Edition: Model Aviation - 1998/06
Page Numbers: 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171
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AMA News

5151 East Memorial Drive Muncie, IN 47302

THE EAGLES' LEGACY

AMA's History — Past, Present, Future

by John Worth

Some people say we spend too much time thinking about the past and should be looking more toward the future. Looking ahead is important, but to never look back can be like burying your head in the sand. There's a lot to learn from the past—especially from mistakes—so we can avoid repeating them. Reinventing the wheel wastes time; it's better to study the old wheel and figure out how to make it better.

Often, looking back reveals that the old-timers sometimes did things better than many of us do today. Whether in model building or flying, pioneers were often as skilled as contemporary builders and fliers, despite having cruder technology—glues that took hours to dry, non-rechargeable batteries, or soldering irons heated over a flame. Modern reliability and capabilities in radio control equipment and engines exist because of what was done before; today's aeromodeling didn't happen overnight.

When people are inducted into the Model Aviation Hall of Fame, it's worth examining what they did to earn that honor and how their work still influences us. AMA Historian Norm Rosenstock (a Hall of Famer) has produced dozens of biographies of noteworthy modelers—Hall of Famers and others—which are available from AMA Headquarters. These biographies are the backbone of AMA's effort to document the history of aeromodeling: not just what was done, but who did it.

Someday these materials should be bound into books in libraries and made available on the Internet or videotape for global access. Norm's work is largely a one-man labor of love, aided by others. Despite age and some medical problems, he continues to build and fly models, which helps keep him young at heart. We hope he can continue this valuable work.

In the past decade we've lost many great modelers, which is sad but to be expected. Amazingly, many pioneers are still with us. The Celebration of Eagles II in Muncie (scheduled for September 11–12) will bring many "survivors" together. Request an information packet from AMA Headquarters for details, including accommodations. The event also kicks off the annual Society of Antique Modelers (SAM) Championships, so rooms may fill quickly. If you want to meet those who helped make aeromodeling what it is today, now is the time to plan to attend—this may be a once-in-a-lifetime reunion.

Hope to see you there!

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Focus on Education

Mike Stokes AMA Education Coordinator 5151 E. Memorial Dr. Muncie, IN 47302

Introducing RC Flying in Schools

by Gordon Schimmel, Education Committee Coordinator

Mike Stokes, the new AMA Education Coordinator, asked me to respond to several letters from club members about introducing radio control (RC) flying to middle and high school students. Teachers, recreation program directors, and scout leaders often have eager students but lack funding, flying fields, and instructors.

Introducing students to building and flying is enormously rewarding and memorable. My suggestions come from my own experience and from many teachers and modelers who have collaborated on school and community programs.

Key challenges:

  • Limited school budgets and expensive RC equipment.
  • Shortage of instructors and distant flying sites.

Recommended approach:

  1. Start with Free Flight (FF) models (hand- or catapult-launched gliders and simple rubber-powered models). These teach patience, building skills, balance, and basic flight without expensive equipment.
  2. Use the new statewide academic "standards" or "frameworks" to integrate model building into science, math, technology, social studies, and language arts curricula. Thematic units (e.g., "flight") let teachers meet objectives while engaging students.
  3. Combine teacher budgets and cooperate across disciplines to fund inexpensive model kits.
  4. Use in-school model-building programs as recruiting vehicles for after-school, weekend, or summer RC programs.
  5. Fundraising and partnerships with community groups (including Boy Scouts—15–20 merit badges relate to aviation) can help cover costs. Students can contribute a token amount to build commitment.
  6. For RC training, consider inexpensive sailplane kits first: only a two-channel radio is required (no motor, batteries, or fuel). Launch with a modified hi-start from any schoolyard. Glider training teaches "riding the wind" and is excellent preparation for powered flight.
  7. As students progress, top students can become instructors, addressing instructor shortages and creating a hierarchy of competence. Expect the program to take several years to develop; curriculum reform specialists say 5–8 years is typical to fully implement a new program.

Support resources:

  • Check the AMA website and contact Mike Stokes at Headquarters for current listings of individuals and club members who assist classroom teachers. Educational programs plant seeds that will benefit the hobby in the long run.

Patience, discipline, and creativity are the core skills of model aviation—and of building a youth program. If clubs collaborate, exchange information, and learn from experience, both adults and students will benefit. The memories of introducing young people to flight will remain long after the models are gone.

Kane Area Radio Control Fliers — Assistance Request

The Kane Area Radio Control Fliers (Kane, Pennsylvania) are assisting Mark Flacinski with a school program. The program needs materials (balsa, engines, and other supplies). If you have unneeded modeling materials from winter projects, consider donating them to:

Mark Flacinski Kane Area Middle School 400 West Hemlock Avenue Kane, PA 16735-1696

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Executive VP's Report

Doug Holland AMA Executive VP

3517 Fernwood Dr. Raleigh, NC 27612 Home: (919) 787-5163 Office: (919) 787-7454

Here's the joke for this month:

One Tennessee legislator's answer to a constituent when asked, "What is your stand on the whiskey situation?"

Dear Friend:

I had not intended to discuss the controversial subject at this particular time. However, I want you to know that I do not shun a controversy. On the contrary, I will take a stand on any issue at any time.

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DISTRICT I REPORT

States: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont

Don Krafft Vice President PO Box 1828 Duxbury, MA 02331-1828 (781) 934-6428

Associate Vice Presidents:

  • James M. Semonian — 166 Allen Road, Billerica, MA 01821-5240
  • Bob Landry — 80 Main Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452-3146
  • M.C. McGuffin — 8 Robinson Street, Houlton, ME 04730-2312
  • Harry S. Newman — 36 Sherwood Drive, Hooksett, NH 03106-1077
  • Richard Sherman — 28 High Street, Plymouth, NH 03264-1223
  • Ed Thompson — 27 E. Greenwich Ave., West Warwick, RI 02893-5405
  • Bob Wallace — 91 Sylvan Street, Avon, CT 06001-2230

Frequency Coordinator:

  • George Wilson — 82 Frazier Way, Marstons Mills, MA 02648-1866

1998 New England Scale Championships

  • Dates: June 27–28, 1998
  • Location: Woodstock Airport, Woodstock, CT (private field)
  • Runway: 2,700 ft, believed to be blacktop; no obstructions on approaches
  • Open flying: Friday from 12:00 PM
  • Directions: Airport is on Route 169 north of Route 44
  • Info: Call Jack Buckley at 508-481-0955

1997 New England Scale Championships — Results

Scale Fun Fly (Saturday morning), CD: Don Weaver — windy conditions; pilot's choice winners:

  1. Ron Sivonen — P-51
  2. Bill Killam — Piper Super Cub
  3. Larry Ventura — Extra 230

Scale Championships and Scale Master qualifier (Sunday):

  • Entries: 13 experts, 12 sportsman, 4 team scale, 1 junior
  • Rounds: 3 rounds flown

Expert:

  1. Jean Chevalier — Ryan STA
  2. Nick Ziroli Sr. — P-38J
  3. Scott Foster — P-47D

Sportsman:

  1. Bill Killam — Fokker D-VII
  2. Gus Deltwas — Stinson L-5
  3. Bill Dimpfli — Tiger Moth

Team:

  1. Moe Gionfriddo (Builder) / Harvey Thomason (Pilot)

Junior:

  • Mitch Buckley — Extra 300L

Master Qualifier (eligible for Scale Masters in Dallas):

  1. Jean Chevalier
  2. Nick Ziroli Sr.
  3. Scott Foster
  4. Robert Pickney
  5. Tom Koszewski

Photos and additional material were provided by Jack Buckley.

Outta Control Salvage

  • Web site operated by Ron Ganger. He lists planes, radios, engines, etc.; buyers contact Ron and he connects parties. He charges a 5% fee on sales; wanted items are listed free. Ron uses MS Word for formatting and prefers submissions in that format.
  • Contact: Ron Ganger — (508) 987-0184
  • Site: www.telegram.infi.net/~gaggy

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DISTRICT V REPORT

District anecdotes, events, and news:

  • Frank Tiano (Wellington, Florida) has organized a major jet-powered model gathering at Flagler County Airport in Bunnell, FL. In two years he chartered 170 flyers who brought 300 jet airplanes, with participants from many countries. These jets reach 170–200 mph. Frank sponsors "RC JETS INT." and ZAP GLUE.
  • Kent Nogy (Paso Robles, CA) demonstrated a propane-powered model ("Bandit" by Bob Violett) that reaches 180–200 mph; capacity noted at about 2.2 liters for fuel.
  • Harry Eaddy, Jack Smith, and Will Samson flew Harry's "Exocet" powered with an O.S. .91 glow engine; it was fast in flight.
  • Frank Tiano pictured with AMA Technical Director Steve Kuluf from AMA Headquarters.
  • Lester Goldsmith (Memphis, TN) requested a "Robert's Rules of Order" book; these are good for running AMA club meetings. Contact the district for free copies (postage paid).
  • Giant Scale Fun-Fly hosted by CD David Colby in Ft. Myers, FL. The SW Florida Aeromodelers Club helped run the event after obtaining site permission from the landowner. Officials included David Colby (CD), Don McGivern, Sparky MacKay, Tom Nelson, and Jerry Schroeder (video).
  • Notable Giant Scale fliers at the event included William Shuman (Tuscaloosa, AL) and Jack Treadman (Naples, FL). Holly Holden is shown holding the "Taube" flown by Holly and Roger Marshall (Roger is Sec-Treasurer of the SC Kershaw County Flyers).

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DISTRICT VI REPORT

States: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri

Charlie Bauer Vice President 4544 N. Orange Ave., Norridge, IL 60656-3224 Home: (708) 457-0565 Fax: (708) 457-2177 Email: sysbabu@charlie.cns.itl.edu

Associate Vice Presidents:

Illinois

  • Deb & Scott Justice — 156 S. Frazen, Bensenville, IL 60106
  • John Kallend — 402 Arizona, Glenwood, IL 60425, Eve: (708) 798-7422
  • Hal Parent — 1920 Buckingham, Westchester, IL 60154, Eve: (708) 562-7572
  • Jerry Worden — 400 Alder Dr., Normal, IL 61761-1202, Eve: (309) 454-3905

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) 275-1289

Kentucky

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

Missouri

  • Bob Underwood — 32 Hollanbush St., St. Charles, MO 63304, Eve: (314) 939-3934
  • Ken Booher — 1016 North East Barnes Dr., Lee's Summit, MO 64086, (816) 524-7307

Frequency Coordinator:

  • Carl Orr — R.R. 1, Box 2238, Higginsville, MO 64037, (660) 582-6824, Fax: (660) 584-6285

Webmaster:

  • Gary Parent — 11001 Martindale Dr., Westchester, IL 60154, Eve: (708) 531-9556

http://www.csam.itl.edu/~amads/dist6/index.htm

Gurnee, IL — Lost Cajun Stunt Classic

  • Weather: great; turnout excellent. 21 pilots competed.
  • Top placements included:
  • Expert: R. Woodman (SV-11 / ST .60) — 1st
  • Advanced: F. Layton (Super Chipmunk / OS .40 FP) — 1st
  • Advanced: G. Scheiderer (Twister FW109 / OS .40 FP-S) — 2nd
  • Advanced: B. Parida (Thunderbird / Aldrich Fox .35) — 3rd
  • Intermediate: S. Spoula (Skydancer / OS .40 FP-S) — 1st
  • Intermediate: J. Meyer (Magnum / OS .40 FP-S) — 2nd
  • Intermediate: D. Morosanu (Intrepid XL / OS .46 VF) — 3rd
  • Beginner: D. Visser (Banshee / OS .40 FP-S) — 1st
  • Beginner: R. Spoula (Twister / OS .40 FP-S) — 2nd
  • Beginner: J. Eastman (Banshee / OS .40 FP-S) — 3rd

Group photo descriptions noted for Expert/Advanced pilots.

Frankfort, KY — Franklin County Miniature Aircraft Club (Club #2775)

  • Club size: ~20 members (about half very active)
  • Field: grass strip, L-formation of runways 150 ft and 300 ft, ~50 ft wide each — preferred by some for braking effect.
  • Interests: Free Flight (FF), Unlimited Catapult (UC), and Radio Control (RC).
  • Events: three fly-ins each year; photos from the last Labor Day fly-in were submitted.

District Web Page

  • Check whether your club is listed under the e-mail section and whether your club web page is linked. If so, congratulations.

Message from the Vice President

  • In memory of Don Bentfield, I aim to do this job well. I encourage visits to the International Aeromodeling Center in Muncie—consider a weekend trip. For help planning, contact Rich LaGrange at (765) 287-1256 ext. 505.
  • How I can help you: work through your AVP. I will visit each state in the district at least twice, arranged through AVPs.
  • Contact: phone 319-766-2202 or email golfy1@lisco.net.
  • Brief resume highlights:
  • AMA member since 1943
  • Built and flown all types of model aircraft
  • Former club president and AVP for Iowa
  • Very safety conscious
  • New AVP for Iowa: Joe Campopiano (Des Moines).

Remember: Fly low and fast or high and slow—but not the reverse.

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DISTRICT VIII REPORT

Sandy Frank Vice President

District News and Programs

  • Please add my address to your club newsletter mailing list; I'll share novel and creative ideas here.
  • Portland TX AEROS: optional “receive your club newsletter by e-mail” program—estimated savings about $0.60 per member per month.
  • Mike's Hobby Superstore (Carrollton, TX): Mike Darnell recycles modeling magazines for 25¢ each; proceeds are donated to area chartered clubs. A great way to get magazines to young people.
  • AMA reduced-rate subscription program: $12/year for Model Aviation; this can be used for school libraries. The Weatherford, TX club used this to subscribe the local school district library.

Video Lending and Guest Speaker Program

  • John D. Locke will serve as official video-lending librarian and guest speaker registrar for District VIII. He will:
  • Maintain a collection of modeling-related videotapes available to any chartered club (postal fees apply).
  • Compile a listing of guest speakers within the district to match speakers with clubs.
  • Contact for video lending or to register as a guest speaker:
  • John D. Locke
  • 4015 Rio Grande, Texarkana, TX 75503
  • Tel: (903) 792-3343
  • Email: jlocke@usa.net
  • District VIII web site: www.AMA-Dist-8.org
  • Donations of tapes (including home-produced videos) are welcome. Appropriate credit will be given to supporters.

RC Backup for Battery and Switch System

  • Electronics expert George Steiner provided plans for a simple, reliable, inexpensive backup power system using four alkaline AA batteries or a single 6 V photo lithium battery and inexpensive Radio Shack components. Dr. Sandy Frank will duplicate and mail the instructions if you send a stamped, self-addressed legal-size envelope to his address.

Editorial: The Dirty Dozen

  • The average AMA chartered club size is about 25 members. Regardless of size, many clubs rely on a core group—the "Dirty Dozen"—about 12 members who consistently do the work: give time, effort, and money. Consider recognizing these volunteers with appreciation awards at year-end and share photos and notes about unique club activities with the district.

Condolences

  • With regret: Ron Nelson, President of the Bayou City Flyers (Houston, TX) and President of the Houston Area Association of Model Clubs, died suddenly on March 1. Our sympathy goes to his wife, daughter, and family.

Flying, Fun & Fellowship — Sandy Frank

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