AMA News
The association has united over 30 hobby-oriented clubs in the county. It publishes a directory with details on every club and every club site. The newest edition of the directory runs to 24 pages and contains maps, club officers and meeting place details, and other information of local and national interest. In dealing with county officials, the association has developed excellent relationships. A consequence of these relationships is that new flying, boating, and car sites have emerged.
The association's operating committee meets monthly with every club sending representatives. I was invited to attend the July meeting and answered many questions, as well as discussing my function at AMA and the other varied services that AMA provides for members. It was a pleasure for me to be with them, see old friends, and make new contacts.
The meeting place for the chapter is Tecolote Park Recreation Center, a facility of the City of San Diego. In the brochure published by the city, two more model flying clubs were described: the Torrey Pines Scale Soaring Society and the Silent Electric Flyers of San Diego. Both of these groups meet at Tecolote Park.
After attending the San Diego Association meeting I was given a site presentation booklet (49 pages) by Hugh Wagner, chairman of the North County Clouds Sailplane Club site committee. This club was appealing to the City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department for permission to fly at Paloma Park. The booklet was well prepared, and Hugh and his committee deserve a pat on the back for a professional job.
To my view these accomplishments highlight the benefits of having an AMA chapter representing more than 3,000 modelers and providing a voice for all local hobbyists. They all gain through the enhancement of public image and the overall acceptance of the sport.
I want to thank Harold Mildhausen of Canoga Park for inviting me to attend a meeting of the San Fernando Valley Flyers while I was in Los Angeles. We met at Harold's house and enjoyed a delicious meal before we got down to business. Helen Mildhausen and the wives of other club members did a lovely job of preparing and serving some great food. It's tough to watch your waistline when you sit down to that sort of meal!
The Valley Flyers use the Sepulveda Basin flying field. This is a public site, and as such sometimes has problems with "renegade" fliers. It seems there are always some people who don't like to follow rules or regulations, and they can cause an uncomfortable situation for others. Harold is heading up the search for a new field that would be operated by the Valley Flyers and over which they would have control.
On the weekend we visited Sepulveda Basin and then went further afield to examine some other potential flying sites. It was time well spent. As the weeks roll by I feel that we will see some positive developments that will be of direct benefit to the Valley Flyers. I hope to be out there as you read this for some in-person meetings with the club and local officials.
While in L.A. I was able to stop in at the Futaba facility and also the Airtronics plant in the city of Irvine. I enjoyed touring both plants and meeting people. Both companies have excellent reputations with consumers, so it was a pleasure for me to get an inside look.
My final California stop was in San Jose (Santa Clara County) at the invitation of Brian Nelson, Associate VP for AMA in that area. Brian is the man who initiated the contacts and coordination with county authorities which resulted in the creation of the area's new flying site. He is credited by the members with having produced one of the best flying sites in the country.
The Santa Clara Model Aircraft Skypark is located in Morgan Hill. It is the home of The Tomcats (AMA Charter #110). I brought home one of their brochures which is a great PR piece. The members are very proud of both Brian and their field. With a main runway of 516 by 60 feet, six pilot stations with safety netting protection and unlimited visibility, the field is a great place to fly. They even got me flying during my first afternoon visit. Eight shaded work tables give fliers a choice of places to do repairs. A large parking lot can handle dozens of cars. For contests there is an area for RV parking. Bleachers are installed for spectators.
The main building, with electricity and water (and by this time a phone line, too), provides refreshments not only for the fliers and families, but also for passers-by who use the county bike path which runs right alongside the fence. This has proven to be a good income source for the club treasury, allowing many of the field improvements to be paid for in full at time of acquisition.
A club cookout was held in the evening. After everyone had eaten their fill (there goes that waistline again) I spoke to the assembly under the stars. It was a beautiful evening with low humidity, moderate temperatures, and a public address system that worked. I had a great time, answered lots of questions, and confirmed once again that modelers are terrific people no matter where you find them.
This field has to be one of the best in the nation. I was pleased to see the AMA National Safety Code posted on its bulletin board along with other information. Safety is a primary concern at the SCCMAS field, and Brian Nelson and his fellow members plan to keep it that way.
While in San Jose, Dick Meyer of Lockheed Corporation took me to Sheldon's Hobbies where I talked to Ron Sheldon and some of his people. I had met Ron previously, but it was my first time to his store and mail-order facility. Ron gave me a brochure he distributes that describes many local clubs and contains contact information, plus maps of sites for 13 clubs in the south bay area. All clubs receive copies of the brochure to give to new and prospective members. They are also on the counter in the retail store for the benefit of first-time buyers and newcomers to the district.
We also visited Pec Hobbies and had a good chance to see their warehouse and retail facility. In the workshop section there were some quarter-scale aircraft: a Curtiss seaplane built for the Lake Havasu Schneider Cup re-enactment and a Mustang that was to be raced at Madera (California) during the next Reno-style pylon racing event there. They were great-looking airplanes and nicely detailed.
Dick Meyer has been trying to stimulate interest in a model flying club at Lockheed. One difficulty is that although the company encourages hobby clubs, meetings are scheduled for noon (company rule: 30-minute lunch break), and that makes it difficult for people to attend. Having meetings after work is impossible because most people carpool or commute long distances. It's not easy to get a good core of enthusiasts together under those conditions. If any Lockheed people from Sunnyvale read this, contact Dick Meyer at 742-4961. See if you can work something out.
I would like to thank all of the good people I met during that visit. I felt as though some good communication were accomplished, and certainly the welcome I received was warm and friendly. Makes a fellow want to go back again and again.
Campaign Statements
President
Don Lowe (incumbent), Altamonte Springs, Florida
As your two-term President I have tried to promote a balanced aeromodeling program, one that benefits sport flyers, competitors, Free Flighters, Control Line and R/C interests. It is a difficult task, but I think we have had reasonable success. I have sought to bring harmony into our operations and to allow for a truly democratic approach to problem-solving. We have sought to listen and will continue to listen to our membership in formulating an approach that will best meet the needs of the modeling community. We are seeking to better utilize our Associate Vice Presidents and Leader Members in the democratic process.
Support of flying site acquisition is high on our priority list. Within the limits of our resources in funds and manpower we will continue to make every effort to supply what is needed. The national flying site in Indiana will provide an impetus to growth and an increased involvement, leading to future regional site development. Insurance is a basic need, and our already excellent program will be honed to meet your requirements.
AMA bylaws place education as a major objective. We held our first symposium on sound reduction the weekend of our national site opening, and we will continue to provide seminars. The provision of flight training at our new Muncie site is also in our plans.
I intend to support AMA's greater involvement in the technical development of our hobby to nurture growth and progress. I support the consolidation of our Headquarters' function with our national flying site in Muncie, Indiana. This will permit efficient operation and a reduction in operating costs. It will also permit much less costly conduct of events when held where staff and equipment are at hand.
I will continue to support our excellent competition program since it is vital to the nurture and growth in the technical side of our hobby, as well as provide a challenge for excellence for our flyers. This is necessary to provide a balanced program for the needs of all our members, as well as provide for public awareness and appreciation for our hobby.
Since I have been in this hobby over sixty years I have an appreciation for each facet of model aviation. Aeromodelers are uniquely fascinated with things that fly. We are a diverse group with our special interests: sport, competition, Free Flight, Control Line, and/or R/C — I've participated in most of these categories at some time in my model career. AMA is your public representative and I pledge to you that we will continue to provide that interface with the greater society and with its agencies to promote your interests. Your AMA holds a respected position in government and the media and we intend to keep it that way. Every effort will be made to continue viable relationships with flying site owners, the FCC, NAA, FAA, military, EAA, and all other groups necessary to the health of our hobby.
I pledge to continue to make AMA more than just an insurance provider; every facet of aeromodeling is necessary to the continuing growth and enjoyment of our hobby. I will appreciate your support in this effort by reelecting me as your president so we can continue the program outlined above.
Dave Brown, Executive Vice President, Hamilton, Ohio
My name is Dave Brown, AMA #617, and currently the Executive Vice President of the AMA. I am a candidate to succeed Don Lowe as the President of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. I would like to make it clear that I want to succeed Don Lowe only when he decides to step down from this position, and not to displace him as long as he is willing and able to serve in this position. Don and I have worked well together during his term(s) as AMA's President, and my term(s) as the Executive Vice President. This is not to say that Don and I have always agreed on everything, but rather that we have learned to complement one another in many areas. I do believe, however, that I am the best qualified successor to Don Lowe as AMA President.
I believe that the AMA is entering a critical point in its history, particularly in the area of business and financial management. My successful business experience will help to guide the Executive Council to the best decisions. Perhaps more important than what my position is on any particular issue is the fact that I have a track record of supporting the decision of the majority on the Executive Council. I will fight very hard for what I think is right, but once the decision is made by the EC, I feel strongly that the members of the Executive Council should support that decision, and do whatever they can to ensure that it is implemented successfully, rather than continuing to argue the point to the detriment of the organization.
The single most important asset that an AMA President can possess is his or her respect among the other members of the Executive Council. The primary responsibility of the AMA President is as its Chairman of the Executive Council (AMA's Board of Directors). I have earned the respect of the other members of the Executive Council, and am the most prepared individual to succeed Don Lowe in this position.
Please consider voting for Dave Brown as your next AMA President. I promise that I will do my best to serve you well.
Vice-President
District 1
Don Krafft (incumbent), Duxbury, Massachusetts
I have been the District One Vice President since 1985. During that time I have devoted considerable time and expense to represent the modelers of the district. There have been district meetings, Model Aviation Days, and a Fun Fly held at Westover. If re-elected there will be more of these activities.
At present it appears that I have less than one year before retirement, which will enable me to devote even more time to the modelers.
I am asking for your vote. Also please note that this is the year for election of AMA President.
Please take the time to vote in this election. Thank you for your support.
District 5
Jim McNeill (incumbent), Birmingham, Alabama
This is my 19th year on the AMA Council. I feel I have served District V well these last 2 1/2 years. I have shown up at many fun-flys, contests, banquets, and mall shows, taken pictures of the affairs and ran the pictures in our Model Aviation magazine. The primary purpose of our hobby is to have fun. Fun for the flyers and fun for the wives and children. The purpose of AMA is to act as a service organization, to help you enjoy the hobby by working with the FCC to provide you with frequencies for radio control, to provide you with insurance for yourself and for your site owner, and to help you get and keep flying sites.
If re-elected I will continue to be available in person and by telephone to help any and all problems that may arise. I will continue to visit fly-ins and contests in my district by invitation, all year around. I will continue to honor Control Line and Free Flight events as well as R/C events. I enjoy traveling and meeting people and I have the time to do it. I have regularly hit every state except Puerto Rico.
It is important that I communicate to you the events AMA is planning to spend money on, so you can tell me how to vote your wishes and opinions. If you want to see what a District Vice President looks like, vote to keep me in office.
District 5
Jerry Festa, Huntsville, Alabama
Who am I and why would I want to be your Vice President? My name is Jerry Festa and I am married and have four children. I am an educator in a parochial school where I teach junior high math, science and computers.
Model aviation has been a large part of my life since my early childhood. I enjoy, respect and have participated in almost every aspect of model aviation, and that is what makes this such a great hobby—such diversity, something for everyone. Through my participation in various clubs, I was awarded the Viall People's Award in 1988. But this is an election year so...
I personally feel model aviation is at a crossroads. Our hobby could grow tremendously this next decade. I feel the youth of today is our assurance that this will happen. As an educator of over 20 years, I can see our youth reaching for something, and I feel in many cases model aviation is just what the doctor ordered!
I also feel AMA is at a crossroads. The future of AMA is in our (yours and mine) hands and I would like an opportunity to serve as the District V Vice President to help see AMA does not lose sight of its goals. The job of VP is a very demanding one as anyone knows, but whereas I have had experience in almost all phases of the hobby, I would like to put some of those experiences to work for you!
Model aviation has given me so much pleasure over these past years, I would like to give something back. Thank you for your support!
District 9
Russ Miller (incumbent), Carrington, North Dakota
Russ Miller, incumbent, for the office of District IX Vice President for the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
For the past year I have served as your Vice President of District IX. The time has gone quickly. While attending various activities throughout the district, I have promoted the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Being a proud AMA member and supporting its activities in all of the states in District IX, and on the national level has been rewarding and educational. When elected I plan on continued support for District IX and our parent organization AMA. Being a member of the Executive Council this past year has proven to be a learning experience, and with that knowledge I will better be able to represent District IX on the national level.
Past performances show that promoting the hobby and its related activities will always be an important aspect of my work as your Vice President. I have enjoyed the past months as the VP for District IX, and assure you that any and all concerns will be addressed. Meeting modelers at various activities has been rewarding and I am looking forward to getting to know more of you in the future.
It is important that you vote for your Vice President, and a vote for Russ Miller will be appreciated.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
