AMA News
Sound & Model Aeronautics
Howard Crispin, Jr.
FUEL / SOUND / COST Recent accounts in various publications and even on television reflect concern over the prices of various fuels. We should be aware of possible future scenarios and the effects these changes may have on our sport.
Cost is already becoming a concern as the U.S. dollar slides against the currencies of our major trading partners. Those partners supply much of our equipment and materials, including a large volume of engines and nearly all radio control systems. The continued slide may affect costs in the near future and possibly the availability of some components. We will need to turn more toward domestic production if that proves necessary; perhaps we should begin to do so to preserve viable sources for certain materials.
The dollar’s decline is not the only factor. Methanol and nitro prices are rising rapidly. There is also potential for an oil problem that could exceed past crises. Saudi Arabia is having problems, and there is concern about another gas shortage worse than before. Gasoline prices appear poised to climb, making our most popular fuels somewhat more expensive. Methanol is the main concern: bulk price rose from about $0.85/gal a year ago to $1.35/gal recently. That has made alternative fuels—particularly diesel—about the same cost as glow fuel. Diesel engines also use less fuel per unit time than glow engines, making diesel a viable alternative.
From a sound-level perspective, diesel is a good choice: it runs at lower sound levels and develops power to swing a larger propeller for a given displacement. Those looking at the new FAI Aerobatics rules might consider diesel power; an O.S. 1.08 converted to diesel could outperform other options on large pattern aircraft. Note that shipping costs (e.g., via UPS) have also increased; shipping glow fuel by the gallon is often prohibitive. Check your local dealer first.
There are reports of problems with two-stroke engines in areas where Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) is mandatory. Users report extremely hard starting, engine stopping, and engine damage when bringing lawn equipment out for the season. The suspected cause is separation of lubricating oil from the gasoline, though federal agencies have not confirmed this. How this occurs is still unclear.
TRAVEL (CIAM & Dortmund)
I recently spent time in France attending CIAM Council (the FAI’s international aeromodelling rules-making body), and in Germany at the Dortmund Trade Show/Modeling Exposition, where I spoke with representatives of the Deutscher Modellflieger-Verband e.V. (DMFV, the German Model Flyers Association).
CIAM formulates rules for international competition. The U.S. has been very involved—sponsoring teams at world competition, chairing rules subcommittees, and participating in rule-making. CIAM discussed ventures such as the proposed World Air Games (1997) to be held in Turkey or South Africa, intended to increase worldwide awareness of full-scale and model aviation. The general feeling at CIAM was to encourage aeromodelling shows rather than add many new World Championship (WC) events. Adding WC events imposes a significant financial burden on participating countries, so category proponents were asked to choose among events (for example, choosing between F3B and the newer F3J in Soaring). We support this position to keep program costs in check.
DORTMUND I observed the Dortmund trade show, reportedly one of the largest of its kind. The show is organized by local communities and run in a city-owned facility that encompasses seven arenas and enormous floor space for aeromodels, cars, boats, trains, etc. The show was filled with displays, dealers’ booths, a large static aeromodeling display, helicopter flight demos, car tracks, and several large boating ponds. It ran Wednesday through Sunday and was jammed each day; last year’s attendance was about 110,000–130,000 over five days.
The German Model Flyers Association (DMFV) had an extensive booth including model-building seminars and hundreds of models. The model display was by invitation; the Association paid transportation for models. Booth space cost 2,500 marks for a 4 × 3-meter space plus extra for electrical power (about $2,000 U.S.). The show featured intensive retail activity—some businesses emptied store shelves to sell at the show.
I learned there are two aeromodeling organizations in Germany: the DMFV (about 43,000 members, growing ~5%/yr) and the Aero Club (about 8,000 members). The Aero Club has FAI recognition; DMFV members who want to participate in FAI events must join the Aero Club. DMFV’s membership model allows a member-at-large to pay 60 DM/year (insurance purchased separately) or, if a member belongs to a chartered club, the 60 DM covers similar insurance—encouraging flying in structured environments. DMFV also runs a strong youth program: it provides materials, kits, and instructional material to clubs, which organize youth sessions leading to regional and national competition. DMFV promotes club involvement in national affairs through regional representatives who vote—an effective grassroots communication mechanism.
Correction
The June issue inadvertently omitted the office of President from the call for nominations. Apologies for the oversight.
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Executive Director's View from HQ
Jerry Rouillard AMA Executive Director 5151 E. Memorial Dr. Muncie, IN 47302
In this column we continue our look at the people who make Headquarters successful. Last month we profiled Membership; this month we spotlight the Competitions department.
The Competitions department, along with Membership, has the greatest contact with individual members and handles many day-to-day challenges. The department manages the contest calendar, event sanctioning, administrative aspects of the National Championships, rule book questions, aeromodeling records, and logistical arrangements for AMA teams competing in FAI World Championships.
Although the work is complex and technical, no one in Competitions has been with AMA for more than two years—yet they are handling a large workload effectively.
Competitions Director
Steve Kaluf took over as department head last October. Steve came from ACE R/C in Higginsville, Missouri, where he served as Product Manager for ten years. A longtime modeler and Contest Director, Steve coordinated this year’s National Championships across four competition sites and has the task under control.
Steve credits Teresa McKee, his Administrative Assistant and second in command, for much of the department’s success. Teresa joined AMA in Membership in June 1993 and moved to Competitions in February. She handles AMA’s FAI program, housing and travel for the Nats, and housing arrangements for events at the National Flying Site. Teresa is from Elwood, Indiana, and lives in Muncie.
Sanctions & Contest Calendar
Contest sanctions are a core responsibility. Each year the department processes more than 2,500 sanction requests. Processing includes checking applications, processing funds, issuing sanction certificates, preparing insurance certificates, and listing events in Model Aviation.
Sarah Pryor and Tina Pool are the Sanction Secretaries. Sarah handles the Contest Calendar, reviews items for the magazine and BBS, reviews Contest Director reports, processes FAI Sporting Licenses, and handles NAA membership applications. She joined AMA in August 1993. Tina handles insurance certificates and mails over 2,500 contest packets. Tina is a Muncie native and spent time at the Reston office before the move.
Kim Knight
Kim Knight is Competitions Secretary. She documents national and international modeling records and ensures attempts are properly processed. Kim handles the Contest Directors' testing program, large aircraft inspections, rule book requests, and sends out Nats entry forms. She joined AMA in August 1993 from Marion, Indiana.
Despite their short tenure, Competitions staff coordinate many duties—including a record number of on-site competitions this year. Their work draws consistent compliments from members. We are proud of them.
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DISTRICT I REPORT
Connecticut / Maine / Massachusetts / New Hampshire / Rhode Island / Vermont
Don Krafft Vice President PO Box 182 Duxbury, MA 02331-0182 (617) 934-6248
Associate Vice Presidents
- James M. Semonian, 166 Allen Road, Billerica, MA 01821-6240
- 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 03824-1223
- 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 Way, Marstons Mills, MA 02648-1866
DISTRICT I FUN-FLY Due to a conflict, dates changed from August 5–6, 1995 to August 12–13, 1995. Events are undecided other than a Juniors-only event each day. The event will be held at the South Shore Radio Control Club field in Bridgewater, MA. Call (617) 934-6248 for details.
GUS DELTWAS Gus has a fine Stinson L-5 built from Ray Vaillancourt's plans, modeled after General Patton's PUP. Since this is one-of-a-kind, documentation is limited. If you have documentation, contact Gus at (508) 687-3209.
VINTAGE FUN AND FELLOWSHIP Bob Noll is hosting a contest June 10–11, 1995 at Sayre, PA (not in District I but nearby). Registration is $25, including a banquet ticket. Contest is for aircraft designs before 12/31/69. Call Bob Noll at (607) 754-5279.
CLUB ASSOCIATION Bill Johnson suggests Massachusetts clubs consider forming an association to present a unified appearance when dealing with landowners for flying sites and to host events. Maine clubs have done this successfully. Bill can be contacted at (508) 655-3888.
SCALE-PATTERN SEMINAR Held March 26, 1995 at the Comfort Suites in Haverhill. Topics included how to become a Contest Director, what a sanction provides, transmitter impounding and frequency control, judging, contest conduct, and insurance. Speakers included Ray Labonte, Jim Parker, Charlie Nelson, and Irv Searl. Charlie Nelson and Bill Curliss displayed Waco aircraft powered by a Siedel 7-cylinder radial engine. The meeting drew Scale competitors, judges, and CDs and included discussion of rules proposals.
NORTHEAST RADIO CONTROL MODEL CLUB An auction on March 8, 1995 at Georgetown, MA firehouse went well—first auction for the club. Barb and I attended and look forward to next year.
FROM AVP DAVE BABCOCK Dave shares observations about protecting flying sites. He emphasizes proactive, positive public relations over large bank balances. Suggestions:
- Build community ties through mall shows, public exhibitions, and school/library programs.
- Host youth days inviting Scouts, YMCA, CAP, church groups, etc., and involve them in flying and instruction.
- Use proceeds to support charities, schools, or libraries.
- Active clubs attract and retain members; AMA rewards active clubs through the Leader Club Program.
Example: Mercer County RC Society and Heart of Jersey Giant Scalers sponsor a Memorial Day Jumbo Jamboree, donating proceeds to the Sunshine Foundation and involving Boy Scouts for crowd control and youth instruction. Take steps now to preserve flying sites by building a positive image.
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Executive Travel Note
(Consolidated CIAM/Dortmund travel notes are included above under TRAVEL.)
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DISTRICT IV REPORT
Howard Crispin Vice President 611 Beechwood Drive Charlottesville, VA 22901
Associate Vice Presidents
- Robert E. Babura, 117 Otis Drive, Severn, MD 21144-1130 — (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: (919) 488-5985
IN MEMORIAM Humphrey "Hump" Jones (AMA 125) passed away on February 25. A longtime aeromodeler, Hump was a prolific free flight competitor, early R/C pioneer, founder of the Radio Control Modelers of Baltimore, and a founder of the Baltimore Area Soaring Society (BASS). BASS designated an annual event the Humphrey Jones Memorial Contest.
HONORS Consider nominating deserving members for Academy awards while they can appreciate the recognition. Nomination procedures and requirements are available from Headquarters.
MAJOR EVENTS
- Rally of the Giants (IMAA): Danville Regional Airport, Danville, VA, June 22–25. Contact John Estlow, 426 Martin Avenue, Danville, VA 24541 or (804) 799-6104. AMA or MAAC and IMAA membership required to participate; spectators welcome.
- Confederate Air Force Airshow '95: Frederick Municipal Airport, Frederick, MD, August 26–27. Giant scale WWII models are needed. Contact John Patton, 8013 Dustin Drive, Frederick, MD 21701 for details.
Mid-Atlantic Radio Control Show: June 3–4; AMA will be present. The show is supported by volunteers from the Radio Control Modelers of Baltimore.
REPRESENTATION The position of AVP for western North Carolina and southwestern Virginia is open. Contact Howard Crispin if interested. Chuck Foreman is relocating to Kitty Hawk, NC; other AVP alignments may change.
BIG MODEL At Toledo, a large replica boat (Miss Budweiser) was displayed—around 400 lb with a 98-hp engine. A reminder that very large public displays can present concerns.
MAPS PROJECT District IV is compiling location maps for all clubs. If you have accurate maps, latitude/longitude, club contact, member count, and site restrictions (hours, number of aircraft airborne, sound limits), please send them. This will help safe operation and assist newcomers.
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DISTRICT V REPORT
Jim McNeill Vice President 617 South 20 Avenue Birmingham, AL 35205 (205) 322-2127
This page is part words and part pictures. If your club already has a secure flying field, skim the words. If you worry about your flying field, read on.
Jacksonville, FL: The Gateway RC Club lost a city-owned field when the city converted land to a golf course. Club member Fred Kouka researched unused land, attended City Council meetings, and lobbied successfully for 14 acres on a prison-farm site. He produced a list of nearly 1,000 local modelers (from AMA) to demonstrate community support. The City subsequently provided paved runways, taxiways, a shelter with telephone, and a meeting/storage building—cost so far about $180,000. The lesson: perseverance, persistence, and personal effort can secure a field.
BURNIE FIELDS MEMORIAL Fly-In: The Gateway RC Club sponsored the event in memory of Burnie Fields, former District V Frequency Coordinator. Dorothy Fields now serves as Frequency Coordinator and was honored with District V's "Award of Service." Emotional award presentation noted.
Photos and local acknowledgements referenced; club members and volunteers recognized.
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DISTRICT VI REPORT
- Edinburg, IN: Noted flying field with late-June Warbird fly-in and Labor Day 1/4-scale meet. Photos courtesy of Norman Boyle.
- Batavia, IL: Fermilab Barnstormers held a Delta Dart night to promote model building to children and non-members. Forty participants with 21 children under age 12. Club members assisted with building, trimming, and flying. Nine children had flights over nine seconds; one child had the third-best overall flight (28.7 sec). Great youth engagement—thanks to all volunteers. Photos and report by Dave Slimmer.
- Lexington, KY: Fayette Mall mall show, Feb 18–19. Forty-eight modelers displayed 60 airplanes; six plaques awarded: Best of Show to T. Daniels (Focke-Wulf). Photos and info from Al Schroeder.
- Chicago area: Officers of clubs using Cook County Forest Preserve flying fields held meetings addressing insurance, safety, frequency control, and contests. Safety is the top concern. Clubs agreed to meet periodically and present suggestions to the County Board.
Ideas:
- Contest to see who can fly at the most District VI fields in a year—feedback requested.
- NASA offers fee-for-service SR-71 flights (pricey; over $100,000) for research or publicity.
Facts and figures for District VI:
- Nearly 80% of District VI members belong to a chartered club.
- Almost 24% of District VI members fly full-size aircraft.
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DISTRICT VII REPORT
Iowa / Michigan / Minnesota / Wisconsin
Peter Waters Vice President 7420 7 Mile Rd. Northville, MI 48167 (810) 486-4800 FAX (810) 486-1603
Assistant Vice President
- Don Bentfield, 1440 W. Minnehaha Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104 — (612) 645-2984
PR / Insurance Coordinator
- Joseph M. Hass, 5394 English Drive, Troy, MI 48098
Associate Vice Presidents
- Dave Gish, 5435 State Hwy 99, Wapello, IA 52653
- Bud Gromen, P.O. Box 33, Knife River, MN 55609
- Russell Kenitzer, 2625 E. Shorewood Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53211
- Jean Lasik, 305 Patti Place, Holland, MI 49423
- Bill Millar, 716 Grand Ave., Petoskey, MI 49770
- Carl Muhs, 3024 Lake Mendota Drive, Madison, WI 53705
- Mark E. Robotti, 28540 Olympic Trail, Lindstrom, MN 55045
- Mike Zingerly, 6496 S. Summerton Rd., Shepherd, MI 48883-9308
Frequency Coordinators
- West: Bob Stamm, 3116 Boyce Drive, Rhinelander, WI 54501
- East: Bert Kelly, P.O. Box 39001, Redford, MI 48239
The Midwest transitions from winter building and mall shows to field flying. Swap meets and auctions remain popular. District banners/flags have been presented to several clubs; district patches are available from AMA HQ Supply and Service.
New AVPs Dave Gish and Bill Millar have been contacting clubs—club responses are encouraged. Dennis Goodrich (Ames, IA) is seeking a new field for area clubs; contact him at (515) 292-6326.
Photo submission notes: send photos without writing on the back; provide ID notes separate from the photo.
Attaboy to Ron Demski, new editor of the Flying Wolverines—newsletter editors are club lifeblood.
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TRAVEL (District VII / General)
I attended CIAM meetings in France and the Dortmund Trade Show in Germany (see consolidated Travel section above). CIAM continues to discuss event selection and cost control; Dortmund remains a major international modeling exposition with DMFV and Aero Club involvement.
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NEWS FROM WYOMING
Thermopolis RC Club 6th Annual Fun Fly (July 30–31) at Hot Springs County Airport: 5,000-ft runway at 4,600-ft elevation. Forty registered pilots with 112 airplanes. Relaxed, fun atmosphere; breakfast served to pilots; raffle of a complete trainer kit including engine and radio (winner: Larry Elliott). Dry camping available. 7th Annual scheduled for July 22–23, 1995. Contact Jerry Umbdenstock at (307) 867-2486.
NEWS FROM NEBRASKA
Grand Island Modelers Association Annual Fun Fly (Sunday, August 14): sunny day, light south wind, ~80°F, 47 registered flyers, over 70 aircraft. Casual flying with streamers and combat attempts, pilot prize drawings, raffle prizes, and community pot-luck. Thanks to volunteers and to District AVP Jack Sibert for attending. Report by Ron Smith, President.
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AMA News — Community & Events
Camp Rainbow (Prescott, AZ): A week-long summer camp for children who have or have had cancer. Phoenix Pro-Flyers, the Scale Warbird Racing Association, and modelers sponsor fundraising events such as the Racing for a Rainbow SWRA Mini Reno Warbird Race; proceeds support the camp. This year nearly 39 competitors and over 40 sponsors helped raise funds—thanks to all participants.
Community involvement enriches clubs and the hobby. Clubs can sponsor charitable events (e.g., Toys for Tots), youth and educational activities, senior events, community fairs, or open houses at flying fields. If your club hasn’t engaged in community outreach, give it a try—sharing the hobby makes it more enjoyable.
VINTAGE STUNT CLASSIC (Tucson, AZ) The 1995 Vintage Stunt Classic (sponsored by the Cholla Choppers) was held March 24–26 at Christopher Columbus Park. Seventy-seven entrants participated in Old-Time Stunt, Ignition, and Classic Stunt. Saturday night banquet and Sunday trophy awards marked a successful event. Classic Stunt trophy winners:
- Bill Werwage
- Bob Whitely
- Ted Fancher
- Gordon DeLaney
- Jim Hoffman
Old-Time winners: 1st John Wright, 2nd Bart Klapinski, 3rd Bob Hunt, 4th Lou Wolgast, 5th Jim Hoffman. Ignition winners: 1st Don Hutchinson, 2nd Rusty Brown, 3rd Jim Lee, 4th Bob Lipscomb, 5th Lloyd Carter. Thanks to the Cholla Choppers and Mike and JoAnn Keville.
Till next time—keep them safe and keep them flyin’.
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ADDITIONAL TRAVEL / DORTMUND NOTES
(Consolidated observations)
- Dortmund show organized by communities; significant public attendance (110,000–130,000).
- Booth costs: 2,500 marks for 4 × 3 m plus power (~$2,000 U.S.).
- DMFV (Deutscher Modellflieger-Verband e.V.) membership and youth programs are robust; structured club affiliation encourages insurance and safety.
- CIAM deliberations focus on balancing event offerings against rising costs and member-country burdens.
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NEWS FROM WYOMING & NEBRASKA (Summarized)
- Thermopolis RC Club annual fun fly grows; free pilot breakfast, raffles, camping—contact Jerry Umbdenstock for info.
- Grand Island Modelers Association annual fun fly: strong turnout, hospitality, and community involvement—thanks to volunteers.
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End of reformatted AMA News content.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
