AMA News

AMA News

Four Winners Share 1979 AMA Scholarship Awards

AMA Scholarship Awards for 1979 totaled $3,000, bringing the total awarded since the program began in 1970 to $25,250. Eight applicants applied in 1979; four received scholarships. For the second consecutive year the top award has been given to a young woman.

• Top award: $1,000 — Paula M. Bauer, Norridge, IL
• Two awards: $750 each — David N. Pier, Thousand Oaks, CA; Brian James Petty, Pasadena, TX
• One award: $500 — Nicholas P. De Carlis, Gainesville, FL

The number and amount of scholarships vary annually depending on the number and qualifications of applications and the funds available. Applicants are evaluated by the AMA Scholarship Committee, which makes recommendations to the AMA Executive Council.

Scholarship Committee:

• Bob Stalick, Albany, OR — Chairman
• Cliff Telford, Bethesda, MD
• Bob Underwood, St. Louis, MO
• Betty Stream, Long Beach, CA
• John Worth, Fairfax, VA

The Scholarship Program was initiated by the late Matty Sullivan of Sullivan Products. Since the program began AMA has awarded a total of $25,250 (annual breakdown: 1970 — $2,000; 1971 — $2,000; 1972 — no award; 1973 — $3,000; 1974 — $4,000; 1975 — $3,250; 1976 — $1,000; 1977 — $4,500; 1978 — $2,000; 1979 — $3,000).

The 1980 Scholarship Program

The 1980 program will follow recent practice. Applicants should request an application from AMA HQ:

AMA HQ 815 Fifteenth St., N.W. Washington, DC 20005

To be eligible, a current AMA member must:

1. Have flown a model in an AMA-sanctioned competition in 1979 or 1980 prior to submitting the application.
2. Be a high school graduate in 1979 or 1980.

Applications must be completed and returned to AMA HQ by May 31, 1980.

1979 Award Winners — Biographies

Paula M. Bauer (Top award — $1,000) Paula has been an active member of the Chicago Aero Angels for ten years and has competed in the 1976–1979 National Championships. Her activities are primarily Control Line events (AMA Scale, Sport Scale, Stunt, CL Combat, CL Precision Scale). Nationals results include: 1976 — 5th Junior AMA CL Scale; 1977 — 1st Senior AMA CL Scale, 2nd Senior CL Sport Scale; 1978 — 1st Senior AMA CL Scale, 1st Senior CL Sport Scale, 6th Senior CL Stunt; 1979 — 2nd CL Precision Scale. Academically she is an Honor Roll student, active in Math and German clubs, musical (piano and trumpet), and participates in school plays and church activities. She is attending Illinois Institute of Technology (Bachelor of Arts curriculum).

David N. Pier ($750) David has organized and led Control Line clubs, helped organize a model rocket club and an Aviation Explorer Post, and participates in Radio Control modeling. He has edited a club newsletter, served as club secretary, and averages building 5–15 models per year. Other interests include tennis, bicycling, theater, and electronics (has built radios, stereo, test equipment and RC components). Academically he maintained a very high scholastic average (one B prevented a straight-A record), participated in Math and German clubs, student senate, and was editor of the school newspaper. Musically he plays oboe, alto and tenor saxophones, and clarinet; he has formed and led a "big band." He expects to attend Carleton College to major in engineering.

Brian James Petty ($750) Brian competed in the 1976 and 1978 Nationals, placing in several events (notably 3rd in FF Rocket Power 1976 and 3rd in Indoor HL Glider 1978). He is a member of the Houston Free Flight Club. Interests include golf, tennis, Scouting (Eagle Scout), Moose Club and Rotary Club involvement, and musical performance on trumpet across marching, orchestra, concert, symphonic and wind ensemble groups. Scholastically he earned a 4.1667 GPA (extra credit for accelerated classes), was in the National Honor Society, and a member of JETS. He plans to attend the University of Houston (Central Campus), majoring in engineering or optometry.

Nicholas P. De Carlis ($500) Nicholas has been a member of the Flying Gators MAC for five years and competed in numerous Florida meets and the 1978 Nationals. He specializes in Free Flight Scale events (Peanut) and placed or won in all five Nationals events he entered: 1st Senior Outdoor Peanut, 1st Senior Scale Gas, 1st Indoor AMA Scale, 1st Senior Scale Rubber, and 2nd Senior Indoor Peanut. He has built RC planes and boats, plastic models, and published a Bede BD-5A Peanut Scale design in Model Airplane News (Aug 1979). He served as editor of his club newsletter, head scale judge, and holds a Contest Director's certificate. He has held student council offices (vice-president, president), is a National Honor Society member, and twice chosen for Mu Alpha Theta. Nicholas attends Santa Fe Community College and intends to apply for Graphic Arts Design at the University of Florida.

Important Insurance Information

See Cliff Piper’s District I VP column for details on AMA liability protection. AMA HQ produced the information in response to a request and the answers benefit all members. Notable items include increased accident coverage effective January 1, 1980, and a new temporary guest membership (club guest coverage).

Guest Insurance (Temporary Membership)

• Clubs may grant a temporary guest membership to a newcomer.
• Fee: $5 provides a 30-day AMA membership, effective from the date the payment is received at AMA HQ.
• The guest membership is available one time per year.
• If the guest later becomes a full member, the $5 is credited toward dues if full payment is received at AMA HQ within 60 days after the 30-day period.
• Guest members cannot enter sanctioned contests or join chartered clubs until full membership fees are received.
• The temporary membership protects the club for acts of the guest and protects the guest while operating models at the club site.
• The $5 must be received at AMA HQ before participation begins; receipt at HQ is the effective date.
• Special guest application forms will be mailed to clubs.

This program is intended to help clubs encourage new members by allowing supervised trial flying with limited insurance coverage.

Insurance Coverage Changes (Effective January 1, 1980)

Accident/Medical coverage (one of two types of insurance automatically included with membership) was increased without premium increases:

• Medical expense coverage raised to $7,500 (previously $1,000).
• Death benefit increased to $1,500 (previously $1,000).
• Dismemberment remains at $1,000.

These improvements reflect low loss ratios and competitive bidding by insurers. See the back left of the ’80 membership card for claim procedures.

Who’s Insured When Using a Buddy Box

• When clubs invite the public to fly on a buddy box at a club field, liability coverage exists for AMA members, the AMA-chartered club, and site owners named as “additional insured” on a Certificate of Insurance.
• Guests are not insured unless they hold the temporary AMA guest membership described above.
• Non-AMA guests who fly without temporary membership do so at their own risk.

What Is an “Additional Insured”?

• A non-AMA person or organization (site owner, sponsor, government agency) can be named as “additional insured” on a Certificate of Insurance issued on behalf of an AMA chartered club.
• Certificates provide proof of basic liability protection (typically $1,000,000).
• Normal certificates are issued at no charge; special wording requested by the non-AMA party incurs a $10 processing fee.

(HQ note: Carl Maroney drafted the insurance material and is AMA Headquarters insurance specialist.)

New Addition — AMA Safety Code (Effective Immediately)

The AMA Executive Council (Board of Directors) approved the following addition on January 19, 1980:

• At air shows and model flying demonstrations, a single straight line must be established separating a flying side from a spectator side.
• Only persons essential to flight operations are permitted on the flying side; others must remain on the spectator side.
• Flying over the spectator-side line is prohibited unless beyond the control of the pilot.
• Exceptions may be permitted under special circumstances (site conditions, model size, weight, speed, power) and must be jointly approved by the AMA President and Executive Director.

Because this is part of the Safety Code, failure to comply may void liability protection for AMA members, site owners, and sponsors listed as additional insured. The Safety Code will be included in Model Aviation and the 1980–81 AMA Official Model Aircraft Regulations rule book (spring 1980). Exceptions apply for obviously safe situations such as indoor RC or very lightweight, very slow models.

Nationals, World Indoor Championships, and Facilities

1980 Nationals:

• Location: Wilmington, OH.
• Free Flight: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is being used for Free Flight due to site constraints at Wilmington; Wright Field is often Category II/III depending on wind conditions.
• Dates: August 10–17, 1980.
• Housing and facilities include Wilmington Air Base dorms, Laurel Oaks Vocational School facilities, Wilmington College (200 rooms), and Wright State University (175 beds for Free Flight contestants). Camping around Wilmington is also available.
• Local attractions: Kings Island Amusement Park (transport offer to groups), Dayton attractions including the Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB.
• Expected temperatures (meteorologist Steve Horstmeyer): max ~87°F, min ~64°F.

Volunteer contacts (Western Ohio Radio Control Society committee):

• John Markunes — Manpower
• Dick Nutting — Public Relations
• Steve Webendorfer — Housing and Facilities
• Bob Christopher — Finances
• Bill Keller — Concessions

World Indoor Championships:

• Location: West Baden, IN
• Dates: June 20–24
• Supporter fee (five nights lodging with contestants, meals four days, banquet): $100

AMA Film Library

AMA Chartered Clubs and adult AMA members have access to the AMA Film Library (14 16mm films, most with color and sound). Films are useful for club meetings and public displays.

Rental fees (partial list):

• Chartered clubs: $5 rental (except "Those Marvelous Miniatures" — $8)
• Others: $10 rental (except "Those Marvelous Miniatures" — $15)
• Refundable deposit: $50 more than rental fee

Films available (partial list):

• Modeling’s Grand Illusions (1979) — 36 minutes; Scale types from Peanut to large RC; AMA film by Jay Gerber.
• Those Marvelous Miniatures (1978) — 46 minutes; cross-section of model aviation; AMA film by Jay Gerber.
• Fun for a Lifetime — Trade shows footage; about 20 minutes; AMA film by Jay Gerber.
• To Fly — Spectacular film of aviation history donated by Continental Oil Co.; about 30 minutes; featured by the Smithsonian.

For the full list and order form, write to: AMA HQ — Film Library 815 Fifteenth St., N.W. Washington, DC 20005 (Please enclose a pre-addressed, stamped envelope.)

Secretary-Treasurer’s Report

Jim McNeill — AMA Secretary-Treasurer 617 South 20th Avenue Birmingham, AL 35205

Highlights:

• New insurance rate for 1980: $1.65 per member (up $0.25 from 1979). The policy is underwritten via Markel Insurance Company and Lloyds Underwriters, London.
• AMA invests dues in interest-bearing notes to maintain liquidity for operations.
• Projected salaries for all departments in 1980: $548,678.
• Recognition: Toledo Weak Signals Club (Ohio) and the Hobby Industry Association (HIA) for their support to AMA projects.
• The Howard McEntee Fund has accumulated approximately $1,097 (established to honor McEntee, a pioneer in radio control).
• Staff note: Ann Massale is the secretary to the Public Relations office; she joined AMA seven months ago and has a background in credit management.

Council Meeting — Highlights

Recent Council actions and motions (summary):

• Approved funding for a Frequency Committee meeting (including Jack Smith) prior to Dec 31 (motion passed; 10 for, 2 against).
• Directed Horace Cain to prepare minimum requirements for initial Contest Director qualifications (motion passed unanimously).
• Appointed Homer Smith and Vince Mankowski to review the policy of awarding free membership to Contest Directors.
• Approved a $5,700 addition to the 1979 budget for cost-of-living increases at Headquarters (passed 10 for, 1 against).
• For 1980, salary budget basis: government guidelines plus 3% for merit (motion passed 6 for, 4 against, 1 abstained).
• Deferred Headquarters Advisory Committee item (passed 10 for, 1 abstained).
• Long range planning will be addressed at a two-day meeting in April 1980 (passed 10 for, 1 against).
• Directed reconstruction of January 1979 minutes into the current Council minutes format and established a timeline for suggested changes to draft minutes.
• Petition received for an assistant FAI team manager for Control Line; Council considered the request.

Next Council meeting: May 3–4 in Washington, DC.

Club and Regional News

• District I Expo: Massasoit Community College, Brockton, MA — Sunday, May 25, 1980. Demo flying, Junior Dart contest, movies, displays and speakers.
• First East Coast RC Hand Launch Glider Meet: Callahan State Park, Framingham, MA — May 18, 1980 (Contest Director: Jack Buckley).
• New England Sport Scale Association formed to support Sport Scale judging, a newsletter, seminars, and an annual Sport Scale meet. Berwick, ME facilities include a 30 x 500-foot paved runway adjacent to a 3,000-foot full-scale runway (Ultraflight Sports, courtesy of Bob Ring).
• Wings and Wheels museum (moved from Santee, SC to Orlando) has offered free exhibit and storage space to AMA; Frank Ehling assigned as curator for the AMA exhibit.
• Mail to outlying areas (Hawaii) will be sent by first-class mail in future to avoid delays experienced with bulk mailing.
• District IX Championship host offer: Orbiting Eagles of Omaha interested in hosting a 1981 District Control Line Championship.

JUNIOR FLIGHT! — Ed Whitten

Young Beginners and How to Find Them

The “Junior Problem” requires active recruitment and coaching; young modelers no longer appear automatically. Successful development of juniors often comes from sustained, patient efforts by dedicated individuals rather than one-day events.

Book Recommendation: Peanut Power!

"Peanut Power!" by Bill Hannan (produced by Paul Matt) is recommended as an excellent how-to book for Peanut Scale modeling. It contains drawings, photos and instructions covering history, workshop techniques, materials, adhesives, construction, covering, propellers, rubber motors, winding, competition, and more.

Order: Historical Aviation Album, P.O. Box 33, Temple City, CA 91780. Price: $7.95 plus $1.00 postage.

Table of contents highlights (selected):

• History, classifications, workshop, equipment, materials, adhesives, research
• Construction, covering, finish, detailing
• Propellers, model transportation, flying, problem-solving, competition, proxy contests
• References, suppliers, glossary, appendix (BD-4 plans)

Junior Aircraft Modeler (JAM) Comment

JAM was successful for young readers but not financially viable for its publisher. The column argues AMA should support a break-even publication aimed at juniors to recruit and retain young modelers.

AMA Junior Indoor Postal

• Events: HL Gliders and HL Stick Models.
• Flying continues through the end of March; results to Ed Whitten.
• Encourage clubs to give juniors purposeful flying opportunities.

Building and flying models is challenging but rewarding. Support resources like books and club mentorship help bring new juniors into the hobby.

---

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