AMA News

AMA News

PR Roundup

Geoffrey Styles Director of Marketing

Streeter Point Recreation Area State Park (East Brimfield Lake), near Sturbridge, Massachusetts, is the site of one of the oldest float‑flys in the nation. The 1992 event ran September 12–13 under cloudless skies and temperatures in the 80s; locals said it was the best weekend weather they could remember after a cooler, wetter summer. Sixty‑six fun‑fliers registered to enjoy almost‑perfect flying conditions. There was a slight cross breeze Saturday, but Sunday was about as good as it can get.

Many attendees brought at least two airplanes and whole families. The beach was crowded with the usual flying‑site paraphernalia. Parking was plentiful in nearby paved lots, and a concession wagon provided cold drinks and food for those who did not bring picnics. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and Italian sausage filled the air with irresistible aromas.

The state park provided a rescue boat, which was used often when engines quit on taxi or on landing. Not everyone was expert in boat handling—Dave Matlasz of Chicopee fell into the water while attempting to retrieve his aircraft by leaning over the side instead of using the transom.

Fliers came from Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Florida. Aircraft quality ranged from simple MonoKote‑type finishes to highly detailed semi‑professional museum pieces. Various float designs were on display, including some home designs that were smaller and sleeker than most. Overall, there was an excellent variety of aircraft and high‑quality flying skills.

Don Foster, president of Gee Bee Model Products, was Contest Director. He has directed this contest for several years and typically handles negotiations with state officials to secure exclusive use of the park for the float‑fly weekend, since the event takes place after the regular park season and requires large areas of the property.

Bill Bishop, AMA #439478, 1911–1992 — We regret to report the passing of Bill Bishop, founder of Comet Models and member of the AMA Hall of Fame. Bill lived in California in retirement and enjoyed model aircraft and ocean cruising with his wife. Our sincere sympathy to his family.

For the past ten years an International Postal Contest has been hosted in Brisbane, Australia, with participation from 13 countries. Competitors fly twice a year and mail results in.

Kale Harden (Palm Harbor, FL) wrote: “There seems to be very little information in your column about gliders and glider clubs.”

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Executive Director's View from HQ

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

Leader members: Thank you for responding to the recent mailing. Your input exceeded expectations and provided many useful thoughts, comments, and ideas. An article summarizing your input is being prepared and will be published so all members can read this snapshot of AMA opinions.

After publishing the Leader member snapshot and allowing time for reflection, we will mail another questionnaire to Leader members for further feedback. The Leader program appears underused and may benefit from renewed emphasis; many suggested topics include how to advance as a member—becoming a Contest Director, Leader member, officer candidate, or Executive Council member.

Renewal notices: Some members have received multiple renewal notices. This can happen because:

• AMA mailed renewal notices in September.
• A second wave of notices went out in early December to those who had not yet renewed.
• Industry associate mailings sometimes include membership applications.
• Members with multiple names or addresses (e.g., work and home) can receive duplicate mailings.

We apologize for any confusion.

Membership cards: AMA orders membership cards in bulk to save money. A mailing house was used to prepare and mail the cards; however, this year the mailing house delayed delivery, sending only a few thousand cards per day instead of completing the job quickly. The problem has been corrected and will be monitored more closely in the future. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Youth: I remain concerned about youth participation. Programs such as Delta Dart, unit/adopt‑a‑school projects, scholarships, and teacher education exist, but efforts are disjointed and need focus. The current AMA youth program effort costs about $4 million per year; we need more effective, coordinated strategies and better results. I am persistent in pursuing stronger youth initiatives and possible collaborations with industry and other aviation groups.

FCC: An attorney from a firm working with AMA requested pleadings related to a suit filed against AMA. This underscores the need for careful wording in FCC filings made on behalf of aeromodeling to avoid litigation and to preserve AMA’s unified voice.

District 10 vacancy: Reggie Keyawa resigned as Vice President of District 10 effective November 14. He nominated Rich Hanson and Howard Baldwin as candidates for the district ballot. Campaign statements will be printed and ballots mailed to adult members in District 10.

Final note: I recently bought bifocal glasses and used my AMA Vision Card for a discount—saved $111, which covered my AMA dues. The member‑benefit programs do work.

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Presidents Corner

Don Lowe President, Academy of Model Aeronautics 902 Little Bend Rd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

Flying sites are crucial to the health and happiness of the hobby. Sites come about primarily through the efforts of local modelers. AMA supports clubs with background materials and on‑site assistance; if you need help, contact Geoff Styles at AMA Headquarters in Reston.

Jacksonville success story: The Gateway R/C Club once had a city‑sponsored site that was lost to urban encroachment. The city promised a new site and set a budget for it. Through dedicated efforts—primarily by Fred Kouka and other club members—the club secured suitable city/county property and developed a long‑term facility with paved runway, taxi and pit areas, covered shelter, workbenches, buildings housing toilet facilities, kitchen, office, and storage, plus water, power, and telephone. Headquarters assisted with on‑site visits and member lists. Credit goes to Fred and local volunteers.

DON'T ASK ME!

Why AMA is being sued by SFA—ask the party doing the suing. Litigation is wasteful and threatens the hobby’s interests. Wake up, fellow modelers—this is a costly distraction.

June 7, 1992 — Route 287 corridor, New Jersey:

• Edison Recreation Model Airplane Club (ERMAC) hosted its 16th annual spring control‑line contest, coordinated by CD Bill Lindemann. Elizabeth Godfrey and Karen Jongelen handled the tabulation of 66 official flights in 33 events.
• Central Jersey RC Club (Piscataway) held a spring fun‑fly featuring accuracy, loops per minute, and spot landing challenges. Typical of the club, food (hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, sodas) was complimentary.

New Associate Vice President

Gil Weiss has left the Associate Vice President post after five years to become Director of Marketing at a large commercial photo lab. Donald (Bud) Klopp has agreed to fill the AVP slot in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Contact: Donald (Bud) Klopp 370 West Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406 Tel: (215) 265-1981

1992 Hall of Fame Awards

District 3 congratulates Charles Tracy (Lakewood, OH) and Earl Witt (Chambersburg, PA) on their induction into the AMA Hall of Fame.

Holiday cheer

Thanks to those who sent holiday greetings. The most unique card prize goes to Jim and Linda Goodenote, featuring granddaughter Aimee Catherine in Jim’s 40% Pitts.

Club news

• Lake‑Geauga Helicopter Association (Willoughby, OH) launched a Winter Simulator Fun‑Fly series using the Skylark Simulator; Steve DiFranco is CD.
• New AMA‑chartered club: Balsa Busters (DuBois, PA). Members are planning a fun‑fly to generate toys for the 1993 holiday season.
• Propbusters (Martinsburg, WV) have a beautiful site on Department of Veterans Affairs property.
• Valley Forge Signal Seekers constructed a 1,656‑unit luminaria used in Valley Forge National Park’s display of 12,000 luminarias.
• Scale Old‑Timer Society lists indoor activities in southeast Pennsylvania; contact Tom Sanders: (215) 249-1409.

Quote from Richard Lees, editor of Frequent Flyers newsletter, Airmail: “Working together builds more than a flying field. It builds friendships, companionship, and relationships between people and the surrounding community.”

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District 4 Report

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

Associate Vice Presidents:

• Robert E. Babura, 117 Otis Drive, Severn, MD 21144 — Phone: (410) 969-9356
• Bob Champine, 205 Tipton Road, Newport News, VA 23606
• Chuck Foreman, 5811 Rinker Drive, Mechanicsville, VA 23111
• Doug Holland, 3517 Fernwood Drive, Raleigh, NC 27612
• Scotty Moyer, 11 Orchard Lane, Wilmington, DE 19809
• Richard (Dick) Smith, 761 Gwynne Avenue, Waynesboro, VA 22980-3346
• Charles Spear, 288 Holly Lane, Mocksville, NC 27028

Frequency Coordinator:

• Paul Yacoubcsi, 6408 Winthrop Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28311 — Phone (Evening): (919) 488-5986

AVP meeting — November 21, 1992 (Mechanicsville, VA): The meeting at Charles Foreman’s company (Battlefield Communications) reviewed Executive Council actions and district plans. Attendees included Robert Babura, Charles Foreman, Doug Holland, Richard Smith, Charles Spear, District Contest Coordinator Steve Moulton, and Frequency Coordinator Paul Yacoubcsi. Scotty Moyer and Bob Champine were absent.

Key topics:

• Improved communications throughout the Academy: Renewed Leader member activities present an opportunity to revive club‑to‑Academy communication. District 4 plans to obtain a list of Leader members and the clubs they represent.
• Proposal to change the method of selecting District Vice Presidents: Consider moving certain selection responsibilities from the Executive Council to the Leader membership—will require bylaws changes and procedure development.
• Financial transparency: AMA is audited externally; summaries of audits could be published similar to budget summaries.
• Flying site issues: Loss of sites due to zoning, land use changes, noise, and population growth remains a major problem. Long‑term agreements, access to public lands, ownership of fields (with flyover rights), and consideration of multiple activities (radio control, control line, free flight, rocketry) should be part of site planning.
• Rocket boost gliders: A promising new category that combines radio control and rocketry, appealing to soaring enthusiasts.

Executive Council note: Reggie Keyawa resigned as Vice President of District 10 (see Executive Director column). His leadership will be missed.

Closing: Best wishes for a great 1993 and successful modeling endeavors.

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Additional AMA News

Irv Barber's Model Air Fest '92 (Highlands Radio Control Club, Sebring, FL) featured many scale/high‑quality models at a field adjacent to the Sebring Airport.

Mickey Walker (Smyrna, GA) is forming the Senior Pattern Association for senior pattern contests. Contact: 3121 Northview Place, Smyrna, GA 30080.

A few membership card inquiries were noted; see the Executive Director’s column regarding mailing delays.

Streeter Point float‑fly (East Brimfield Lake) summary is covered in PR Roundup above.

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District 6 Report

Jim Sears, Vice President PO Box 308, Burgin, KY 40310 — (606) 748-5834

Associate Vice Presidents:

• Ron Ballard, Rt. 5, Box 60, Donau, IN 46733
• Charlie Bauer, 4940 N. Orange Ave., Normal, IL 60656
• Gary Bussell, 5000 W. Cronin Dr., Munroe, IN 47304
• Cal Eitel, 3 Castle Dr., RR 2, Florissant, MO 63034
• Bob & Scott Justice, 156 S. Franzen, Bennetville, IL 61065
• William Kern, 10828 12th St., Bedford, IN 47421
• Dick Taylor, 7929 Jefferson, Kansas City, MO 64114
• Bill Zimmer, 508 Walnut, Box 72, Varna, IL 61375-0072

Frequency Coordinator:

• Paul Holsten, 616 S. 30th St., Higginsville, MO 64037 — Home: (816) 848-2481; Work: (816) 584-7121; Fax: (816) 584-7761

Column highlights:

• Personal note: After time at home and in the shop, Jim is completing the empennage of his RV‑6A and working on a rudder jig.
• Weather and flying: Rain in Kentucky has limited flying; it's a good time to prepare new ships and inspect old ones. Battery management is a common issue.
• Club officer changes: Newsletter editors should keep former officers on mailing lists so the VP can use club newsletters to plan travel and stay informed.
• Muncie improvements: Mike Fulkner is making repairs and promoting the museum’s development.
• Model rockets: District 6 is getting more involved with model rocketry as a youth activity; rocketry may help recruit younger members.
• Membership trends: Membership declined slightly in 1992; clubs should make special efforts to retain new members through training and involvement.
• Vanity AMA number plates: Contact AMA HQ for information.

Photo highlights (reported): MAC Flying Club Great Paper Chase, Hobby Day at the library, and a tribute photo involving Bob Sommers and Vic Cunningham.

Closing: Jim plans more travel and shop time; he encourages members to prepare for the 1993 season.

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District 7 Report

Peter Waters, Vice President 115 East Main, Upper Level, Northville, MI 48167

Assistant Vice President:

• Boyd Bowdish, 6410 Glenwood N., Golden Valley, MN 55427

PR/Insurance Coordinator:

• Joseph M. Hass, 5394 English Drive, Troy, MI 48098

Associate Vice Presidents:

• Don Bentfield, 1440 West Minnehaha Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104
• Bud Gorman, Box 33, Knife River, MN 55609
• Russell Nettleger, 2625 E. Shorewood Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53211
• Jean Lanski, 303 Patti Place, Holland, MI 49423
• Carl Mohs, 5024 Lake Mendota Drive, Madison, WI 53705
• Leroy Satterlee, 1604 Huntington Drive, Waterloo, IA 50701
• Ron Sears, 132 S. Roslyn, Waterford, MI 48328-3551

Frequency Coordinators:

• West: Bob Stamm, 3116 Boyce Drive, Rhinelander, WI 54501
• East: Bert Kelly, PO Box 39001, Redford, MI 48239

Column highlights:

• Club bylaws and field rules: Clubs should adopt strong rules and enforcement procedures to control member actions at flying fields. Suggested measures include:

1. A two‑step penalty system (e.g., one‑month suspension of flying privileges after the first violation; revocation of membership after a second violation).
2. A committee (not solely executive officers) to handle violations.
3. Avoid reliance on fines; focus on compliance with safety and field rules.

• Detroit Balsa Bugs celebrated a 50th anniversary banquet with many notable modelers and models.
• Encouragement to send photos and news from clubs.

Closing: Best wishes and happy flying; clubs should prepare for New Year’s activities.

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NEWS FLASH

The 1993 Nationals moved from Lubbock, Texas, to Lawrenceville, Illinois, because AMA could not obtain FAA approval for the Lubbock location. RC and Control Line Nationals dates: July 17–25, 1993.

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Field of Dreams Fan Fly — Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

Report submitted by Kent Landefeld (Contest Director); event organized by the American Turf Fliers.

• Almost one year of preparation went into the event; Barry Jeppesen and the American Turf Fliers led field improvements.
• Dan Taylor promoted the event with local newspapers and television, attracting many spectators.
• Thirty pilots brought 42 aircraft from Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas.
• Trophies:
• Top Speed: Tom Dodgen (BVM Aggressor II — 196 mph)
• Slowest Speed: Mike Doyle (Byron F‑16 — 2 mph)
• Best Finish/Sport: Tom Dodgen (BVM Aggressor II)
• Best Finish/Scale: Jerry Caudle (BVM F8‑86)
• Pilot's Choice: Gus Hudson (BVM T‑33)
• Longest Distance Traveled: Larry Tudor (Glen Rock, PA)

The inaugural Field of Dreams Fan Fly was successful and is expected to continue annually.

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Jefco Jet Rally — Denver, Colorado

Report by Ed Valls (AMA 33996) — Jefco Aeromodelers

• Date: Weekend of September 26–27, 1992 — inaugural ducted‑fan fun‑fly.
• Spectator turnout was large; the club organized shuttle service from remote parking areas.
• Notable aircraft:
• Ivan Munninghoff (Colorado Springs): large scratch‑built F‑102 Delta Dagger with Byron fan and O.S. .91 engine — rotated after 200‑foot roll and lifted at about 300 feet.
• Sean Kerrick (Golden, CO): converted 10‑year‑old House of Balsa F‑86 using a Dynamax — flew well on a Rossi .81.
• Lloyd McConnell (Greeley, CO): Violett Viper powered by KBV .72 — fast with excellent vertical performance.
• Nat Lancaster (Jet Hanger): very fast Kfir using O.S. .91 and Dynamax fan.
• Marty Snell (Evanston, WY): original‑design Banshee under development at the field.
• The event featured impressive formation taxi and takeoff runs; a midair collision occurred resulting in the loss of at least one Byron F‑86.
• Manufacturers donated prizes for a pilot raffle; notable supporters included Futaba, Airtronics, Jet Hanger Hobbies, KB & B, Kress Jets, Jet Model Products, Violett Models, Glenn’s Aircraft, and Tudor Model Racing.
• Planned follow‑up: second annual event (possible renaming to Mile High Fan‑Fly) scheduled for September 18–19, 1993.

Contact: Ed Valls, 13508 W. Grand Drive, Morrison, CO 80465 — (303) 697-4923 (evenings)

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Notice to District 10 Members

With regret, Reggie Keyawa resigned as Vice President of District 10 at the Executive Council meeting in Reston, VA, on November 14, 1992, citing health and personal business demands. Pursuant to the bylaws, the outgoing district vice president nominated two individuals for a district ballot; at least one nominee must be an AVP and both must be Leader members.

Reggie Keyawa nominated:

• Howard Baldwin (Fair Oaks, CA)
• Richard Hanson (Scottsdale, AZ)

Both nominees provided campaign statements; a district ballot will be sent to adult members in District 10, and their statements will be printed in Model Aviation.

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Candidates' Statements — District 10

Richard Hanson

My name is Richard Hanson, AMA #69547, and I am a candidate for Vice President for District 10. It is unfortunate that this opportunity arose because Reggie Keyawa resigned; his energy, enthusiasm, and concern for the District will be missed. It is important that the needs and concerns of District 10 members continue to be addressed, and steadfast leadership is essential to keep AMA cohesive and responsive.

I have been an AMA member since my youth and believe strongly in its national role. Recently, there has been uncertainty about AMA’s direction and strained relationships on the Council that have harmed the organization. As an experienced public administrator and professional pilot, aviation management is my career and modeling is my passion. I pledge to advocate for District 10, open and maintain lines of communication, and work for acquisition and retention of quality flying sites. I will establish a productive working relationship with the Council and work for the betterment of the Academy.

Howard Baldwin

It is my understanding that Reggie Keyawa has placed my name in nomination for Vice President, District 10. Taking a leaf from Dave Brown’s letter regarding his nomination for AMA President, I feel it is only fair to say that if Rich Hanson doesn't want the job of VP, District 10, then I will try it.

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District 11 Report

Ed McCollough, Vice President PO Box 13677, Portland, OR 97213 — (503) 234-4439 CompuServe: 76067,2422

Column highlights:

• Nominating committee process: The bylaws permit the nominating committee to set the ballot with these constraints:

1. A properly nominated incumbent can be left off the ballot only by a two‑thirds vote of the nominating committee.
2. No more than three names may appear on a ballot.

The committee has discretion to place or not place nominees based on information and perceived qualifications.

• Newsletter editors: Many clubs need volunteer editors. The newsletter is often the club’s primary communication tool and helps keep members involved; support your local editor.
• Mail quality reminder: Ensure mail is properly prepared and dry to avoid damage in transit.
• Personal notes and condolences: Clyde Burks (Salem area) lost his son Steve—sympathy extended to Clyde and Randi. CDR James H. Anderson, USNR (Ret.), founding member of the Whidby Island R/C Society, passed away on September 29 after a courageous battle with cancer.
• Club recovery story: A District 11 club that had lost its field rebuilt through hard work, rewrote bylaws to require member involvement, and reclaimed a healthy membership. Their approach: if you won’t share the work, you won’t share the benefits.
• Grande Ronde Bush Pilots (La Grande): The club has a neat field and plans to convert an old school building into a clubhouse. The canopy provides shade and serves as a gathering area for feeds and events.

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