Flying Site Assistance
Finding—Preserving—Maintaining
Joe Beshar, Coordinator 198 Merritt Dr., Oradell, NJ 07649 Fax: (201) 261-0223 Tel: (201) 261-1281
Register as an FSA volunteer! The Flying Site Assistance (FSA) Program consists of a network of volunteers who serve as AMA’s eyes and ears — reading newspapers, listening to and watching broadcast programs, and keeping aware of activities in their area. Volunteers collect and distribute information to modelers and the Flying Site Coordinator. Register now: fax, call, or write Joe Beshar at the address above.
Read how the Tri-State Flyers of Cannonsburg, KY, managed to structure and purchase their flying site in the article “How to Obtain a Flying Field in Two Moves” (page 63).
New Jersey RC Models Fly on Wine
Ron Lockhart
In the early 1980s the Atlantic County SkyBlazers were losing their flying field on a college campus as the site was increasingly used for student sports. The club sought a new field and, through personal friendships, contacted the owners of Renault Winery — about 10 miles inland from Atlantic City. Renault made an abandoned vineyard available. The site was overgrown with vegetation and trees, but some members had access to earth-moving equipment. With hard work and donations of time and equipment, the field was cleared and grass planted. By the mid-1980s the SkyBlazers were back.
Renault Winery holds craft fairs, ethnic-theme food festivals, and a summer wine-stomping gathering. When invited, the SkyBlazers added static displays of aircraft and, in some years, model-flying demonstrations at these events. Renault also hosts weddings and receptions in a garden area; the club obtains the wedding schedule, posts it at the transmitter impound, and observes a “Quiet Hour.”
Field improvements continued over the years. In the late 1980s President Walt Geary instigated building a shelter and acquiring two garden tractors. The shelter also serves as a transmitter impound and shaded gazebo. In the mid-1990s John Dowdell led construction and continual upgrading of a 24' x 12' clubhouse and cooking facility. John’s lunches and dinners have increased participation at events and field meetings.
The club began hearing complaints from two unseen neighbors about overflights and noise. The club immediately briefed pilots about the houses, discussed the matter at meetings and in the newsletter, and posted a map of no-fly zones at the transmitter impound. A six-foot square red-and-white sign on the field marks the spot of the unseen neighbor; the sign serves as a reminder for members and a briefing aid for guests.
SkyBlazers VP Paul Carney leads a small group on litter patrol every two months. A sign on the road proclaims, “Litter Clean Up by Atlantic County SkyBlazers,” a nice reminder of the club’s presence beyond engine noise. The club nets about $325 a year from this effort.
Other community activities have included hosting flying demonstrations for Boy Scout troops, RC flying and dog-training demonstrations, and lunch for a local “Kids With Handicaps” organization. The club also sends fruit baskets to neighbors at Christmas.
If you are in the Atlantic City area and want a unique dining experience, Renault is in local phone books. If you take a winery tour or dine there, feel free to tell the maître d' you read about the winery in a model aircraft magazine.
Les E. Smith Education Committee Member
YES Grant Program (Youth Education Stipend)
Les E. Smith, Education Committee Member
The YES (Youth Education Stipend) Grant Program provides seed money to AMA clubs and chapters to assist in developing youth-modeling activities. Guidelines were first published in September 1995 and updated in March 1997. The Education Committee is preparing revised guidelines and details of proposal submission for the AMA website and Model Aviation. An interim, abbreviated version of the guidelines follows.
Youth Education Stipend (YES) Guidelines — Revised September 9, 1998
- Application may be made by officers of an AMA-chartered club or chapter at any time during the year.
- The application must include the following minimum information:
- A. Name and charter/club number
- B. Signatures of current club officers
Proposing organizations are eligible to apply for YES grants of the following funds:
- Year one: up to $1,000
- Year two: up to $1,000
- Year three: up to $500 (with 50% cost sharing)
A project, unless significantly modified and upgraded, is not eligible for funding after year three.
Each club awarded a grant must agree to the following:
- Provide a minimum of two reports about activity status during and at the conclusion of the program. A photographic record is encouraged.
- Provide a general accounting of how the funds were expended.
- Retain any equipment purchased with the funds as property of the club.
- Allow the AMA to distribute and/or promote program information through its membership services.
Proposal Summary/Abstract guidance:
- Although not required by the current guidelines, including a proposal Summary or Abstract will greatly assist Committee evaluation and later dissemination of project results.
- The Summary is best written after the body of the proposal is completed.
- Two or three paragraphs (usually not longer than one half page) are sufficient.
- A good Summary identifies the applicant and qualifications, states the reason for the proposal, outlines objectives and methods/activities, and summarizes cost sharing and funding requested.
Requests are reviewed by the Education Committee as received; review typically requires approximately 45 days. Results will be announced by the Education Coordinator. Award recipient names will be listed on the AMA website to help sponsoring group leaders seeking mentors and resources.
To date the YES grant program has awarded $8,625 in support of 17 proposals. Major financial support has come from the AMA and the Radio Control Hobby Trade Association (RCHTA). Donations designated for this program are welcome and will be publicly recognized.
Eligibility under the program has been extended to include other organizations beyond AMA-chartered clubs (for example, Boy Scouts). Questions should be directed to the AMA Education Coordinator.
Program growth has been limited since inception (1995: two awards in two districts; 1996: four awards in four districts; 1997: seven awards in five districts; 1998: six awards in four districts). Three of the 1998 awards were second-year funding for previously funded projects. The bulk of awards have been in two AMA districts (IV and VII); several districts have received no awards. The Education Committee will analyze the YES program in detail to help provide future direction. Past recipients and others are encouraged to provide recommendations to the Education Coordinator and Committee.
Until next time.
Regional and Club News
Northeast Philadelphia R/C Club
This is mall show season. The Northeast Philadelphia R/C Club is promoting the hobby and the AMA with displays and demonstrations. Photos by Adam Smith.
- Fred DeMuro and Paul Goldsmith explain their aircraft to shoppers.
- Pete Amato’s 40-size Midstar and Drew Neilson’s helicopter were popular.
- Bill Semisch’s Extra 300 stole the show.
Johnstown R/C Club
Another successful fun fly in Johnstown, Pennsylvania — 16 in a row for this club, all directed by Paul Yuhas. The annual event draws participants from southwestern Pennsylvania and surrounding states. All pilots and guests receive a complimentary picnic lunch. Photos by AVP John Hathaway.
- Paul Yuhas flying his 1/2A Texaco.
- Len Dyson and Caleb Butler at the frequency control table.
Northern Ohio Balsa Scalers (N.O.B.S.)
A county landfill allowed the N.O.B.S. to obtain a new field — Lin Cole Field, north of Tiffin, Ohio. Pictured are modelers at the grand opening. Photos by Joe Vislay.
- Scott Swanger flew the first flight at the new field.
- Gary Chudzinski with his Extra.
- Bob Vance with his Spacewalker.
Wally’s Squadron RC Flyers
The August 22–23 event was the biggest fly-in at Butler Field to date. Contest Director James Hamrick reports 335 airplanes on the flight line on Saturday. Boy Scout Troop 220 prepared hot dogs and a ham dinner for pilots and families. Bruce Milam flew an S1S Pitts and provided a full-scale show both days. Photos by AVP Dave Ellis.
- Saturday Best Pilot: Vaughn Dennis. Best Plane: Tony Mosko.
- Sunday Best Pilot: Dan Baker.
Raven Crosses Pamlico Sound
After months of planning — and while a hurricane churned off Key West — Bob Verhaeghe became the first person to fly an RC model airplane across Pamlico Sound (North Carolina). He completed the flight on September 25 after checking the weather. “It was kind of bouncy, but we made it,” Bob said. “Aside from having to dodge some crab pots, everything went as planned.”
The trip from Bob’s home in Ball Creek to Silver Lake in Ocracoke took 1 hour and 26 minutes. The plane, named Raven, averaged 35 mph. The estimated time was 1 hour and 25 minutes — almost dead on. Bob’s crew included Riley Burns (owner of the 22½-foot boat used for the trip), Sandy Nettings (photographer), and Ralph Lenley (navigator). Bob credited his neighbors and crew for their help.
Near Brant Island, Sandy asked Bob to fly lower for a better photo; Bob couldn’t see a buoy while facing the boat’s rear and nearly flew into it. The landing in Ocracoke was perfect: the plane skidded across the water to within about 15 feet of the boat. Bob thanked Kenny Ballance, an Ocracoke ranger, for his help.
Silent Knights Soaring Society
Congratulations to all members of the Silent Knights Soaring Society on qualifying as a 1998 Silver AMA Leader Club. Thank you for your contributions to aeromodeling.
Till next month — go take a kid flying.
District VI Report
Illinois / Indiana / Kentucky / Missouri
Charlie Bauer, Vice President 4944 N. Orange Ave., Norridge, IL 60656-3224 Home: (708) 457-0565 Fax: (708) 457-2177 sysbauer@charlie.cns.it.edu
Associate Vice Presidents
- Illinois: John Kalland, 402 Arizona, Glenwood, IL 60425, Eve. (708) 798-7242; Hal Parent, 1920 Buckingham, Westchester, IL 60154, Eve. (708) 562-5752; Jerry Worden, 400 Alden Dr., Normal, IL 61761, Eve. (309) 454-3905
- Indiana: Ron Ballard, 6032 N. 700 E., Decatur, IN 46733; Gary Russell, 5500 W. Connie Dr., Muncie, IN 47304, Eve. (317) 288-3541; William Kern, 1800 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 Hollandshurt Ct., St. Charles, MO 63304, Eve. (314) 939-3334; Ken Booher, 1016 N.E. Barnes Dr., Lee’s Summit, MO 64086, (816) 524-7307
Frequency Coordinator: Cal Orr, R.R. 1 Box 1328, Higginsville, MO 64037, (660) 584-8284 / (660) 584-8285
Webmaster: Gary Parentt, 11001 Martindale Dr., Westchester, IL 60154, Eve. (708) 531-9556 http://www.csam.itc.edu/~amavis/dist6/index.htm
Club highlights:
- Huntington, IN (Club #689): Huntington County Modelers Club is small but active. Club members built Combat 20 models powered by .20 O.S. FP engines with 9x4 props, used for combat and racing events. Info courtesy of Wendell Hartman.
- Belleville, IL (Club #1366 Columbia R/C Club, Inc.): Ron Rubemeyer hand-crafted a totally scale P-51 Mustang B from scaled-down blueprints. Fuselage: 8'6"; span: 9'7"; weight: 52 lb. Photos by Bill Crane and Mandy Graves; info from Brian Graves.
- Indianapolis, IN (Club #1021 Indy Sportliners): Members helped at the 1998 AMA event in Muncie, assisting in “build and take” tents. Hundreds of AMA Delta Darts were built and flown. The club held an annual swap meet; photos and info supplied by George Kite.
District VII Report
Iowa / Michigan / Minnesota / Wisconsin
Dave Gish, Vice President 5435 St. Hwy 99, Wapello, IA 52653 Tel: (319) 766-2202 Fax: (319) 766-4038 E-mail: gofly1@netins.net
Associate Vice Presidents
- Joe Campopiano, Des Moines, IA
- Bud Gorman, Knife River, MN
- Joe Haas, Troy, MI
- Russell Knetzger, Milwaukee, WI
- Thomas D. Lazar, Marshall, WI
- Andy Lowe, Redford, MI, Tel: (313) 534-6650, E-mail: andyd7@electrodynam.com
- Bill Millar, Petoskey, MI
- Mark E. Robotti, North Lindstrom, MN
- Mike Zingrey, Shepherd, MI
Frequency Coordinators
- West: Al Schwartz, Roseville, MN, Ph: (612) 633-2286
- East: Pete Waters, Northville, MI, Ph: (810) 486-4800
Soapbox! — Safety concerns from the last flying season:
- Starting engines without help
- Starting engines in the pit area
- Taxiing in the pit area
- Carrying a plane through the pit area
- Flying without an observer
- Flying over the pit area
- Safety fences non-existent or in the wrong place
- Pilots not telling each other what they are doing
- “Relaxing” before the aircraft has come to a complete stop and has been shut down
- Not flying the proper pattern
- There are more, but these are enough to make the point
Safety should never take a holiday. Last season many of the above were seen repeatedly. Contact Dave Gish to discuss.
On the positive side, the Detroit Aero Modelers held a very well-controlled annual giant fun fly in August.
District VIII Report
Texas / Oklahoma / Arkansas / Louisiana / New Mexico
Sandy Frank, Vice President 105 N. Brazos St., Weatherford, TX 76086-3207 Phone/Fax: (817) 599-7131 E-mail: sfrank69@airmail.net Web: AMA-Dist-8.org
AMA Vision We, the members of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, are the pathway to the future of aeromodeling and are committed to making modeling the foremost sport/hobby in the world.
This vision is accomplished through:
- Partnerships with valued associates, the modeling industry, and governments
- A process of continuous improvement
- A commitment to leadership, quality, education, and scientific/technical development
- A safe, enjoyable modeling environment
AMA Mission The Academy of Model Aeronautics is a world-class association of modelers organized for the purpose of promotion, development, education, and advancement of modeling activities. The Academy provides leadership, organization, competition, communication, protection, representation, recognition, education, and scientific/technical development to modelers.
A partnership exists between the modeling industry, local hobby shops, the publishing industry, chartered clubs, SIGs, and the Academy. These relationships provide materials, instruction, information, flying sites, and specialized development to the hobby/sport. The AMA facilitates this partnership and advances the hobby.
Sandy Frank’s message and requests:
- Renew your AMA membership and remain part of this partnership.
- Sandy plans to devote up to 40 weekends visiting clubs and events across all five states of District VIII. He will attend where invited. Contact him to invite his attendance and finalize the 1999 schedule.
- Submit write-ups about your club, events, or modeling interests for this column. Use IBM text format on 3½" disks, include two good-quality photos, and limit text to 500 words. Submissions will be used as space permits.
Flying, Fun, and Fellowship! Sandy Frank
District IX Report
Colorado / Kansas / Nebraska / North Dakota / South Dakota / Wyoming
Russ Miller, Vice President P.O. Box 128, Solen, ND 58570 Days: (701) 854-3339 Evenings: (701) 229-3190 Fax: (701) 445-3233 rmiller339@aol.com
Associate Vice Presidents
- Max Hansen, Huron, SD
- Nathan Lancaster, Denver, CO
- Troy Lapp, Williston, ND
- Travis McGinnis, Arvada, CO
- Don Moden, Salina, KS
- Jim Ricketts, Sioux Falls, SD
- Jack L. Sibert, Lincoln, NE
- Chuck Smith, Casper, WY
- Mike Weidner, Colorado Springs, CO
Frequency Coordinator: Steve Mangles, c/o Radio Service Center, 918 S. Sheridan, Denver, CO 80226
News from South Dakota Donovan’s Remote Control Airplane Club provided free parent/child workshops at two Siouxland Library branches in Sioux Falls. Participants constructed an Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) Cub. Both workshops were filled to capacity with 40 participants per session. Club members John Donovan and Ed Hoffman provided planes, tools, and instruction. The club has offered this program several times to introduce children to the hobby.
Jim Oliver, Children’s Librarian
News from Colorado The 1998 Arvada Harvest Parade was a success for Arvada Associated Modelers. The float received compliments and a Dreams of Flight airplane was taxied tethered to the float. The parade drew public interest in aviation and model flying. The club is one of the largest in the nation with more than 350 members and is seeking field options as their flying field is scheduled to be lost next fall.
The float was built by Bob Schueleke with help from Jim Shaw and others. Jim Shaw taxied the Dreams of Flight airplane during the parade with Pat Vachon as safety man. After the parade, many models were displayed at a local theater parking lot. Bill Blitz of Arvada Square Firestone has donated support to the Easter Seals Dreams of Flight program.
The Arvada Associated Modelers spent three days at 8,500 feet hosting Easter Seals campers in buddy-box flights, entertaining 157 campers over three days. Campers ranged from teens to 70; some pilots adapted controls for quadriplegic or foot-controlled flyers. Fourteen volunteers (many retired or off work that day) flew and supported the activity. Volunteers included Eric Lopez, Harold Erickson, Pat Vachon, Bill Herzberger, Gene McMahan, Les Sullivan, Bill Hunter, Jim Shaw, Chuck Hobart, Bob Wilson (videographer), Phil Troy, Tom Sirova (digital photography and slide show), and Bob Schueleke (organizer).
Dan O’Hara 1998 Easter Seals Dreams of Flight Coordinator
Scale Racing Association / USRA World Championship
The Scale Racing Association (USRA), AMA’s recognized SIG for giant scale air racing, found an excellent venue for the 1998 World Championship Air Racing series held October 21–25 at Jean Airport, Jean, NV.
Jean is 25 miles south of Las Vegas on Interstate 15, with nearby hotels (the Gold Strike is across the street from the airport). Moderate fall weather, good local support, convenient access from Las Vegas McCarran Field, and proximity to I-15 made Jean an ideal location. Record spectator crowds attended, and a full-scale noon-hour air show on Saturday and Sunday enhanced spectator appeal.
Thanks to the USRA and the organizers for another great event. Giant scale racing continues to grow as a competitive, recognized sporting event.
Academy of Model Aeronautics
Academy of Model Aeronautics 5151 East Memorial Drive, Muncie, IN 47302
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Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
