AMA News
PR Roundup
Geoffrey Styles Director of Marketing
Arizona Highways Magazine: I have admired this magazine for many years. The legendary quality of the photographs illustrating the beauties of Arizona is world-class. I believe the subscriber list for this publication is similarly worldwide. John Oldenkamp was kind enough to send me clippings from a recent issue that contained a delightful story concerning the Cactus Squadron. With two very nice photographs by Richard Maack, reporter Melanie Lee Johnson developed a comprehensive and understanding picture of the activities and people of this free-flight club.
Several club members were mentioned by name. Most importantly, names and phone numbers were listed for club contacts, and the meeting place and time were also identified. Free flight is where all of this began, and I hope new enthusiasts will be attracted to the sport by this sympathetic story.
I feel that newcomers to the model aviation world who have never enjoyed the learning experience or the thrills of creating a delicately balanced rubber-powered free-flight model don't know what they have missed. There is nothing quite like it.
The Free State: There exists in Maryland a group called the Maryland Modeling Association (MMA). AMA-chartered clubs belong to this statewide body, with the Westminster Aero Modelers being one of the very active members. Ken David is the appointed representative from WAM. They recently announced joint sponsorship with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) of the '93/'94 High School Engineering Challenge.
The specific event is Cargo Aircraft. Each school must design and construct a model aircraft that will fit inside a 3 x 2-foot box, and power it with an electric motor and battery furnished by AIAA/MMA.
The primary stipulation is that the model must fly ROG (rise off ground) at least one complete lap and land undamaged while tethered to a 20-foot single line. All qualifiers who pass this first hurdle will then load cargo to the airplane and attempt a repeat flight. The craft carrying the heaviest load wins.
Prior to flying, each team must present a design/construction paper to gain a possible maximum score of 30 points. This is to be followed by a report (worth up to 20 points) describing the design/calculation/construction processes. An oral report is also required that could earn another 20-point maximum score. The last phase is the flying (for another potential 30 points), based on weight carried and successful completion.
The locale for this scientific extravaganza will be the Baltimore Museum of Industry. By cooperating with a statewide body and many schools, the Westminster Aero Modelers have expanded their reputation and gained respect in many circles. Congratulations to all members who take an active part in this event.
Sequin RC Aeronauts: One of the best newsletters that crosses my desk comes from this Washington state club. Jack Ronda is the editor, and he does an excellent job of organizing the monthly flow of information to club members. He includes birthdays, illness reports, names and addresses of new members, and complete details of club meetings for those who did not attend.
The April 1994 issue contained a write-up on new safety procedures for their field, fully illustrated by a detailed diagram. Field activities, special events, for-sale items, plus line drawings of old engines, plans, and other items of interest are arranged in a two-column format. This makes the newsletter very readable, and I would guess invaluable to the club.
I have always held the opinion that a good newsletter and a good flying site are the two things that keep a club together. Obviously, the Sequin group has both—congratulations.
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Sound & Model Aeronautics
Howard Crispin, Jr.
COMPLAINTS: The subject for this month is complaints, gathered from conversations and letters. They relate to two topics of concern, both of which have a major effect on where and how we convince people of the merits of sound-level reduction at our flying sites. We all must accomplish sound-level reduction at some point; the only question is when that time arrives.
The first complaint concerns the relationship between the manufacturer/vendor and the customer. Mr. Average Aeromodeler is directly involved in lowering sound levels to meet local ordinances, club rules, AMA-recommended standards, competition rules, and simply a desire to protect one's own hearing. To be successful in this task, the aeromodeler must depend on someone willing to manufacture sound-suppression devices—mufflers, silencers, muffled tuned pipes, or whatever other term suits the manufacturer. The important thing is that they do, in fact, reduce sound levels.
There are always assumed costs involved in the mechanical design of a device, setting up necessary tooling, and producing and marketing the finished product. The customer will purchase the devices, usually with a couple of assumptions based on advertising or conversation with the manufacturer:
- The device will perform as advertised in reducing the exhaust sound level of the particular engine for which the device was purchased.
- The item was purchased with the assumption that the device was of sound construction; that is, it would not fall apart or otherwise malfunction quickly after installation.
- The customer also assumes that the price was fair for what he thought he was purchasing.
Failure of the manufacturer to meet these requirements creates ill will, conversation among modelers that is certain to destroy the manufacturer's sales, and a high level of discouragement over attaining lowered sound levels.
The often-seen situation where a manufacturer is rude, abusive, and nonresponsive to a customer's complaint does nothing for the need to attain lower sound levels. These complaints most often result from a defect of some sort with the device being sold.
Everyone desires to purchase an item at a low price, but price alone is not the most critical point. The item should perform as stated and not self-destruct in a short time. A person who pays a high price for junk becomes very unhappy, and it falls upon the manufacturer to resolve that ill feeling. Common mechanical faults include broken welds, parts falling out in flight, burnt-out couplings, and adapters that are not proper for the installation.
Another fault of concern is that there are devices on the market that are not designed with sufficient internal volume to operate properly. These cause excess back-pressure, heating, and unacceptable losses of power. If manufacturers (for whom we have a vital need in the process) cannot meet our expectations for effective, durable, and reasonably priced sound-suppression equipment, the problem of noisy flying sites will remain.
The most common reason for losing a flying site is noise. Please don't wait until your neighbors start complaining; by then it's too late!
You may be saying to yourself as you read this: "I use what comes with my engine from the manufacturer." I'm sorry to say that the supplied mufflers are often noisy. Unless we demand real mufflers, manufacturers will continue with the current noisy designs.
AMA publishes other literature on getting and keeping flying sites. Take advantage of the work that has been done.
You also want to protect your own hearing. Long-term exposure to noise causes irreversible hearing damage. I know; my ears ring constantly. The flying and hearing that you save may be your own!
Have you listened to a modern Pattern model flying lately? Planes that used to measure 110–120 dB now have measurements of less than 90 dB. They can hardly be heard while up in the sky.
Performance has not been hurt; in fact, it has continued to improve. How do they do it? By a combination of quiet, efficient exhaust systems; higher-pitch, slower-turning, more efficient props; and soft engine-mounting systems. All of these equipment modifications are on the market and available to sport fliers as well as competition fliers.
"Dangerous Toys?" Let's alleviate the specter of flying, out-of-control objects that crash into everything. Yes, we fly high-speed devices, and yes, sometimes they crash due to human error. Remember that all crashes are due to human error of one type or another: lack of competence in constructing and equipping the model, carelessness in charging batteries, and failure to fly away from people and objects.
Most crashes occur very near the flight area. That's why it is so very important to be careful not to fly over people or valuable property. Never buzz over the heads of spectators; you are simply inviting disaster. Every club should have rules against such foolhardiness.
Never organize events that allow overflight of spectators, parking areas, or valuable property. Avoid overflight of roadways and the property of others (unless you have their permission). Take special care in preparation for flight; check batteries immediately after each flight with a good, loaded voltmeter.
Do not continue to fly if you suspect malfunction of any kind. Do not fly solo until you have been properly checked out by a competent flier. Remember, safety is up to you; an inanimate object (model plane) only responds to the quality of your input!
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Image
Quality, safe flying is a joy to watch for modelers and the uninitiated alike. Let us all work to improve our image. I'm in this hobby/sport for the long haul, and I know that a quality image will help make it a fun trip!
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Executive Director
Many of you know that Bob Underwood, our interim Executive Director since last July, is planning to semi-retire this spring. We are still in the process of selecting a replacement. We engaged the services of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) to conduct the search. We emphasized the need for experience in association management, personal and financial management, fund-raising, and the ability to work with people and volunteer groups. Experience in aviation and aeromodeling was listed as desirable qualifications.
We have interviewed the three finalists selected by the ASAE out of more than 60 applications. We feel that any of the three could do a good job. We look forward to a smooth transition with significant overlap before Bob departs.
Incidentally, Bob will continue to work for AMA on a part-time basis on selected projects. He will provide a valuable resource and "corporate memory." Personally, I hate to see Bob leave as ED; he is one of the finest people I know and has done a good job of stepping in during the transition to Muncie. He is looking forward to a slower pace and more time for modeling. I want to sincerely thank Bob for a job well done, and I look forward to a continuing relationship in getting the business of AMA done in a quality manner.
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Academy of Model Aeronautics
5151 East Memorial Drive Muncie, IN 47302
(General editorial and reprints of earlier items consolidated here for clarity.)
Arizona Highways magazine — I have admired that magazine for years for its legendary quality of photography illustrating the beauties of Arizona and the world. John Oldenkamp sent clippings from a recent issue that contained a delightful story concerning the Cactus Squadron, including two photographs. The article identified several club members and listed club contacts, meeting place, and time. Free flight may attract newcomers to model aviation who have never enjoyed the learning experience and thrills of creating a delicately balanced rubber-powered free-flight model.
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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 03106-1077
- Richard Sherman, 28 High Street, Plymouth, NH 03264-1223
- Ed Thompson, 27 E. Greenwich Ave., West Warwick, RI 02893-5405
- Bob Wallace, 91 Sylvan Street, Avon, CT 06001-2230
Frequency Coordinator:
- George Wilson, 82 Frazier Ave., Marstons Mills, MA 02648-1866
Once again I have to start this month's column on a sad note. From the R/C Gulls' newsletter I learned of the passing of Norm Gomm. While I did not know Norm very well, I considered him a close friend. He was always there to help out when needed. I will miss him, as will many other people from Maine.
495th R/C Squadron Scale Show: Once again Art Alfano provided a superior evening's entertainment with a display of scale models produced by area modelers. Most of the remainder of the column was devoted to pictures of these models; unfortunately all could not be shown due to space limitations.
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New AVP
Bill Poythress is from Saugerties, New York. Bill will serve New York zip code areas 105, 108, 109, and 124 to 127. Born in NYC, he built his first model airplane at age seven and won his first contest at age ten (Junior Birdmen Scale event). He has been an AMA Leader Member since 1946. He was one of the organizers and is a past president of Mid-Hudson Modelers. Bill is in charge of the new model airplane museum at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. He is an active contest director and a retired design engineer from IBM. Please welcome him aboard!
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In Memoriam... and to the kids!
In 1992, the Skyscapes dedicated their contributions to the Junior World Championship Team to the memory of former member Mark Valerius. His widow responded that Mark would be pleased with the Junior Free Flight Team as a memorial.
Two years later, we have lost more free-flight friends, and a new Junior Team needs our support. Pete Andrews, Joe Bilgri, and Tom McLaughlan were towering figures in the world of free flight—world-class competitors, designers, innovators, and role models. Gone now, they can no longer keep their influence by example. We can honor them by supporting the Junior FAI Free Flight Fund.
- Make checks payable to Academy of Model Aeronautics.
- Be sure to attach a note stating it's for the Jr. FAI FF Fund and that it is made in memory of Pete, Joe, and Tom (or in memory of another free-flight friend).
- Contributions are tax deductible.
Bob Hutscheck, editor of Flyoff
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MCRCC Attains Gold Leader Club Award
On February 2, the Mercer County Radio Control Society was presented the Gold Leader Club award for meeting AMA requirements, including instructor programs, safety programs, charity support, show programs, and more. A plaque and brass-inscribed plate were presented for mounting at the field or club wall, and a Gold Leader Award pin was given to each member commemorating this status.
AVP Dave Babcock
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District II Flea Market
On January 23, 1994, the eighth Annual Modelers Flea Market was held at Levittown Hall in Nassau County from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event was run by the Nassau Flyers and Condors. There were 30 vendors and more than 3,000 modelers from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Long Island. Nick Capriotti was show chairman. The event was a success and many vendors have already signed for next year.
AVP Ray Juschkas
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In Memoriam: John Florio
It is with sadness that we tell of the passing of John Florio, founder of the Florio Flyer Company, manufacturer of many fine kits and plan sets. He retired and sold the business; his son Jim continues kit production. John essentially invented Fun-Flys and designed aircraft for that purpose many years ago. He was a true gentleman and a great person; our hearts go out to his family.
AVP Terry Terrenore
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Regional News and Events
Aerorama '94
Last year, the Tuscarora R/C Club focused activities on promoting model aviation within the Pennsylvania State Parks system. Their airshow commemorated the park's 100th birthday. The 1994 show will be held at Tuscarora State Park on May 29. The club also obtained AMA Gold Leader Club status—congratulations to Henry and the rest of the club!
Free Flight News
A newsletter edited by Tom Sanders for the Scale Old Timers Society covers free-flight activity within the Philadelphia area. To subscribe, contact Tom at (215) 249-1409.
Miami Valley Mall Show
More than 100 radio-controlled models from four clubs were displayed at the Miami Valley Centre Mall in Piqua, Ohio the weekend of March 19. The major attraction was three P-51 Mustangs built by members of the Riverside R/C Hawks from Piqua. The Hawks also used a giant-screen television to run model aircraft videos for the public. Mall shows are an excellent way to acquaint the public with the hobby.
R/C Aviation Country Club
An ambitious flying-site project east of Columbus, Ohio includes on-site camping, a flight training program with a free-flight simulator, and the Red Baron Cafe. The summer schedule includes:
- A weekend R/C Helicopter Flight School (sponsored by the R/C Eagles)
- The '94 Rotary Rumble (sponsored by the Columbus Rotary Wings)
- The '94 Jet Speed Nationals
- The '94 IRCHA Jamboree
- The '94 Big Bird Classic
Contact Jeff Robb, R/C Aviation, Box 100, Hebron, OH 43025-0100; Tel.: (614) 928-5300
AMA Gold Leader Club
Congratulations to the Frequent-C-Flyers of Clearfield, Pennsylvania for obtaining AMA Gold Leader Club status.
Grand Opening of the AMA Museum
The grand opening of the AMA Museum in Muncie is the weekend of June 11. Bring your model and join the flying and festivities.
Metro R/C Flyers
Soaring events in northern Ohio: May 7, June 4, July 2, August 20, September 30, and October 1. Contact Brian Smith, P.O. Box 85, Clinton, OH 44216.
Preble County MONARCS R/C Club
Situated on 200 acres of sod, the MONARCS fly Sundays and every other Wednesday. The club has two ponds for float planes and boat racing circuits. Membership has doubled in two years, and a pilot training program has produced seven new pilots.
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AMA Museum and Staff Notes
During a visit to Muncie in late March for Executive Director candidate interviews, progress of the museum and other aspects of the facility was noted. The display should be largely ready for the Homecoming. The library will be well underway soon.
Personality of the Month: Rosemary Holliday (Nash County Radio Control Flyers, North Carolina) took up radio control flying in 1991 after watching her husband and son. She enjoys biplanes and has become deeply involved in club management. Elected president of the Nash County Radio Control Flyers in January 1994, Rosemary faced flying-site challenges and helped the club overcome problems. She is also active as a Boy Scouts Merit Badge counselor, assisting scouts to obtain Modeling and Aviation badges. Let Rosemary be an inspiration to others.
Winter flying: The Tidewater Model Soaring Association hosts an annual sailplane meet around New Year's Day. Despite winter conditions, hardy members enjoy winch-launch sailplane flying.
Timonium: The Mid-Atlantic Radio Control Show at Timonium, Maryland will take place June 4–5. The Academy will be there with a display and membership services.
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DISTRICT VIII REPORT
Arkansas / Louisiana / New Mexico / Oklahoma / Texas
Gene Hempel Vice President 2517 Ridgemeade Dr. Garland, TX 75040-3275
Associate Vice Presidents:
- Chuck Andraka, 21 Juan Rd. N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87123-9553
- Max Blose, 1001 N. Betts, Waco, TX 76706
- Clyde Brothers, 4903 Whispering Oaks Drive, College Station, TX 77845
- Glenn Gressens, 10224 Kenlee Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70815
- Bill Kimbro, 2105 Wood Street, Texarkana, TX 75501
- Steve Staples, 1300 Pine Valley, Little Rock, AR 72207
- Jim Trew, 1135 Merrymead Green, Norman, OK 73072
- John Walls, 2502 Montgomery, PO Box 2241, Laredo, TX 78044
- Ray Wagner, 2719 Verde St., Odessa, TX 79762
AMA Display Coordinator:
- Karen Hopkins, 5515 Bridgeston Avenue, Arlington, TX 76018
Frequency Coordinators:
- (North) Joe DuMond, 1830 Chevy Chase, Carrollton, TX 75006
- (South) Tim Ahrens, 14824 Bear Creek Pass, Austin, TX 78737
SPRINGTIME: To keep abreast of modeling activity, AVPs contributed reports for their areas. This month's column was written by Max Blose, AVP from Waco, Texas.
On October 31, 1993, the Alamo Radio Control Society (ARCS) of San Antonio held their first International Miniature Aerobatics Club (IMAC) contest at Zuehl Airport in Seguin, Texas. Despite very cold and windy conditions, 12 contestants competed. Events flown included Sportsman, Advanced, Unlimited, and Open Freestyle. Winners included:
- Sportsman: Wayne Young
- Advanced: Jeff Powell
- Unlimited: Todd Blose (just ahead of Robert Elliot)
- Open Freestyle: Todd Blose
Jeff Powell won the high-point award and received a Futaba radio system. Beverly Brogdan handled computer scoring; Dennis McAllister handled the sound system. Contest director Gene Goldstein did a fine job under difficult weather.
Temple Aeromodellers dedicated a new gate to their flying field and honored Russ Roepke with a plaque placing him in the "Aero Honor Society of Newsletter Editors." The Cent-Tex Modelers (Killeen, Texas) host Big Bird Fly-Ins and have one of the finest grass runways. The San Antonio Prop Busters have presented a Big Bird Fly-In benefiting the Little Flower Children's Home.
Max Blose, Waco, Texas
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News from Colorado
The Master Magnificent Mountain Men (MMMM) program recognizes club members for outstanding participation and performance over the year. Three ways to earn MMMM status:
- Fly the greatest number of official flights at MMMM contests in the year.
- Fly at least 25 official max flights at MMMM contests.
- Enter and fly in at least five MMMM contests.
Certificates of Merit were presented for 1993 achievements:
- Most official flights: Bill Etherington (82 flights in eight contests).
- At least 25 max flights: Ken Pahl (42), Bill Gibbons (36), Pete McQuade (25), Glen Mene (25 at only four contests).
- Participation in at least five contests: Chuck Etherington (8), Roland Solomon (7), Dean Carpenter (6), Art Hills (6), Roger Maves (6), Ed Smull (6), John Anders (5), Jerry Murphy (5), Ralph Vescera (5).
Rick Panggell, Magnificent Mountain Men, Littleton, Colorado
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News from South Dakota
On February 12, several Propbusters club members cleared snow from the Janice Jensen Model Airport runway and enjoyed flying on a mild winter day. Despite previous storms, they repaired and flew various models, including a new Cosmos on its maiden flight.
Darrel Cassidy, Propbusters, Rapid City, South Dakota
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News from North Dakota
The Red River R/C Flyers Mall Show was held on March 5, 1994 at Columbia Mall in Grand Forks. The show had a great turnout of airplanes and spectators. Raffle winners included Dennis Weatherand (airplane/engine/radio combination), Mike Ellison ($50), and Blake Carlson ($25). Military-class and sport-class awards were presented to local flyers. The show was a success and the club sold most of its raffle tickets.
John Wacup, Red River R/C Flyers Club, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Thought for the month: A real friend is a person who, when you've made a fool of yourself, lets you forget it.
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DISTRICT X REPORT
District X welcomes newly appointed Executive Director Jerry Rouillard to the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Jerry was one of three finalists interviewed March 24–27 and was confirmed by telephone vote of the Executive Council on March 31.
Jerry's background:
- Lives in Manassas, Virginia.
- Education: Undergraduate and graduate degrees from California State University, Sacramento (1987–1992).
- Professional experience: Project Director for the "Memories" series on PBS KVIE-TV, Assistant Director of the United States Parachute Association (USPA), senior consultant for Parachute Industry Consultants, Inc.
- Management experience: 23 years total, including management in nonprofit and sports aviation companies, budget management ($2–3 million), and staff supervision (17–30 full-time).
Jerry's priorities include stabilizing AMA's internal operations in the new location and developing better community relations. He advocates realistic goal setting, staff involvement, and total quality management (TQM). Welcome aboard, Jerry.
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News from the Aloha State: Ray Roberts' International Paper Airplane Museum
Ray Roberts of Kahului, Hawaii opened the International Paper Airplane Museum, located near Maui's airport. Ray designs and sells paper airplane kits that range in size from postage-stamp models to radio-controlled craft with six-foot wingspans. He uses mostly paper and handcrafts the models. His kits have been sold internationally.
Notable items:
- Over 350 built-up paper models on display (in plastic cases).
- Over 2,000 paper airplane kits in the gift area.
- Ray also creates aircraft models from Hawaiian beverage cans called "UN-CAN-NY" aircraft.
- He has a catalog of paper airplanes available for $18 (includes postage and handling). Phone: (808) 244-4667.
If you're in Hawaii, stop by and say hi to Ray.
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Alaska and West Region Events
A few Alaska highlights and other events:
- Fifth Annual Alaska State R/C Championships: August 4–7 at the Alaska Radio Control Society field on Elmendorf AFB, Anchorage. Events include Quickie classes, Fun Scale, Sport Scale, Fun Fly, and Pattern. Exhibition attractions include David Von Linsowe and a noon performance by the USAF Thunderbirds with private viewing for contest attendees.
- Midnight Sun R/C Club All Night Fun Fly: June 18, Fairbanks.
- Central Peninsula Modelers' Summer Solstice Float Fly: June 19, Kenai.
- Pattern meets and other regional events in June: Othello, Agate Skyways (Medford), Montpelier, Kent (electric meets).
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Staff Appreciation and Remembrances
By the time you read this, a new Executive Director should be on the job. The search and transition have involved many people; thanks to all who contributed. Special recognition for staff efforts and individuals:
- Bob Underwood: Interim ED who helped steady the organization through transition. He will return to St. Louis and work part-time on selected projects.
- Carl Maroney and Joyce Harger: Longtime employees whose competence and calm were invaluable.
- Greg Chartrand: Managed the conversion of warehouse space into headquarters.
- Jane Ames: Improved mail handling and operations.
- Jay Meely: Excellent AMA spokesperson for public relations.
- Curt May: Leads data processing improvements.
- Mike Fulmer: Museum curator with a strong vision for the museum.
- Rob Kurek: Magazine editor who has kept publications on schedule through turmoil.
- JoAnne Spampinato: Valued staff member, recently returned to the organization.
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In Memoriam: Robert W. Bennett (1922–1994)
Bob Bennett recently passed away after a courageous battle with illness. An AMA member since 1938 and Contest Director with over fifty years' experience, Bob contributed widely to the modeling community: forming new clubs, running shows, judging, designing classes, participating in television shows, organizing charitable events, and more. He was honored with the Carl Goldberg Vital People Award in 1989 and named Modeler of the Year by the Rogue Eagles in 1988. Bob had a career as an aircraft engineer and a lifetime devotion to modeling.
One of Bob's last wishes was to have part of his ashes placed in a plane for a final flight around Agate Skyways, after which they would be scattered over the flying field so he would always be part of the hobby he loved.
Robert W. Bennett 1922–1994
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Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
