AMA/Charles H. Grant Scholarships
by Bob Underwood
Each year the Academy provides scholarship awards totaling approximately $20,000 to deserving high‑school graduates as part of the AMA/Charles H. Grant Scholarship Program. Selection criteria include scholastic achievement, modeling activity, and school/community activity.
Other scholarships and awards:
- Sig Memorial Scholarship — awards based on modeling achievement and financial need.
- Tom Hutchinson Memorial Scholarship — awards for achievement in Free Flight activity.
- Toledo Weak Signals award — presented to the top candidate of the AMA/Charles H. Grant Scholarships.
Applications and detailed information are available from AMA Headquarters. Deadline for submitting applications: April 30, 1997.
1996 Award Recipients
- Katie Bosman — Top award, $7,000 (Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin)
Katie graduated with honors from Sturgeon Bay High School and is attending the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, pursuing a Communications/Graphic Arts degree. She was an award‑winning reporter and graphic artist for her high‑school newspaper and became co‑editor her senior year. Her modeling career began in 1987 through 4‑H; she built a Comet J‑3 Cub and joined the Bay Flyers Club. Katie builds and competes in Indoor Peanut Scale and flies R/C models (first R/C model: Goldberg Gentle Lady, 1990). Her attention to detail earned praise from competitors; she became the 1994 Senior Two‑Meter Sailplane champion at the Nats. Katie has written for Model Aviation and her club newsletter and helped design a night‑flying lighting system. She also received $3,500 from the Weak Signals club (funds from Toledo Expo raffle drawings).
- Patrick Schuett — Second place, $5,000 (Aurora, Illinois)
Patrick was a high‑school tennis starter, member of the National Honor Society, and an Illinois State Scholar. A member of two model clubs and president of a local Aviation Explorer post, he began modeling at age four and soloed a control‑line model at five. His focus is Control Line precision aerobatics; he has placed highly at the Nats. Patrick is a student at the University of Illinois at Urbana‑Champaign pursuing aeronautical engineering and works as a lab assistant at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.
- Mark Richmond — $2,500 (Carmel, Indiana)
Mark graduated in June 1996 and entered Purdue University School of Engineering. He worked 12 hours per week as a dental assistant and participated in Science Olympiad. His modeling experience contributed to his success in engineering events: 1993 national champion and record holder in Bridge Building and 1996 national champion and record holder in Tower Building (winning tower supported 20 kg and weighed slightly over four grams). The Scholarship committee also awarded Mark a Tom Hutchinson Scholarship of $1,000 for outstanding Free Flight activity.
- Michael Hudson — $2,500 (York, Pennsylvania)
Michael attends York College of Pennsylvania pursuing engineering. In high school he participated in marching and symphonic band, Physics Club, History Club, and Science Olympiad, and was active in community organizations. At college he works in Engineering Practice and Design Studio (EPADS), has helped design competition machines, and is constructing a 20‑foot wind tunnel. He is finishing an Ultra Sport 1000 model and hopes to obtain a pilot's license and apply his engineering education to model design.
- Todd Ryan — $2,000 Sig Memorial Scholarship (Pasco, Washington)
Todd attended Columbia High School and is enrolled at Oregon Institute of Technology studying mechanical engineering. AMA member since 1989, Todd has accumulated numerous control‑line competition finishes (241 firsts, 167 seconds, 198 thirds) and has held AMA records in Profile Carrier, .21 Sport Speed, and Formula .40. He learned to fly in 1989, joined the Columbia Bass Balsa Bashers, and was elected club president in 1995.
The Academy salutes these young people and wishes them well in their studies.
AMA News
Introductory Pilot Program
The AMA Introductory Pilot Program allows a non‑AMA member to fly at a Chartered Club field under the direct supervision of a club‑designated Introductory Pilot and receive AMA member liability insurance protection for the supervised training period. Key points:
- Coverage applies only while flying under direct, one‑on‑one supervision of the Introductory Pilot.
- Coverage lasts for 30 consecutive days starting from the first session.
- Participation is one time only and covers training activities only — it does not permit participation in organized club events.
- 465 chartered clubs use this program with 1,107 Introductory Pilots.
Contact the club department at AMA Headquarters to find participating clubs.
From Members
R. Lynn Hendry (Lewis Clark RC Model Club, Lewiston, ID) suggests using items from the AMA supply catalog to create unique club awards (medallions, decals, instrument coasters). These make appreciated mementos for fun‑fly, scale, and float events.
Memorial
Ellaine Thompson: Many women have contributed greatly to AMA and model aviation; Ellaine Thompson was one of the best. She was diagnosed with leukemia and passed away on September 9, 1996. She is remembered for her significant contributions to the hobby.
Executive VP's Report
Doug Holland — AMA Executive VP
Contact:
- Address: 3517 Fernwood Dr., Raleigh, NC 27612
- Home: (919) 787-5163
- Office: (919) 787-7454
A wealthy man once said, "You never earn enough money to live on; you have to learn to live on what you earn." The AMA faces similar budgeting challenges. As of this writing the 1997 budget had not been approved; the Executive Council met November 16, 1996, to consider it.
Budget preparation is a long process involving many people. After an October 11 meeting, Ed McCollough and I worked independently and combined efforts to prepare the budget for the Executive Council. Although members brought many personal interests to the table and compromises were required, the budget was ultimately passed after many long hours. Some projects were deferred while some forward‑looking programs were started. The Executive Council now has a deeper understanding of this budget than often occurs.
There is an ongoing need for practical, money‑making ideas for the not‑for‑profit AMA. If you have suggestions, please notify me or your District Vice President.
DISTRICT I REPORT
Connecticut / Maine / Massachusetts / New Hampshire / Rhode Island / Vermont
Don Krafft — Vice President PO Box 1828, Duxbury, MA 02331-1828 Phone: (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 03264-1223
- Ed Thompson — 27 E. Greenwich Ave., West Warwick, RI 02893-5405
- Bob Wallace — 91 Sylvan Street, Avon, CT 06001-2230
Frequency Coordinator:
- George Wilson — 82 Frazier Way, Marstons Mills, MA 02648-1866
MASSCUP — MITCH LILY MEMORIAL / 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 Lamore Road, Dayton, OH 45444 (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
Aerial Video (MACATV)
Roger Groves (Jerusalem, Ohio) built a model that transmits television video while in flight. Roger is a licensed amateur radio operator; his MACATV specs:
- Wingspan: 105 inches
- Weight: 28 lb
- Power: Zenoah G38
- Cameras: one B&W (240-line), one color (440-line)
- Transmitter: 1.5 watts on 439.25 MHz
Transmission range observed: ≈30 miles. Roger can demonstrate the system and can be contacted at 37991 Skinner Grimes Road, Jerusalem, OH 43747 or (614) 757-2451 (5–9 p.m.).
Thistledown Flyers
AVP Joe Vislay provided pictures and a report from the IMAA Fly-In at Napoleon, Ohio — an enjoyable meet for attendees.
S.P.A.R.K.S. Giant Scale Event
Pittsburgh's South Park Club (S.P.A.R.K.S.) held a successful Giant Scale event at Finleyville Airport with a paved runway, on‑site hobby shop, kid programs, vendors, and a variety of aircraft, including a Confederate Air Force B-29. Announcer Don Riggs (local TV personality) enhanced the event. Thanks to AVP John Hathaway for the report.
DISTRICT IV REPORT
Delaware / District of Columbia / Maryland / North Carolina / Virginia
Chuck Foreman — Vice President 412 Pine Cone Ct., Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Phone: (919) 441-5855 | Fax: (919) 441-6554
Associate Vice Presidents:
- George Abbott — 8712 Westlake Ct., Raleigh, NC 27613
- Robert E. Babura — 111 Otis Drive, Severn, MD 21144-1310 — Phone: (410) 969-9356
- Douglas Barry — 5000 Old Millbrooke Dr., Glen Allen, VA 23060
- Allen Eklund — 8415 Mavone Ct., Clemmons, NC 27012
- Bob Champagne — 205 Tipton Road, Newport News, VA 23606-3863
- Steve Moulton — 2217 Johnstown Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322
- Scotty Moyer — 11 Orchard Lane, Wilmington, DE 19809-1719
- Richard (Dick) Smith — 761 Gwynne Avenue, Waynesboro, VA 22980-3346
Frequency Coordinator:
- Paul Yacoubucci — 6408 Winthrop Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28311-1007 — Evening: (910) 488-5986
RC Contests Coordinator:
- Dave Evans — 6124 Apple E. Lexington Court, Virginia Beach, VA 23464 — Home: (804) 523-5449
District Items
- Results of Special Election: Chuck Foreman elected Vice President for District IV. Thanks to everyone who voted.
- AVP Program: Each AVP will contribute to future columns and contact clubs in their area to share club activities.
- Newsletter Editors: Compiling a list of District IV newsletter editors to improve club communication. Club presidents should review and update their club contact information.
- District IV Fax: Dedicated fax line for 24‑hour communication: (919) 441-6554. Include your fax/telephone number when sending.
- District IV Officers: No immediate changes; mini district meetings will be arranged with AVPs and nearby clubs.
- You Are the AMA: The Vice President requests input — ideas, suggestions, and complaints — along with proposed solutions.
- Congratulations: Norfolk Aeromodelers celebrate their 50th year (established 1946).
DISTRICT V REPORT
Jim McNeill — Vice President
Reports and Events
- Aiken RC Society (ARCS), Aiken, SC — 10th Annual Fall Fly‑In. Participants included Cliff Ashley, Bill Boynton, Tom Conner, Pete Griggs, Randy McDowell, Jim Ray, Mel Sires (Fly‑In CD), William Tuxworth, Vee Whatley, Russell Young, Jay Bilyeu, Tag Godfrey, Matt McDowell, Wayne Rickenbacker, Warren Stanford, Allan Wehrman, Jim Wright, Bud Zobel.
- Vee Whatley's "BIG B" — original 12‑ft span design, 42‑inch chord (42 sq ft), with significant nose ballast.
- Low Country RC Flyers Club (Charleston, SC) — annual club picnic at new field in Mullet Hall County Park (runway 640' x 150').
- RC Combat Contest (Brandon, FL) — contestants included Lucien Miller, Henry Burnside, William Burnside, Jason Burnside, Troy Martin, Wayne Smith, Kathy Smith, Bob Gerstein, Bucky Gerstein. Lucien Miller displayed his O.S. .15‑powered original combat airplane with wife Darla.
- Oneonta, Alabama Fly‑In (March of Dimes benefit) — giant scale event observing AMA and IMAA rules; sponsors included Birmingham Skyscrapers, BAMA Flyers, B'ham R/C, Alabaster R/C, Clanton Cloud Climbers. All proceeds went to the March of Dimes.
- Tom Pachetti displayed a realistic Gee Bee R‑1 model (historical note: Gee Bees were high‑speed racers with minimal rudder and high landing speeds; Jimmy Doolittle won the 1932 Thompson Trophy in a Gee Bee).
DISTRICT VI REPORT
Illinois / Indiana / Kentucky / Missouri
Charlie Bauer — Vice President
- Crystal Lake, IN — Club #259 (Lake Shore RC Club) built an Ikon N'Wst Gee Bee Y: project began December 1995; first flight June 30, 1996 (15 members participated).
- Muncie, IN — Clubs #3387 (Muncie Controliners) and #1021 (Indy Sportliners) sponsored the Mid‑States Championships in June 1996; 12 events were run at the International Aeromodeling Center.
- Country Club Hills, IL — Club #274 (Suburban Aero Club) held an RC Combat contest with 16 pilots; only 10 streamers were cut during 12 heats and a final round.
- Chicago, IL — Club #1392 (Chicagoland Circle Cutters) held a spring 80 mph Combat event.
DISTRICT VII REPORT
Iowa / Michigan / Minnesota / Wisconsin
Joe Hass — Vice President 5394 English Drive, Troy, MI 48098 Phone: (810) 510-6243 | FAX: (810) 679-3552
This was my last column as District VII Vice President. It has been an enjoyable year and I appreciate the invitations to fields, events, and banquets. Highlights:
- Attended the C.A.R.D. banquet in Lansing, MI (organized by Dale Farlin and Monty Thacker) and the Toledo Weak Signals banquet.
- Bert Kelly (Frequency Coordinator for eastern District VII) has relocated — thanks for his many years of service.
Personal note: My son Christopher (age 4) participated in building an Easy Fly 40 and proudly flew it at a club meeting. My other son David has returned to flying and progressed quickly from trainer to low wing sport pattern aircraft.
Pictures will accompany future reports. Best wishes for 1997.
DISTRICT VIII REPORT
Arkansas / Louisiana / New Mexico / Oklahoma / Texas
George M. Aldrich — Vice President 12822 Tanytown, San Antonio, TX 78233 A.M.A. Line: (210) 650-4707
District Items
- Ozone R/C Electric Fun‑Fly (New Orleans) — heavy rain (≈10 inches in 24 hours) but participants flew in intermittent showers. Electric flying continues to grow.
- Electric Flying Growth — events such as the Keystone (PA) Electric Fly (over 250 entries in 1996) indicate a major trend. Electric flying reduces noise issues and can preserve flying sites in noise‑sensitive areas.
- Liability Waiver for Pylon Racing — a waiver form developed with the Contest Board, Safety Committee, and NMPRA clarifies that participants agree not to sue event organizers/sponsors. It does not void AMA insurance when AMA Safety Code is followed.
- Safety Gear — required protective equipment in some events (e.g., pylon) is reasonable and has been used successfully in other competitions.
- Tip of the Month — glow plug base metal is platinum, which is "allergic" to aluminum; aluminum particles can erode the plug element and change engine settings. Try a plug change before adjusting needle settings.
Inside View — Headquarters
Academy of Model Aeronautics 5151 East Memorial Drive, Muncie, IN 47302
(See Scholarship section above for full details on the AMA/Charles H. Grant Scholarship Program and 1996 recipients.)
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
