AMA News

PR Roundup

Geoffrey Styles Director of Marketing

The Capital Area Soaring Association was formed many years ago from the membership of DCRC in the Washington metro area. The new club, developed by dedicated sailplane enthusiasts, found and developed new flying sites and began to sponsor monthly meets and a variety of contests.

I had the good fortune to be invited to the club's June 1993 Two-Meter/Scale contest. The site was a private estate owned by Frank Thompson near Warrenton, Virginia. Frank has his home, a hangar, and an airstrip on a 150-acre property, and he allows CASA members to fly there.

It is a gorgeous rural setting: lovely trees and hedgerows around the perimeter, but beautiful open areas for launch lines and landing circles.

It turned out to be a very nice event. Skip Schow was the CD. Thermals abounded, taking aircraft almost out of sight, but Skip modestly did not claim credit for arranging them.

A super variety of aircraft, from the relatively simple to the most advanced, could be seen. About 60 pilots flew, picnicked with their friends and families, and gabbed for the entire day. The photos show the group plus two of the interesting models entered in Scale. Definitely a nice bunch of people to be around.

Image-Building: "What do we do when we have a problem?" In 13-plus years at AMA I have heard that question frequently. Actually, it is far better to do something before a problem occurs, and I'd like to offer some suggestions to consider when doing your 1994 planning—just a list of things to pick from to improve your local image and acceptance. Smart clubs are already doing one or more of these. How about your club?

• Adopt a school
• Adopt a section of highway
• Invite a local aviation notable to speak to your club
• Invite a local politician(s) to speak to your club
• Invite your local sports writer/announcer to speak to your club
• Have a mall show
• Take part in a local aviation event with a static display
• Have an open house at your field
• Adopt a local charity—raise funds through buddy-box flying
• Send a guest speaker to a local service club (Rotary, Lions, etc.)
• Set up a display in your local library
• Set up a display in a local high school
• Do a one-time AMA Club program for a youth group (Scouts, 4-H, etc.)
• Volunteer a work crew to paint park benches or buildings
• Volunteer a crew for your local PBS-TV fund raising telethon
• Give a talk and/or static display at a retirement home
• Get involved with Special Olympics using AMA Cub for the kids
• Get involved in a drug awareness program
• Create liaison with your Civil Air Patrol Squadron
• Create liaison with your local EAA chapter
• Do a one-time program with models for your recreation department
• Set up a static display in a local museum
• Appoint a public relations officer

Department of the Interior: In a recent letter, Bruce Babbitt, Secretary of the Interior, informed us that the Take Pride in America program was being dropped. We are sorry to see this happen, but we did have one club—the Farragut Fliers of Idaho—win an award during the lifetime of the program.

The reason given for dropping the program was the reduction in DOI's overall budget and the need to redirect resources to other areas necessary to park maintenance and improvement.

But for every disappointment there comes a challenge and an opportunity. AMA clubs have a history of improving unused areas. Yes, for what might be called selfish reasons, but nevertheless the areas are improved.

Here is another chance to gain points with public authorities by offering a workday to your local DOI office. Just imagine if 50 club members/families/neighbors showed up to donate eight hours one day a year to DOI!

That would equal 400 hours of free labor, or the equivalent of two full-time people for one month. Can't you see how pleased your local agency director would be?

Think about it. Give up one day of flying for some positive image-building. You can still "Take Pride in America" even if there are no more awards to be won.

Unmanned Aerospace Vehicles: I am still representing the interests of aeromodelers with the FAA on the Unmanned Aerospace Vehicle (UAV) Committee.

In June we held our meeting in conjunction with the annual expo, at which government and manufacturers display their wares. It was interesting to tour the show and see the UAVs' applications and equipment we use in our models—servos, control horns, hinges, engines, and many more items that you will find on 1/4-scale miniature aircraft at any club field.

Composite construction was featured in many UAVs, and you may recognize some of the company names.

BAI Aerosystems of Easton, Maryland, featured a delta wing (Madrone) of fiberglass/foam construction. Flown with flaperon control, it will cruise at 175 mph.

BAI also has a high-wing, box-and-boom fuselage (Tern) that can carry a video system for over-the-hill surveillance, and comes with a global positioning system (GPS). BAI's trainer was an 8-foot wingspan, high-wing, twin-boom fuselage powered by a SuperTiger S2500.

United Technologies' exhibit contained the Cypher, a doughnut-shaped helicopter that can cruise at 80 knots. General Atomics showed a tactical-surveillance and support vehicle with a state-of-the-art ground control station. This machine had 48-hour endurance, a 25,000-foot ceiling, and a very low signature. Spanning 35.3 feet with a maximum takeoff weight of 1,140 pounds, it was largely of carbon-epoxy construction and carried enough avionics and electronic spy equipment to please anyone.

Beechcraft, a division of Raytheon, displayed their MQM-107D and AQM-37C Target Systems. These are designed for air-to-air training exercises and have incredible capability.

Bell Helicopter showed a tilt-rotor aircraft called the Bell Eagle Eye. Its missions were many and varied including real-time surveillance, weapons terminal guidance, artillery targeting, over-the-horizon targeting, IFF, anti-submarine and mine countermeasures, and so on.

There were a lot of models in display cases, and a lot of interesting people to speak with. Several universities and colleges had displays to show off their unmanned surface and airborne vehicles that had been entered in recent competitions. I even met the Israeli and Italian representatives, who sat in on our meeting. All in all, the show was a nice way to cap a day spent around a committee table.

That's it for this month.

President's Corner

By the President of the Academy of Model Aeronautics

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

A Change in Administration

On 26 July 1993, Vincent Mankowski resigned as Executive Director of AMA. Bob Underwood, formerly AMA's Technical Director, has accepted Council's appointment as Director. Bob brings a wealth of background and knowledge to this important assignment, having worked at Headquarters for the past eight years.

Bob described his former position as the "et cetera department," since he has had to deal with a myriad of subjects that overlapped defined boundaries.

Bob is a retired school teacher, a world-class Scale modeler, and is well known by those interested in model technology and competition. He has always carried out assignments in an exemplary manner, and I am sure this challenging task will be no exception.

Muncie Headquarters

The moving vans have come, unloaded, and gone, so that all AMA Headquarters functions are now in Indiana. All personnel are in place, and they are busy physically organizing their workplace and continuing to service our members' needs. This has been a very challenging year; Council appreciates the staff's readiness to accommodate themselves in their new environment.

In addition to the move, the annual Homecoming was held at Muncie in June; the Nationals were held in Lawrenceville, Illinois; an AMA presence was maintained at the EAA Show in Oshkosh and at the Byron Show; and we are now gearing up for the AMA-hosted Free Flight World Championships, to be held at Lost Hills, California, 4–9 October, 1993.

Geoff Styles, our flying-site coordinator, will continue to function out of Reston, Virginia. Geoff spends most of his time servicing clubs' flying-site needs. If you have a problem of this nature, contact Geoff at AMA's Reston phone number: (703) 435-6083. The FAX number is (703) 435-7236.

Frequency Sharing

The multitude of frequencies available to modelers for aeromodels, boats, cars, and rockets were obtained through the hard work of your AMA Frequency Committee. Intrinsic in the effort to obtain a large number of frequencies was the need to provide for multiple event operations, such as our Nationals competition, and the need to provide for situations which might require shared use of frequencies.

There was also concern for some frequencies being unusable in instances of very close proximity to high-output commercial users on adjacent frequencies.

There have been isolated instances where clubs or flying groups have operated in such close proximity that a frequency-sharing plan was necessary to assure flight safety. Generally the AMA exercises control of this situation by not chartering new clubs that would operate within a prescribed distance from another established club unless a shared plan is established.

The Frequency Committee has agreed that a safe operating distance with modern equipment is three miles. This is now our operating criteria. There is no question that closer operation is possible under some conditions, but it is not advisable as a general rule.

The Academy is not authorized by the FCC to mandate frequency assignments. This is the province of the FCC only, but we would be derelict in our duty if we ignored potentially unsafe operations. We seek to alert modelers to unsafe situations. In the final analysis, fliers and clubs must work together to make the system work.

Your AMA is available to advise on frequency-sharing systems which would fit the local situation, but we emphasize that regardless of the organizational circumstances, it is the local fliers that make such systems work.

We have been involved recently in a situation in Washington state, trying to resolve a frequency-sharing problem there. Unfortunately, some have involved the FCC in this matter, instead of working it out on a local level.

In any event, I would like to share with you a response just received from the FCC on this matter (excerpted from a letter sent to those concerned, and copied to us):

"This is in reply to your further correspondence of July 8, 1993, concerning the channels used for remotely controlling model aircraft. In our letter to you of May 19, 1993, we stated that users may enter into voluntary agreements concerning the shared use of the channels used to control model aircraft but that no party may assign, control, nor restrict the use of such channels. This accurately states our policy.

"It appears that the directive, dated April 16, 1993, from Mr. Ed McCullough, District XI Vice President, is actually a voluntary cooperative operating agreement with respect to the channel usage between two model aircraft clubs affiliated with the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). You allege that members of your flying club, which we understand is not affiliated with the AMA, are experiencing radio interference as are users operating under the aforementioned AMA voluntary cooperative agreement.

"In our view, the alleged interference problem could be resolved by a voluntary cooperative agreement as to channel sharing between the AMA clubs and your club. The users of channels for controlling model aircraft must engage in a cooperative sharing of the channels because they are not exclusively available to any one user or organization. Such cooperation becomes a reality when the parties come together and decide the fairest use of the channels for all concerned in a particular locality."

— Robert H. McNamara Chief, Special Services Division

Many years ago, there was only one frequency assigned for our use, then two, then several, and now we have fifty 72‑MHz frequencies for aeromodels, plus six meters, plus 27 MHz. Surface models have thirty-five MHz and family channels, plus 27 MHz. There are plenty of frequencies for all!

Membership Dues

For the past eight years, the AMA membership dues structure has remained essentially constant, with a few minor adjustments for some categories. In that time, the escalation in the cost of living, the cost of supplies and equipment, staff salaries, the cost of litigation, and a rather static membership growth compared to earlier years, has eliminated the very small margin with which we budget each year. Consequently, your AMA Council deemed it advisable to provide a small increase in the dues structure to assure a solid financial posture. Note the announcement in this magazine, showing a very small increase of little over five percent for the average. This will be well below the cost-of-living increases over the eight-year period, and continues to represent a real value for the services that AMA provides our members.

Your Council assures us that none of the 1994 dues increase will be used for capital improvements of our national facility. Any improvements will be funded by donations designated for that purpose.

Clara and I have now been in Muncie for over two months helping to ease the task of transition to a new facility. The Headquarters staff now includes a significant number of new people mixed with the "old heads" that transferred from Reston. Our staff is now smaller in number, and I expect it will stay that way. I must say that I am very impressed with the staff that we now have. Hoosiers have a real good work ethic, and I'm sure that we will be pleased by the product of their efforts.

AMA News

Change in Administration

26 July 1993 — Vincent Mankowski resigned as Executive Director of AMA. Bob Underwood, formerly AMA's Technical Director, has accepted the Council's appointment as Director. Bob brings a wealth of background and knowledge to this important assignment, having worked at Headquarters the past eight years. Bob described his former position as the et cetera department since he has dealt with a myriad of subjects that overlapped defined boundaries. Bob is a retired school teacher and a world-class Scale modeler well known for his interest in model technology and competition. He has always carried out assignments in an exemplary manner. I am sure this challenging task will be no exception.

Muncie Headquarters

Moving vans have come and gone; AMA Headquarters functions are now in Indiana. Personnel are busy physically organizing the workplace and continuing to serve members' needs.

There was extensive internal discussion about the move. The Executive Council was trying to determine how and when to proceed, while the staff was understandably concerned about the effects of announcing the move. The Executive Director was reluctant to commit publicly, fearing it would have a devastating effect on the Headquarters staff, and so the process was prolonged.

A study done in Muncie showed a very significant reduction in operating expense for our Headquarters operation in Muncie as compared to Reston. The operating-cost difference was shown as nearly a half a million dollars per year.

To verify the findings, we asked for a study by an east-coast accounting firm, thinking the Muncie study might be biased. The east-coast study showed even greater savings in operating costs.

I don't have the exact numbers handy, but I recall the study showed that if we were to operate for all of 1993 in Muncie, as compared to Reston, we would save $600,000, and would increase to well over $1 million (I seem to recall a number around $1.7 million) over the next five years.

This assumed a few things we realistically couldn't attain: first, it was based on a full year at Muncie, and there was no way to move that quickly; second, it didn't take into account the cost of the move; and third, it assumed a "no cost" operation of the Reston property (i.e., that we lease it for enough to cover the cost of maintaining it plus any taxes, or that we sell it). It didn't take any proceeds from a sale into effect.

A study was then made to estimate the cost of moving by the Executive Director; it resulted in an estimate of $364,000 in moving expense. Decision time. Figuring that we could realistically set a midyear '93 target to complete the move, the savings realized in the second half of '93 should almost pay the cost of the move, giving us a substantial net reduction of operating cost in '94. The decision was made to move, with a complicated target of midyear '93.

If you read the above and still conclude the decision to move Headquarters was made without regard for the financial implications, then I don't know what would satisfy you. AMA is not a "secret society" by intent, and, quite frankly, we get into a lot more trouble by saying too much than by saying too little.

The lawyers have strongly advised that we say nothing regarding the SFA lawsuit, in order to protect ourselves (probably good advice, based on the fact that those of us who did say or print something found ourselves named personally in the lawsuit!), yet the membership keeps asking for more information. It's "their" organization, they feel, and they should be told everything.

I certainly can understand their concern, but I don't know how to implement it without jeopardizing the organization. I can see their position: that they are "shareholders" in their organization, and the concept that the organization is "owned" by its members is certainly not lost on me. As officers of the organization, we are simply custodians of the organization, who do the best we can to ensure that the organization properly serves its members.

We listen to input from all over the country, from all the various interest groups, we consider many facts which are probably not available to each and every person who thinks he has "the perfect solution," and we make a decision. The decision is usually the best compromise, but sometimes we still make the wrong decision. We have shown very little hesitancy to reverse ourselves if it becomes apparent that we blew it; to do otherwise would be foolish.

The Executive Council voted to impose a small dues increase for next year (generally a 5% increase), with the caveat that no dues income will be used in 1994 for capital improvements to the Muncie flying site. This was a concession to those who were concerned that any dues increase would be viewed as being the result of our purchase of Muncie. The real fact is that if we had left Headquarters in Reston, these dues increases would have been greater. It's the first general dues increase in eight years.

A significant problem to us right now is the fact that the Reston property has fallen in value more than was probably anticipated, and consequently less than we have invested in it. It had fallen in value a fair amount before the Navy announced its plans to move out of Crystal City. This move is forecast to entice many of the firms currently located in the Reston/Henderson area down to the more desirable Crystal City area, vacating even more commercial property in the Reston/Henderson area.

I don't know what we can do about this, but we are brainstorming now, trying to come up with a way to either keep it on a "no cost" basis and wait out this recession in the local commercial real estate market, or to sell it at as little loss as possible. It's not going to be an easy decision.

I'm going to miss Vince Mankowski; he is a good friend, whom I truly enjoy being around. His parting words ring true to me: "I leave you with a good staff." I wish Vince luck in his further endeavors and hope we can stay in touch. He is succeeded, on an interim basis, by Bob Underwood, who has big shoes to fill. I know Bob is very capable as a staff administrator, and will do an admirable job. He's the best "people person" I know.

Executive Director's View from HQ

Bob Underwood AMA Executive Director 5151 E. Memorial Dr. Muncie, IN 47302

A funny thing happened on the way to Oshkosh to work the AMA booth — I didn't get there! On Monday, July 26th, my wife Rae, daughter Anne, and I were performing a "chores" day at Anne's home in St. Louis en route to set up the booth at the EAA show. We had just left the Nats in Lawrenceville.

A phone call from president Don Lowe changed my plans! Don indicated that Vince Mankowski had resigned as Executive Director and was returning to Virginia. He further stated that the Executive Council wished for me to fill the position immediately. The prospect was both flattering and frightening. Perhaps the most frightening thought was that after careful counsel from my wife, I said "yes," and headed to Muncie, where Rae and Anne took the loaded van to Oshkosh to work the booth with Bob and Dolly Wischer and AMA's PR Director, Jay Mealy.

And now it is two weeks later. I would love to tell you in detail what has transpired. I can't! It has been a blur of new faces and names; boxes to unload; decisions and discoveries to be made. I return home in the evening very tired, but with a sense of exhilaration. It isn't just a flow of adrenaline borne from fear or apprehension, but rather the flush of excitement that comes from wonderful revelations.

Getting to know our new AMA family has been a special joy. Each one is seeking to learn the business as rapidly as possible. The coming together of a few older employees and those newly hired is always traumatic. They share common levels of expectation and goals, but at first, they possess no means to "marry" them. In the truest sense it's a marriage without a courtship! I am pleased to be able to say that due to the hard work of the staff, the combining process is working. We are trying hard to make this a "we" organization, not an "I" or "they."

This morning, as on several occasions during these two weeks, I sat on the big boulders placed across the entry road from Headquarters eating my "carefully prepared breakfast" of donuts and milk. The pond nearby released lingering vapors into the cool morning air. Several small groups of ducks drifted across the quiet surface. In the grass, small spider webs glistened with dew. Such a beautiful beginning for a day.

I looked out across our site and pondered the expectations we have for it. I realized that many have voiced concerns about its purchase and development, and I wished that each member could be there to share the moment with me. Maybe some day that will happen.

In the meantime, be assured that we will work very hard to make our site a cooperative development effort. The first steps are underway as we seek to open access to the site. While it is too early to provide all the specifics, be assured it is happening through the combined efforts of the Executive Council's site development committee (PADCOM) and Headquarters. Many of the members' suggestions from the last two years are being factored into the plan. Several small steps are already in place.

As far as general business is concerned, many things are in the works. Last month's magazine carried the news of a modest dues increase for 1994. The Membership department has prepared for the expected deluge of mail at renewal time. Activity with the FCC issue 92-235 continues, and we are working toward a combined FCC, RCMA, AMA ex parte meeting.

During the months of August, two FAA team selections occurred at Muncie: Scale and Spacemodels (rockets). The USOC (Free Flight) championships will grace the site in September. In October, the Free Flight community will journey to Lost Hills, California, for the World Championships.

I apologize for the brevity of this month's column and for the fact that my picture appears twice in this magazine. The logistics of trying to change all of our moving arrangements creates an interesting scenario to drop into the middle of these new responsibilities. So, with your indulgence, I'm going to sign off, hustle on to Virginia, and take the rest of the pictures off the wall! We'll chat later.

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AMA staffing changes announced

By now, most of you have learned that we've had a change in the Academy's Executive Director position, and I'm sure this change will be discussed in much more detail elsewhere in this issue. However, on behalf of District X, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Vince Mankowski for his many years of service to the AMA, and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

Bob Underwood has agreed to serve as interim Executive Director for up to a year while the Executive Council conducts a nationwide search for a permanent director. Bob's willingness to take the operational helm as interim Executive Director is sincerely appreciated, and we look forward to working with him during this transition period.

Taking over the Executive Director position will be no easy task. With the recent move to Muncie there have been consequential changes in the Headquarters staff, much of the materials, equipment and supplies are still boxed from the move, and the staff is diligently working to set up and institute operations in the new facility. Bob will no doubt have his hands full, and District X stands ready to assist in any way possible.

Based on a few calls and letters, I've noticed some of the members in District X have experienced delays in receiving membership services from Headquarters. In light of the increased demands and activity underway in Muncie, some requests may take a little longer than expected to fulfill.

This should be a very temporary situation, and the Headquarters staff is doing everything possible to maintain optimum service levels. A little patience on our part will go a long way toward supporting the efforts at Muncie, and will assist in getting us through this transition period. We can also help out by providing as much lead time as possible on our requests, and minimizing last-minute requests for service.

Coupled with the recent changes in AMA comes opportunity: opportunity to make changes for the better, opportunity to improve services, and opportunity to renew and refocus the goals of the Academy.

The move to Muncie offers the opportunity to restructure, to redesign our operational systems, and to step back and assess our priorities. Now is the time and opportunity to focus on our primary objectives of providing membership services, promoting model aviation, and securing the future for aeromodeling.

The move to Muncie, and development of the National Flying Site, has carried a heavy price. Much of AMA's working capital has been invested in this project. And this, combined with increased operating costs, has resulted in the need to institute a modest dues increase for 1994.

In conjunction with the dues increase, District X has called for a one-year moratorium on the expenditure of dues-generated revenue for capital improvements to the Muncie flying site. Effective during calendar year 1994, this moratorium is intended to provide some breathing room, during which the Council can assess the fiscal status of the AMA.

It is also anticipated this will ease budgetary demands and buy enough time to dispose of the Reston property. I am hopeful that the Council will take this opportunity to step back and re-evaluate our priorities, and focus on our primary objectives.

Gary Horner, AVP from Visalia, California, has been extremely busy working with the District X Regional Flying Site Development Committee and the Visalia project. Nonetheless, he did find a few moments to visit the Central Valley RC Soaring Club for their first North/South Challenge, and he files this report:

The Central Valley RC Soaring Club held its first annual North/South Challenge in Visalia on June 19–20. There were 104 contestants who flew six Precision/Duration rounds on Saturday, and four on Sunday.

The competition was hot and so was the weather. The CVRCSC rolled out the carpet to all who attended, using the 353 ft parallel as the north boundary. The contest pitted a team from the North against a team from the South. The teams were comprised of the top 12 scores from each side. As an added bonus at the end of the event, the winning team of 12 was given the opportunity to fly for a Thermal Eagle donated by the organizers.

The contest came off as predicted, with well over 1,000 flights being flown. Being the chief landing judge, you get an entirely different perspective of the various landing approaches, use of body English, and crash abuse to the various aircraft. It's as if some of the guys don't like what they are flying.

Everything went smoothly on Saturday and half of Sunday. Then, following one pilot's approach which probably should have been aborted, and to which Fred Weaver and I were forced to use our own reflexes to avoid sure disaster, someone inadvertently tested the strength of a 12,000-volt line. The resulting loud hum, bang, and six-foot fireball was an indication that carbon-fiber wings and power lines don't mix.

It was late in the day Sunday when the finals started, and they were completed around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, followed by the flight of the Thermal Eagle. Although second in the contest behind Steve Condom, Joe Wurtz proved it takes a Thermal Eagle to win a Thermal Eagle. By the way, the South won.

Before closing, accolades go out to the Arizona Model Aviators as the first Arizona-based club to achieve Gold Leader Club status. Congratulations to their president, Fred Henkins; Chon Irvine; and the members of the Arizona club.

Additionally, District X Newsletter Editor Roger Jaffee was recently recognized for his services to the San Diego County Association of Modelers for his outstanding contributions.

John Spanjerberg, of the Oakland Alameda Aero-Bats, responded to the recent discussion on community involvement with the included photos depicting their club's entries in the annual Bay Area Fourth of July parade.

Their entries have won awards for two years running and have enhanced the community's awareness of the hobby. Thanks, John.

Until next time... keep 'em safe and keep 'em flyin'.

AMA News

Change of Administration

26 July 1993 — Vincent Mankowski resigned as Executive Director, AMA. Bob Underwood, formerly AMA’s Technical Director, has accepted the Council’s appointment as Director. Bob brings a wealth of background knowledge to this important assignment, having worked at Headquarters for the past eight years. Bob described his former position as the "et cetera" department since he has dealt with myriad subjects that have overlapped defined boundaries. Bob, a retired school teacher and world-class Scale modeler, is well known, interested in model technology and competition, and has always carried out assignments in an exemplary manner. I am sure this challenging task will be no exception.

Muncie Headquarters

Moving vans have come, unloaded, and gone. AMA Headquarters functions are now in Indiana. Personnel are in place and busy physically organizing the workplace and continuing to serve members’ needs.

Community Involvement — Classroom Visit in Salem, Oregon

Kathy Duncan, who lives in Salem, Oregon, wrote about her daughter’s class experience. Tiffany’s fourth-grade class was studying Aviation and Flight when she told her teacher, Miss Nikki Freepons, about her dad’s hobby: model airplanes. Miss Freepons called Ralph Duncan and asked about a demonstration for the class.

Ralph made a bunch of phone calls and presented his ideas to the two Salem area R/C clubs. Ralph (a Salem R/C Pilots Ass’n member) asked his club to put on a flying demo and donate $50 for a bus to bring the class to the Keizer R/C flying field because it was closer. He asked the Keizer R/C Ass’n if the demo could be at their field. Both clubs agreed.

The volunteer pilots and their aircraft were: Rocky Dickerson, Pole Star and Dalotel; Dave Denison, Stevens Aero; John Troup, Concept 30 helicopter; Pete Melin, Big Bee; and Ralph Duncan, Jr., Scale Spacewalker. Mark Wieglanda assisted and contacted the local paper, the Statesman Journal, about publicity.

Each pilot flew his aircraft and then answered questions. Ralph Duncan also told the class about some of the serious aspects, such as safety and frequency control. Then he told the class that the aircraft were not toys, but the product of a serious hobby.

Gene Fisher, owner of Leisure Hobbies in Salem, donated balsa gliders which were given to the class at the end of the demonstrations. The kids were thrilled! A week later, in appreciation of Ralph’s and the others’ efforts, the kids gave Ralph and the Salem Pilots Ass’n a book about flying that had been signed by all the kids. Each of the students also wrote a letter thanking the pilots for the field trip and telling them what they most enjoyed. One of the youngsters wrote:

"Dear Mr. Duncan and friends, I am really glad I learned about miniature aircraft. When I grow up I want to fly miniature aircraft. I hope I may come again. Thanks for giving us all that money to go. Thanks for telling us about each plane and for the gliders. We all had a great time. Thanks again. Bye! Sincerely, Luke McCorkle."

Kathy sent some pictures, too. Pete Melin hands out gliders to the kids. Here’s the flying crew. Back row, left to right: Rocky Dickerson, Dave Denison, Pete Melin. Front row: Mark Wieglanda, Ralph Duncan, John Stroup.

Tiffany’s dad, Ralph Duncan, talks about his Spacewalker. The Statesman Journal had a better shot — it had Ralph, the Spacewalker and the entranced class, but it’s on newsprint and not reproducible.

Congratulations and thanks to all involved. Your efforts, and the efforts of all the other clubs who get involved with youngsters, are the Finest Kind!

Campaign Statements

AMA Executive Vice President

Dave Brown (incumbent) Hamilton, Ohio

My name is Dave Brown, AMA #617, and I am currently Executive Vice President of the AMA, and I am a candidate for re-election to this office. I feel that I have done a good job as your EVP, and have worked well with the AMA Executive Council and the AMA President.

I believe that the AMA is at 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 my position 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 Executive Vice President can possess, in addition to his or her respect among other members of the Executive Council, is a good business head. The primary responsibility of the AMA Executive Vice President is as AMA's finance officer, reporting AMA's financial matters to the Executive Council (AMA's Board of Directors). I have the business background and experience necessary to prepare me for the job. I have earned the respect of the other members of the Executive Council as your Executive Vice President, and I am willing and anxious to serve another term as your Executive Vice President.

AMA is your organization; we, as officers, are simply caretakers of the organization. As a member of the AMA, it is your duty, as well as being in your best interest, to vote in the elections. While I would certainly appreciate your vote, it is more important to ask that you do vote. A ballot not cast is wasted.

Jim McNeill Birmingham, Alabama

The Executive Vice President is the Chief Financial Officer of AMA. His duties include monitoring all incoming monies and monitoring all spending, and reporting these actions to you, the membership, and to Council members. It is his further responsibility to see that minutes of all Council meetings are properly recorded and subsequently distributed to you as members and to the Executive Council unaltered and unchanged.

This year AMA is moving its operations from Virginia to Muncie, Indiana. New buildings, relocation of personnel, new computers, departments, and other changes require careful financial supervision. There is no substitute for communication. The Executive VP has a page in the magazine each month and a duty to report all the money goings-on to you.

AMA is a non-profit service organization. We are pledged to serve you, our member, with insurance, technical and administrative help, help in getting and keeping flying sites, and helping in the flow of flying model airplanes.

I do not need to be broken in to this job. I have held it before. I served as Secretary-Treasurer/Executive Vice President for nine years, from 1979 through 1987 during a period of tremendous growth. I already have the experience. My professional background includes a Georgia Tech degree in Engineering and two degrees in Law, including a Juris Doctor. In the world we live in today it doesn't hurt to have a well-rounded education. My AMA background includes 20 years on your Executive Council, longer than any unpaid volunteer in its history. Creator of many AMA awards, I also created your AMA National Newsletter and co-edit it today. Speaking of communication, this National Newsletter is mailed out to thousands of AMA Clubs on a reciprocal basis. You'll see reprints from this national communication in club newsletters over and over.

I personally proudly helped nominate incumbent Dave Brown for this position while accepting a nomination for myself. I am doing so to look after the organization. If either one of us is elected, AMA will get an experienced and capable Finance Officer right now when we need one.

District III Vice President

Bob Brown (incumbent) Bradford, Pennsylvania

The Academy of Model Aeronautics is a service organization dedicated to assisting you, the individual modeler. As your incumbent, please allow me to continue to improve this service to you! Personal attention is a prerequisite to providing adequate service. I have recognized the individual and will continue to do so.

Innovative, effective methods must be generated to obtain and maintain flying sites. District III is leading the way toward developing positive political and public awareness. Involvement continues with local, state, and national parks systems. As chairman of the AMA Executive Council flying site committee, I have initiated a plan which will provide financial assistance for the local flying sites. Please elect me to continue these efforts.

A significant program must be directed toward today's neophyte modeler. As an educator by profession, I have valuable input into a program of this type. My interests are in both sport and competition flying. Whether you are an international competitor or a local sport flier, I know your needs. Elect a person who understands the modeling interests of everyone and every discipline. Please elect Bob Brown.

Al Myers Youngstown, Ohio

My name is Al Myers. I'm from Youngstown, Ohio, and I would like your support for the office of District III Vice President. I have been in modeling some 30 odd years. If you look at the map of our District, you will see that I am pretty much centrally located. This also means that I can give you better service. And service is what it is all about! The AMA is here to serve you, not the other way around. I think lately that the idea has gotten lost somewhere, and I would like a chance to do something about it. I'm not everybody's cup of politics. I won't promise what I can't deliver. What I will promise is that I will do whatever I can to help everyone in the District with whatever problems they may have, quickly and efficiently.

It's time to go in a new direction. It's time for the AMA to reach out to the clubs and ask them what their wants and needs are, and to try to help them achieve them. And not to spend money on itself needlessly.

I will be proud to be your vice president and to represent your needs at the national level. Remember, only you have the power to change things. Please vote for Al Myers for District III Vice President. Thank you.

District VII Vice President

Bill Oberdieck Southgate, Michigan

I am William "Bill" Oberdieck of Southgate, Michigan. I am an AMA Leader member, CD, and Experimental R/C Aircraft Inspector. I have been involved in building models for approximately 40 years, starting with solid models, free flight, control line, and R/C boats, helicopters, and airplanes. I have served in various administrative positions at the organizational and corporate levels. My reason for seeking the office of District VII VP is to promote safety and advancement of our hobby with a fresh approach and new ideas. My policy will be to keep open communications to all, assemble all facts before making any decisions, and to obtain as much input from members and functions as possible to better serve as District VII VP of the AMA.

Peter T. Waters (incumbent) Northville, Michigan

This December, I will complete nine years representing the clubs and members of District VII. During these years, I made a goal of increasing the district officer's presence throughout the four states, where they communicate the concerns of their local members and clubs. This helps decision-making at the EC meetings, and the bidirectional flow of information between AMA HQ and the local scene has been very evident.

Our officers are carefully selected to represent most aspects of aeromodeling, but there are still a few areas that require representation, and I plan to continue this program, and also bring the AVPs more up-to-date with AMA HQ decision-making policies. Around the district, we have several very active associations, binding clubs together. This is another area that I have worked on and will keep assisting. Flying fields are always a problem, and we have a pilot position of a District PR Officer. We need to expand this so that local clubs have professional help in meeting with local government. AMA has much material and personnel available to all members and clubs, and I propose having a small stock kept by each AVP for use in his local area. I have been the Chairman of the Committee that purchased the national Flying Site at Muncie. I will remain on this committee to help develop and increase its use in several directions.

District XI Vice President

Ed McCollough (incumbent) Portland, Oregon

Recent events—most importantly the FCC move on our frequencies and the physical move of the Academy Headquarters to Muncie—have had a profound effect on the Academy and its workings. These events point to the breadth of items your Executive Council has to deal with. While your Executive Council does not get involved in day-to-day operation of the Academy, it is ultimately responsible for that operation. It is the responsibility of your EC to see that the Academy is run solely for the benefit of the members. The EC is responsible for setting goals and seeing that they are carried out. Through the office of the Executive Vice President, the EC monitors the financial workings of the Academy and makes sure that the Academy is financially sound. Thus, it is apparent that decisions made in Council meetings require study and deliberation. Any candidate for this office must be able to give the time necessary to see that all these things come to pass. Further, keep in mind that the person you elect represents not just the members of District XI, but also all the members of the AMA.

It has been my pleasure to represent you on the Executive Council for many years. I would be the first to admit that I've made my share of mistakes along with some successes. Should you feel that what I've done in this office is to your benefit and to the benefit of modelers in general, then I ask that you vote for me to continue to serve as District XI VP. Thank you for your consideration.

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