AMA News

AMA News

Campaign Statements

Executive Vice President

Doug Holland (Incumbent)

I am the incumbent Executive Vice President of the AMA and a candidate for re-election to a full term beginning January 1, 1997. I was appointed by the Executive Council in February 1996 to complete the term of Dave Brown, who was elected President of AMA. I graduated from Duke University with a degree in accounting. I am a certified public accountant and have been practicing for 46 years. During World War II I served in the U.S. Navy, primarily in the Philippines. At the present time I am the Senior Partner and President of C. D. Holland and Company, P.A., a certified public accounting firm.

The Executive Vice President of AMA is responsible for the financial operations, including finance, budgeting, daily accounting operations, and structuring debt to acquire fixed assets. There is involvement with federal tax law due to the amount of revenue generated and because AMA has Unrelated Business Income from sales of advertising by Model Aviation. I have a great deal of academic training as well as vast practical experience in all of the items previously mentioned, plus extensive management responsibilities and consulting experience. In addition, I have served on the finance committee for three years. All these factors qualify me to perform the work required by this position in a knowledgeable and professional manner.

My involvement with model aviation goes back to 1935 when I began building model airplanes at a YMCA camp. I have been involved in indoor, free flight, control-line, and radio-control categories. I have been an active participant in free flight, control-line, and radio control—both as a contestant in many events, including national contests, and as a contest director for over 30 years. I am presently active in electric flying.

Due to my love of modeling and my extensive business experience in accounting, finance, and management, I feel I am well qualified to serve as Executive Vice President of AMA. I will appreciate your support.

Doug Holland

Brian D. Nelson

Each nominee running for office in the AMA is given the opportunity to present two campaign statements: one in Model Aviation magazine and the other a statement which accompanies the election ballot in the annual membership renewal. Rather than repeat the same remarks, I have chosen to address separate issues in each statement. Since this one is slated for the magazine for all to read, I would like to ask one favor of you as a fellow modeler: please vote.

Though there are approximately 160,000 members in the AMA, we frequently have fewer than 15,000 members who participate in the election process. I strongly believe each member has the right to express concerns and constructively criticize the efforts of those who have chosen to lead, but only as the result of having met the individual member obligation to participate in the election process.

I'm running for the office of Executive Vice President so we can further improve on the efforts of those preceding me. As EVP my focus will be on the financial health of the AMA and our chartered clubs. The phrase "and our chartered clubs" is not a mistake and is not meant to be taken lightly. In my campaign statements I have expressed the need to do more to support our chartered clubs and local flying sites. As an AVP for the past six years, I have received countless calls regarding lost flying sites or problems encountered in getting new ones. Some say we do all we should or can; I believe if we can build an International Flying Site in Muncie, we can also do much more to acquire and maintain local flying sites and work directly with our chartered clubs.

There are recognizable issues on everyone's agenda which are important both individually and collectively. Here are concerns and needs many of you have shared with me for the long-range outlook of our sport and hobby:

• Technical support for flying-site acquisition
• Financial support for flying-site purchases
• Cooperative consolidation of AMA and Special Interest Group competition
• Cost containment of the Nats and better utilization of this event for promotion
• Recognition of the evolution in the hobby, such as growth in Giant Scale modeling, and inclusion rather than exclusion of all modeling venues
• Enhanced and aggressive marketing to attract a larger target market and improve retention of first-year modelers
• Continued support and enhancement of the AMA Leader Club program to encourage and recognize clubs for safety, training, and community involvement

You may ask how the EVP can affect changes in the financial affairs of the AMA and its members. If we, all modelers, work together to avoid flying-site losses through land acquisition, greater community acceptance, and improved replacement programs, think of the thousands of dollars we could all save each year by foregoing repeated site-development costs. Special Interest Groups that conduct events similar to AMA events could, after meeting minimum standards, replace lower-attended AMA events with their national events that have proven successful and draw higher member participation. Work can be done on the Nats to make it financially sound and fiscally responsible.

Cause should be given for all modeling venues to know we sincerely desire to address their concerns. Imagine the finances of the AMA and its charter clubs and the effect changes like these would have. I call it financial accountability. I view the EVP position as more than just footing the figures; I see it as maximizing our potential as an industry, sport, and hobby. Please take the time to vote. Electing Brian Nelson represents support for your club and local flying site. Thank you.

Brian D. Nelson

In Memoriam

We are deeply saddened to report the loss of two Executive Council members:

• Howard Crispin Jr., 1925–1996
• John C. Grigg, 1932–1996

Additional reports and information concerning these losses are contained in AMA News and the Officers' District Report. Persons who wish to remember the gentlemen are asked to make contributions in their names to the AMA Scholarship Fund.

The AMA Annual Membership Meeting will be held November 16, 1996, at 4 p.m., Radisson Hotel Roberts, Muncie, Indiana.

EC Meeting Minutes Available

A complete copy of the approved minutes of any quarterly Executive Council meeting is available to any AMA member on request. A copy of the most recently approved minutes will be provided at no charge. Council meets quarterly, and minutes from a given meeting are approved at the following meeting. Additional copies or minutes from other meetings are $5 each (shipping and handling charge).

Requests may be submitted to AMA Administration by telephone, via fax, or in writing. Minutes from the most recent Council meeting will also be posted to the AMA bulletin board (Aeromodeler's Airway).

• Telephone requests: (317) 287-1256, ext. 201 or 210
• Fax requests: (317) 741-0057

There is a $10 minimum for credit card orders.

Executive VP's Report

Doug Holland AMA Executive VP

3517 Fernwood Dr Raleigh, NC 27612 (Home) (919) 787-5163 (Office) (919) 787-7454

It is Tuesday, July 9, and I am sitting at the Indianapolis Airport waiting to catch my flight to Pittsburgh to connect to Raleigh, North Carolina. I have just completed a weekend that will go down in history: the Celebration of Eagles. On the Monday following that weekend, I attended the Executive Council meeting. That meeting will not go down in history, but it is the necessary way to operate AMA.

The Celebration of Eagles will be covered in great detail in other magazines as well as this one, and I will not attempt to fully report on such a tremendous event. As one person said, "This was really a happening. It was not just an event." There is no way to put on paper the electricity, the magnetism, the emotion, the warm fellowship, and the feeling of meeting old friends. Some you had never met before, but because you knew what they did, you felt like you had known them forever. Everyone was extremely cordial, and it was a real pleasure talking to people who had such a dynamic input into the development of our hobby and sport. There were so many different groups of people there that it is impossible to name them all, but the past presidents of AMA were invited, and the vast majority attended. Two past presidents who could not come sent their regrets, blaming their inability to attend on the marriage of a granddaughter. Those of you who are not grandparents don't understand that, but those of us who are readily do. Other attendees included Life Members of AMA, patrons of the museum, members of the Hall of Fame, delegates of many clubs, and a large number of past VPs, AVPs, and members of the Executive Council.

Dave Brown hosted a banquet for the past presidents of AMA, and it was a fabulous evening.

On Saturday, registration and flying were at the National Flying Site, located at headquarters in Muncie, Indiana—an absolutely beautiful place to fly a model airplane. It is being improved all the time and constantly upgrades the services available to a contestant who is an AMA member and who wishes to fly at Muncie. On Saturday evening we had a reception in the museum. This was a great occasion and fun was had by all.

It was very interesting to see many people who had created the engines and planes that are in the museum—the designers and developers whose work we used in the early days of our hobby.

On Sunday there was more of the same, and despite how great Saturday was, Sunday was almost as much fun. The banquet was held Sunday night, and many of those attendees were introduced. Some spoke; others simply waved and said, "Hello."

One Hall of Fame member would meet another and say, "Hello. I am so-and-so. I used to fly a plane that you designed." It was just like what occurred with Henry Struck when I was sitting across the table from him; I had to tell him about my New Ruler. For those of you who don't know, he designed that plane sometime in the '40s.

In this issue I will give you a bar graph comparing AMA's income and expenses for the past three years. You will note we are almost running out of income.

Costs continue to rise, and we will have to look for new revenue to continue the services AMA has rendered in the past, plus handle capital expenditures vital to ongoing improvements at the Muncie site.

One comment heard from people who had been against the move to Muncie was: "Every model builder ought to have to come to Muncie." If you did, you would have a different opinion about what is being developed there to advance and continue the understanding of model aviation. The museum alone is an unbelievable experience. Having the opportunity to fly all types of model aircraft simultaneously or in the same area is a wonderful experience.

One thing that adds much to any trip to Muncie is the AMA staff and the people there—you will see and talk to wonderful people who do a great job serving you. I hope you have a chance to go someday. It will mean a great deal to you!

Be sure to vote!

Until later, Doug Holland

Special thanks to Ron Morgan, who was the Contest Director for this event and spent more than four weeks in Muncie.

In addition to the events in Muncie, I attended the aeromodeling show in Ankeny, Iowa, and talked with lots of nonmodelers and modelers. It is always good for the Association to attend such functions.

I also attended the Indoor World Championships in Moscow, Idaho. Full results and a story will appear elsewhere, but to start: the USA took first-place team honors. First-place individual was Steve Brown (defending World Champion) with a time of 99:47; second was Cesar Banks with 98:37; third was Rene Butty from Switzerland with 94:27. It was great to see our team do so well.

Education: Several months ago our Education Director, Bob Underwood, did the first in a series of electronic field trips involving building an AMA Cub and a question-and-answer session on aircraft. Ball State University's Extended Learning Department was instrumental in this project. They donated satellite equipment and time, video equipment and crew, and contacted the schools; AMA provided the AMA Cubs and Ball State provided the balance of materials. More than 800 youngsters built a Delta Dart during this session, and more than 32,000 children watched. This production also appeared on public television.

We are ready to proceed with a second field trip. Ball State is again donating satellite equipment and crew. It will be filmed at the AMA Museum, with Bob Underwood as host. The subject will be "How Does It Fly?" After editing, these two videos will be available as promotional tools for clubs and members.

As you can see, AMA is busy trying to introduce young people to aeromodeling. We continually strive to improve service, improve the site, and offer our members an Association to be proud of. To continue these services, among others, it was necessary to increase dues for 1997.

The Executive Council chose not to increase staff memberships, which will remain the same, but adult memberships will increase by $6; if you return your renewal notice prior to November 15, the increase will only be $3.

We have not had an increase in dues since 1993, yet costs continue to increase—paper prices, mailing-house services, etc. We hope projects such as the electronic field trips, attending various shows (modeling-related and otherwise), and a good marketing effort in 1997 will change the trend from decreasing membership to increasing membership.

We are also exploring other possibilities to produce revenue from additional sources. Look for new items to appear in 1997. If you have any suggestions on how to increase contributions, please drop me a line.

September 16 will be the mail date of membership renewals for 1997. All notices are mailed by first class and should be received by members no later than the end of September. I urge adult members in Districts III, IV, VII, and XI to take time to read the campaign statements and send in your vote. You need not pay your dues at the same time.

Remember, the ballot is mailed directly to the accounting firm, but your membership dues need to be mailed to Muncie. If your ballot is received at AMA HQ, it will not be counted.

A special election will also be held in Districts II and IV following the loss of District IV VP Howard Crispin and District II VP John Grigg. This is a great loss to both districts and to aeromodeling. All of these men were dedicated to model aviation and contributed greatly to the hobby; they will be missed.

CELEBRATION OF EAGLES: This event was held at the AMA National Site on July 6–7, 1996. The object was to provide an opportunity for some of the pioneers in model aviation to get together to fly, swap stories, and attend a banquet. It was extremely successful and the site worked out very well. At one time you could see rubber-powered models, helicopters, control-line flying, and various types of radio-controlled powered models. The banquet was attended by over 400 people and was held at Ball State University. It was a time to meet and talk with many people you previously only associated with pictures in magazines.

This event was organized by John Worth and the AMA staff; they provided an extremely enjoyable weekend, one that will probably never be duplicated. Congratulations to all involved.

1996 NATIONALS: I drove out for the Pattern portion of the Nats with Chris Dansereau Sr. and Chris Jr. There were several purposes to the trip: I wanted to see Chris Jr. fly, determine how the drive was (960 miles, about 16 hours straight through), and see how the AMA site would work for the Nats. We spent Saturday night through Thursday in Muncie, and the trip was well worthwhile. I did not hear anything negative about the site and only heard good things about the AMA staff for their work in preparing the site and for their general attitude. I thought the site was the best one yet for a Nationals—only Westover AFB could come close. The only downside is that the events are spaced out so much you can only see certain events unless you spend over three weeks attending!

SCALE: The following information was provided by Harry Newman, New Hampshire AVP.

"My wife Shirley and I were fortunate to attend Muncie's first RC Scale Nats. Over 40 airplanes were counted. Some were nationally recognized; others were first-time contestants. The range of airplanes represented was unmatched compared to other events we have attended. Details will be covered elsewhere in Model Aviation, but I can assure you everyone at all levels of competition can and should enter—the competitors don't have to be big or cost $1,000. Example: a 1/2-size J-3 won first in the Sportsman class. New England was ably represented by three winners: Charlie Nelson, 2nd in Designer Scale; Ron Gagnon, 2nd in Sportsman Scale; and John Wood, 3rd in Sportsman Scale."

CONTROL-LINE SCALE: Jack Patroila of Marshfield, MA won with his model of a Spinks Akromaster. Jack has been an enthusiastic supporter and promoter of model aviation by giving many demonstrations to the public and schoolchildren. By the time you read this he should have received the Distinguished Service Award as approved at the July Council Meeting.

PATTERN: District I was represented by Steve Boyko, Peter Francis, Al Moder, and Jeff Carrish in Sportsman; Chris Dansereau in Advanced; Gary Garabian in Masters; and Steve Lelito in FAI. Jeff was 5th and Peter was 6th in Sportsman.

DISTRICT II REPORT

New Jersey / New York / New England

John Grigg, Vice President 6387 Badger Dr., Lockport, NY 14094-5947 Evening: (716) 434-3955 CompuServe: 76566,2373

Associate Vice Presidents:

• Ray Juushock, 55 Livingston Street, St. James, NY 11780
• Dave Babcock, 445 Stockton Street, Hightstown, NJ 08520-4501
• Roy A. Brown, USAF (Ret), 4400 80th S W, APO AE 09072
• Vince Del Deo, 85 Riverside Drive, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920-1308
• Vince Juliano, 16 Shamrock Road, Rocky Point, NY 11778
• George Busa, 14 Maple Lane, Hyde Park, NY 12538
• Adam Satterfield, 41 Ferry Avenue, Latham, NY 12110-2443
• Dave Mathewson, Box 613, Cornwallis, NY 10921
• Bill Pettit, 2 Hemlock Court, Saugerties, NY 12477
• James M. Lewis, P.O. Box 61, Ogdensburg, NY 13669-0061
• Bill Miller, P.O. Box 335, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550

Frequency Coordinator:

• Lon Sauter, 2062 Pebble Lane, Phoenix, NY 13135-5607

Phone: (315) 696-2448

by Gail Holahan

This will be the last column for John Grigg, District II VP. On August 4, 1996, he left this world for bluer skies, higher thermals, and great days of flying. He was my dad, and I witnessed, with a great deal of pride, his career with the Academy of Model Aeronautics. His achievements for the organization are well documented.

Dad thoroughly enjoyed his life of modeling. He could take an empty piece of balsa and turn it into a masterful flying machine. I would often be asked to hold a piece of wood here or a pin there and stand while he explained aerodynamics, lift principles, wing airfoils, etc. While not always thrilling, dad always seemed so smart because he knew all this "stuff" and could create such marvelous work.

He thrived on the leadership roles afforded him by the Academy. He would discuss the intricacies of the political workings of the organization, and I would listen, not fully understanding the ins and outs. But to see my father involved in such important matters somehow made me feel important too.

I often heard frustration in his voice because he cared so deeply for the Academy and was hurt when disputes arose he could not thwart. But more often there was great excitement because goals were met, improvements made, Academy membership soared, and he felt he had helped make things better. One of the greatest joys in his life was being a part of the model airplane world.

None of those accomplishments could have been met without Joan, his wife, my mother. She was at his side through all his modeling experiences and life events until his last breath. They were a team. I remember many evenings when dad disappeared into the cellar to work on models. Mom missed his companionship on those evenings, but she was still there to encourage him in his sport. Mom was at most meets; that was her vacation—not a resort but the buzz of model engines and the whooshing of sailplanes. She gained strength and pride seeing him excel.

Dad was aware of the sacrifices mom made for his sport. He was quiet and reserved in his acknowledgment, but during his last days he would reach for my mom's hand and pull it toward him; I could see the tender love that had grown through the years. Modeling was a big part of both their lives. I hope the people of the Academy will continue to include my mother in future activities, as dad made her as much a part of the organization as he was.

When I think of my dad, there is always some aspect of planes, modeling, or full-scale aviation that recalls him. He tried to get me involved when I was 12, but the repetitive circles and the threat of damaging his hard work were more than I wanted to invest. Still, I tagged along occasionally to help fuel engines or launch silent-flight gliders. He instilled in me a love of the sky, planes, stars, and meteorology that will stay with me forever.

While he didn't have a child to follow in his hobby, he was quick to encourage youngsters who showed interest. He even came to my classroom to give demonstrations. After one demonstration, he left planes for the kids to see. That night the school experienced a break-in and he lost a plane and an antique engine. I was crushed, but he never made the school officials or me feel badly. Despite that setback, he continued helping kids and adults get into the hobby.

There were many times I wished I didn't have to share my father with model airplanes. Immediately after both of my children were born, he flew to Europe for FAI meetings. There were many times I would have liked my parents around to watch my children, but they were involved in the world of model airplanes. I wouldn't have had it any other way. Dad made me very proud to be his daughter, and I wouldn't trade that for the world. He had many wonderful adventures with his grandchildren, enriched by his travels.

The picture with this column was one of my dad's last flying days. Larry Lundy (his best friend and "brother") and Ernie Nikodem (a full-scale pilot and good friend) helped dad at the field with the last plane he built. Modeling was his life.

I have also included a picture my dad wanted in the column of George Privateer (nicknamed "Popsicle" because he froze on the stick). Humor was a big part of modeling life—especially when a plane went down that cost not only lots of money, but that precious commodity, time.

Finally, I'd like to thank the people in the Academy for making my father a part of their lives. He truly loved every minute of serving you. Please remember John Grigg as you go about fulfilling your dreams in the hobby. He was a great modeler, man, husband, and father.

We miss you, Dad.

DISTRICT III REPORT

Ohio / Pennsylvania / West Virginia

Bob Brown, Vice President 35 Sanford Street Bradford, PA 16701 Phone: (814) 368-7655

Associate Vice Presidents:

• Mike Barbee, 6561 Calgary Court, Columbus, OH 43229-2008 — (614) 891-1643
• David H. Ellis, 5261 DeWitt Road, Cross Lanes, WV 25313-1209 — (304) 776-1408
• Nelson Gould, 1944 S. Idaho Street, Allentown, PA 18103-8519 — (215) 797-6597
• John Hathaway, 102 Woodmere Drive, New Stanton, PA 15672-9449 — (412) 925-3266
• Donald Klopp, 637 Hamilton Court, Trappe, PA 19426-2256 — (610) 409-0129
• Frank Noll, 4573 Lamme Road, Dayton, OH 45449 — (513) 435-9232
• Joseph S. Vislay, 1381 Cranbrook Drive, P.O. Box 651, Maumee, OH 43537-3062

Frequency Coordinator:

• John Cottle, 1012 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, PA 18704 — Phone: (717) 287-8970

John Grigg—Howard Crispin: For several years I have admired the efforts of those who have unselfishly devoted themselves to the Academy. Unfortunately, we have lost two of these very dedicated gentlemen.

Howard, originally from Shinglehouse, a small community in northern Pennsylvania, was known throughout the world for his efforts in reducing model-engine sound. His countless hours of study and coordination with the AMA Sound Committee produced many techniques used today.

John Grigg was a personal friend, not only to me, but to modelers worldwide. My long acquaintance with John started with local pylon competition. Many hours were spent with Harold DeBolt, John, and myself discussing how to improve pylon efforts. As John became involved with the Academy, so did I. The Grigg and Brown families logged many miles of friendship in trips throughout the world. John and Joan became known as "Mom and Dad."

These gentlemen could not have devoted themselves as they did without total dedication from their families. Each had a wife who created a strong team. Thanks to their combined efforts, the team will not be forgotten.

1996 Election: The ability to vote for your leadership within the Academy is one benefit many members fail to utilize. This year you can elect the Executive Vice President and the District III Vice President. Your apathy will only lead to a complacent organization. Please vote for the nominee of your choice.

Most club elections will take place within the next few months. During the year we receive many comments about club activity, sometimes not positive. Many clubs suffer from apathy. Instead of complaining, provide the positive leadership your club needs.

Ron Morgan: The 1996 Nats are now history. From what I witnessed and from various newsletters, the event was a huge success. The Nats is produced by the efforts of countless volunteers coordinated by the Nats Committee chaired by former District III Vice President Ron Morgan. Thanks to Ron for providing the positive direction needed, and thanks to Steve Kaulf for coordinating the AMA Headquarters effort.

Although the Muncie site is far from complete, it provided an adequate venue for most events. Improvements for next year are already being discussed, including camping facilities, additional control-line areas, additional parking, and better pattern/scale sites.

AVP "Bud" Klopp: Our Associate Vice President in southeast Pennsylvania recently relocated. Please direct communications to: 637 Hamilton Court, Trappe, PA 19426-2256. Telephone: (610) 409-0129.

Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship: Each year the Academy awards scholarships to deserving young modelers. This year Michael Hudson of York, PA is the recipient of the Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship in the amount of $2,500. Congratulations to Mike for his academic achievement and community and modeling service.

Indiana Flyers: Indiana, Pennsylvania, site of the Jimmy Stewart Airport, held Airport Appreciation Days. The Indiana Flyers produced a static and flying demonstration as part of the event.

Westernville Model Aeronautics Association: Over 100 children and their parents attended the first flying and static show put on by the WMAA for patrons of the Westerville, Ohio Library. The event was held at the Alum Creek flying site and included 39 club members. The club provided hot dogs and soda and gave each child the opportunity to fly using a buddy box. At least two families joined WMAA on the spot. Activities like this help build public support for model aviation. If your club is interested in such an event, contact AVP Mike Barbee.

Boy Scout Camporee: Randolph Dolce recently coordinated model-flying activity at the Boy Scout Camporee in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Flyers from the Top-O-N-J R/C Club drove over 100 miles to provide assistance.

If you are interested in seeing your club in this column, please submit items and pictures to Bob Brown at the above address. Pictures may be black-and-white or color.

Remember, one of the benefits of the Academy is the ability to elect your board. PLEASE VOTE.

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
• Troy Lapp, 1618 Houston Dr., Bismarck, ND 58504
• Travis McGinnis, 8072 W. 81st Circle, Arvada, CO 80005
• Don Moden, 410 Hart St., Salina, KS 67401
• Jim Ricketts, 4921 Fernwood Drive, Sioux Falls, SD 57103-5573
• Jack L. Sibert, 3611 Kimberly Circle, Lincoln, NE 68506-4524
• Chuck Smith, 1091 Cheshire Street, Casper, WY 82609-3214

Frequency Coordinator:

• Steve Mangles, c/o Radio Service Center, 918 S. Sheridan, Denver, CO 80226

News From Nebraska

#### Lincoln Skyknights RC Club, Lincoln, Nebraska

1996 Giant Scale Fun Fly Now History: The 1996 LSK Giant Scale Fun Fly was a success. The event was attended by 32 registered pilots, 14 of whom were Lincoln Sky Knights members. Both days there were many spectators lined up along the fence. After expenses, the event appears to have cleared about $450.

Weather was challenging Saturday with 25–30 knot winds, but Sunday was perfect with only light winds. The aircraft quality was superb—from Doug Cunning's 35% Scale Extra to Don Neill's scratch-built five-cylinder radial engine. We had only one major mishap on Sunday when an out-of-town pilot spun in due to suspected unhooked ailerons; the aircraft was completely rebuilt.

Thanks to all who helped make the event a success: Paul and Wanda Cooper for food; Eva Grauer and Joan Penn for concessions; Neil Rohrke for help moving; Dave Greathouse, Helen Rohrke, and Bob Schwab for impound-area assistance; and the Lincoln Sky Knights for their support.

— Craig Sparks

#### Gateway Mall Show Results

The 1996 LSK Model Mall Show, held May 11, 1996, had 24 contestants with 39 fixed-wing models, 4 rotary-wing models, and at least 2 sailplanes. Winners were determined by ballot:

• Pylon: Dave Reiber
• Ducted Fan: Don Svoboda
• Best of Show: Bob Jordan
• Rookie: Monroe Prater
• Scale: Bernie Arthur
• 1/4 Scale: Brent Jensen
• Sportsman: David Greathouse
• Barebones: Neal and Helen Rohrke
• Helicopter: Dennis Manning
• Pattern: Allen Worrest
• Sailplane: Allen Worrest

Thanks to everyone who participated and to Dave for organizing the Mall Show.

— Tom Hefley

#### Skylarks RC Club, Hastings, Nebraska

Annual 8-Man Football Flight Demonstration, June 1996:

The Nebraska 8-Man Coaches Association was formed in spring 1977 and initiated an All-Star game to promote and showcase the sport. The All-Star game participants are in town for about two weeks and stay at Central Community College dorms. During their time they practice and the Sertoma Club arranges events and visits. In that first year the Hastings Skylarks were asked to put on a flying demonstration, and the program has remained essentially the same for 18 years.

Our demonstration includes a static display of various models and an explanation of the club, trainer aircraft, servos, controls, and radios. We keep flights short (3–4 minutes) to maintain interest and feature a variety of models. We also perform two "comedy" acts involving coaches and players on buddy boxes, coordinated with off-stage pilots to produce humorous antics. Timing and coordination are crucial for those acts.

— Dallas Wilhelm

DISTRICT X REPORT

Richard Hanson, Vice President

It's important to measure progress toward your goals as you go along. Feeling good about accomplishments fuels energy for the next hurdle. After creating a vision among your group, put it in writing to establish priorities and directions. Agreeing on the future helps avoid confrontations. If upgrading the access road is scheduled after the safety fence, those wanting the road will understand the plan and know their wishes have a future.

Plan your approach. If you're making a presentation to a landowner, seller, or lessor, put yourself in their shoes and think about what you'd want to hear. I've encountered many clubs that appear cold to new members, requiring initiation fees and seeming to expect new members to endure hardships they went through. This may be one reason the hobby has lost participants. We need to encourage people and talent, not push them away. In the last two years I've seen many clubs take a progressive approach in providing flight training, safety, and new-member help. These clubs are the future; their average age tends to be below fifty. Maybe it's time your club became more upbeat and inviting to potential enthusiasts.

Having worked in Silicon Valley land acquisitions (where land can go for $200K+ an acre), I receive inquiries about working with public and private entities to secure land. One thing that makes the difference is having several individuals working together to put a plan and program in place. For our site project and presentation before the Parks Commission and City Council, we had graphs, slide shows, blueprints, impact overviews, modeler lists within the county, a plan, a vision, insurance, an organization, and about 150 modelers who attended the closing council meeting. We had a folder of material for all council members and wrote them thank-you notes at home after each meeting. We offered to develop, fund, and install a flying field so they could advertise a park benefit at no cost to the public. We contacted site neighbors ahead of time and got their blessing. Because of the common vision and teamwork of a handful of people who knew professionalism counts, we had success. This planning assures good investments down the road.

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

AMA News (Masthead)

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

Executive Vice President:

• Doug Holland (Incumbent)
• Brian D. Nelson

In memoriam:

• Howard Crispin Jr., 1925–1996
• John C. Grigg, 1932–1996

We are deeply saddened by the loss of two Executive Council members. Additional reports and information are contained in AMA News. Persons who wish to remember the gentlemen are asked to make contributions in their names to the AMA Scholarship Fund.

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