Museum Minutes
Gary Prater Museum Director 5151 E. Memorial Dr. Muncie, IN 47302
One of the great pleasures of being Museum Director is working closely with many outstanding people who are truly committed to the Academy, the museum, and the future of aeromodeling. As you probably know, there exists an army of "evangelical" aeromodelers who are on a mission to spread the gospel of model aviation and its potential to enhance people's enjoyment of life. None, to my knowledge, are more ardent than our intrepid AMA Historian, Norm Rosenstock.
This being the Year of the Pioneer — and since Norm is certainly one of the great pioneers of aeromodeling — I asked Norm if he had any words of wisdom he would like to share with the membership.
"Perhaps you could comment on the reason why you have devoted so much of your life to aeromodeling, Norm," I said. "We need to build a 'case statement' supporting the value of aeromodeling, and I know you could make a contribution."
"Sure, Gary," Norm replied in his thick Brooklyn accent. "I'll see what I can do!"
Norm, being the excellent writer that he is, sent the following story with the recommendation that its conclusion could very well become the slogan for the Year of the Pioneer.
Some years ago Florida became known as a retirement haven. Many people, upon reaching retirement years, move to the warm climate and often choose condo-style living to limit maintenance and maximize leisure. My wife and I, however, chose to live in our own house in a working-class community.
The problem is that many retirees come poorly equipped for the new lifestyle. Some turn to golf, some to tennis, but for the most part they are lost. We often laughingly referred to them as "Condo Commandos."
One day my wife informed me she had invited a friend and her husband over for coffee that evening. "You'll like her husband," she said. "He's a very interesting guy." After introductions, conversation turned to his daily routine.
"What do you do to keep busy?" I asked.
He described a steady routine: walk, shower, breakfast, read The New York Times cover to cover, then down to the pool for conversation about politics, news, or business; later, dinner with his wife; finally, cards at the clubhouse until bedtime. He did this almost every day and enjoyed it.
I realized this man had spent his life working hard to support a family and provide for retirement but had never developed a hobby or interest to focus on in retirement. Of all the gifts he may have received, he never got "the gift" — model building. When I go to my club's flying field and see retired modelers who did receive that gift, I see men in their mid-70s to mid-80s active and enjoying life. They are focused and functioning, and you never hear the phrase, "What do you do to keep busy?"
Moral of the story: Give someone the gift of life; introduce them to modeling.
Nice story, Norm. Many members would agree that model aviation has been one of the greatest gifts they have ever received. Norm daily passes his "gift" on to others by giving his time and intelligence back to our aeromodeling community through his work as AMA Historian.
Museum Patron Fund: An opportunity is opening up. The Museum Patron Fund is launching its first organized annual gift campaign — better described as a sustaining gift campaign. Conducting an annual fund will make the membership more knowledgeable about the museum, more understanding of its mission, and more supportive of its programming.
The Museum Patron Program Annual Campaign invites potential supporters to share in the museum's mission. It is an effective strategy to invite, involve, and bond members to the museum, strengthening the Academy.
Consider giving back part of aeromodeling's "gift of life" through participation in the Museum Patron Program. For as little as $25 you are enrolled as a Friend of the Museum and will receive a lapel pin, subscription to the museum newsletter, a patch, and a bumper sticker. Membership gift levels include:
- Supporters: $100
- Sustaining Patrons: $500
- Life Patrons: $1,000
Your "gift of life" is worth many times those amounts.
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Focus on Education
Mike Stokes AMA Education Coordinator 5151 E. Memorial Dr. Muncie, IN 47302
Starting with this month's column, we will cover an old subject using a new theme: Education.
Key questions we will address in coming months:
- What is it?
- Who is it for?
- Where is it going?
- How will it get there?
Since joining the Academy staff on October 20, I have been on a whirlwind ride. Thanks to Bob Underwood and Jay Mealy, I have remained reasonably focused on education — my own first and foremost.
Distant Learning Program: The initial trilogy was completed during my first three weeks in Muncie. There were two live broadcasts from Ball State University's studios sent to classrooms throughout Indiana, focused on grades 4–6. The purpose was to introduce young people to aviation through models and direct aeromodeling. The third part of the trilogy, Higher, Farther, Faster, was broadcast live from the National Model Aviation Museum and reached an estimated audience in excess of 30,000 persons each time.
Videocopies of each program will soon be available to AMA clubs that wish to work with schools. These programs are intended for educational use rather than club entertainment.
Education Committee: On November 8 the Education Committee met in Muncie to formulate a Management Plan to provide direction and goals for AMA's educational programs. Committee chair was Gordon Schimmel. Members present included Charles Kelley, Rocco Ferrario, Charles Smith, Bob Underwood, and myself. This group brings heavy educational experience and a belief that model aviation in the classroom provides the basis for our future. I plan to profile an Education Committee member each month, starting next month with the chairman.
Partnerships:
- Partnership: the state of being a partner; joint interest; association.
- In education you will read much about partnerships. Few organizations can go it alone; the AMA is no exception. Partnerships help get the message out, promote the hobby/sport, and bring in new members.
Recent and upcoming partnerships and activities:
- AMA and the EAA partnered in the first Aeromodeling Academy at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh. This year there will be two Aeromodeling Academies: one in June at Muncie and one in July at Oshkosh. Programs will be announced in next month's Model Aviation.
- In March we will attend the 31st NCASE Conference in St. Louis; AMA will present to teachers and educators. NCASE is coordinated by the Civil Air Patrol.
- AMA has also partnered with the Radio Control Hobby Trade Association (RCHTA) and the Radio Control Manufacturers' Association (R/CMA) for 1998–1999 with education as the focus.
YES Program Submissions: With Bob Underwood turning over the Education Director reins, inquiries into the YES (Youth Education Stipend) program and requests for funding should be submitted directly to: Mike Stokes, Education Coordinator Academy of Model Aeronautics 5151 E. Memorial Drive Muncie, IN 47302 Phone: (765) 287-1256, ext. 272 Email: mikes@modelaircraft.org
Product / Program Endorsement: From an educational perspective, if a program has true educational merit, appears to accomplish its objectives, and can be used in similar situations by other educators, we will list it in the AMA Education Directory. Being listed is not a blanket endorsement — it provides educators a larger list to choose from.
We are reviewing several classroom-focused programs and will add qualifying ones to the directory. Programs accepted under YES grants will be included. As experience grows, we will consider expanding criteria to include flight instruction.
If a program is lacking for our members, we will communicate directly with the originator rather than in an open forum. We will not endorse one program over another because of the many variables involved.
Until next month — learn something new each day.
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AMA News
Academy of Model Aeronautics 5151 East Memorial Drive Muncie, IN 47302
One of the great pleasures of being Museum Director is working with outstanding people committed to the Academy, the museum, and the future of aeromodeling. As you probably know, there exists an army of evangelical aeromodelers on a mission to spread the gospel of model aviation and its potential to enhance people's enjoyment of life.
Youth memberships: Now is a good time to encourage younger people to join the AMA. Fees are:
- $1.00 (without Model Aviation)
- $12.00 (with Model Aviation)
Clubs may want to consider gift subscriptions to local school libraries; the cost is $12.00 and may encourage some students to join.
Museum display highlights:
- The AMA table display was given a prominent position at recent events.
- Featured: a 1/5-scale scratch-built model of the Italian Piaggio P.136L "Royal Gull" amphibian by Rich Flinchbaugh of Newport, Rhode Island. Details: Scientech Plans, 5-foot wingspread, electric-powered by two Astro 15s, Jomar SM 4-speed control, 16 SR 1700 batteries, Airtronics FM radio, flying weight 8 lbs.
- Our model and family friend featured at the display was Ms. Alexandra Foley, a recognized artist in the Newport area.
Leadership and the AMA's role: Over the years the AMA has been — and should remain — a leader in the aeromodeling industry. Beyond insurance and merchandise, the AMA uniquely represents individual modelers collectively on a national level to meet the profound challenges facing our hobby. The organization must recognize and fulfill its leadership role in:
- preserving and recognizing model aviation as a legitimate recreational outlet;
- acquiring, developing, and preserving aeromodeling flying sites;
- expanding outreach to youth and future model builders.
Till next time — keep 'em safe and keep 'em flyin'.
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DISTRICT IV REPORT
Delaware / District of Columbia / Maryland / North Carolina / Virginia
Chuck Foreman Vice President 412 Pine Cone Ct. Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Phone: (919) 441-5855 Fax: (919) 441-8554 Email: cforeman@modelaircraft.org
Associate Vice Presidents:
- George Abbott — 8712 Westlake Ct., Raleigh, NC 27613. Phone: (919) 848-6719
- Robert E. Babura — 177 Otis Drive, Severn, MD 21144-1130. Phone: (410) 969-9356
- Douglas Barry — 5300 Old Millbrooke Rd., Glen Allen, VA 23060. Phone: (804) 270-5039
- Allen Eldon — 4415 Maeve Ct., Claremont, NC 28720. Phone: (910) 766-1231
- Bob Champagne — 205 Tipton Road, Newport News, VA 23606-3963. Phone: (757) 595-0997
- Steve Moulton — 2217 Johnston Road, Chesapeake, VA 23323. Phone: (757) 421-4545
- Scotty Moore — 11 Orchard Lane, Wilmington, DE 19809-1719. Phone: (302) 798-4847
- Richard (Dick) Smith — 761 Gwynne Avenue, Waynesboro, VA 22980-3346. Phone: (540) 943-1864
- Bliss Teague — 625 5th Avenue SW, Hickory, NC 28602. Phone: (704) 324-2164
Frequency Coordinator:
- Paul Yacoubovic — 6408 Winthrop Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28311-1007. Phone (Evening): (910) 488-5986
ASHEVILLE–BUNCOMBE AEROMODELERS (from The High Flyer newsletter):
- "The Prez Sez — IT'S OURS" — Dale Wright reported a signed agreement with the Buncombe commissioners securing land for the club. This site has the potential to become a long-term asset.
Leader Member survey: AMA sent a questionnaire to 3,599 Leader Members; only 239 were returned. District IV had 10 Leader Members respond. As a result, a Leader Member committee has been formed; its first meeting will be just prior to the next council meeting (February 20, 1998). Committee members: Dave Brown, Joyce Hager, Charlie Bauer, and Chuck Foreman (chairman). Clubs should ensure they have at least one active Leader Member.
District newsletter exchange: The district has about 314 chartered clubs — more than any other district. Most clubs publish monthly newsletters. Effective immediately, a District Newsletter will be issued once or twice a month on an exchange basis. Clubs that mail their newsletters to the district will receive the district newsletter in return. Ted Hartley maintains a district web page: http://www.repeater.nxs.net.
Associate VP Red Schofield (Gainesville) edits a District e-mail newsletter; email: redschof@gnv.fdt.net.
Safety reminder: A recent incident at a Giant Scale Fly-In involved a modeler who started a very large engine alone and suffered a severe arm injury from the propeller. The incident underlines the importance of following Contest Director instructions and never handling large engines alone.
Other district initiatives:
- A committee is being organized to acquire and keep flying sites; at least one experienced member per state is needed.
- For 1997, each state (including Puerto Rico) will have a "1997 Club of the Year" honored with a framed plaque and re-chartering fee for 1998.
- Notable volunteers: Frequency Coordinator Dorothy Fields (FL) and RC Contest Coordinator Ken Blackwell.
- A complimentary 18-minute tape, "How Airplanes Fly," is available from the district for club meetings; contact the district for postage details. The district seeks feedback on ideal tape length for club meetings.
Events and clubs:
- Fayette, GA Flyers hosted a "King Peach Electric" event — all-electric, silent flight next to a golf course.
- Dave Zeigler runs youth programs with small trainer models (10-inch "Feather," 8-inch "Swallow").
- Gainesville Flying Gators sponsored the Aviators Fall Fly-In (IMAA & AMA).
- Sebring International Raceway hosted a Giant Scale event restricted to IMAA & AMA members.
Display coordinator: Russell Mobley (Augusta, GA) will monitor AMA material for mall shows.
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DISTRICT VI REPORT
Illinois / Indiana / Kentucky / Missouri
Charlie Bauer Vice President 444 N. Orange Ave., Norridge, IL 60656-3224 Home: (708) 457-0565 Fax: (708) 457-2177 Email: sysbauer@charlie.uis.edu
Associate Vice Presidents (selected):
- Illinois: Deb & Scott Justice — 156 S. Franzen, Bensenville, IL 60106
- John Kalled — 402 Arizona, Glenwood, IL 60425. Eve: (708) 798-7242
- Hal Parenti — 1920 Buckingham, Westchester, IL 60154. Eve: (708) 562-5752
- Jerry Worden — 400 Alden Dr., Normal, IL 61761. Eve: (309) 454-3095
Indiana:
- Ron Ballard — 6302 N. 700 E., Decatur, IN 46733. Eve: (219) 724-8934
- Gary Bussell — 5000 W. Connie Dr., Muncie, IN 47304. Eve: (317) 288-3541
- William Kern — 1808 12th St., Bedford, IN 47421-3108. Eve: (812) 275-2189
Kentucky:
- Jim Sears — Box 308, Burgin, KY 40310. (606) 748-5834
Missouri:
- Bob Underwood — 32 Hollandsuch Ct., St. Charles, MO 63304. Eve: (314) 949-3943
- Ken Booher — 1016 North East Barnes Dr., Lee's Summit, MO 64086. (816) 524-7307
Frequency Coordinator:
- Cal Orr — R.R. 1 Box 1283, Higginsville, MO 64037. (660) 584-6268. Fax: (660) 584-6285
Webmaster:
- Gary Parent — 11001 Martindale Dr., Westchester, IL 60154. Eve: (708) 531-9556
District VI will soon have a web page, reachable via a link from the AMA page.
Electronic committee: A district committee will be formed to compile experience in saving or securing flying fields. Members who have helped acquire a field should volunteer with a short statement and contact info to be listed on the web page. This will allow sharing of solutions with other clubs.
Election participation: About 21% of district membership voted in the recent election — one of the higher turnouts in recent history.
Century of Flight 2003: To join celebrations marking the Wright brothers' 1903 flights and events in Dayton in 2003, contact The 2003 Committee, 1152 West Third St., Dayton, OH 45407.
Local club activities:
- Columbia R/C Flying Club (#1366) spent an afternoon with Boy Scout Troop 320 teaching model aviation basics; members conducted tech and construction sessions.
- J. Schifka (St. Louis area) proposed using a national CB channel for modelers to coordinate during trips to contests and events; he also suggested AMA Headquarters operate a base station during large events at Muncie.
Clubs and members: The column requests submissions of club photos, mall show or swap meet pictures, and member model photos, with names of members pictured.
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DISTRICT VII REPORT
(Iowa / Michigan / Minnesota / Wisconsin)
This column was written during the December holiday season and carries sad news. District VII Vice President Don Bentfield became seriously ill with advanced bone cancer. He was hospitalized and later treated daily with radiation at home. Don's spirits remained high but he was very weak. Until Don regained strength, Mike Alevine assisted with the column.
Local activities:
- The Minneapolis Piston Poppers host a monthly "freeze fly" at a vocational college; members work toward "All Seasons" flyer status and distribute control-line trainers to hobby shops to encourage new flyers.
- Tri-Valley Radio Control Club presented to a Young Eagles group at the ThunderBird Aviation complex at Flying Cloud Airport near Minneapolis, demonstrating radio control flying, including helicopters and a ducted fan F-16 engine run. The presentation gained new AMA members.
- Tri-Valley arranged a follow-up Young Eagles session with classroom presentation, lunch, and trainer/buddy-box flying.
- The Minnesota Department of Transportation Aviation Exposition at the Target Center showcased aviation and model aviation to about 50,000 people; the Minnesota Association of Modeling Clubs and the Model Engine Collectors Association participated.
Donald K. Bentfield (1933–1997): The Academy of Model Aeronautics reported that District VII Vice President Donald K. Bentfield died on December 25 after a short battle with cancer. Don represented AMA members in District VII and is survived by his wife Dorothy, four children, and several grandchildren. A funeral was held December 29 at Saint Columba's Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Condolences should be sent to Mrs. Dorothy Bentfield, 1440 W. Minnehaha, St. Paul, MN 55104-1223.
Don described himself simply: one of the majority of AMA members who enjoys the sport for the personal rewards of building, flying, and being with some of the nicest people in the world. He will be greatly missed.
Courtesy of Carl Maroney, AMA Special Services Director
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Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
