AMA News

AMA News

Academy of Model Aeronautics 5151 East Memorial Drive Muncie, IN 47302

Sound & Model Aeronautics

Howard Crispin, Jr.

Weather and available time permitted some field work last week with a new Irvine Q-72 engine (distributed in the U.S. by Model Rectifier Corporation/ALTECH, manufactured by Irvine in England). Some time ago we reported on the Q-40, one of the quietest engines in the .40 range that we have operated; that engine easily met AMA recommendations and in some tests exceeded current European standards (mid-50 dBA at nine feet).

The new Q-72 is similar in appearance to the Q-40: same red head and same muffler design. The engine is of the ABC design and requires break-in before meaningful testing.

Break-in procedure

• Series of short runs with cooling periods between runs.
• Run on the lean side; avoid running rich and then allowing the engine to cool (this practice can cause damage).
• The engine is easily started, usually with a single flip using a "chicken stick."
• After a relatively short period, the engine maintains a good steady speed.

Test notes

• Break-in and additional running were done on FAI (no nitro) fuel without difficulty.
• All runs used an APC 12 x 11 propeller; rpm stabilized at about 10,000 where smoothest running occurred (not necessarily maximum-lean position).
• Sound level at that operating point measured about 87.5 dBA.
• Further testing will cover propeller sizes from 11 x 8 through 13 x 8; results will be reported in a future issue.
• Conclusion: the Q-72 looks to be a very good, quiet engine in its displacement range and is recommended for consideration.

Performance Products Unlimited

• This month we highlight Janell and David von Linsowe of Performance Products Unlimited.
• David was an early proponent of vibration isolators for engine mounts and has conducted tests (using accelerometers and exhaust temperature) to demonstrate effectiveness of the Vibra‑Damp products.
• Their product line includes isolation systems for a range of engines (up to popular 1.2 cu in four-stroke engines used for F3A), beam mounts, and the Disc-Lock propeller retention device.

STUDY: United States Air Force (1976)

A 1976 USAF study examined operation and aural detection of larger-displacement model aircraft engines. Two engines were tested—a 2.48 cu in rotary combustion (RC) engine (gasoline) and a 3.8 cu in twin-cylinder two-stroke piston engine (glow fuel). Both used a 22 x 8 wooden propeller at comparable speeds. Key conclusions:

a) For the unmuffled condition, the predominant noise source was the exhaust; the piston engine generated approximately 6 dB more acoustic energy than the rotary combustion engine. b) When the exhaust noise was removed by an effective muffler, propeller noise (tested with one propeller design only) became the dominant source. c) The best muffler designs reduced sound levels at higher engine firing frequencies by 14 to 30 dB. d) A propeller shroud in this study increased sound pressure at the blade passage frequency and harmonics by 7–24 dB. e) Redirecting exhaust away reduced sound pressure levels reaching the ground. For unmuffled engines, reductions of about 7 dB can be expected; for muffled engines, reductions of no more than about 3 dB were observed. f) RC and piston engines with the best mufflers attached could be operated undetected above 2,500 feet altitude in a near-urban background noise environment for the engine speeds tested. g) If engine speeds exceed 4,500 rpm in an arid background noise environment, the aircraft will be detected at 2,500 feet altitude. h) In a countryside background, the engine will be detected at 2,500 feet at the lowest power setting investigated (4,500 rpm). i) To reduce aural detection altitude to 2,500 feet in a countryside environment, reduction of propeller blade passage noise is required.

Free Flight

• The first major free flight contest of the year was held at Saunders' Farm (sponsored by the Capital Area Antique Modelers Association). Rain on the second day limited the weekend, but turnout was excellent and included many newcomers and young participants.
• The field is being improved by volunteers clearing stumps and brush. The terrain is rolling Piedmont but visibility across the used area is good.
• The Brainbursters still host two meets at the Petersburg Airport; the site is also used by the Mid Virginia Radio Control Club. Thanks to Performance Aviation for their cooperation.

More Honors

• Lou Ward was named a Fellow of the Academy by the Executive Council in January, recognizing her long and dedicated service to the AMA. Lou prepared the "Sound and Model Aeronautics" handbook and contributed in many other areas. Although retired, Lou remains active in volunteer work.

Activities

• Swap shops and auctions have wrapped up and outdoor flying season is underway. The Northern Virginia Radio Control Club auction moved many items despite lower attendance; a 1/3-scale Piper J-3 Cub was the highest-priced item.

AMA Elections — Nominations Due

Nominations for the offices of AMA President, Vice President, and District Vice Presidents (Districts V–LX) are due at AMA Headquarters by Friday, July 7, 1995. Any AMA Open member may submit a nomination. Requirements:

1. The nominee must be a Leader Member of the Academy.
2. A letter of acceptance from the nominee must be filed at AMA Headquarters by July 21, 1995 (Nats deadline).
3. The nominee must submit a resume of professional qualifications and model aviation experience, which should include:

• A statement regarding Leader Member status, including date conferred.
• Background in applicable areas, such as:
• Management experience
• Financial background
• Insurance, employment, or brokerage expertise
• Legal background
• Technical background (aeronautics, electronics—especially radio frequency propagation and usage—acoustics related to noise studies/analysis, and other engineering areas)
• The nominee’s aeromodeling background (broad-based experience is desirable).

1. No person may nominate himself or herself for AMA office. An incumbent must be properly nominated and must have accepted to be placed on the ballot.

Executive Director's View from HQ

Jerry Rouillard AMA Executive Director 5151 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie, IN 47302

April Executive Council (EC) meeting — Visalia, California

• The EC met April 21–22 at the Radisson Hotel in Visalia. Council members toured the 260-acre parcel proposed as the first regional flying site for AMA; final suitability awaits the State of California Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
• President Don Lowe reported on recent travels (MAAC in Canada, FAI meetings in Paris, and Germany) and announced he will not seek another term as AMA president.
• Executive Vice President Dave Brown presented the fiscal 1994 audit; AMA received a clean bill of financial health. Relocating headquarters to Muncie contributed to operating savings.
• Contest board chairpersons will be invited to the November EC meeting in Muncie; travel and hotel expenses will be covered (meals are the representatives’ responsibility).
• The Executive Director recommended suspending a feasibility study of a revised annual membership anniversary system due to heavy negative feedback from chartered clubs and higher priority items.
• PADCOM reported construction at the Muncie Flying Site will begin in May and should finish in June; additional control-line facilities and venues for pattern and pylon events are being added.
• PADCOM approved a $2,000 Flying Site Assistance Fund allocation for Saunders Farm (Cuckoo, VA).
• The Bylaws Committee clarified that newly elected District Vice Presidents are responsible for writing a column for the March issue of Model Aviation magazine.
• A motion to eliminate officer columns in Model Aviation was defeated.
• The Resource Development Committee published the AMA fundraising Case Statement and received a $5,000 EC allocation for travel and meeting expenses.
• The Insurance Committee secured EC approval to set aside a trust fund to cover the new $250,000 SIR feature of the member liability policy; a follow-up motion on specifying liability limits for National Site special events was tabled until July.
• Revival of the Industry Associate program was tabled pending reconfiguration to better serve smaller hobby shops.
• The EC approved creation of a Youth Education Fund to help chartered clubs develop aeromodeling courses with schools and community agencies; beginning in 1996, the fund will be supported by an allocation per paid AMA membership.
• John Grigg (District II) was elected Chairman of the AMA Nominating Committee.
• A motion to streamline EC proceedings (requiring documentation for agenda items presented in advance) was approved.
• Additional Associate Vice President (AVP) slots were granted to accommodate workload: District X (+3), District II (+2), and District V (+1).
• The EC reviewed and denied a membership application under Article V, Section 3 of the AMA Bylaws.
• The July EC meeting date was changed due to a shortage of hotel rooms in Muncie.

DISTRICT VI REPORT

• Youth Aviation Activity Fund: The EC established a fund to provide grants to AMA-chartered clubs/chapters for youth programs developed with schools or community agencies. Beginning in 1996, a portion of general AMA revenue (based on prior-year membership totals) will support the fund. Clubs should contact Bob Underwood for grant application details.

Local highlights

• Elk Grove Village, IL: Chicagoland Circle Cutters Open Slow Combat contest (April 23). Top streamer cutters were Bud Bodzioch (1st), Bob Burch (2nd), Bob Oge (3rd), and Bob Steffens (4th).
• Chicago, IL: Illinois Model Aero Club (IMAC), chartered January 1911, is one of the oldest known model airplane clubs in the U.S., devoted to Free Flight.
• Anderson, IN: Madison County RC Flyers held a Mall show at Mounds Mall featuring models, engine displays, videos, and a flying simulator. The club meets the second Tuesday monthly at Anderson Municipal Airport.
• Schiller Park, IL: At Hobby Day (sponsored by the Bensenville Public Library), AVPs Deb and Scott Justice received the AMA Superior Service award.
• Normal, IL: Central Illinois Radio Society swap meet (March 9) was well attended.

DISTRICT VII REPORT

Iowa / Michigan / Minnesota / Wisconsin

Peter Waters, Vice President 7420 7 Mile Rd., Northville, MI 48167 Phone: (810) 486-4800 | FAX: (810) 486-1603

Assistant Vice President

• Don Bentfield, 14440 W. Minnehaha Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 — Phone: (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 Gorman, P.O. Box 33, Knife River, MN 55609
• Russell Nethery, 2625 E. Sherwood Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53211
• Jean Lasik, 305 Patti Place, Holland, MI 49423
• Bill Millar, 712 Grand Ave., Petoskey, MI 49770
• Carl Mobs, 5024 Lake Mendota Drive, Madison, WI 53705
• Mark E. Rabolt, 26604 Olympic Trail, North Olmsted, MN 55045
• Mike Zingery, 646 Greenbriar Rd., Shepherd, MI 48883-9308

Frequency Coordinators

• West: Al Schwartz, 287 Fernwood, Roseville, MN 55113
• East: Bert Kelly, P.O. Box 39001, Redford, MI 48239

District notes

• Outdoor flying season is in full swing with many contests and meets. Newsletters across the district include event calendars and coverage of the Muncie National Flying Site.
• Use of the national site is prioritized for events that help fund the facility; visiting members are welcome to watch and assist. When new facilities are built, more flying options at the site will become available.
• Personal notes: The VP is building an AVID MKIV and plans to use a Rotax 618 for a trike. AVP Joe Hass attended the Visalia EC meeting in the VP’s place.
• Obituary: Bob Reed, a well-known and talented club character, passed away; he is remembered fondly.

DISTRICT VIII REPORT

• Club newsletters show increased activity throughout District VIII.
• Concerns expressed by several clubs: public image and conduct at flying sites, especially when families are present; and improper use of alcoholic beverages. The AMA safety code prohibits consuming alcoholic beverages BEFORE or DURING flying.
• Memorial Day weekend presentations:
• AMA Award of Service to the San Antonio Propbusters for their charitable fundraising (Elf Louise program) and community service.
• AMA Award of Appreciation to Covel Gardens Recycling and Disposal Facility for providing paved landing strip, equipment, and assistance with building permits for the Propbusters’ pavilion.
• The EC has called a meeting to review Contest Board procedures later in 1995; members are encouraged to contact their Contest Board representatives with suggestions.

DISTRICT X REPORT

Arizona / California / Hawaii / Nevada / Utah

Richard Hanson, Vice President PO Box 3312, Scottsdale, AZ 85271 Phone: (602) 708-0222 | CIS: (70712, 1676)

Associate Vice Presidents

• Howard Baldwin, Fair Oaks, CA — (916) 961-7154
• Darwin Barrie, Scottsdale, AZ — (602) 946-8952
• Marc Karpowicz, Logan, UT — (801) 752-3639
• Brian Nelson, Morgan Hill, CA — (408) 869-0037
• Dave Pinjue, Las Vegas, NV — (702) 876-9122
• Al Williamson, Chula Vista, CA — (619) 427-4039

Frequency Coordinator

• Eloy Marez, Santa Ana, CA — (714) 540-4935

District X highlights

• The Spring EC meeting (April 21–23) was hosted in Visalia, CA. Local volunteers and the Western Regional Site Development Committee provided outstanding support.
• The Council approved establishing a Youth Aviation Activity Fund to assist local organizations with educational programs and youth activities. An initial annual fund (small seed money) was approved; contact Bob Underwood at AMA for details.
• PADCOM approved a $2,000 allocation from the Flying Site Assistance Fund for local club assistance in District IV; approximately $35,000 is available annually for grants, loans, and matching funds to assist chartered clubs with flying-site development. Preference is given to matching funds or loans, but grants are possible; applications are due before October 1995 and will be considered at the January 1996 Council meeting.
• Council members toured the proposed 260-acre Western Regional Flying Site; the site is in escrow pending completion of the environmental impact report and permit filings. If all goes well, close of escrow is expected in late summer 1995.
• The First Annual Superstars of RC Airshow (Visalia Airport) included demonstrations and youth-oriented activities; Cox Hobbies donated PT-19s for introductory flights and local clubs provided control-line circles for youngsters.

Till next time—keep ’em safe and keep ’em fly’n.

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