AMA News

AMA News

Sound & Model Aeronautics

Howard Crispin, Jr.

Editor's note: A regrettable error caused duplication of the December and January "Sound" columns. My apologies to Howard and his readers. This is a double-length column to bring everyone up to date.

Competition Fun-Fly I recently attended the Competition Fun Fly Association National Championships, hosted by the Raleigh AeroMasters at the flying site near Youngsville, North Carolina. Of special interest was the effort to operate at reduced sound levels in both categories of aircraft being flown.

Two classes were prominent:

• Unlimited class: Aircraft in this class are built as light as feasible. They are typically powered by .32-sized engines (the Webra is especially popular). The need to minimize weight tends to preclude use of stock or aftermarket mufflers. A practical solution—published many times in Model Aviation—is to install a tuned-pipe adapter and construct a lightweight muffler using pressurized aluminum hair-spray cans, a short length of aluminum tubing (5/16" or 3/8" inside diameter), and J.B. Weld. Choosing the proper can size yields an effective muffler with very little weight penalty. Jerry Smith (Paducah, KY) has had success using such designs on competition-winning aircraft. Manufacture is straightforward; avoid drilled passages or tubing that creates excessive back pressure. A pressure tap may be installed if needed.

• Formula class: These aircraft follow the general arrangement of designs such as the Miss Martha and use engines from .40 to .46 cubic inch displacement. Many competitors use stock mufflers or commercially made units (notably the Davis Soundmaster). Propeller choice depends on muffler effectiveness, engine requirements, and aircraft weight. Formula aircraft are more conventional and often fly with APC and similar propellers, while Unlimited aircraft typically use very light wooden props because torque and gyroscopic effects must be addressed without a rudder (many Unlimited designs fly with elevator and ailerons only).

Safety Safety is everyone’s responsibility. A recent serious accident illustrates why you should not fly alone. A very experienced modeler went to a remote site early on a Sunday to check out an aircraft. While placing the airplane on the runway he stepped into a depression, fell and bumped his transmitter. The throttle moved to high rpm; the aircraft struck his right arm and the propeller produced a severe laceration, severing arteries and muscle tissue.

Key points from the incident:

• The flier lost about a quart of blood and required roughly seventy stitches—about ten minutes to close the outer wound and more than an hour for internal repairs. Saline was administered.
• Being alone at a remote site almost certainly made the situation far worse; the intervening passerby who stopped and transported the flier probably saved his life.
• Photographs of the aircraft bottom clearly showed blood tracks along the wing chord—an arresting reminder of the hazard.

Lesson: Avoid going to flying sites alone. Any accident causing severe bleeding, broken bones, unconsciousness, or eye injury can become life-threatening if you have no assistance nearby. You can always delay flying a prized aircraft until you have company.

Aviation and complaints: Complaints about overflight of aircraft go back to the beginning of manned flight; model aviation should expect similar concerns and address them responsibly.

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AMA News — Headquarters & Administration

Replacement of Interim Executive Director

• Bob Underwood agreed in July to serve as Interim Executive Director for up to one year. He and Rae plan to retire and build a new house in St. Louis; we will honor that agreement.
• The Executive Council has retained the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) to search for a permanent Executive Director. We hope to have a replacement hired by March 1994 to allow overlap before Bob retires.

Property and fundraising

• Sale of Reston property: Negotiations are underway for leasing and eventual sale. Proceeds are expected to help complete development of the Muncie Flying Center.
• Ball Brothers Foundation: A substantial contribution from the Foundation is being used as seed money in a fundraising campaign. Geoff Styles will lead the effort with professional assistance.
• Visalia, CA site: Council elected to continue the project; Gary Hover is guiding the effort.

Programs and events

• District X budget: Rich Hanson’s budget has been substantially increased for next year; his program is impressive and responsive to members.
• Hot Air Balloon Festival: Negotiations with the City of Muncie are continuing to host a major festival at the Muncie Flying Center in 1995, to include modeling demos and other activities.
• Modeling events: Several organizations are negotiating to schedule events at Muncie in 1994.
• Young Eagles Program: AMA signed an agreement with EAA to help promote the Young Eagles program, aimed at giving one million youngsters a significant aviation experience by 2003 (the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' flight). AMA will develop specific plans for modeling involvement.

Safety & accidents

• Pylon racer's tragic death: A model racer struck and killed a course worker at a Warbird Pylon Race in Phoenix, AZ. Condolences were extended to the family; VP Rich Hanson and others attended the funeral. An Ad Hoc Committee has been formed to review racing procedures. Members are urged to exercise care; serious accidents are rare but can be devastating.

Muncie Flying Center needs & donations

• The 1,000+ acres at Muncie require regular maintenance—mowing, moving dirt, filling holes, planting trees, erecting signs, repairs, etc. Needed equipment includes a tractor with front loader, dump truck, power and hand tools.
• Donations of serviceable equipment, financial gifts, and museum-quality planes are tax-deductible (AMA is a 501(c)(3)). Contact Headquarters and Greg Charrand, Maintenance Department head.

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AMA News — Finances, Operations & Membership

A recent Executive Council budget passed showing enough surplus to purchase much-needed equipment for AMA Headquarters. Top priority is updating the computer system to integrate accounting and membership systems for better financial tracking and management information.

Canceled checks issue:

• A letter from Jane Ames (Finance & Personnel) requested members check their records for a canceled check for 1993 dues. Most members responded; a few misunderstandings caused concern.
• Jane discovered a file of member letters claiming checks had not cleared. Some batches of checks processed by membership never appeared deposited. After consultation with auditors, an attempt was made to locate canceled checks to trace the problem.
• Many members responded but no canceled checks were received; this reduces the likelihood of internal theft. Steps have been taken to improve internal controls and to prevent future occurrences.
• If you received such a letter, please check your bank records: if your check cleared, please send a copy (both sides) of the canceled check; if it did not clear, please consider replacing the check.

Construction and equipment strategy:

• Significant savings are possible by performing many site construction tasks in-house (e.g., graveled parking, parking area expansion). The Council considered buying or soliciting donated heavy equipment (dump truck, front-end loader) to reduce long-term costs.
• AMA will pursue donations and purchases of surplus or used equipment; as a 501(c)(3), donations are tax-deductible. Members are encouraged to consider donations of equipment.

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Executive Director's Report

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

October was a busy month of visits and activities.

International & notable visitors

• Delegation from China: Three aeromodellers (Huang Youfang, Zhang Fusheng, Li Ren Da) visited after the Free Flight World Championships, accompanied by Frank Garcher (Midwest Products). Aeromodelling in China is government-subsidized; they face material shortages but have strong youth programs worth emulating.
• Former AMA presidents Maynard Hill and John Patton visited and loaned world-record models to the Museum. Maynard has a storied record (Altitude 26,619 ft in 1970; Seaplane Alt. 18,535 ft in 1967; closed-course speed 241.8 kph; distance 455.23 km; recent duration 33+ hours in 1992). He donated $5,000 to the museum and site development.
• Community reception: A reception for local business and community leaders was hosted to promote awareness of the Academy. Flying demos included an F1D indoor model flown by Model Aviation Managing Editor Jim Haught.

Executive Council meeting (October)

The October Executive Council meeting spanned 18 hours over two days. Major actions and approvals included:

• Approved partnership proclamation with EAA regarding Young Eagles.
• Approved the 1994 budget (now constructed directly from financial-line items).
• Approved capital expenses, including a computer system update.
• Approved negotiation with the Muncie Visitors Bureau regarding a hot-air balloon festival site in 1995.
• Accepted two new special interest groups: Jet Pilots Association and National Control Line Racing Association.
• Approved development of a procedure for bylaws regarding replacement of officers.
• Tabled an item involving a conflict-of-interest statement.
• Approved development of a Pylon racing safety advisory.
• Approved cashing in a life insurance policy held on a former Executive Director.
• Rejected motion to not fund the Visalia Regional site (site development continues).
• Approved engaging ASAE to conduct an Executive Director search process.
• Approved changing the Intro Pilot instructor fee from $40 to $35.
• Rejected a motion to restore Reggie Keyawo to Model Aviation at AMA expense.

Additional discussion and approvals:

• Increased District X VP yearly budget due to membership growth.
• Approved a 98-dB sound-level requirement for normal flying at the National Flying Site, effective April 1, 1994.
• Approved completion of a fundraising video.

Other matters:

• Counteroffer for Reston property under consideration.
• Fundraising program for site development.
• Computer plan for Headquarters operations.
• Proposal concerning Reese Airport (no action; right of first refusal retained).
• Revision to the Intro Pilot program information to remove perceived RC-only limitations.

Next Executive Council meeting: January 22, 1994, at Muncie.

Personal notes and thanks:

• Thanks to Don and Clara Lowe for four months of on-the-spot help in Muncie.
• Thanks to volunteers who supported the National Aeromodeling Championships.
• Clarification: Engaging ASAE is a search process preparation—no immediate intent implied to change directors; action ensures a process is in place if needed.
• New staff are learning rapidly; long-time staff provide institutional memory. The Executive Director pledges to work for a smooth transition if/when it occurs.

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DISTRICT I REPORT

(Connecticut / Maine / Massachusetts / New Hampshire / Rhode Island / Vermont)

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

Associate Vice Presidents:

• James M. Semonian, 166 Allen Road, Billerica, MA 01821-5240
• Bob Landry, 80 Main Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452-3146
• M.C. McGuffin, 8 Robinson Street, Houlton, ME 04730-2312
• Harry S. Newman, 36 Sherwood Drive, Hooksett, NH 03106-1078
• Richard Sherman, 28 High Street, Plymouth, NH 03264-1223
• Ed Thompson, 27 E. Greenwich Ave., West Warwick, RI 02893-5406
• Bob Wallace, 91 Sylvan Street, Avon, CT 06001-2230

Frequency Coordinator: George Wilson, 82 Frazier Way, Marstons Mills, MA 02648-1866

Club & newsletter news:

• R/C Aces Tailwinds newsletter: Doug Hooten is the new editor and seeks newsletter exchanges and event information. Deadline: 20th of each month. Address: P.O. Box 455, North Hampton, NH 03862-0455.
• Gone Flyin' newsletter: Louis Dinneen is starting this newsletter focused primarily on free flight and control-line fliers. Free on request. Contact Lewis at 229 Ash Street, Apt. 1, Lewiston, ME 04240.

Leader Club: The list of District I clubs qualifying for the AMA Leader Club Award continues to grow; latest recipient is Cape Ann R/C Club.

Otis AFB youth event: On August 23, 1993, Vern Duckworth, Peter Monroe, and Walt Witkos provided flying demonstrations and a static display for 42 youths at an aviation youth camp. The event was volunteer-run and very successful.

Seasonal note: Best wishes for the holiday season and for 1994.

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DISTRICT II REPORT

(New Jersey / New York)

Joe Beshar — Vice President 198 Merritt Drive, Oradell, NJ 07649

• District II shoulder patch design contest closes December 31, 1993. Winner receives a four-channel radio. Send entries to Joe Beshar, 198 Merritt Drive, Oradell, NJ 07649.
• District II meeting: Saturday, February 26, 1994, 1 p.m., WRAM Show, Westchester County Center, White Plains, NY.

Pennsylvania Avenue R/C Society (PARCS):

• Founded 1956; current membership ~300. Flying site: Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn (Gateway National Parks). The PARCS administers the flying site and welcomes visitors. Contact club historian Harry Botkowsky at 2770 W. 5th Street, Apt. 19E, Brooklyn, NY 11224; Tel: (718) 372-4998.

AVP reports:

• Ray Juschkus reported a visit to PARCS; praised organization and flying demonstrations (Tony Cerasani flying an Ultimate, indoor activity at Blue Nose Hangar).
• Tom Brown (Europe) reported on U.S. fliers flying with a German-American club near Ramstein AFB; they enjoy good access and camaraderie.
• AVP Adam Sattler (NY): Dan Whiteman of the Thunderbolts R/C Club presented $6,000 to the Empire State Aerosciences Museum from the ESAM Giant Scale Fly-In (June 12-13).

Meroke RC Club:

• Held First Annual Open Fun-Fly at Cedar Creek Park Aerodrome, Seaford, NY (July 11, 1993). Events, raffles, donated prizes, and two Futaba radios were raffled. Despite a heat wave and one medical incident, the event was deemed a success. Plans are in place for a Second Annual Open Fun-Fly in early October 1994.

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DISTRICT III REPORT

(Ohio / Pennsylvania / West Virginia)

Bob Brown — Vice President 1255 High Street, Bradford, PA 16701 (814) 362-7702

Associate Vice Presidents:

• Mike Barbee, Columbus, OH
• David H. Ellis, Cross Lanes, WV
• Nelson Gould, Allentown, PA
• John Hathaway, New Stanton, PA
• Donald Klopp, King of Prussia, PA
• Joseph S. Vislay, Maumee, OH
• Lawrence R. Weimer, Maple Heights, OH
• Mark Wilson, Dayton, OH

Frequency Coordinator: John Cottle, Forty Fort, PA — (717) 287-8970

Control line / free flight contest coordination:

• For the past three years, contests were sanctioned through a computer at AMA HQ; while efficient, it lacked personal contact. For 1994, sanction applications will be sent to respective contest coordinators for approval.

FAI & competition notes:

• District III members were active in FAI competitions. Wendell Atkins placed 13th in helicopter at the World Championships in Austria. Tony Frackowiak placed 9th in Pattern. The U.S. Pylon team placed first in selection at Toledo.
• Bob Hunt will represent the U.S. at next year’s Control Line World Championships. Bob Sifleet will manage the FAI Junior Free Flight World Championship team.

Toledo Ducted Fan Fan-Fly:

• Jet rallies are growing in the district; the first annual Toledo Ducted Fan Fan-Fly used a 75 x 2,500-foot runway at Metcalf Airport, courtesy of Airport Director James McCue.

Other events:

• Bob Evans Scale Meet and Fly-In involved four clubs collaborating on a large-scale Scale event.
• Flying Circuits Picnic (Findlay, OH) provides a family-oriented fly-in and picnic.

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DISTRICT IV REPORT

Howard Crispin — Vice President 611 Beechwood Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901

Associate Vice Presidents:

• Robert E. Babura, Severn, MD
• Bob Champine, Newport News, VA
• Chuck Foreman, Mechanicsville, VA
• Doug Holland, Raleigh, NC
• Scotty Moyer, Wilmington, DE
• Richard (Dick) Smith, Waynesboro, VA
• Charles Spero, Mocksville, NC

Frequency Coordinator: Paul Yaccobucci, Fayetteville, NC — Evening: (919) 488-5986

Soaring:

• The Capital Area Soaring Association hosted the John Brawner Memorial Contest (September) at National Geographic Society grounds, Gaithersburg, MD. The meet attracted 107 contestants and showcased many designers and innovations. Other notable soaring groups in the district include High Point Soaring Society (Asheville, NC), Tidewater Model Soaring Society (VA), Bristol Organization of Model Builders (VA), and Mid Virginia Radio Control Club (Petersburg, VA). Many events are thermal-soaring, with some slope activity on western ridges.

Club activities:

• Several clubs are returning to organized, sanctioned events after years of inactivity—an encouraging trend that increases local exposure and participation.
• South Eastern Virginia Radio Control Group plans to run an annual sanctioned Fun-Fly/Fly-In (competition included four standard events: loops per minute, touch-and-goes in two minutes, spot landings, and limbo).

Jim Thrift Memorial Fun Fly (Winston-Salem R/C Club):

• The Jim Thrift Memorial Fun Fly was well attended and may be the last event at the current Thrift Field, which is threatened by golf course construction. This may be the oldest continuously running Fun Fly in District IV.

Fun-Fly winners (Saturday competition):

• Novice:

1. Bob Bolling, Norfolk (Eglin AFB Aeromodelers Club 20)
2. Travis Elam, Yorktown (Hots)
3. Frank Orris, Hampton (Tame Cat)

• Expert:

1. Jeff Liddell, Virginia Beach (AeroTech Interceptor)
2. Chuck Coulter, Gloucester (Miss Martha)
3. John Sharpless, Virginia Beach (AeroTech Interceptor)

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DISTRICT VIII REPORT

(Arkansas / Louisiana / New Mexico / Oklahoma / Texas)

Gene Hempel — Vice President 301 N. Yale Dr., Garland, TX 75042

Associate Vice Presidents:

• Chuck Andraka, Albuquerque, NM
• Max Blose, Waco, TX
• Clyde Brothers, College Station, TX
• Glenn Gresens, Baton Rouge, LA
• Bill Kimbro, Texarkana, TX
• Steve Staples, Little Rock, AR
• Jim Traw, Norman, OK
• John Walls, Laredo, TX
• Ray Wagner, Odessa, TX

AMA Display Coordinator: Karen Hopkins, Arlington, TX

Frequency Coordinators:

• North: Joe DuMond, Carrollton, TX
• South: Tim Ahrens, Austin, TX

Helicopter meet:

• The Great Southern Air Force sponsored a helicopter meet (codirectors Charles Parish, Don Curtis, Lorell Joiner). Despite Saturday thundershowers, Sunday flew well. The site, owned by Lorell Joiner, is a first-class facility with excellent amenities and a meeting room with tools and workspace. The event included a Saturday barbecue dinner and heavy manufacturer and dealer support for prizes and donations.

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DISTRICT X REPORT

Summary of tragic accident:

• On October 23, 1993, Neil Claybaugh (Glendale, AZ) was fatally injured while serving as a pylons judge at a Scale Warbird Pylon Race. An F-82 twin-Mustang went out of control and struck the back of the judges' cage; Neil was hit by the spinner. Despite a fully enclosed chain-link cage, the impact was fatal.
• Neil was a respected Sun Valley Flyers member and longtime volunteer. He is survived by his wife Vickie, daughter Brandy (18), son T.J., sister Susan Yarins, and father Forrest Claybaugh. District X extends deepest condolences to his family.
• The accident underscores that model airplanes can be lethal and that safety is an ongoing process requiring commitment from all members and leaders. A rational and continuous safety review is essential.

District X updates:

• Visalia regional flying site: District X AVP Gary Hover reported procedural delays; concerns by the California Game and Fish Department required an Environmental Impact Report, delaying escrow. The project retained tentative approval to proceed; briefings will be held at IMS Pasadena (January 14–16).
• Scale Masters Championship: Hosted by Scale Squadron of Southern California at Mile Square Park, Fountain Valley, CA. First place went to Dennis Crooks (Big Rock, IL) flying a Lear 35. Congratulations to Dennis and the Scale Squadron.

Closing note: Best wishes for a prosperous and enjoyable 1994. Keep them safe and keep them fly'n.

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AMA News — Regional & Club Highlights

Big Sky R/C Modelers (Great Falls, MT)

• President Bruce Hadella reported the club’s 10th anniversary open house and fly-in at Black Horse Field on June 27. Admission was a canned food donation for the Great Falls Food Bank. About 16 fliers with 40 planes entertained ~200 visitors. Buddy-box instruction gave locals an opportunity to try RC.

Bel Air R/C Flyers — First International All-Bird Fly-In

• Held Sunday, September 11, 1993, hosted by Jerry Freck. The event was open to AMA members and families and included participants from the Vancouver, BC area.
• Twenty-four pilots brought 44 aircraft, from .25-size trainers to Big Birds over 20 lb., plus gliders (2-meter and Unlimited) launched by winch. Family attendance and a potluck increased enjoyment; free hot dogs and soda were provided at noon.

Personnel changes and appointments

• Dave Mullens resigned an AVP position citing burnout; replacement suggestions are welcome.
• Richard L. Snear agreed to serve as new AVP for the Upper Valley area north of Seattle. He will help improve regional communication and support.

Photo and archive requests

• Please send well-identified photographs (write lightly in pencil on a corner if needed) and brief descriptions. Do not request photo returns if they may be marked; the Museum prefers to keep items clean and well-documented.

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As always, please contact your District Vice President or AMA Headquarters for more information or to make contributions, provide photos, or offer assistance. Keep safe and enjoy the hobby.

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