Edition: Model Aviation - 1999/05
Page Numbers: 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156
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Executive Council Meeting Highlights

The following motions were made at the January 30, 1999 Executive Council Meeting in Muncie, Indiana. The District IX Vice President was not in attendance due to a death in the family.

These motions are part of the unofficial minutes. Minutes are not official until approved at the next quarterly Council meeting. Questions/comments on the motions should be directed to your District Vice President.

  • Result of a mail vote taken December 10, 1998: to approve spending up to $72,000 for design and construction of pylon cages.
  • The MOTION passed.
  • It was moved and seconded to approve the October 1998 Executive Council Meeting minutes as amended.
  • Approved unanimously.
  • MOTION I: moved by B. Brown (III), seconded by C. Foreman (IV): that Council approve a $372,000 budget for 1999 capital improvements as recommended by PADCOM.
  • The MOTION passed unanimously. Improvements include:
  • Expand HQ parking lot
  • Install one permanent restroom facility
  • Run water main on site
  • Upgrade electric to site #1
  • Pave the gravel roads
  • Seal and repaint stage center and speed/team race circles
  • MOTION II: moved by J. McNeill (V) to remove the last two sentences of section 1.4 of the Contest Board Procedures Revision.
  • The MOTION was withdrawn.
  • MOTION III: moved by R. Hanson (X), seconded by B. Brown (III): to rescind MOTION IV of the January 25, 1997 meeting (that adopted the Recommendation for Revised Appointment Procedures for AMA Contest Board Members) and refer back to the committee for review.
  • The MOTION passed.
  • Vote: 11 yes, 1 abstain (XI)
  • MOTION IV: moved by S. Frank (VIII), seconded by J. McNeill (V): resolve that the AMA should make available via www.modelaircraft.org the NEW AMA competition rule book, with a disclaimer indicating the posting is UNOFFICIAL and for informational purposes ONLY; reaffirm that the authoritative form of AMA competition rules is the AMA-supplied printed rule book.
  • The MOTION passed.
  • Vote: 9 yes, 3 no
  • MOTION V: moved by J. McNeill (V), seconded by R. Hanson (X): be it resolved that the one-day, temporary $0.25 membership granted the Junior competitor classification (under age 16 by July 1) in 1967 be rescinded in favor of the $1.00 regular Youth membership (under age 19 by July 1) currently in effect.
  • The MOTION passed unanimously.
  • MOTION VI: moved and seconded to dissolve the following committees: the Council of Past Presidents (its purpose was to evaluate the Technical Award) and the Information System Committee. The President also disbanded the Minutes Review Committee.
  • Both actions passed unanimously.

Awards:

  • 4 Fellow awards, 3 Superior Service awards, and 1 Legion of Honor award were moved, seconded, and passed unanimously.

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Focus on Education

by Chip Mull AMA Education Committee Member

Aviation Field Day

When was the last time you remembered how you started model building? What airplane was it? Who manufactured the kit? What glue did you use? Did you paint it? What color?

We remember those details because they made an impact — you accomplished something and felt proud. Often an adult or a hobby-shop employee helped and encouraged you.

I have been fortunate to fly airplanes for a living. Every pilot I’ve flown with built a model airplane when young; aviation is in our blood. The challenge is passing that love of aviation to today’s youngsters — modelers and full-scale pilots alike.

Imagine an event that brings full-scale aviation and model aviation together strictly for education: nothing to sell, everything to learn. Picture Cessna next to Hobby Shack, AMA next to Embry‑Riddle, and Champion Plugs next to Robart — booths where kids can talk to experts.

This is happening at Sepulveda Basin RC Field (about two miles south of Van Nuys Airport): May 22–23, Western L.A. Council Boy Scouts Jamboree. Scouts entering the RC area can begin an aviation career and earn the Aviation Merit Badge. Activities include:

  • Building an AMA Delta Dart with instructors from the Black Sheep Squadron and T&A Hobbies.
  • Ground School presented by uniformed airline pilots from American Airlines, Northwest, Trans World Airlines, United Airlines, and USAirways — covering turbine engines, navigation, cockpit instrumentation, traffic patterns, aircraft controls, etc.
  • Buddy-box RC flights provided by Hobby Shack and Airtronics; volunteer instructors from the Valley Flyers.
  • Vendor booths from Traxxas Corp., NASA Dryden, AlliedSignal engineers, and others. Traxxas will bring RC cars and boats.
  • Demonstrations by NASA and the California Airshow Team, plus Giant Scale Racing by the Blues Brothers Race Team.

May 21 is setup day; the Jamboree runs May 22–23. The merit-badge activities are for Scouts, though the public may attend. If you want to help or preregister for the Aviation Merit Badge, contact:

Our intent is to replicate this type of event nationwide. It takes teamwork, coordination, and volunteers. There are pilots, modelers, Scouts, and students in every neighborhood — you have the ingredients.

Flight Safety International Visit

A tour of Flight Safety International included a continental breakfast and buffet luncheon and was highly informative. The company provides high-technology safety training with computer-driven simulators. Attendees had the opportunity to operate a Dassault Falcon 10 corporate jet simulator — a realistic experience demonstrating how precisely full-scale aviation is simulated.

Availability — That was the Magic Word

The Metropolitan Sport Squadron sought an indoor flying site and targeted the Armory in Teaneck, NJ (180 x 300 ft floor; 36–40 ft height). The Armory had been renovated in 1996 and was sometimes idle. Rather than seeking rental for profitmaking activities, the Squadron requested use based on building availability during idle times, contacting National Guard Headquarters in Trenton. That approach worked: a committee coordinates with the local National Guard to use the Armory during available times. The opening took place on January 27, 1999.

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District Reports

DISTRICT VII REPORT

Iowa / Michigan / Minnesota / Wisconsin Dave Gish, Vice President

SOAPBOX! No comments this month — wait until the flying season starts!

Highlights from District VII:

  • Rice Lake, WI: Members of the Rice Lake Model Airplane Club enjoyed an unseasonably warm mid-December day of RC flying. Their Gold Level Leader Club uses a 1,000-foot paved abandoned runway provided by the City of Rice Lake.
  • Orr, MN (September 12–13): A fun-fly sponsored by Falls Hobby Supply, the Orr Chamber of Commerce, and the Orr Lions Club. Organizers: Sanford and Diane Reim. Featured aircraft included a Robinhood 80 powered by a Zenoah G23 (built by Dwight Sandgren).
  • Midland RC Modelers Club (annual air show, September 20, 1998): Events included a flag tow, combat, balloon bust, toilet-paper ribbon cutting, candy drop for kids, Giant Scale, and formation flying. The event featured 112 planes and 39 pilots.
  • Thunderbird RC Club (Silver Anniversary Fly-In, September 12, 1998): A standoff scale event judged by Kalamazoo Aviation Museum judges with 19 contestants across military and civilian categories.

Photos and further contest winners will be published in a later issue. Remember to fly safely!

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DISTRICT VIII REPORT

Dr. Sandy Frank, Vice President

The need for local model aircraft flying sites is one of the highest concerns across District VIII. Flying sites must be close to population centers yet away from congestion for safety and noise considerations. With ongoing population encroachment, flying fields are increasingly endangered.

At the January 1999 AMA council meeting, the extreme need to address ecological considerations and to expand availability of flying fields was recognized. I was appointed by President Dave Brown to establish and oversee a new committee addressing flying-site needs and coexistence with urban development and environmental concerns.

  • AMA-CARES Committee (Comprehensive Approaches to Responsible Environmental Solutions) has been created and is in formative stages. If you have expertise or success dealing with flying sites and ecological issues, please contact: sfrank69@airmail.net.

News and resources for District VIII:

  • New volunteer: District Flying Site Assistance Coordinator — Don R. Nix (recently retired former model-fuel manufacturer). Contact: Don R. Nix, 2001 Meadow Lane, Taylor, TX 76574-1342. Ph. (512) 365-1914. E-mail: FLYERDON@aol.com.
  • Upcoming events (1999):
  • IMAC National Finals — August 6–8, Enid, OK
  • National SAM Championships — October 3–9, Muskogee, OK
  • IMAA Rally of Giants — June 10–13, south of Dallas in Waxahachie, TX
  • Possible Labor Day sailplane event (North Texas Soaring League) approved by Dallas RC Club
  • FAI F3A World Aerobatic Championship — September 10–18, Pensacola, FL (hosted by AMA)
  • District VIII web site: www.ama-dist-8.org — for latest modeling activity information across Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
  • Traditions: Fort Worth Thunderbird model club upheld the New Year’s Day black-eyed peas tradition and gathered in cold/foggy conditions on January 1, 1999 for flying. Despite poor conditions, many club members attended.
  • District resources:
  • District VIII club newsletter editors list: Bob Czepiel, czep@aol.com.
  • Free videotape lending library for chartered clubs and individual members: contact John D. Locke, 4015 Rio Grande, Texarkana, TX 75503, jdlocke@gte.net. Full video listing and online ordering: www.ama-dist-8.org.

Advice for clubs:

  • Create a club Web page and list it on www.modelaircraft.org and the District VIII Web Page to share information and save on printing/mailing.
  • Advertise when seeking flying sites — use public service announcements or paid ads in local/regional media.
  • Hold mall or superstore displays (e.g., Wal‑Mart-type locations) to showcase aeromodeling and invite the public to your field. The AMA Special Services Department (1-800-IFY-AMA) has free materials and suggestions. District expert: Karen Hopkins, 5515 Bridgeton Avenue, Arlington, TX 76018, (817) 467-9211.

Flying, Fun & Fellowship — Sandy Frank

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DISTRICT IX REPORT

Russ Miller, Vice President P.O. Box 128, Solon, ND 58570 Evenings: (701) 229-3190 | Office: (701) 498-3323 Fax: (701) 445-3323 E-mail: Russ@... (contact info truncated)

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

District IX highlights:

  • Dakota Skymasters Fun Fly (August 9, 1998, Casselton Airport): Beautiful weather and many planes. Winners:
  • Cross Country: Bill Bransted — 15:09.8
  • Balloon Bust: Tom Davis — 172.2
  • Bean (Not) Drop: Jeff Strenich — 5/28.4 sec.
  • Bomb Drop: Chris Hommah — 9.9
  • Carrier Landing: Chris Hommah — 18-1/2
  • Float fly at the local pond (June 1998): Good attendance, all planes returned safely. Interest in float flying is growing. The 1999 Fun Fly will be Saturday, August 13.

Al Foell, President, Dakota Skymasters

News from Wyoming (submitted to Russ):

  • Casper Aeromodelers New Year’s event: Club members attempt to be first to fly in the New Year. On New Year’s Day pre-dawn, five pilots braved cold conditions and light snow. Winner: Jerry Williams, followed by Earl Johnson, Gene Corson, Steve Hunt, and Fred Hildebrand (who submitted the report).

Fred Hildebrand, 1st VP, Casper Aeromodelers 4015 Somerset, Casper, WY 82609

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Miscellaneous AMA News & Club Notes

  • Photos and short features: Children and junior competitors were highlighted (e.g., Joshua Mersel with grandfather Larry Coslick; winners Aaron Bauer and Nicholas Hitchcock at the ’98 NATS). Clubs are encouraged to send pictures and information to boost young flyers.
  • St. Louis, MO (Club #2296, St. Louis Whirlybirds): 13th annual fun fly with 48 R/C helicopter pilots participating (photo and info by Jay Sayers).
  • Muncie, IN: The Turkey Shoot (Flynet Aviation Network) was successful; 74 pilots flew and the group presented a check for over $500 to the AMA museum. Photos and details submitted by Delbert Leisure, Jr.
  • Jacksonville, IL (Club #1328, Jacksonville Propkickers Model Club): Members attended the Labor Day Fun Fly for MDA at Taylor, MO (photos and member list supplied by Fred Nevin).
  • Control Line and special projects: Examples include large multi-engine scratch-built models (e.g., a Junkers Ju-88A4, twin .75s, 92-inch wingspan) and unique homebuilt projects (e.g., a Goldberg Senior Falcon enlarged to 125% with four .15 engines, described from Missoula Big Sky T-Birds).
  • Wild & Wacky Wings (Snohomish Radio Aero Club): Creative event combining originality and flight ability; some entries fly, others don’t — a fun display of imagination.
  • Upcoming regional events mentioned across districts include the Celebration of Silent Flight (first weekend in May), large Control Line contests (Memorial Day weekend NW Regionals), and large international helicopter events.
  • Elections: District XI is holding elections; nominations and nominee consent are encouraged.

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If you have club news, photos, event results, or flying-site successes to share, please submit them to your district vice president or the AMA editorial contacts for inclusion in future reports.

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