AMA Special Report
Judgment in Lawsuit Against Sport Flyers of America, Inc. and Elliott Janss, Jr.
Muncie, Indiana August 23, 1999
As originally reported in the June 1997 issue of Model Aviation, AMA obtained a consent judgment in its favor against Sport Flyers Association, Inc. After Sport Flyers Association failed to live up to the terms of the consent judgment, AMA filed suit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, against a new entity called Sport Flyers of America, Inc., and its owner, Elliott Janss, Jr.
AMA argued that Sport Flyers of America had stripped the assets of Sport Flyers Association, and that Mr. Janss was continuing the business affairs of Sport Flyers Association with the same membership, the same operational procedures, and the same insurance policies as Sport Flyers Association, while claiming freedom from its former liabilities to AMA under the consent judgment.
On February 4, 1999 the Court entered a judgment against Sport Flyers of America and Elliott Janss, Jr. The Court agreed with AMA's claims that Sport Flyers of America and Mr. Janss fraudulently used Sport Flyers of America to avoid paying the money Sport Flyers Association owed AMA under the consent judgment, and awarded $124,000 to AMA. Citing the complicated nature of the case resulting from the fraudulent actions of Sport Flyers of America and Mr. Janss, the court also awarded $28,961.75 in attorneys' fees and $6,549.08 in expenses to AMA.
Sport Flyers of America and Janss then asked the Court to set aside this judgment. In a five-page opinion dated May 20, 1999 the Court refused to do so, finding that Mr. Janss and Sport Flyers of America did not present a meritorious defense to AMA's claims. On June 10, 1999 Mr. Janss filed bankruptcy, and on June 30, 1999 Sport Flyers of America filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
Campaign Statements
District Vice Presidents
#### District III — Bob Brown (incumbent)
The Academy of Model Aeronautics has experienced several significant changes in recent years. As your elected Vice President, I have attempted to provide the professional leadership necessary to continue and enhance membership benefits during this crucial period.
It is now time to focus on the needs of the individual members and the local club. The procurement of local flying sites is of primary concern. The Academy must enhance its programs to enable local clubs to obtain and maintain their flying sites. Positive liaison between national, state, and local government agencies must be increased. Corporate involvement is also necessary. As your elected representative, I have the expertise needed to initiate this increased involvement.
Membership growth within the Academy must be increased. To do this, the individual member must obtain additional benefits without increased cost. Programs involving the neophyte must provide proper assistance needed to become an active modeler. Today's modeling style is changing; we have to adapt to this change. A more positive alignment with the hobby industry will certainly benefit all.
The role of the AMA Special Interest Groups must be increased. The SIGs know the desires of their membership. The Academy has to listen.
Apathy within society is very critical to our hobby. Unfortunately, not many club members desire to extend themselves for the club. The Academy's Leaders Club Program should be extended to help encourage active club involvement and participation.
Within the modeling hobby, one can express oneself in several different avenues: airplanes, boats, cars, etc. The time has come for the Academy to act as the catalyst to have all the various organizations working for common goals. Duplication of effort is costly and often counterproductive. The primary need for all is to acquire additional sites to actively conduct our sport. It is time we work together.
As your elected representative, I will continue to be available to all. Recognition of the needs of the individual modeler is of the utmost importance. Please demonstrate the positive attitude we have within AMA's greatest district—Vote Bob Brown!
#### District VII — Dave Gish (incumbent)
I don't believe in long, involved campaign statements and this one will be no exception. My first experiences with model aircraft started before WWII, and now that you know approximately how old I am we'll get into my qualifications for Vice President.
First of all, I already have a fairly good working knowledge of what is required of a VP because I took over for Don Bentfield due to his unfortunate death and have served since February 1998.
I have built and flown free flight, control line, and radio control models. My first AMA number was obtained back in 1943 and I have been actively involved with the AMA for the last twelve years. During my modeling career I have belonged to six clubs, served as president twice, and was never thrown out of any of them! Before serving as District VII VP, I was the AVP for Iowa.
If I am elected, I will not only perform the required duties of the office, but will strongly attempt to put "fun" into our hobby as its number one requirement! I am retired now, which means I'm available whenever you need me.
#### District XI — Al Culver
It is my desire to be your vice president and the representative voice of District XI at the Academy of Model Aeronautics. I do not feel that either AMA or District XI is in deep trouble and in need of fixing. I have no personal agendas to answer to. I do have a desire to have the best interests of our District in plain view and recognized by all other Districts and the National organization.
The communication capabilities of the world today make every modeler in the district as close to me as if we lived in the same town. I am a model flyer and intend to continue that practice. I have lived in every state in our district but Oregon. Even there I worked for years and competed in contests from Albany to Ontario. I enjoy traveling, and I will use that as an excuse to attend fun flies and contests to get to know more of you and learn more about your desires and expectations.
I have been an AVP for the last three VPs and hopefully maintained my own identity throughout that time. I have many friends and acquaintances in all of the states in our district, so ask around and hopefully you will find one to tell you the good and bad of Al Culver. I will ask all the existing people to continue until such a time as they desire a change. Shaking up the district and reinventing the wheel will not be my way. It is my desire that all of you know as much about me as you would like and, short of being inundated with mail and e-mail, I will respond.
The thing more important than voting for me is voting in the election, but please do vote for Al Culver.
#### District XI — Bruce Nelson
I am Bruce Nelson, and I reside in Spokane, WA. I am a retired police detective and now the owner of my own business. I work with the managers of over a dozen major national corporations and provide their businesses' investigative and security services. I have been an AVP in District XI for the past 22 years, and this has given me a good insight into the problems and workings of the AMA. I consider it a great honor to be nominated for Vice President for this District.
I built my first model at the age of ten with the help of my father, and years later shared this experience with my sons. I have flown Control Line, Free Flight and began flying R/C in the late '60s. I have been a member of the Baron's Model Club of Spokane for almost 30 years.
In the '80s I became a member of the first AMA Air Show Team west of the Mississippi. I later managed that team, The Baron's Flying Circus, for over a dozen years. I have served as a member of the Air Show Team Advisory Committee for many years, and chairing it four times has given me the opportunity to meet and work with many AMA staff members and modelers all over the country. In that capacity I have successfully solved some complex and sensitive administrative problems.
My wife and I were part of a team that hosted the first ScaleMasters in the Northwest. We both also enjoyed working in the Public Relations Office at the Tri-Cities NATS. My wife is very supportive of my hobby and I feel this is extremely important when taking on a responsibility like this.
If elected, I will, as Vice President of District XI, make every effort to utilize the AVPs to a greater degree than in the past and in so doing help improve communications. I will work to help develop new flying sites and protect those at risk. I will keep myself available to the members of the district and assist them with their problems and needs. I will do my best to provide them with the services they desire, need, and deserve. My entire career has demanded that I be a problem solver, and I feel this experience will be a great asset in this endeavor.
Executive Vice President
C. Douglas Holland (incumbent)
I am the incumbent Executive Vice President of AMA and a candidate for re-election to a three-year term beginning January 1, 2000. I graduated from Duke University with a degree in accounting. I am a certified public accountant and have been practicing for 49 years. During WWII, I served in the U.S. Navy, primarily in the Philippines. At present, I am the Senior Partner and President of C. D. Holland & Company, P.A., a certified public accounting firm.
The Executive Vice President of AMA is responsible for financial operations. This includes finance, budgeting, daily accounting operations, and structuring debt to acquire fixed assets. There is involvement with federal tax law due to the amount of revenue generated and because AMA has unrelated business income from sales of advertising by Model Aviation. I have substantial academic training and practical experience in all of these areas as well as involvement in management responsibilities and consulting. In addition, my service on various committees has given me knowledge of the financial needs of AMA. All these factors stand me in good stead to perform this job with the highest standards.
My involvement with model aviation goes back to 1935 when I began building model airplanes at YMCA camp. I have been involved in indoor, free flight, control line, and radio control categories. I have been an active participant in these classes as a contestant in many events, including various nationals, as well as a CD for over 30 years. I am presently active in electric flying.
Due to my love of modeling and my extensive business experience in accounting, finance, and management, I feel I am most qualified to serve as the Executive Vice President of AMA. I will appreciate your support.
Focus on Education
Rocco Ferrario AMA Education Committee Member
Does your charter or club have a viable strategy for introducing the sport to newcomers? SAM 27 in Northern California does, and it works! Take a close look at how they've broken down their activities into five concrete levels.
How about your group's interests? Could you identify similar benchmarks, and then provide some incentive for the newcomer's successful completion of each goal? Give it a try!
Remember: the only bad junior program is no program at all.
SAM 27 Junior/Oldtimer Program
Goal: To expose and encourage youngsters in the sport of Oldtimer Model Aviation by facilitating:
- Active club membership in SAM 27 and the AMA.
- A sequential series of Oldtimer (OT) building projects.
- OT contest participation.
Student Responsibilities:
- Maintain at least two years of active club membership in both the AMA and SAM 27.
- Attend at least 2/3 of the club meetings prior to high school graduation.
- Complete the following five levels of OT activity (suggestions in parentheses):
- OT Hand-Launched/Catapult Glider (Zoomer)
- Small OT ROG Stick Type (Phantom Flash/Cloud Chaser)
- Small OT Rubber Cabin (Pacific Ace) — .020 Replica Free Flight, or 1/2A Nostalgia Free Flight (Strato Streak, T-Bird)
- Small/Large OT Rubber (Gollywock/Lanzo Stick) — 1/2A Texaco RC (Playboy Sr.)
- Any LER/LMR/Texaco Event, FF or RC, no Schnuerle porting
- Student completes each level by receiving half of a maximum score, as an official entry, in a sanctioned contest.
SAM 27 Responsibilities:
- Upon joining SAM 27, each student will receive the guidance necessary to complete each of the successive levels as listed above.
- The student's progress will be reported on a regular basis through the club's newsletter, the "Antique Flyer".
- Upon the completion of all five levels of OT activity, and graduation from high school, SAM 27 will award the student a cash scholarship of $100.
The following came from the Napa Valley Register, Friday, January 1, 1999:
SAM 27 Club Offers Right Stuff
Dear Editor,
I would appreciate your publishing my letter to some very special people, not only to say thank you, but in the hope it will also be a positive way to offer additional options to Napa's youth and their families. A "SAM 27" thank you.
My 14-year-old son, Trevor, a freshman at Vintage, is a member of SAM 27 model airplane club. Several years ago he was introduced to this hobby and eventually the club by his science teacher, Mr. Rocco Ferrario, who also offers a three-week summer camp "Ferrario's Flying Physics" at NVC where young people can spend all day learning to build and fly model airplanes.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Ferrario and two wonderful mentors, Mr. Ed Hamler and Jerry Rocha. These special Napans and SAM 27 club members have offered Trevor instruction, encouragement and even rides to competitions statewide. All this to a teenager they have known only a short time, but who has shown an interest and respect for their hobby. Mr. Hamler has made many unscheduled trips to our garage to rescue the day with his expertise, glue, tools and/or parts as have Mr. Ferrario and Mr. Rocha. They all love sharing their hobby and Trevor works hard to earn their respect.
While hobbies do cost money and can at times be inconvenient, I hope others will make the effort to encourage their children's interest or help them try something new and different. The Register lists a large number of clubs, meetings and activities. Perhaps one of these groups would offer some or all the benefits Trevor has received in SAM 27.
Diane Shiraishi Napa, California
Sound Advice
Ian Maclaughlin 11453 Alps Way Escondido, CA 92026-7026 E-mail: ian@spawar.navy.mil
In my February 1998 column, I recommended that a sound survey of the flying site should be done to provide the quantitative basis for setting sound level limits and verifying compliance with local noise abatement standards. This is an account of such a survey, condensed from the report of the survey team leader, Steve Kerrin of the San Diego Wingmasters.
The flying field is located on a closed county landfill in a rural residential/agricultural area. This land zoning category is subject to the most stringent limits on environmental noise imposed by county codes and ordinances.
The level at the property line may not exceed 50 dBA average over one hour during daylight hours. Measurements were made during normal club operations over three days.
METHODOLOGY:
- A Larson-Davis Laboratories Model 710 Integrating Sound Level Meter was used for all measurements. This instrument, much too costly for club ownership, was obtained from a mail-order electronics rental company.
- The unit is battery operated and contains an internal data logger which stores one-minute time-averaged data derived from 1,000 instantaneous readings taken during each one-minute time interval. The stored data were downloaded to a portable computer for post-processing and analysis.
- A-weighting and Slow response were utilized for these measurements in accordance with the ANSI method. No range switching is present on the Model 710 as its dynamic range is greater than 110 decibels. This virtually eliminates errors due to range-to-range calibration differences.
- All measurements were taken at a point 1,250 feet from the model airfield runway center, at the eastern boundary of the landfill property, which abuts the nearest residential site.
- The sound level meter was mounted on a tripod four feet above the ground. The unit's integral microphone has a conical response pattern approximately 60° wide. The unit was angled 45 degrees in the vertical plane and pointed toward the runway.
- A run-time stopwatch was started when the meter was activated. All flights were logged with takeoff and landing time referenced to this stopwatch. No modifications to flying operations were made. The aircraft and pilots present on the test days were representative of typical flight operations. All aircraft were in compliance with the Club sound level requirement of less than 90 dBA at 9 feet.
RESULTS:
(Day 2 only, typical) The weather was clear after morning stratus dissipated. Winds were light and variable with speeds generally 3–4 mph trending from the west. A total of eight pilots made 15 flights between 0900 PDT and the end of data acquisition at 1140 PDT. The resultant sound level data are presented in Figure 1.
The average sound level for this day was 38.1 dBA for the entire 2 hour 40 minute sampling period. The standard deviation for the data was 4.3 dBA. The highest one-hour average was 39.2 dBA. Numerous short-term responses were observed that seemed independent of aircraft operation.
DISCUSSION:
Average environmental sound levels were determined on three separate days with different numbers and types of aircraft operating. The average sound levels for the three days were 38.1, 38.2, and 38.3 dBA, well below the San Diego County ordinance requirement of 50 dBA for 60 minutes.
It was noted that short transient levels were detected which approached or exceeded 50 dBA. These peaks are seen during aircraft flights, but are also frequently seen when aircraft are not flying. This is especially evident in Figure 1 at 0950 and after 1110. The average sound levels during flights generally do not exceed 40 dBA.
While some of the transient peaks can be directly related to full-scale aircraft overflights and agricultural equipment movement, the exact nature of the majority of transient peaks remains unknown.
To determine whether wildlife activity was a reasonable explanation for these peaks, the sound level meter was deployed an hour before any club members arrived at the field. It was located in a brush-covered area similar to the site used for the three measurements but away from agricultural roads. An observer remained quietly near the meter.
During the 30 minutes which followed, numerous birds flew into nearby vegetation, sang their songs, and flew off after a minute or so. The resultant peaks were identical in nature to those observed during measurements.
CONCLUSIONS:
It is evident from the data obtained over three days of flight operations at the San Diego Wingmasters field that average sound levels at the eastern boundary are at least 10 dB below the San Diego County requirement of 50 dBA for 60 minutes.
Questions, comments and suggestions are welcomed. Email contact is ian@spawar.navy.mil.
Executive VP's Report
Doug Holland AMA Executive VP
3517 Fernwood Dr. Raleigh, NC 27612 (Home) (919) 787-5163 (Office) (919) 787-7454
For this month, I am presenting the schedule of investments. This shows the difference between the cost and the market value on a comparative basis between 1998 and 1997. The descriptions of the items on the left-hand side of the page give you an understanding of the nature of the investments.
We are constantly looking at the portfolio with the idea of making changes that best fit our investment needs. The market constantly changes and the thoughts on what the planners want to do constantly change.
We make our best guess and be sure we are conservative where we need to be and aggressive where we can be. That is the approach we are taking and we hope that our results continue to be as successful as in the past.
If any of you have any questions, be sure to call me and I will be happy to discuss them with you.
My little tidbit of interest to people who don't care about reading the numbers this month is this story:
A man moves into a new community. He met a neighbor on the street and he said to him, "How are the people down here? Are they good neighbors?"
The man responded by saying, "How were they where you left?"
The guy said, "Well, they were not friendly. They had nothing to do with me. They kept to themselves and they were, in general, not people you would enjoy being with."
The new neighbor said, "Well, that's the way you will find them down here too."
THE ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS, INC. SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
1998
- American National Trust, Muncie, Indiana — AMA Security Account:
- Cash on deposit — Cost: $464,847; Market Value: $464,847
- Government Obligations Fund — Cost: $648,820; Market Value: $656,398
- Total — Cost: $1,113,667; Market Value: $1,121,245
- AMA Investments Account:
- Cash on deposit — Cost: $272,905; Market Value: $278,844
- U.S. Treasury Notes — Cost: $796,328; Market Value: $812,675
- Government Obligations Fund — Cost: $56,137; Market Value: $56,137
- Marketable equity securities — Cost: $797,006; Market Value: $1,050,821
- Total — Cost: $1,922,376; Market Value: $2,198,477
- On deposit with Associated Risk Services Corp., Atlanta, Georgia — Cost/Market Value: $6,315
Total 1998 — Cost: $3,042,358; Market Value: $3,326,037
1997
Total 1997 — Cost: $2,913,381; Market Value: $2,969,571
Until later.
District I Report
Don Krafft Vice President PO Box 1828 Duxbury, MA 02331-1828 (781) 934-6248
Associate Vice Presidents
- James M. Semonian, 166 Allen Road, Billerica, MA 01821-5240
- M. C. McGuffin, 8 Robinson Street, Houlton, ME 04730-2312
- Harry S. Newman, 36 Sherwood Drive, Hooksett, NH 03106-1077
- Richard Sherman, 30 High Street, Plymouth, NH 03264-1223
- Andrew Argenio, 3 Sheila Ave., Smithfield, RI 02917
- Bob Wallace, 91 Sylvan Street, Avon, CT 06001-2230
- Frequency Coordinator: TBA
Woodstock Flyers Fly-In
Andy Argenio, District I AVP, sent in pictures from the June 19 Woodstock RC Flyers event. This Connecticut club took advantage of their airport flying site to host an RC aircraft and full-scale aircraft Breakfast Fly-In.
An area on the site was set up for static displaying of RC models. When all full-scale aircraft were landed, the RC flyers treated the full-scale pilots to demonstration flights of their models.
There were no restrictions to size or type of RC aircraft. Trainers, sport planes, warbirds, and aerobatic planes were flown.
District II Report
New Jersey / New York / Europe
Wes De Cou Vice President 85 Riverside Drive Basking Ridge, NJ 07920-1308 Phone: (908) 221-1666 Fax: (908) 221-9297 decou@idt.net
Associate Vice Presidents:
- Dave Babcock, 445 Stockton Street, Hightstown, NJ 08520-4501
- Roy A. Brown, USAF, AFMCE/CMF, 480 Box 585, APO AE 09073
- Ray Juschkus, 59 Livingston Street, St. James, NY 11780
- James M. Lewis, P.O. Box 61, Ogdensburg, NY 13669-0011
- Bob McKay, 109 W. Edward St., Salem, NJ 08880
- Dave Matthews, Box 613, (Carlsn?) NY 13031
- Tom Murray, 31 Voorhees Drive, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
- Marlene Nickolson, 407 Willow Street, Lockport, NY 14094
- Bill Poythress, 2 Hemlock Court, Saugerties, NY 12477
- Adam Statler, 41 Perry Avenue, Latham, NY 12110-2433
- Terry Terroneiro, 101 Smithfield Dr., Endicott, NY 13760-4329
Frequency Coordinator:
- Lou Sauter, 53 Airport Dr., Oswego County Airport, Fulton, NY 13069 — (315) 598-6093
July 10 was the kickoff for the Southern Tier Aero Radio Society's annual rally in Olean, NY. As in years past, pilots and spectators came from afar to participate in the event. During the last few years, this gathering has evolved into a four- or five-day event for some participants, with campers and motor homes appearing on site the Wednesday prior to the opening.
For the second year in a row, Jim and "Coo" Clarkson made the trek from Sonora, CA to witness the show. I think it's the sight of Contest Director Jim Goodemote trying to single-handedly "iron" the field on his ATV that brings them back.
The two-day event is filled with Scale as well as not-so-scale fun flying, a Saturday night picnic dinner, an auction, a wine and cheese party, and evening electric RC and Control Line flying. Something for just about everyone who attends.
I was greeted this year with a "Pepsi" banner proclaiming "Welcome '182' De Cou," a nickname I acquired a few years back when, after having flown a borrowed Scale Cessna 182 for a few minutes, the craft developed a mind of its own and performed an unplanned, rapid, somewhat nose-down landing. The plane still flies today... but the nickname just won't go away.
Six-year-old Jordan Schaefer made the trek to Olean from Kitchener, Ontario with his dad, Gary, and was rewarded with some nice evening Control Line flights.
Now, I have a question for the STARS. What if I had experienced an unplanned, rapid, somewhat nose-down landing with Paul's airplane? New nickname, right?
The weekend following the STARS rally it was my pleasure to travel to Old Forge, NY, home of the Mountain RC Modelers, to award the AMA's Superior Service Award to Pete Ferris.
Virtually the entire club had written to me over the past year to compliment Pete on his vision and tenacity with regard to starting and nurturing the club, assuring a flying site, and mentoring every would-be RC pilot to the point of competency. Where necessary, models and radios changed possession at no charge—just to foster the love of the hobby. Kudos to Pete!
At the same celebration, we surprised Gene Romano, who administers the property used by the Mountain RC Modelers, with a Certificate of Appreciation for his tireless efforts on behalf of the local model aviation community.
The Ralph C. Wilson Field House in Buffalo was the site of the Empire State Indoor Free Flight Championships earlier this year. Vet Thomas did a great job as CD for this event, which is sponsored by the Flying Aces Club and the Western New York Free Flight Society. The field house is gigantic, containing a regulation football field, sidelines, end zones, etc., all indoors.
This year is your chance to elect the District III representative to the AMA Executive Council. Although only one person has been nominated, I hope you express your right to vote. The ballot will be in your renewal packet. Please follow the instructions and vote!
Last month we mentioned the new AMA display that will be available for mall shows and AMA events. We need material to be displayed on the boards. If you have decent pictures of yourself, your club, or aeromodeling events, please send them to Bob Brown at the above address. Control Liners and Free Flighters should be included, too. The focus of the display is to show what is currently happening within your district.
Mahoning County Model Club: Stephen Gorsich provided pictures of the Mahoning County Model Club's mall show at the Southern Park Mall in Boardman, Ohio. A special thanks is extended to Pam Ferguson and those who helped establish the show.
Buc-Le Aero Sportsmen: Last July, the Buc-Le Aero Sportsmen of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, held their first annual "Kids Fly-In." Under the direction of qualified pilots, children from the community were invited to fly a model trainer on a buddy box.
With sponsorship from a local bank and hobby shop, the club offered every participating child free refreshments and a small hand-held model airplane. A total of 68 children between the ages of seven and fifteen kept the six teacher-pilots quite busy for five hours of flying.
The positive feedback from the parents and participants will certainly help the club within the community.
Next month is the special Nats issue for Model Aviation. Look for all the contestants from District III. Win or lose, they all enjoyed themselves.
Please remember to vote!
District IV Report
(Delaware / District of Columbia / Maryland / North Carolina / Virginia)
Chuck Foreman Vice President 412 Pine Cone Ct. Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Phone: (252) 441-5855 Fax: (252) 441-6554 Email: CHUCKSAMAVP@aol.com
Associate Vice Presidents
- George Abbott, 8712 Westlake Court, Raleigh, NC 27613 — Home: (919) 848-6719 — E-Mail: Gabbott442@aol.com
- Robert E. Babura, 117 Otis Dr., Severn, MD 21144-1130 — Home: (410) 969-9356 — E-Mail: bbabura@juno.com
- Randy Elliott, 103 Virginia Court, Pulaski, VA 24301 — Home: (540) 980-8461 — Office: (540) 994-2316
- Steve Moulton, 227 Johnstown Rd., Chesapeake, VA 23322 — Home: (757) 421-4545 — Office: (757) 431-6009 — E-Mail: stevemoulton@mindspring.com
- Richard (Dick) Smith, 761 Gwynne Ave., Waynesboro, VA 22980-3346 — Home: (540) 943-1684 — E-Mail: flyrrs@cfw.com
- John State, 826 Marl Pitt Rd., Middletown, DE 19709 — Home: (302) 376-7154 — E-Mail: vrcs38@aol.com
- Bliss Teague, 625 5th Ave. SW, Hickory, NC 28602 — Home: (828) 324-2164 — Office: (828) 733-9228 — E-Mail: blissteague@conninc.com
Frequency Coordinator:
- Paul Yacobucci, 6408 Winthrop Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28311-1007 — Phone (Evening): (910) 488-5986
Forget something? I just received a list of nine District IV clubs that have not renewed their charter for 1999. When I called them, they thought they had renewed it. I wonder what would have happened if one of those clubs had a serious accident. Is your club's charter up to date?
The Wright Brothers: Bill Jidd, secretary of the Kent County Aeromodelers, with twin grandsons Tyler and Joshua, the Wright brothers, nine years old. This day, July 7, was their second flight on the buddy box. Both performed six take-offs each. Chuck, you always say, "take a kid flying." I did one better. "I took the Wright Brothers flying."
Flying Site Concerns: Keep in mind, for all flying site concerns, contact Jay Mealy or Joe Beshar at AMA Headquarters.
Go take a kid flying.
District V Report
Most of the requests I get lately via e-mail involve supplying the names of AMA clubs in a certain area to members traveling or moving. If the club contact person had his phone number on the club listings it would be easier. I will suggest this to the proper persons for next year. My e-mail address is: ama@scott.net.
The nice people in the Broward County RC Association in West Miami invited me to their Warbird Fly-in so I went. They have a deal with Markham Park for an excellent field. I saw lots of good friends. Jim Scroggins was there. He is the one who gave me the priceless tape I've given away to a hundred clubs, "How Airplanes Fly." It is a 17-minute video for club meetings.
I know you've heard the wild tale that airplanes almost never crash in Florida and that's why modelers flock to fly there. Some say there is less gravity there. Some claim there is a state ordinance against bashing little planes in the ground in Florida.
Anyway, occasionally it does happen, not often of course.
In this remarkable snap, here's actual proof a fine model did crash in sunny Florida. These nice smiling flyers are hiding their agony and disbelief. This peachy P-47 got all busted up when something went wrong. Builder Gary Ballard (left) said his magnificent P-47 stalled. Kurt Williams is on the right. I asked Gary if he was going to rebuild the plane and he got real quiet. (I don't blame him.) Miami, Florida, is not too far from the "Bermuda Triangle" off the Miami coastline where gravity, compasses, the wind—everything—goes batty. Gary's little plane might have been spooked. Particularly since it was a WWII vintage. (Lots of crazy things happen that are unexplainable.)
The same weekend I visited the first EXPO '99 held in Sylacauga, Alabama. Sponsored by the Coosa Valley RC Club and the city of Sylacauga, there was a huge turnout on Saturday when I was there. One unique feature included a "buddy box" system where a famous flyer, Jerry Festa, showed beginners how to fly. This prestigious event was sponsored by Spivey 5¢ & 10¢ store in Birmingham.
Next month, a snap of the Sylacauga officials, Jodi Ford, Jerry Martin, and Mark Brewer.
I had to go back to Muncie on some business, so I visited the flying field. Everybody crabs about money spent buying the flying field until they see it. After they see it—no more yapping.
District VI Report
Lexington, KY: Club #318, the Lexington Model Airplane Club, held a mall show at the Turfland Mall in Lexington.
Thirty-three members of the Lexington Model Airplane Club and seven members of the Bluegrass Soaring Society exhibited 97 models.
All types of models—Free Flight, Control Line, and Radio Control—were on display. Wingspans ranged from less than 6 inches to more than 13 feet.
The club had a building area staffed by club members, and several hundred Delta Darts and Guillows gliders were built or given away to be built at home.
Allen Schroeder supplied the information and pictures.
St. Louis, MO: Gary Frost sent in the following. First we have the winners of an 80 mph combat contest sponsored by the Lafayette Esquadrille Club.
Picture two shows entrants and winners of a Sig 4 Star 40 race sponsored by the Spirits R/C Club.
Henderson, KY: Club #2880, the Henderson Radio Control Model Airplane Club, held their 9th annual fly-in. This has become Kentucky's largest fly-in with 74 registered pilots coming from seven states.
Featured at this event were Mac Hodges and his incredible 16-foot B-29. Robert Morton sent in the information and pictures of the crowd.
Seeking: Does anyone have video of my U-2 turbine-powered Control Line airplane flown at the Nats? I'd like to see it fly.
Text and photos submitted by Joe Campopiano, District VII AVP.
Last year the Madison Area Radio Control Society put on a fun fly for the benefit of the Dane County Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and this year, on July 10, they did it again.
About three dozen boys and girls and their big brothers and sisters attended and everyone had a fine time, including the MARCS members who turned out to staff the event. All of the kids who were big enough to fly got to do so on a buddy box. Some of them flew several times and made real learning-to-fly progress and showed concrete interest in flying.
Like last year, the Hobby Horse provided us with a supply of AMA Delta Darts. MARCS members, under the direction of Wayne Lanphear, helped the kids build and fly these planes. They seemed to be having more fun than the kids!
At noon, under the direction of Patricia McDonald, food was served, and while everyone else ate, Bob Miracle, Ed Buechner, and Pornon Wonkigt put on an acrobatic air show.
This was a successful event because of the great participation of so many members who contributed their time and planes to entertain a worthy organization.
If you have a similar organization in your area, consider putting on a fun fly for them. It will pay off in club pride and help reduce juvenile delinquency—guaranteed.
Al Grier 1925–1999
Hate to end on a sad note, but long-time member of the Des Moines Modelaires Al (Alfie) Grier died May 29, 1999. His passing was sudden and without warning.
Al started flying in WWII. He was stationed in the Pacific and flew mostly P-38s. He never quit flying until two years ago and had accumulated over 40,000 hours of flying time.
In model flying, he probably liked S.A.M. Oldtimer flying the best. He was CD at the SIG Fun Fly many years, started a Flying Penguin Group, and created Al Grier's Oldtimer Climb and Glide event 10 years ago.
With all of this and more to his credit, we will miss even more his story telling. If you listen hard you can hear St. Peter laughing now!
Climb high and max out Al—farewell for now. Chuck Blake
Bye till next time.
District VIII Report
(Arkansas / Louisiana / New Mexico / Oklahoma / Texas)
Dr. Sandy Frank Vice President 105 N. Brazos St., Weatherford, TX 76086-3207 Phone/Fax: (817) 599-7131 E-mail: SFrank@AMA-Dist8.org www.AMA-Dist8.org
Notice: for listing of all district volunteer workers consult the previous magazine issue or the above Web address.
OUR TIME HAS FINALLY ARRIVED!
If you have ever read or heard of any other large gatherings of modeling enthusiasts—Toledo, New York, Washington, California—mark your calendar now: May 19–20, 2000. AMA District VIII will host a grand gathering of all varieties and categories of model aircraft at the Arlington, Texas Convention Center (Interstate 30 between Dallas and Fort Worth and the ballpark in Arlington).
There will be discounted admission tickets for AMA members as well as swap shop table reservations available Jan. 1, 2000. At the door, admission is $5 per day, but advanced admission for AMA members will be $5 for both days. For information and reservations concerning decorated 10 x 10 commercial vendors/manufacturers booths ($99) please contact Dr. Sandy Frank at the above address.
Special accommodation rates have been established with the Sleep Inn, 750 Six Flags Drive, Arlington. Ask for the AMA District VIII convention rate of $55 per room. Airport shuttle service and local shuttle service, continental breakfast and two double beds are included. Make reservations at (817) 649-1010 or toll-free (888) 753-3762.
All proceeds (100 percent) from this event will be divided equally between the AMA scholarship fund and the AMA Museum program!
Invited guest lectures and technical symposia will be hosted prior to general admission Friday morning and during breakfast and lunch meetings on Saturday.
Call for Presentations: Present your abstract now so that you may be selected for a program presentation. Send it to Dr. Sandy Frank at the above address.
It has been many years since such a gathering of modelers was produced in the southwestern region of the country. This initiation year will establish a tradition that will last into the 21st century.
Mark your calendar now! May 19–20, 2000. This is a once-in-a-lifetime beginning! Do not miss it!
For further information or to volunteer to assist in the production of this gathering please contact me at the above address.
AMA, the glue that bonds modelers together!
The modeling experience is a family activity, as seen here: a national champion and three generations.
The 1999 United States National Champion in FAI pattern was selected during the Nats in Muncie, Indiana. Sean McMurtry (center) is from Oklahoma City and flew his Prophecy to overall national champion. Congratulations!
Sean's grandfather Bruce McMurtry (left) led the cheering section and his father Mike (right) was caller and chief mechanic.
Mike Harrison, shown with his Odyssey, made the cut and flew in the final round, where only the 10 highest qualifiers completed. He flies with the Hot Springs, Arkansas radio control club. This numbers 21 years of pattern competition for Mike. Aircraft modeling is a hobby/sport that can last a lifetime.
Jim Thompson represented the Dixie R/C Flyers from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and entered in the Masters competition. Brian P. Hebert from Denham Springs, Louisiana also achieved the fly-off round in FAI pattern. His overall national placing was eighth.
Safety inspecting aircraft prior to the first-ever radio controlled combat competition during the United States National Championship event and serving as Line Judge for all combat competition at this inaugural event was AMA District VIII Contest Coordinator Doug "Chief" Powell from Wichita Falls, Texas. Standing center is Mike Fredericks, winner of this event, who recorded an outstanding six cuts in his best round.
The weekend event included Old Time Stunt, Sig Classic entries and many other activities. Saturday's weather was favorable with much sun and just a little breeze. At day's end, all enjoyed a barbecue picnic provided by Sig Mfg. and its employees, with generous amounts of model talk between mouthfuls. Afterward, those so inclined used the site for practice flights in beautiful evening air.
Unfortunately, Sunday's competition began on a tense note as a weather front loomed on the radar. With that in mind, official flights began early and kept flowing nicely through a complete first round for all events. The air alternated between thick, breezy, calm, and close to precipitating at times. Luck was with the gang though, and after a prudent decision by contest management, the first round was called complete with the awards presentation at 12:30 p.m.
Under dry gray skies and occasional drizzle, the winners were called, prizes doled out, and all contestants received a complimentary gallon of Sig fuel!
Awards of note included:
- Melvin Schuette — 1st Skyra .35 Carrier
- W. R. Crane — 2nd Profile Carrier / 2nd Novice
- Andrew Hathaway — Skyra .35 Racing
- Jim Lee — 2nd Old Time Stunt (and Fireball Award for helping others)
- Todd Lee — Had a very good weekend!
A special plaque was presented to Hazel Sig and Maxey Hester in recognition of their constant support and enthusiasm for the hobby. This was a joint effort through Sean Elliott of the Experimental Aircraft Association and the Milwaukee Circlemasters. Not only was this meant to highlight Hazel and Maxey's support of Control Line in general, but also for helping kids learn to fly Control Line models at last year's EAA Oshkosh AirVenture Celebration.
It is this type of activity that will allow our hobby to survive and grow into the next millennium. A sincere thank you to Hazel Sig and Maxey Hester.
So, there you have it: a great weekend of model activity with a wonderful bunch of people.
Todd Lee
News from Colorado
June Monthly Contest Report by Ed Carsten, Contest Director
Fourteen members braved early June wet weather. Saturday morning was mostly clear with a few light thermals. About noon the wind came upwind and most flying stopped. In the middle of the afternoon the rains came.
Sunday morning we woke up to fog with visibility of maybe fifty feet. It was nearly noon before it became flyable. Gradual clearing in the afternoon produced some lift until about 4 p.m. when the thermals began to boom.
Most folks seemed to have a good time in spite of the weather and managed quite a bit of flying.
On a sober note, two hands managed to get into props. Both were while adjusting needle valves. Please, people, look at this and see if we can improve our procedure in adjusting engines after they are started. There is now only one emergency room open in Aurora. Keep those cell phones charged and phone numbers available, including "Flight for Life."
Results:
- Free Flight Gas:
- Jack Warkins — 159
- Jimmie Allen
- Ed Carsten — 521
- Small Rubber:
- Ed Carsten — 521
- Duane Hjerleid — 452
- Jack Fatjo — 363
- Large Rubber:
- Jack Fatjo — 113
- Hand-Launch Glider:
- Dave Ramsey — 91
- Duane Hjerleid — 62
- Duane Hjerleid — 180
- Catapult Glider:
- Duane Hjerleid — 68
- Ed Carsten — 89
- .020 Replica:
- Karl Morgan — 399
- Nostalgia:
- Norm Frawley — 468
- Karl Morgan — 323
- Commercial .30:
- Duane Hjerleid — 442
- John Anders — 390
- Ed Carsten — 360
- RC Old Timer Slow:
- Ed Carsten — 693
- Jim Long — 556
- Jack Warkins — 116
- RC Old Timer Ignition:
- Jim Long — 300
- R/C Combined Antique:
- Jim Lang — 896
- 1/2A Texaco RC:
- Dick Sills — 960
- Jim Lang — 569
- Phil Morrison — 519
- Small Electric:
- Jack Jato — 343
- John Anders — 315
From Exhibits, newsletter of the Model Museum Flying Club, Limon, CO
District X — F3D Dream Team Sweeps the World Championships!
The 1999 F3D Pylon World Championships were held July 12–15 in Norrköping, Sweden, where it was light enough to fly from 4:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
There were 47 contestants representing 18 countries. The USA dominated the event with consistent fast times and expert flying for all 13 rounds.
All three U.S. pilots were from District X, with the team of Chip Hyde and Tony Lopez winning the event in the final rounds of competition, beating Dave Shadel and his caller Gary Schmidt by 0.3 seconds. The USA team beat the second-place team by 203.0 seconds. All three pilots were dominant.
Scoring in F3D Pylon competition is by time flown, converted to seconds. For example, a 1:05 flight scores 65 for that round. A cut inside a pylon results in a 10% penalty. With 13 rounds flown, the two worst rounds are discarded so only the best 11 flights are counted for each pilot. The team score is the cumulative score of all three pilots.
Day 1 saw five rounds flown in 90+ degree weather. By the end of the day, Richard Verano with his caller Robert Holick led the event with Shadel in second and Chip third. Dave set a new World Record of 1:00.9 and the team led the second-place team by 50 seconds.
On Day 2, Richard Verano broke Dave's record by posting a 59.3 second time, becoming the first to break the one-minute barrier. After setting the record, the entire pit stood and applauded. Unfortunately, Richard later flew into "bad air" rounding pylon #3 in round 9 and destroyed his model after it crossed the finish line.
The temperature that day rose to 36°C (about 97°F), testing endurance for everyone. Another five rounds were flown and again the USA dominated. Shadel led followed by Verano and Chip, with the gap from first to third slightly less than four seconds.
On the last day, early morning rains cleared enough to fly the remaining three rounds, though a 20 mph quartering crosswind made takeoffs tricky. It was apparent Shadel had the lead—except to Chip. In round 12, Chip posted a 59.7 that vaulted him into the lead. Dave then put up a 1:01.3 but cut a pylon, handing the contest victory to Chip. The win was a tribute to persistence and not giving up.
Now Chip will prepare for the USA FAI Pattern Team; his success in both domains may lead to a dual-event world championship in the same year.
Gary Hover, District X AVP
Aloha from Maui: Dennis Shinsato sent photos of his Model Tech P-51 with best wishes from the Maui R/C Modelers. Modeling is alive and well in Hawaii. The Maui R/C Modelers invite visitors to stop by for a visit—there's almost always a plane available for stick time.
Mahalo (many thanks), Dennis.
District XI Report
(Alaska / Idaho / Montana / Oregon / Washington)
Ed McCollough Vice President
PO Box 13090 Portland, OR 97213-0090 (503) 234-4439 Email: vpxi@pacifier.com
A recent note from AVP Dick Snaer told of the death of Carleton Molesworth.
"Carleton Molesworth of our Skagit County R/C Club passed away on Monday, July 5, 1999. In our eyes, Carleton was a real R/C pioneer. Coming to our club in 1988, he was responsible for many activities and achievements, including the Weight Lifter contest and the Fathers Day Fun Flys.
"He was a great friend to so many of us. Prior to 1988 he lived in Frederick, Maryland and was active for many years in the same club as Bill Winter. He and Bill were close friends and had maintained contact with each other through the years."
Bill Harburg took photos of the Big Bird at Bellingham. Bill wrote that "the weather threatened both days but never did rain. It was windy, though, but the fliers who showed up came to fly."
Bill added, "A very nice C-47 attempted a gear-up landing, skimmed the ground without breaking a prop, the gear came down as he went around and he made a perfect wheels-down landing. Of the aircraft there, one notable one was Dick Glad's 'Critter.' Made mostly of foam, it has a geodetic wing structure with foam ribs and balsa cap strips."
Bill also got shots of the float fly at Amity and the Benton County R/C members who performed there.
Dr. Mike Klautch contemplated his twin-engine Catalina flying boat which took off and flew well, and his Ryan float plane, which did not.
AVP Jerry Holcomb supplied some shots of the Evergreen ScaleMasters and one from Pine Hollow.
It is with great sadness that I tell you that Gil Horstman lost his bout with cancer. Many of you in District XI, as well as in District VII, knew Gil through his long service as an AVP and as a Contest Director and as a contestant at many events. Others knew Gil as one of the fathers of RC Pylon Racing and of IMAC Scale Aerobatics. Gil was truly a giant in modeling and a very nice guy who will be sorely missed.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
