AMA News
PR Roundup
Geoffrey Styles Director of Marketing
The Maui R/C Modelers report in their newsletter that two potential flying sites are on the club's horizon. Sites are vital to any club, but the highlight of this report is that the Maui RCM is at the planning stage for two parks.
AMA has always recommended this position for chartered clubs: be aware of what is happening in your area and, when new developments are in the offing, be sure to make your needs known. It is much easier to get an audience and have your ideas accepted by the appropriate administration if your club is known in the region. Mall shows, community support, school projects, and participation in annual parades (such as the Fourth of July) are ways to get your name and activity in front of officials and the public. Image is important to chartered clubs. Thanks to Al Wheeler and Jack Arnold for sending the newsletter.
Lakehurst Naval Air Station: If you have heard of the German airship Hindenburg and the year 1937, you must recognize Lakehurst. This New Jersey site has been used for indoor flying for decades. The location is tremendously important to the region's indoor enthusiasts, and to ensure they retain access, a recent effort to cooperate with the U.S. Navy was initiated. Headed by Gary Underwood and Bob Eberly, a team of fliers performed a Herculean task in cleaning up Hangar 1. Authorities hauled away three truckloads of junk, including paint and other hazardous materials. Thanks to editor Ed Whitten and the pages of The New York Indoor Times newsletter. Underwood and Eberly recently set new AMA national records: Underwood set records in Category IV Catapult Glider #219 and Unlimited #218 as an AMA Open Member, and Eberly set records in the same two events as a Senior Member. Their efforts were later eclipsed by Karl von Bueren with times of 1:14.1 (#218) and 1:04.1 (#219).
Macon, Georgia: Long before floods hit Macon and knocked out their water treatment plant, the annual Cherry Blossom Festival took place. Congratulations to Dick Konide for his excellent model that earned him Best of Show at the Fun-Fly sponsored by Bibb County R/C Modelers. The 1994 weekend was blessed with great weather, good attendance, civic support and fine flying. Participating in civic affairs is another way for a club to improve its image; in this case, the club gained permission to fly at the local airport.
Model Aviation Academy: A variation on the theme "the club that plays together stays together." A Chicago-area chartered club hired a bus and arranged a trip to Oshkosh for the 1994 EAA Convention. It was a great idea for scale buffs and aircraft enthusiasts of all types, with the big plus of no driving or parking.
---
Sound & Model Aeronautics
Howard Crispin, Jr.
Update: I receive many letters asking about the status of the Migrating Combustion Chamber Full-Expansion Engine. Time has passed without much news about the engine design and production plans.
I talked to Fred Erickson a few days ago, and he assures me the engine is alive and well. Development was delayed by workload on bread-and-butter projects and by metallurgical questions on some components. Those studies have been resolved, and progress is now moving forward toward developing a production example. There should be good news rather soon on this new entry into the model aircraft engine field.
The concept is new and unlike anything previously known to the aeromodeler. The engine is very quiet in operation because it provides a low-temperature, low-pressure exhaust. It runs smoothly and lends itself well to many installations. Scale builders will appreciate the compact frontal area; one major advantage is the ability to swing a large propeller at relatively low speed.
Photos described in earlier articles show an example installed and running (a three-bladed propeller was necessary to absorb the power because of lack of clearance for a two-blade prop) and several experimental test examples in a number of displacements.
Sound Meter: Many clubs use various types of meters for checking sound levels at flying sites. The most common, probably due to cost, is the Radio Shack analog sound meter (moving-coil needle), priced around $31.99. Radio Shack also markets a digital instrument, the Realistic Digital Sound Meter, with a listed price of $59.99. Catalog number: 33-2055. Prices do not include local sales tax. Regardless of meter type, all users should follow standard procedures when measuring sound levels.
---
District Vice President campaign statements
District II Vice President — Joe Beshar (incumbent)
Having served my first term, I am a first-time incumbent AMA Vice President and Council member. The past three years have been an experience for me, supplementing my aeromodeling interests with AMA legislation. My involvement proved to be the vehicle for meeting many new modeling friends and learning about the desires of the membership.
During my tenure, Associate Vice President responsibilities were addressed by assigning specific areas bounded by postal ZIP Code; this has proved efficient and effective. Obtaining new fields remains our greatest problem; by allocating areas, AVPs are better able to service and coordinate help from AMA headquarters. I have come to recognize that terms for District Vice Presidents on the Executive Council should be limited and am encouraging such a policy.
We now have a District II shoulder patch, the result of a district contest. A Senior Citizen opinion poll resulted in a proposal to the Executive Council to leave the senior discount optional for each senior citizen — take it or donate it to AMA. I suggest my modeling and business experience qualify me for District II Vice President; if you will vote for me, I will do my best to serve AMA and its membership.
John C. Grigg
My candidacy for VP is based on the need to improve communications of AMA matters to the membership. Things happen at Executive Council meetings without our knowledge. As a past president of the AMA, even I am sometimes not informed of important decisions regarding our finances and Academy.
If elected, my goals include:
- Creation of a monthly district newsletter to keep members informed of Executive Council actions and how your VP responded.
- Sponsoring a bylaws amendment to create an Assistant VP for each district (as District VII has).
- Reporting via the district newsletter and VP column so members can assess my performance.
I will also sponsor bylaws amendments to limit terms: President to two consecutive terms and Vice Presidents to three consecutive terms. Check the name John C. Grigg on your ballot — elect an active, informed, and caring person.
---
District IV Vice President — Brad Booth
My fellow District IV modelers, I ask for your vote this year. Work with your modeling friends and clubs to return ballots marked Brad Booth. Only about 20% of ballots are returned; it's time for change in District IV and a change in leadership.
If elected, I will:
- Work to establish a major trade show in our district and form a geographically organized District IV committee so all clubs have access.
- Create a District IV interference testing team to visit club fields and test for radio interference.
- Organize evenings where 6–10 clubs host a District IV VP and AVP to talk modeling.
Get those ballots mailed in and begin steps toward positive change for District IV.
Howard Crispin Jr. (incumbent)
Howard Crispin Jr., Charlottesville, VA, asks for your vote for Vice President for District IV. I have served the District in Academy operations, traveled extensively, supported local activities, and worked on site acquisition, noise analysis, and legal support for clubs. Time is critical for a District VP; the growth of the Academy requires time for travel and writing. I have the time and ability to perform these duties full time and ask for your vote to continue service.
Chuck Foreman
Why do I want to be Vice President for AMA District IV? AMA is in transition and needs an effective team to develop strategy for growth. I bring experience:
- AMA member for over 30 years, 24 as a Leader Member, 15 as an active CD.
- Served on the Executive Council (1979–1983) as District IV VP.
- Nats Communication Manager for 13 years and on the Nats Executive Committee.
- Currently an Associate Vice President for District IV and involved with property acquisitions and the Muncie Flying Site.
Now that I am semi-retired, I have the time to do the job. I ask for your vote, confidence, and support.
---
District VIII Vice President — George Aldrich
Statement of acceptance of nomination for Vice President, District VIII. I have been an AMA Contest Director/Leader member for over 40 years and have a broad view of our needs. Elected officials should do the bidding of those who put them in office. If elected, I will seek members' counsel and lend common-sense business experience to AMA management.
Gene Hempel (incumbent)
My name is Gene Hempel and I need your vote to continue serving as District VIII Vice President. The last two years have seen major changes at headquarters and personnel. Coordinating these changes requires experienced members who understand headquarters' systems. My goal is to make headquarters efficient, economical, and responsive.
I chair the Safety Committee, which is evaluating turbine engines for model aircraft and establishing guidelines for U-Control and R/C fields to improve safety and convenience. I have visited over a hundred AMA-sanctioned clubs in this district and will continue to report district news in Model Aviation. With your permission I will continue to represent your desires on the Executive Council.
---
District VI Vice President — Charlie Bauer
My name is Charlie Bauer. I'm a college professor from a Chicago suburb, and I have been building, flying, and crashing models since 1937. I compete in and sport fly free flight, control line, and R/C.
I believe the AMA has two main functions:
- Serve you, the members.
- Promote the hobby through a strong public relations program.
I will assist individual members and clubs and promote district PR support to help secure private and public flying sites. If you feel I can represent you, please vote for Charlie Bauer.
Gary L. Bussell
District VI is the new home of the AMA. I joined AMA in 1958 and have flown many types of models. Service and support of members is the most important role of the AMA. The VP, together with AVPs, can provide that support. I want to represent members who fly everything from hand-launched gliders to giant scale. If elected, talk to me at the field, by letter, or phone.
Note: Jim Van Loon — nomination withdrawn at candidate's request.
---
District X Vice President — Richard Hanson (incumbent)
A little more than a year ago I was elected in a special election to fulfill a vacated term. During the past year I have met with members throughout the district; the recurring concern is acquisition and retention of local flying sites. District meetings were held in Ontario and Pasadena to develop goals and strategies. I seek reelection to continue district efforts and apply my expertise as a public administrator toward acquiring and retaining quality flying sites. As a professional pilot, I pledge to advocate District X interests.
Bud Pannier
Realizing campaign promises may not be fully implemented, I will try to initiate a new direction if elected:
- Redirect AMA to be of, by, and for the model enthusiast.
- Give members choices about magazine, insurance, and membership.
- Make all modelers welcome and invite them to join AMA.
- Redistrict so each member has an equal vote through their Vice Presidents.
- Promote five additional flying sites for each two districts, with part of dues supporting local sites.
- Promote district ideas and suggestions to the Executive Council and provide replies.
Qualifications: CEO of a small corporation; involvement in state ORV council, Jordan River Modelport, Utah VHF Society; organized two clubs; active in modeling since the 1940s. I ask for your vote — or at least that you VOTE.
---
Executive Council & Headquarters Reports
- The Executive Council selected Muncie as the site for the 1996 Nationals; the 1995 competition site was in discussion. Funding was approved to develop specifications for construction necessary to host the Championships at Muncie.
- PADCOM recommended hiring a Site Manager to supervise development, operations, and maintenance of the National Flying Site. There is interest in hosting the 1995 Pylon World Championships at Muncie and negotiations were underway for a regional hot-air-balloon festival in August 1995.
- Executive Director's report: a consulting group was retained to prepare an operational plan for the Frank V. Ehling Museum; a new bulletin board system was online as of June; a new employee was added to Membership/Records processing; database network development was on schedule; and a fundraising program was being developed in the HQ Public Relations department. A recent membership survey was summarized.
- Nominations committee recommendations for the 1994 ballot: District II — Joe Beshar and John Grigg; District IV — Howard Crispin, Chuck Foreman, Brad Booth; District VI — Thane Bauer, Gary Bussell, Jim Van Loo; District VIII — George Aldrich and Gene Hempel; District X — Richard Hanson and Clyde Painter.
- Safety Committee gained approval for two pylon racing measures: dynamic testing of pylon racing cages and adoption of Safety Guidelines concurrent with GASARA for races scheduled in Madera, California. The committee also secured AAAA sanction for the NMPRA Championships in Rockwall, Texas (October 14–16, 1994).
- Visalia regional flying site: PADCOM strongly recommended funding acquisition of the Visalia project. The Visalia Pilot Association requested an AMA-wide fundraising effort to help develop the site.
- Chartered clubs clarification: a club applying for charter must have a minimum of two officers.
- Life membership numbers: the Executive Council rescinded an earlier motion to reissue the membership numbers of deceased life members; the Association will not reissue those numbers.
- Flying school and youth summer camps: Council authorized establishment of a model flying school and Youth Academy at the National Flying Site, to align with FAA and EAA "Young Eagles" programs.
- Awards: Superior Service Awards were voted for Deb Justice, Scott Justice, Robert Schneider, Nelson Whitman, Betty Streeter, Ed Abner, Song, and Vic Garner (as listed by the Council).
- The Executive Council adjourned after selecting Muncie for the next meeting on November 12 and scheduling a follow-up planning conference at the Indianapolis Airport Holiday Inn on October 8–9. Another October conference in Indianapolis will be open to all; contact Headquarters if interested.
AMA Museum: The AMA museum is open seven days a week. The museum is expanding and plans include converting part of the current headquarters space into additional museum and meeting space.
Events: The contest and event season is in full swing — check the MA event schedule. A recent membership survey showed a very high percentage of members attend events as participants or spectators.
---
Executive VP's Report
Dave Brown 4871 Trudy Lane, Hamilton, OH 45013
A recent Executive Council meeting included a facilitator-led session on personality profiles and development of a "vision statement" for AMA. While personality profiles were largely confirmatory, the vision work should aid long-range planning. Insurance, while necessary, is viewed as a means to obtain flying sites, not the purpose of AMA.
The 1994 Nationals (NATS) had low contest participation in some events, leading to difficult decisions such as canceling low-entry scale events well before the event to save resources and volunteer effort. Preregistration and possible elimination of events without adequate participation are under consideration. Chip Smith, NATS Director for five years, resigned; his dedication is appreciated.
The NATS will be held next year in the Tri-Cities area of Washington, and Muncie will host in 1996.
Junior Program: As the 1994 flying season ends, clubs should consider winter youth activities. Youth education program materials are available from AMA headquarters.
PADCOM: The Council approved purchase of property for the first regional flying site (in California), intended to benefit regional modelers and serve as a model for future regional sites. PADCOM is developing a cost-effective, multipurpose National Flying Site plan to host a variety of activities.
Membership Renewal: Members will receive renewal notifications; prompt renewal saves time and effort for local club officials. Consideration is being given to staggered renewal dates per member.
AMA Headquarters: The headquarters staff has been working energetically; PADCOM chair spent much of the summer in Muncie to understand and assist site design and operations. Thanks to the headquarters staff for their efforts.
---
New England Scale Championship
The 10th Anniversary Scale Master Qualifier and Scale Fun Fly was held at Barnes Airport on July 10–11, 1994. Contest directors were James Sbrogna, Jack Buckley, and Don Weaver. There were 10 Sportsman, 16 Expert, and 4 teams in Team Scale. This was the first year for the Junior event; Mitch Buckley was the only entrant.
Sportsman:
- Bill Curliss — Waco YMF-5
- Jim Plucinsky — Nieuport XI
- John Julian — Stinson L-5C
Expert:
- Nick Ziroli Jr. — Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat
- Tom Koseweski — Sopwith Pup
- Ray Labonte — A6M5 Zero
Team:
- Tom Polapink B.O.M. — Pfalz D.IIIa (Pilot: Nick Ziroli Jr.)
- Warren Thayer B.O.M. — Waco YMF-3 (Pilot: Tom Koseweski)
- Roy Vaillancourt B.O.M. — Cessna L-19 Bird Dog (Pilot: John Julian)
Junior:
- Mitch Buckley, age 10 — Piper J-3
The contest committee thanks all helpers and manufacturers who donated merchandise to make the 10th anniversary meet a success. Material provided by Cheryl Buckley.
---
JSS Update
Status of the Migrating Combustion Chamber Full-Expansion Engine: Fred Erickson reports the engine development continues after delays caused by workload and metallurgical studies. Resolved issues have allowed work to proceed toward a production example. The engine promises quiet operation, low-temperature, low-pressure exhaust, smoother running, a compact frontal area, and the ability to swing a large prop at relatively low RPM. Experimental examples of various displacements have been tested.
---
Sound Meter
Clubs commonly use sound meters to check site noise levels. Typical options:
- Radio Shack analog sound meter (moving-coil needle): approx. $31.99.
- Realistic Digital Sound Meter (Radio Shack): approx. $59.99. Catalog number: 33-2055.
Check with your local Radio Shack dealer for availability and current pricing. Follow standard procedures for sound measurement regardless of meter type.
---
Local Club & Community News
- The Radio Control Society of Marine Park (Floyd Bennett Field — Gateway Park) hosted a meeting on May 26. Officers: Joe Lupo (Pres.), Hiram Rodriguez (Treas.), Dave Chu (Rec. Sec.), Ugo Rosiello (Corr. Sec.). The author received a membership card, plaque, and club hat.
- Korda Nostalgia: Richard Kugel (AMA 5196), North Haledon, NJ, in 1941 received a Dick Korda Wakefield kit. Photos show him winding the model in 1941 and again in 1993 — modelers keep winding on.
- MAPS-NJ Quickie 500 (Lakehurst, NJ, AMA Sanction 40612) on June 11, 1994: Art Edsall had the fastest time (1:24.18 on the long course). Winners: David Soto (1st), George Schmauch (2nd), Dave Beazley (3rd), Neal Rehm (4th).
- Wayne Modelers participated in the May 30, 1994 Memorial Day Parade in Wayne, NJ. Members present included Al Arndt (VP), Tom Kristis, Remo Cinquino (Pres.), and others.
- Giant Scale model: A Douglas Skyraider scratch-built by Charles Valentino (Ronkonkoma, Long Island). Details: 1/6 scale, 3/32 planking, covered with Super Coverite, painted with Krylon, hand-painted markings, 102" wing span, Zenoah engine, built in six months. First prize in Giant Scale at the 1994 WRAM Show. Contact: Charles Valentino, 83 Foster Road, Ronkonkoma NY 11779-4308.
- Alan Abriss correction: The "R" in the name "Alan Abriss" was omitted earlier by oversight. Alan Abriss is a free-flighter and developed the 1992 AMA video; he is active and has completed a new indoor flying video "Silent Magic" for clubs. Address: 94-20 66th Ave., Forest Hills NY 11374.
---
District IV Report
Delaware / District of Columbia / Maryland / North Carolina / Virginia
Howard Crispin, Vice President 611 Beechwood Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901
Associate Vice Presidents:
- Robert E. Babura, 117 Otis Drive, Severn, MD 21144-1130 — Phone: (410) 969-9356
- Bob Champagne, 205 Tipton Road, Newport News, VA 23606-3663
- Chuck Foreman, 5811 Rinker Drive, Mechanicsville, VA 23111
- Doug Holland, 3517 Fernwood Drive, Raleigh, NC 27612-6215
- Scotty Moyer, 11 Orchard Lane, Wilmington, DE 19809-1719
- Richard (Dick) Smith, 761 Gwynne Avenue, Waynesboro, VA 22980-3346
- Charles Spear, 106 Crestview Drive, Mocksville, NC 27028-2644
Frequency Coordinator:
- Paul Yacobucci, 6408 Winthrop Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28311-1007 — Evening Phone: (919) 488-5896
SPECTATORS AND AEROMODELING: District IV has a long history of mixing aeromodeling with full-scale aviation, producing good press and showcasing the hobby. Activities include AMA Airshow Teams, support at balloon festivals, and participation at military and local airshows (Andrews AFB, Langley AFB, Norfolk NAS, Patuxent NAS, Fort Bragg, etc.). Some events allow close interaction between full-scale and model aviation, such as scale contests at Flying Circus Aerodrome (Bealeton, VA), where RC scale contests are held alongside weekly full-scale airshows.
The Competition Fun Fly Championships site hosted full-scale Wilga aircraft and other visitors, delighting crowds and providing perspective that model and full-scale aviation are closely related.
---
Regional Notes — Utah & Sacramento
Utah — Marc Karpowich (reinstated as AVP) Marc writes from Logan, Utah, offering to assist with modeling-related problems (frequency changes, legal rights, etc.) and encourages clubs to contact him with events and news. Contact: Marc Karpowich, 570 W. Center, Logan, Utah 84321 — Phone: (801) 752-3639.
Sacramento — SVSS Spring Fling The Sacramento Valley Soaring Society's third annual Spring Fling (May 14–15) drew 68 flyers. Saturday was windy; Sunday provided great flying weather. Winners:
- Expert: Pete Winer
- AA/Expert/Sportsman: Bob Rinne
- Novice: Jerry Mensh
- 2 meter: Scott Meador
- Team: Mustang Ranch Soaring Society (Steve Clausen, Dave Lane, Shawn Lenci)
Contact Doug Lent, SVSS president, at (916) 966-4038 for more details.
---
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
