A CELEBRATION OF EAGLES
John Worth
The following column is the first of four previewing the Celebration of Eagles, an event commemorating the Academy of Model Aeronautics' 60th anniversary. Past AMA President and Executive Director Emeritus John Worth is assisting the Academy as it prepares for this momentous event, to be held the weekend of July 6–7, 1996.
Worth served as AMA president in 1963 and began a long stint as Executive Director the following year, retiring in January 1990. During his tenure the Academy grew by leaps and bounds in the 1970s and 1980s. Worth brings years of experience and a love of model aviation to his responsibility coordinating Celebration of Eagles.
History in the Making
Sixty years ago AMA members—mostly kids—weren't yet well known in the modeling world except for a few. In the years just before and shortly after World War II, many members became famous and some became legends. Fortunately, many of those pioneers are still with us, including well-known model engine makers and other pioneers such as:
- Bill Brown
- Irwin Ohlsson
- John Brodbeck
- Frank and Charlie Tlusty
- Ben Shereshaw
- Dick Korda
- Frank Ehling
- Bill Winter
- Leon Shulman
- Bob Cahill
- Fred Dunn
- Frank Zaic
- Maxwell Bassett
- Gordon Light
- Bert Pond
- Hewitt Phillips
- Nat Polk
- Walt Good
- Bill Good
- Hal deBolt
- Sal Taibi
- Phil Kraft
- Woody Blanchard
- Howard Bonner
- Ron St. Jean
- Eva Biddle
- …and many others
Wouldn't it be great to gather as many of them as possible? What better time than 1996—AMA's 60th anniversary. That's exactly what's planned for July 7, the opening day of the Nationals in Muncie, Indiana. AMA is contacting modelers across the country to invite them to see old friends and former competitors who helped make aeromodeling what it is today: the largest sport aviation activity in the free world.
Most modeling pioneers were inspired by Charles Lindbergh's solo flight across the Atlantic in 1927. Many served in World War II and, fortunately, most returned and resumed model flying. Postwar activity grew steadily and AMA membership grew tenfold over about thirty years.
We owe our pioneers a great tribute. Current and former members can participate in a banquet in Muncie on the evening of July 7—the Celebration of Eagles—a salute from today's modelers to those who led the way.
Besides the banquet, the Celebration will feature vintage model flying at the AMA airfield during the day: Old‑Time style Control Line, Free Flight, and Radio Control models—much of it by the pioneers themselves. There will also be an Open House at the AMA National Aeromodeling Museum where attendees can view a display of AMA history and relax indoors while talking about the "good old days."
This will be a unique, dedicated gathering in aeromodeling history. Mark your calendar now and plan to kick off the 1996 60th Anniversary National Model Airplane Championships with the first-ever Celebration of Eagles.
- Grand opening vintage fun flying: weekend of July 6–7.
- Official competition flying at the Nats: July 8–28 (three weeks).
AMA News
Propellers: Efforts Toward Quieter, More Efficient Designs
Several members have written asking what manufacturers are doing to provide quieter propellers. Some newer members may be unaware of efforts and studies sponsored by AMA and conducted by individuals to promote changes in propeller design.
Changes in propeller design and manufacture are not simple. Wood propellers with complex shapes and very thin airfoils require greater strength, leading to lamination and other practices. Molding propellers requires molds, material evaluation, dynamic blade-strength testing, and manufacturing methods to assure adequate supplies at reasonable cost. The wide variety of engines used today—from .010 cubic‑inch displacement up through engines for giant models—demands a huge range of diameters and pitches.
Manufacturers face challenges that include demands for increased efficiency and quieter operation. Much credit is due to Fred Otto Burgdorf of Burgdorf Landing Products for advancements in propeller technology. APC propellers are used throughout the industry and have contributed significantly to quieter, more efficient propellers.
Marketing, Rule Books, and Membership Service
Marketing ourselves to the public—not just to current members—is an area where we must improve. Suggestions from recent meetings included advertising in broader publications such as Sports Illustrated and Sport Aviation to reach younger audiences.
Questions arose about distributing rule books to all Contest Directors versus supplying them only by request. Cost factors are important; currently rule books are provided to those running sanctioned events and to members who request a copy (for example, by checking a box on their renewal form). AMA is working to reduce operating costs while trying to improve service.
A recurring complaint is members not receiving their membership cards. As AMA modernizes its record systems, total dependency on computer systems increases—and so do the consequences when systems "glitch." The HQ staff has done a remarkable job keeping membership records under control despite antiquated systems. Council will consider replacing an aging system whose supplier is no longer in business.
1996 holds promise: plans are underway for a main administration building to offer more space and better working conditions for employees, which should improve service levels. A new computer system may require giving up some things temporarily, but it should resolve a major service hangup (membership record issues).
Hall of Fame Dinner
At a recent dinner, Louise Izzo—widow of the late Ed Izzo—accepted the AMA Hall of Fame certificate on his behalf. Photographs from the dinner included:
- Picture #1: Bill Good (brother of AMA Past President and Hall of Famer Walt Good) speaking at the ceremony.
- Picture #2: George Buso, AVP from Hyde Park, NY.
- Picture #3: Dave Mathewson, Central NY AVP from Camillus, NY.
- Picture #4: AMA Vice President (unnamed).
National Events and Notices
- National Fun Fly: The Carlisle Aeromodelers host the NCFFA National Fun-Fly Contest. Those interested should come to Carlisle, Pennsylvania the weekend of August 9. Contact: Mark Smith, 1020 Forbes Road, Carlisle PA 17013. (717) 249-8865.
- IRCHA Helicopter Jamboree: The International Radio Control Helicopter Association's Jamboree will be hosted at the R/C Country Club near Columbus, Ohio.
- Sayre Glider Tow: The First Annual Northeast Aerotowing Fly-In will be held in Elmira, New York on June 1–2. Emphasis is on fun and learning aero-tow techniques; tow planes will be available. Contact: John Derstine, (717) 598-2392.
- Kutztown Airport Anniversary: Modelers were highlights of the Kutztown Airport's 50th anniversary. A group shot of the Flying Dutchman Control Line Team from Reading, Pennsylvania was provided by Nelson Gould.
DISTRICT IX REPORT
Colorado / Kansas / Nebraska / North Dakota / South Dakota / Wyoming
Russ Miller Vice President P.O. Box 128, Solen, ND 58570 Days: (701) 445-3332 Evenings: (701) 220-3190 Fax: (701) 445-3323
Associate Vice Presidents
- Max Hansen, 1909 Wisconsin SW, Huron, SD 57350
- Nathan Lancaster, 3597 S. Kendall Street, Denver, CO 80235
- Travis McGinnis, 8027 W. 81st Circle, Arvada, CO 80005
- Loren Moen, 607 E. Vera St., Bottineau, ND 58318
- Don Moden, 410 Hart St., Salina, KS 67401
- Jim Ricketts, 4921 Fernwood Drive, Sioux Falls, SD 57105-5573
- Jack L. Siebert, 3611 Kimberly Circle, Lincoln, NE 68506-4524
- Chuck Smith, 1091 Cheshire Street, Casper, WY 82609-3214
Frequency Coordinator
- Steve Mangels, c/o Radio Service Center, 918 S. Sheridan, Denver, CO 80226
NEWS FROM KANSAS
Dennis C. Harris, Wichita Radio Control Club
If you have someone who wants to learn to fly, need a refresher, or are in the Wichita area and need help, the WRCC has a group of dedicated AMA pilots who will instruct for free. Instruction is available at several flying sites:
- Lake Afton (west of Wichita, KS) — power planes
- John Riggs
- Bret Chilcott
- Beech Field (13th and Webb Rd., Wichita, KS) — power planes
- Jerry Salter
- Loren Tregellis
- Elm Hill Aero Sports Park (south of Wichita near Mulvane, KS) — power planes
- Darwin Hawkins
- Southwest Heights (north of Wichita) — soaring
- Pat McCeave
- Bob Michael
Additional qualified instructors in the area: Leon Bailey, Jim Cox, Rick Nutt, and Bob Passley. Look them up in the phone book—ten instructors in the Wichita area are ready to help.
MID-STATES SCALE CLASSIC
Rob Johnson
The 3rd Annual Mid-States Scale Classic, hosted by the Barnstormers of Kansas City, was an unqualified success. In three years the event has grown from primitive origins to a fine competition drawing participants from across the central United States.
This year's contest, held at Hillsdale State Park (about 25 miles southwest of Kansas City), rose to Scale Masters Qualifier status. Hillsdale features two runways, each 100 feet wide and 600 feet long.
The event expanded to include:
- Fun Scale (Sportsman and Novice #520)
- Sport Scale Sportsman (#511)
- Sport Scale Expert (#512)
There were 23 contestants entering 27 aircraft. Two flight lines were run at all times, providing four flying rounds over the two-day contest. Attendees had a wonderful time and are already looking forward to next year.
For information about next year's event (June), contact Jim Schauf at (913) 649-1902.
AMA News — Indoor and Jet Events
Indoor
The gossamer elegance of indoor flying is among the most beautiful aspects of aeromodeling. Several contests are scheduled:
- 2nd Annual NW Indoor Champs (Cat. IV), held in the Blimp Hangar at the Air Museum south of Tillamook, May 11–12. Note: as written, much of the area was flooded—check event status before traveling. Contact: Andy Tagliafico.
- World Indoor Championships at the Kibbie Dome, University of Idaho, Moscow. Over a week of indoor activity will start August 1:
- NW Indoor meet: Aug. 1–3
- International EZBee meet: Aug. 4
- F1B: Aug. 5–8
Central Oregon Jet Rally
- 5th Annual Central Oregon Jet Rally at the drag strip west of Madras Airport on Strand Rd. A 2,000' × 50' paved runway is available for ducted fans. Dates: May 25–26. CD: Dave Kepchar. Contact Dave at (541) 388-0168 or (541) 389-5187 for details on rules, awards, prizes, motels, limited on-site camping, and the porcupine toss rules.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
