sample lease agreements would be appreciated. We presently have an oral agreement for a two-year lease, with an option to extend after the first year.
"We are in the process of getting our new club chartered. Thank you for your help."
This isn't the first request I've had for sample lease agreements. We provide such samples in the Flying Site Assistance package available from AMA Headquarters. Call (765) 287-1256, extension 272 (Erin Dobbs) or 271 (April Hathaway), and it will be on the way.
Irlie White wrote to say that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has an active survey out asking for input from local communities about proposed new recreational uses for land administered by the Corps.
The folks in Libby, Montana, suggested RC flying as a potential use, and their sense was that the Corps was quite interested in this unique request.
We'll be doing some research with the Corps, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Reclamation to see if there are potential flying sites on their vast holdings.
Here's an interesting approach to creating a flying field, courtesy of Jack LaFavre, former president of the Space City R/C Club of Katy–Houston, Texas.
"Space City R/C Club was organized about 1968. I became a member in 1969. For many years we moved from site to site in order to fly our models. Finally, in 1982 we found a farmer who was willing to lease us the far end of a 40-acre tract for $100 per month.
"A few years later we approached the owner to see if he would sell us the land. The answer—yes! $10,000 per acre. Wow!
"We incorporated Space City R/C Club then formed another corporation, Space City R/C Investments, Inc. Twelve of us pledged $500 per year for five years to purchase stock in the corporation. With seed money, we purchased our first acreage.
"At the end of the first five-year period we found 14 more members who were willing to pledge $500 per year for five years to purchase stock in the corporation. With these additional funds we purchased more land for our flying field.
"The investment corporation leases the field to the club. As rent, the stockholders do not pay dues to the club.
"Dues are $150 per year and we have between 100 and 150 members per year, including all stockholders. In addition to rent, the club must pay all taxes, provide all maintenance, and pay for all improvements to the site."
“The stockholders doubt if they will ever recover any money on their investment; however, having a permanent field is worth it.”
My thanks to Jack for sharing this interesting approach with us.
The last item for this month came from a member in Oklahoma and recounts the story of the loss of a field followed by the successful acquisition of another flying site because the club involved was willing to give something back to the community.
I preach "give something back" repeatedly, and here's proof that it has value.
This was in a letter from Bald Eagles R/C Club's secretary–treasurer Darrell Wright to District VIII Vice President Sandy Frank.
“If you recall, about one year ago a woman began to complain about the model airplanes one month after she moved into the house located close to the former flying field that was the property of the City of Sapulpa, OK.
“She e-mailed and telephoned everyone from the police to the White House.
“After several meetings with the Park and Recreation Department, an agreement with her was reached, but in a private conversation she said that she would call to complain each time a plane flew from the runway.
“She did.
“After more meetings with the city council and other city officials, she got the women and most of the men to vote in her favor and we were closed down in June 2000, just as you predicted would happen.
“The club has been looking for sites since. We found a closed grass airport on 80 acres of land owned by the Bethesda Boys Ranch! Brian Miller, the director, agreed to allow us to use the site if we would let his boys come over and watch.
“Having worked with young people from all walks of life for the past five years, we agreed and suggested that we get the guys involved in the hobby and teach them to fly.
“We have worked with the young men assigned by the court system to spend time at the institution, and we have set up booths at fairs and other events with an emphasis toward the young people.
“At times we have worked in cooperation with Oklahoma State University, NASA, and the Extension Board. Some individuals were as young as six years old, most in the 15–18 age range.
“Since our initial contact with the director of Bethesda Boys Ranch, we have signed an agreement for five years. Two runways were cut out, north/south and east/west, on December 10 and without any further work, those present flew from the new airfield.
“This 80-acre area contains a closed, full-scale grass runway. There is also room for all categories of models and a large pond is located nearby.
“A meeting will be held in early January to plan to move the shelter, bleachers, safety fences, etc., from the old site to the new one.
“The next biggest expense will be a gravel road and parking.
“The new site has been named in honor of the individual who located the area, Dan Worden. Dan is in his mid-70s and his eyesight isn't as good as it should be, but with the club instructors and the buddy box, he flies regularly.
“The Bald Eagles R/C Club works with youth groups of all kinds including correctional, Scouts, schools, children's fairs, and seminars to promote model aviation as well as careers in the field of aviation.
“We have 11 members who are also full-scale pilots.
“One of our members suggested that even though it has been a long uphill battle to locate a new site, we may be should write a letter of appreciation to the lady who complained and the Sapulpa City Council for making it possible to find a site that will be rated a 10."
Nice work! The kids win, the fliers win, and the community wins.
Keep the e-mails coming. Your ideas and experiences might help save or acquire another flying site for your fellow members.
Focus on Education
Gordon Schimmel AMA Education Committee Chairperson
As the winds of winter and early spring blow across most of the country, the thoughts of many modelers turn to indoor flying.
Imagine having 15,000,000 cubic feet of space available, 80 feet from floor to girders, in the largest building in the world — part of the Boeing Aircraft factory in Everett, Washington.
Keith Varnau, a designer for Boeing, has organized indoor rubber events for employees and their children for several years, as part of a company program to reach out to families with activities related to Boeing's mission in aircraft design and manufacturing.
Since 1994, AMA has provided kits for this event and, more recently, $1 youth memberships to assist Keith, members of NFFS, and several company engineers who are themselves modelers, to make these events possible.
Last summer's program, Hangar 2000, attracted more than 300 Boeing employees and their families and invited groups including the Boy and Girl Scouts, 4-H Clubs, Opportunity Skyway, and the Science Olympiad.
"Sharing what we know is a step in the right direction," Keith says as he reflects on the experience. "In this high-tech, fast-paced world we live in today, the construction of indoor models and the handling of flight adjustments are scientific art forms we want to pass on to the next generation."
The theme of the event, "Youth and Adults Learning About the Future of Flight Together," sums up the commitment Boeing management has made to support the program.
"They realize that the skills and abilities of our youth are vital to the survival of our business future in the aviation industry, as well as many other areas of career choice," notes Keith.
Modeling techniques and flight demonstrations provided newcomers with tips and techniques to help them understand the challenges of attaining successful flights. Topics ranged from making models light to tissue covering techniques, appropriate propellers for rubber-powered scale models to indoor hand-launched gliders. Several flight demonstrations were also featured.
A highlight of the day was a brief inspirational talk from Marlene Nelson, chief engineer for the Boeing 747, who encouraged the children in the audience to follow their dreams.
"In my career, I've been lucky enough to design, build, and fly Boeing airplanes, just as you are designing, building, and flying your own small model airplanes. If you put your mind to it, and dare to dream, great things will happen to you too," said Marlene.
She capped her talk with a launch of Keith's Pennyplane — a flight that lasted eight minutes!
Hangar 2000 represents the latest of several events Keith has organized in the past few years, exposing more than 60,000 children and adults to the fun of building a "flying machine."
The events serve as a springboard for other opportunities, including an aero-camp and membership in the Boeing-based model club that sponsors additional events for beginners.
Not many of us have access to one of the largest buildings in the world and the support of a company willing to move a 747 to provide a day of indoor flying space; however, we need to remember that the magic and power of flight is universally appreciated when a newcomer to modeling has a chance to build something that flies, whether indoors or out, gas- or electric-powered, or soaring free on the wind.
Like Keith, the AMA Education Committee is committed to sharing this experience with as many people as possible.
Recently, Michael Smith, curator of the museum at AMA Headquarters and a member of the Education Committee, described his experience representing our organization at a community event in Muncie. Michael and Jack Frost, the AMA education coordinator, staffed an AMA booth at a "tailgate" event prior to a Ball State football game. Unlikely as this work initially may appear in the ongoing effort to attract new members, it represents one of many creative opportunities, similar to Hangar 2000 in Seattle, that AMA supports to broaden public appreciation and understanding for the fun and education available in model aviation.
The mission of the AMA Education Committee is simple: we hope to expose more people to the rewards of building something that can be made to fly successfully — even well — as a way of discovering the pleasure of new learning and the confidence inspired by such an achievement.
To the extent this work supports increased interest for young people in technical careers, as well as growth in AMA membership, it is only part of the Education Committee's goal. We also hope that it will provide opportunities for newcomers to develop important analytical skills that will serve them for a lifetime, as consumers and as educated citizens of a democratic society.
If we look carefully, some of us may discover that our own workplaces could serve as a "hangar for a day," making it possible to come together to share the pleasure we derive from our hobby and sport.
Keith Varnau has helped inspire others with his love for simple flight and similar opportunities exist all around us.
"As they say, if we build a stadium, they will come," Keith notes. "Youngsters have many more opportunities today than we had as youngsters. There are young modelers out there waiting for the right opportunity to be exposed to our world of flight. Why not try? We have lots to lose if we don't!"
"We must be open to different ways of teaching aerodynamics, challenge the next generation to understand basics that the Wright Brothers understood 100 years ago. Think how we have developed since 1903.
"Where will we be in another 100 years? Technology is the fuel that keeps our learning growing and our inspiration, the glue that binds us together."
As Orville Wright once remarked, "Isn't it astonishing that all of these secrets have been preserved for so many years just so that we could discover them?"
The discovery goes on and the excitement is contagious. Contact the Education Committee of the Academy if you, like Keith, want to help us share the adventure with others.
District I Report
Connecticut / Maine / Massachusetts / New Hampshire / Rhode Island / Vermont
Don Krafft Vice President PO Box 1828, Duxbury MA 02331-1828 (781) 934-6248
Associate Vice Presidents
- James M. Semonian, 166 Allen Road, Billerica MA 01821-5240
- M.C. McGuffin, 116 Hillview Avenue, Houlton ME 04730-2312
- Harry S. Newman, 36 Sherwood Drive, Hooksett NH 03106-1077
- Richard Sherman, 30 High Street, Plymouth NH 03264-1223
- Andrew Argenio, 3 Sheila Ave., Smithfield RI 02917
- Bob Wallace, 91 Sylvan Street, Avon CT 06001-2230
Frequency Coordinator
- Joel Chappell, 21 Billings Street, Milford NH 03055-3906 — Ph. (603) 885-3876
HALL OF FAME AWARD: On October 30, 2000, I had the privilege of awarding the Hall of Fame award to Richard "Dick" Sherman of Plymouth, New Hampshire.
Dick is the owner and curator of a fabulous modeling museum, which is housed in one of his homes. I have known Dick since 1957 when we were both pilots for Mohawk Airlines. He was a Navy aviator before that.
All this time he has been active in modeling. He has worked for the AMA, being a local AMA officer for many years along with his building, flying, and competing both in this country and abroad.
Dick's wife Ruth has supported this activity and has accompanied him on most of his travels. Without her gracious backing, this honor may not have been achieved.
The following pictures were taken at the party given in honor of this occasion. The people attending were longtime friends and fellow club members.
Bob Wallace, Associate Vice President (AVP) from Connecticut, sent the following material.
A special occasion highlighted the November 9 meeting of the Nutmeg RC Flyers, in Thomaston, CT. This meeting was proclaimed "John White Night" to honor one of their most distinguished members.
One of the founders of the Nutmeg RC Flyers more than 25 years ago, John is highly respected by his peers and widely recognized for his many years of dedicated service, not only to his club, but to aeromodeling in general.
The night's festivities were kept secret from John, and he never suspected anything until his wife showed up at the meeting!
To commemorate the event, John was awarded one of the Academy's most coveted awards, the Superior Service Award, presented by AVP Bob Wallace. A cake, decorated with the Superior Service Award certificate image, was also enjoyed by all present.
In addition to receiving this award, John also was presented with a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Certificate of Appreciation. John was instrumental in obtaining the club's flying site situated on land managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. John has been the key liaison with them over the years.
An article about how the Nutmeg RC Flyers obtained and developed their flying site, which is situated on flood control land at the Thomaston Dam, and the wonderful relationship that has been established with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be appearing in a future issue of Model Aviation.
CENTRAL New York has a new Associate Vice President (AVP). Peter Seiffert will now be handling the AVP duties in the area I used to cover. Peter is a member of the Syracuse Thunderbirds Aero Radio Society and has held several offices in that club, including club president.
Peter was instrumental in organizing the STARS/ARCS Model Forum held the last five years in upstate New York. Pete's postal address can be found in the column header and his e-mail address is pseiffert1@twcny.rr.com.
One of my goals is to increase communication in the district between the AMA and its members. One way I plan to do this is to make better use of our AVPs.
I will do my best to keep them informed of the important issues taking place within the Academy so that they can relay that information to the clubs and members in the areas they cover. In return, please make them aware of any concerns or problems that you may have so that we can do our best to help you.
Invite your AVP to your club events. Add him to your newsletter mailing list. These volunteers truly look forward to hearing from you.
Tim Pease, newly elected president of the Oswego Valley Modelaires, sent this report on his club's recent trip to Wellesley Island. On September 23, 2000 they participated in the annual Boy Scout Camporee held there. Wellesley Island is located in the northern part of New York in the St. Lawrence River on the Canadian border.
"When we arrived at the island, it was raining. We met with the Scout leaders who provided us with a 10 x 20-foot canopy and some picnic tables.
"After about an hour the rain eased and we started to unpack. Fortunately, the rain stopped and held off for the rest of the day and we did a lot of flying.
"OVM member Darrel Eckhard was the first up and things got a little blurry after that. Like moths to a flame, when the Scouts heard our engines running, we were done. Once they knew we were letting them try their hand at flying, we couldn't keep them away.
"With more than 4,500 Scouts on the island, they could have kept us there for weeks. Between flights some of us were explaining the workings of the airplanes to the Scouts as they toured the pits. By the end of the day they had learned a lot about flying and we had learned a lot about planning and scheduling.
"Scouts from the U.S. and Canada hold this Camporee every year. In even years it is held in the U.S. When they hold this event again in the U.S. two years from now, we'll be ready and better prepared."
The Aero Radio Club of Syracuse held their annual New Year's Day Fly-In at their field in Marcellus, NY on January 1, 2001. There was no lack of snow for this year's event, as the Central New York area had already recorded nearly 100 inches so far for the season.
Twenty-five or so members showed up to welcome the new year. Longtime ARCS member Walt Throne took the first flight of 2001, followed by club president Herb Ziegler.
Unfortunately, Al Metz received the dubious distinction of recording the first crash of the year when his model got away from him in the snow.
The less brave, including myself, decided it was more prudent to stay inside where it was warm and watch all the activities through the window!
Have you seen any of the foam Ready-to-Fly (RTF) park flyers advertised in several major modeling magazines? The owner of our local hobby shop told me that he sold nearly 100 of this type of model during the holiday season.
If that's any indication, we can only guess that there were thousands of these sold throughout the United States.
What does this mean to us? Well, it depends. Most of these models are being flown in parks and open fields, apart from any organized flying clubs.
Right now, most of these models are being operated on frequencies different from the ones we utilize, but what happens when some of the people who bought these RTF models decide they really enjoy radio control (RC) flying and want to step up into something a little more "traditional"? Something with a radio that uses the 72 MHz frequencies, the ones we're most familiar with.
Are they still going to be flying these in parks and fields? How close will they be to our established club sites? Instead of looking at this as a potential problem, why not look at it as an opportunity?
It is an opportunity to increase our membership by introducing these new modelers to the benefits of belonging to our clubs. We can do this by placing club information in our local hobby shops. Ask these shops to hand out your literature with any of these RTFs that they sell.
When they contact you, invite them to your field and offer to help them using our Intro Pilot Program.
I don't believe these new RTF park flyers are a fad. They're here to stay and the number of them out there is only going to continue to grow. Let's take advantage of it.
Spring is right around the corner. See you soon.
Has your club initiated its effort to become one of the Academy's top Leader Clubs? The programs are very simple to complete and reward the club with a positive, long-lasting relationship with the public and other modelers.
Contact Jay Mealy at AMA Headquarters for additional information.
If your club is hosting any type of sanctioned event for the upcoming year, it is hoped that your sanction has already been submitted. If not, please send in your sanction application immediately.
If you have questions pertaining to your sanction, contact Marge Weisenbach or Nelson Gould for assistance.
Scott Wright, president of the Hamilton Area Wireless Kontrol Society, provided the following information and pictures.
The 18th annual HAWKS 4-Cycle Rally was held at Joyce Park HAWKS Field in Hamilton, Ohio. Once again, O.S. Engines® and Great Planes® made the event an outstanding success. More than 18 O.S.® four-stroke engines were given away this year.
For those of you who have never heard of the Rally, it is a fun-fly with a twist. You win engines!
These engines are RC's biggest secret. The only rule is all airplanes must have four-stroke engines. Five different events allow all to participate: a mini-Pattern event with basic maneuvering skills, spot landings in a generous area, a bomb drop into an area the size of a football field, Scale, and finally, the George Durbin Aerobatic Event, which is a freestyle timed event where the pilots let loose.
It's not the Tournament of Champions but it is fun! All but the last two events are a "gimme." Your name goes in the hat and is pulled at the end of the rally.
If you are looking for an event toward the end of the season where you can win an engine for your upcoming project, go to the HAWKS 4-Cycle Rally. Check out the HAWKS Web site at http://members.aol.com/torqroll
SUSSEX AEROMODELERS: Looks like someone took a kid flying, and look what happened!
The photograph shows Raymond Herman, age nine, being welcomed aboard as a member of the Sussex Aeromodelers (Seaford, Delaware) by Maynard Spicer, the club president. To Raymond's left is his instructor, Bob Eaton.
Statesville Model Fliers R/C Club: This photo shows Steven Jenkins, AMA 625845, presenting an AMA Pilot Patch to his son Joshua Jenkins, AMA 625846.
Joshua is the youngest member of the Statesville Model Fliers to have qualified as an unlimited, fully qualified pilot in the club at age 11.
West Hickory Aero Modelers: This group of fliers enjoyed the second annual Bob Wilson Memorial Fly-in at the WHAM club field from the Catawba Valley RCers club.
With all of that help, it had to fly!
That's all, folks. Go take a kid flying.
District V Report
Alabama / Florida / Georgia / Mississippi / Puerto Rico / South Carolina / Tennessee
Jim McNeill Vice President
617 South 20 Avenue, Birmingham AL 35205 Tel.: (205) 322-2127 Fax: (205) 252-2654 E-mail: amc@hiwaay.net Web page: Lamar Blair — http://home.att.net/~ama_district_v
Notice: For listing of all district volunteer workers, please consult the previous magazine issue.
ATTENTION FLORIDA MEMBERS
Fire hazard warnings in Florida! Attention club safety officers, club presidents, and contest directors in Florida. Florida is having its worst dry spell in recent history.
Read here what AMA's Safety Committee Chairman Don Lowe has to say on the subject of fire hazards.
"Central Florida is now considered the driest area in the U.S. Brush fires are occurring all the time. Winter freezes have helped create dead underbrush and the dry conditions have made it worse. People have died recently driving through smoke-shrouded roads.
"The Florida water supply is low. Small lakes have dried up. We need to warn event directors having jet rallies. It is a good idea to message Florida clubs about their operations and to be prepared for fire control."
Now read AMA's official statement, via Carl Maroney at AMA Headquarters.
"Florida is in the midst of the worst fire potential in history. Special precautions need to be taken in the event of a crash. Jet rallies and turbine engines being flown need fire fighting equipment and personnel on the site."
I was at the sixth annual Big Bird Bash at Indian River Control Society's field in Viera, Florida a couple days ago. Club president Mark Poole was very nice to me, showed me all around, and also showed me his club's fire extinguisher.
Earlier that day I was at the King Orange control-line flying at the Jacksonville Whitehouse naval landing strip. On the other side of the field there is a three-truck fire station. The fire department supervisor introduced me to Bill Zemko.
A five-gallon container with a hand pump can work better on grass than a tiny fire extinguisher. A fire extinguisher is better for putting out burning gasoline or chemicals.
You can buy a fire extinguisher for $10 to $27 almost everywhere. The water-carrying backpack can come in vinyl or galvanized steel, and is about $112 to $135. I urge every club in Florida to consider fire fighting equipment of some kind.
Brent Pittman in Augusta, Georgia, writes:
"After more than five years at our present site, our flying club has lost our site as of Jan. first. Other local clubs have allowed us to use their fields, but two of these will soon lose their sites. Our club officers have been slow in looking for a new place to fly. We welcome any ideas our AMA can offer."
Brent, AMA's greatest concern is helping clubs acquire and hold on to flying sites. Currently we have an experienced, dedicated, hard-working person whose full-time occupation is helping clubs with flying sites. His name is Joe S., 198 Merritt Drive, Oradell NJ 07649. Joe is a former District Vice President and is very helpful. (See page 151 in March's Model Aviation.)
I have forwarded your letter to Joe. We also have a new person, Wes De Cou, as the Flying Site Coordinator, Western Region.
The purpose for these men is finding, preserving, and maintaining flying fields.
Jim Kiehl in Largo, Florida wants you to see Joe Saitta's Messerschmitt Me 262 below. The original had two jet engines in it. Joe's is powered with two O.S. 91s, propeller-driven. Jim says it flies peachy, and was the outstanding model at the recent Sarasota Warbirds' meet.
Joe has confided to Jim that as soon as he wins the Florida Lottery, he is going to install two turbine engines in his model.
Richard Gum in Leesburg, Florida wants to know if there is anyone in his area who flies RC electric. Leesburg is just a few miles north of Orlando. Richard's telephone number is (352) 323-1843.
I first met Joyce Hager when I began serving on the AMA Council representing District V in 1972. We've come a long way since. The year before, 1971, AMA had 38,731 members. Today we have almost five times that many.
The gentleman sitting behind Joyce is Technical Director Steve Kaluza. Joyce will join me at our annual Membership Meeting in Perry, Georgia on March 3 at the Southeastern Model Show.
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 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) 584-6284, Fax (660) 584-6285
Webmaster
- Gary Parenti, 11001 Martindale Dr., Westchester IL 60154 — Eve. (708) 531-9556
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL: Club #917, the Treetown Modelaires/Martin Stunt Team, held their annual Lost Cajun Stunt Classic.
Results:
EXPERT
- Allen Brickhaus — Legacy / PA .61
- Ron Woodman — Viper / O.S. .40VF
- Jim Renkar — Twister / O.S. .25
ADVANCED
- Mark McKinney — Genesis / ST .51
- Dale Josephson — Magnum / ST .46
- Marvin A. Babcock — no info
INTERMEDIATE
- Mark Benson — Banshee / O.S. .40
- Marvin G. Babcock — Taz / O.S. .40
- William Smith — Banshee / O.S. .40
BEGINNER
- Kurt Krempetz — Nobler / Fox .35
- Alan Hahn — Skyway / K&B .28
- Denis Downs — no info
VALLEY PARK, MO: Club #702, Lafayette Esquadrille, had great flying weather for their annual Broken Arrow Stunt and Scale contest.
The two-day event was attended by many pilots and spectators. Jim Thomerson sent in pictures and information.
District VII Report
Iowa / Michigan / Minnesota / Wisconsin
Bill Oberdieck Vice President
PO Box 1076, Southgate MI 48195 Ph. (734) 283-4813 Fax (734) 283-0650 E-mail: sgeordnic@pcgroup.net Web page: http://members.xoom.com/_XMCAM/amadist7/distvii/VII_Home_page.html
Associate Vice Presidents
- Bren Bailey, 1440 Center St., Marquette MI 49855 — (906) 228-7747 — E-mail: bsbailey@mmu.edu
- Ed Bucki, PO Box 324, S. Rockwood MI 48179 — (734) 379-4054 — E-mail: Buckstar2@home.net
- Joe Campopiano, 3709 SW 4th St., Des Moines IA 50315
- Bud Gorman, Box 33, Knife River MN 55609 — E-mail: bgorman@harbornet.net
- Russell Knetzger, 2625 E. Shorewood Boulevard, Milwaukee WI 53211
- Thomas D. Lazar, 435 Hubbell St., Marshall WI 53559-9409 — E-mail: tlazar@yahoo.com
- Bill Millar, 712 Grand Ave., Petoskey MI 49770 — (231) 347-2347 — E-mail: wmillar@freeway.net
- Tom Pierce, 6862 Fifth Rd., St. Clair MI 48079 — (810) 367-6450 — E-mail: tom_pierce_48070@yahoo.com
- Mark E. Robotti, 26540 Olympic Trail, North Lindstrom MN 55045
- Chuck Spencer, 7208 Medallion Rd., Lansing MI 48917-9601 — (517) 886-1007
Frequency Coordinators
- (West) Al Schwartz, 2787 Fernwood, Roseville MN 55113 — (651) 633-2286 — E-mail: albert.schwartz@postoffice.worldnet.att.net
- (East) Pete Waters, 7420 Seven Mile Rd., Northville MI 48167 — (248) 486-4800
Ah, spring, when a young man's fancy turns to thoughts of ... well, for some of us it is flying our models and the annual Toledo Weak Signals Expo, which will be held April 6, 7, and 8 in Toledo.
This is the event that for me is the start of the season, as well as my chance to see the latest kits and miscellaneous goodies offered by a myriad of vendors. It is the mecca of modeldom.
As in so many years past, I will be one of the many thousands of modelers who will pass through the doors.
But what does spring really mean for some of us in the northern climes? It is the end of cabin fever and a chance to get started enjoying our sport/hobby. It is also a time to make sure our airplanes, engines, and related equipment are ready for that first flight.
For your RC fliers, it means a last-minute check of transmitter and receiver batteries, and don't forget those servos.
The flying sites have to be made ready, and I hope that you club members get out in force to get that field ready. Don't leave it up to the same few who do it all year long. This is a way to really support your club, and you'll feel better about it.
Most of the swap meets are over, and it's time to check the fly-in schedules. Whether they are fun-flys or competition events, get out there and enjoy.
I am planning to visit as many clubs as I can. Hopefully I will be able to keep my airplanes in decent shape to participate in some of the events.
In the meantime Chuck Hocking files this report of the annual January 1 snow-fly held by the ABC R/C Flyers of Oconomowoc, WI.
Chuck reports that 35 people showed up to enjoy a sunny 20-degree day with about 20 inches of snow on the ground.
Club president Dave Coe served as Master Chef, preparing the chili.
This month I thought I would include some of the pictures from around the district that did not make past issues because of space requirements. They give us a chance to see what others are doing.
In closing, I want to remind you club secretaries to send in reports of what your club is doing. If in doubt of what is needed, please contact me.
See you in Toledo. Stop by booth 103 and say hello. 'Til then, C.A.V.U.
District VIII Report
Arkansas / Louisiana / New Mexico / Oklahoma / Texas
Dr. Sandy Frank Vice President
105 N. Brazos St., Weatherford TX 76086-3207 Phone/Fax: (817) 599-7131 E-mail: sfrank69@airmail.net www.AMA-Dist-8.org
Notice: For listing of all district volunteer workers, please consult the previous magazine issue or the District VIII web address above.
As I draft this column, the date is January 1, 2001 — so Happy New Year.
For the District VIII region it has already been a difficult winter — hopefully some better flying weather is just over the horizon!
It has surely made me appreciate the joy of indoor modeling and flying. For more information about indoor flying see: http://www.nirarc.org/
With the onset of the new calendar year and many clubs changing their officers, please ensure that your chartered club is appropriately and correctly listed on the District VIII Web site and that your club has an appropriate contact person listed so that I and others seeking to contact your club can do so.
This listing on the District VIII Web site, along with the contact person, is an excellent means of advertising your club to prospective membership. It allows communication between your club and potential attendees of your organized activities and allows for instantaneous communication between the AMA and your club for any needed information.
Communication in the organizational aspect of modeling is a key factor that creates the vitality of the AMA. This monthly column, as well as this entire publication, provides outward communications ability.
To ensure that this communication is a two-way street, please be sure that every chartered club has my above address listed so I may receive your monthly newsletter and be up-to-date on what is happening in your region and with your club.
With more than a half-million square miles comprising AMA District VIII, it is quite a task to keep abreast of the hot topics throughout the region.
I also want to remind you that I am available to assist you at any time, in any way possible, with aeromodeling or organizational concerns. Please feel free to contact me as needed.
AMA — the glue that bonds modelers together!
During the upcoming month, all chartered clubs should be receiving their club renewal information. It is very important that each chartered club retain their status to provide enhanced liability coverage for the club, its officers, and especially the property owner of their flying site.
Recently, via the Internet, a discussion has ensued concerning "why bother to officially sanction" with the AMA your organized modeling activity?
Darrell Anderson, AMA 5992, has drafted an overview (printed with his permission) of the good things that happen when you choose to sanction your event:
- Gives published notice of the event in Model Aviation (if you sanction early enough in advance).
- Contest coordination is provided for the protection against a competing sanctioned event on the other side of town.
- Assures the potential attendee that others in attendance will have adequate, valid liability insurance.
- Assures the potential attendee that the event will be run under standard, national written rules (if advertised as a "rule book" event) and the AMA Safety Code.
- Assures the potential attendee that the event will be run under the supervision of an AMA Contest Director, whose job it is to see that those written rules are observed.
- Allows the Contest Director to issue immediate AMA memberships for participants who show up without AMA credentials — those who either were non-members or just "forgot." (This is not possible at any other time!)
- Allows additional liability insurance for the landowner, even if the event is not being held on the regular chartered club’s field. (Many SIG events are held on sites that may not be model flying sites per se; like, for example, sod farms or municipal airports.)
- Allows participants to be credited for official national speed or endurance records that may be recorded during the competition.
- Allows for competition points to be awarded for a seasonal or national championship.
- Allows participants to file a formal protest if they feel the contest rules have been misapplied or misinterpreted. (The protest can be resolved at the district level, if need be. At a non-sanctioned event, you’re just out of luck.)
- Rewards the Contest Directors, and in some cases their assistants, with a free AMA membership in the following year for their efforts in conducting the event.
- Provides actuarial and statistical information to document the activity within a given category of model aircraft flying.
An Encore Performance: The AMA District VIII volunteer staff will again be producing the Southwestern Aeromodeling Conference 2001 (SWAC) on May 18 and 19 at the Arlington (Texas) Convention Center.
SWAC is a commercial trade show with a static display, swap shop, auctions, indoor flying, technical meetings and symposia, guest speakers, and forums.
Two nonstop days of continuous and diversified aeromodeling activities and a whole lot of fun!
For more information, please consult the District VIII Web page.
This is the "make it happen" year for this gathering. The first year was successful, both financially and programmatically, but it is the support of the industry, the manufacturers, and distributors who will be deciding the worth and longevity of our activity!
Your attendance is critically important and needed!
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: rmiller@daktel.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. Sibert, 3611 Kimberly Circle, Lincoln NE 68506-4524
- Chuck Smith, 1091 Cheshire Street, Casper WY 82609-3214
- Mark T. Smith, 14632 W. 50th Street, Shawnee KS 66216
- 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
NEWS FROM NEBRASKA
Recently two former District IX Associate Vice Presidents (AVPs) from Nebraska were honored as recipients of AMA's Superior Service Award. Tom Boyd and Dr. Glen Lau were given the awards by current AVP Jack Sibert who sent the following:
Tom Boyd served as an AVP in District IX from 1988 through 1993.
Tom's interests in flying began early in his life. In 1946, Tom, then employed part-time at a local hobby store, began flying rubber-powered gliders.
His interest remained with him when he became a member of the AMA in the late 1970s. Tom's love for the sport enabled him to share his interest in RC flying when he became Nebraska's AVP for District IX in 1988. He maintained this position until 1993.
Tom ran for District IX Vice President in early 1990. Although Tom was not successful in achieving that position, he has maintained a strong presence with the AMA.
He is known at the national level as a gentleman who is very knowledgeable about the workings of our national organization.
Although I have been Nebraska's AVP since 1994, I still seek Tom's wisdom and insight into the workings of the national organization. I'm proud to know and to have had the opportunity to work with him.
Tom's work with the national office was honored by presenting him with the Superior Service Award. This is the highest award presented by the AMA to a member.
Dr. Glen Lau served as Nebraska's AVP from 1981 through 1983. Glen is known by most as Dr. Lau.
Many club members' first encounter with Dr. Lau is free medical advice on every condition known to man and woman.
I'm sure that Glen joined an RC flying club to continue his medical career! (Not!) He joined because of his love of aircraft, flying, and building.
Not once has Glen ignored a question, or waved off medical questions. Instead he has a friendly smile and a kind remark, and dispenses some advice which quickly leads to the important subject: flying.
Glen is a master builder of 1/4-scale aircraft. A British 1/4-scale Hurricane, on loan, hung from the ceiling at my previous school. It was a great conversation piece for all who visited my room.
Glen became a member of AMA in the 1970s and assumed the office as AVP for Nebraska District IX in 1981. He held that position until 1983, when he twisted the arm of Tom Boyd to assume the position.
Dr. Lau has assisted me on many occasions with matters that dealt with the AMA. I appreciate everything he has done to help me work out problems encountered at the local and national level. His advice is golden.
Dr. Lau has also been instrumental as a CD, organizing the Don Neil Memorial Fly and many scale events. His knowledge of scale aircraft, not to mention his expertise in building and flying 1/4 scale, makes him an expert at these events.
Glen's work was officially recognized when he was awarded AMA's Superior Service Award.
News from North Dakota
The Dakota Skymasters Fun-Fly was held at their new field at the Casselton Airport on August 12, 2000. It was a very nice day with the wind right down the runway.
There were 27 registered pilots, and everyone enjoyed themselves.
Contest Winners
Bean-Not-Drop
- Mark Pueppke, Casselton ND
- David Tsen, Fargo ND
Lime Flight
- Jim Edinger, Maryville ND
- Jamie Metcalf, Great Falls MT
Carrier Landing
- Ron Konoske, Pelican Rapids MN
- Al Foell, Casselton ND
District X Report
Arizona / California / Hawaii / Guam / Nevada / Utah
Richard Hanson Vice President
PO Box 3312, Scottsdale AZ 85271 Voice/Fax: (888) 899-3548 E-mail: richh@primenet.com http://www.ama-10.com/ama
Associate Vice Presidents
- Darwin Barrie, Scottsdale AZ — (480) 946-8955
- Darlene Frederick, Santa Rosa CA — (707) 525-8815
- Don Goeschl, Lancaster CA — (661) 940-6066
- Don Guilhurn, Santee CA — (619) 449-8397
- Marc Karpowich, Logan UT — (435) 752-3639
- Dave Pinjuv, Las Vegas NV — (702) 656-1772
Frequency Coordinators
- Eloy Marez, Santa Ana CA — (714) 540-4935
(See last month's column for additional AVPs and Coordinators.)
This year's All-Electric Fly-in saw a large variety of aircraft, from 1/4-scale to Ron Fikes' five-ounce Moogallo.
Just down the road and around the bend from the DVRC, the East Bay Radio Controllers (EBRC) put on a spectacular aeromodeling show for the Livermore, CA, community. Both the DVRC club and the EBRC club achieved AMA Leader Club status in 2000. From the quality of these events, you can certainly see why.
Jaime Cortez makes final adjustments to his turbine-powered F-15 Eagle.
Flaps and gear down on short final, Jaime makes a perfect wheel-on landing after a very impressive flight performance.
The EBRC's community involvement includes sponsorship of Cub Pack #917. Here the Scouts are given a personalized, behind-the-scenes tour of the show.
Final safety checks and preparations are made for the midday model rocketry demonstration.
On December 10, the Palomar RC Flyers received the Award of Excellence. The Palomar RC Flyers received AMA's highest club award in recognition of their outstanding achievements in promoting model aviation, partnering with their community, and innovative club programs. Receiving the award are club treasurer Harvey Atkinson (L), president Bob Lang, Maxine Lang, and Dave Truax.
The High Sierra Radio Control Club achieved Gold Leader status and was awarded the Leader Club certificate at the club's annual Christmas banquet in Carson City, NV. This prestigious award signifies the club's commitment to model aviation safety, community involvement, promotion of the hobby, and youth and educational programming. Pictured are the club's board members: Harold Siegfried (L), Tom Reinbolt, Frank Chase, Paul Neves, Mike Schmidt, Robert Brogan, and Tim Pettipas.
On Sunday, October 8, 2000, the Concord Model Engineers hosted their annual Devil Mountain Electric Fly-in at the Diablo Valley RC (DVRC) field in Antioch, CA. Directed by CD Chuck Hill, this year's event was partnered with a similar event conducted by the Pioneer Electric Flyers on Saturday, October 7, at the Peninsula Aeromodelers' field in Half Moon Bay.
Jim Collin (L) and Model Engineer president Ed Buckner observe the flight operations while Jim waits to launch his magnificent electric-powered Kretzler Tri-motor. This aircraft flew extremely well, was very scale, and had a respectable flight duration.
Bob Brogan's immaculate 1/6-scale SBD. Powered by a Saito 270, it is a replica of the "S9" from the Battle of Midway.
Till next time … Keep 'em safe and keep 'em fly'n.
District XI Report
Alaska / Idaho / Montana / Oregon / Washington
Bruce Nelson Vice President
807 E. Vicksburg St., Spokane WA 99208 E-mail: NelsonAMA@pacs.com Office Fax: (509) 326-4828 Home Ph./Fax: (509) 467-1852
Web page: http://www.olywa.com/yosemiteflash/xiama.htm
Associate Vice Presidents
- Al Culver, Box 66, Wilder ID 83676 — E-mail: alc@potlatch.com
- Jerry Holcomb, 1010 NE 122nd Ave., Vancouver WA 98684
- Reeves Lippincott, 4400 Gray Wolf Dr., Wasilla AK 99654 — E-mail: reeves@matnet.com
- Mike Hazel, 1073 Windemere Dr. NW, Salem OR 97304 — E-mail: ZZCLspeed@aol.com
- Richard Snaar, 781 Lillooet Ct., LaConner WA 98257
- Chick Young, 7411 154 Ave. E. #14, Sumner WA 98390
Frequency Coordinator
- Phil Tallman, Medical Lake WA — (509) 299-5102
The Portland Area Sailplane Society has come up with an outstanding way to play golf. They have decided that the way the game should be played is with hand-launched gliders. I have to admit I couldn't do any worse with a glider than I do with clubs.
They put this event together as a fund-raiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon and held the event at the Sunset Grove Golf Course.
First of all, they removed the flags and replaced them with Nerf poles and a short piece of string. If the glider landed within a string length of the pole, you hold out.
I understand most greens can be reached with two good throws, but putting out is a different matter.
This is a great idea for a fund-raiser, and it sounds like the participants really enjoyed it. This is the kind of community involvement that goes a long way toward helping a worthy cause and promoting model aviation at the same time. Atta boy, guys!
The following photos are from the Crazy Mountain Flyers' fly-in held on August 5 and 6, 2000. The club is located in Clyde Park, Montana, and the photos came from club secretary Robert Taylor.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
