AMA News
Sound & Model Aeronautics
Howard Crispin, Jr.
Self-help: We still wait for manufacturers to provide top-value mufflers with engines at the time of purchase. Manufacturers should, at the very least, make good mufflers available at reasonable cost. Except for a very few manufacturers, this is not being done.
The rapid growth of larger models and higher-performance engines has created an additional difficulty. Modelers need a concerted effort to convince manufacturers to address sound suppression. Why should this group be less cooperative than the Radio Control Manufacturers Association was regarding frequency issues? Sound suppression is not unique to the United States — most of our engines are manufactured overseas and many countries have sound-level laws equal to or stricter than the AMA-recommended 90 dBA at nine feet. Those laws are enforced by governments; you meet them or you do not fly in those countries.
Until manufacturers provide satisfactory mufflers, we must rely on aftermarket sources. Past columns have shown effective aftermarket units, and such recommendations will continue. Manufacturer-supplied mufflers may be unsuitable in some installations (scale models, special mounts, weight/size-critical applications), and aftermarket manufacturers fill that gap.
Articles have described how to build your own mufflers or add-on units. One notable use is in Competition Fun-Fly Association Unlimited Expert category aircraft — very light, finely engineered models with strict sound-level requirements. Surveying competition craft shows many use mufflers made from spray cans (as described here and in an article by Dick Allen). Typical materials and parts include:
- a pipe adapter for the engine,
- a spray can of proper volume,
- aluminum tubing,
- J-B Weld,
- a plastic coupling.
These make an effective, lightweight, low-cost muffler. Many Unlimited entries at recent championships used Webra .32 engines; a spare spray-can muffler is easy to carry in your field box. Properly assembled, these units need not increase back pressure or degrade engine operation.
Suggestions for AMA action:
- The Academy could produce a document showing various add-on muffler designs with instructions and drawings as a supplement to the Sound & Model Aeronautics handbook. This item will be placed on the next Executive Council meeting agenda.
- The Academy could compile a vendor listing for add-on and aftermarket mufflers if vendors submit data sheets on their units.
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President's Corner
By Don Lowe 902 Little Bend Rd. Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
Communications: AMA has been accused of poor communication or of becoming secretive. AMA is organized as a representative democracy — we cannot assemble every member in one place at one time, so we elect representatives who speak for us. Nominations come from the membership at large, and most AMA business is conducted by volunteers — several thousand contribute in various ways.
How AMA communicates and involves members:
- Council, vice presidents (VPs), associate VPs (AVPs), and leader members handle representation.
- Contest boards, committees, contest directors and thousands more perform essential duties.
- AMA produces Model Aviation magazine, the National Newsletter, district newsletters, and other publications.
- Headquarters fields thousands of calls, maintains FAX and 1-800 numbers, and sends materials to clubs.
- District meetings, a national membership meeting, AVP meetings at trade shows, and numerous letters and visits supplement communication.
- We publish minutes of council meetings and make financial records available to those with legitimate need.
Elections and nominations: Any Open member may nominate for office. The nominating committee consists of all eleven vice presidents plus the executive vice president; they may place up to three persons per office on the ballot. Write-in candidates are allowed. Low nomination numbers reflect many members’ lack of interest in officer roles.
Legal matters and personnel: We have been asked about the SFA/AMA lawsuit. Legal counsel has advised not to discuss ongoing litigation; mediation failed when SFA demanded a large cash settlement. If SFA does not drop the suit, trial may follow. Vince Mankowski resigned as Executive Director for personal reasons and was not fired.
Headquarters and membership: AMA staff at Muncie is up to 50 people and functioning efficiently. We closed the 1993 membership year with over 168,000 members — our biggest year ever. Recent FCC proposals concerning radios could affect operations; coordinated responses from a large membership have produced strong results in the past.
Good news: Dick Korda flew again at a commemorative contest hosted by SAM 30 in Shelby, Ohio. Korda — winner of the 1939 Wakefield Internationals (flight of 43:29) — built a replica of his championship model and achieved a 30-minute out-of-sight flight at the event. AMA presented him with a commemorative plaque.
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Member Letter: Welcome, John E. Owen
John Edison Owen (born January 10, 1993) wrote requesting membership help from his father. He is learning to solo with the Sonoran Desert Flyers. His father appreciates Don Lowe's articles on using rudder. John’s brother plans to move from a PT-40 to a 25-year-old Ugl... Stick (a Freudian slip in the original). Welcome, John — AMA 492688!
Competition Regulations: The Competition Regulations (rule book) should be available by the first of the year. Renewal mailings will include instruction to return the carrier to receive a free rule book by bulk mail. Additional copies will be available from Supply and Service for $2.50 plus shipping.
Membership Manual: The Membership Manual contains information on funds, fly-ins, frequency information, the Safety Code, sanctioning, etc. It is mailed to all members after the first of the year in a clear plastic envelope along with the Supply and Service catalog and stickers.
Health and incidents:
- Bob Vojislavec (long-time AMA employee) underwent a heart transplant on October 6th and is recovering; he would appreciate cards and letters via Headquarters (no phone calls or flowers).
- Jay Mealy (PR Director) was injured at the free flight World Championships after an armed robbery attempt; he was shot with a .22 but recovered enough to continue duties at the championships. Two suspects were apprehended. We regret this incident and the impression it made on international visitors.
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Club & District News
Cape Ann Auction
On June 15, 1993, the Cape Ann club held an auction of donated or unwanted items and sent the proceeds to AMA. The goal was $500; the club raised $644 and sent a check to AMA. The club is commended for this innovative fundraiser. Notable demonstrations included Hardy Prince’s scratch-built Curtiss Jr. (1/4 scale, 9-foot span, powered by a 6 hp Kroaker motor) and Elliot Anderson’s run of a four-cylinder O.S. 3.20 engine.
Photos and captions (summary): Sam DiNoto auctioned a kit with Jim Connor assisting.
Leader Club Program
Quinapoxet club attained Leader Club status — the fourth club in the district to do so. The Leader Club program recognizes clubs that meet specific criteria and submit proper paperwork. It is not intended to denigrate other worthy clubs.
Mall Shows
In winter months, clubs can boost activity and public relations with mall shows. Assistance and materials are available from Jay Mealy at Headquarters. A mall show booth is also available through your local AVP or VP. Example: Carlisle Airdromodelers (photos by Glenn Love).
Eastern Championships (AAA)
The Eastern States Championships (AAA) were canceled due to denial of access by the Navy at the Warminster facility. Communication breakdowns led to some contestants not being notified. The Delaware Valley Federation and the Academy apologize. Efforts (led in part by Geoff Styles) are underway to coordinate access to sites affected by military base closings.
Vote Reminder
Candidate statements for AMA Council representatives are published in Model Aviation and on the official ballot. Members are urged to read statements and vote.
Free Flight
District IV free flight remains healthy thanks to Category III sites. Example: a site south of Cuckoo, Virginia — large acreage, cleared and developed by William Saunders, hosts several meets a year. The August contest drew over 60 contestants and included pre‑World‑War II Wakefield events. The Academy presented Bill Saunders with the Superior Service Award.
Competition Fun-Fly
The National Competition Fun-Fly Association Championships were held over Labor Day weekend at Raleigh Aeromasters Field (Youngsville, NC). The event was well run. Congratulations to RAM president Dave Norris, events director Gary Harris, co-director Robert Vess, and others. The Raleigh Aeromasters were selected as an AMA Gold Leader Club.
Flying Sites
Clubs are obtaining new sites (private and public). Example: a club had approval to use a landfill site with a paved runway provided by the county. County officials requested continuous staffing and open access to all, which is impractical and unsafe. Clubs should insist on reasonable operating rules, AMA or insurance checks, and membership requirements as needed. Huntersville, NC, is cited as an example where everyone using the site must be an AMA member and may be charged a fee. Contact the Academy for legal assistance or a personal visit if your club faces site problems.
Appreciation
The Richmond Area Radio Control Club received a letter of appreciation from the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Aviation for its participation in Flight Day 1993 at the Virginia Aviation Museum. Congratulations to RARCC for this community service.
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DISTRICT V REPORT
Ziggy Ziegenbein (Decatur, GA) is a prominent contest director in Atlanta and has adopted six children (in addition to six biological children), including six adopted from Argentina. The adopted children initially spoke no English.
Gail Jacobson serves as District V Radio Control Racing Contest Board Representative. There is controversy over replacing .15 engines with .40-size engines in RC pylon racing. Gail and others feel there is room for both events; event decisions should be handled by the RC Racing Contest Board rather than AMA Council.
Feature highlights:
- Dan Fry built an 81-inch model (two K&B .40 engines) that convincingly resembles full-size airliners in photos.
- Mississippi Coast Radio Control Club held its 3rd Annual Mall Show and Raffle, donating $300 to the Mississippi Easter Seal Society in honor of Ed Jackett (who died of cancer). The club displayed models illustrating Hurricane Camille’s ravages.
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Inside View — Headquarters
Communications issues: AMA is a representative organization where members elect representatives rather than convening all members at once. This structure is intended to ensure members have a voice.
Travel and events: Recent district visits were warmly received. Personal note — my (the writer’s) plane (a Cheetah) suffered camshaft damage after an oil analysis warning; repairs were costly but necessary to continue district visits.
Free Flight Nats: Attended the AMA Free Flight Nationals at Muncie — a large event with excellent flying conditions (thermals and lift). Highlights included Flying Aces events, Peanut Cubs, and assisted RC antiques. A caution: use motor bikes at free flight events carefully — accidents and neighbor concerns can arise (example: an intruding rider upset an elderly neighbor; the FF community raised funds to remedy a problem).
Facility planning: The Executive Council bought land for aeromodeling that accommodates free flight. Respect for neighbors is essential to maintain the facility.
Club recognition: Terra Haute R/C Club became a Gold Leader Club. Many clubs are pursuing Gold status — congratulations to those involved.
Photos: Notable images include Tom Ramsey holding a Spitfire look-alike powered by a Cobalt .25, and Kenny Kern’s grandsons watching him fly — glimpses of future modelers.
Closing reminder: new officers, new members, new rules and new flying fields are all part of club life. Without a field, you do not need a club. Plan to maintain and develop flying sites; AMA has free materials to assist.
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Safety Reminder: Demonstration Flying
Models should not be flown directly at the flight line during demonstrations, except when well away from the line. Aerobatic maneuvers that approach the flight line reduce the margin of safety in case of radio failure or airframe problems.
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DISTRICT X REPORT
Richard Hanson, Vice President PO Box 3312, Scottsdale, AZ 85271 Evenings: (602) 964‑2817
Associate Vice Presidents (selected):
- Edward Abbe‑song — Aiea, HI
- Howard Baldwin — Fair Oaks, CA
- Darwin Barrie — Scottsdale, AZ
- Glenn Carter — Walnut Creek, CA
- Gary Hoover — Visalia, CA
- Kai P. Jensen — Reno, NV
- Reginald Keywaya — Camarillo, CA
- John F. Krohn — (310) 827‑0777
- Brian Meaker — Morgan Hill, CA
- Dave Pliny — Las Vegas, NV
- Bob Reynerds — Tucson, AZ
- Betty Stream — Long Beach, CA
- Al Williamson — Chula Vista, CA
Lost Hills Free Flight World Championships: District X hosted the 1993 FAI Free Flight World Championships at the Lost Hills facility (San Joaquin Valley, CA) on October 4–9. Over 30 countries and more than 200 competitors participated in F1A (Nordic towline glider), F1B (Wakefield/rubber), and F1C (power). The event was a success due to cooperation among AMA, the National Free Flight Society, and the Southern California Aero Team (SCAT).
Acknowledgements: Thanks to dozens of volunteers and to Bill Hartill (Contest Director), Bob Waterman (NFFS President), Chip Smith and Jay Mealy (AMA competition staff), and Bill Bagot and SCAT members for their contributions.
USA Team and champions: Congratulations to the USA FAI Free Flight Team. Randy Archer (District X) repeated as F1C World Champion.
Appointments: Doug Galbreath (Davis, CA) joined the District X staff and was appointed to the Free Flight Contest Board, elected by District X free flight Leader Members to fill a vacancy.
Modesto site dedication: Modesto Radio Control Flyers dedicated a new flying site (35 miles NE of Modesto, north shore of Woodland Reservoir) featuring a 600‑foot paved runway. The field was dedicated to Ward Hendricks and showcased flying demonstrations and a Try‑to‑Fly event for the public.
Fall events: District X hosts many world-class events year-round. Recent highlights include the San Joaquin Valley RC Soaring Club Fall Festival (capped at 225 contestants), the Modesto Unlimited Air Race, the Golden State Stunt Championships, and the Madera Unlimited Air Race (record attendance). Congratulations to the Miller/Krohn Racing Team, Kent McKenna, Mike Haisel and AVP John Krohn for top finishes.
Closing: Keep them safe and keep them fly’n.
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Summary of AMA Executive Council Meeting — July 26, 1993
Attendance
In attendance were:
- Don Lowe, President (Altamonte Springs, FL)
- Dave Brown, Executive Vice President (Hamilton, OH)
- Don Kraftt, District I VP (Duxbury, MA)
- Bob Brown, District II VP (Bradford, PA)
- Howard Crispin, District IV VP (Charlottesville, VA)
- Jim McNeill, District V VP (Birmingham, AL)
- Jim Sears, District VI VP (Burgin, KY)
- Pete Waters, District VII VP (Northville, MI)
- Gene Hempel, District VIII VP (Garland, TX)
- Russell Miller, District IX VP (Carrington, ND)
- Richard Hanson, District X VP (Scottsdale, AZ)
- Ed McCollough, District XI VP (Portland, OR)
- Lance Zellers, NAA Representative
- Felix Gora, Council Attorney
The meeting opened at 9:10 a.m. with an executive session on personnel matters.
Key actions and reports
- Executive Director: Following the resignation of Vince Mankowski, the Council moved and approved hiring Bob Underwood as Executive Director for one year. Contract and salary matters to be developed.
- Minutes: April meeting minutes approved.
- Nominating Committee report approved. Candidate lists included:
- Executive Vice President: Dave Brown (incumbent), Jim McNeill
- District III: Bob Brown (incumbent), Alfred Myers
- District IV: Pete Waters (incumbent), William Oberdick
- District XI: Ed McCollough
- Dues increase: After discussion, modest dues increases were approved for most membership categories:
- Youth: $14 → $15
- Second Adult: $22 → $24
- Senior Citizen: $30 → $32
- Open: $40 → $42
- Affiliate: $20 → $22
- Amendment: No 1994 dues income will be used for capital improvements of the Muncie facility. Both the motion and amendment carried.
- Safety Committee: Report approved, resulting in changes to the 1994 AMA Model Aircraft Safety Code.
- Scholarships: Scholarship Committee report approved. Six Charles H. Grant scholarships were awarded for 1993 totaling $20,500. A special scholarship was granted in memory of Don Lindley, Contest Board Coordinator.
- PADCOM and Muncie facility: PADCOM chairman Bob Brown reported on projects proposed by the Muncie Sports Development Group. The Council affirmed cooperation where mutually beneficial (e.g., multiple-use facilities). Ball Foundation grant opportunities were discussed. The Council agreed on a more "open door" philosophy for the Muncie facility with reasonable controls to prevent abuse and vandalism. No funds are available to purchase the Visalia property; a final decision must be made by January 1994.
- Nats structure: Council agreed to retain the current Nats flavor while allowing provisional and non-official events and encouraging increased volunteer participation. The Council affirmed commitment to Texas for the 1994 Nats and expressed interest in returning to Muncie in 1995 if additional facilities become available.
- Awards: Superior Service awards approved for Bill Saunders and Howard Baldwin.
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Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
