Edition: Model Aviation - 1988/05
Page Numbers: 117, 118, 120, 122, 123, 124
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A Note From the Technical Director

Bob Underwood CompuServe: 76111767

Our comments this month center around that important AMA member known as the "CD" (Contest Director). It is very difficult for a member of the Academy to avoid coming in contact with a Contest Director at some time, even though the member may have no interest in contests. This is because we have become so dependent on the services of these persons to organize and run all types of sanctioned events.

Strangely enough, the term "Contest Director" cannot be found in the membership portions of the Academy's bylaws. When one considers that the CD has very broad areas of authority, this is most unusual. For instance, the CD can act as an agent of the Academy and sign up new or renewing members at a sanctioned event, thereby granting the member instant insurance coverage.

Let's take a closer look at this unlisted, but most essential membership group. Any Open member is eligible to become a CD. In so doing, the member automatically becomes a Leader member of the Academy, entitled to vote on bylaws revisions. Application to become a CD is made by first obtaining a form from AMA Headquarters. In addition to submitting the application, the candidate is required to pass a rules/Safety Code quiz with a minimum grade of 85% and to obtain three references. The candidate's AMA district vice-president has the right of refusal in the approval of the application.

After having assumed the responsibility of handling the applications and, in some ways, monitoring CD activity last October, I have become quite a bit more aware of problems in the system. Let's detail some of these problems.

  1. Lead time
  • It is very common for a prospective CD to wait until the very last moment to apply. As a result we often receive a CD application, sanction request, and membership renewal all in the same envelope. Accompanying these documents will often be a note pleading that we rush this through, "...because our event is next week."
  • This is a problem because it requires tracking a single payment through three separate areas of responsibility, one of which is not located in AMA Headquarters in the form of the district Contest Coordinator. It can—and has—been done, but due to the operational requirements for each part of the system it leaves too much room for errors or delays.
  • Make it easier on yourself (and the HQ staff). Renew your membership first. After that's done, apply for CD status. Then send your sanction request to the Coordinator for processing. If you send the sanction request to AMA Headquarters we only forward it to the Coordinator—which takes several extra days. Allow yourself more than a month for these steps.
  • If you wish to have your event listed in the "Directory of Sanctioned Events" in the Competition Newsletter section of Model Aviation early enough to get advanced publicity, note that the magazine's publishing schedule requires three (or more) months of advance notice.
  1. Old forms
  • Due to changes in the sanctioning process (new events, rules, etc.), it is necessary to revise many of the forms at least once a year. Unfortunately, many old forms find their way from the deep recesses of the club secretary's folder, through the CD's hands, to us.
  • With some exceptions we can process old forms, but it is most helpful to have the newest form. The trick is knowing which form is the most recent. Check the lower left-hand corner of the form—month and year of revision are now placed there. If there is no date, or it is over a year old, question whether the form is outdated. On occasion we have had sanction forms submitted that are over 15 years old!
  1. Submission of event report forms correctly filled out
  • Yes, it's work and may seem like useless paper-moving, but it isn't. The form #10 you don't supply, or the membership you don't verify by looking at the membership card, may well figure in a lawsuit years later.
  • One frequent problem is a CD who fails to quickly forward monies collected for memberships at the event. The slip provided when this service is performed is valid as a temporary membership "card" for 30 days. All too often the CD fails to file his event report in time to prevent the 30 days from elapsing.
  • Other problems include clubs where one individual fills out all sanctions for the year, has the CD sign them at a club meeting, and submits them without careful study by the person responsible. Months later the CD of record finds the sanctions have the wrong date, etc.
  • Lack of knowledge about event classification is also a problem. Extensive changes were made last October. In spite of rule books, magazine articles, etc., some people still don't know of the changes.

The position of a CD is a most important one. We are working hard to make certain that its responsibilities are taken seriously. The Academy is most appreciative of the services rendered by these individuals. The earned membership awarded the individual is a small recompense for the task accomplished.

Fun-fly Events — Chapter Two

Egg Drop

  • The Egg Drop can be lots of fun. It tends to be a tad messy, but it certainly isn't an ecology problem.
  • Rules: The egg closest to a marked spot wins.
  • This event can be used for both Control Line and Radio Control.

Scale Rules Corrections

The following corrections and additions should be made to the Scale section of your 1988–89 Competition Regulations book.

  • Replace the Peanut Scale score sheet (Events 501, 505—page 100) with the new score sheet reproduced on this page.
  • Change CL Precision Scale (Event 508—page 104), item 11, to read: "Best single flight score (215 max. possible points) ..." and "The maximum possible Official Score is 665 points."
  • Make an addition to CL Sport Scale (Event 509—page 105), item 4.5: "Note: The 3 (or more) view drawing mentioned in 4.2.a. above, may be any size up to the maximum of 24 x 36 inches."
  • Add the following to CL Sport Scale (Event 509—page 106) and to RC Sport Scale (Events 511, 512, 513—page 109):
  • "f. During static judging, any parts of the model may be displayed in any position; e.g., canopy open, flaps dropped, doors opened, etc. Parts that will not fly with the model; e.g., steps, ordnance that will not be carried, wheel chocks, etc., may not be added for static judging. The judges may request reconfiguration during judging to match 3-views; e.g., canopy closed, etc."
  • Note: This rule also applies to Fun Scale (Event 520) and Giant Scale (Event 514) since their rules reference the General sections of Sport Scale (Events 511, 512, 513).
  • In RC Fun Scale (Event 520—page 109): The word "(Provisional)" should follow the event title.
  • In RC Sport Scale Sailplanes (Event 517—page 111), item 3 should read: "Scale General 4 applies." (The existing error has been present since at least 1982!)

RC Aerobatics Rules Corrections

During the recent rules-change cycle, the Advanced Pattern (Event 403) event was revised by adding two new maneuvers. Unfortunately, the Knife Edge Flight addition was not included in the "AMA RC Pattern Judges Guide." The following description has been approved by the rule proposer, Charles Reed, III, and the Contest Board as the definition of Knife Edge Flight.

  • Knife Edge Flight — Model rolls through 90 degrees, hesitates and maintains Knife Edge Flight for a minimum of 4 seconds, then rolls 90 degrees in the opposite direction to end in level flight.
  • Downgrades:
  1. Changes in heading
  2. Changes in altitude
  3. Roll rate not constant
  4. One-quarter rolls more or less than 90 degrees

Indoor Free Flight Rules Corrections

The corrections for the Indoor Free Flight sections of the 1988–89 Competition Regulations are extensive. Major portions of the FAI rule structure were inadvertently left in the Competition Regulations book. Unlike other events in the AMA rule book, there is an interweaving of the FAI rules with the AMA rules. At the time the AMA Competition Regulations book was being prepared, the only approved version of the FAI rules (signed off by the FAI Technical Secretary) dated back to 1984. As a result, many changes are necessary to bring the two sets of rules in line. This problem reinforces the reasons for the removal of the FAI rules from the AMA book.

Please note the following changes in your Competition Regulations book:

  1. Table of contents: Event 203 — Delete the word "Rubber."
  2. Page 20: "For events . . ." — Add 214.
  3. Page 21: Section 12 — "all classes except FAI Indoor . . ." — Delete the word "Stick."
  4. Page 21: Section 12 — Add the words "released for takeoff, and ends" to the first sentence. It will then read: "Time of flight for all classes except FAI Indoor starts the instant the model is released for takeoff and ends when the model touches the floor of the building, or when the model jitters any parts."
  5. Page 22: FF Indoor Hand-Launched Glider — Sections 3 and 5 should have a black dot by them, since there is a change from the 1986–87 rule book.
  6. Page 22: Section 4 — Delete the words "both classes of" in the phrase "... supporting surfaces/ for both classes of Indoor..."

Competition Newsletter

ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS 1810 Samuel Morse Drive, Reston, VA 22090

Note: Technical Director Bob Underwood (CompuServe: 76111767) comments this month center around the important AMA member known as the CD (Contest Director). It is very difficult for the Academy to avoid contact with Contest Directors sometime, though a member may have no interest in contests, because many members have become dependent on the services of persons who organize and run sanctioned events. The CD can act as an agent of the Academy to sign up new or renewing members at a sanctioned event, thereby granting a member instant insurance coverage.

Unlisted essential membership group:

  • Any Open member is eligible to become a CD; upon doing so the member automatically becomes a Leader member of the Academy entitled to vote on bylaws revisions.
  • Application to become a CD is made by first obtaining the form from AMA Headquarters. Candidates are required to pass a rules/Safety Code quiz with a minimum grade of 85% and obtain three references. A candidate's AMA district vice-president has the right of refusal for approval of the application.

Electroflight World Championships

  • The second F3E World Championships will be held at Parks College, Saint Louis University, Cahokia, IL, August 15–20, 1988. There will also be American Continents Championships contests August 12–16.
  • Events will include 7-Cell Duration, Pylon Racing, 7-Cell Motor Glider, F3E Aerobatic, and F3E Standoff Scale events, plus additional nonsanctioned events flown during the first Festival Electric Flight USA.
  • Entries for the American Continents Championships are limited. For further information contact Cal Ettel, #3 Castle Dr., Florissant, MO 63034, USA; telephone 314-831-5031.
  • Lodging for contestants and supporters is available in college dormitories; off-site housing is available in hotels and motels. Lodging/meals packages are available at various prices. Write Academy of Model Aeronautics, Attn: Micheline Madison, 1810 Samuel Morse Dr., Reston, VA 22090, USA; telephone 703-435-0750.

1988 FAI Free Flight World Cup Program News

  • FAI's Free Flight World Cup program enters its second year. The 1988 program is designed to recognize outstanding competitors in FAI classes F1A, F1B, and F1C.
  • The winner in each class is determined by accumulating the greatest number of points in Open International FF competitions. Although a number of contests may be entered, only the three highest scores will be taken (subject to certain other restrictions).
  • The competition is open; competitors or contest organizers need not pay a fee. Ian Kaynes is publishing periodic listings of results; a subscription may be obtained for $15/year from Ian Kaynes, 7 Ashley Rd., Farnborough, Hants GU14 7EZ, England.

Ten International Open contests selected for the Cup competition in 1988:

  • Max Men FA International, February 13–14, Taft, CA, USA
  • Holiday Ice 1988, March 26–27, Frozen Lake Mjøsa, Norway
  • Pacific FF Championships, April 1–4, Canowindra, NSW, Australia
  • Memorial Fülöp Sándor, May 20–21, Domsód, Hungary
  • Midsummernight Trophy F1A/F1B, June 25–26, Terlet, Arnhem, Netherlands
  • Scandinavian Open, July 26–27, Revinge, Sweden
  • 12th Memorial Izet Kurtalić, July 30, Livno, Yugoslavia
  • International Days Poitou, August 19–21, Thouars, France
  • 19th Fitel Pokal, August 27–29, Zülpich, FRG
  • 12th Sierra Cup

1988–89 RC Pylon Team Selection Program

The Pylon Team Selection Committee is in the process of voting to approve this program. At the time this article goes to press, it is anticipated that the program will be approved. It is also anticipated that the site and date for the Team Selection Race will be approved (September 3–4, 1988, LaSalle, MI). The approved site and program will be submitted to program participants for ratification.

I. PURPOSE

  • The 1988–89 FAI Pylon Team Selection Program shall select the Pylon teams (pilot/caller) to represent the United States in the FAI World Championships in 1989. Alternates will also be chosen to back up the team in the event of withdrawal by any of the primary teams.

II. METHOD

  • The team and alternates will be selected by flying in a single-elimination contest. The actual contest date shall be determined by the Team Selection Committee.
  • If a World Championship is held within the first nine months of the calendar year, the team selection race shall be in September or October of the preceding year; if the World Championship is held in the last quarter of the calendar year, the team selection race will be held in July or August of that year.

III. QUALIFICATION

  • Any modeler wishing to qualify for the U.S. Pylon team must be a current U.S. resident, a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, and possess a current FAI stamp (available from AMA HQ for $10).

IV. CONTEST CRITERIA

A. Format

  • The team selection race shall be a two-day event. A minimum of seven rounds and a maximum of twelve rounds shall be flown. The maximum number of rounds shall be determined by the Contest Director at the beginning of the first day.
  • The contestant shall discard his worst score per each day of the contest. Other than this scoring deviation, the contest shall be flown in strict accordance with the current FAI Sporting Code.

B. Protests

  • An informal protest may be made in writing to the Contest Director at the time of the infraction. If the contestant is not satisfied with the result of the informal protest, a formal protest may be submitted to the FAI Jury presiding at the contest.
  • The formal protest must be submitted in writing within one hour of the time of the original infraction. A protest fee of $25 shall accompany the written protest.
  • If the protest is rejected by the Jury, the protest fee shall be forwarded to the Team Selection Fund. If the protest is upheld, the protest fee will be returned to the protester.

C. Scoring and Posting

  • After each round an itemized score will be publicly posted. This score will include the lap time and the FAI score. The posted score will be official one hour after posting.

D. Final Results

  • The results shall be posted within one-half hour of the conclusion of the last race. The scores will become official one hour after posting or after the resolution of any protest.
  • No protest may be issued pertaining to the operation of the team selection race or to its results after the scores have been recognized as official.

V. FINANCES

A. Expenses covered by the AMA

  • Entry fees, including lodging and meals for the duration of the official days of the World Championships.
  • AMA will pay the lowest available amount for a direct coach flight from the major airport nearest the team member's home to the nearest city to the World Championship, or, if there is no direct flight, then for the flight arrangements with the most economical fare.
  • Team lodging costs for practice for a maximum of three days at the World Championship site.
  • Model box transportation, up to 80% of the actual cost.
  • Team uniforms.
  • A United States World Champion will be funded in the same manner as a team member.

B. Team Fund

  • The official U.S./FAI Pylon Team Fund shall be held in an account at the AMA Headquarters under the control of the Team Selection Committee. All entry fees, late fees, additional income, and/or donations shall be kept in this fund.

C. Trial Expenses

  • Team Trial Expenses, including the late fees, paid to the host club, shall be no more than 25% of the entry fees accrued from the team selection program.

D. Allocation from Team Fund

  • The Team Selection Committee shall allocate from the Team Fund monies for:
  1. Travel expenses not paid by the AMA.
  2. Vehicle rentals.
  3. Excess baggage expenses.
  4. Expenses approved by the majority vote of the Team Selection Committee.

VI. JURY

A. Appointment

  • An FAI Jury shall be appointed by the AMA. The Jury shall consist of three people and shall be named and/or appointed as follows.

B. Nomination and Selection

  • A list nominating at least five people shall be submitted by the Team Selection Committee to the AMA Executive Council for review.
  • The AMA Executive Council shall select three people to act as the FAI Jury for the Team Selection Race, using the submitted list as a guide.

C. Composition Requirement

  • The Jury must include at least one person from paragraph (D).

D. Potential Jury Members (examples)

  • AMA President; AMA Technical Director; AMA delegate to the particular FAI Subcommittee involved; AMA voting delegate (if that person is not the AMA President); AMA Executive Director; AMA executive vice president; chairman of the associated team selection committee.

E. Additional Members

  • The second and third members of the Jury may be selected from the list submitted by the Team Selection Committee; if not selected from paragraph (D), the person(s) so designated must have demonstrated knowledge in the event before being selected.

F. Authority

  • Decisions of the appointed Jury shall be final, without recourse to any other authority.

VII. FINALS FEE

  • The team selection race fee of $50 shall be mailed to AMA Headquarters (Attn: Micheline Madison) postmarked not later than thirty days preceding the starting day of the race.
  • It will be possible to enter as a contestant on-site; a late entry fee of $100 shall be paid to the Contest Director up to one hour before the advertised starting time of the race. Such payments shall be forwarded to AMA HQ by the CD.

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