AMA News
Museum Minutes
Gary Prater Museum Director 5151 E. Memorial Dr. Muncie, IN 47302
Anatomy of a Donation: There are many AMA members who have model aircraft, books, magazines, trophies, engines, or other historical items they would like to donate to the museum. Frequently potential donors ask, "How do I donate an object to the museum?" The answer is straightforward in principle but sometimes requires a few careful steps.
The story of one important recent donation illustrates the process:
Robert C. Caley of Columbus, Ohio, wrote offering a scale model of the Buhl Pup, an early open-cockpit monoplane, built by Hubert Lacey in 1935. Robert described how he met Hubert in 1949 during a summer high school job at Northway Airport in Columbus. Hubert, employed at North American Aviation, was flying a restored Culver V and the two became lifetime friends through a shared interest in aviation and model building.
Caley detailed Lacey's modeling background: Hubert was born January 23, 1914, and began modeling in 1924 after being influenced by American Boy magazine. From 1932–1935 he built factory display models for Geo. D. Wanner's Model Co. in Dayton, Ohio; one famous Wanner model was the Bluebird racer. In later years Hubert built two radio-control versions of the Buhl Pup that were successful flyers. His modeling high point was flying the Buhl Pup in the 1935 AMLA (Airplane Model League of America) National Free Flight Contest in St. Louis, winning Open Class with a time of 17:58 — just short of the record. It is unusual for a scale model to win a national championship in Open Class.
Decades later Hubert revealed he still had the Buhl Pup, stored in a large wooden transport box. He gave the model to Robert when Hubert retired to a nursing home. Robert found the model in remarkable condition — the only repair needed was some fuselage covering, and the aircraft still sported the original #32 Brown Jr. engine. Realizing its historical value, Robert sent a letter with photos to AMA offering the model to the National Model Aviation Museum. The letter, addressed to Model Aviation, eventually reached Dick Kennison, Museum Registrar. Hubert Lacey later died, but knew his model would become part of the museum collection thanks to his friend Robert.
Museum acquisition process (Registrar comments):
- Send donation offers to the Museum Director or the Registrar with information on why the donation should be accepted. Photographs are very helpful for models.
- The offer is forwarded to the Acquisitions Committee for evaluation against the Museum's Collection Policy Statement.
Acquisition criteria (Collection Policy Statement):
- Be an original or prototypical model representing an important breakthrough or achievement in design, construction, applied technology, or scientific innovation.
- In rare cases, be significant due to association with an individual outstanding in the history of aeromodeling.
- Be distinctively significant as an exhibition-quality item meeting the interpretive needs of the museum.
Normally, the Committee will not accept a donation that places restrictions of any type on the item.
In Lacey's case the decision was easy: the model was original (about 62 years old), not a replica, predated the AMA, was an early Nats winner (and unusually a scale model), and showed excellent workmanship. The transport box itself illustrated a modeler's ingenuity — the model disassembled for shipping, with removable landing gear, wing panels and tail surfaces stored in specific compartments, and functional flying wires securing surfaces. The only negative consideration was size, since display and storage space are limited.
After Committee approval, the Registrar notifies the donor and plans transportation. Donors who can personally deliver items are encouraged to do so; it's often a special event. If shipping is necessary, the museum recommends insured registered mail or a commercial shipping service that provides insurance. Disassemble the model and pack it with foam inside a shipping crate when possible. Building a plywood crate is not necessary and is usually more expensive.
Upon receipt, the museum sends a Deed of Gift to the donor, transferring ownership to the museum and providing documentation for income tax deduction. If the donation is of high value, an appraisal may be required by the IRS prior to acceptance. The museum will assist with IRS Form 8283 for noncash donations and can provide descriptions and values upon request. The museum staff is available to help donors complete forms and explain procedures.
Who determines the value of your donation? Appraisals must be performed by someone with verifiable experience (for example, a hobby shop owner or a regular collector/dealer). The museum cannot legally appraise donations. For many donors a noncash charitable contribution deduction is not important, but it can matter to some.
Once a donation arrives it may be placed on exhibit or go into storage, depending on current exhibit plans. If you believe you have an important piece of aeromodeling history in a basement or attic, contact the museum with your offer — you may become part of model aviation history, like Robert Caley.
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Fran McElwee — Hall of Fame 1997
District 2 has added another distinguished individual to the AMA Hall of Fame: Francis (Fran) McElwee. Fran was elected during the most recent Hall of Fame selection process and will be inducted at the mid‑August ceremony.
Mid‑May the writer attended a Meroke RC Club meeting on Long Island. Under president Joe DiPrima, the Meroke club holds pre‑meeting sessions to update members on advances in the hobby. On this occasion, computer radios were discussed — the sessions are informative and well attended.
Art Thoms CD'd the first half of the 6th annual Spring/Fall Fun Float Fly at Manahawkin Lake, south Jersey. This year the Pine Barrens Modelers used a two‑day format for the first time. Despite weather challenges, 32 pilots participated. The second half will be hosted September 13–14.
Long Island Pattern Society (LIPS) — fifth annual Long Island Open Pattern Competition, Smith Point County Park, May 10th. Sixteen pilots participated across five classes. Results:
- Novice: 1. Danny Landis; 2. Don Phillips; 3. Frank Jacobellis
- Sportsman: 1. Dick Barton; 2. Wayne Williams; 3. Nicky Wyeth; 4. Bill Pascucci
- Advanced: 1. Sal Piu; 2. Peter Lopez; 3. Richie Erickson
- Masters: 1. Dave Lockhart; 2. Earl Vincent; 3. Rich Fletcher; 4. Erik Henderson; 5. Joe Lachowski
- F.A.I.: 1. Dean Pappas
Thanks to many volunteers (judges, scribes, score entry), the event ran smoothly. Trophy plaques, gift certificates, and merchandise were awarded.
Marlene Nikodem (new AVP) submitted notes and pictures from June 22 events: a pattern contest hosted by the Radio Control Club of Rochester (about 20 contestants from five states and Canada) and a fly‑in breakfast at Royalton Airport near Lockport, NY, where the public voted for their favorite display (winner Van Glogger received a ride in a Christen Eagle).
Executive VP's Report
Doug Holland AMA Executive VP 3517 Fernwood Dr. Raleigh, NC 27612 (Home) (919) 787-5163 (Office) (919) 787-7454
AMA — Field and Property Acquisition Procedure
GENERAL COMMENTS: AMA is now in a position to consider loan requests from clubs that need to acquire or improve flying sites. Procedures have been arranged with a local bank to allow AMA to participate financially with clubs. This program is not a giveaway; its purpose is to help clubs that help themselves. Requests should be reasonable (probably $25,000 or less, depending on circumstances). Club members and officers must be willing to participate in the loan. Property must be well defined and in a location that makes it a reasonable loan risk.
PROCEDURE TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
- The club representative should contact the District VP for information and a basic questionnaire.
- The District VP will gather information from the club representative and forward it to the Executive VP.
- A preliminary review will determine whether to proceed and request more information. If AMA decides to continue, the Executive VP will contact the club to complete a formal request.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION (gather before contacting your District VP):
- The club must be incorporated.
- Club officers must be willing to sign the note; if they lack sufficient net worth, other club members may need to sign.
- The club must be able to obtain a deed to the land, including maps.
- A sketch of the property should be provided to identify the parcel.
- The club should plan to obtain three or more bids, depending on circumstances.
- The club should plan far enough ahead so AMA can provide funds timely.
There are several financing options; AMA will discuss these with your representative.
Preliminary Questions for Consideration of Loan Request
- Club Name: _________________________________________
- Address: ___________________________________________
- Contact Person Name: ________________________________
- Is club incorporated? Yes ____ No ____
- Will officers endorse note? Yes ____ No ____
- Have you discussed your needs with a local banker? Yes ____ No ____
- What do you plan to do with the money? Buy land ____ Improve site ____ Other _______
- Can the treasurer furnish income and expense statements? Yes ____ No ____
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 05452-3145
- 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
Vermont Top Notch Fly-In
Several modelers gathered at a sod farm in Johnson, Vermont over the weekend of June 14–15, 1997. Organizer Jim Halls handled publicity and hospitality. Although a cold front passed on Friday, the weekend weather was beautiful though rather windy. Saturday night Jim and Margaret Halls hosted a buffet dinner at their home. Jim displayed an 18‑foot‑wingspan Kloud King (projected weight ~80 pounds, twin‑cylinder engine ~6 HP); if flown, it would be subject to over‑55‑pound requirements. This is an excellent place to fly — stop in next year.
Owls Head Transportation Museum
On a return trip from Maine, the writer visited Owls Head Transportation Museum at Knox County Airport near Rockland, Maine. The museum is well organized and worth a two‑hour visit. Weekends often include car auctions, airshows, and car shows — call for details.
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 (610) 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 Lammle Road, Dayton, OH 45449 (513) 435-9232
- Matthew Turowski, 524 Jefferson Street, Pottsville, PA 17901 (717) 622-0435
- 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
New Central Pennsylvania AVP
Matthew Turowski is the new AVP for Central Pennsylvania. Matt has been active in RC modeling for fourteen years and is a member of the Tuscarora Radio Control Flying Club (an AMA Leader Club). His interests are scale and sport R/C aircraft. He holds Contest Director and Leader Member certification through AMA and has promoted model aviation via mall shows and Aerorama (an annual noncompetitive public flying event). Clubs and members in Central Pennsylvania may contact Matt with questions or concerns.
Club and Event Notes
- Beckley Model Airplane Club (Beckley, WV) obtained a new flying site in Little Beaver State Park — special thanks to park superintendent Ernest Adkins.
- Seneca Highlands Aero RC Society (Eldred, PA) held a successful first mall show in Bradford and recruited several potential members.
- Mansfield Area R/C Society hosted the 14th Annual 1/4 Scale Air Fair at Shelby, Ohio, attracting modelers from across the district.
Words of Wisdom
From Bob Bush, Westerville Model Aeronautics Association:
"Being involved in R/C modeling is a hobby. Hobby is defined as 'a pursuit outside of one's regular occupation, engaged in for relaxation.' What we are doing is not brain surgery. Lives do not hang in the balance. We are involved in something to get away from the hassles of everyday life; to relax.
"OK, some may say the hobby has become a sport. Fine, I can bend. The word 'sport' is defined as 'to amuse oneself, a source of diversion.' A sportsman is defined as a person who is fair, generous, a good loser, a gracious winner.
"If you find yourself unable to meet these definitions and enjoy your friends, you need to re-evaluate your priorities and, if necessary, be realistic and find another hobby. If you're not happy in what you're doing there's no reason why you should try to make everyone else miserable too."
What Bob expresses is true — the bottom line is enjoyment. Let's go flying!
Richmond Area R/C — Dedicated Field House and Field Naming
Richmond Area R/C Club dedicated its newly completed Field House on May 18th, naming it "The Charlie Barnes Memorial Field House" in memory of Charlie Barnes, a driving force in local R/C aviation. Yvonne Barnes (Charlie’s widow and owner of The Hobby Corner) attended the dedication. The club also named its site "The Amos R/C Field" the same day.
The dedication coincided with the first annual Charlie Barnes Memorial Fly‑In. The pilot's choice award went to Bill Goada (Hanover R/C Flying Club) for best exemplifying the spirit of R/C. Members of the Mid Virginia R/C Club and Rivanna R/C Club were present.
DISTRICT V REPORT
Our District V has a new RC Contest Coordinator: Mr. Kenneth Blackwell, 207 W. Sandcreek Road, Enterprise, AL 36330. Thanks to Mrs. Paula Barickman for handling the assignment for about a year.
The District VP is setting up E‑MAIL operations to improve communications. Percentage estimates of AMA members with home or business computers vary; not everyone can be reached electronically, but more members are getting online. Thanks to Ward Van Duzer, Randy Smith (computer vendor in Atlanta), and Ed Hartley of KCRC (Knoxville, TN) for help. Ed maintains a web page: http://www.datwood.com/kcrc/
The VP also has a few videos and booklets available (posted free):
- "Insight to Flight" — basic aerodynamics demonstration
- "Partnerships Video" — steps to lease/rent land for flying sites
- Booklet: "How to Get and Keep Flying Sites"
- AMA Rule Books
If you live in District V and want any of these items, write to the District VP; postage is paid and you may keep the materials.
Associate VP Joseph Micalizzi reports from Puerto Rico: clubs in Caguas met to discuss buying land for flying sites. He notes the Navarro RC Jet Club spent $20,000 on land they rented and now must move — buying land is preferable to renting.
An RC Soaring Contest for classes 442 & 444 was held in West Palm Beach, Florida, where many top competitors (including multiple National Champion Brian Agnew) participated.
DISTRICT VI REPORT
Indianapolis, IN — Club #903 (Indianapolis RC South) held a Groundhog Day fly-in to showcase winter projects. K. Howard flew an Ultrasport 60 with "awesome performance." (Photos/info from Bob Eddy.)
Chicago, IL — Club #239 (Chicago Aero Angels) held their 24th Annual Frozen Finger Festival combat contest on January 5th. Proceeds benefited the Combat FAI fund. Winners (photo courtesy of Bud Bodzioch): R. Palermo (1st), F. Jankov (2nd), J. VanDyck (3rd), I. Taib (4th).
Elk Grove Village, IL — Club #1392 (Chicagoland Circle Cutters) opened the year at Ned Brown Control‑line flying site. Dick Ferrell was first flyer of the year.
Plainfield, IN — Club #298 (Screaming Eagles RC) held their Fourth Annual Pattern contest in May. Four rounds on Saturday and one on Sunday. Winners: G. Gordon (Novice); J. Lesey (Sportsman); T. Woods (Advanced); J. Aranyos (Masters); G. Combs (FAI). (Photos/info from C. Ragsdale.)
Editorial — Keep It Affordable, Attract Newcomers
After the success of programs like the Delta Dart, the hobby needs follow‑up projects that help beginners progress. Suggestions include a balsa glider or a simple ROG (rise‑off‑ground) model to develop building and flying skills. SIGs (special interest groups), the NFFS, and RC groups could develop low‑cost follow‑up models, clinics, and ready‑to‑fly programs targeted at youngsters and newcomers.
High costs in some areas (for example, Pattern flying, where top equipment can cost thousands) may discourage participation. Reintroducing simple, low‑cost entry points (single‑channel Class I RC examples or uncomplicated RC gliders) would help attract beginners. PAMPA is noted for incentives (Ready‑to‑Fly program, clinics, low‑cost membership); other SIGs should consider similar programs.
The goal: more fun, less stress, and wider involvement. Attention to affordable entry options is essential if we want to grow the sport.
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, 3697 S. Kendall Street, Denver, CO 80235
- Troy Lapp, 1618 Houston Dr., Bismarck, ND 58504
- Travis McGinnis, 8027 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 Mangels, c/o Radio Service Center, 918 S Sheridan, Denver, CO 80226
Awards Banquet (Wichita Radio Control Club)
The club's Annual Christmas Party & Banquet was held in the Sunflower Building at Sedgwick County Park. Organizers included David and Cindy Hastey, Terry Dobson & Debbie Dillon. The meal was catered by Scotties BBQ. The 1997 W.R.C.C. officers introduced:
- President — Robert Sathoff
- Vice President — Robin Crowley
- Treasurer — Alan Lowe
- Secretary — George Knapple
Awards and recognitions:
- Molder of the Year — Terry Dobson
- Model of the Year — DR I Triplane — Randy Winter
- Show & Tell King — Dennis Harris
- Spark Plug Awards — Mike Tallman, Vern Tallman, Jim Johns, Terry Holley, Don Gray, Alan Lowe, Cindy Wood, Don Pemberton, Terry Dobson, Jerry Berman, Dennis Harris
- Hard Luck Medallion — Dennis Harris (made from a plane‑eating tree formerly at Elm Hill AeroSports Park)
On Volunteering and Club Participation
A recurring problem at events is assuming people will work an area because they did so previously. This can lead to understaffed committees and frustrated volunteers. The better approach: ask people directly (face‑to‑face or by phone) and circulate Workers' Sign‑Up Sheets ahead of events. Clubs need active participation: come to meetings, prepare aircraft, build projects, ask questions, and share ideas. Involvement builds club continuity and teaches valuable skills. Russ Miller encourages everyone to participate and speak their minds — clubs succeed when members are engaged.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
