AMA News

Edition: Model Aviation - 1982/03
Page Numbers: 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88

AMA News

1982 Easter Seal Telethon Fund Raiser

In early spring 1981 a general mailing was sent to all AMA‑chartered clubs announcing AMA's intention to serve as the national representative and fund‑raising organization for the 1982 Easter Seal Telethon. As a kick‑off event, AMA announced the Trans‑Am RC Rally to publicize the total fund‑raising effort for the 1982 Easter Seal Telethon Campaign.

The Trans‑Am Rally is now past. Although only a portion of the funds were raised during the event itself, many teams and clubs have already begun conducting or planning fund‑raising events to be held prior to the telethon (scheduled for March 27–28, 1982). One California club turned in over $500 from raffle sales (Las Vegas trip drawing) and has set an additional club goal of $3,000 prior to the telethon.

AMA has an obligation to the 1982 Easter Seal Telethon and a great national PR opportunity. Clubs and individual members who give their time and money will help make the program a success.

Fund‑Raising Drawing

The Academy of Model Aeronautics is promoting a drawing as a fund‑raising activity for the Easter Seal Society and urges all clubs to participate. By helping the Easter Seal Society, your local club can benefit as well.

Prizes:

First Prize — Jet fare for two to Las Vegas; four days/three nights at Circus Circus Hotel/Casino; dinner for two at the Italia; and a midnight show at the Stardust Hotel/Casino.
Second Prize — Jet fare for two to Las Vegas; three days/two nights at Circus Circus Hotel/Casino; luncheon buffet for two; and a Gray Line tour of Las Vegas.
Third Prize — Three days/two nights at Circus Circus Hotel/Casino and a $200 cash allowance toward transportation.

Ticket price:

Tickets will sell for a $1.00 donation to Easter Seals per ticket.

Club incentives:

Sell $100 in tickets — receive 10 free tickets.
Sell $250 in tickets — receive 25 free tickets.
Sell $500 in tickets — receive 50 free tickets.
Sell $1,000 in tickets — receive 100 free tickets.

Ordering and return instructions:

Tickets may be ordered by mailing the accompanying order form to AMA Headquarters.
All tickets will be numbered and stubbed. The stub is retained by the donor; the remaining portion may be returned to AMA HQ no later than March 15, 1982.
All monies and unsold tickets must be returned to AMA HQ.
The drawing for the Las Vegas trip will be held on March 30, 1982. Winners will be announced March 30, 1982.
Monies received by AMA HQ for ticket sales (by clubs) will be forwarded to the nearest Easter Seal Society office to benefit the areas where funds were raised.

Important legal and recordkeeping notes:

Some areas prohibit certain methods of raising funds. Check local laws before participating.
Retain accurate records of all ticket sales, including sequence numbers and donors' names or AMA numbers.
Report details of your fund‑raising activities and an accurate accounting of monies raised to AMA HQ prior to March 15, 1982. Monies and reports received by that date will be included in the grand total reported on the 1982 Easter Seal Telethon.
Working with local Easter Seal representatives can provide opportunities to report your club's results on the local telethon.

Fund‑raising ideas:

Road blocks: Man busy intersections for a few hours with buckets and Easter Seals pins (available from local Easter Seal offices). Example: Pizza Hut employees raised $3,000 in one Saturday doing this.
Garage sales: Clean out attics, sell items and raise money.
Collection canisters: Place canisters in local businesses or hobby shops from about January 1 to March 10 (canisters available from Easter Seal offices).
Cooperative bar event: Host a dart tournament with a $5 entry fee; supplement with a raffle — events like this have raised $1,000.
Club contribution: A check from each club for $25 would be a welcomed contribution.
Other activities: Raffles, static displays in malls and shopping centers, model demonstrations, fun flies, air shows, etc.

Recap — action steps:

Contact your local Easter Seal Representative to set up an initial meeting.
Decide immediately what you will do to raise funds.
Work closely with the Easter Seal Representative on publicity and event planning.
File accurate reports with AMA HQ so a national tally can be maintained and a club winner determined.
Call the AMA Special Events Department if you run into a problem the Easter Seal Representative cannot solve.
Keep it simple and communicate with AMA HQ and your local Easter Seal Representative.

Plan Your Own Rally

The Trans‑Am Rally (October 4–29) followed a southern route and excluded many clubs. Your club can plan a rally locally:

Challenge nearby clubs or form several teams from your membership.
Options include a two‑day weekend rally ending with a fun fly, or a one‑day rally of about 100 miles from point A to point B.
Determine length and limits to best benefit your area.
Work with your local Easter Seal Representative on publicity and fund‑collection ideas.
If interested in rules and general information for your own rally, write to the Special Events Department at AMA HQ.
Remember: safety is the highest priority — be thoroughly familiar with applicable rules and regulations.

AMA Election Results

Run‑off vote for Secretary‑Treasurer:

In the 1981 election for AMA Secretary‑Treasurer no candidate received a majority (at least 50%), so a run‑off revote was necessary.
New ballots have been mailed to 1981 adult AMA members. The postmark deadline for return is January 25 (year implied 1982).
Complete tabulations are on file at AMA Headquarters.

Vice‑President election highlights:

District 1 — Ed Izzo 626, Smith 578, Others 13.
District 3 — Brown 1,570, Witt 724.
District 5 — Mathews 1,109, Others 21.
District 7 — Brodersen 1,097, Others 39.

(Complete results are available at AMA HQ.)

Notable: Raymond H. McGivern (certified public accountant) is referenced in the reported results.

District Reports

I District Report — Ed Izzo

Ed Izzo District I Vice‑President 483 Fiske St. Holliston, MA 01746

Associate Vice‑Presidents:

Don Kraft, PO Box 1828, 73 Heritage Lane, Duxbury, MA 02332
Bob Brodeur, 405 Main St., Nashua, NH 03060
Al Nowicki, 4 Beverly Place, Norwalk, CT 06850

Thanks to all District I members for your support and votes. Appointments to help carry out district duties:

Scale Contest Board: Irv Searl, 52 Longhorn Dr., Nashua, NH 03060
Radio Control Contest Board: Lance Murphy, 29 Hightop Circle E., Hamden, CT 06514
Contest Coordinator: Bernice Williams, 347 Southwick Rd., Westfield, MA 01085

Goals and initiatives:

Work with the Nationals Committee to locate the Nationals in the east (coordinate with John Byrne, District II).
Produce a simpler brochure explaining insurance benefits and coverage for members.
Launch a program to reduce noise levels of model aircraft (technical committee and manufacturer cooperation) to help retain flying fields.

Other notes:

I will attend my first Executive Council meeting on January 30th to pursue these items.
Congratulations to the South Shore Radio Control Club on electing Fred Bopp as President.
Clubs: please put me on your mailing lists for newsletters and activities.

II District Report — John Byrne

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

Associate Vice‑Presidents:

Pete Bianchini, 260 S. Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10705
Frank Dresch, 9 Willow Ave., Piscataway, NJ 08854
Hank Likes, 46 Cory Dr., Toms River, NJ 08753
Adam Satter, 50 Randi Rd., No. 2, Schenectady, NY 12309
Walt Throne, 208 Windermere Rd., Syracuse, NY 13219

Highlights:

Iona Island flying site: A meeting at Bear Mountain Inn led to formation of the Interstate Model Flying Club (initial membership of more than 375). The Club will represent modelers in negotiations with the Palisades Interstate Park Commission regarding Iona Island and other park sites.
Requirements to fly at Iona Island: current FCC license, current AMA membership or equivalent insurance, and reasonable flying ability.
Initial officers: Len Ellentuch (President), Charles Brownell (Secretary), John Day (Treasurer), Jay Cox (Flight Safety Officer). George Obsbuth named Liaison with the Park Commission.
Advice: Consider organizing an AMA‑chartered chapter (non‑profit corporation) to represent clubs collectively — use an attorney to avoid improvised charters.
Commendation: Southern Tier Aero Radio Society (S.T.A.R.S.) donated $175 to the AMA Building Fund.

Community and club activities:

WRAMS and other area clubs remain active with shows and photos documenting events.
The Interstate Model Flying Club effort demonstrates how a small group can achieve significant results through perseverance.

IV District Report

Key items:

Another runoff election is occurring for the office of Secretary/Treasurer (runoff between Horace Cain and Jim McNeill). If Leader Members approve proposed bylaw revisions (changing to simple majority elections), future runoff costs may be avoided. Each runoff costs approximately $10,000. Total ballots cast: 16,643 (out of over 80,000 members).
Browns Mountain slope soaring site (Charlottesville): Anyone planning to fly there should contact the Rivanna RC Club for permission. The caretaker became upset over careless behavior and flying privileges are at risk. Rivanna Club is forming a committee to negotiate, increase owner insurance, post property, and police usage. Potential radio interference with a UVA field will be tested. Contact: Bill West or Howard Crispin c/o Rivanna RC Club, c/o Arthur Pesch II, Club President, Lumina Ridge, Box 101, Free Union, VA 22940.

Club visits and news:

Apology to Doug Kee and the Valley RC Club (missed banquet due to travel).
Visits to Hickory, NC clubs (Hickory Prop Twisters, West Hickory Aeromodelers, Hornet Aeromodelers, Metroliner Control Line Society, Shelby RC Club, Winston‑Salem Club, Greensboro RC Club). West Hickory Aeromodelers donated $100 to the AMA Building Fund; Hickory RC Prop Twisters donated $50.
From the DCRC newsletter: anecdote about demo‑team pilot Harry Gratton (humorous incident during a public display).
Brainbusters Free Flight Club: spring contest planned for May 16 at Petersburg airport (includes Control Line and RC Glider).
Northern Virginia Radio Control Club: Winter Sno‑Fly scheduled for January 17, 1982, at Arcola Field (CD: Bob Chatman).
Aeromasters: William J. Mann of King George County passed away November 14, 1981; he will be missed.
Roanoke Valley RC Club auction scheduled for February 27 at Northside High School.

V District Report — Bill Mathews

Bill Mathews District V Vice‑President 311 Poinciana Drive Birmingham, AL 35209 (205) 879‑6550

Notes and items of interest:

Thanks to all who voted in the AMA elections.
Welcome Don Lowe to District V (Altamonte Springs, FL).
Clarification: The AMA Frequency Committee is financially backed by AMA; reporting methods will be adjusted to make expenditures clearer.
Public relations department will be reorganized in response to member feedback.
Miss District V: Jennifer Lord, age 20, student at Florida Junior College.
Second Sig Pattern Meet: Jacksonville, FL, March 20–21, 1982.
Warning: 72‑960 MHz is virtually unusable in Birmingham due to a pocket pager transmitter atop Red Mountain.
If your club has officers who are too busy to perform their duties, drop a line to the District VP.

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 Hughes, 401 S. Birch, Plattsburg, MO 64477
William Kern, 1808 12th St., Bedford, IN 47421
Glenn Lee, 819 Mandrake, Batavia, IL 60510
Raymond Meyers, P.O. Box 263, Smithville, MO 64089
Helen Olsen, 820 Old Bonhomme, University City, MO 63132
Jim Sears, P.O. Box 308, Burgin, KY 40310
Bill Zimmer, Box 72, Varna, IL 61375

Notes and corrections:

Apologies to Morrie Caudill of the Peoria Area Wyreflyers for an earlier naming error.
For complete information on activities, contact the Suburban Aeroclub of Chicago's Dopecan Editor, Byron W. Sauroil.
John Langley (Illinois Lake County RC Club) writes about accepting and enjoying the special characteristics of each model.

Winter event calendar (selected):

Feb 13 — Woodland Aeromodelers Annual Auction, Woodridge, IL (Edgewood School). Contact: Jack Ganz (312) 257‑2714.
Feb 19–21 — Glenbrook Mall Show, Ft. Wayne, IN. Contact: Ft. Wayne Flying Circuits (Dick Brace).
Mar 6–7 — Crestview Mall Show, Covington, KY. Contact: Dave Johnstone, 733 W. Grand Ave., Covington, KY 41015.
Mar 12–14 — MAA Chicago and Midwest RC and Hobby Exposition, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL. Contact: Casey Solwinski, Box 92, Orland Park, IL 60462.
Mar 13–14 — Eighth Annual RC Model Show, Elkhart, IN (Concord Mall). Contact: R.E. Firestone, 58788 S.R. 15, Box 303, Goshen, IN 46526.

Newsletter editors: Please add AVP Jim Sears (Burgin, KY) to your mailing lists.

Best wishes to all modelers in District VI.

Profiles and Notable Contributors

Trixter Beam design:

The Trixter Beam design was one of the successful early RC model kits that introduced newcomers to the field.

Edward J. Lidgard:

Ed "Sparky" Lidgard began flying model airplanes in 1928 and has remained active for decades.
He is known for the "Sparky" kit produced by Comet and for numerous published plans (Eugene Two, Excess Two, Little Wake, Outdoor Flapper, Hi Ho, Little Cloud Sniffer, and others).
Active as a competitor and club officer; Secretary of the Free Flight Model Airplane Association of Southern California.
Participated on U.S. Wakefield teams (England 1949; Sweden 1952; Finland 1953) and managed the U.S. Wakefield program for three years.
Contributed to folding propeller designs and developed beginner models; long‑time AMA member and supporter.

Leroy M. (Roy) Cox:

Roy Cox was a well‑known pioneer in affordable model engines and ready‑to‑fly models.
He used automated manufacturing to produce high volumes of engines, including the very small Tee‑Dee .010 (.163 cc) that ran at very high RPM.
Cox products introduced many youngsters to modeling; at Disneyland's Thimble Drome, many non‑fliers flew Cox models.
Roy Cox passed away in September 1981; his engines and innovations remain influential.

Let's Do Some Thinking on Juniors' and Beginners' Own Terms

Rather than criticize beginners for struggling, AMA and the hobby community should look through beginners' eyes and ask why we fail to make the hobby more attractive to them. The goal is fewer snappy remarks and more practical help: recruitment, encouragement, instruction, and retention.

Before launching a broad program, AMA asks for input focused on these questions:

What do we mean when we say we propose to "aid the Juniors/beginners"?
What is missing in the current uncoordinated approach to aiding Juniors/beginners?
What is wrong with the current style of models, contest events and the contests themselves?
What is the model industry doing, not doing, or doing wrong regarding Juniors/beginners?
What is it that keeps schools from endorsing model building programs?
Why do we not get more support from communities, businesses and government?
What can the AMA do that would be effective?

Also list what is currently being done right. Keep responses brief and to the point. Send replies to the author (or to AMA Headquarters with a copy to the author) so input can be coordinated and distributed through the "Junior Flight" column. This effort is voluntary and currently unfunded by AMA — coordination and grassroots work will be essential.

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