AMA News

Museum Minutes

Gary Prater Museum Director 5151 E. Memorial Dr. Muncie, IN 47302

There are many ways that a museum unites the past, present, and future. The National Model Aviation Museum celebrates astounding past accomplishments by preserving important pieces of model aviation history.

For example, we acquired an old engine — perhaps the oldest of them all — handmade in 1919 by inventor Carl B. Chupp. It incorporates advances in internal combustion engine design that predate general use by at least a decade, and it helps validate model aviation's importance in scientific and technological history. As time marches on, our reach into the past seems to be going farther and farther.

We also actively collect important contemporary elements of what will become model aviation's legacy. (Does anyone want to donate a turbine to our collection?) Museums are not preoccupied with objects just because they are old and rare; we must be ever-watchful for new developments in our field. It's much easier and less expensive to collect today's important relics now, instead of waiting until they are recognized tomorrow as precious. A good example is Terry Nitsch's exquisite F-86 — probably one of modeling's most famous and controversial scale models. It's an outstanding piece of what is already an outstanding collection.

However, when we turn our attention to future developments and acquisitions, everything becomes more problematic. What will we be doing next year, and in later years? Long-range planning will help answer such questions, but I know one future development to share with you. "Smithsonian Institution" will become a prominent noun in model aviation's vocabulary: they are going to build a traveling exhibit, and we are going to be involved!

On Miniature Wings, a book written by Thomas Dietz, Associate Curator, Smithsonian Institution, is being adapted to a traveling exhibit. It will tour the U.S., probably starting in 1998 or 1999 (substantial funds still need to be raised for the exhibit's fabrication). If you haven't seen Tom's book, it is a gorgeous coffee-table tome containing more than 150 photographs of models in the Smithsonian's 3,000-object collection. I seldom use the phrase "model airplanes," but it is appropriate in this case because several models in Tom's book are static and could never fly.

Through the efforts of historic aviation personalities such as former Smithsonian Secretaries Samuel P. Langley and Paul Garber, and other Smithsonian scholars, our area of interest has been actively collected during this century. They concentrated a great deal of energy and money to accumulate what has become our nation's principal repository of objects related to our aeronautical heritage. Paul Garber, in particular, was profoundly interested in models; he became an expert and a great modeler himself. Several of his models will be in the On Miniature Wings exhibit, along with Walt and Henry Good's Guff (1937), and David Gray's "first to fly successfully" RC helicopter (1970).

AMA and National Model Aviation Museum staff will participate in the On Miniature Wings exhibit by helping Smithsonian developers create adjunct exhibitions of model aircraft at many of the exhibit venues. This will give us an opportunity to enlarge model aviation's educational impact by developing a high‑profile educational package for local museums and AMA-chartered clubs.

Smithsonian planners are also interested in sparking interest in model aviation through information about modeling workshops, meets, and contests, and in developing family activities to go along with On Miniature Wings.

"Past unites present and future" is thus much more than a slogan at our museum. These are exciting times, with developments and advances leaving their mark on our identity as a museum and as a learning organization. If you want to know more, become a museum patron and read Cloud 9 for in‑depth information about our museum and its everyday life that will one day become part of history.

Do you want to know more about On Miniature Wings? Buy Tom's book! It's available at the National Model Aviation Museum store for a discounted price of $29.95. It has 180 pages of wonderful models, all of which are beautifully photographed masterpieces of craftsmanship or possess great historical significance. Part of the proceeds from the book's sale supports the Smithsonian's On Miniature Wings exhibit.

Legacy/Worth

Continued from page 149

Several requests have been made for AMA to have another big get-together similar to the successful weekend event in 1996. Many who wanted to attend couldn't make it then, and many who did attend want to do it again. Among those who missed the '96 event were pioneers such as Walt and Bill Good, Ben Shereshaw, Frank Zaic, Hurst Bowers, Bob Cahill, Mike Granieri, and many others.

Meanwhile, an effort is being promoted to recognize many famous old-timers who have been nominated for the AMA Hall of Fame but have been on hold because typically only five or six persons are voted on each year. Dozens of deserving candidates are waiting, and for many, age and/or health problems may prevent them from being honored while they are alive.

This year there were 43 nominees, but the selection criteria restricted the number selected to five people. The limitation was adopted with good intentions, to make the annual presentations represent only the best of the best. But since the Hall of Fame was established, a backlog of qualified people has developed.

Many candidates have already passed away, giving the selection committee (composed of past AMA presidents) a tough problem: how to recognize those already gone versus those still around.

The current effort to restore a better balance is promoting the idea of a mass presentation in 1998 to honor deserving pioneers who are at least 70 years old. They would be classed as "Pioneers" and given awards, preferably induction into the Hall of Fame, or some other prestigious recognition.

One suggestion gaining interest is to hold this special event in conjunction with the 1998 Society of Antique Aeromodelers (SAM) annual championships, scheduled to be held in Muncie in September. It would be a natural gathering, since many of the Pioneers are members of SAM and AMA.

It's all just talk now, but instead of thinking about history as something in the past, here's an opportunity for history in the making — with many of us able to actually participate in and contribute to future memories.

AMA News

Executive VP's Report

Doug Holland AMA Executive VP 3517 Fernwood Dr. Raleigh, NC 27612 Home: (919) 787-5163 Office: (919) 787-7454

This month I present the Statements of Activities (the Income Statement) for the year. I also include Schedules of Other Revenue (Net) and Schedules of Operating Expenses so you can trace line items to the numbers that appear on the Statements of Activities.

The year turned out reasonably successful because of good budgeting and management. Operating expenses did not increase only 3% (approximately the cost‑of‑living index for the past year). For those of you who like this kind of detail, here it is. For those who don't, I recommend you read some of the other articles in the magazine.

A brief anecdote: A secretary was told by her office staff to put a file in "safekeeping." New to the company, she created a file called "safekeeping" and put everything everyone told her to put there. When people later asked for the file they had given her to put in "safekeeping," she would say, "There it is; look for it."

This article will not go into a "safekeeping" file for many of you, but for those who are interested, it really is pretty good reading.

The Academy of Model Aeronautics, Inc. — Statements of Activities

Years Ended December 31, 1996 and 1995

• Revenue (Unrestricted Net Assets):
• Membership: 1996 $5,492,216 (80.4%); 1995 $5,486,517 (81.3%)
• Museum patron program: 1996 $0 (0.0%); 1995 $21,635 (0.3%)
• Club charter fees: 1996 $113,807 (1.7%); 1995 $112,791 (1.7%)
• Event sanctions and insurance: 1996 $45,031 (0.7%); 1995 $43,905 (0.7%)
• Supply and souvenir sales: 1996 $73,909 (1.1%); 1995 $70,472 (1.0%)
• Model Aviation advertising: 1996 $856,637 (12.5%); 1995 $759,861 (11.3%)
• Model Aviation subscriptions: 1996 $95,786 (1.4%); 1995 $83,982 (1.2%)
• Total revenue (unrestricted): 1996 $6,677,386 (97.8%); 1995 $6,579,163 (97.5%)
• Net assets released from restrictions: 1996 $153,622 (2.2%); 1995 $169,571 (2.5%)
• Total revenue: 1996 $6,831,008 (100.0%); 1995 $6,748,734 (100.0%)

• Expenses:
• Operating expenses: 1996 $4,109,803 (60.2%); 1995 $4,101,634 (60.8%)
• Model Aviation magazine direct costs: 1996 $1,849,673 (27.1%); 1995 $1,932,112 (28.6%)
• Supply and souvenir costs: 1996 $25,285 (0.4%); 1995 $56,948 (0.8%)
• Depreciation and amortization: 1996 $365,191 (5.3%); 1995 $327,737 (4.9%)
• Officer services including magazines: 1996 $165,508 (2.4%); 1995 $173,219 (2.6%)
• Committees: 1996 $31,798 (0.5%); 1995 $35,913 (0.5%)
• National Championship contest: 1996 $20,892 (0.3%); 1995 $14,605 (0.2%)
• Total expenses: 1996 $6,568,150 (96.2%); 1995 $6,642,168 (98.4%)

• Excess of revenue over expenses from operations: 1996 $262,858 (3.8%); 1995 $106,566 (1.6%)
• Other revenue (net): 1996 $53,896 (0.8%); 1995 $289,710 (4.2%)
• Additions to museum collection: 1996 $(18,788) (-0.2%); 1995 $0 (0.0%)
• Increase in unrestricted net assets: 1996 $297,966 (4.4%); 1995 $396,276 (5.8%)

• Temporarily restricted net assets:
• Contributions: 1996 $92,276 (1.4%); 1995 $182,065 (2.7%)
• Dividends: 1996 $0 (0.0%); 1995 $48 (0.0%)
• Net assets released from restrictions: 1996 $(153,622) (-2.3%); 1995 $(169,571) (-2.5%)
• Increase (decrease) in temporarily restricted net assets: 1996 $(61,346) (-0.9%); 1995 $12,542 (0.2%)

• Increase in net assets: 1996 $236,620 (3.5%); 1995 $408,818 (6.0%)
• Net assets — beginning of year: $6,463,066 (1996); $6,054,248 (1995)
• Net assets — end of year: $6,699,686 (1996); $6,463,066 (1995)

The Academy of Model Aeronautics, Inc. — Schedules of Operating Expenses

Years Ended December 31, 1996 and 1995

• Salaries including contract services: 1996 $1,414,733 (20.7%); 1995 $1,339,046 (19.9%)
• Fringe benefits & payroll taxes: 1996 $297,903 (4.4%); 1995 $280,674 (4.1%)
• Membership processing including supplies: 1996 $414,297 (6.1%); 1995 $385,039 (5.7%)
• Utilities: 1996 $36,675 (0.5%); 1995 $34,455 (0.5%)
• Marketing division: 1996 $160,286 (2.3%); 1995 $142,605 (2.1%)
• Office expense: 1996 $102,782 (1.5%); 1995 $70,354 (1.0%)
• Postal & freight: 1996 $20,425 (0.3%); 1995 $37,709 (0.5%)
• Telephone: 1996 $44,605 (0.7%); 1995 $54,500 (0.9%)
• Bank charges & fees: 1996 $60,327 (0.9%); 1995 $59,473 (0.9%)
• Staff travel: 1996 $20,076 (0.3%); 1995 $13,321 (0.2%)
• Staff relocation: 1996 $1,500 (0.0%); 1995 $3,000 (0.0%)
• Equipment maintenance: 1996 $47,651 (0.7%); 1995 $21,771 (0.3%)
• Printing & duplicating: 1996 $24,119 (0.4%); 1995 $29,568 (0.4%)
• Professional fees — corporate: 1996 $110,608 (1.6%); 1995 $175,160 (2.6%)
• Professional fees — membership: 1996 $190,704 (2.8%); 1995 $285,197 (4.2%)
• Insurance — general: 1996 $72,863 (1.1%); 1995 $70,081 (1.0%)
• Insurance — membership: 1996 $634,677 (9.3%); 1995 $620,654 (9.2%)
• Insurance — administration: 1996 $12,842 (0.2%); 1995 $42,550 (0.7%)
• Taxes — other: 1996 $4,687 (0.1%); 1995 $13,398 (0.2%)
• FAI programs: 1996 $153,673 (2.2%); 1995 $122,552 (1.8%)
• NAA divisional fees: 1996 $48,566 (0.7%); 1995 $38,617 (0.6%)
• Maintenance & grounds: 1996 $95,177 (1.4%); 1995 $85,948 (1.4%)
• Miscellaneous: 1996 $50,517 (0.7%); 1995 $65,358 (1.0%)
• Real estate taxes: 1996 $14,794 (0.2%); 1995 $24,925 (0.4%)
• Mortgage interest: 1996 $75,316 (1.1%); 1995 $83,679 (1.2%)

Total operating expenses: 1996 $4,109,803 (60.2%); 1995 $4,101,634 (60.8%)

The Academy of Model Aeronautics, Inc. — Schedules of Other Revenue (NET)

Years Ended December 31, 1996 and 1995

Other revenue:

• Interest income: 1996 $194,479 (2.9%); 1995 $191,556 (2.8%)
• Crop income: 1996 $0 (0.0%); 1995 $53,527 (0.9%)
• Rental income: 1996 $84,185 (1.2%); 1995 $82,062 (1.2%)
• Gain on sale of assets: 1996 $0 (0.0%); 1995 $20,846 (0.3%)
• Insurance proceeds: 1996 $0 (0.0%); 1995 $65,000 (1.0%)
• Royalties: 1996 $84,967 (1.2%); 1995 $50,000 (0.7%)
• Unrelated business income tax benefit: 1996 $24,060 (0.4%); 1995 $5,725 (0.1%)
• Other revenue: 1996 $0 (0.0%); 1995 $22,709 (0.3%)

Total other revenue: 1996 $387,691 (5.7%); 1995 $491,425 (7.3%)

Other expenses:

• Interest expense: 1996 $29,899 (0.4%); 1995 $18,795 (0.3%)
• Farming expenses: 1996 $0 (0.0%); 1995 $23,960 (0.4%)
• Loss on sale of assets: 1996 $70,038 (1.0%); 1995 $0 (0.0%)
• Fundraising expense: 1996 $3,608 (0.1%); 1995 $34,256 (0.5%)
• Bulletin board expense: 1996 $10,388 (0.2%); 1995 $18,204 (0.3%)
• Scholarships: 1996 $22,500 (0.3%); 1995 $23,000 (0.3%)
• Unrelated business income taxes: 1996 $15,572 (0.2%); 1995 $0 (0.0%)
• Litigation settlements: 1996 $181,790 (2.7%); 1995 $83,500 (1.3%)

Total other expenses: 1996 $333,795 (4.9%); 1995 $201,715 (3.1%)

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, 30 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 02648-1686

Obituary — Leo Mariani We again report the passing of a long-time builder and flyer. On January 25, 1997, the Northeast lost, to cancer, Leo Paul Mariani. Leo began radio control modeling in 1973 and became an avid scratch builder, building and flying models such as the Schneider Cup planes, the Gloster, and Curtiss racer. He also built the German rocket plane ME-263, later signed on the wing by Rudolf Opitz, one of the original test pilots of the real 263.

Leo was a regular participant for more than 23 years in the Float Fly at the Brimfield Water Meet every spring and fall. He also attended and flew at other events over the years. He was especially noted for his helpfulness and humor — always with the jokes — and mastery of difficult modeling subjects. He was a member of the Sparks Flying Club and the Hampshire County R/C Flying Club. He will be missed by all. Leo, may your winds be fair and your sky be blue.

Rochester, NH mall show Two clubs, the New England Sport Scale Association and the Rochester Modelers Club, combined efforts to produce a show held at a local mall. A videotape promoting model aviation was shown continuously for two days and a flight simulator was available. (Information and pictures sent by Harry Newman, AVP from NH.)

NH Flying Tigers Radio Control Club On April 30, 1997, this club was presented the Award of Service for their work in promoting model aviation by holding an annual event open to the public. A portion of each year's proceeds goes to the local United Way. This was the ninth year the event was held.

AMA News

News from Long Island occupies the majority of this column this month. We have two AVPs serving the needs of modelers in that area: Ray Juschkus and Vince Juliano.

From Ray:

• Last summer I attended the Meroke R/C Club annual fly-in at the Cedar Creek field in Nassau County. The event was a great success and free for participants.
• Scale soaring is making a strong comeback thanks to Robin Lehman; four members of the Long Island Silent Flyers flew brand‑new scale gliders. It was one of those days with light winds and strong lift; the sailplanes were a pretty sight.
• The winter highlight in Nassau County is the annual swap shop held at Levittown Hall, sponsored by the Nassau Flyers and the Condors R/C Club. Normally held on the third Sunday in January, the event attracts up to 3,000 visitors from as far away as New Hampshire, Virginia, and Ohio. A special attraction is the rubber-power demonstration by Bob Bender, who flies many beautiful models including R.O.G. ships, ornithopters, helicopters, scale aircraft, and even a fan-jet.

From Vince Juliano (courtesy of Vic Macaluso, secretary of the Suffolk Stuntmasters):

• The Defense Hill Flying site at Shoreham/Wading River, NY, is entering its third year of operation and has become a beautiful place. The R/C field grass is filling in, and the control-line circles are active. The facility was the result of hard work by local modelers (AVP Juliano among them) and the foresight of Brookhaven Town administrators.
• The circles were designed to meet AMA safety standards; the fully paved circle is the best I've flown on. The facility resulted in a three-fold increase in Suffolk Stuntmasters membership and renewed interest in control-line flying among some R/C pilots who used to fly control-line as kids.
• Being a control-line flyer and helping design the facility kept my interest at a peak. My thanks, and those of the entire Stuntmasters club, go to all who helped make Defense Hill happen. — Vic

If your club has an event of interest to District II members, take a few pictures, write a short paragraph, and send it to your AVP or directly to me so the column reflects activities you think are important.

AMA News

Controlline Stunt in Cleveland The Cleveland Area Controlline Stunt Champs will take place on August 23–24, 1997. This contest will be held at the Municipal Controlline Facility in Cleveland, behind the I-X Center at Cleveland Hopkins Airport. Sponsored by Jerry Phelps and Bill Werwage, it's a two-day event with a picnic Saturday (Oldtime and Classic Stunt) and Sunday featuring PAMPA classes from beginners through expert.

RCHA Jamboree The greatest helicopter event in the world will again be hosted by IRCHA and the R/C Aviation Country Club in Hebron, Ohio. This four-day event features many helicopter-related activities and is a must for anyone interested in helicopters. For information, contact Becky Robb, 2340 US Rt. 40, P.O. Box 100, Hebron, OH 43205; Telephone: 614-928-5300.

Toledo Weak Signals If you missed the annual Weak Signals show, try to attend next year — it is not to be missed. This year the Academy recognized several AMA members for their long-time efforts at producing the show. The entire club was awarded the Academy's most prestigious club award, the Award of Excellence. Toledo Weak Signals President Dave Leach accepted the Award of Excellence for the club. Thanks, Weak Signals!

DISTRICT IV REPORT

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

Chuck Foreman Vice President 412 Pine Cone Ct. Kill Devil Hill, NC 27948 Phone: (919) 441-5855 Fax: (919) 441-6554

Associate Vice Presidents:

• George Abbott, 8712 Westlake Ct., Raleigh, NC 27613 — Phone: (919) 848-6719
• Robert E. Babura, 117 Otis Drive, Severn, MD 21144-1130 — Phone: (410) 969-9356
• Douglas Barry, 5300 Old Millbrooke Dr., Glen Allen, VA 23060 — Phone: (804) 270-5039
• Allen Eklund, 5415 Moate Ct., Clemmons, NC 27012 — Phone: (910) 766-1231
• Bob Champagne, 205 Tifton Road, Newport News, VA 23606-3663 — Phone: (757) 595-0997
• Steve Moulton, 271 Johnstown Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322 — Phone: (757) 421-4545
• Scotty Moyer, 11 Orchard Lane, Wilmington, DE 19803-1719 — Phone: (302) 798-8447
• Richard (Dick) Smith, 761 Gwynne Avenue, Waynesboro, VA 22980-3346 — Phone: (540) 943-1684
• Bliss Teague, 625 5th Avenue SW, Hickory, NC 28602 — Phone: (704) 324-2142

Frequency Coordinator:

• Paul Yarbrough, 6408 Winthrop Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28311-1007 — Phone: (910) 488-5986

Vintage R/C Society Reunion — "The Spirit of Selinsgrove" On Labor Day weekend, August 30–31, the Vintage R/C Society will hold its eighth annual reunion at Lums Pond State Park in Delaware. This event renews the meetings held in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania during the early 1950s, where early R/C experimenters gathered to show new radio systems and airframes. The fun-fly features flights of R/C airplanes designed and flown prior to January 1, 1970. Flying is mostly for fun and to demonstrate early designs; an informal, low‑pressure competition ("The Non-Contest") uses 1963 rules for class I (rudder), class II (rudder, elevator), and class III (rudder, elevator, aileron). Throttle control or engine cutoff is required. Some participants use modern radios; others demonstrate antique radio systems or hybrid systems. Recent participants include Weldon Smith, Fran McElwee, John Worth, Don Brown, Bernie Murphy, Graham Lomax, Dick Allen, Bob Noll, George Busco, and many others. The Delaware R/C Club donates the Lums Pond flying site for the weekend and supplies judges. John Stare (New Castle, DE) is event coordinator; Ron Morgan (Scotland, PA) is overall CD; John Worth is the VR/CS President. All are welcome if your airplane meets the society's rule and you are an AMA member.

George Abbott (AVP, North Carolina) The Johnson County Aeromodeler Club (JCAC) and the Flying Tigers of Morrisville got local FOX Channel 22 to film at the JCAC field. The segment aired March 21 and provided positive publicity for the sport. Hats off to Barrett Powell and Dave White.

Pattern Seminar — August 16 Raleigh Aeromodelers (RAMS) and Raleigh-Durham (RDRC) are sponsoring a pattern seminar at the RDRC field on August 16. It's aimed at newcomers and those curious about pattern flying. Scheduled practice sessions with experienced pattern flyers will show trimming and how the box looks. At the contest, judges will critique flights after each round. This year, novice and sportsman classes are offered. Bob Richards, a well-known pattern champion, leads the effort.

Bliss Teague (AVP, Western North Carolina) A meeting for AMA members west of N.C. Highway 220 was held at the Golden Corral in Hickory on April 10. District IV VP Chuck Foreman attended and informed those present of the advantages and services of AMA. Approximately 75 members from 19 AMA clubs participated. Bliss Teague helped contact local clubs and was appointed AMA Associate Vice President responsible for western North Carolina (about 35 AMA-chartered clubs). Bliss will visit clubs by invitation as time permits.

Bob Babura (AVP Maryland) The Indian Creek after-school program has begun flight training. Two trainers assembled by students are flying well.

District of Columbia R/C Club DCRC is holding their second IMAA fly-in at Bealeton, VA, Sept. 4–7. Don't miss this fine event. And remember: take a kid flying!

AMA News

Council Meeting Highlights — How I Voted

• Approved the F‑3A World Championships in Pensacola, Florida, in 1999. (Yes)
• Approved a $6,000 loan to Lakeland Aeromodellers per conditions from acct #7009075. (Yes)
• Approved mailing a Leader Member Questionnaire to all present Leader Members and turning results over to the committee. (Yes)
• Approved AMA Distance Education Projects: 1) Delta Dart Training Video; 2) Electronic Field Trip. (Yes)
• Established a $100,000 fund for a new product review. (Yes)
• Allocated legal expenses: $1,161.74 to AMA Club #535 (Salem RC Pilots Assoc) and $520.74 to AMA Club #943 (Barnstormers RC Club, Inc.). (Yes)
• Allowed Renew for two pads within Nov. 15, 1996, timeframe as a $3 credit toward 1998 membership. (Yes)
• Modified Nationals Standing Rules determining the method of naming National Champion(s). (Yes)

Frequency Interference Assistance Many clubs may not be aware the AMA can help trace interfering signals that disrupt flying. If you experience interference, contact the Frequency Coordinator (Dorothy Fields). She can mail a scanner or analyzer for discovery; mail them back after use.

Travel Notes & Anecdotes

• John Cooper would make an excellent Associate Vice President for the Memphis area.
• A Senior Pattern Association contest in Augusta, Georgia, was rained out despite excellent field conditions and preparation. Officials and contestants waited under the shed as the rain continued.

DISTRICT VI REPORT

Charlie Bauer Vice President 4944 N. Orange Ave. Norridge, IL 60656-3224 Home: (708) 457-0565 Fax: (708) 457-2177 E-mail: jaybauer@charlie.com

Associate Vice Presidents — Illinois:

• Deb & Scott Justice, 156 S. Franzen, Bensenville, IL 60106
• John Kaldor, 402 Arizona, Glenwood, IL 60425 — Eve: (708) 798-7242
• Hal Parent, 1920 Buckingham, Westchester, IL 60154 — Eve: (708) 563-2752
• Jerry Worden, 400 Alden Dr., Normal, IL 61761-1202 — Eve: (309) 454-3905

Associate Vice Presidents — Indiana:

• Ron Ballard, 3020 N. 700 E., Decatur, IN 46733 — Eve: (219) 724-8934
• Gary Bussell, 500 W. Connie Dr., Muncie, IN 47304 — Eve: (317) 288-3541
• William Kern, 1808 12th St., Bedford, IN 47421-3108 — Eve: (812) 275-2189

Associate Vice President — Kentucky:

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

Associate Vice Presidents — Missouri:

• Bob Underwood — Eve: (314) 939-3934
• Ken Bodner, 1016 North East Barnes Dr., Lees Summit, MO 64086 — (816) 524-7307

Frequency Coordinator:

• Cal Orr, R.R. 1 Box 126B, Higginsville, MO 64037 — Phone: (816) 584-6284; Fax: (816) 584-6285

District Honors Dale Arvin presented John Guenther with a Superior Service Award for outstanding work in the scale community: Event Director for scale at the NATS, CD for the Scale Team Trials, Scale Team Manager, and co-CD of the Mint Julep for many years. Thanks, John!

Club News:

• Columbia, IL (Club #1366 — Columbia R/C Club): Members gathered for the second annual Frozen Appendage Fly-in to start the 1997 flying season. About thirty members attended in mid-50°F temperatures with light wind. (Photo credits: B. Graves, C. Overy, D. Preto, P. Strong, T. Naccarato, M. Dehn, B. McNamee, K. Chishko, J. Fry, D. King, R. Hoffman, G. O'Rourke, R. Huckshold, J. Schwarz, S. O'Rourke, F. Bromberger.)
• Lansing, IL (Club #723 — Thorn Creek R/C Club): Hosted an "Introduction to Model Aviation Day" for local Cub Scouts at the Thorn Creek flying field. Many scouts got hands-on experience; the club plans to hold the event again. (Info and pictures from M. VanZuidam.)
• Louisville, KY (Club #895 — Louisville R/C Club): Held their annual "Numb Thumb" fun fly, attracting 45 pilots and many spectators. Temperatures were above average, so the day was comfortable. (Info courtesy of G. Coulter.)

DISTRICT VII REPORT

Spring signs are everywhere: outdoor flying without heavy clothing, swap meets, yard sales, and club field clean-up days. I recently bought a sleeping mattress pad on sale and realized our hobby isn't as costly as it sometimes feels — a good flying model is comparable to a set of golf clubs, but without continual green fees. We're fortunate to live in a country with many entertainment options.

Field maintenance pictures were few this month (hint, hint). Some exciting news: Dave Beck and his crew from Appleton, WI, are in Arizona attempting new world records for solar‑powered flight. Dave now holds the world record for pure solar flight (no batteries used), and they expect to nearly triple distance and duration if their attempts succeed. We wish them the best and look forward to updates.

Dedication like this amazes me; I feel lucky to complete a couple of simple RC flights in a session.

District VII Web Page We are close to posting a District VII web page using an easy template provided by AMA Headquarters. The goal is for each district to post local news and information. We hope to have the page up by early June and to include state-by-state event listings, club listings (for clubs that want to be listed), AMA news, local news, links to other modeling sites, and other items of interest. Ideas and suggestions are welcome. The biggest challenge will be keeping the page updated.

Membership & Public Relations Several clubs have asked about ways to increase membership and get involved in community activities. AMA Headquarters has a public relations booklet (a bit dated but still useful). Contact Jay Mealy and the public relations staff to request the booklet. Get on local airport display listings for open houses, air shows, flight demonstrations, and fly-ins. Many full-scale pilots began with models and may be waiting for an invitation to join our ranks. At a recent aviation show, a simple RC "stick" model stole the press conference spotlight in front of beautifully restored full-scale aircraft.

When we talk about modeling to newcomers, remember: we can bring the water, but we must make them thirsty. Make them so eager they can't wait to start building and flying, and make it easy for them to get started.

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