AMA News
THE 1983 FAI GENERAL CONFERENCE
Every year the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the world-wide governing body for sport aviation, meets in a different country. Last year it met in Belgium; the year before, in Japan. This year the FAI met in the U.S.A., in Los Angeles. Delegates from about 40 countries attended, representing ballooning, parachuting, soaring, aeromodeling, homebuilts, hang gliding, ultralights, aerobatics and more.
Most business dealt with the fundamentals of the world organization: budgets, election of officers, committee reports, and awards. Aeromodeling received attention in several ways: recognition of new world records, review of aeromodeling world championships, and representation at the annual meeting of committee presidents by the President of the FAI Committee for International Aero Modeling (CIAM).
John Worth, AMA Executive Director, represented AMA at the conference. When CIAM President Sandy Pimenoff (Finland) had to leave early to attend the Free Flight Aeromodeling World Championships in Australia, he asked Worth to deliver his report to the full conference. Worth noted that FAI aeromodeling holds an average of three world championships per year and oversees eleven disciplines: Free Flight (indoor and outdoor), Control Line, RC Aerobatics, RC Soaring, RC Pylon Racing, RC Helicopters, RC Electromodels, Scale (Control Line and Radio Control), and Spacemodels (rockets).
The meeting provided an opportunity for all sport aviation interests to explore common concerns and exchange ideas for mutual benefit. Among recurring concerns were increasing government control of airspace and the need to reduce noise from everyday flying activities—a factor that makes obtaining and keeping flying sites more difficult.
Aeromodeling was highlighted at the awards presentation when AMA member Richard Weber (Columbia, MD) received the Alphonse Penaud Diploma in recognition of holding more aeromodeling records at one time than any other modeler. This was only the second time the Penaud award was made and the first time it was awarded to a modeler from the U.S.A.
The FAI delegation visited the Howard Hughes "Spruce Goose" near Long Beach, where local modelers Forest Edwards and Harry Apoian displayed quarter-scale aircraft. Forest Edwards also ran an original-design, home-built 5-cylinder radial engine for the visitors.
FAI, headquartered in Paris, functions similarly to the International Olympic Committee: it establishes international competition rules, selects national teams, organizes world championships, and recognizes world records. AMA participates in the process through its divisional status with the National Aeronautic Association (NAA), the official National Aero Club of the U.S.A., which delegates responsibility for U.S. activities involving the FAI to AMA.
Politics in FAI
The FAI is a notably liberal international body and has often enabled equal recognition and participation among member countries. This openness has been evident in aeromodeling, where participants from East and West frequently compete together.
However, political issues have had an effect. Some nations have restricted their modelers from freely participating in FAI events. For example, the People's Republic of China, which planned to send a team to the RC Aerobatics World Championships in Pensacola, FL, withdrew because it objected to South Africa’s participation. Russia also communicated objections to South Africa’s involvement. A judge invited from Czechoslovakia similarly had to withdraw when his aero club would not permit him to attend for the same reason.
Despite these boycotts, events have proceeded. At Pensacola 28 countries competed. The political decisions to stay away affected only those who didn’t attend; most modelers who were prevented from coming wanted to participate. The event went on and concluded successfully.
Notable results from the RC Aerobatics World Championships included:
- Individual: Hanno Prettner (Austria) finished first, Bertram Loosen (Federal Republic of Germany) finished second, and Dave Brown finished third (Hanno and Dave were tied at one point; Hanno’s final round gave him the edge).
- Additional American results: Steve Helms placed 6th and Tony Fraczkowiak placed 8th.
- Team: The U.S. team won first place, Japan finished second, and the Federal Republic of Germany took third.
Reflecting on these results, it is striking that the U.S., Japan and Germany—countries once at war 40 years ago—now stand together in friendly competition. Aeromodeling fosters international camaraderie and personal relationships across borders.
Reno '84
Plans for the 1984 Nats in Reno originally touted superb free flight dry lake beds and good RC soaring and control-line sites. However, an unusually heavy winter left the dry lakes wet. Adjustments were made:
- Free Flight will operate from a wide open site north of the airport instead of the dry lake east of the airport.
- A large pasture south of Reno will serve as the site for RC Soaring and Helicopters.
- Control Line activities will use the apron at Stead Airport; other RC activities will be on an adjacent runway.
The Nats will be held in Reno for 1984. The Nats Executive Committee has recommended a return to Westover AFB, Chicopee, MA, for 1985. Sites being considered for 1985 include Seguin, TX, and Lake Charles, LA, depending on availability.
Executive VP's Report
Jim McNeill AMA Executive VP 617 South 20 Avenue Birmingham, AL 35205
Do you remember the Nats entry fees poll two months ago? The question asked: "Are the entry fees too high?" Only four members in the entire United States returned the questionnaire—out of roughly 88,000 members. With such a low response, the Nats fee structure will remain unchanged. The four respondents were Mark Corbett (Waxhaw, NC), David Sheppard (Gainesville, FL), Paul O'Donnell (Gainesville, FL), and Lester Deily (Douglaston, NY) who suggested the basic fee should not exceed $10.
Our AMA Safety Committee has expanded its scope and formed an Advisory Board. John Thompson (Cottage Grove, OR), recently appointed to the board, suggested a 10-foot chain-link fence between spectator bleachers and Control Line competition areas to protect spectators from rare but possible escaping high-speed CL planes. This suggestion, particularly if portable solutions are feasible, will be brought to the next AMA Council meeting.
Paul Samaras, Safety Editor of the AMA National Newsletter, was added to the basic Safety Committee at the Nats Council meeting and proposed a club patch for Safety Officers. John Worth indicated this will be added to the basic club packages for 1984.
Another safety recognition under consideration is awarding a flag to each AMA-chartered club that qualifies as a "Safety Award" club for a year with no injuries and no insurance claims. The flag would display the AMA insignia, the words "Safety Award," and the year. With increasing numbers of fliers, clubs, and larger equipment, continuous attention to safety is essential.
Unlucky 13th?
The 13th World Championships for RC Aerobatics in Pensacola faced significant challenges that nearly undermined the event.
Problems included:
- Hotel issues: the originally planned hotel proved unsuitable due to severe deterioration. A combination of two hotels was used, but neither had sufficient dining facilities. A meal-ticket arrangement to nearby restaurants provided a workable solution.
- Official and judge dropouts: Several judges and teams were prevented from attending, and AMA (as host) was obligated to cover travel, lodging, and meal expenses for approved international officials per FAI rules. After many communications, a slate of eight judges and three jury members was assembled following dropouts from Finland, Czechoslovakia, Ireland, and Italy.
- Site logistics: The flying site changed multiple times, resulting in a 30-minute drive from hotels and an afternoon sun problem that forced flying to start as early as 7 a.m.
- Weather: Following a week of fair weather, the contest began in wet, windy, cold conditions with fog, wind shifts, and rain—unseasonable for October in Pensacola.
Despite these setbacks, the last day brought perfect weather and a successful flyoff. Adjustments to the site eliminated the late sun issue, the public turnout was strong, and the spirit of the event improved through the banquet. Patience and persistence made the 13th championships a success, though the planning period was stressful.
AMA News
Model Flight in "The Big Apple"
Contrary to expectation, a model aircraft enthusiast in New York City need not travel far to fly. From Queens County you can reach an RC flying field in about 10 minutes—the field of the Blue Angels MAC. Brooklyn’s Floyd Bennett Field and Marine Park (home to the Radio Control Society of Marine Park, RCSMP) are within a 30-minute drive.
Notable New York City flying sites and clubs:
- Blue Angels MAC: located on the Bronx side of the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge; operates under an annual permit from the NYC Department of Sanitation.
- Radio Control Society of Marine Park (RCSMP): based in Marine Park, Brooklyn, close to the Atlantic Ocean and Coney Island.
- Pennsylvania Avenue Radio Control Society (PARCS): shares Floyd Bennett Field with a U.S. Coast Guard Air Station and the NYC Police Department Helicopter HQs. PARCS frequently monitors for air-clearance orders from these agencies; when issued, all models land immediately and remain grounded until the "all clear."
Interstate Model Flying Club (IMFC)
On the weekend of September 24–25, during the opening and dedication of the new AMA HQ building in Reston, the Interstate Model Flying Club (IMFC) hosted the Second Annual Static Display and Model Boat Exposition at the Bear Mountain Inn (Bear Mountain State Park). Thanks to efforts by District II modelers and AMA, a public model-flying facility is now operational on Iona Island with official authorization from the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.
IMFC highlights:
- Membership grew to approximately 435.
- The show attracted thousands, with about 40 models on display ranging from rubber-powered Peanut Scale to a one-third-scale Sopwith Pup.
- A wide variety of models and large-scale boats were displayed; boats were run at nearby Hessian Lake.
- Some planes on display were flown Sunday at the Iona Island flying site to enthusiastic crowds.
Congratulations to IMFC for promoting model aviation and attracting strong public interest.
North Jersey Jumbo Flyers
Associate Vice-President Frank Costello has formed the North Jersey Jumbo Flyers to cater to Giant Scale fliers. Frank writes the "Giant Scale" column for Flying Models magazine and is seeking members interested in Giant Scale or large non-scale aircraft. Contact Frank for membership information.
Western New York Free Flight Society
The Western New York Free Flight Society (WNYFFS), now 14 years old and bearing Charter No. 1931, will hold its Fall Meeting and "Gaga Fun" on Saturday, November 12, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Meixner in Syracuse, NY. WNYFFS members performed well at the Nats, taking 14 places in Outdoor Free Flight events and one place in Rubber Scale.
Upstate Report
Lou Sauter, Associate Vice-President in Syracuse, reports cross-country flying achievements. Two fliers from the Valley RC Club (field in Nichols, NY), Mike McGuire and Dan Lechugo, flew from Nichols to Endicott, NY—a 21-mile trip—using a Butterfly 2 with an HB .20 engine and an Ugly Stick with an OS .50 engine, respectively. They averaged 45 mph; fuel usage was notable (HB .20 used 18 oz., OS .50 used 20 oz.). They plan to attempt similar events at future Fun Flies.
Starfliters RC Club
The Starfliters RC Club, located near Fort Dix/McGuire AFB in South Jersey, performs notable community service and public relations. Members conducted a static display and flight demonstrations at a Pemberton Township fair, contributing to strong community engagement. Club members are active, family-oriented, and supportive of local events.
Another First for AMA
For the first time, all chartered club insurance certificates were mailed out on time this year—an improvement attributed to the Executive Council’s support for computerization at headquarters.
Club financial safeguards recommended:
- Encourage payment of dues by check rather than cash.
- Put the President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary on the club bank account signature card.
- Require two signatures on checks.
- Appoint an audit committee (approximately three members) to audit club books at least annually.
These steps help protect clubs from embezzlement and bookkeeping errors.
District III Meeting: Salt Fork
Salt Fork State Park (southeast Ohio, near I-70 and I-77) will host Salt Fork on January 14–15—the second annual District III meeting and symposium. AMA District officials and club members are invited; symposium talks and discussion sessions are welcome. Families are encouraged to attend.
III DISTRICT REPORT
Dave Brown District III Vice-President 4560 Layhigh Rd. Hamilton, OH 45013
Associate Vice-Presidents:
- Joe Esben, 36800 Valley Forge Dr., Solon, OH 44139
- Francis Flusche, 504 21st St., Vienna, WV 26101
- Corky Hartman, SR 108 North, Hilliard, OH 43527
- Laird Jackson, 1625 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
- Eugene Shetkey, 2716 Euclid Ave., Scottdale, PA 15683
Frequency Coordinator:
- James Barone, 5552 Forsrun Ct., Cincinnati, OH 45239
Phone: (513) 542-4405
Highlights:
- The RC Aerobatics World Championships concluded with the U.S. team winning for the fifth consecutive time. Individual finishes for the U.S. were third, seventh and eighth.
- The opening of the new AMA HQ (National Center for Aeromodeling) was a major event, with many notable modelers in attendance.
A cautionary note: several Ohio clubs have experienced embezzlement or sloppy bookkeeping. Clubs should adopt safeguards (multiple signers, audits) to protect funds.
IV DISTRICT REPORT
Chuck Foreman District IV Vice-President 607 Pahonte Drive Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Associate Vice-Presidents:
- Wayne Abernethy, 9205 Carendon, 3, Upper Marlboro, MD 20720
- Bob Champe, 203 Tipton Rd., Newport News, VA 23606
- Howard Crispin, 611 Beaverdam Rd., Charlottesville, VA 22901
- G. Bill Hales, 2008 Towne Rd., Charlotte, NC 28210
- Scotty Miller, 11 Orchard Lane, Wilmington, DE 19806
- John Foster, 7012 Elvin Court, Falls Church, VA 22042
- Charles Sorey, 253 Sailry Lane, Mooresville, NC 27028
Frequency Coordinator:
- Paul Youseff, 6405 Whittington Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28301
Phone: Evening (919) 482-5986
Remarks:
- The camaraderie and family aspects of modeling are emphasized. Traveling, visiting clubs, and meeting members across the district have been rewarding experiences.
- The responsibilities of AMA Council members are significant; long-range planning for the organization should be a priority.
- The column acknowledges the efforts of many volunteers and encourages continued community spirit and involvement.
What's happening in District IV:
- Greensboro Radio Aeromodelers: a reminder about shared responsibilities—“Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody” story—don’t assume work will be done by others.
- Metrolina Control Line Society: notes of appreciation for club efforts.
IIII (typo corrected to XI) DISTRICT REPORT
Ed McCollough District XI Vice-President 53 S.E. 61st Ave Portland, OR 97215
Associate Vice-Presidents:
- Al Culver, 1607 S. Van Elm, Rt. 1, Pocatello, ID 83201
- Simon Greene, Box 58, Rt. 1, Broadview, MT 59005
- Jerry R. Fuller, 3050 Riverwood, Juneau, AK 99801
- Dave Mullens, 15859 Palatine Ave., N., Seattle, WA 98133
- Bruce Nelson, Box 87, Vicksburg, St., Pocatello, WA 99208
- Dick Wickline, P.O. Box 623, Klamath Falls, OR 97601
- Dick Young, 29020 163 Ave. S., Federal Way, WA 98003
- Don Zippy, 24184 NE Main St., Redmond, WA 98052
Frequency Coordinator:
- Robert Booth, 16349 SE Haw Dr., Portland, OR 97236
Phone: (503) 761-5103
Highlights and reminders:
- Club foundations and field improvements: donations/pledges (approx. $1,800) are being used for field development (sprinklers, grass, shade trees, ramada).
- Training programs: clubs are implementing formal training from Novice to solo.
- Frequency and interference: check with the Frequency Coordinator ahead of major events (e.g., Reno Nats) for updates.
- The building fund for the new AMA HQ remains active—members are encouraged to support reducing the mortgage.
- Contest scheduling: clubs should coordinate contest dates to allow broader participation at major events like the Nats.
- Records and contest reports: congratulations to record holders and contest organizers across the district.
- Safety reminders: preflight checks, range testing, and flying with others improve safety.
Local club notes:
- OMAS-1 held a successful opening of its new flying site at Banks despite mixed weather.
- The Eugene Aeronuts newsletter editor Samantha McAllister received recognition for her work.
- GAS (Juneau) and Tri-Cities (Richland/Pasco/Kennewick) are making strong progress on field acquisition and facilities.
- Sky Knights Vancouver Lake Float Plane meet had some recoveries and challenges; attendees were fortunate that no one was seriously injured.
Seasonal note: Best wishes for a happy and peaceful holiday season and a productive year of modeling in 1984.
ADDITIONAL LOCAL REPORTS & NEWS
- Valley R/C Flyers (North Dakota) held a successful Fun Fly; novice timed flight winners: Paul Ott (1st), Bob Towne (2nd), Donald Vaspier (3rd). The club’s Annual Mall Show (last week in February 1984) typically features over 200 static entries.
- Dave Rolley (Control Line) is now a CL columnist for Model Airplane News.
- Kansas City AC A (K.C.A.C.A.) biannual meeting and banquet drew members from about 10 clubs for fellowship and displays.
- Model Association of Central Kansas (M.A.C.K.) emphasizes training new pilots and membership growth; encourages members to promote the club.
- Port Lavaca, TX aircraft event successfully joined model clubs, ultralights, and full-scale Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) participation, including offering transmitter stick time to spectators.
- Visitors from Mexico participated in Southwest Soaring League events in Texas; interesting contests and international exchange continue.
Congratulations to the American R/C FAI Pattern team:
- Dave Brown (3rd), Steve Helms (6th), Tony Fraczkowiak (8th) — team champions in F3A world competition.
ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS
1810 Samuel Morse Dr., Reston, VA 22090
AMA HQ SERVICES STAFF
- Executive Director: John Worth
- Assistant Executive Director: Vince Mankowski
- Executive Secretary: Joyce Hager
- Comptroller: Gisele Jackson
- Competition Services Director: Micheline Madison
- Special Services Director: Carl Maroney
- Membership Director: Carol Merfeld
- Public Relations Director: Geoff Styles
- Special Events Manager: Douglas Pratt
- Publications Director: Carl R. Wheeley
- Administrative Coordinator: Bob Voislavek
- General Counsel: Jeremiah Courtney
- Assistant General Counsel: Jack Smith
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
