C.O. Wright O.O.S.* at 84
C. O. Wright, AMA's sixth President, was born in 1895 and passed away in February in Topeka, KS, where he lived for many years and pursued an extremely busy career in education. AMA members remember him best as an ardent Free Flight competitor at many national championships; his name appeared on many winners' lists through the 1950s and early 1960s.
As AMA President (1948–1949) he helped guide the organization through the growing pains immediately following World War II. During his term the U.S. Navy began hosting the AMA National Championships, a program that lasted from 1948 through 1972. The first two Nationals under this program were held in Olathe, KS; an earlier Nationals was held in Wichita in 1946.
Wright was executive secretary of the Kansas State Teachers Association (KSTA) from 1941 to 1965, having joined the association as associate secretary in 1935. During World War I he served two years with the U.S. Army and two years with the Royal Air Force in France as a motorcycle transport master sergeant. After the war he won a one-year scholarship for college work abroad and attended Queen's University, Belfast, Ireland, then returned to the University of Missouri, where he earned bachelor of arts and master's degrees.
He worked as a reporter for the Mexico (MO) Ledger and the Columbia (MO) Tribune, and spent 13 years in newspaper work before becoming a teacher and later principal at Atchison High School. As executive secretary of the KSTA he edited The Kansas Teacher magazine for 24 years and was twice president of the Educational Press Association of America. He co-authored a high school sociology textbook and wrote the two-volume A History of Kansas Education. He was twice elected president of the National Association of Secretaries of State Teachers' Associations.
Wright served on the White House Conference on Education (1945, 1955) and the White House Conference on Children and Youth (1940, 1950). His model airplane activities, for which he won state and national awards, included working with boys interested in model aviation. Honors included the National Education Association Founders Commemorative Award. He was made an honorary fellow of the Academy of Model Aeronautics in 1959 and was elected to the Academy's Hall of Fame in 1976. In 1978 the National Free Flight Society elected him to its Hall of Fame.
Ill health in recent years kept C.O. from the model fields he loved, but he remained involved with AMA through the Council of Past Presidents, helping others gain recognition in AMA's Hall of Fame. He is gone from the model scene, but his memory will linger in those he inspired and competed with. So long, C.O. — may yours be a perpetual thermal.
*O.O.S. — Free Flighter's term for Out of Sight; meaning gone, but not forgotten.
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President's OUTLOOK
Earl F. Witt 26 Warwick Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17201
Full-Time President
As of March 1 I have been able to devote more time to being AMA President — I have retired. Elected officers of AMA are not paid officers and must work or have some source of income while fulfilling their obligations. That usually means officers have two jobs and the paying job receives primary attention. Now, being retired, the job of AMA President will receive primary attention.
I do have a secondary job that will take a back seat to model aviation. I accepted a part-time position as a full-scale flight instructor at Chambersburg Aviation; student flights are scheduled around my AMA responsibilities. It's probably one of the few times full-scale flying will work its schedule around model flying.
For the past year I've received many letters requiring responses that I could not answer due to time constraints. Although I still find there's not enough time in the day, it is my hope to do a better job responding to and representing the membership's needs.
Another Retiree
John Kiker has retired from NASA. He developed the prototype RC model used in designing the Enterprise Space Shuttle and received a Special Presidential Commendation for his contributions to aviation. We owe John much for the prestige and advancement he brought to model aviation and wish him happy flying in his retirement.
Past AMA President Seriously Ill
Kenneth Held, the seventh President of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, is seriously ill and hospitalized in Ann Arbor, MI. Ken reconstituted cooperative ties with the model industry and strengthened AMA's financial basis during his presidency (1950–1951). Letters may be sent to: St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI 48103.
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Indoor RC
This relatively new phase of our hobby is reinforcing the model builder's reputation for ingenuity.
A recent meet at the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, VA included two categories: glider and power (excluding internal combustion engines). Many contestants entered both categories, often adapting an electric power unit to glider airframes for the power event. Most models used the very light mylar film coating similar to that used on the Gossamer Condor.
Typical gliders were large yet light and used conventional radio gear. Bob Champine's model had a wing area of 1,354 square inches and weighed one pound. Hand-launched from the press booth about 60 feet above the Coliseum floor, Bob achieved a glide of one minute and fifty-four seconds.
The show stopper for gliders was a small model by Dave Robelen of Tabb, VA. Dave built the radio gear using hearing-aid-type components and powered it with two watch batteries. When launched, its rate of descent was so slow that in the time it was airborne it hardly crossed the Coliseum — Dave won with a flight time of two minutes and five seconds.
In the power category, battery cost may decide the winner. Using silver cadmium batteries, Woody Blanchard won the power event with a flight of 56 minutes; lithium batteries used in California produced a flight of one hour and 28 minutes. Woody also displayed a semi-scale PBY twin-engine flying boat that ROGed and flew more than 12 minutes with both engines running.
All in all, the most hazardous part of the contest was getting the large, fragile planes into the Coliseum in gusty wind conditions.
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NATS INDOOR SCALE
Due to the Flying Aces meet at Wright Field (August 8–10), the Nats Indoor Scale event at the 1980 National Championships — originally scheduled for Sunday the 10th — will be held on Monday, August 11th.
SCALE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Scale World Championships will be held in Ottawa, Canada, July 20–26 at Rockcliffe Airport. Static judging is Monday and Tuesday; there will be three flight rounds each day Wednesday through Friday. Food and lodging packages are available: $200 (double occupancy) and $250 (single). For lodging reservations write: Scale 80, PO Box 9284, Alta Vista Postal Station, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1G 3G9.
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PR and Communications
Trade and mall shows run by model clubs are the best public relations available to the Academy. They reach large numbers of the public and often generate media coverage. These shows allow face-to-face contact with people unfamiliar with our hobby, which benefits membership growth and public image. Clubs that organize such events deserve commendation.
A key advantage at these shows is communication between members and AMA elected officials. District Vice-Presidents can meet constituents and get a feel for the membership's pulse. For example, the District VII meeting held with the Great Lakes Expo in Lansing, MI had strong Council attendance and included discussion of redistricting, which will be brought up at the next Council meeting.
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A Real Trip!
Traveling two or three weekends a month for shows and AMA business has provided many airline stories, but a recent US Air flight stands out: it took 16 hours to reach a destination that would have taken nine or ten hours by car. Fellow passengers coined a phrase: "If you have time to spare, go US Air."
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Nominations — General Guidelines
- District Vice-President candidates must be AMA Leader Members.
- District Vice-President nominees must be nominated exclusively by Leader or Open members who, at the time of nomination, are bona fide legal residents of the same district as the nominee. A nominee may be nominated only for the vice-presidency of the district in which he or she is a bona fide legal resident.
- District Vice-Presidents shall be elected exclusively by a majority of Leader and Open members voting who, at the time of election, are bona fide legal residents of the district.
- All other elective officers shall be nominated by Leader or Open members without regard to residential considerations.
Note: Residency is interpreted according to the current address on file at AMA Headquarters.
Who May Submit a Nomination?
Any AMA member may submit a nomination, but the consent of the person nominated should be obtained prior to submission. Nominations must be submitted in writing and should be accompanied by a statement of at least 100 words concerning the nominee's qualifications. Nominees are urged to submit additional supporting statements or documents to the Nominating Committee prior to the meeting. Those nominated must submit a letter of acceptance to the Nominating Committee before the meeting begins.
When to Submit Nominations
Nominations must be submitted prior to the start of the Nominating Committee meeting. The Committee normally meets in mid-summer during the National Model Airplane Championships.
Where to Submit Nominations
Ordinarily District Vice-Presidents serve on the Nominating Committee. Nominations should be submitted to the Vice-President of the AMA member's district (names and addresses are listed in the VP columns). A copy may also be sent to AMA Headquarters (preferred but not required).
Are All Nominations Accepted?
All nominations submitted in accordance with these guidelines will be considered by the Nominating Committee, but only two names per office will be approved by the Committee for listing on the ballot. The ballot will provide for write-in votes for any additional candidates who meet the requirements.
Are Current Officers Automatically Re-Nominated?
No. A current officer must be nominated in writing for re-election according to the above procedures.
Publication Requirement
The AMA by-laws require that nomination procedures be in accordance with a Council-approved Nomination Procedures Document and that this document be published at least 90 days prior to the annual Nominating Committee meeting. This publication is the current Nomination Procedures Document unless superseded by a more recent publication prior to the 90-day requirement.
Note: For 1980, the Nominating Committee meeting is scheduled for 8 pm, Saturday, August 9 at the Laurel Oaks Campus Motel, Wilmington Airfield (Nats Site), Ohio.
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Secretary-Treasurer's Report
Jim McNeill AMA Secretary-Treasurer 617 South 20th Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205
Would you like to meet the insurance experts who worked out the excellent insurance package for AMA? Meet Althea Fieldson (account executive) and Beth Gochberg (director and supervisor for Markel Incorporated). All things considered, our new annual cost isn't too bad.
Did you know AMA has a full-time public relations specialist? Meet Larry Bolich, PR man and Special Events Director for the last six years. Last year Larry was on the road 121 days, worked 17 weekends at 15 shows and meetings from California to New York, and helped promote the hobby widely. He participated in the first cross-country flight of a radio-controlled model airplane and has sponsored many AMA Cub contests for juniors.
The "Liberty Bell" RC model — the first model to complete a transcontinental flight — now hangs in the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum. Bob and Doris engineered the feat; Larry helped with public relations.
Larry has also installed AMA booths at non-modeling conventions (e.g., the American Medical Association) to broaden awareness. He spent 34 days with Trans-Am business and 23 days on the 1979 Nats in Nebraska. As he put it: "There is a need to promote our hobby/sport to the general public who have no knowledge at all of our existence, and further, are not aware of what modeling can offer to an entire family for mutual participation, total enjoyment, and togetherness."
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Highlights of 1979
John Worth, Executive Director
- Membership: 69,763 members in 1979 (72,879 in 1978; 68,142 in 1977). Despite a major dues increase and controversy, loss of only ~3,000 members was remarkable. The Council budgeted on 63,579 members but exceeded that by 10%. Renewal for 1980 progressed well, with over 45,000 renewals by year-end (over 61,000 by end of March).
- Chartered Clubs: Increased to 1,336 (1,288 in 1978; 1,275 in 1977).
- Sanctions Issued: 1,596 sanctions in 1979 (1,520 in 1978; 1,433 in 1977). Breakdown included Class A, B, AA, AAA, AAAA events, plus Nationals and World Championships; 30 Indoor, 144 Control Line, 191 Free Flight, and 672 RC meets.
- World and National Teams: 27 team members and 4 managers selected for World Championships in various categories. USA teams achieved first place in RC Aerobatics (South Africa) and Free Flight Nordic (Taft, CA).
- Special Events: The Trans-Am RC Relay Race was a notable success with almost 60 teams and multiple legs across the country.
- Rules Activity: AMA Contest Boards reviewed 250 proposals for rules changes and approved 127 for the 1980–81 rule book.
- Records: 53 National Records in 1979 (FF, Indoor, RC Soaring, CL) and 3 World Records (1 RC Helicopter, 2 Indoor).
- FCC/Frequency Progress: The AMA RC Frequency Committee met with FCC officials twice and received positive indications that many new RC frequencies may be granted by late 1980 or early 1981.
- Free Flight World Championships: A very successful event in Taft, CA hosted 24 countries and 174 competitors; income covered expenses.
- Insurance Improvements:
- Liability cost reduced from $2.50 to $1.40 per member for continental U.S. activities.
- Overseas coverage limit increased from $500,000 to $1,000,000; cost reduced from $3.45 to $1.40 per member.
- AMA assumed the first $1,000 of property damage claims; deductible reduced from $250 to $50.
- "Additional insured" coverage made available for most flying site owners and activity sponsors at no charge.
- Accident/medical coverage limits increased from $1,000 to $7,500 at no extra charge.
- Claims: 544 insurance claims processed; 24 settled by year-end. Over $3,000 actually paid and $7,000 reserved. Twenty-eight claims involved bodily injury (23 member-to-member); 22 claims for property damage totaling $1,941 paid from the property damage fund.
- Films and Publications: A major AMA film, Modeling's Grand Illusions, was completed. AMA's Film Library circulated 599 copies in 1979. Model Aviation circulation reached an all-time high: 57,457 copies in December 1979, with issue page counts increasing to 128.
- Trade Shows and PR: AMA participated in five major model industry trade shows and several non-modeling shows for PR. There were 23 AMA Air Show Teams in 1979, performing 347 shows and purchasing over $30,000 in model products from sponsors.
- Executive Council: Met four times in 1979. New officers reflected a 1/3 turnover on the Council. Financially, 1979 produced about a $90,000 surplus compared with a $173,000 loss the prior year; the 1979 dues increase was successful.
Footnote: In 1979 the Executive Director served (without pay) on several external organizations to further AMA interests, and acted as consultant on full-scale and international competitions.
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Where to Submit Nominations (restate)
- Submit nominations to your District Vice-President; a copy to AMA HQ is preferred.
- Nominations must be in writing, include nominee consent, and a 100-word qualification statement.
- Nominees should provide supporting documentation and a letter of acceptance before the Nominating Committee meeting.
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Additional Membership Notes
Are All Nominations Accepted?
No. The Nominating Committee will consider all valid nominations but will approve only two names per office for the ballot. Write-in votes remain available for qualified candidates beyond those two.
Are Current Officers Automatically Re-Nominated?
No. Current officers must be formally nominated in writing for re-election.
Publication Requirement
Nomination procedures must be published at least 90 days prior to the Nominating Committee meeting as per AMA by-laws. This publication serves as the Nomination Procedures Document unless superseded.
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AMA Officer Election 1980 — Nomination Procedures Document
- Even-numbered years: election for AMA President and regional Vice‑Presidents of even-numbered districts (II, IV, VI, VIII, X).
- Odd-numbered years: election for AMA Secretary‑Treasurer and regional Vice‑Presidents of odd-numbered districts (III, V, VII, IX, XI).
- Officers serve two years following the year of election.
Candidate Minimum Standards — National Officers
- President; Secretary‑Treasurer: nominee must be an AMA Leader Member.
Note: Contest Directors who are Leader Members must also have served at least one year prior to the start of their term either as an elected AMA officer (e.g., Vice‑President) or as an officer directly appointed by the President (e.g., Contest Board member, Contest Coordinator, Committee Chairman). Committee members approved by the President or Vice‑President but not holding office do not meet this officer requirement.
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District Reports (selected highlights)
District IV Report (continued)
- New NVRC AMA show team sanctioned; active summer schedule expected.
- Brainbusters Free Flight Club to host FAI time trials and contests.
- Norfolk Aeromodelers planning several Control Line contests; they have an excellent CL flying site.
- Roanoke Valley RC Club held a successful winter auction with over 200 attendees.
- RC League of North Carolina (RCNC) held a planning meeting with wide club participation to schedule contests and reduce conflicts; RCNC expressed interest in hosting the District IV AMA meeting.
District V Report
Bill Matthews, District V Vice-President Areas: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee
Associate Vice-Presidents listed for district support.
Highlights:
- Indian River Kontrol Society temporarily flying at a newly paved but unused intersection in Palm Bay, FL.
- Palm Beach Aeronauts lost their field site due to land sale.
- Bama Flyers found coal exploration equipment on their field.
- Incidents reported by clubs highlight the need for communication and safety (e.g., pilots not announcing approaches).
- Appreciation for women in the hobby; an example list of humorous observations from Carolyn Pierce.
- Serious injury reported: Betty Newman (wife of Jim Newman) hit by a truck; broken arms, pelvis, knees, and internal injuries; recovery expected to be long.
- Interest in Control Line: inquiries received from fliers seeking CL clubs or newsletters; District V may help coordinate a Control Line newsletter.
District VI Report
Horace Cain, District VI Vice-President Areas: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri
Associate Vice-Presidents listed; contact details partially incomplete in source.
District VII Report
Geoff Styles, District VII Vice-President Areas: (not explicitly listed in this excerpt)
- The Nationals will be in Wilmington, Ohio. District VII members are encouraged to attend and support the event.
- The columnist reports a pleasant weekend with the Blackhawk Pilots in Waterloo, IA, including a well-attended free public show and hospitality.
- Club activity highlights:
- Minneapolis Piston Poppers (CL) ran a successful swap shop and hand-launch glider contest.
- Peanut contests and winter indoor activities keep clubs active during colder months.
- Appreciation expressed for club volunteers and hospitality exemplified by Iowa clubs.
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Other Items
AMA Again Forgets Beginners
A note of concern regarding proposed rule changes in Scale competition (a possible ban on profile fuselages). Profiles are important for Juniors and beginners; any rule change should consider beginner participation first. Hasty rule changes based on isolated complaints should be avoided.
1980 Indoor Postal Ends
The 1980 Indoor Postal Contest ended March 31. Competitors have until the end of April to send times to Ed Whitten.
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Closing Presidential Remarks (excerpt)
As President, now retired, I intend to devote full attention to AMA duties: attending meetings, visiting clubs and flying sites, and working closely with staff and officers to improve communications and services. I plan extensive travel to meet members, listen to concerns, and encourage greater participation in AMA activities.
I appreciate the confidence placed in me and look forward to working with members to make AMA an even better organization.
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Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
