NATIONAL AIR SHOW TEAM PROGRAM GROWING
The AMA National Air Show Team (AST) program is now well under way with 12 teams sanctioned for 1977. Each team will perform from five to 30 public shows this year exposing hundreds of thousands of people to aeromodeling—many for the first time. The AST program was conceived to offer more and better exposure to aeromodeling than anything ever has—attracting new aeromodelers to the sport, promoting appreciation of model flying to help make it easier to get and keep flying sites and providing new customers for industry.
The importance of this effort is reflected in the fact that a new AMA Leader Member category has been created for show team managers: Leader Member Show Team Manager (LM‑STM).
Teams are classed (A, AA and AAA) according to the number of past shows performed annually and receive support proportionally from AMA, Hobby Industry Association and independent industry sponsors. Uniform items such as patches, caps, shirts, jump suits and the like, as well as decals, signs and handouts have been furnished by joint AMA‑HIA sponsorship and administration. Fuel, props, kits, engines, radios and accessories are provided by individual industry sponsors.
Provided at all AST exhibitions is an attractive printed handout promoting aeromodeling, explaining show teams, telling about AMA and listing industry sponsors. One hundred thousand brochures were initially printed, with more to come as required after this first AST season.
Recognizing that miniature aircraft air show teams throughout the United States offer a most effective means of promoting model aviation to the public (based on three years of very successful experience with several teams), the network of 12 teams include: Alpha Squadron, Berwyn, PA; Col. Betkey's Flying Circus, Temperence, MI; DCRC Show Team, Sterling, VA; Team Aerodrome Show Squadron, San Antonio, TX; Mid‑Atlantic R/C Society Show Team (MARKS), Seaford, DE; Hummingbirds Show Team, Dayton, OH; Screaming Eagles Barnstormers, Plainfield, IN; Flying Dutchmen, Reading, PA; Spirit America Show Team, Toledo, OH; Bakersfield Barnstormers AST, Bakersfield, CA; Indian City R/C AST, Wyandotte, MI; Florida Air Show Team, Delray Beach, FL.
Using previous AMA chartered clubs and teams—such as the original AMA Show Teams, Col. Betkey's Flying Circus and the DCRC Club Team—as nucleus, the current Air Show Team concept was developed to encourage the proliferation of AST's in strategic geographic areas throughout the U.S.
Teams receive incentive to both quality and quantity of their shows by a rating system which provides assistance for all sanctioned Air Show Teams in varying degrees, administered through AMA.
Industry sponsors include: Ace Radio Control; Ambroid Company, Inc.; Astro Flight, Inc.; Bridi Hobby Enterprises; Coverite; Cox Hobbies; Fox Manufacturing Co.; Carl Goldberg Models; Paul K. Guillow, Inc.; K & B Manufacturing; Kraft Great Lakes; Kraft Systems; Midwest Model Supply Co.; Model Rectifier Co.; Nelson Model Products; Bud Nosen Models; RC Modeler Magazine; RC Sportsman Magazine; Royal Products Corporation; Satellite City; Sig Manufacturing; Sonic Tronics; Space Age Fuels; 60 to Go; Semco Model Engineering Co., Inc.; Sterling Models; Sullivan Products; Tatone Products; Top Flite Models; Williams Bros.; World Engines; O.S.; Perry Automotive; Midwest Products; Progress (Rev‑Up); Grish Bros. (Tornado); REV Model Products; Du‑Bro; EK (Logictrol); and RS Systems.
With the support of HIA and industry firms, along with the administration of the AST Program by AMA Headquarters, the Air Show Team goal is to cover the nation with active, top quality modern day model flying barnstormers—fliers who are selling aeromodeling to the public every weekend just as the barnstormers of old sold airplane rides.
STILL ROOM FOR MORE TEAMS
Teams are still needed in many areas and a copy of the AMA booklet on forming local AST's is available on request from HQ. If you have the booklet and are still waiting to get your team off the ground, the following may offer some help.
The AST booklet explains team ratings and offers suggestions for organization along with some acts which have been successful with existing teams. One statewide association of AMA chartered clubs considered a team made up of local "stars" throughout the large state. This was discouraged since in any undertaking, one must crawl before he can walk and we suggest that a basic show be put together using the AST booklet for guidelines. Start with some smaller performances as soon as possible. No amount of prior planning and practice—as important as they are—can take the place of that baptism of an actual show, when the engines that never failed to start, won't. Or the glider (or banner) tow which always worked, gets fouled up. Learn from your mistakes in small shows (which are embarrassing enough) rather than before the governor or the commander of the Atlantic or Pacific Fleet and 50,000 spectators. Their first taste of aeromodeling should not be seeing the team's star pilot fly into the public address amplifier!
The logistics of one statewide team could be a real problem for fliers on one end of the state getting to a show on the other side—especially two or three weekends in a row. A regional or statewide organization may be workable with a sharing of ideas and personnel with regional groups which are able to function as a team for small shows.
Since industry support for each team is based on both quality and quantity of shows, the more (top quality) performances an AST can give, the higher the team's rating and support.
One large club has its team broken down into two or three squads because they are called on to perform almost every Saturday and Sunday during the summer months. With more than one squad, team members from other squads can fill in a show in case of illness or a member being out-of-town when a performance is scheduled.
Begin with acts suggested in the AST booklet then use your collective imaginations and skills for different and more elaborate routines, such as flying lawnmowers, "blowing up" the outhouse, flight through flaming rings, and the like.
The AMA-HIA AST program can offer a realistic means of introducing hundreds of thousands of people to the sport of aeromodeling, bringing in new members and making it easier to get and keep flying sites—and it's fun!
AIR SHOW TEAM IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD!
The Congressional Record (not a new FAI event) carries all debates, speeches and material from members of the U.S. House and Senate. As a result of efforts by Alvah Schaeffer, Manager of the Flying Dutchmen Aero Team, the June 2 Congressional Record carried a full column by Congressman Gus Yatron of Pennsylvania about the six-day Flying Dutchmen model program and airshows held in the Reading area. AMA was mentioned along with the National AST program in detailing the Flying Dutchmen's effort on behalf of model aviation.
Congratulations to the Flying Dutchmen for an outstanding PR effort. This is the type of positive publicity for model aviation which every Air Show Team, AMA charter club and individual AMA member should be striving for in order to make it easier to obtain public support for aeromodeling and help in getting and keeping flying sites.
AMA CHAPTER PROGRAM GROWING
AMA Chapters or club associations, composed of AMA chartered clubs, have been approved for official recognition and benefits by the Executive Council, as a means of encouraging the development of larger groups of members and cooperative efforts between clubs.
A number of state associations of clubs has been formed recently and a trend is apparent, including some groups which asked for an AMA charter in the name of the association. AMA can now recognize and charter associations of two or more clubs (each of which must be AMA chartered) subject to a $10 annual fee. The officers of AMA Chapters will receive the same benefits as chartered club officers. Among the first such groups to be chartered by AMA are:
- Delaware Valley Federation of Model Airplane Clubs
- Free Flight Model Airplane Association of Southern California
- Miniature Aircraft Association of Westchester (New York)
- Radio Control Association of Greater New York
For an AMA Chapter application, write to Bill Smythe at AMA HQ, 815 15th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005.
Your group may qualify for the newly instituted AMA Chapter status. Chapter status provides the same coverage as club chartering and additionally recognizes your group to be something bigger than a club — a club of clubs. At present there are only a few chapters registered with the Academy. Quick submission should assure assignment of a low chapter number.
AMA News
The AMA National Air Show Team (AST) program is now well under way. Twelve teams sanctioned for 1977 will perform five to 30 public shows a year, exposing hundreds of thousands of people to aeromodeling — many for the first time. The AST program was conceived to offer better exposure for aeromodeling than anything ever has, attracting new aeromodelers to the sport, promoting appreciation of model flying, helping to make it easier to get and keep flying sites, and providing new customers for industry.
The importance of the effort is reflected by the fact a new AMA Leader Member category has been created — Show Team Manager (LM–STM). Teams, classed AA, AAA according to the number of past shows performed annually, receive support proportionally.
The AMA Hobby Industry Association and independent industry sponsors have furnished uniform items such as patches, caps, shirts, jumpsuits, decals, signs and handouts under joint AMA–HIA sponsorship and administration. Fuel, props, kits, engines, radios and accessories have been provided by individual industry sponsors.
Provided at AST exhibitions was an attractive printed handout promoting aeromodeling, explaining show teams, telling about AMA and listing industry sponsors. Hundreds of thousands of brochures were initially printed; more will be required after the first AST season.
AMA Headquarters was moved — this didn't happen recently; AMA HQ changed locations way back at the beginning of 1976 and mail keeps going to the wrong address. Postal service is bad enough with the right address; if you're interested in better AMA service and want to help the odds of the mail reaching us, be sure to use the correct address: 815 Fifteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20005. It's almost the same as the old address — only the first few digits changed. That's enough to cause confusion and delay. Newsletter editors especially, please note: most newsletters have the wrong address.
Recognizing miniature aircraft air show teams throughout the United States has proved an effective means of promoting model aviation to the public. Based on three years' very successful experience, several teams now network. The 12 teams include:
- Alpha Squadron, Berwyn, PA
- Col. Betkey's Flying Circus, Temperance, MI
- DCRC Show Team, Sterling, VA
- Team Aerodrome Show Squadron, San Antonio, TX
- Mid-Atlantic RC Society Show Team (MARKS), Seaford, DE
- Hummingbirds Show Team, Dayton, OH
- Screaming Eagles Barnstormers, Plainfield, IN
- Flying Dutchmen, Reading, PA
- Spirit America Show Team, Toledo, OH
- Bakersfield Barnstormers AST, Bakersfield, CA
- Indian City RC AST, Wyandotte, MI
- Florida Air Show Team, Delray Beach, FL
Using previous AMA-chartered clubs/teams (such original AMA Show Teams — Col. Betkey's Flying Circus, DCRC Club Team — as nucleus), the current Air Show Team concept was developed to encourage proliferation of ASTs in strategic geographic areas throughout the U.S. Teams receive incentive for both quality and quantity of shows; a rating system provides assistance. Sanctioned Air Show Teams receive varying degrees of assistance administered through AMA.
Industry sponsors include: Ace Radio Control, Ambroid Company, Inc., Astro Flight, Inc., Bridi Hobby Enterprises, Coverite, Cox Hobbies, Fox Manufacturing Co., Carl Goldberg Models, Paul K. Guillow, Inc., K & B Manufacturing, Great Lakes Kraft Systems, Midwest Model Supply Co., Model Rectifier Co., Nelson Model Products, Bud Nosen Models, RC Modeler Magazine, RC Sportsman Magazine, Royal Products Corporation, Satellite City, Sig Manufacturing, Sonic Tronics, Space Age Fuels, Goodyear? Semco Model Engineering Co., Sterling Models, Sullivan Products, Tatone Products, Top Flite Models, Williams Bros., World Engines, Perry Automotive, Midwest Products, Progress Rev-Up, Grish Bros, Tornado REV Model Products, Du-Bro, EK Logictrol, RS Systems. These HIA industry firms support the AST program along with AMA administration.
The goal of the AMA Headquarters Air Show Team program is to cover the nation with active, top-quality, modern-day model flying barnstormers — fliers selling aeromodeling to the public on weekends, not just the barnstormers of old who sold airplane rides. THE ENGINE'S ROAR—A PARADOX
That beautiful high-pitched scream of our fine-tuned model engines which is sheer music to the modeler's ear can also be our worst enemy. To the nearby citizenry who don't particularly care for model airplanes, that roar is just plain noise, and VERY ANNOYING, leading often to the loss of our flying sites.
I think, however, that I have discovered a practical use for the roar. IF YOU STAND CLOSE ENOUGH IT WILL MELT THE WAX IN YOUR EARS!
BACK TO MAN-POWERED AIRCRAFT—
The thought just occurred to me that some of the earliest attempts at creating a man-powered airplane probably were performed here in the South. Quite a few people were coated with tar, covered with feathers, and taken to the edge of town, but I don't recall hearing that any of them successfully flew!
NEW WORD—FROM PADUCAH
I was reading the newsletter of the PADUCAH AERO MODELERS (KY), the "GLITCH", when the editor, KEN JOHNSON, dropped a brand new word on me. He wrote, "He made one circulation . . ." Ken also reported the result of their "EGG DROP" event. Steve Davis had won by a combination of close hits—the marked circle once and the judges once!
COOPERATION SUGGESTION—FROM RACINE
It is always interesting to see how our various clubs solve the problems that are common to all of us. From newsletter editor STEVE HOLLY in the RACINE RC newsletter, "FLYER," I pulled the following item. "Everyone who is planning a trip to the field, please bring one garbage bag. We want everyone to take one bag of trash home from the trash barrels. Thanks!"
If the work is divided up that way the burden doesn't amount to much for anyone.
NEW EVENTS—IN LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS
I enjoy the newsletters from FRANK WHITE of the LEAVENWORTH COUNTY AEROMODELERS of Kansas. In the latest one Frank lists a couple of fascinating sounding events for their OCT. 9th Fun Fly. In "MUSICAL PLANES" contestants will take off in heats of two or more with music played over PA system. Contestants will fly around pylons (all in same direction). Music will stop, at which time contestants may land from any direction, and may break the pattern around pylons. Last flier to land is eliminated. Rounds continue until a winner is determined. Aircraft is considered landed when wheels touch ground.
In the "WATER CUP EVENT" a small cup will be affixed to the aircraft, and filled with water. Contestant must take off, fly a rectangular pattern, and land. Water level will be measured upon landing. Contestant with most water remaining in the cup wins.
Now that sounds like a FUN FLY that would really be a FUN FLY. GOOD LUCK!
BE FRIENDLY!—IT PAYS OFF.
A fellow I knew refused to ever be friendly, and in the end he only had three pallbearers—and we dropped him twice!
THE WIND BLOWS IN MASSACHUSETTS—
As many of you know, I tell some pretty ridiculous stories about how the wind blows here in Texas. The 495th RC SQUADRON of Massachusetts newsletter, with JON TAYLOR as editor, had an Airshow report by ED CHARNLEY that tipped me off as to how they tell when to quit flying. I quote, "Activities for the 495th Squadron ceased about mid afternoon when we noticed RUSS MERWIN'S Antic starting to fly backwards in the wind." O.K., fellows!
DID'YA EVER STOP TO THINK—
Ya know you might save a lot of time and effort if you were to just take the unbuilt kit out and bash it on the ground—or perhaps just throw it up into a tree! That's if your flying is as "good" as mine! Think it over.
PASSENGER CARRYING MODEL PLANES?
E.R. VanGorder always comes up with a good newsletter ("WING TIPS") for the MID-HUDSON MODELMASTERS of New York. In their August issue I found an amusing reference to a letter received from a former member of the Modelmasters, BOB GILBERT. Bob wrote, "My son wanted me to tell you that last Sunday we succeeded in giving a live mouse a 3-lap ride on top of an .049 Cox-powered 'Lil Jumping Bean' with my son at the controls. The mouse was not tied on—apparently holding on from pure fright."
Van Gorder adds, "I haven't the foggiest idea how the mouse happened to be there in the first place. All I (VanGorder) know is what was written in the letter. But, in the event you decide to try this yourself, remember that the FAA says that—if you carry more than 12 passengers YOU MUST HAVE A FLIGHT ATTENDANT ABOARD!"
KEEP TRYING!!
Keep in mind that there are sure a lot of things we don't know about a lot of things!
HEY, DON'T FORGET—
IT'S SAFETY FIRST—and fun second!
A FLARE-OUT FROM MINNESOTA—
BILL ALTENHOFFEN attached a personal note to the TWIN CITY RADIO CONTROLLERS newsletter, "FLARE-OUT" calling my attention to an article in the paper on the subject of "LIABILITY INSURANCE." The article mentioned that many modelers feel that the liability portion of their home owners insurance covers them while flying their model airplanes. It would be wise to check the policy to find out, because just like any other insurance policy there are many variations and exclusions. The policies will most likely say, "This coverage does not apply to bodily injury or property damage arising out of the ownership, maintenance, operation, use, loading, or unloading of any aircraft." If your policy has such a clause you should either find out exactly what your insurance company considers an "aircraft."
Cases are already in the courts where the very definition of "aircraft" relative to model airplanes is being disputed. I will call your attention to an article on "RC Flying and Liability" on page 47 of the August '77 R/C Modeler Magazine.
Best you get a clear understanding of just what your policy does and doesn't cover, because our courts at present are completely unpredictable.
EXTREME WEATHER WARNING REPEATED—
Several clubs voiced approval of my warning to seek cover when an electrical storm is approaching. You see, you are obviously flying in a cleared area, and that makes YOU one of the TALLEST THINGS AROUND. You would make an excellent lightning rod—and we sure don't want to be "shocked" by your demise! AND ONE CLUB REMINDED US that if you do get struck by lightning it could easily ruin your radio—and perhaps your whole day!
AND WHILE SPEAKING OF LIGHTNING—
Some researchers have hinted that they thought that Ben Franklin was not trying to invent electricity—but was instead trying to gather a bucket of thunder!!
NEW "FACILITY" FOR FOX VALLEY?
ALAN HAMILTON is the editor of the newsletter of AMA Chartered Club No. 252, the FOX VALLEY AERO CLUB of St. Charles, IL. In this "FLYPAPER FROM THE FOXY BARON" I found a plea for "anyone good with a hammer and nails." Alan said that permission had been gotten to erect an outdoor "facility" (outhouse?) at their flying site. Alan says, "Whoever would be so kind as to build it, I am sure the club would name it after you." What a relief!
Obviously I have personally worked on many such projects, because I am sure that you are aware that many of them are referred to as "JOHNS!"
FROM ANOTHER POINT IN ILLINOIS
Another fine newsletter is "CHORD and SPAN" from the Illinois Valley RC Club with HOWARD HALM as editor (and treasurer). They also had to consider the "facility" problem for a September 11th Fun Fly. They decided that because of the high cost of portable restrooms, the club would not provide them since the Fun Fly will only last three hours, from 1 PM to 4 PM.
Turning this over in my mind, I have come to the conclusion that blue isn't the only thing that needs to have "holding power."
AMA ELECTION COMING UP!!
During October you should receive your ballot for the upcoming AMA Election. In this election all of the adult membership will vote on one national office, that of Secretary-Treasurer. District Vice-Presidents will be selected for all of the odd-numbered districts. BE SURE YOU VOTE!! Please realize that AMA will only be as successful as the quality of the people that YOU choose. These are the people that will be making the decisions about what is to be done with YOUR DUES. Want a tip on how to vote? Vote for the person that you would HIRE to do the job IF YOU were paying him. VOTE!!!
FROM EGLIN AERO MODELLERS—FLORIDA
I'd like to end my column this month with a simple little statement that editor ED MOORMAN put in the Eglin Aero Modellers newsletter, "THE BEAM." It is simply—"HAPPINESS IS A MODEL AIRPLANE."
****** all for now ******
AMA BY-LAWS CHANGE PROPOSED
The AMA Executive Council, at its August 10, 1977 meeting, approved the following by-laws change proposal for submission to AMA Leader Members (including Contest Directors) for final vote. A special ballot for this purpose will be sent to all Leader Members as part of the membership renewal and officer election mailing in October. Current by-laws require approval of all amendments by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Leader Members responding within 45 days of a mail ballot.
The proposal was drafted by AMA's legal counsel and is the result of a current situation in which there is no means, according to the by-laws, for terminating membership of any member regardless of cause. Yet the AMA rule book calls for revocation of a model flier's license in certain cases; equivalent to membership termination since the license is also the membership card.
The proposal is therefore intended to provide for the rare case where membership termination may be required, but with adequate provision for protection of member rights.
Proposed Revision of Article V:
ARTICLE V—Resignation, Termination, Expulsion, and Reinstatement of Membership
Section 1. Any member in good standing may resign his membership by giving notice in writing to the AMA.
Section 2. If any member ceases to have the qualifications necessary for membership in the AMA, his membership shall thereby terminate, subject to reinstatement upon restoration of eligibility.
Section 3. Any member may be expelled from membership in the AMA, by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Executive Council if, in the Executive Council's determination, such member willfully commits any act or omission which is a violation of any of the terms of the Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, or Rules of the AMA, or which is detrimental to the AMA or to model aviation. Expulsion from membership is subject to the following procedures and rights:
(a) A written statement of formal charges against a member suspected of such an act or omission and a written notice of proposed expulsion from membership, stating the date, time and place where such action is to be considered by the Executive Council, shall be drafted under the direction of the President.
(b) At least thirty (30) days before such action is to be considered, the written statement of formal charges and the written notice of proposed expulsion shall be mailed to each member of the Executive Council by ordinary mail and to the member charged by certified mail to his last known address.
(c) The charges and proposed expulsion shall be considered by the Executive Council in a hearing at the date, time, and place specified in the notice of proposed expulsion. At the hearing, the member charged shall have an opportunity to present a defense, and a record of the proceedings shall be kept.
(d) The vote of the Executive Council regarding the proposed expulsion shall be by secret ballot. To assure neutrality, any member of the Executive Council representing the member charged or representing any party aggrieved by the acts or omissions under inquiry shall be disqualified from attending the hearing or voting upon the question of expulsion, and the two thirds (2/3) majority vote necessary for expulsion shall be determined as if the Executive Council were reduced by the number of its members so disqualified.
Section 4. Any member who is expelled from membership may be reinstated to membership only by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Executive Council.
Proposed Revision of Article III, Section 2:
Section 2. The Executive Council's determination on eligibility or class of membership shall be conclusive. Upon acceptance for membership, each individual shall agree to accept the Article of Incorporation and by-laws of the AMA and to pay such dues as may from time to time be determined by the Executive Council. No member shall have any right, title, or interest in or to AMA property.
Proposed Revision to Article VI:
ARTICLE VI—Dues
The Executive Council shall set dues for all types of AMA membership. Any AMA member who fails to pay annual dues within thirty (30) days after they are due and payable shall be dropped from the membership rolls. In any event, a member's dues must be currently paid in order to exercise the right to vote.
Note: In order to have the AMA rule book and the AMA by-laws consistent on the point of membership termination, the bold faced words below are to be added to rule number 17 if the by-laws change is approved.
- Disqualification: Exclusion. Contestants may be disqualified or excluded from any or all events if guilty of an infraction of contest rules, unsportsmanlike or discourteous conduct, infraction of good safety practice or procedure, or conduct detrimental to the well-being of model aviation. If, after entry in an event, a contestant is found to be ineligible to
AMA News
USE THE FCC RC ZIP CODE--17326
All applications for a Radio Control (Class C) Citizens Band FCC license should use the special CB zip code: 17326, the Federal Communications Commission advises.
The Commission said only 16 percent of the applications mailed to the FCC, Gettysburg, PA, are using the correct zip code. This results in delays in the issuing of licenses.
RC'ers will receive their licenses faster if they use the 17326 zip code, the Commission said. It also pointed out that the FCC no longer requires fees.
DO NOT send a fee—just the application.
NORTH CAROLINA CLUB FINDS SOLUTION
Doug Holland reported that when the Raleigh-Durham RC Club learned that they were going to lose their flying field, they immediately began to look for another one. Their looking consisted of the usual things: driving through the county, checking on farm land that might prove useful, flying over the county hoping to find more land to look at on the ground, and telling everyone they saw about their needs. They put on a static display in the mall of a large shopping center, including a large poster advertising the fact that they needed a flying site. None of these efforts produced results.
At one club meeting, a retired farmer stood up and suggested that they advertise in the newspaper under "Land for Rent" where farmers advertise for land they want to rent for crops. He had produced little results. But on several occasions that late winter/early spring was the right time of the year, so an ad was placed. It ran Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday afternoon they began receiving phone calls. The results were astonishing. They estimated that more than 75 calls were received.
As soon as club members told the callers that they were looking for space to fly model airplanes, most were not interested. However, some said that if the price was right they would consider it. The group was able to quote a price which would not hurt the club budget and landowners seemed interested. They ended up paying under $100 per acre (of actual flying site) per year and now have a flying site plus air space over a great deal of rent-free acreage.
About 5% of the calls from the ad resulted in properties that were possible flying sites, but did not work out. They eventually located a farmer who was interested in a lease with reasonable terms and options for renewal. He was interested in the airplanes, too; having had people fly them on his property in the past. Having concluded a lease, RD/RC Club graded the land and paved one runway.
A certainty, Holland concludes, is that they can forget about flying close to towns. It is extremely difficult to get any land usable for RC aircraft within 20 miles of a town or a city. Some, however, would be happy to drive 50 miles in order to fly, and it looks like the time is coming when this distance will seem short. Meanwhile, a newspaper ad under "Land for Rent" may result in the answers to your prayers, for now at least.
Witt for Sec.-Treas.
Continued from page 56
jobs or assignments. I have participated as a worker or official in 30 National and three International Championship Meets, as well as a competitor in all categories of model aircraft competition. I have served on the Contest Board and rules committees in addition to my Executive Council experience.
In addition to my training as an engineer and pilot, I have extensive training as an executive and manager, and have held many elected and appointed offices in community affairs and civic organizations.
I have been honored with the AMA Distinguished Service Award and been given AMA Fellowship. I became the 21st Life member of the AMA in 1975.
From a practical standpoint I can work with AMA Headquarters at a small fraction of the cost to AMA as my opponent for this office. I am only a 70-cent phone call from Headquarters, two hours by car, or 30 minutes by air. My opponent for this office is the width of the continent away from Headquarters, with the resultant maximum cost of communication or physically working with the Headquarters staff.
Success and past performance as Secretary-Treasurer of the AMA and as a member of the Executive Council, as well as many years of dedicated service to the AMA, is my best recommendation for election to the office.
Your vote for me will be deeply appreciated. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Earl F. Witt
Free Flight or Radio Control flying near airports, or in any situation which might involve the possibility of models being in the vicinity of full-scale aircraft operations, must be avoided—or conducted so as to eliminate any dangerous situations. Models should not be flown in the proximity of full-scale aircraft unless the flyer has someone else with him for the sole purpose of watching for full-scale aircraft and supervising the flying so as to prevent accident possibilities.
NEW ELECTION BALLOT
It's typical every year for many AMA election ballots to be rejected because voters don't follow instructions. One of the worst problems is that members vote for districts other than their own. This year the problem will be minimized because the ballots will show only the candidates for the voter's district (besides the national offices). Thus AMA's computer service will print the names of only those candidates applicable to the member's district.
Incidentally, the 1977 election ballots were scheduled for mailing by October 15, with most expected to be received by members about November 1 (via 3rd class mail). The voting deadline (date of postmark) is November 25—10 days later than usual.
Chisolm for Sec.-Treas.
Continued from page 56
AMA on the West Coast?
Alex: That's hard to answer but the primary factor was AMA "coming here" every fourth year. The growth of RC certainly had a lot to do with it. We were in need of AMA because our modeling interests were becoming involved nationally with FCC and FAA. Only AMA could help us with an organized approach to the frequency needs and aviation and other laws concerning our activities. We needed absolute assurance that every member and every chartered club is insured. A nationwide standardized set of competition rules—
Floyd: Alex, let me interrupt. I know your favorite subject other than aircraft modeling itself is AMA, but how did you become involved in AMA?
Alex: I became a Contest Director. As a newsletter editor, I'd editorialize now and then. Next thing I knew, I was an Associate Vice President. Then I became Vice President of District 10 in 1971 and served until December 1976.
Floyd: What happened in those six years?
Alex: There was a remarkable membership growth in AMA. You wouldn't believe all the crises that continually were happening. The past-midnight phone calls. The stacks of correspondence. Everybody had problems: Free Flighters, Control Liners, RC'ers and lots of club problems. Then, too, we were having four Executive Council sessions every year. The job was to represent the very best of your ability, over 10,000 members of your district.
Floyd: And work for a living, too! Sounds overpowering.
Alex: No, but it was a challenge. Maybe like tackling a massive scale project and then finding a whole lot of wonderful people to help you. Eventually, the work was spread around to seven Associate Vice Presidents, four Contest Board Members, two Contest Coordinators and dozens of Leader Members. I enjoyed the work.
Floyd: Then why didn't you try for re-election as District Vice President?
Alex: I had served three two-year terms. During this time, we rebuilt the AMA structure within District 10. District officer job responsibilities were clearly defined. Elections were held for these positions allowing chartered club members to select their own district AMA officials. Everything was finally in good order. Three well-qualified Associate Vice Presidents were willing to be nominated for District 10 Vice President. It was time to look for other areas within AMA to build improvement. While analyzing AMA job potentials in District 10, the job responsibilities of those on AMA's Executive Council were also scrutinized. Reapportioning the Districts was recommended because District 10 had over 10,000 members, while two other districts had less than 2,000 each.
Floyd: How about the job responsibilities of AMA Secretary-Treasurer?
Alex: I was coming to that. AMA By-Laws and Constitution are almost silent on the duties of the Secretary-Treasurer. They do say this: "The Secretary-Treasurer monitors the financial affairs of the Academy and shall have the assistance of the Executive Director."
Floyd: And that's it? You mean that's all this elected office is responsible for? You certainly don't have to live close to AMA Headquarters to do that.
Alex: That's all the By-Laws ask for. Actually, other activities have been performed by this office, but what I'm after is to get the Executive Council to provide additional specific responsibilities to this job.
Floyd: Such as?
Alex: There are important areas of national AMA responsibility which have been neglected. Much work should not be performed by the President of AMA because he is our leader and should be free to lead and to represent us to others. The Secretary-Treasurer could be the coordinator for special interest groups such as NFFS, NSRCA, USPJA and PAMPA. Programs such as AMA Show Teams, youth events, scholarships, national and regional contests, sport fliers, all need a national voice on the Executive Council. He could coordinate important projects such as help with flying sites.
Floyd: I have to agree. AMA has a capable full-time salaried bookkeeper, a CPA to completely audit and analyze the books and an excellent business manager who is our Executive Director. The Secretary-Treasurer should monitor all this but it appears that all others on the Executive Council have much more to do than he does.
After election you'll have your work cut out for you. You have another advantage. Your wife, Marlene, not only doesn't mind you devoting your spare time to AMA, she gets right in there and helps you with it.
Alex: I wish more modelers had this advantage. This togetherness and sharing has made ours an outstanding marriage. Marlene is a Contest Director, former newsletter editor, former club treasurer and has been a Nats official for several years.
Floyd: Wasn't the 1967 Nats during your honeymoon?
Alex: Yes. We were married on Saturday and left for the Nats on Sunday. Marlene called the RC Pattern maneuvers for me in the morning and called Formula I turns for me in the afternoons.
Floyd: I won't ask what happened in the evenings.
AMA elections are scheduled for October. The deadline for the postmark on the ballot is November 25. It costs only a postage stamp to vote. Let's hope that every AMA member will exercise his obligation to mark, sign and mail his ballot before November 25.
Reprint from September, 1977 "Wats New," newsletter of Fresno Radio Modelers, Fresno, CA. Editor, Floyd Locke.
AMA News
District II would be putting it mildly. We do not employ the term disparagingly in referring to our good friend Arnold ("Von") Rattner of Long Beach, NY. Readers of this column will recall a photo (un-blurred, John Spalding!) of Arnie, posing in full attire, complete with pointed helmet and sinister moustache, at Floyd Bennett Field, as the leader of the feared Jagdstaffel, or "Scourge of the WW I Western Front" (to say nothing of the "back"). Well, Arnie has really made it BIG. His super-duper Martin B-10 Scale bomber is now part of the fabulous National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution. The letter of acceptance, signed by Director, Michael Collins, (a former astronaut) reads as follows: "Dear Mr. Rattner: Thank you for your generous donation of the Martin B-10 bomber model. Its fine workmanship and detail make it an outstanding addition to our collection. As you know, it is currently displayed in our Silver Hill Museum. I have enclosed copies of the photographs taken during the presentation. The model has been given Accession No. 5817, Catalog No. 1977-2535. We appreciate your generosity and your interest in the National Air and Space Museum. Sincerely, Michael Collins, Director."
By way of an interesting anecdote, a lady visiting the Museum while Arnie was waxing gushingly enthusiastic over our friend's excellent workmanship, and asked if he were not indeed a surgeon by profession. "Ja Wohl!" responded Arnie to the question. "What specialty?", inquired the gushing female. "A plastics surgeon," said Arnie. This was the truest statement he ever uttered. Actually, Arnie is an engineer for a company that manufactures plastic products!!! Again Arnie, "WUNDERBAR!!!"
RC/RC SHOW-TIME
On October 16, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (more than a month after this is being written), the Rockland County Radio Control Club will hold its 7th Annual R/C Flying Circus and Auction at the Tappan Zee High School in Orangeburg, NY. This annual event is keenly awaited and well-attended each year by modelers from far and wide, and the upcoming edition is no exception. Although the show is largely an indoor affair, with a static show, auction, swap-shop and an assortment of displays by a number of model airplane manufacturers and dealers, there is also a flying session outdoors, starring such RC/RC notables, from time to time, as Tony Bonetti, Dennis Donahue, Sal Battaglia, et al. So if this issue of Model Aviation reaches you before October 16th, by all means be reminded to "make" this show. If not—well, judging from past performances, you missed a worthwhile happening in the model show circuit, so make for it next year!
While we're on it, the RC/RC can be justly proud of their Tony Bonetti's placing second in Masters at the Nats, and the worthy showing of Dennis Donahue and Sal Battaglia at the Masters Tournament in Springfield, OH.
GEAR UP AND LOCKED!!!
III DISTRICT REPORT Ohio • Pennsylvania • West Virginia
Don Lowe District III Vice-President 1101 E. Rhon Road Dayton, OH 45429
Associate Vice Presidents Francis Plasky, 504 2nd St., Vienna, WV 26101 Ralph Penrod, Harvey Dr., R.D. 1, Sewickley, PA 15143 Harry Pope, 2406 Hillock Ct., Lansdale, PA 19446 Albert Sadlowski, 7301 Grant Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44130
From the looks of the district and other newsletters that I receive and read, this has been a busy year with activities of all kinds. These have ranged from club contests to public displays and flying shows, open contests, show team activities and many other club-sponsored activities. These functions are fun and are things that promote the hobby and make it grow and improve. They also provide an outlet for modelers to do their own thing, demonstrate their skills and in some instances raise funds for worthy causes.
Clubs are the backbone of our hobby. They provide the basic necessities—a flying site and the necessary financial support for site preparation and maintenance and the other social activities that a club chooses to engage in. All model clubs have one thing in common—they provide the basic necessity—a flying site. Beyond that, other activities vary dependent on the desires of the majority.
In order for the RC hobby to be what it is today, it had to develop from a frail beginning of semi-controlled Free Flight to today's sophisticated proportional control systems, super powerful engines and sleek airplane designs. We have an industry that provides us these things, that 25 years ago was almost non-existent.
How did all of this happen? Well, it began with the tinkerers, pushing back the frontier for the sake of personal enjoyment and achievement. It gained momentum from the demands of competition. It developed to fruition, aided by an emerging industry, anxious to make a buck.
Our society is made up of all kinds of people; most are takers but, thank God, we also have some doers. For without the doers, the takers would have nothing to take. My life philosophy is that we have an obligation to contribute, to the best of our ability, to whatever our chosen endeavor happens to be. We certainly have an obligation to contribute if the organizational charter requires it.
Every club has a common problem. By majority vote an agreement is made to do a certain thing; then the vocal minority (who disagreed with the activity) refuse to participate, thereby throwing additional burden on the doers. It is my contention that the majority does not have the right to refuse, but to assume that our clubs function like any democratic society. A lot of clubs have constitutions which, among other things, require participation by members in activities approved by the majority. Membership can be terminated for abuse of this obligation. The alternatives are simple: (1) Make sure that you are a part of the decision on any proposed activity; (2) Participate to the best of your ability; and/or (3) Leave the organization.
Personally, I feel that the extent of member obligation should be quantified in some way. For example, a four hour per year per member obligation for a 100 member club would yield 400 manhours. This amount of effort would accomplish a lot of things and not hinder any one member if all participated. For example, setting up facilities for a contest might require four people for a day; so set up and tear down would require 80 hours. Sealing a blacktop runway would require six people for two hours—that's 12 manhours; operating a concession stand for eight hours would require 24 manhours using three people. Well, the list could go on, but the point is, if every member contributes, the burden per number is miniscule.
So the next time you are asked to participate in some club activity, don't reject it out of hand, for you not only may have a constitutional obligation, but morally you would be wrong. Why not join forces with the doers and contribute something to the hobby? YOU'LL FIND THAT IT'S FUN!
IV DISTRICT REPORT Delaware • District of Columbia • Maryland • North Carolina • Virginia
John Spalding District IV Vice-President 5803 Elberts Street Lanham, MD 20801
Associate Vice-Presidents Charles Foreman, 609 Pohls Rd., Mechanicsville, VA 23111 W. Bill Haines, 800 Tovela Rd., Charlotte, NC 28210 George A. Moyer, 11 Orchard Ln., Wilmington, DE 19809 Ronald Sonderegger, 14813 Wood Home Rd., Centerville, VA 22020 Paul A. Yacobucci, 6408 Winthrop Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28301
This column has suffered these past few months due to my work load on the new construction projects with which I've been involved. Also, I had sort of "shot my wad" for spare time this year with the RC/IC at Springfield.
Looking at my AMA mail seems to indicate that there are no big flags going on with the members. However, there are some things going on that are rippling the otherwise tranquil waters. AMA has been named in a big insurance lawsuit, and much time and effort is being spent on our defense.
The California Nats came and went. It was a very good contest but a little light on entrants. I understand that preliminary reports indicate it did not do very well financially.
The dues raise and magazine option decision was sidestepped at the last council meeting, so it will probably be back next year.
Some study and much discussion on the Academy's organization and operation is still going on but with no clear choices coming out. The next council meeting will be held by the time you read this, and some decisions from the head-to-head discussions may be printed in the next issue of "AMA News."
District IV activities look like they are healthy and growing and the numbers each year are increasing. In the past we have always had the same clubs and organizational units as in other years, and with the new interest in sailplane activity, more demonstrations or display activity this past summer. This is good and is the best Public Relations effort we can get. If you plan something like this next year, be sure to check with Headquarters for available assistance and ideas. National Public Relations Director Hobie Steele can give some help.
So I guess you can see that right now things are healthy, and I'm too busy otherwise to get into those areas that need stirring. up to produce progress.
Things for members to think about: + We need some new District IV Associate Vice-Presidents. + The same Contest Coordinators have worked their jobs now for years. Who'll volunteer?
Alabama • Florida • Georgia • Mississippi • Puerto Rico South Carolina • Tennessee
V DISTRICT REPORT
Jim McNeill District V Vice‑President 517 South 20 Avenue Birmingham, AL 35205
Associate Vice‑Presidents Gene Hannah, 3332 Wiley Rd., Montgomery, AL 36106 Richard E. Jackson, 107 White Blvd., Summerville, SC 29483 Chris Joiner, 5941 Warner Road, Columbus, GA 31904 Bill Kile, 5600 West Stone Dr., Kingsport, TN 37660 Arthur Johnson, 932 Harvey Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444 Luis Rodriguez, E‑10, 5th St., Ext., Villa Rica, Bayamon, Puerto Rico 00966 Julie Woods, Rt. 2, Box 415, Meridian, MS 39301
This I cannot answer. It won't be me but it might be YOU. Nancy will award and crown our DISTRICT 5 FUN FLY CHAMP, November 5th and 6th, at Walterboro, SC. If you come to Walterboro you will probably win the RC Fun Fly, and become rich and famous. WARNING—you don't have to be skilled, anybody can win, just show up and try.
I have some important people I want you to meet this month. Not everybody flies RC. These are Control Line experts, some of the topmost in the world. They gathered in Georgia a couple weeks ago to pick a U.S. Team to represent CL Stunt in Europe and I was there.
There were plenty of judges there from all over the country. Dedicated people who volunteered their time and expertise. Also hardworking lap counters and writers.
VI DISTRICT REPORT
Glenn Lee District VI Vice‑President 819 Mandrake Batavia, IL 60510
Associate Vice‑Presidents Roger Geren, 729 N. 22nd St., Quincy, IL 62301 Robert Gill, 216 Stanley Lane, Springfield, IL 62704 John Mathis, 6034 Madeline Dr., Apt. C, Ft. Wayne, IN 46806 Sidney Miller, 624 Corinthia Ct., Elk Grove Vlg., IL 60007 Edwin Wynn Paul, 1004 Mayview Dr., Lexington, KY 40504 Robert E. Steger, 1838 Seiffert Dr., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 Phillip Sullivan, 3021 Spring Valley Ct., Anderson, IN 46011
Sorry I missed the column last month. It was due right after the Nats, and I was busy. I'm a mechanical engineer for the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and we are assembling a new installation which will produce high energy negative ions. These ions are used for many various physics experiments and we also have a small experimental program for cancer treatment. This has nothing to do with modeling; it just points out that
AMA News
The AMA National Air Show Team (AST) program is now well under way. Twelve teams were sanctioned. The 1977 teams will perform five to 30 public shows a year, exposing hundreds of thousands of people to aeromodeling—many for the first time. The AST program was conceived to offer better exposure for aeromodeling than anything ever has: attracting new aeromodelers to the sport, promoting appreciation of model flying, helping make it easier to get and keep flying sites, and providing new customers to industry.
The importance of the effort is reflected by the fact that a new AMA Leader Member category has been created: Show Team Manager (LM‑S/TM). Teams are classed AA and AAA according to the number of past shows performed annually and receive support proportionally.
The AMA Hobby Industry Association and independent industry sponsors have furnished uniform items such as patches, caps, shirts, jumpsuits, decals, signs and handouts. Fuel, props, kits, engines, radios and accessories were provided by individual industry sponsors.
Provided at AST exhibitions were attractive printed handouts promoting aeromodeling, explaining show teams, telling about AMA and listing industry sponsors. One hundred thousand brochures were initially printed; more will be required after the first AST season.
AMA Headquarters was moved way back at the beginning of 1976, and mail keeps going to the wrong address. Postal service is bad enough with the correct address. If you’re interested in better AMA service and wish to help the odds of getting service, be sure to use the correct address: 815 Fifteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20005. It’s almost the same as the old one—only the first few digits changed. That’s enough to cause confusion and delay. Newsletter editors especially, please note: most newsletters have the wrong address.
Recognizing miniature aircraft air show teams throughout the United States is an effective means of promoting model aviation to the public. Based on three years’ very successful experience, several teams now network. Twelve teams include Alpha Squadron, Berwyn, PA; Col. Betkey’s Flying Circus, Temperance, MI; DCRC Show Team, Sterling, VA; Team Aerodrome Show Squadron, San Antonio, TX; Mid‑Atlantic R/C Society Show Team (MARKS), Seaford, DE; Hummingbirds Show Team, Dayton, OH; Screaming Eagles/Barnstormers, Plainfield, IN; Flying Dutchmen, Reading, PA; Spirit America Show Team, Toledo, OH; Bakersfield Barnstormers AST, Bakersfield, CA; Indian City R/C AST, Wyandotte, MI; and Florida Air Show Team, Delray Beach, FL.
Using previous AMA‑chartered clubs/teams—such original AMA Show Teams (Col. Betkey’s Flying Circus, DCRC Club Team) as the nucleus—the current Air Show Team concept was developed to encourage proliferation of ASTs in strategic geographic areas throughout the U.S. Teams receive incentives for both quality and quantity of shows; a rating system provides assistance. Sanctioned Air Show Teams receive varying degrees of assistance administered through AMA.
Industry sponsors include Ace Radio Control, Ambroid Company, Inc., Astro Flight, Inc., Bridi Hobby Enterprises, Coverite, Cox Hobbies, Fox Manufacturing Co., Carl Goldberg Models, Paul K. Guillow, Inc., K & B Manufacturing, Kraft, Great Lakes Kraft Systems, Midwest Model Supply Co., Model Rectifier Co., Nelson Model Products, Bud Nosen Models, RC Modeler Magazine, RC Sportsman Magazine, Royal Products Corporation, Satellite City, Sig Manufacturing, Sonic Tronics, Space Age Fuels, Semco Model Engineering Co., Sterling Models, Sullivan Products, Tatone Products, Top Flite Models, Williams Bros., World Engines, Perry Automotive, Midwest Products, Progress Rev‑Up, Grish Bros., Tornado Rev Model Products, Du‑Bro, EK Logictrol and RS Systems.
Support from HIA industry firms along with administration of the AST program by AMA Headquarters aims to have Air Show Teams cover the nation with active, top‑quality, modern‑day model flying barnstormers—fliers selling aeromodeling to the public at weekend sites, not just the old barnstormers who sold airplane rides.
AMA News
The AMA National Air Show Team (AST) program is now well under way. Twelve teams were sanctioned; the 1977 teams will perform five 30‑minute public shows a year, exposing hundreds of thousands of people to aeromodeling — many for the first time.
The AST program was conceived to offer better exposure for aeromodeling than anything ever has, attracting new aeromodelers to the sport, promoting appreciation of model flying, helping make it easier to get and keep flying sites and providing new customers to industry. The importance of the effort is reflected by the fact that AMA has created a Leader Member category called Show Team Manager (LM‑sTM). Teams are classed AA and AAA according to the number of past shows performed annually and receive support proportionally.
Uniform items such as patches, caps, shirts, and jumpsuits, plus decals, signs and handouts, have been furnished through joint AMA–HIA sponsorship and administration. Fuel, props, kits, engines, radios and accessories have been provided by individual industry sponsors. AST exhibitions have an attractive printed handout promoting aeromodeling, explaining show teams, telling about AMA and listing industry sponsors. Hundreds of thousands of brochures were initially printed — more will be required after the first AST season.
AMA headquarters moved at the beginning of 1976, but mail still goes to the wrong address. Postal service is bad enough; if you’re interested in better AMA service and in improving the odds of getting your mail, be sure to use the correct address: 815 Fifteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20005. It’s almost the same as the old address — only the first few digits changed — but that’s enough to cause confusion and delay. Newsletter editors especially, please note: most newsletters have the wrong address.
Recognizing miniature aircraft air show teams throughout the United States as an effective means of promoting model aviation to the public, and based on three years’ very successful experience, several teams now network. Twelve such teams include: Alpha Squadron, Berwyn, PA; Col. Betkey’s Flying Circus, Temperance, MI; DCRC Show Team, Sterling, VA; Team Aerodrome Show Squadron, San Antonio, TX; Mid‑Atlantic R/C Society Show Team (MARKS), Seaford, DE; Hummingbirds Show Team, Dayton, OH; Screaming Eagles/Barnstormers, Plainfield, IN; Flying Dutchmen, Reading, PA; Spirit America Show Team, Toledo, OH; Bakersfield Barnstormers AST, Bakersfield, CA; Indian City R/C AST, Wyandotte, MI; and Florida Air Show Team, Delray Beach, FL.
Using previous AMA‑chartered clubs/teams (such original AMA Show Teams — Col. Betkey’s Flying Circus, DCRC Club Team — as nucleus), the current Air Show Team concept was developed to encourage proliferation of ASTs in strategic geographic areas throughout the U.S. Teams receive incentives for both quality and quantity of shows; a rating system provides assistance and sanctioning by AMA. Teams are classed AA, AAA according to number of past shows performed annually and receive support proportionally. AMA/Hobby Industry Association independent industry sponsors have furnished uniform items such as patches, caps, shirts, jumpsuits, big decals, signs and handouts under joint AMA/HIA sponsorship administration. Fuel, props, kits, engines, radios and accessories are provided by individual industry sponsors. AST exhibitions are supported by an attractive printed handout promoting aeromodelling, explaining show teams, telling about AMA and listing industry sponsors. One hundred thousand brochures were initially printed; more will be required after the first AST season.
Industry sponsors include Ace Radio Control; Ambroid Company, Inc.; Astro Flight, Inc.; Bridi Hobby Enterprises; Coverite; Cox Hobbies; Fox Manufacturing Co.; Carl Goldberg Models; Paul K. Guillow, Inc.; K & B Manufacturing; Great Lakes Kraft Systems; Midwest Model Supply Co.; Model Rectifier Co.; Nelson Model Products; Bud Nosen Models; RC Modeler Magazine; RC Sportsman Magazine; Royal Products Corporation; Satellite City; Sig Manufacturing; Sonic Tronics; Space Age Fuels; Go; Semco Model Engineering Co., Inc.; Sterling Models; Sullivan Products; Tatone Products; Top Flite Models; Williams Bros.; World Engines; Perry Automotive; Midwest Products; Progress; Rev‑Up; Grish Bros.; Tornado; REV Model Products; Du‑Bro; EK; Logictrol; RS Systems.
Support from HIA industry firms, along with administration by AMA Headquarters, will help the Air Show Team program cover the nation with active, top‑quality, modern‑day model flying barnstormers — fliers selling aeromodelling to the public on weekends just as the barnstormers of old sold airplane rides.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
