AMA News

AMA News

Future RC Usage — Six‑Meter Band

Walter A. Good

Pioneering radio equipment for RC model aircraft began in the 1930s on the 6‑meter band, used by licensed radio amateurs. For many years—actually until the 1950s—the 6‑meter band was the only frequency available for RC. After the AMA acquired RC frequencies on 27 MHz and later 72 MHz, some modelers continued to use the ham band because of the relatively uncrowded conditions.

In 1967, joint efforts of the AMA RC Frequency Committee (AMA RCFC) and the RC industry established the standard 6‑meter RC channels: the familiar five spots at 53.1, 53.2, 53.3, 53.4, and 53.5 MHz. These frequencies were chosen in a relatively unused region of the band and to be compatible with existing 27 MHz RC channels. It is estimated that by 1980 more than 10,000 RC fliers used these five 6‑meter RC channels.

Between the 1960s and the 1980s amateur radio users greatly increased activity on the 6‑meter band, especially in the repeater segment from 52 to 54 MHz. A repeater is a receiver/transmitter combination usually located on a high structure (such as a tower) that receives and retransmits signals over a wide area. Typical radius of operation is about 25 miles using transmitter powers around 30 watts.

Many regional Repeater Coordinators have steered repeaters away from the RC channels, but with the greatly increased number of repeater assignments the RC channels have begun to suffer interference from high‑powered repeater outputs. The time has therefore arrived to consider moving the RC channels away from the repeater section to a quieter location elsewhere in the 50–54 MHz band.

Note: repeater operation within the 52–54 MHz band segment is prescribed by FCC Part 97.61; exact repeater frequencies within that segment are user‑controlled by local Repeater Coordinators and Councils and advised by VRAC (VHF Repeater Advisory Committee—ARRL). Other ham activities on 6 meters (national and international CW and SSB contacts, etc.) are advised by VUAC (VHF/UHF Advisory Committee—ARRL).

During the coming year the AMA RCFC, VRAC, VUAC and other groups will be working on a 6‑meter band plan to update frequency partitioning and accommodate future trends. The AMA RC Frequency Committee’s goal is to retain five or more channels for RC in a quiet region—ideally almost exclusive—within the 50–54 MHz band. If new 6‑meter RC channels are adopted there would likely be a three‑ to five‑year transition during which current channels (53.1–53.5 MHz) would be permitted. Technically, changing to a new frequency in the 50–54 MHz band should be simple and not expensive.

The AMA Committee is fortunate to have Dick Jansson, WD4FAB, as a member. He is active in 6‑meter communications and is a well‑known RC operator; he has been appointed to the ARRL’s VUAC. With experience on both sides, he will bring a balanced view to the deliberations. On the communications side, Dick has considerable experience with SSB operation on 6 meters and has contacted many states and foreign countries.

Because the advisory committees are volunteer, predicting how quickly a new band plan can be generated is difficult. Constructive comments are welcomed by the AMA RCFC—please send them to AMA Headquarters, attention: AMA RC Frequency Committee.

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Flying Sites — Initial Search

Clubs often ask how to locate possible flying sites without extensive ground or aerial surveys. A practical and economical approach is to use maps.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) maps are an excellent source. USGS maps (available from their Washington, D.C. headquarters and outlets nationwide) are small, very accurate, and typically at a 1:24,000 scale—ideal for initial land searches. They show topography, major tree stands, power lines, watercourses and urban development. Maps older than about 20 years may be outdated in heavily populated areas, but updated maps from the 1970s are available at modest cost (often $2–$3) and are well worth it.

USGS maps are easy to read and can identify areas suitable for sailplane/slope soaring, flood plains usable for Free Flight or Radio Control, and other potential flying sites. For urban areas, the U.S. Department of Agriculture publishes aerial photographs that can be very helpful.

Thanks to Russell Knetzger, Milwaukee Flying Electrons, Inc., WI, for input based on land‑use management experience.

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Synopsis — April 4–5 Executive Council Meeting

The following summarizes actions and discussions from the April Executive Council meeting in Washington, D.C. An edited version of the official minutes will be published and the full official minutes are available upon request from AMA Headquarters.

1. Museum Status

• Written verification of a previous verbal offer from Wings and Wheels Museum of Florida to provide AMA with storage and display space had not yet been provided; no commitment of budgeted funds has been made.

1. Smithsonian Project

• The Smithsonian cancelled a planned project due to lack of response from potential attendees; only minor expenses were incurred against the previously budgeted amount.

1. Life Membership vs. Age

• Discussion occurred regarding proposals to prorate or reduce Life membership cost based on age; no action taken.

1. FAI Pylon Promotion

• Tentative approval (pending details) for an October contest hosted by Circus Circus of Las Vegas in conjunction with the annual NMPRA Championships.

1. Homeowners Insurance

• Initial discussion considered publishing which insurance companies would or would not cover model aircraft in homeowners’ policies. This approach was judged less desirable than a later agreed proposal (see item 14, Insurance Status).

1. Coverage for Large Models

• Insurance coverage for large/heavy models could be provided by special requirements in AMA’s Safety Code based on how flying is conducted rather than just on what is flown. The Executive Director was asked to submit a specific proposal.

1. Navy Nats

• No progress has been made in reviving Navy hosting of National Championship Meets; a suggested offer via the Naval Aviation Museum did not materialize.

1. Member Expulsion

• Case reviewed of a former air show team member who had not returned AMA property. If a membership renewal application is received it should not be processed pending legal counsel advice.

1. Film Report

• Current film efforts and priorities for future programs were reviewed. It was unanimously approved that the current Control Line film be finished for early 1982 availability, followed by a Free Flight film in 1982 and an RC film in 1983.

1. AMA Blazers

• Many HQ executive staff and several Council members committed to pay for jackets; approved offering jacket purchases to Associate VPs willing to buy them.

1. Nats Planning

• Nats Executive Committee to meet in Toledo on April 11. Proposed 1981 committee members approved. Nats Executive Committee authorized to make schedule changes for RC Pylon, Soaring, and Helicopter events, and to add P‑30 to FF events.

1. 1982 Nats

• Dover Air Force Base will not be available due to military mission priorities.

1. Insurance Status

• Report by Carl Maroney: coverage now in effect for all of 1981 and most of 1982 at a lower rate than 1980—expanded coverage feasible and still under budget. Council unanimously approved HQ working with insurance organizations to develop a standard homeowners’ endorsement to provide model aircraft accident coverage and recommended for AMA members to submit to their insurers.

1. Dues Rates

• A committee was appointed to make recommendations on dues for 1982: Cliff Piper (chair), Chuck Foreman, Horace Cain, Jim McNeill, Gisele Jackson.

1. Special Interest Groups

• No group had yet fully complied with Council criteria for AMA recognition. Deadline extended from July 1 to the last day of the 1981 Nats (August 9).

1. Mini‑Nats

• A financial problem remaining from the 1980 Puerto Rican Nationals must be resolved before AMA support for the 1981 event can be provided. The President can authorize a VP visit to any Mini‑Nats if needed.

1. General Rules Changes

• Current requirement that changes need majority approval by each of the four Contest Boards tends to prevent proposals from getting considered; change approved unanimously.

1. Flying Site Award

• Concept for an award to be presented by clubs to site owners was approved for implementation.

1. School/Library Subscriptions

• Trial special rates approved: schools/educational institutions $8/year; libraries $12/year.

1. Assistant Vice‑President (District 7)

• Due to geographic split by Lake Michigan, District 7 approved an Assistant VP (split by the lake) to receive mail as per the VP but without a budget; appointment by the VP with a two‑year renewal option.

1. Associate Vice‑Presidents

• One additional AVP authorized for Districts 2, 6, and 11.

1. Contest Coordination

• Vice‑Presidents authorized to change dates of traditional meets (temporarily or permanently) to resolve date conflicts.

1. Tax Incentive Awards/Grants

• Discussion about donations to AMA being passed on to clubs; no action taken.

1. Annual Meeting

• Open membership meeting required by by‑laws set for the Nats on Wednesday, August 5, 8 p.m.

1. Contest Director Fee

• Initial conversion fee to become a Contest Director set at $20 (one‑time).

1. FAI Voting

• Consensus that the U.S. voting delegate should consult the U.S. delegation and vote according to the majority view of the delegation.

1. Scale World Championships

• U.S. to be prepared to offer to host the 1982 Scale World Championships; if the Russian offer is acceptable, that would be satisfactory.

1. Life Memberships

• Entire fee may be used as designated by the applicant without reserving part for future servicing expenses.

1. Council Minutes

• Approved publishing an edited version of minutes promptly after each meeting, including each Council member’s vote; official minutes remain available upon request.

33–34. Officer Compensation and Travel Stipends

• Consolidated document approved. Non‑salaried elective officers allowed a travel stipend of $1,200 (district travel/lodging); additional reimbursement possible by Presidential approval. Appointed district representatives to Council allowed travel/lodging for trips to HQ as previously provided.

1. Next Meeting

• Interim Council meeting in Washington on June 10 (dues/by‑laws), deadline for by‑laws amendments set to August 1, August Council meeting set for August 1 followed by the Nominating Committee meeting.

1. Awards

• Special plaque to be presented for the Gateway, N.Y., 50th anniversary of Floyd Bennett Field.

1. Model Identification

• Council agreed identification on models should be recommended; AMA card on model recommended, and an added clause to the AMA Safety Code will recommend identification on all models.

1. Museum Models

• Models intended for museum display should be prepared per museum specifications.

1. Nats Make‑up

• Pros/cons of consolidated vs. split Nats discussed; Executive Director to provide analysis and recommendations.

1. Model Aviation Day

• Up to $600 allocated from Special Promotion Project budget to support the 1981 PR effort in New York City.

(continued on page 89)

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Secretary‑Treasurer's Report

Jim McNeill AMA Secretary‑Treasurer 617 South 20 Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205

As your Secretary/Treasurer, I report the results of the recent Council meeting in Washington, D.C., April 4–5. This column explains not just what happened, but why.

Key items:

• Building project: Vince Mankowski reported everything is progressing but additional funds will be needed. In two years AMA expects to have its own Headquarters building for offices and a museum.
• Annual travel program: Homer Smith recommended an annual travel program for the AMA President, allowing a representative to be sent when the President cannot attend.
• Scholarship agenda: Hardy Brodersen chairs a committee (including Travis McGinnis) to create a new scholarship program for career grants and modeling achievements to help young people.
• Orlando Museum: No more contributions will be collected in the immediate future; the status is indeterminate and AMA will soon have its own museum.

Other highlights:

• RC Formula I Pylon now qualifies under new FAI rules. To qualify as a World Championship, at least five international contests must be held using these rules.
• Upcoming film: Jay Gerber’s next finished film will be a Control Line film.
• Free Flight P‑30 added to the 1981 Nats.
• Special subscription rates approved: Model Aviation to schools $8/year, libraries $12/year.
• District VP authority: District VPs may be the final authority for problems in their District and may change traditional contest dates.
• Contest Director initiation fee raised from $1 to $20.
• U.S. offer to host the 1982 Scale World Championships moved and approved.
• Election ballots from the recent run‑off will be retained for at least a year.
• Extra Associate VPs authorized for Districts II, VI, and XI.
• Model identification rule: Mandatory identification of models recommended on Safety Code stickers to aid return of lost models.

A Treasurer’s Report

• AMA has purchased the land for its new building and the land is paid for; work on the building is now underway.
• Life memberships are increasing; donors can designate where their money goes (e.g., the new building).
• The recent run‑off election cost AMA $18,673.29.

Final note: Pensacola Fiesta of Five Flags Meet is June 13–14. See you next month.

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AMA's Future Home

The AMA is developing, through a fund‑raising campaign, a permanent facility to house its National Headquarters, a visitors’ center, and a museum of model aeronautics in Reston, Va., near Dulles Airport.

Growth and escalating rents have forced the Academy Headquarters to relocate several times in downtown Washington, D.C. since 1933; current quarters are inadequate. A museum is overdue—historically significant models, collections of engines, radio equipment and documents are being offered to the Academy by pioneers of aeromodeling who cannot wait another five or ten years. A visitors’ center will finally be a reality.

All AMA members are urged to support the Building Fund drive. Because of AMA’s non‑profit status, donations are tax‑deductible. Major contributors will be honored in the new home with prominently displayed plaques.

Available from AMA Headquarters and participating district VPs and AVPs are decals, pins, and patches to support the Building Fund. Clubs can participate—projects, contests or shows can donate proceeds. Clubs that raise $100 will be included on the honor roll; $500 or $1,000 contributions will receive deep‑etch metal plaques honoring the club at the facility. Certificate awards are also available for contests—their proceeds go to the Building Fund.

Individual and industry contributions of $1,000 qualify for individual plaques. Contributions of $1,500 to $5,000 qualify for a Wall of Fame with a named wall and plaque. For more information contact AMA Headquarters, 815 Fifteenth St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005. Attn: Andrea Peterson.

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Future RC Usage (Additional Notes)

Deliberations aim to retain five or more RC channels in a quiet region, ideally nearly exclusive. A voluntary band plan among users is expected. A transition period of three to five years would permit continued use of current channels (53.1–53.5 MHz). Change to a new frequency in the 50–54 MHz band should be technically simple and not expensive.

AMA Committee member Dick Jansson, WD4FAB, active in 6‑meter communications and in RC, has been appointed to ARRL’s VUAC. As a dual member of user committees, he brings balanced perspectives. He has experience with SSB operation and wide 6‑meter activity.

Because advisory committees are volunteer, timelines are uncertain. Constructive comments are welcomed by AMA RCFC—please send them to AMA Headquarters, attention: AMA RC Frequency Committee.

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Synopsis (continued)

1. Films and Future Projects

• The Control Line film (for early 1982) was approved to be completed, followed by a Free Flight film in 1982 and an RC film in 1983.

1. Nats Executive Committee

• Membership proposed and approved; committee authorized to adjust Nats schedules for certain events and to add P‑30.

1. 1982 Nats

• Dover AFB unavailable.

1. Insurance Status

• Coverage extended into 1982 at lower rates; developing a homeowners’ policy endorsement to cover model aircraft was unanimously approved.

1. Dues Rates

• Committee appointed to recommend dues for 1982.

1. Special Interest Groups

• Deadline extended for recognition criteria compliance.

1. Mini‑Nats

• Financial issue from 1980 Puerto Rican Nationals to be resolved before support for 1981.

1. General Rules Changes

• Changes to simplify the rules amendment process approved.

1. Flying Site Award

• Program to recognize site owners to be implemented.

1. School/Library Subscriptions

• Trial program approved: schools $8/year; libraries $12/year.

1. Assistant Vice‑President (District 7)

• Approved due to geographic split by Lake Michigan.

1. Associate Vice‑Presidents

• Additional AVPs authorized for Districts 2, 6, 11.

1. Contest Coordination

• VPs authorized to change traditional meet dates to resolve conflicts.

1. Tax Incentive Awards/Grants

• Discussed without action.

27–40. See prior section for details, including annual meeting date, model identification, travel stipends, minutes publication, and Model Aviation Day funding.

(continued on page 89)

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Miscellaneous Notices & Correspondence Excerpt

• Request for names and addresses of local RC groups in Maine–New Hampshire–Vermont for newsletter exchanges and to organize a State of Maine Fly‑In in the Augusta–Rockland area. Club contact lists and chartered club printouts will be sent to interested parties. Consider a "Council of Clubs" meeting in the fall.

• Notice of upcoming AMA officer elections (1981–82). Nominating Committee will meet at the Nats. Nominations must be submitted and accepted before the meeting.

• Comment on hiring at AMA Headquarters: personnel such as Vince Mankowski and Geoff Styles were recruited for HQ roles and are contributing effectively. This is not an example of Executive Council members seeking plush jobs; the work at HQ is substantial and necessary.

Correction note: Farmington, NM was mistakenly referred to earlier as Farmington, NH.

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II District Report — New Jersey • New York

John Byrne District II Vice‑President 36‑29 213 Street, Bayside, NY 11361

Associate Vice‑Presidents

• Pete Banchini, 250 S. Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10705
• Frank Drench, 9 Walton Ave., Piscataway, NJ 08854
• Hank Likes, 46 Cory Dr., Toms River, NJ 08753
• Adam Sattler, 50 Bendi Rd., No. 42, Schenectady, NY 12309
• Walt Throne, 208 Windermere Rd., Syracuse, NY 13219

Highlights:

• Dover AFB will not be available for the 1982 Nats due to base security and training requirements. Alternatives (Lakehurst, Pine Bluff NC, New England sites) will be pursued.
• New York Crazy 8’s Model Airplane Club (control line) has 57 members; substantial junior membership and strong club programs and fiscal management; multiple awards from the Association of Model Airplane Clubs of Greater New York.
• Harrison Aircraft Modelers are teaching an RC building and flying course at Harrison High School: three Sig Kadet kits purchased, 14 students enrolled, training underway with donated materials and loaned radio gear.
• Newsletter Parade: thanks to many clubs for sending newsletters; invitation to others to contribute.

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III District Report — Ohio • Pennsylvania • West Virginia

Dave Brown District III Vice‑President 8534 Huddleston Street, Cincinnati, OH 45236

Associate Vice‑Presidents

• Joe Eiben, 36690 Valley Forge Dr., Solon, OH 44139
• Francis Fluharty, 504 21st St., Vienna, WV 26101
• Corky Heiman, SR 108 North, Holgate, OH 43527
• Laird Jackson, 1025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
• Eugene Shelby, 217 Euclid Ave., Scottdale, PA 15683

Notes:

• SOME Show in Cincinnati had about 300 entries; trophy presentation by local radio personality Robin Woods.
• Frequency Committee discussions at Council meeting: proposal to use odd 20 kHz spacing on 72 MHz (72.010, 72.030, etc.) to separate RC channels from industrial users (on even spaces). Tests indicate typical industrial transmitter is 20 dB down at 10 kHz off‑center, which provides practical isolation.
• Equipment obsolescence acknowledged; believed some modification/replacement may be necessary but cost may be reasonable for the long term benefit of 50 new frequencies.
• Communication shortcomings of the Frequency Committee noted; Bob Aberle named chairman and expected to improve communications.
• Toledo ’81 Nats planning updates and apologies for missed film rentals to members.
• Lighthearted items, member correspondence and local club news included.

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IV District Report — Delaware • D.C. • Maryland • North Carolina • Virginia

Chuck Foreman District IV Vice‑President 607 Pohlte Drive, Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Associate Vice‑Presidents

• Wayne Abernathy, 9206 Carendon, 3, Upper Marlboro, MD 20708
• Bob Champion, 205 Tilton Rd., Newport News, VA 23606
• Howard Crispen, 611 Beachwood, Charlottesville, VA 22901
• R. Bill Helm, 2000 Toyola Road, Charlotte, NC 28210
• Scotty Moyer, 110 Orchard Lane, Wilmington, DE 19809
• John Preston, 7012 Elva Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
• Charles Spear, 910 Holly Lane, Mocksville, NC 27028

Notes:

• VP was called out of the country during the Council meeting; Chuck filled in.
• Observations on a lack of interaction between Academy officers, boards, committees and membership—encouraged members to engage with officials.
• Expect changes affecting flying field operations, improved insurance coverage, and important safety recommendations.
• Frequency Committee report at Council meeting was informative; doing business with government agencies is lengthy but committee earned appreciation.
• District includes many dedicated local volunteers who maintain flying sites, run mall shows, and organize events. Support local volunteers and projects.
• Building Fund drive to present memorabilia and fundraising items will be rolled out district‑wide—participate to support the future Headquarters and museum.

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V District Report — Bill Mathews

Bill Mathews District V Vice‑President 2712 SW 34th St., Apt. 8, Gainesville, FL 32608

Associate Vice‑Presidents

• John Goddard, 115 Bayberry Lane, Jackson, MS 39212
• Richard Jackson, 108 Thornlee, Charleston Heights, SC 29405
• Arthur Johnson, 932 Bayman Dr., Delray Beach, FL 33444
• Philip McDowell, 6521 Rolling Fork Dr., Nashville, TN 37205
• Joseph Micalizzi, SR 00866, Box 1532, Fajardo, PR 00638
• Ed Morrison, 70 Fifth St., Shalimar, FL 32579
• Harry Sherman, P.O. Box 45036, Birmingham, AL 35206
• Tom Thacker, 2290 Lawrenceville Hwy., L. Decatur, GA 30003

Highlights:

• Glen Sig Memorial Meet (Jacksonville, FL) hosted by the North East Florida Flying Model Council: about 40 contestants; proceeds to Glen Sig Memorial Scholarship Fund. City donated an expanded runway (50' x 400') to the Gateway RC Club.
• New club: Tri‑County RC Association (Chatham, Effingham, Bryan counties, GA) chartered less than a year and already has 27 members; flies from an old military helicopter training pad with three asphalt runways.
• Broward County RC Association hosted a presentation on full‑size hot air ballooning with planned demonstrations to attract members.
• Tom Hepler in Holland reports limited modeling activity observed; will attend Lelystad contest in June.
• Columbus‑Ft. Benning RC Flyers adopt multi‑media mall show approach.
• Kissimmee Valley RC Skydiving activities invited to a local air show; club also runs fly‑ins for RC Skydiving, Scale and Combat.
• USPJA is now Unified Scale and Pattern Judges Association and seeks members to coordinate recruitment and training.
• Happy landings!

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VI District Report — Horace Cain

Horace Cain District VI Vice‑President 525 Weidner Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60090

Associate Vice‑Presidents

• Loren Holm, 643 Hill and Brook, Quincy, IL 62301
• Frank Hughs, 401 S. Birch, Pittsburg, MO 64471
• William Kern, 1808 12th St., Bedford, IN 47421
• Glenn Lake, 819 Mandrake, Batavia, IL 60510
• Helen Olsen, 820 Old Bonhomme, University City, MO 63132
• Jim Sears, P.O. Box 308, Buning, KY 40310
• Bill Zimmer, Box 72, Verona, IL 61375

Notes:

• Warm weather flying season is too short; District VI has a great deal of activity.
• Flying site acquisition and maintenance is critical—clubs are encouraged to pursue local government, park districts and farmers for fields. Examples include leases of farmland and contributions to park funds.
• Clubs have invested in equipment (e.g., tractor mower) and work cooperatively to maintain sites.
• Two informational cases:

1. Public site access lost when a junior college made cuts—question whether donations would have preserved access.
2. A club refused a public static display due to security concerns—suggests exploring public outreach solutions.

• AMA’s flying‑site program exists but local participation is essential.

Great Race VI — 3rd International Soaring Event of 1981

• Organized by SOAR (Chicago), the Great Race is a cross‑country event with a 76 km course in a single launch.
• Past record: 30.4 miles (49 km) by Pat Flinn.
• As of March 16, 14 clubs entered, including Canada; teams from England, Australia and South Africa expressed interest.
• Awards: if course not completed, $300/$125/$50/$25 for places 1–4; if course completed, $1,000/$125/$50/$25 for places 1–4.
• Event date: July 25–26 in Plainfield, IL. CD: Dan Pruss, RR 2, Plainfield, IL 60544.

Additional events listed for June–July (Scale, CL, Pattern, Indoor Championships, etc.)—see local listings for details.

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VII District Report (excerpt)

• Note: District VII items referenced meeting minutes and local club actions. Minutes from the Milwaukee meeting (March 29, 1981) included discussion of HQ staff functions, Bylaws Committee motion concerning ethics of a paid member voting on the Executive Council, redistricting, scholarship fund increases, Building Fund fundraising activities, and frequency control cautions. Motion to increase scholarship annual fund to $10,000 passed. Regular communication meetings favored twice a year.

(See full minutes in District VII records.)

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VIII District Report — Arkansas • Louisiana • New Mexico • Oklahoma • Texas

Ted White District VIII Vice‑President 1109 Greendale, Bedford, TX 76021

Associate Vice‑Presidents

• Bud Friedl, 5512 Southwood, Little Rock, AR 72205
• William Hurley III, 927 Commerce, Pleasanton, TX 78064
• Dan Parsons, 11809 Fulmer NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111
• Ed Perez, 1102 N. Tarrant Rd., Grand Prairie, TX 75050
• Al Rabe, 1904 Valley Oak Ct., Irving, TX 75061
• Larry Sartor, 1415 Manor Dr., Bartlesville, OK 74003
• Ed Shearer, 3416 David Dr., Metairie, LA 70003

Notes:

• Frequency protection for RC is a top priority. Concerns expressed about proposals and whether industry might later occupy the odd frequencies AMA proposes.
• Discussion at Council: assurances were sought about industry not using odd frequencies; industry studies suggest modern technology can operate closer than 20 kHz apart.
• The Frequency Committee’s prediction that 72 MHz will not be filled in 10 years is contested by some; increased AMA effort and member action (letters, FCC license participation) urged to press for protected frequencies.
• Readers encouraged to write with opinions pro or con.

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IX District Report — Colorado • Kansas • Nebraska • North Dakota • South Dakota • Wyoming

Travis McGinnis District IX Vice‑President 8027 W. 81st Circle, Arvada, CO 80005

Associate Vice‑Presidents

• Charles Barron, 2220 Mammoth? Blvd., Casper, WY 82601
• Ed Cox, 8200 Latham Dr., Prairie Village, KS 66208
• Dick Crowley, 16413 E. Stanford Pl., Aurora, CO 80015
• Glen Lau, 3701 S. 44th St., Lincoln, NE 68506
• Tim Mattern, 429 Dogwood, Grafton, ND 58237
• Jim Ricketts, 516 S. Clouds, Sioux Falls, SD 57103

District highlights:

• Fargo, ND (Valley RC Flyers) held a February mall show displaying 36 aircraft; good club turnout.
• Grand Island Modelers Association (NE) display in Conestoga Mall featured AMA film and raffled a Top Flite kit donated by a local hobby shop.
• Rapid City (Propsbusters) field has a 600' paved runway and 150' taxiway funded by increased membership and annual flying shows.
• Council meeting highlights: cost pressures on AMA; films available on videotape; Nats planning progressing; Building Fund drive kickoff and fundraising items (patches, pins, decals, certificates) being distributed—support encouraged.
• Special subscription rates for schools ($8) and libraries ($12) noted as a PR move to reach younger audiences.

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AMA News — Additional Notes (District & Club Activities)

• Fundraising items for the Building Fund: lapel pin $5; patches $15, $25, $50; decals $1 and $1.50; certificates (unmounted $3.50, mounted $15). All donations are tax deductible.
• Captain Tom McClain clarification: he is in Korea (not Guam) and requested another copy of Those Marvelous Miniatures.
• New club in Las Vegas: SODA (Sons of the Desert Aeromodellers) with interests in RC, CL, Helicopter and Soaring.
• Reno Radio Control Club used display space at recreational vehicle and boat shows; membership and raffle activities reported.
• Contest Director fee raised to $20 effective July 1.
• P‑30 added as an official Nats event.
• Insurance: AMA now provides fire and theft coverage on members’ models with a $50 deductible and $1,000 maximum.
• Jay Gerber’s next film: Control Line.
• Offer to visit clubs and provide the AMA booth for mall shows; contact HQ to reserve the booth.

Future RC Usage — Summary (final note)

• The 6‑meter band plan discussions (AMA RCFC, VRAC, VUAC, others) aim to minimize interference, update allocations and preserve continued RC operation on 6 meters while accommodating increased amateur usage. AMA welcomes input from members.

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