COMPETITION NEWSLETTER
A Note From the Technical Director
W. Bob Underwood
Little bits and pieces:
A valuable suggestion was offered by Richard Frost: if a listing could be developed of members who have a spectrum analyzer available (and the knowledge to run it), perhaps we could supplement the transmitter checking we have been doing at trade shows. If you are willing to offer your services, send me a note and I'll start a list for clubs. Richard has provided the service for clubs in his area (Chicago, IL).
On the subject of frequencies, recent "detective" work indicates our notification plan to stores is already bearing fruit. A large Texas chain has posted our information concerning model aircraft/surface use. Are there problems in your area that we could address concerning this subject?
Artwork has been created for equipment labels for suggested use by manufacturers. Subject to approval by the Frequency Committee and the manufacturers, you should begin to see the labeled equipment in the near future.
Some rule-book considerations are in the working stages. Clarification of jurisdiction concerning various parts of the first section of the book is being worked out by the Executive Council and Contest Boards. This should help develop better communications between the groups and establish lines of responsibility. Some proposed Bylaws changes will be forthcoming on this subject.
Other matters under study include printing the FAI section separately. Currently the FAI section in our rule book is an abridgement, which results in problems when applying the rules in competition. Removing the FAI section would allow an expanded Membership Manual section and the possibility of using larger type in the AMA book. Hang in there, bifocal wearers!
The contest season is in full swing all over the country. The new rules for 1986–87 are being tested in the field as both contestants and Contest Directors apply them. Additionally, older problems not recently addressed have surfaced again. Remember that rule-making is not a "they" process; it is a "we" process. You are therefore very much a part of the program. Contact the Competition Department at AMA HQ for the Rules-Change Proposal procedure.
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CDs: Special Note for Certifying Flights of FAI Program Participants
Some of the AMA's FAI team selection programs allow contestants to qualify at local contests if their performance is certified by a Contest Director (CD). If a CD is approached by such a flier, the CD must determine that the contestant has a currently valid green FAI Competition Stamp (the $10 stamp) affixed to his AMA license before making the certification.
- Contest Directors may collect the $10 FAI-stamp fee and forward it to the Competition Department at AMA HQ.
- If the situation warrants, the contestant's name and address should be included so that a stamp may be sent directly to him. In such cases, the contestant is to be considered as having the required FAI stamp and his performance can be certified.
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RC Contest Board Final Vote on Reclassification Rule Clarification
RC Contest Board Chairman Ron Hesselbrock reports that the Board's final vote on the Novice advancement rule clarification resulted in defeat of the clarification.
- Background on this question was published in the December 1985 issue (page 117).
- The vote means no further action on this subject will be taken unless a formal rules proposal is submitted by an AMA member.
- The original question concerned when a Novice Pattern flier must be advanced to Sportsman: as soon as he has placed first, second, or third above at least four other contestants in a sanctioned contest—or at the end of the year in which he accomplished this feat. The question remains undecided.
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European F3A Championships
For the first time, France hosted the European RC Aerobatic (F3A) Championships. The contest was held July 9–13, 1986 at La Garde (Toulon), France. Unfortunately, the announcement for this meet did not reach AMA HQ early enough to allow publication of a timely invitation for interested AMA members to attend.
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'86 U.S. CL Team Patches on Sale
Attractive Control Line team patches and pins are available for sale. Proceeds will go to defray costs of the team's trip to the World Championships (costs in excess of transportation and entry fees are the team's responsibility).
- Patches: approximately 4 inches diagonally, white model on a red background with gold lettering.
- Pins: approximately 7/8 inch diagonally, similar color scheme.
- Price: $3 each.
Order from: Walt Perkins 3421 Southeast 28th Court Ocala, FL 32671
Patches can also be purchased from CL team members. Let's support them!
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Indoor Contest Board Rules on Easy B Propellers
Contest Board Coordinator Don Lindley and Indoor Contest Board Chairman Bud Tenny have agreed that an emergency interpretation requested by Walt Van Corder should be enforced immediately. AMA Contest Board procedures require that emergency interpretations be published promptly in this newsletter and that a subsequent vote of the Indoor Contest Board be taken on whether to sustain the action. This allows interested modelers to state their opinions to their district Contest Board members prior to the final vote.
Easy B Prop Construction Ruling
The ruling/interpretation to be immediately enforced concerns Section 8.2.1 of the Indoor Rubber section of the 1986–87 AMA rule book (pp. 15–16). The ruling is as follows:
It is not acceptable to use any material other than wood for the propeller blades, wire for the propeller shaft, and adhesive for the blade-to-hub. No gadgets of any kind (such as bearings, variable-pitch, or variable-diameter mechanisms) are permitted as part of the propeller.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
