AMA News - 2001/05

Flying Site Assistance

Joe Beshar Coordinator, Easterns Region, Districts I-VI

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

Finding—Preserving—Maintaining

PERSISTENCE, persistence, persistence. With member support and an attitude of entitlement, persistence is nothing to be ashamed of, and is what it takes to get that flying site.

Daily I relate to this in my contacts with our members.

At Betancourt, a Flying Site Assistance volunteer and member of the Rockland County Radio Control Club (RCRC), took the helm and carried the task to its end. What follows is the success story that began in 1990.

"The Clarkstown Airdrome"

The Environmental Department of New York State has given us approval to use the Clarkstown landfill for a flying site. This will conclude phase one in our quest for the premium flying site we have been working on for several years.

It is fitting that we recognize those who have contributed to the effort to bring this great facility to fruition.

In the beginning, during 1990 through 1992, we had Harvey Landis and Jim McCormick in pursuit of this site. Harvey's connection with Charles Holbrook, Supervisor of the Town of Clarkstown, was vital in securing town approval and eventual Town Hall passing of the Airdrome Project for use by RCRC.

The next few years were spent waiting while the landfill was capped. The usual problems that arise during capping projects of this size stretched the wait.

Finally the plan for the Airdrome and contract was drawn up.

Joe Beshar and Dan Dispensa took sound measurements. Decibel readings and frequency tests were conducted to assure the safety of our frequencies in operation. They passed.

The AMA provided us with literature about procuring new fields—support systems that proved useful, success stories that helped streamline our approach, and testimonials from notable American figures.

Joe Beshar, just a phone call away, was very helpful. He freely gave information and advice that was sound and useful. He also shared current success stories from around the country.

Jim McCormick brought in the former Clarkstown Chief Engineer Ed Palmenberg to draw a very elaborate plan for the Airdrome.

In practice, when asking for permission to do anything from a governmental agency, you ask for all, then live with what you get. In this case, our request was rejected because of concerns by the environmental conservation people that the added weight imposed by the plan on the sensitive membrane could prove disastrous to the $20 million-plus project of capping the hazardous landfill.

The process of capping landfills is varied and complicated. On receipt of the rejected plan, Frank Regino and the town engineer body established a new approach and proceeded to answer all objections and submit new plans.

We addressed the concerns of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and reduced the scope of the plan for the Airdrome to a minimal requirement for flying our models.

Larry Parcillo was instrumental in surveying the new runway location, taking advantage of the surface contours, and positioning the runway in the most desirable direction using the least amount of new fill.

George Nugent, who was very helpful to Jim McCormick in developing the original plan, was there for us again lending his expertise to avoid problems on the runway development project.

Ed Palmenberg was given the new guidelines for the development of an Airdrome that would be approved by the DEC. He produced a new set of drawings with the new specifications to gain approval by Clarkstown.

Charles Holbrook, who has been in favor of this project from the start, was again very helpful, providing guidance for our approach to securing the DEC approval.

Gerald Brickwood, the Assistant Environmental Director of Clarkstown, was indispensable. He brought us through the entire process of reapplying and always advised us correctly.

After months of having the drawings and paperwork stuck in the bureaucratic machinery, and constant telephone calls to the DEC, the remaining question about the cubic yards of landfill—half the amount of the original plan—was marginally accepted.

Reviewing the guidelines originally given to us, Tom Rotello reconfigured the land requirement using a specification change and accomplished the same results producing a cubic-yard requirement that was 3,000 cubic yards less than the original plan and 1,000 cubic yards less than the second plan. We were now down to a 600-yard requirement.

The waiting period to gain approval was not ours alone. The Town of Clarkstown had issues that were unresolved with the Department of Environmental Conservation as well, so the entire transfer of operating and maintenance responsibilities from DEC to Clarkstown was not finalized.

The Clarkstown landfill, designated a low-level hazardous landfill, was under the supervisory jurisdiction of Region 3 of the DEC and they were the final word after all the dust settled.

The one final question that arose from the Region 3 office was the impact that the control area would have on the membrane. A detailed drawing was faxed and approved, and permission granted to begin the Airdrome construction.

Approval to structure and have use of the facility is very significant to us at RCRC. We now have a 90-acre facility that is centrally located in our own back yard.

The benefits are too numerous to mention, and while the probability of us losing this privilege exists, diligence and adherence to safety practices will see us through years of pleasure.

As Frank promised, no stone will be left unturned.

Register as an FSA Volunteer!

The Flying Site Assistance Program consists of a network of volunteers who serve as the AMA's eyes and ears.

These volunteers read newspapers and listen to and watch news programs to be aware of any activities that could impact an existing or potential flying site.

It is just a matter of collecting information regarding flying sites, advising local modelers and AMA clubs in the area, and passing it on to the AMA Flying Site Assistance Coordinator.

Join this ambitious program as a service to your fellow modelers. Anyone interested, contact me at the address above.

Executive Council Meeting Highlights

Motions made at the February 10, 2001 Executive Council Meeting in Muncie, IN

The motions below are part of the unofficial minutes of the meeting. Minutes from a given meeting are not official until they are approved at the next quarterly Council meeting. Questions or comments on the motions should be addressed to your District Vice President.

The following mail motion of December 7, 2000 was read into the minutes:

Moved, to accept Exhibit C "Written Consent to resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, Inc." (This resolution was the final document needed to proceed with the financing of the new building.)

Motion passed unanimously. (Note: votes not received are automatically considered as a vote for.)

Two Distinguished Service Awards were approved by mail vote.

Motions of the February 10, 2001 Executive Council meeting:

• It was moved, seconded, and approved by acclamation to accept the minutes of the November 4, 2000 Executive Council meeting as amended.

• Motion I: Moved by S. Frank (VIII), seconded by D. Koranda (NAA). That the U.S. put in a firm bid for the 2004 Control Line World Championships, to be hosted in Muncie, Indiana. (Dates to be determined.)

Motion passed unanimously.

• Motion II: Moved by R. Hanson (X), seconded by D. Mathewson (II). Pylon waivers will be granted by the District Vice President. (Previous motion stated "effective immediately for any pylon racing events, judges will be located off the course, 300 feet, anything less will require a special waiver.")

Motion passed. 11 yes (I, II, III, IV, V, VII, IX, X, XI, NAA, EVP); 2 no (VI, VIII)

(Note: the NAA representative was not present for the following motions.)

• Motion III: Moved by C. Bauer (VI), seconded by C. Foreman (IV). A Senior Citizen discount for the year 2002 and beyond license renewal shall be given to those persons born in 1936 or before.

Motion failed. 3 yes (V, VI, VII); 9 no (I, II, III, IV, VIII, IX, X, XI, EVP)

• Motion IV: Moved by R. Hanson (X), seconded by J. McNeill (V). To amend Motion III to keep the grandfather clause, but to include a 10% discount for those who become 65, but not born before 1936.

Motion withdrawn.

• Motion V: Moved by R. Miller (IX), seconded by B. Brown (III). To postpone Motion III indefinitely.

Motion failed. 6 yes (I, III, VII, VIII, IX, EVP); 7 no (II, IV, V, VI, X, XI, Pres.)

Awards:

• One Distinguished Service Award
• One Fellowship Award

The above awards were approved by consensus.

Nominations Due

NOMINATIONS for the offices of President and Vice President in Districts I, V, IX are due at the Headquarters of the Academy of Model Aeronautics June 25, 2001. Any AMA Open member may submit a nomination.

To be eligible to discharge the duties of AMA President, a nominee must be a Leader Member and must have previously served as a member of the Executive Council or as an Associate Vice President or as a Contest board member for at least one year.

To be eligible to discharge the duties of AMA Vice President, a nominee must be a Leader Member of the Academy and must reside in the District.

(Nominees and nominators will be notified by HQ confirming receipt of nomination.) (If confirmation is not received within 2 weeks, contact Mary Lou Voyslavec at (765) 287-1256, ext. 201.)

A letter of acceptance and a resume of professional qualifications and model aviation experience from the nominee must be on file at AMA Headquarters by June 29, 2001, 10 days prior to the published meeting date.

The resume should include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. A statement regarding Leader Member status, including the date on which it was conferred.

1. Background in the following areas which may apply to the nominee:

• Management experience
• Financial background
• Insurance employment and/or expertise
• Legal background
• Technical background, including the areas of aeronautics, electronics (especially in radio frequency propagation and usage), acoustics (as relates to noise studies and analysis), and other areas of engineering

1. The nominee's aeromodeling background must be noted. The individual will be required, if elected to national office, to deal with questions relative to all phases of aeromodeling and should have a broad-based background in order to satisfy this requirement.

No person may nominate himself/herself for an AMA office.

An incumbent must be properly nominated and have accepted to be placed on the ballot.

Focus on Education

Art Ellis AMA Education Committee Member

The Web Site Initiative: Information, resources, assistance, and communication—all are dedicated to aiding modelers teaching modeling.

This dream is quickly becoming a reality as Jack Frost, AMA Education Coordinator; Joe Meikina, the Education Committee's Webmaster; the Education Committee members; and others are molding the new Education Web site.

When? Well, the "cake is in the oven" and we should see the first results within a month or two of this publication date.

The initial christening doesn't mean the site will be finished. The frosting and the decorating will have to be done before we can even put the "cake" on the table, but that launching will be the start of a process of supporting modelers teaching modeling that hopefully will never end.

What is modeling education? The mere word education implies schools with neat rows of desks, end-of-period bells, notepads, and pencils, but education is really much broader than what is done within the four walls of a school.

That broader definition is what we address within the scope of the Education Committee and this upcoming Web site.

All forms of learning about and with model airplanes are within our field of view.

Do you have a model aviation education program? Does your club have one? In either case, we want to hear from you as soon as our new Education Web site is up and running! Send us the information on your program:

• Program Summary
• Type of Aircraft
• Target Age Group
• Lesson Plans
• Handouts
• Photos

Our new Web site will allow you to register your program.

We will help you share your ideas, experiences, and successes with others.

Keep your eye on the "Focus on Education" column for future information about the AMA Education Web site.

Jack Frost AMA Education Coordinator 5161 East Memorial Drive Muncie, IN 47302 jackf@modelaircraft.org

The scope of learning covers a large range—from the curriculum of a third-grade class to the learning of vacuum bagging techniques by a 65-year-old quarter-scale RC (Radio Control) flier.

In general, the Education Committee identifies three major areas of education programs: curricular, extracurricular, and club programs.

• Curricular programs are those you normally associate with education—formal, in-class programs geared toward youth. Teachers find model airplanes a very effective means for teaching physics and science to school children of all ages. WebWings and Inventing Flight Dayton 2002 are two recent curricular initiatives supported by the Education Committee. The Education Web site will make every effort to support teachers and others conducting in-school programs.

• Extracurricular programs are youth-oriented education programs outside of the classroom. Entry is elective rather than compulsory, and may or may not be physically located at a school. The Science Olympiad competition in Indoor Free Flight is a wonderful example of a very successful extracurricular program. Many thousands of youth are coming into modeling through this program every year.

• Club education programs can be youth- or adult-oriented. These programs range from mall shows to organized RC pilot training courses. Most agree that the long-term health and growth of a modeling club are a direct result of its education program. Clubs with strong education programs usually have excellent community relations and generally have little difficulty keeping their flying sites.

Our Web site initiative will help clubs develop and execute education programs that can improve public relations and bring new blood and energy to the club, thereby helping ensure access to flying sites.

What is needed in the Web site? One answer is information—answers to basic questions. Often you will find a section in a Web site titled FAQs (frequently-asked questions).

Because we have such a wide range of people with varying needs visiting our site, a simple list of questions and answers will not work.

The range of questions can extend from an eight-year-old looking to build his or her first airplane to experts wanting to learn how to organize an advanced seminar series.

As a result, the Web site will try to structure information based on the needs and levels of experience of different groups.

Another need a Web site can meet is that of resources. One of our dreams is to have ready access to a wide range of tools people can use to conduct education programs.

Want to start a high school RC club? Read how four others have done that. What makes a great mall show? Need a fourth-grade curriculum for your granddaughter's teacher? Can you use kites to teach modeling? Resources for all of these needs and more should be available through our Web site.

Tools like these are timeless. They have a value that will extend many years. They are an efficient and effective use of a Web site.

Ultimately, their value exists because people are willing to share their experiences. The Web site will make their efforts to share their experiences worthwhile.

The Web site needs to provide assistance. You may need to contact someone. Who that person is and how you contact him or her is important.

There are probably 500 to 1,000 individuals in the United States who are experienced modeling educators. Would you like to know who they are, what their areas of expertise are, and how to contact them?

Another function of the Web site will be communication and timely information. Schedules, brochures, and announcements are all-important for our Web site. Getting information out is critical.

When running a Web site, keeping this type of information current and up-to-date is time consuming. However, where the posting of timely information is important, we will do it.

Ultimately, we would like to see this site publish the schedule of educational programs similar to the existing "Contest Calendar." In that way the site will promote and support these educational efforts.

A huge number of new people are coming into our hobby every day and the need for education programs has never been greater.

The advent of the Almost Ready-to-Fly park flier is attracting large numbers to the hobby. In addition, youth are rediscovering model airplanes in unprecedented numbers.

Currently, we have more than 17,000 youth members of AMA. That number far exceeds the number of youth previously involved in modeling, even during the "golden years" of modeling following WWII, and the Education Web site will be there to foster and promote this continued growth.

Executive VP's Report

Doug Holland AMA Executive VP

3517 Fernwood Dr. Raleigh, NC 27612 (Home) (919) 787-5163 (Office) (919) 787-7454

The organization structure chart presented below gives you a good idea of the people involved in AMA's service to its members. I hope it will assist you in knowing a little more about AMA.

I have a story for you that could be labeled "It Pays to Plan Ahead." The story goes:

A guy goes into a pet shop and a parrot is singing "Easter Parade." It sings so beautifully, he has to have the parrot. He buys the parrot and takes him home.

The parrot sings so well, he decides to invite his friends over to make a little money off them.

He arranges for them to come over and bets them $50 that the parrot can really sing. He takes the parrot out of the cage and the parrot would not sing. He put it on his arm and the parrot did not sing. He allowed it to walk around and it still did not sing.

The guy paid off his friends and they went home.

He went back in, grabbed the parrot and said, "You may not sing but I will fix you."

The parrot said, "Wait, wait, wait! You don't understand. Think about the odds you will get on White Christmas."

Until later ...

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 Billnias Street, Milford, NH 03055-3906 Ph. (603) 885-3876

TOYS FOR TOTS: You may recall this event was mentioned several times in previous columns.

I normally do not devote an entire column to one event, but I feel this event made the public and some of the local politicians aware of what we are doing. Also it made Christmas a bit happier for many children. Club member Joe Marrone provided the following material. (Note: the weather was absolutely perfect.)

On Sunday, October 15, 2000 the Southern New Hampshire Flying Eagles Radio Control Club held a Toys for Tots event at their field in Merrimack, NH.

In order to fly that day, every RC pilot had to donate a toy to the program. The goal for the event was to raise 100 toys to donate to the Marine Corps.

Several dignitaries attended the event, including Congressmen Charlie Bass and John Sununu; Dean Shankle, Merrimack Town Manager; Merrimack Selectmen Tony Holevas, Fran L'Herreaux and Chris Christensen; State Representative Bob L'Herreaux; and Mary Jo Smith, wife of Senator Bob Smith.

Corporal Sobol and Lance Corporals James Apicella and Nicholas Baker represented the US Marines. Also attending was Don Krafft, AMA Vice President for the New England states.

Al Kapriellian, our most colorful NH weatherman, acted as Master of Ceremonies as the club welcomed all the VIPs and made its presentation of toys to the Marines.

Club founder Bob LaCroix made the announcement that the event was a total success with 245 toys being donated plus more than $300 in cash!

Most of the guests were given a chance to fly a Radio Control airplane under the guidance of Jim Burns, a club flying instructor and primary test pilot.

Using a buddy box, each of the participants was able to fly the airplane using a radio that is connected in tandem with Jim's. If the aircraft goes out of control, Jim can immediately take back control and right the model then turn it back to the student pilot.

Everyone who tried it had a great time. Many of the kids who attended also got a chance to "try out the sticks" and several commented they would like to own an RC airplane some day.

The Flying Eagles want to thank all of the RC pilots from the area who came to fly and donate a toy. Club president Joel Chappell said the club was deeply moved by the tremendous response from the general public who attended and brought gifts. It was estimated that visitors and guests donated half of the toys.

The club is also grateful to Mark Versprille, the club member who spearheaded and organized this wonderfully successful event. Mark's organizational skills and dedication to a good cause made all the difference, and he was saluted by the Club for his hard work.

District II Report

Dave Mathewson Vice President

Former AMA District II Vice President John Byrne passed away on January 15, 2001. John served as the District II Vice President from 1974–1978 and then again from 1981–1988.

An active modeler from the New York City/Long Island area, John was a charter member and past president of the Long Island Air Drone Society. Sadly, illness over the last few years prevented him from being as active as I'm sure he would have liked.

As an AMA Vice President, John's opinion was valued and respected by his fellow officers. His work as a corporate lawyer often gave him the ability to offer a valid and different perspective on the issues that faced the Executive Council (EC), although his strongest suit may have been his ability to see and help avoid the pitfalls potential EC actions may have had on the membership.

I, along with his many friends, will miss him, and on behalf of those friends, offer condolences to John's family.

If anyone has visited the District II Web site lately, you're probably aware that the district is in need of a Webmaster. Since becoming the district's vice president, my time available to devote to the site has virtually disappeared. The site was created and is maintained using Microsoft FrontPage.

I've mentioned this in the district newsletter and I've passed the word via e-mail, so hopefully by now the position has been filled. On the chance that it has not been, if you have an interest in handling this project, please let me know.

I've just returned from the February EC meeting. Although the agenda this time around was a little light, there were a couple of items of interest that I want to tell you about.

The EC voted to submit a bid to host the 2004 Control Line World Championships in Muncie, IN. Winning this bid would give us an opportunity to witness some of the most spectator-intense events available in modeling.

From Precision Aerobatics to Combat, the best in the world could be demonstrating their skills in Muncie. This would be an event modelers of all disciplines would want to attend.

Some AMA members are apparently unhappy with the suggestion of making the president of our chartered clubs also the club contact. This plan was considered because AMA was trying to find a way to improve the system of exchanging information between AMA Headquarters and our clubs.

There has been an increasing number of instances where charter renewals, for instance, have been sent to those listed as club contacts and the renewals do not get completed and submitted to Headquarters.

We thought the president would most likely be as involved in the day-to-day operations of the club as any member and, as such, would either handle the charter package himself or herself or delegate the job to a responsible club member, ensuring that the job would be done.

Since this isn't as appealing a suggestion to some clubs as we thought it would be, the original system of assigning a club contact for the purpose of acting as a conduit between AMA and our clubs will be retained.

I am asking club presidents to follow up with their club contacts to make sure that charter renewals are being returned in a timely manner. This will guarantee that your club's insurance and site owner(s) insurance remain intact and will help our membership department process your charter renewals as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Some of you may know from reading the minutes of the November EC meeting that a motion was made at that meeting to eliminate the senior citizen membership discount while grandfathering those who were already eligible for it.

The motion was tabled at that meeting so the officers could have more time to study the issue. The motion was presented again at the meeting and was defeated, three in favor and nine against. This means there will be no change in the membership discount offered to senior citizens.

I received a letter from an AMA member in Pennsylvania asking for some help in locating A2 kits. He's looking for names and addresses of any source, and he also would be interested in buying used or damaged models.

If you can help, contact John Pfeifer, 6608 Marsden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19135-2726. I'm sure he'd appreciate hearing from you.

Finally this month, I'd like to revisit an issue I brought up last month: park flyers. Since I first mentioned this in my April column, sales of these models continue to grow. I've heard that two major modelers are even preparing television advertisements pitching these models to the general public.

Look in any of the major modeling magazines. Each month, more ads are focusing on models suitable for park flying. The era of the successful, under-$100 Radio Control model is here.

For many who are buying these models, this is their first Radio Control modeling experience. AMA is looking into ways to bring these new modelers into our organization and I'd like to hear your ideas.

How can we reach these people and make them aware that we exist? How do we let them know that we'd like to invite them into our clubs, and that we will even help them learn how to build and fly their next model?

Remember, we also have a selfish reason for reaching out to these new modelers. Many of these park flyers are using the same frequencies we use. We don't have exclusive rights to them. We need to be able to go to our established fields knowing there won't be somebody in the park down the street flying on the same frequency.

The only way to do this is to make them aware of us and invite them to join our clubs.

See you at the field.

District III Report

Ohio / Pennsylvania / West Virginia

Bob Brown Vice President 35 Sanford Street Bradford, PA 16701 (814) 368-7655 E-mail: amadii@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, 1340 Oak Drive, Macungie, PA 18062 (610) 965-9159
• Donald Klipp, 637 Hamilton Court, Trappe, PA 19426-2256 (610) 409-0129
• Tom Morris, 5131 Delford, Pittsburgh, PA 15207 (412) 461-7364
• Frank Noll, 5492 Waterloo Road, Dayton, OH 45459 (937) 455-9232
• Joe Otto, 13055 Heath Road, Chesterland, OH 44026-3225 (440) 729-0185, E-mail: jottoAMA@aol.com
• Matthew Turowski, 5 Dogwood Road, Drums, PA 18222 (717) 788-0861
• Joseph S. Vislay, 1381 Cranbrook Drive, PO Box 851, Maumee, OH 43537-3062 (419) 893-9537, E-mail: jsvislay@telodlink.com

Frequency Coordinator:

• John Cottle, 1012 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, PA 18704 (717) 287-8970

DAY: January 1, 2001 presented a memorable day for many of the District III clubs. Many of the newsletters I received made mention of club members and their first flights of the year. I would like to highlight some of these flights.

George Wilson and Lew Marascalco had the last flights of the second millennium and the first flights of the third millennium. They flew Watt-Age Lite Sticks with LED lighting systems at the Mon Valley RC Club field in Rostraver, Pennsylvania.

They launched at 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2000 and flew for three minutes until 12:02 a.m. on January 1, 2001. George explains what being "in the air" at midnight was like.

"The field was covered with an undisturbed two-inch layer of snow. At the stroke of midnight the horizon lit up with fireworks in all directions and we could hear the reports from distant explosions. It was quite a sight to behold!

"We then wrote a record of the event (sort of a snow circle) in the snow for our fellow club members to observe when they arrived later that morning. We always have a fun-fly on New Year's Day."

At 9:00 a.m. on January 1, 2001, the first of more than 40 pilots took flight, braving the 10-degree temperature, the low-lying fog, and the snow, to participate in the Westerville Model Aeronautics Association's (WMAA) annual Freeze Fly. Coffee, cocoa, and engines were hot, as our flying season began in style.

Rather than donning bathing suits and jumping into the nearest body of water, as those with polar bear tendencies might do, WMAAers came out in force with their ski-equipped airplanes to get in their first flights of the year.

The following was contributed by Dick Porter, one of WMAA's pilot-poets. A play on the writing of William Shakespeare, it describes our first day of flying very well.

We few, we frigid few, we band of brothers; For he today that eats frozen donuts with me Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile, This day shall give him frostbite. And gentlemen in Westerville now a-bed Shall think themselves accurst they were not here, And hold their manhood cheap whiles any speaks That flew with us upon this New Year's Day.

Don Fellenz provided the following pictures of the event.

The AMA All Season Flyer award is sought after by many modelers. The Chester County Radio Control Club of Embreeville, Pennsylvania had several members who participated throughout the year. Doug Lack provided the picture of the hardy souls.

The American Airlines Gas Model Club (AAGMC) was founded on March 30, 1938. In December, they "retired" a husband-and-wife team that served as president and secretary respectively for 10 straight years! Surely that must be some kind of record.

The club passed this photograph to us as a statement of their heartfelt thanks to Bob and Sheila Prince. For those of us who have trouble organizing things, consider this final thought: Bob and Sheila have six kids!

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) 441-5855 Fax: (252) 441-6554 CHUCKAMAVP@aol.com

Associate Vice Presidents

• George Abbott, 8712 Westlake Court, Raleigh, NC 27613; (919) 848-6719, E-mail: GAbbott426@aol.com
• Robert E. Babura, 117 Otis Dr., Severn, MD 21144-1130 (410) 969-3356, 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: flyrcc@cfw.com
• John Stare, 826 Marl Pit Rd., Middletown, DE 19709 (302) 376-7154, E-mail: vrcrss38@aol.com
• Bliss Teague, 525 5th Ave. SW, Hickory, NC 28602 (828) 324-2164 (Office: 828-733-9228), E-mail: blissteague@conninc.com

Frequency Coordinator:

• Paul Yacobucci, 6408 Winthrop Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28311-1007 Phone: Evening: (910) 488-5986 E-mail: PYacob1313@aol.com

TIDEWATER RADIO CONTROL, INC.: Tidewater Radio Control will hold an all-Electric fun-fly at the Fentress Naval Auxiliary Landing Field in Chesapeake, VA on June 16 and 17, 2001.

An AMA-sanctioned event, this is the first Electric fun-fly for TRCC and they are trying to help promote the growing trend in Electric.

Bliss Teague, Associate Vice President from North Carolina, sent these photographs from the western part of his state. They are of members of the West Hickory Aero Modelers and the Catawba Valley R/C'ers.

I attended the Jets Over DeLand in DeLand, FL. Tom Beckman was the Contest Director (CD). This time of year most of the action is in Florida. I want you to meet the important people who ran this affair.

Sitting is Sue Beckman (Tom's wife), Gary Chosie, and Howard Chana. The person standing behind is Helen Duffner.

Meet Marshal Emmendorfer from Flint, MI and George Estes, with their T-33 Navy Trainer.

I overheard conversations where some of these jet-powered airplanes go more than 200 mph. AMA requires each modeler in this business to have his own fire extinguisher handy, and each flier did indeed have a fire extinguisher right next to him. The field, overall, had its own fire department. Rather unique.

Here is retired fire chief Alan McKenzie standing next to his fire truck—a new Mercedes-Benz. In front is his five-gallon "Indian" hand-pump fire extinguisher. Alan says he can beat any fire truck to the scene. I took enough pictures to fill this magazine. For more pictures, see my Web page, http://home.att.net/~ama_district_v/.

I drove to the International King Orange Control Line (CL) bash in Jacksonville, FL, a big contest. I gave them a stack of AMA rulebooks. The models are fascinating and the people are also. Meet the officials who made everything happen: Joy Weedman, Pauline Frangella, and CD Gene Martine. Gene was running the joint.

Meet the happy husband-and-wife team of Remel and Linda Cooper who fly CL. Also CD Gene again with his Tempest II model airplane. Their flying field is an official US Navy landing strip. As I mentioned in last month's column, there are three fire trucks parked nearby.

I attended the second annual swap meet in Columbia, TN sponsored by the Columbia RC Flying Modelers. It was an excellent swap meet. Many hundreds of people attended it. Everyone was nice.

Please meet the club officials who conducted it: treasurer Leon Whitlatch, president Kurt Ruskin, editor Lee Wells, and Roscoe Brannon.

The swap meet featured a nice snack bar for the convenience of the spectators, operated by wives of various members. Very good food was available.

Meet Beth Linger, Cathy Brannon, and Betty Wells. The gentleman on the right holding the mop is Roscoe Brannon who kept everything nice and clean. Someone has to do all the dirty work. The Columbia RC Club is lucky to have a Roscoe Brannon as a member. The young man behind the ladies is Ryan Linger.

I attended the sixth annual Big Bird Fly In in Viera, FL sponsored by the Indian River Kontrol Society. Club president Mark Poole was very hospitable, as was CD Steve Rasbach.

Meet the club vice president Gerry Armstrong, president Mark Poole, CD Steve Rasbach, Linda Ellis, and my longtime friend Dave Platt.

Above are Richard Kersul and Larry Manka with the magnificent Monocoupe model airplane. Larry is with the Condors Flying Club in Parkland, FL.

Dan Stevens from Albany, GA builds unusual models. Shown here is Dan with his Grumman XS-5F, his Blohm & Voss 141, and his Japanese Kyosho.

DUNKIRK IN: Club 3393, the Glass Capitol Prop Twisters, was formed in 1992 by 12 local AMA members in Dunkirk, IN.

Ten of these original members are still active in the sport and 12 additional members have been added. The club now flies on their fourth site in eight years.

The newest site was donated by a club member and his wife, Jack and Shirley Anders.

Decatur, IL: Club 894, the Decatur Aerocommanders RC club, voted that a pavilion was needed at their flying field.

The membership never looked back and through donations from local businesses and modeler scrounging, managed to build a 24 x 40-foot shelter.

The club site is five acres with two runways, the east-west one being 700 feet long.

The club claims that they have one of the finest turf flying sites in the state, and maybe the country.

Thanks to Gary VandeVoorde for this information.

Here are two clubs that show us all that can be done with a little hard work.

It's that time again! It's the start of a new flying season with all the fun-flys, contests, and just having fun.

It is also the time for club members to be taking pictures and getting the correct information for the articles they wish to submit for this column. I must again remind all of you that there are certain criteria to follow:

Please print or type the text. Do not write or mark the back of the prints. Please use a Post-it note and attach it to the print. Please make sure all the names of persons are spelled correctly.

Photos can be black-and-white or color. Digital copies lack the resolution needed for reproduction.

For the time being, don't send me floppies. When sending prints, please include the names of all the people in the picture as well as information about the airplane (if pictured); i.e., kit, engine, size of airplane, and of course the owner.

I have received some contributions that were very difficult to read and have had to contact the writer for clarification. This is time-consuming and can delay an article's inclusion in this column.

I know I have mentioned this all before, but it seems the message is not getting to the proper people. Please follow the simple "five W" approach; who, what, where, when, and why.

If you remember this, it will help you put together a good article.

Along this same line of dialogue, I have been asked why a certain club has or has not been mentioned in any of the columns. The answer is simple: If I am not present to record the event then I have to rely on the club to supply the information. If you don't send it in, no one will know of your event.

Listed in the header of this column is a list of Associate Vice Presidents (AVPs) who can also be contacted to assist you.

Here is a report from the Kent Radio Aero Modelers (KRAM) of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The club held a fund-raiser for the Visiting Nurses Association Hospice. The club members solicited contributions from various businesses and companies to be recognized as Flight Line sponsors and Event Sponsors, depending upon the contribution amount.

I venture a guess that KRAM will not have to worry too much about holding onto their field. Congratulations, KRAM, on a job well done.

The following is a little potpourri of events that have taken place during the past months. Buzz Parrick sent in the picture below, taken at a recent swap meet. The Milwaukee Circlemasters were promoting Control Line flying.

Now there is proof positive! Until next time, fly safely and have fun. Don't forget—invite someone to our sport so they may also get a chance to enjoy it. CAVU.

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

Associate Vice Presidents

• George Aldrich, 12822 Tarrytown, San Antonio, TX 78233 (210) 656-2021
• Max Blose, 1001 N. Betsy, Waco, TX 76706 (254) 662-5587
• Ervin “Chick” Frierson, Box 188, Haskell, TX 79521 (817) 684-3086
• Jim D. Marshall, Box 9092, Mission, TX 78572 (956) 585-6446
• Martin McGee, 126-1/2 S.E. 35th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73129 (405) 634-5331
• Randy Randolph, 4673 Fallon Pl., Dallas, TX 75227 (214) 381-7624
• Jim Simpson, 604 San Juan Del Rio, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 (505) 891-1336
• Ron Stanfield, 26 Oak Ridge Dr., Maumelle, AR 72113-6846 (501) 851-1697
• Charles Stevens, 126 Delta St., Pasadena, TX 77506 (713) 473-4995
• Ward Watts, 13415 Joop Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70816 (504) 261-5974

Frequency Coordinators:

• (North) Joe Dumond, 6731 Bridge Street, PMB-224, Ft. Worth, TX 76112 (817) 457-6685
• (South) Gene Kent, 2811 Cork Cove, San Antonio, TX 78230 (210) 308-0043

AMA Display Coordinator:

• Karen Hopkins, 5515 Bridgeton Avenue, Arlington, TX 76017 (817) 467-9211

THE ENCORE production of the Southwestern Aeromodeling Conference 2001 (SWAC) is well into its planning phase. On May 18 and 19, 2001 the District VIII volunteer staff will be hard at work at the Arlington (Texas) Convention Center, located on I-30 between Dallas/Ft. Worth and the Ballpark in Arlington.

Everyone is invited to be part of one of the greatest gatherings of model aircraft enthusiasts in the country!

An even larger exhibition of commercial exhibitors will be staging the event on Thursday, May 17.

This year the daily general admission of $5 per person will be collected at the door, with those 12 years and younger admitted free. Just show up on the morning of the event!

Swap-shop participants will set up the morning of May 18. There will be no preregistration for swap-shop participants and spaces available will be on a first-come basis with a $10 per table fee collected daily. (Last year there were some absolutely tremendous deals made in the swap-shop area of this conference!)

There will be continuous indoor flying demonstrations from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. both Friday and Saturday.

A tremendous lineup of guest speakers, seminars, and workshops will include Grand Wing Servo Co. President and CEO Houng Wen Lin of Taiwan (R.O.C.), manufacturer of the Litestick/PicoStick.

Wes De Cou, the AMA Western Regional Flying Site Coordinator, will present seminars both Friday and Saturday on the topic of getting and keeping flying sites.

Elizabeth Helms, the editor of the AMA National Newsletter, will participate in a major workshop for club newsletter editors on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

Joyce Hager, the Executive Director of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, will attend the conference and be available to discuss organizational concerns, programs, and general AMA information.

There will be a registration-free static display of model aircraft with members' choice voting for the top 20 models.

Both Friday evening and Saturday evening after the close of the commercial exhibits we will host a commission-free public auction of model aircraft and components. Last year, the Saturday evening auction was a highlight of the entire event with world-class purchases and transactions available.

The SWAC 2001 will be an absolutely must-attend event for anyone who desires to be where the action is for aircraft modeling in the year 2001!

Please plan to visit this tremendous gathering. Your attendance will determine the longevity of this event!

AMA (and the Southwestern Aeromodeling Conference 2001)—the glue that bonds modelers together!

The following photos are from the AMA/IMS Convention 2001 held in Pasadena, CA in January of this year. All shown are already scheduled to attend the SWAC May 18–19 at the Arlington Texas Convention Center.

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. Sibert, 3611 Kimberly Circle, Lincoln, NE 68506-4524
• Chuck Smith, 1091 Cheshire Street, Casper, WY 82609-3214
• Mark T. Smith, 14382 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 South Dakota: The Beresford Area Radio Flyers (BARF) held their Frozen Finger Fun Fly in Beresford, SD on January 1, 2001.

News from Kansas: Robert J. Schumann sent in the following information about Roger Schroeder's book, The Motor Boys International Model Engine Plan Book. AMA published this book and the Motor Boys have generously donated the proceeds to the AMA's youth programs. The preface of the book tells the story.

"The Motor Boys are an informal group of men from around the world with a common hobby interest concerning the history, design, and construction of model engines.

"Communication is made possible by the Internet. Each one of the Motor Boys has unique talents that, when pooled into joint projects, add to the total enjoyment of their hobby.

"The purpose of this book is to present some of the historic, unusual, and interesting engine designs that the Motor Boys have researched. The hope is that others will appreciate the engine designs we have presented in this book and learn to enjoy them as much as we have.

"The Motor Boys are indebted to the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) for publishing this book and making it available to the modeling public. All profits from this book are being given to the AMA's Junior Program. Ron Chernich did all the CAD work for the drawings and Tim Dannels arranged all the introductions. In the development of this book, many drawings, pages of text, and pictures have been sent around the world by the Internet to coordinate the effort."

The Motor Boys include:

• George Aldrich—USA
• Gordon Burford—Australia
• Ron Chernich—Australia
• Ken Croft—England
• Tim Dannels—USA
• Don McCluskey—USA
• David Owen—Australia
• Stan Pilgrim—Australia
• Roger Schroeder—USA
• Bert Strigler—USA

JANUARY 19–21, 2001 marked the third annual AMA Convention held in Pasadena, CA. Since acquiring the former IMS show in 1998, the AMA Convention has seen incremental growth each year. With the closing of the books on the 2001 convention, the show has nearly regained AMA's initial purchase investment.

This year's show was a near-sellout in both rentals and saw a 20% increase in box office and advanced ticket sales revenue.

In addition to the trade show activities, the convention expanded the number of information and educational seminars. Once again the Education Committee's hands-on learning center, located in the east hall, was the showpiece of the event and demonstrated the true purpose and potential of the AMA convention.

In conjunction with the AMA Convention, District X hosted an awards luncheon on Saturday, January 20. AMA members and club leaders from around the district attended the luncheon honoring this year's award recipients.

Guest speakers at this year's District X awards luncheon included our new West Coast Flying Site Assistance Coordinator, Wes De Cou.

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 NelsonAMAVP@cs.com (509) 326-4828 Office Fax (509) 467-1852 Home Ph/Fax Web page: http://www.olywa.com/yosemiteflash/xiama.htm

Associate Vice Presidents

• Al Culver, Box 86, 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 Snarr, 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

Dick Pedersen of the Red Baron RC Modelers sent the following pictures that were taken at their New Year's Day Fun-Fly in sunny Southeast Idaho.

The Red Barons have a fun-fly the first Saturday of each month. If you're interested, contact Dick Pedersen at dadspalce@ida.net.

The Benton County RC Club held its 27th annual Polar Bear Fly-In on New Year's Day.

Thirty-seven pilots brought 50 aircraft, and although the temperatures were in the 40s, fog hampered the event. Tim Lunceford's Sukhoi kept disappearing into the overcast.

Bob Govro flew his own design, Radio Active. Bob has flown this event every year since its inception in 1975.

The West Coast's premiere Control Line (CL) modeling event will again take place on Memorial Day weekend, May 25–27, 2001. The site for the Northwest CL Regionals will be the Roseburg, Oregon Regional Airport.

Event scheduling has been adjusted to facilitate the return of the Scale event flying back to the airport location.

This year marks the 30th edition of this traditional meet, and it features the usual amenities: more than 40 classes of competition, lots of prizes, a special Saturday-night banquet, the nation's only CL rise-off-water (ROW) competition, and all the other little things that add up to a must-attend experience.

For further information, contact Contest Director Craig Bartlett, tel.: (541) 745-2025, 205 Cedar Lane NE, Corvallis, OR 97330, or craigbart@yahoo.com.

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