AMA News

Hall of Fame Inductees

Bob Underwood

Each year the Academy accepts nominations for the Hall of Fame award. This honor is bestowed upon individuals who have contributed to the advancement of the association and aeromodeling in general over a significant period of time. Each candidate's qualifications are reviewed and voted upon by a panel consisting of past presidents of the Academy.

In 1996, five individuals were granted the Hall of Fame award. The following biographical sketches provide information attesting to the contributions to aeromodeling made by each of the recipients.

Joseph Bridi

Joseph Bridi sought to bring (and managed to bring) Kaos to the modeling world. The very successful series of radio-control pattern aircraft containing the name Kaos was only one design from scores of models ranging from trainers to a variety of highly successful competition types. These models included pattern, pylon, soaring, and scale, as well as general sport-flying types.

These aircraft were marketed by Bridi Hobby Enterprises beginning in 1970; the present company, Bridi Aircraft, began in 1989. In addition, articles and plans from Bridi's pen appeared in Radio Control Modeler and Model Airplane News in the 1960s and 1970s.

Finding the competition scene an important part of his life, Bridi has competed in a variety of venues. In addition to scale (from as early as 1960), one could find him at the competition wars in pylon and pattern as well. He was fifth in the international scale competition in Bremen, Germany, in 1969. For more than ten years, Bridi could be found among the top ten in the United States pattern competition community. He competed four times at the Tournament of Champions, where he has also judged on several occasions.

From an organizational standpoint, Bridi served as AMA Vice President from District X. In keeping with his competition bent, he also served as president of the National Society of Radio Control Aerobatics (NSRCA) on two occasions and was a founding father of the Unified Scale and Pattern Judge Association (USPJA). As a contest director, Bridi served the Birds Club for many years. Additionally, he acted as contest director for FAI pattern team selections in the 1970s.

Bridi's plans have been published in England and Italy. On four occasions, he was the Mexican national pattern champion. He also toured South Africa presenting flying demonstrations and speaking to clubs.

The Academy is pleased to recognize Joseph Bridi from Harbor City, California, as a member of its Hall of Fame.

William "Bill" Cannon Jr.

William "Bill" Cannon Jr. has been elected to AMA's Hall of Fame by producing big news — making something smaller. His present company, known as Cannon R/C Systems, was founded as C & S Electronics in 1955. It focused on developing and producing micro radio-control systems. The refinement work in this area has enabled Cannon to produce a four-channel proportional ultra-micro radio-control system with a total airborne weight of less than two ounces.

Over the years, Cannon's career has been closely related to his work as an electrical engineer, technical writer, and manufacturer. His formal education includes study at the University of Houston and Georgia Tech. During World War II, Cannon served in the electronics field. This service included working with SBD dive bombers in Long Beach and B-24s in Phoenix, Arizona. Other activities in the electronics field included radar and flight testing and, finally, overseas service supervising technical service personnel.

In 1949 he started his own technical-writing organization and produced a significant volume of work until 1985. He served as president of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Technical Publications Society and as a director on the NTPS national board.

Cannon's modeling career began in the 1930s flying free flight events. His designs have been published in Model Builder. R/C Sportsman single-channel models such as Pinto and Lil Pinto were kitted by Veco. A hand-launch model designed by Cannon was used by modelers to win contests. No other company manufactures R/C equipment of such very small size, enabling modelers to use off-the-shelf products to control indoor models; Cannon stands alone in this field.

The Academy welcomes Bill Cannon to the Hall of Fame.

Art Laneau

For many years the Academy maintained an important partnership with the United States Navy. The result of this liaison was many years of Nats competitions held at Navy bases, utilizing Navy personnel. During that period of cooperation, the team of Paul Boyer (representing the Navy) and Art Laneau (representing AMA) kept the activity alive. The Academy is proud to announce the recognition of Art Laneau as a member of the Hall of Fame. He joins Boyer, who was inducted a few years ago.

Known as "Mr. Ambroid," since he was the spokesman for the company that produced this line of glues and kits, he became involved with the AMA in the 1950s. As Ambroid's representative to the Hobby Industry Association of America (HIAA), he became a generous donor of Ambroid products to the Nats and other AMA contests. Importantly, he convinced many other manufacturers to support the Nats and other AMA events as sponsors.

In 1962, while serving as HIAA's secretary of the Model Aeronautics Division, he became the industry liaison among HIAA, AMA, and the Navy. This occurred at an important time, since declining junior participation made it continually more difficult for the Navy to justify continuance of their Nats participation. Laneau's role in this liaison continued for more than ten years.

In 1965, Laneau was chosen to be the chairman of the Model Aeronautics Division of HIAA. He was recognized for an even more effective role in leading industry support for AMA programs by being presented with an AMA Fellowship in 1966.

Much of his work was unsung. He became a friend of key Navy officers in the Nats support program, resulting in a continuation of the program even after government budgetary problems made it difficult to justify. One great personal achievement was to have Neil Armstrong, then famous for his X-15 flights, serve as Honorary Contest Director for the 1965 Nats.

The Academy welcomes Art Laneau to the Hall of Fame.

Dave Platt

Although Dave Platt is most widely known internationally for his outstanding efforts in scale, he truly represents the complete modeler. Designing and competing in all venues of aeromodeling is an important feature of his participation. His broad range of related activities includes noteworthy accomplishments in design and manufacturing, experimentation, competition, leadership, organization, and contest directing. He currently operates a manufacturing operation in Florida.

Growing up in England, Platt left school at the age of 15 to work as a printer's apprentice. Through his own initiative, he embarked on a program of self-study, which provided him with knowledge in chemistry, mathematics, aerodynamics, and mechanical engineering. These skills he applied to model aviation.

From control line and free flight in the 1950s, he worked at mastering the challenges of radio control. In the 1960s, Carl Goldberg sought the skills of Platt in building and demonstrating Goldberg models. Ultimately, this led to an association with Sid Axelrod and his becoming the lead designer for Top Flite. Recognized as a master craftsman, Platt was responsible for the models used in the movie The Battle of Britain. His skills helped him not only create models that represent the aircraft but the character of the aircraft as revealed through weathering.

For many years, Platt has served as chairman of the Scale Contest Board. In addition to radio-control work, he has continued with his free flight and control line activities. This has included organizing and directing a number of major events over the years. He has authored many articles, columns, and books that pass along the skills he has developed. In addition to his many firsts in model design, his scale T-28 was the first to utilize retractable landing gear. In 1975, his scale Skyraider entered at the Nats was the first to get off the ground using a ducted fan for power.

The Academy welcomes Dave Platt to the Hall of Fame.

Bob Violett

Care and perfection are hallmarks of Bob Violett Models (BVM), a company owned and operated by Hall of Fame recipient Robert Violett. Recognized as a leader and innovator in the development and production of ducted-fan models, BVM now embraces the field of turbofan-powered models as well. The care and perfection required by Violett in the development and manufacture of the BVM models also reveals his strong sense of being an advocate of safety in aeromodeling.

From his modeling experience as a child, Violett carried this love into adult life. He served as a pilot in the US Navy during Vietnam. This experience included A-4s and F-8 Crusaders. Upon completion of his Navy tour, he became a pilot for Eastern Airlines. He later took an early retirement and formed BVM.

Working with another individual in the 1970s, Violett developed a ducted-fan unit. This was used to fly the Sundowner, a model incorporating an exposed ducted fan. Later, a successful model of the A-4 Skyhawk became a reality.

For a number of years, Violett has been active in the competition arena. This has included pattern, scale, and pylon activities. Early pylon work included the development of the Bob Cat and many championship titles, including being an international FAI champion. Again, his attention to detail and expert flying skills proved valuable. More recent competitive victories can be found in Scale Masters and Top Gun Scale events.

Recently Violett has worked to produce much quieter versions. This work led to fan models that operate very efficiently at very low sound levels.

Violett has authored articles relating to construction techniques and innovative developments in his publication Inlet. Originally from Maryland, he acted in the capacity of directing contests in the Washington/Maryland/Virginia area. The Academy is pleased to present Bob Violett as a 1996 Hall of Fame recipient.

AMA News

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

The Academy accepts nominations for its Hall of Fame award. The honor is bestowed upon individuals who have contributed to the advancement of the association and aeromodeling in general over a significant period of time. Candidates' qualifications are reviewed and voted upon by a panel consisting of past presidents of the Academy. In 1996 five individuals were granted Hall of Fame awards. The following biographical sketches provide information attesting to the contributions to aeromodeling made by the recipients.

Joseph Bridi

Joseph Bridi sought to bring — and did bring — Kaos into the modeling world. He produced a very successful series of radio-control pattern aircraft bearing the Kaos name. Bridi designed scores of models ranging from trainers to a variety of highly successful competition types. Models included pattern, pylon, soaring, scale, as well as general sport-flying types. His aircraft were marketed by Bridi Hobby Enterprises beginning in 1970; his present company, Bridi Aircraft, began in 1989. In addition, articles and plans penned by Bridi appeared in Radio Control Modeler and Model Airplane News in the 1960s and 1970s.

Finding the competition scene an important part of his life, Bridi has competed in a variety of venues. In addition to scale in the early 1960s, he could be found in pylon, pattern, and other events; he flew in the fifth International Scale Competition in Bremen, Germany, in 1969. For ten years Bridi was among the top ten in United States pattern competition. He competed four times in the Tournament of Champions and has judged on several occasions.

From an organizational standpoint, Bridi served as AMA Vice President for District X and served as president of the NSRCA on two occasions. He is a founding father of the USPJA. As a contest director, Bridi served the Birds Club for years and acted as contest director for FAI pattern team selections in the 1970s. Bridi's plans have been published in England, Italy, and Mexico. He has been a national pattern champion and has toured South Africa presenting flying demonstrations and speaking to clubs. The Academy recognizes Joseph Bridi of Harbor City, California, as a member of its Hall of Fame.

William "Bill" Cannon Jr.

William "Bill" Cannon Jr. has been elected to the Hall of Fame for producing big news by making something smaller. His company, Cannon R/C Systems (formerly C & S Electronics), founded in 1955, focused on developing and producing micro radio-control systems. Cannon's refinement work in this area enabled him to produce a four-channel proportional ultra-micro radio-control system with a total airborne weight of less than two ounces.

Over the years, Cannon's career has been closely related to his work as an electrical engineer, technical writer, and manufacturer. His formal education includes studies at the University of Houston and Georgia Tech. During World War II, Cannon served in electronics field service, including work on SBD dive bombers in Long Beach and B-24s in Phoenix, Arizona. Other electronics work included radar and flight testing and overseas service supervising technical personnel.

In 1949 he started his own technical-writing organization and produced a significant volume of work until 1985. He served as president of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Technical Publications Society and was a director on the NTPS national board. His modeling career began in the 1930s flying free flight events; his designs have been published in Model Builder. R/C Sportsman single-channel models such as the Pinto and Lil Pinto were kitted by Veco. The Veco hand-launch model designed by Cannon was used by modelers to win contests. No other company manufactures R/C equipment of such very small size, enabling modelers to use off-the-shelf products to control indoor models; Cannon stands alone in this field. The Academy welcomes Bill Cannon to its Hall of Fame.

Executive VP's Report

Doug Holland AMA Executive VP

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

If you have ever been in a hurricane, don't save your vacation time to chase one.

Raleigh had the dubious honor of being too close to the center of Fran. Trees were down all over the place; streets were blocked by trees, power poles, lines of all types, and water was everywhere. There was no phone service in my house for eight days and no electricity for seven days. It was like camping out. The water worked. That was a real blessing.

The use of flashlights, lamps, candles, and battery-powered radios were the order of the day. Ice was nonexistent for several days — you really miss a cold drink. A hot shower is a real luxury. I used three headlight bulbs to cycle my batteries for my electric-powered planes. I connected them to my charging battery and that worked well for additional light. I really do not recommend this setup for heavy study. Obviously, I am able to write the column; therefore all my losses were not physical and there were not monetary in nature.

Speaking of monetary matters, the budget for AMA will be ready for the Executive Council to consider. It is going to be a tough job to balance our income with our wants and needs. There are so many worthy projects, but all of them cannot be done as quickly as we would like. Priorities and compromises will be the order of the day. Since the dues increase, I have had many calls, and most people seem to understand the problem. Of course, no one wants to see anything they have to pay for go up. To help explain to your club what we are doing, I am going to use some information that comes from our public relations department. It is entitled "AMA BENEFITS," and it appears below. AMA is working hard to advance our hobby/sport and to have it recognized by the general public as the great activity that it is. We all need to work together to accomplish this goal.

Until later.

DISTRICT I REPORT

Connecticut / Maine / Massachusetts / New Hampshire / Rhode Island / Vermont

Don Krafft Vice President

PO Box 1828 Duxbury, MA 02331-1828 (617) 934-6248

Associate Vice Presidents

• James M. Semonian, 166 Allen Road, Billerica, MA 01821-5240
• 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 03264-1227
• 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

MASSCUP – MITCH LILY MEMORIAL

This event was held on September 21–22, 1996 at the industrial park adjacent to Westover AFB. Previously known only as the MASS CUP C/L contest, there is a unique method of determining the winner of the Cup: the winner is the flier who increases his score by the highest percentage of the two flights. Only the winners of each class are eligible for the Cup.

There were 24 contestants flying in four classes; four circles were utilized. The weather was fair until about noon on Sunday when light rain started to fall. The contest was completed but it was raining when the awards were handed out.

This was a good day for Jack Patrolia. He received a Distinguished Service Award from the AMA, the Concours de Elegance, and a fifth place in the Intermediate class.

Results:

BEGINNER:

1. Guerry Byers
2. Bob Hills
3. Bob Bacon

INTERMEDIATE:

1. Walt Johnson
2. Rob Larson
3. Mark O'Connell
4. Mike Cooper
5. Jack Patrolia
6. Stan Orlowski
7. Bob Robertshaw
8. Glenn Kaler

ADVANCED:

1. Bill Hummel
2. Leon Bowen
3. Noel Drindak
4. Joe Ortez
5. Carlos Serra
6. John Duncan
7. Dick Woolsey
8. Earl Midgley

EXPERT:

1. Bill Suarez
2. Jim Borrelli
3. Waldo Cargill
4. Dave Midgley
5. Bruce Olsen

Dick Woolsey and Dick Carville were the Contest Directors and they did an excellent job.

The remainder of this column and probably a portion of next month's will be devoted to pictures taken during the contest. They were furnished by Joe Ortiz of Flushing Meadow, New York. His photos are of exceptional quality and Joe also wrote the captions. I thank Joe for providing them (by way of Dick Carville).

DISTRICT III REPORT

Ohio / Pennsylvania / West Virginia

Bob Brown Vice President

35 Sanford Street Bradford, PA 16701 (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
• David Kopp, 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 851, Maumee, OH 43537-3062

Frequency Coordinator

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

Happy Holidays: As we approach the holiday season, may every modeler in the world have a joyous season. Hopefully, Santa will provide new enjoyment for the upcoming flying season.

Club Activity: As we visit local clubs or peruse their newsletters, one general problem becomes all too apparent: very few members want to do anything that could be construed as a positive club activity. This appears to be the attitude of today's society. Causes include workload, television, competing family activities, etc. These ideas have to change if modelers hope to prosper into the next century. Positive teamwork within the individual, club, and the Academy is needed to obtain and maintain our flying sites.

Many clubs have internal friction and are derivatives of past dissatisfaction. Most metropolitan areas are mired in lack of focus toward the enjoyment of model aviation. Imagine what we could accomplish if we work toward a common goal. Everyone has to start directing a positive attitude toward our flying sites. Sharing ideas, contacts, and needs with all clubs within the area will benefit everyone.

The Academy is the key to enable this to happen. Your Vice President and Associate Vice Presidents are willing to coordinate this effort. Are you?

All Season Flyer: Consider obtaining the All Season Flyer patch from the Academy. All you have to do is fly once a month for twelve consecutive months. Contact AMA Headquarters for information. This could become a positive club program.

Balsa Busters: Central Pennsylvania is the home of the enthusiastic club, the Balsa Busters. One club member, Ken Wells, provided this description of what modeling means to his family: "Since my son and I became involved in the hobby, we have grown closer. This is what our society needs now: family togetherness." His son Matt started flying RC at 12, became quite a builder and flier, earned a private pilot's license, and hopes to pursue a career in commercial flight.

Vice President of the Balsa Busters is Larry Straitiff of Brookville, Pennsylvania. He provided a picture of his Cherokee 140 and its big brother. Kenny Straitiff of Punxsutawney provided a picture of his J-3 Cub.

Ravenna Thunderbirds: Ravenna, Ohio is the home of the Ravenna Thunderbirds. Late this summer, they hosted a unique event primarily for taildraggers, drawing a large number of participants. Gary Vallardi's Extra 260 with smoke put on a nice show. "Old Charlie," a parachute dummy, was dropped by Larry Harris and guided back to earth by Dick Fano.

STARS: The Southern Tier Radio Society is well known throughout north-central Pennsylvania and produces a great scale rally. Brenda Bittinger provided a picture of her dad's beautiful Ultimate.

DISTRICT IV REPORT

Delaware / District of Columbia / Maryland / North Carolina / Virginia

Associate Vice Presidents

• George Abbott, 8712 Westlake Ct., Raleigh, NC 27613
• Robert E. Babura, 117 Otis Drive, Severn, MD 21144-1130
• Douglas Barry, 5300 Olde Millbrooke Dr., Glen Allen, VA 23060
• Allen Eklund, 8415 Maeve Ct., Clemmons, NC 27012
• Bob Champine, 205 Tipton Road, Newport News, VA 23606-3663
• Chuck Foreman, 412 Pine Cone Ct., Kill Devil Hill, NC 27948
• Scotty Moyers, 11 Orchard Lane, Wilmington, DE 19809-1719
• Richard (Dick) Smith, 761 Gwynne Avenue, Waynesboro, VA 22980-3346

Frequency Coordinator

• Paul Yaccobucci, 6408 Winthrop Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28311-1007 — Evening: (919) 488-5986

— Chuck Foreman

By this time all Open AMA members in District IV should have received a special ballot to vote on a replacement VP to finish Howard Crispin's term. The ballots were mailed around September 18. At the time of writing (September 23) I did not know the results. Ballots were to be returned by approximately October 18. As soon as I know the results I will notify all District IV AVPs and officers so they can contact clubs in their areas.

In the interim I have been appointed the Acting VP for District IV. Most of Howard's commitments have been sorted out and I am answering questions and shipping equipment around the district for mall shows and contests. I am thankful I stayed active with AMA current affairs and kept up with District IV happenings. Howard kept his AVPs up to date.

Come Fly with Us: The Dare County R.C. Flyers invite any AMA member vacationing at the Outer Banks of North Carolina to come fly with them. They have a cub field located at Mann's Harbor. For directions call Dewey Mann at (919) 473-5576.

Note from AVP Dick Smith — Waynesboro, Virginia

Dear Chuck:

As we discussed, I will try to keep you current on activities in western and northern Virginia. I recently helped judge the Virginia State Pattern Championship contest in Arcola, VA, sponsored by the Northern Virginia Radio Control Club. Weather was ideal with contestants from MA, NY, NJ, PA, MD, NC, and VA.

This year CD Ted Westerman added a perpetual Team Championship trophy to be awarded each year to either NSRCA District 1 or District 2, depending on which wins the most pattern classes. The trophy was closely contested and decided by the last flight of the contest, flown by Glen Schultz in Sportsman. Glen's winning flight made District 2 this year's winner of the team trophy.

I am aware of three clubs that have made donations to the AMA in memory of Howard. Another club will probably donate soon; hopefully others will follow. The donations are in keeping with his family's wishes. I have advised contacts that you are now the District IV VP and that a special election will be held to formalize Howard's replacement.

Note from AVP George Abbott — Raleigh, North Carolina

Two clubs in the Raleigh-Durham area, Raleigh-Durham Radio Control (RDRC) and the Raleigh AeroMasters (RAMS), jointly conducted a "Pattern Seminar," a contest intended to encourage inexperienced pattern fliers. This event was the brainchild of Bob Richards, a recent Masters champion and a member of RAMS. The Novice Pattern event, held on August 22, was preceded by several weekends of practice under the tutelage of experienced fliers. During the event, demonstration rounds were flown, then each entrant flew a round which was critiqued by the judges. A total of five rounds were flown. Plaques were awarded for the top three places.

Contestants felt the experience was well worthwhile. Several fliers said they had always felt intimidated by competition but found this contest to be a pleasant introduction; they are now looking forward to further competition. RDRC and RAMS plan another similar event next year, including Novice and Sportsman classes.

While most model fliers are interested only in non-competitive activities, events like this can encourage participation and stimulate development of the hobby, which benefits everyone.

I have started to receive some District newsletters and appreciate them. I thank editors who passed on word about Howard's death.

More next issue.

DISTRICT V REPORT

Alabama / Florida / Georgia / Mississippi / Puerto Rico / South Carolina / Tennessee

Jim McNeill Vice President

617 South 20 Avenue Birmingham, AL 35205 Phone/FAX (205) 252-2654

Associate Vice Presidents

• Bob Bartoszewicz, 3896 Birchwood Rd., Orlando, FL 32808
• Ron Chidgey, 3713 Pompano Dr., Pensacola, FL 32514
• Wilhelmina Chihsaz, 2826 Arbor Place, Knoxville, TN 37921
• James M. Edwards, 800 Mimosa Dr., New Albany, MS 38652
• William T. Haywood, 4 Roan Cir., Foley, AL 36535
• Karl Hensel, 383 Briarwood #157, Meridian, MS 39305
• Louise Izzo, 296 Heritage Way, Winter Springs, FL 32708
• Richard Jackson, 218 Thorndale Dr., N. Charleston, SC 29420
• Chris Jolley, 95 Lee Rd., 238, Phenix City, AL 36867
• Dr. John Martin, 2180 Tigard Ave., Miami, FL 33133
• Tom Morris, 527 Pebble Pass, Aniston, AL 36206
• Linda O’Neal, 3415 Maze Ln., Brandon, FL 33511
• Dick Patton, 1554 Pine Grove Blvd., Panama City Beach, FL 32408
• George Perryman, 3644 Lake Dr., Smyrna, GA 30082
• Frank Tiano, 15300 Estancia Lane, West Palm Beach, FL 33414
• Ward Van Duzer, 3404 N. River Rd., Gainesville, GA 30503
• Joe Webster, 1000 Sycamore, Manchester, TN 37355
• Joseph Micalizzi, Rte. 3 Box 1007, Fajardo, Puerto Rico 00738
• Dorothy Fields, 183 W. Sandric Pl., Interlachen, FL 32148 — Phone: (904) 684-2517

Letters and reports:

Bill Hawkins — Wildwood, Florida: "I'm new to Florida from Little Rock, Ark. I've read your offer for free 'PARTNERSHIP' tape and a booklet 'HOW TO GET AND KEEP FLYING SITES' and an AMA Rule Book. I'm a control-line flyer and most clubs/sites don't want CL flyers near them. My hope is to get the Wildwood City Council to set aside a park area for CL and FF and for kites. I work with beginners through churches and Cub Scouts. Anything you can do will be appreciated." (Response: Keep me posted.)

Ward Van Duzer reports control-line success: The new Control Line F2B Junior World Champ is Derek Barry in Harlem, Georgia. The 1995 National Junior Precision Aerobatics Champion is Dondi Garrison from Falkville, Alabama. The 1996 National Advanced Precision Aerobatics Champ is also Dondi.

Roy Dees, Club Secretary of the Titusville Moonport Modelers: "We have been working for two years to obtain a flying site owned by the Corps of Engineers. We signed a lease drafted by them, but the Florida Inland Navigation District (F.I.N.D.) has been sitting on the paperwork. We need a copy of the video 'PARTNERSHIPS' and an AMA Rule Book for our club library." (Response: Video and rule book sent; keep trying.)

Dave Williams, Vice President of the Vero Beach Airmasters Model Airplane Club: He used the AMA booklet "Getting and Keeping Flying Sites" to negotiate with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for a flying area within newly purchased wetlands. After meetings and site visits, the state allocated 59 acres of pasture land suitable for the club's purposes on a 70,000-acre purchase. They are finalizing the acquisition. AMA insurance and the booklet were vital to convincing authorities that they are a well-organized and responsible group. (Response: Video "PARTNERSHIPS" sent upon request.)

Other notes:

• I promised to run a picture of Jeff Weatherford's model but cannot find it; I've requested another.
• I've attended many fun-flys and contests this year across the district.
• Hardworking AVP Wilhelmina Chihsaz in Knoxville sent a Halloween-themed model dubbed the KCRC's Witch; it created a traffic jam when flown.
• Joseph Micalizzi (Puerto Rico) reports heartbreak over bulldozers destroying a flying strip that he and others built 20 years ago. Be thankful if you have a flying site.

DISTRICT VI REPORT

Illinois / Indiana / Kentucky / Missouri

Charlie Bauer Vice President

Associate Vice Presidents — Illinois

• Deb & Scott Justice, 156 S. Franzen, Bensenville, IL 60106
• John Kallend, 402 Arizona, Glenwood, IL 60425 — Eve. (708) 798-7242
• Hal Parent, 1920 Buckingham, Westchester, IL 60154 — Eve. (708) 562-5782
• Jerry Worden, 400 Alder Dr., Normal, IL 61761-1202 — Eve. (309) 454-3905

Indiana

• Ron Ballard, 6308 N. 700 E., Decatur, IN 46733 — Eve. (219) 722-8934
• Gary Bussell, 5000 W. Connie Dr., Muncie, IN 47304 — Eve. (317) 288-3541
• William Kerr, 1805 12th St., Bedford, IN 47421-3108 — Eve. (812) 275-2189

Kentucky

• Jim Sears, Box 308, Burgin, KY 40310 — (606) 748-5834

Missouri

• Cal Ettel, 3 Castle Dr., RR #2, Florissant, MO 63034 — (314) 831-5031
• Ken Booher, 1016 North East Barnes Dr., Lee's Summit, MO 64086 — (816) 524-7307

Frequency Coordinator

• Paul Holstein, 1516 W. 30th St., Higginsville, MO 64037-1859 — Eve. (816) 584-2481

Corrections and highlights:

• Correction: The lead article in the November column misnamed the gentleman who had flown monthly for 25 years. His name is Wil Selmider of the McDonnell Douglas R/C Club in St. Louis, MO.

Reports and events:

• Sugar Grove, IL: Memorial Day weekend saw Club 917 (Treetown Modelaires) host their annual UC bash. Fast combat winners: 1st C. Gay, 2nd M. Palermo, 3rd I. Taib. Photo by Bud Bodziok.
• Muncie, IN: Club 3387 (Muncie Controllers) held a spring free-flying school; about 20 new pilots attended despite cold weather. Four-year-old Kyle pictured with instructor Allen Goff.
• Evansville, IN: Club 284 (Evansville R/C Model Aircraft Club) hosted the 1996 Freedom Festival Flying Circus — a two-day success with a learn-to-fly area.
• Country Club Hills, IL: Club 274 (Suburban Aero Club) member Greg Wagensomer has been building models since childhood; his Midwest AT-6 and Midwest Extra 300 are recent projects.
• Terre Haute, IN: Club 292 held their fourth annual IMAC gathering with sequences for Basic, Sportsman, and Advanced/Unlimited. Winners: Basic — Erik Haakonsoner (Wooster, OH); Sportsman — Richard Stutz (Bedford, IN); Advanced/Unlimited — Mike McConville (Crown Point, IN).
• Goshen, IN: Club 2959 (Millersburg RC Modelers) dedicated a new flying field on July 13. Dean Rink cut the ribbon; views show roll-up awnings for shade.

Notice: Submissions from Kentucky and Missouri clubs have been sparse; send photos/information.

DISTRICT VII REPORT

Iowa / Michigan / Minnesota / Wisconsin

Joe Hass Vice President 5394 English Drive, Troy, MI 48098 (810) 510-6243 — FAX (810) 879-5522

Associate Vice Presidents

• Don Bentfield, 1440 W. Minnehaha Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104 — (612) 645-2984
• Dave Gish, 5435 State Hwy 99, Wapello, IA 52653
• Bud Gorman, P.O. Box 33, Knife River, MN 55609
• Russell Knetsger, 2625 E. Shorewood Boulevard, Muskegon, WI 49430
• Jean Laski, 305 Patti Place, Holland, MI 49423
• Bill Millar, 712 Grand Ave., Petoskey, MI 49770
• Carl Mohs, 5024 Lake Mendota Drive, Madison, WI 53705
• Mark R. Robotti, 26540 Olympic Trail, North Lindstrom, MN 55045
• Pete Waters, 7420 Seven Mile Rd., Northville, MI 48167 — Fax: (810) 486-1603
• Mike Zingarey, 6496 S. Summerton Rd., Shepherd, MI 48883-9308

Frequency Coordinators

• West: Al Schwartz, 2787 Fernwood, Roseville, MN 55113
• East: Bert Kelly, P.O. Box 39001, Redford, MI 48239

Column note: When the 10th of September came I wondered what to do with myself with no column to write. Pictures dominate this month's contribution with great photos of summer events. Even with good weather, did anyone get in all the flying they wanted? The list of events I missed far exceeds those I attended. Enjoy!

AMA News (repeat)

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

The Academy accepts nominations for the Hall of Fame award. The honor is bestowed upon individuals who have contributed to the advancement of the association and aeromodeling in general over a significant period of time. Candidates' qualifications are reviewed and voted upon by a panel consisting of past presidents of the Academy. In 1996 five individuals were granted Hall of Fame awards. The following biographical sketches provide information attesting to the contributions to aeromodeling made by the recipients.

Joseph Bridi

Joseph Bridi sought to bring — and managed to bring — Kaos to the modeling world. A very successful series of radio-control pattern aircraft bearing the Kaos name included scores of models ranging from trainers to a variety of highly successful competition types. Models marketed by Bridi Hobby Enterprises beginning in 1970 and by Bridi Aircraft beginning in 1989 included pattern, pylon, soaring, scale, and sport-flying types. Articles and plans by Bridi appeared in Radio Control Modeler and Model Airplane News in the 1960s and 1970s.

Bridi competed broadly — scale, pylon, and pattern — and flew in the fifth International Scale Competition in Bremen, Germany, in 1969. He was among the top ten U.S. pattern competitors for ten years, competed four times in the Tournament of Champions, and judged on several occasions. Organizationally, he served as AMA Vice President for District X, president of the NSRCA (twice), and was a founding father of the USPJA. He served as contest director for the Birds Club and for FAI pattern team selections in the 1970s. Bridi's plans have been published internationally. The Academy recognizes Joseph Bridi of Harbor City, California, as a member of its Hall of Fame.

William "Bill" Cannon Jr.

William "Bill" Cannon Jr. has been elected to the Hall of Fame for producing big results while making things smaller. His company (Cannon R/C Systems), evolved from C & S Electronics (founded 1955), and focused on micro radio-control systems. He developed a four-channel proportional ultra-micro radio-control system weighing less than two ounces airborne.

Cannon's career included study at the University of Houston and Georgia Tech. During WWII he served in electronics field service on SBD dive bombers (Long Beach) and B-24s (Phoenix). He later started a technical-writing organization (1949–1985), served as president of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Technical Publications Society, and served on the NTPS national board. His modeling career began in the 1930s; his designs have been published and used to win contests. Cannon's micro equipment enables off-the-shelf control of indoor models. The Academy welcomes him to the Hall of Fame.

Art Laneau

For years the Academy maintained an important partnership with the United States Navy due to Art Laneau's service as liaison. His efforts strengthened relations between the Academy and naval aviation activities and provided significant support for air shows and demonstrations. The Academy recognizes Art Laneau for his many years of dedicated service and for fostering cooperative efforts that benefited both the hobby and public demonstrations.

District II / District IV Special Election

• The special election closed October 18, 1996.
• District II results delayed due to ballot-distribution error — see February 1997 Model Aviation for details.
• District IV — Chuck Foreman and Brad Booth; other results and tallies to be announced. Ball State students assisted in verification of the tally; Tom Harris, Associate Professor, Management Sciences, assisted.

DISTRICT IX REPORT

Colorado / Kansas / Nebraska / North Dakota / South Dakota / Wyoming

Russ Miller Vice President P.O. Box 128, Solen, ND 58570 Days: (701) 445-3322 — 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 57103-5573
• Jack L. Sibert, 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 Nebraska — Jack Sibert, AVP

• The Loup Valley Flyers announced that their most senior member, Leonard F. Psota, qualified for his 5th-year All Season Flyer tab. Leonard, hampered by the normal aches and pains of age, has been flying R/C from a chair. He recently passed his 76th birthday and still goes flying when weather cooperates. He is no stranger to aviation: in 1947 he took delivery of a brand new Aeronca and flew it back home to Nebraska, and in 1948 attached skis to the Aeronca to fly Red Cross relief missions during the big blizzard. Congratulations to Leonard for his long-term interest and accomplishments.

News from North Dakota — Al Foell

• Radio-controlled airplane enthusiasts from Minnesota and North Dakota attended the fifth annual Fun Fly, held Aug. 11 at the Casselton Regional Airport and hosted by the Dakota Skymasters. Competitive-event winners:
• Glowplug race: Bill Kapaun, Casselton
• Timed event: Ron Konoske, Pelican Rapids, MN
• Cross-country event: Jim Edinger, Mayville
• Carrier landing: Alvin Olson, Underwood, MN
• Drawing winners included Mike Drouillard (airplane kit), Al Foell (power panel), and Ralph Johnson (six-channel radio). Drawing prizes provided by R/C businesses.

News from Kansas

• July 9–19: Darwin Hawkins (former president of W.R.C.C., Wichita), Dan Benner (president of S.A.M. 56, Wichita), and Ed Salguero (retired Boeing engineer) participated in a model building/flying project with the Wichita Urban League's Y.E.S. (Young Engineers & Scientists) Program. Approximately 22 seventh- and eighth-graders built the AMA Cub on July 9 and flew in a local high school gym on July 10. All models flew successfully; after trimming, participants competed for longest duration and had a mass launch. Older hobbyists demonstrated more advanced indoor models. The project introduced youngsters to model aviation with support from Boeing. Photos courtesy of the Boeing Company.

AMA News (additional regional notes)

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

The Academy accepts nominations for its Hall of Fame award. The honor is bestowed upon individuals who have contributed significantly to the association and aeromodeling. A panel of past presidents reviews and votes on candidates. In 1996 five individuals received Hall of Fame awards. The following additional regional notes were submitted:

• News from Montana (Bruce Hadella, Big Sky RC Modelers): The Great Falls club held three successful meets this year: a pattern meet, the Ducted Fan Rally at Stanford, and their First Big Bird meet. They maintain a 40 × 60-foot fabric-covered runway which works well for fans and pattern aircraft.

• Gold Leader Club: Club #235, the Lewis Clark R/C Model Club (Lewiston, Idaho) adopted Camelot Elementary School as part of the AMA Adopt-A-School program. This year they worked with over 70 students. On Feb. 15, 1996, the club presented a framed Gold Level Recognition Award at the school.

• Southern Oregon Soaring Society: Founded May 1996 and chartered June 17, 1996. Officers: Jerry Miller (President — (541) 535-4410), Randy Banta (Vice President), DJ Buell (Sec/Treasurer), Terry Mickle (Newsletter Editor). They have pursued local flying sites and negotiated leases with Jackson County for parkland along the Bear Creek Greenway. Interim arrangements were made to use a private airport area for limited thermal and power flying. Members also travel to slope sites such as Cape Blanco.

• Puyallup reminder: Don't forget the Puyallup event in early February.

Joyous holidays to all — may you and your families enjoy health and happiness.

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