AMA News

AMA News

Synopsis of the Executive Council Meeting

The Executive Council meeting was held in Orlando, Florida, on April 11, 1992. The meeting was chaired by the President with all members of the Executive Council in attendance. The meeting was brought to order at 9:00 a.m. and adjourned at 11:23 p.m. Action was taken on the following motions:

• Carried: To invoice the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) for its portion of the FAI franchise fee.
• Carried: To approve AAAA contest status for the NSRCA (National Society of Radio Controlled Aerobatics) Pan-Am Aerobatics Championships — July 26 to August 1, 1992.
• Carried: To approve AAAA contest status for the League of Silent Flight (LSF) 1992 National Championship — July 19–25, 1992.
• Carried: To establish an AMA industry associate program.
• Carried: To finance an associate vice president workshop meeting in Muncie.
• Carried: That the RC equipment list provided monthly in Model Aviation be discontinued effective with the January 1993 issue.
• Carried: That the sticker program for transmitters be discontinued as of December 31, 1994, with appropriate changes made in the AMA Safety Code to provide guidelines for clubs.
• Carried: That Headquarters compile a five-year financial projection based on moving the Reston operation immediately.
• Failed: To provide a $1.00 rule book checkoff box on the renewal and new member applications.
• Failed: That a free rule book be sent to all who renew or join between October 1 and December 31; this offer is for odd years.
• Carried: To accept the concept of turning an issue of Model Aviation into the Competition Rule Book. (Note: the rule book is produced every two years; one issue in 24 may be converted to the rule book.)
• Carried: Effective April 11, an AMA sanction for a competition is void if the event is also sanctioned by another organization not recognized by AMA.

Waiver Explanation

To end confusion on the AMA waiver form, stamped in red at the bottom are the words: "Note: This waiver means that if I am involved in any claim or suit, I will not sue the AMA, Inc. I understand that this waiver does not affect my liability insurance coverage."

Scale World Championships and Scale Shoot-Out

The Scale World Championships and Scale Shoot-Out will take place at Muncie, Indiana, August 21 through August 29, 1992, at AMA's new flying site facility.

As of June 8, representatives from 16 countries had indicated they would compete for the title of World Champion in F4B.

Key Dates

• July 18–29: League of Silent Flight 1992 National Championships, Vincennes, Indiana.
• July 25: Executive Council Meeting, Reston, Virginia.
• July 26–August 6: NSRCA Pan-Am Aerobatic Championships, Lawrenceville, Illinois.
• July 31–August 6: EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Fly-In, Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
• August 21–29: Scale World Championships, Muncie, Indiana.
• September: AMA renewals mailed.
• September 4–7: National Free Flight Society (NFFS) AAAA Free Flight Contest, Muncie, Indiana.
• September 5–9, 1992: 22nd U.S. Free Flight Championships, Lost Hills, California.
• October 8–11: Free Flight Team Finals, Lost Hills, California.
• October 29–November 1: RCHTA (Radio Control Hobby Trade Association) Show, Chicago, Illinois.

SOME STRAIGHT TALK ON AMA'S WAIVERS

By AMA Legal Counsel — Joseph Gelwicks, J.D.

During the last few months there has been a lot of discussion about the AMA's decision to use waivers when applying to join the organization and at sanctioned events. While there are some complex dimensions to the discussion, the topic is not nearly as complicated as one would think when listening to the various opinions. This article answers some of the most commonly asked questions about waivers.

LIABILITY MEANS FAULT

If some act (or failure to act when there is a duty to do so) causes injury to another, one is liable to the injured person for the damages caused by that wrongful action or inaction. Such fault is called negligence. Notice that intent is usually irrelevant when analyzing negligent conduct. Once fault or liability has been established, the amount of injury or damage caused is assessed. Whether or not the wrongdoer has the money or other assets to pay the damages has nothing to do with whether fault occurred or how much damage resulted. The assets available to satisfy the bill are important to the injured person because they affect whether the injured person will collect what is owed, but they do not determine the amount owed.

LIABILITY

Liability insurance is one type of asset the at-fault person may have to satisfy the bill. Typically, an AMA member has two different types of liability coverage. First, a homeowner's policy generally covers fault and often applies even when the act does not occur at home. On top of homeowner's coverage there is the AMA insurance program, which provides $1 million in liability coverage.

Putting this together: whether or not a member committed the negligent act and how much he owes are separate questions from what assets the member has to pay the bill. The most common mistake in analyzing the waiver question is to confuse liability with assets.

WAIVER

A waiver deals with the question of liability or fault and the avenues open to someone injured by an at-fault act. The AMA waivers do not deal with assets. By signing the waiver, the member says: "If I get hurt, I will not sue the AMA, Inc. claiming the AMA was negligent and caused the injury."

This does not affect the insurance coverage of the person signing. The injured signer is still free to sue other members, the manufacturer of the equipment, non-members, or other individuals involved in causing the injury. The waiver simply keeps the injured signer from suing the AMA, Inc. to reach the AMA's assets. There remain plenty of potential defendants to sue who can pay for the wrong done to the injured signer; the AMA (or those named on the waiver) is the one that is left out.

From a different perspective: the waiver involves what the injured signer can or cannot do. It has nothing to do with the person who caused the injury. If another member was at fault, that at-fault member still has homeowner's and AMA coverage available. These policies provide not only money to pay judgments but also legal assistance—the attorney who defends the at-fault member is paid for by the applicable insurance policy.

Thus, signing the waiver does not deprive any member of his insurance benefits under the program. It does not take away the insurance assets nor does it deprive him of an attorney and legal defense costs defending a claim by the injured signer.

DISCUSSION

One common question is: "Why must the waiver be written in long-winded legal language when it could simply say, 'If I get hurt I won't sue the AMA'?"

Some background is necessary. The AMA is active in all fifty states. The law regarding waivers (enforceability and conditions) varies by state. A few states flatly refuse to enforce waivers. The majority will enforce a waiver, but courts will look for reasons not to enforce it. One way to defeat a waiver is to nitpick specific words. When AMA's general counsel was instructed by the Executive Council to draft a waiver, case law from various states was reviewed. Since California has a significant number of AMA members and modeling activity—and thus a greater likelihood a waiver would wind up in court—it was decided to draft the waiver to comply as nearly as possible with California case law. There are three or four California cases involving waivers that set out the entire waiver in court opinions; the AMA waiver was written to comply with those precedents.

Nobody at AMA was happy with the length or wording. I wanted the waiver in one sentence, and others shared that desire. But one sentence would virtually guarantee the waiver would not be enforced in California and in many other states.

Should we have a waiver? This is a policy decision, not a purely legal one, and there are at least two schools of thought.

• One school holds that AMA assets (the insurance policies) were being used to pay for cases in which the AMA was dragged in as a party even though it had nothing to do with the incident. The waiver helps preserve AMA insurance assets for the members, chartered clubs, and site owners by keeping the AMA out of suits brought by injured members.
• The other school, while acknowledging the waiver's benefit, was concerned that too many members would misunderstand the waiver and think AMA was taking something away rather than using it to marshal insurance assets for members' greater use.

In hindsight, both schools were right to some extent.

Some members have expressed concern that signing the waiver might also give up the right to sue the AMA over disputes about interpreting AMA insurance coverage. It was never the Executive Council's intent to foreclose members from obtaining a legal decision regarding a policy dispute. It is extremely unlikely a court would allow the waiver to be used to block such a suit. If such an attempt is made, a signer can point to this article to show that insurance contract disputes were not intended to be barred by the waiver.

INDEMNITY

There is another concept to explain: indemnity. It is not directly involved in waiver issues, and the membership application waiver does not contain the indemnity agreement. The sanctioned event waiver does contain an indemnity provision.

What is indemnity, and how does it differ from waiver? A waiver is the signer promising not to sue an identified person (here, the AMA). Indemnity is different: by signing the indemnity provision the signer says, in effect, "AMA, if you get sued in the same lawsuit I am named in, I will pay for your defense and pay any judgment assessed against you." Indemnity is an agreement "to save, defend, and hold harmless someone."

Why would AMA want indemnity language in the waiver? It reduces the insurance premium liability that the waiver was intended to create. If a signer sues the AMA anyway and loses, and the waiver is enforced, AMA would have a claim against that member for AMA's legal expenses in defending that issue. Such a claim is limited to the narrow point of whether the waiver is enforceable and would only be pursued if the waiver is upheld. It is a way for AMA to recover legal expenses if it prevails in court over a member who challenges the waiver's validity.

President's Corner

By the President of the Academy of Model Aeronautics

Don Lowe 902 Little Bend Rd. Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

Youth

What has your club done for youngsters lately? Reynold Anschetz recently sent pictures of a gathering the Flagler County (Florida) RAMS RC Club sponsored. The club invited a local Cub Scout pack to its field for a model flying session. The youngsters had a great time—and maybe a convert or two.

This kind of activity is not difficult, and club members usually enjoy it. Why not include such a planned activity in your club's calendar? Model aviation is a wholesome and stimulating activity for young people. How many of you got started in this hobby as youngsters? Were you introduced to flying by an adult sponsor? I was very young when I started building and flying model planes; I've enjoyed every minute of it. Help a youngster you know—you'll be glad you did.

The EAA has launched a Young Eagles program to introduce a million youngsters to aviation by 2003—the hundredth year of powered flight. AMA has been asked to support and participate. EAA will emphasize full-scale aviation; we are involved in an activity often foundational to a career in aviation. Modeling provided the roots of my profession: research and development in aviation.

The 10th Annual Joe Nall Giant Scale Fly-In: A Special Experience

Clara and I enjoyed another wonderful weekend at Hartness Field in Greenville, South Carolina. Pat Hartness again turned over his beautiful estate to aeromodelers for this Big Show. Over 250 registered fliers attended the three-day affair. It has grown so that only AMA members and their families are permitted access, yet spectators filled the grounds.

We arrived on Thursday, though enthusiastic fliers had been there for several days. The air was full of giant flying models most of the week. On Saturday it was breathtaking to see all the models assembled in a row on the airstrip—filling most of the runway.

This was not a contest—just an opportunity for modelers to gather, fly, and socialize. A very special experience—don't miss it next year!

Thanks to Pat Hartness for hosting this event, named in honor of his friend Joe Nall, and to the Greenville Confederate Air Force members who worked hard to make the event enjoyable. This club flies at Hartness Field year-round.

Gratitude

We received a letter from Dick Bernard of the Mid-America R/C Flyers of Lee's Summit, Missouri. He thanked Headquarters for efforts on behalf of aeromodellers—particularly support to his club in acquiring a flying site and assistance on frequency acquisition. We appreciate this kind of input. It is nice to hear something positive. We try to help all we can to make the hobby better. Thanks, Dick, and to all members who encourage our quest for excellence!

Executive VP's Report

Dave Brown AMA Executive VP 4560 Layhigh Rd. Hamilton, OH 45013

"What the heck, it's free!" seems to be the byword in our society today. Another common phrase is "I'm entitled to...". There seems to be a feeling that entitlements are free and have no cost. Unfortunately, nothing is free.

When government offers something that appears free, it is not free to taxpayers. When a company offers something free, it's an advertising or promotion expense built into product pricing. One disturbing reality is the misuse of "it's free, your insurance will pay for all of it"—a scam many fall for. To receive a "free" medical device you may need tests and a doctor's certification, and you may be steered to a particular doctor who accepts the insurance settlement as full payment. The device ends up costing the insurance company and ultimately raises premiums paid by all of us.

Insurance companies often hesitate to stop such abuses for fear of being accused of reducing benefits. They must also be prepared for future claims and base profits on a percentage of premiums. I recently attended an insurance conference and saw many wild claims being paid off in various programs.

A few examples: a young policewoman assigned to youth services became mentally disturbed when a case rekindled images of her own youth; she was ultimately ruled 100% disabled and is expected to collect nearly $1.5 million under workers' compensation. A splinter in a toe ended up costing $35,000 after extensive testing and procedures—doctors buy more malpractice insurance, and costs are passed on to patients.

If you feel this column is repetitive, remember: there is no such thing as free. We must teach by example that nothing is free or the next generation faces economic disaster. If the word "free" disappeared from the dictionary in 10 years, it would not be too soon.

Hey, I've got a terrible headache. I wonder if this column is responsible.

Executive Director's View from HQ

Vince Mankowski AMA Executive Director 1810 Samuel Morse Drive Reston, VA 22090

A very busy month! Our third (and final) renewal notice went out to 1991 members who had not renewed for '92. Additionally, a notice went to 1990 adult members who had not yet renewed, and we're gearing up for a mailing to non-AMA members during the coming month.

AMA initiated an Associate Program for the model-related industry. The final shipment of memorabilia, artifacts, and models is now in Muncie.

I traveled to the IMS Show in Orlando, Florida; to Texas; and to Bakersfield and Visalia, California. There were meetings with AMA members, meetings regarding a proposed AMA site in California, and meetings with the Free Flight community about the 1993 Free Flight World Championships at Lost Hills, California. Typical Monday-through-Friday schedules included meetings at NAA, get-togethers with financial consultants, meetings with four banks, an inspection tour of the Muncie project, and a meeting on June 3 with Ralph Haller, Chief of the Private Radio Bureau, and Bob McNamara, Chief of the Special Services Division of the FCC.

The FCC appreciated AMA's efforts to coordinate industry and public users and indicated no immediate challenges to the use of frequencies allocated for RC use.

AMA announced it would not participate in dual sanctioning of aeromodeling events. A modeler cannot comply with more than one safety code at the same time; safety codes and insurance programs are incompatible and conflicting. Another consideration: AMA members have privileges non-members do not. Members are not mere insurance clients; they band together and pool resources to safeguard the activity—working with the FCC, FAA, local/state/federal agencies, and private sources to acquire and retain flying sites.

Early Nationals dates prompted a suggestion that the Nationals schedule be printed in more than one issue of the magazine. Good suggestion—we will print the 1993 Nationals schedule early and again just prior to the event as a reminder.

Concerning the National Championships, letters have been sent to Contest Directors regarding events scheduled for the National Aeromodeling Championships. The Nationals now comprise over 90 events; the schedule is determined at the Nationals planning meeting by the Nationals management committee, local modelers, and invitees from AMA special interest groups. There are only so many daylight hours and a finite number of RC channels—frequency hours are a key issue. Requests for more Electric events are understandable, but frequency hours are limited.

At this writing we are four days away from the Grand Opening of the Muncie site and about two weeks away from the first day of the Nationals. Several questions have arisen concerning the Leader Club awards and program; interest is high and an article will follow next month.

AMA members have privileges; non-members do not.

1 District Report

Don Krafft District 1 Vice President PO Box 1828, Duxbury, MA 02331 (617) 934-6248

Frequency Coordinator: George Wilson, 82 Frazier Way, Marstons Mills, MA 02648

Associate Vice Presidents:

• James M. Semonian, 166 Allen Rd., Billerica, MA 01821
• Bob Landry, 80 Main St., Essex Jct., VT 05452
• M.C. McGuffin, 8 Robinson St., Houlton, ME 04730
• Richard Sherman, 28 High St., Plymouth, NH 03264
• Ed Thompson, 27 E. Greenwich Ave., West Warwick, RI 02893
• Bob Wallace, 91 Sylvan St., Avon, CT 06001

District 1/South Shore Club Meeting: A combined meeting is planned with a tentative date of September 13, 1992. Dave Brown will be the guest speaker; a panel discussion is also planned. For more information call Don Krafft at (617) 934-6248 or Dave Elsner at (617) 293-6662. Final arrangements may be mailed to clubs.

Charlie Nelson: In the May column there was a picture of Charlie and his Waco. He won the Top Gun contest in Florida with the highest static score. Well done, Charlie!

Bill Parrandes: I met Bill at a Cape Cod banquet several years ago. He paints aircraft pictures for display. At the last banquet he donated a painting that was raffled. I asked him to paint one of the first airline aircraft I flew (DC-3) and the last (Boeing 767). The painting is beautiful. Bill is an Air Force veteran from WWII and is knowledgeable about England, where he was based. Contact: (508) 428-9875.

William "Bill" Reeve: Bill has been Contest Director for the Sebago Lake float fun flys for many years. Profits from these events are donated to the Camp Sunshine Fund, which helps families of children with life-threatening diseases. Nearly $60,000 has been contributed to date. For this work, Bill received an Award of Appreciation from the AMA this spring; the presentation was made by Ray Labonte.

Pembroke Middle School Children's Fair: Dave Elsner provided a model display. AMA material and souvenir wings were given to children. A good public relations effort.

Laconia, New Hampshire Aviation Day: Held May 16, 1992, at Laconia Airport. The Winnipesaukee Radio Controllers participated with over 30 models on display and flight demonstrations. The club usually gains several new members from this participation.

District 2 Report

I trust from our last three monthly columns you know who your District 2 AVPs are—NOW GET INVOLVED!

You get out of AMA what you put into it. Communicate with your AVP; keep him informed regarding aeromodeling activities. Match postal ZIP codes to determine which AVP serves your area. We profiled contest and frequency coordinators—these volunteers work hard and need recognition.

District 2 AMA Meeting: During the WRAM show in February in White Plains, New York, Vince Mankowski, Bob Underwood, and Carl Maroney answered members' questions satisfactorily.

John Byrne, former VP, presented District 2 awards in recognition of member services. AMA Superior Service awards were presented to Frank Costello (dedicated AVP), Bill Fuori (many years as RC Contest Coordinator), and George Buso (long service: managing, Scale judging, AMA delegate to CIAM, and initiating the Rhinebeck Jamboree).

Mercer County Radio Control Society #422 held the largest auction I have attended: doors opened at 6 p.m., bidding started at 7:30 p.m., and the last items sold at 1:50 a.m. Planning for next year's auction includes moving to a Saturday afternoon event.

Photo credits: WRAM show photos courtesy of Ray Juschkus; MCRC auction photos by Dave Babcock.

3 District Report

Bob Brown District 3 Vice President 1255 High St., Bradford, PA 16701 (814) 362-7702

Frequency Coordinator: John Cottle, 1012 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort, PA 18704 — (717) 287-8970

Associate Vice Presidents:

• Mike Barbee, 6561 Calgary Ct., Columbus, OH 43229-0028
• David H. Ellis, 5261 DeWitt Rd., Cross Lanes, WV 25313-1209
• Nelson Gould, 1944 S. Idaho St., Allentown, PA 18103
• John Hathaway, 102 Woodmere Dr., New Stanton, PA 15672
• Jay Mealy, 208 Witmer St., Clearfield, PA 16830
• Joseph S. Vislay, 1381 Cranbrook Dr., Maumee, OH 43537
• Lawrence R. Weimer, 15613 Greendale Ave., Maple Heights, OH 44137
• Gil Weiss, 3004 Hallowell Ct., Bensalem, PA 19020
• Mark Wilson, 4913 Marcy, Dayton, OH 45449

Member ideas provide valuable input for the Academy's direction.

Ben Oesterling wrote asking for funds for a local flying field. The AMA Council is addressing these needs: a consortium of California clubs may receive assistance for a West Coast site; monies have been designated to assist clubs by providing AMA as cosignatory on loans for real estate. These programs are a start—clubs should develop goals and plans to obtain necessary funds.

Consideration is being given to placing contest coordination on a computer. All Free Flight and Control Line sanctions have been computerized for two years with few problems. Input is solicited to determine feasibility of computerizing the entire process.

Local highlights: Titus Riegner flew an interstate sign; Ohio modeler Dick Sheppard's dog Sam rode in a tugboat yacht; Delta Dart programs are used to introduce youngsters to aeromodeling (Clarksburg Model Aviation Club event was successful). Modeling is fun for many people—FUN is the bottom line.

The Greater Cincinnati Radio Control Club's instruction program was highlighted in Model Aviation. Valley Forge Signal Seekers forwarded samples of its program: each new pilot receives a student folder, log book, flight progress record, student pilot card, and a flight test. The program (started 1988) has nine instructors and has soloed 81 students to date. Clubs may contact Ed Casson for more information.

Reminder: the F3D Team Selection (most important R/C pylon race for 1992) will be at the Weak Signals field in Toledo, Ohio, on Labor Day weekend. Good luck to all involved.

District 4 Report

Howard Crispin District 4 Vice President 611 Beechwood Dr., Charlottesville, VA 22901

Frequency Coordinator: Paul Yacobucci, 6408 Winthrop Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28311-1007 — Evening: (919) 488-5986

Associate Vice Presidents:

• Robert E. Babura, 117 Otis Dr., Severn, MD 21144 — (410) 969-9356
• Bob Champion, 205 Tipton Rd., Newport News, VA 23606
• Chuck Foreman, 5811 Rinker Dr., Mechanicsville, VA 23111
• Doug Holland, 3517 Fernwood Dr., Raleigh, NC 27612
• Scotty Moyer, 11 Orchard Ln., Wilmington, DE 19809
• Richard (Dick) Smith, 761 Gwynne Ave., Waynesboro, VA 22980-3346
• Charles Spear, 268 Holly Ln., Mocksville, NC 27028

Ducted Fans

Fentress NALF, Chesapeake, Virginia, is becoming a haven for the annual mid-Atlantic jet flying event. The long, wide taxiway used as a runway and the clear overflight area make it ideal. The most recent event (May) saw a very good turnout and excellent flying. Technology advancements include moves toward quieter operation, which can only enhance the category. The Tidewater Radio Control Club hosted the event.

Dedication

The Central Carolina Radio Control Club held a Grand Opening of its site, which has been in existence about a year and now looks good. The site has local authority support and appears safe for the long term. Two factors helped: development of a major reservoir that will take some surrounding property (the site is elevated and safe), and a 2,500-foot TV antenna tower near the club shelter (no building permitted in the tower's fall distance).

Local officials participated in the ribbon cutting. Ten-year-old Buddy Franklin from Durham flew at the opening—his expression said it all. There were many spectators; the event was an outstanding public relations program.

Paper Airplane

Last month I mentioned the world's largest paper airplane. A photo is now available: it hangs in the Hampton (VA) Air and Space Museum and has a wingspan of 30.5 feet.

Maryland Modelers Association

Milt Peacock reports that the Maryland Modelers Association is a group of clubs organized to provide a unified voice when dealing with officials and to host activities beyond individual clubs' capability. It does not remove club independence. The association now has 11 member clubs; the Frederick Model Aircraft Club is the most recent. Members man a booth at the MARC Show to pass out information and maps to flying sites.

The Association held its first annual picnic on May 17 at Mayeski Park, Winfield, Carroll County, Maryland. The Third Annual Flea Market will be held October 10 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, Westminster, Maryland.

Similar associations in North Carolina and Virginia disappeared due to lack of club support. State associations serve a good purpose and should be pursued by clubs.

5 District Report

Jim McNeill District 5 Vice President 617 South 20 Ave., Birmingham, AL 35205 — (205) 322-2127

Frequency Coordinator: Burnis Fields, Box 1063, Strickland Rd., Interlachen, FL 32148 — (904) 684-2517

Associate Vice Presidents:

• Bob Batorsiewicz, 3626 Ranchwood Rd., Orlando, FL 32808
• Ron Chidgey, 3713 Pompano Dr., Pensacola, FL 32514
• Linda Cooley, 10112 Vern St., Gibsonton, FL 33534
• Gustavo Diaz, 1483 Ashford Ave., #701, Condado, PR 00907
• James M. Edwards, 800 Mimosa Dr., New Albany, MS 38652
• Karl Hensel, RR 4, Box 254, Meridian, MS 39305
• Richard Jackson, 218 Thorne Dr., N. Charleston, SC 29405
• Dr. John Martin, 3180 Tigertail Ave., Miami, FL 33133
• Gene Mathis, Box 337, Daphne, AL 36526
• Dick Patton, 765 Bailey Brook Cir., Birmingham, AL 35224
• George Perryman, 3444 Lake Dr., Smyrna, GA 30082
• Terry Rimert, 367 Orange Ave., Baldwin, FL 32234
• Lee Webster, 1000 Sycamore, Manchester, TN 37355

Karl Hensel (one of two AVPs in Mississippi) held a District 5 fun fly in 1992 that attracted fliers from across the Southeast. Volunteers handled radio impound, food, registration, swap shop, and traffic control. Everyone had a good time.

Jerry Smith in Meridianville, Alabama, hosted a Jackson County fun fly in May. Participants included kneeling fliers Harold Parker, Jerry Smith, Edgar Lloyd; standing fliers Greg Cheney, Ken Allen, Richard Piccola, Charlie Ayres, Larry Gant, Lloyd Wood, Ronnie Quarles, Tommy Freeman, and Duane Graden.

Central Florida CL bash volunteers kept records straight: Danielle Rounds, PeeJay Jones, Paula Barickman.

The idea of AMA buying property in District 5 for fliers is still alive. Members like John Shrum (Athens, Georgia) and Sonny Branch (Tallahassee, Florida) are looking for suitable sites. Individuals without club backing can still come forward with suitable property.

In Pensacola, Rich Herrmann's well-controlled, fun-oriented Radio Control club is an example for other clubs. Of 30 roster members, 17 attend Sunday outings. Members are active and enjoy flying together.

Executive Council Meeting (Summary)

The Executive Council met in Orlando, Florida, on April 11, 1992. The meeting was chaired by the President; all members were present. The meeting was opened at 9:00 a.m. and adjourned at 11:23 p.m. Motions carried and failed were addressed (see "Synopsis of the Executive Council Meeting" above for the full list of actions).

Scale World Championships / Scale Shoot-Out

The Scale World Championships and Scale Shoot-Out are scheduled for Muncie, Indiana, August 21–29, 1992, at AMA’s new flying site. As of June 8, representatives from 16 countries were expected to compete for the World Champion F4B title.

The Scale Shoot-Out will bring together winners of 1991 Scale Masters, 1992 Top Gun, and 1992 AMA National Aeromodeling Championships.

Key Dates (selected)

• July 18–29: League Silent Flight 1992 National Championships, Vincennes, Indiana.
• July 31–August 6: EAA Fly-In, Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
• September 4–7: NFFS AAAA Free Flight Contest, Muncie, Indiana.
• October 29–November 1: RCHTA Show, Chicago, Illinois.

Volunteer Notes and District Highlights

Last month I discussed the importance of volunteers for AMA. Photos here illustrate volunteers in Minnesota and Michigan doing outreach and youth activities. ICOM 7000 monitoring units are in circulation—if you have or know the location of one, please contact the district office.

Local meets in Detroit, Whirlybirds borrowing Indian City's field, an Indoor meet, and Slow Combat events were active. The Al Doerr Fly-in was canceled due to legal problems with the estate, and the local field was lost.

Club newsletter editors are central to a club's life—thanks to them. The Toledo Flying Tigers have a new flying field at the Dana Proving Grounds in Michigan.

Volunteer and have fun!

Arkansas Report

by Steve Staples, AVP 1300 Pine Valley, Little Rock, AR 72207

Modeling activities in Arkansas are in full swing. Of the 20-plus chartered clubs, all are RC-oriented. MARCS (Mid-Arkansas Radio Control Society) is among the oldest; FARM (Fraternal Association of Radio Modelers) is among the youngest. Both have nearly 100 members.

Indoor flying occurred during winter months thanks to Ron Hubbard of Bryant, Arkansas. Control Line and Free Flight continue to be active. FAST (First Arkansas Soaring Team) keeps Free Flight thriving with contests over a large sod farm east of Little Rock.

If you have interest in Arkansas clubs, write to the address above; modelers here are friendly and I'll connect you with club contacts.

Jet Fan Fly — Irving, Texas

Mike Darnell, Contest Director for the "Best Little Fan Fly In Texas," reports:

The weather was grand at North Lake. With 40 registered pilots and over 60 aircraft, the weekend was exciting. Vernon Montgomery and Mike Darnell tried to stay in the sky all day—Vernon had seven flights, Mike six. Pilot speeds: Mickey Edmonds (Saturday) 196.51 mph, Marc Dandois (Sunday) 198.38 mph. Vernon Montgomery flew an F-16 at 225.38 mph. Rick Shafer won Best Scale with his B.V.M. T-33; Dick Rotkosky won People's Choice with his F-86.

9 District Report

Russ Miller District 9 Vice President 980 N. 3rd Street, Carrington, ND 58421 Days: (701) 652-2739 — Evenings: (701) 652-2321

Associate Vice Presidents:

• Tom Boyd, 701 N. 58th St., Lincoln, NE 68505
• Nathan Lancaster, 3597 S. Kendall St., Denver, CO 80235
• Travis McGinnis, 8027 W. 81st Cir., Arvada, CO 80005
• Loren Moen, 607 E. Vera, Bottineau, ND 58318
• Don Moden, 410 Hart, Salina, KS 67401
• Jim Ricketts, 4921 Fernwood Dr., Sioux Falls, SD 57103-5573
• R.L. "Doc" Scraper, 9524 Roe Ave., Overland Park, KS 66207
• Chuck Smith, 1091 Cheshire St., Casper, WY 82609-3214

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

Thought for the month—The future is that time when you'll wish you'd done what you aren't doing now.

Wyoming News

Lynn Knapp, President, Wyoming Sagebrush Hoppers, Cody, Wyoming

The season started with the First Spring Fling Fly-In at Sheridan, sponsored by the Flying Cowboys of Sheridan. They fly off a polo field (76 acres of flat, short grass)—a tail-dragger's heaven. The Powell Fly-In followed, sponsored by the Wyoming Sagebrush Hoppers, who maintain fields in Cody and Powell. Our next local event is in Cody in September.

Kansas News

The S.A.F.E. Club of Salina had its annual mall show on May 2–3, 1992. Many saw fantastic airplanes. Bud Koetkemeyer built a B-25 from scratch—Bud is a master builder and member of IMAA Chapter 290 S.A.F.E. Club.

Colorado News

Ed Valls, Event Organizer, 7265-B South Xenia Circle, Englewood, CO 80112

Jefco Club sponsors a Jet Fly intended to be fun with generous flying time. Trophies will be presented in various categories, voted by pilots and spectators. A pilots' raffle will give away prizes donated by manufacturers and local hobby shops. The event will take place September 26–27, 1992, at the Chatfield State Recreation Area south of Denver. The facility covers 47 acres and has excellent paved runways, pit area, taxiways, and picnic areas.

Modelers are reminded to mail pictures and event highlights to the AVP or to the district column. Thanks to the modelers in Casper for great hospitality.

PR Roundup / Styles

One fifth grader, after earning a ride in a police chopper, said, "I am only 10. I don't need to do over something so stupid." The day's events received a nice write-up in the Daily Bulletin. Photos featured RC fliers on the flight line, a five-year-old about to launch his catapult glider, and a Sig Seniorita towing a large banner with D.A.R.E. letters. Nedra Volz (formerly on TV's "Different Strokes") was a special guest, promoting "Hugs not Drugs" and signing autographs.

Rob Talbot-Jones and R/C Country members have been doing model aviation programs in area schools at the request of local police. The Saturday gala brought many groups together and—hopefully—steered hundreds of kids toward positive choices. Nice going, guys.

The Delaware RC Model Association held a paper airplane contest at the Wanamaker wing of the Christiana Mall, with proceeds to UNICEF. Scotty Moyer, AVP for Delaware, reports that 50 businesses and groups exhibited over the weekend. The Delaware RC Club, led by Bill Brenchley, ran the paper airplane contest; over 100 entries helped UNICEF. Winners received donated rubber-powered model kits.

"Today a paper plane, tomorrow the moon!" Thank you, Scotty, for the story.

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