Competition Newsletter

A FABLE (With Application to Real Life)

Let us speak of picket fences! I trust you recall the once-so-popular barrier that surrounded a cottage nestled among arching trees and beds of brightly colored flowers? Remember the small boy who picked up a stick and skipped merrily down the sidewalk allowing his noisemaker to clack its measured tune against the boards? You know, the almost-always-white-painted picket fence!

This is a story about a family which lives in a cottage behind one of those picket fences. Their name is Modeler. Yep, Mr. Marvin Modeler, his wife Molly, son Melvin, and daughter Mary.

Marvin was not a motley modeler. He kept his planes, and his life, and his cottage in order. (It must be said that he never did figure out how to keep his wife, or his kids, or his dog in order.) He decided to build a fence around his cottage in order to keep his kids and dog in, and other things out. (If you think I am going to include the wife in that statement, think again!)

While Marvin was planning the fence, Molly asked what it was going to look like. In a majestic manner, mild-mannered Marvin remarked that it would be a picket fence, and in order to dignify the deed he decided to dedicate each delightful picket to one of the radio frequencies that he could use to fly his wonderful wooden wonders.

It was a marvelous Saturday morning when Marvin dug the holes, set the posts, and nailed up the horizontal pieces which would hold the pickets. It was the same day that, one by one, the pickets were placed in position along the sidewalk. The first one bore a plate dedicating it to 26.995 MHz, the second was emblazoned with 27.045, and on it went through four more pickets. Marvin was proud. Molly was confused. She couldn't figure out how such a few pickets were ever going to keep the dog and kids in the yard.

Marvin and Molly began to realize that something was amiss when the first kid came along that evening with stick in hand. It made no melodious clackety-clack. All that sounded from the gathering darkness was a heart-stopping occasional clack punctuated by long periods of ponderous silence. Molly was unhappy. Marvin was mortified. And the dog was gone!

The following day Marvin sat on the front steps dolefully deliberating his dilemma, when the whole problem was solved. A trucker running 500 watts of linear CB came along and wiped out the whole darn fence!

Poor Marvin didn't know what to turn to. Molly, in her infinite wisdom, suggested that they contact the Friendly Fence Fixers. That's exactly what Marvin did. The following day the AMA crew arrived, and zippidy-zap! the six 27 MHz pickets were back in place, and through the governmental goings-on of the glorious FCC, the AMA repair crew was able to add seven new pickets labeled 72.080 MHz, 72.160 MHz, etc. Now, the AMA guys did caution Marvin that the terrible talking trucker could easily return and blow those twenty-sevens away, so he should exercise carefully considered caution in using them. Marvin also was told that those new 72-type pickets were shared with another yard, but for the present time nobody was really using that yard.

For a delightful decade Marvin's picket fence graced the area. There were problems with it from time to time. He discovered that the dog still got out, because small kids' $9.95 walkie-talkies cracked a picket. Marvin cringed each time he heard the clashing of gears and 18-wheeling tires make work day. He glanced out the window sipping his morning mug of mocha, and a shocked gasp escaped his lips as he dashed down the porch steps. A picket was gone! He looked high and low, but 72.160 was nowhere to be found! It was not until that evening when son Melvin rushed home breathlessly from school that the case of the missing picket was solved.

Marvin and son Melvin, along with wife Molly and daughter Mary, rushed frantically toward the club flying field. Just as they were about to arrive at the field, they passed the Fierce Forge Foundry. There before their eyes, nailed solidly in place next to a 10-watt, radio-controlled mobile crane, was the 72.160 picket. The Modelers tried in vain to retrieve their friendly-frequency, but they had been warned from the very start that it was not theirs to own! Never again could they count on it being in place by their cottage.

Desperate desolation descended upon the Modeler family over the next few years. It seemed to be almost a daily occurrence to find a picket gone or damaged beyond repair. A paper company returned some sport-speed 72.080, and the trains in the switching yard near the foundry carried 72.240 back and forth over the slithering strips of silver rail. The kids and the dog were always getting out. The clackety-clack of sticks on the fence almost completely disappeared, and the Modelers' life was in complete disarray! It was clearly time to do something! It was late at night when Molly finally suggested to Marvin that they had found a solution before: "Why not try the faithful Friendly Fence Fixers again?" And so they did.

The very next day the AMA crew arrived and nailed up the 27 MHz pickets—again! And then they nailed up 50 brand new 72 MHz pickets! The Modelers could not believe their eyes when they saw the new fence! It was beautiful, and when the AMA people told the Modelers that the 50 new pickets were theirs and that nobody else could use them, they were dumbfounded with delirious disbelief!

But the good news wasn't finished yet! The Modelers were informed that the great and good Government had also granted the cousins of the Modelers pickets of their very own to use. And so it was just down the street that the Car Modelers and the Boat Modelers sported a new picket fence as well.

The AMA crew left the Modelers' cottage, and Marvin squeaked contentedly back and forth on the porch swing. He was so happy, Molly was happy too. The dog was banging her tail against the gate. The kids kept trying to get out of the yard through holes they had dug in the fence.

And then a curious thing happened. A small boy skipped merrily down the sidewalk with stick in hand. As the clackety-clack reached Marvin's ears, a huge question rose in his mind. He ran to the fence, took out his trusty frequency ruler and measured the distance between the pickets. It was 10 kHz between each of them. He distinctly remembered that the AMA crew had told him that his pickets would be 26 kHz apart. Lo and behold! When he measured the distance between the Modeler pickets, he discovered that they were 20 kHz apart. He was confused. Wife Molly was confused. The kids were confused. The dog had a headache! Marvin called the AMA.

The Chief Friendly Fence Fixer had figured that Marvin's faculties had been faulty due to the frantic fuss made when the fence was fixed. The Modelers had not heard the AMA crew tell them that only every other picket on the fence was theirs. The extra ones in between were the property of Consolidated Capital, Incorporated. In fact, when Marvin checked the pickets very closely, he found that several of his old pickets were right back there in place, only 10 kHz away from those dedicated to the Modelers. Yep, there was 72.080, 72.160, and so on.

The Chief Friendly Fence Fixer went on to explain that because those high-powered users from Consolidated Capital were there, that was the reason that the Modelers were provided with so many more dedicated pickets than they had ever had before. He explained that some of the Modelers' pickets might not be usable, because the others were so close to them, but through careful picking and choosing from the 50 dedicated pickets and using the right equipment, there would be enough for the Modelers to use so that the dog would never get out again.

And so it was that Marvin modified his life a bit. But it was good. He kept a wary eye on those in-between pickets. He could still use the same hammer and saw to fix the fence if it was broken, but he did buy a new, narrower paint brush that fit between the narrower spaces separating the pickets. Now that he needed less time to creatively worry about the situation, he is teaching Melvin to fly. Molly is happy and she sells hot dogs at the club's fun-flys. Marvin is happy and will soon meet Mortimer, master of the local FCC field office. The dog gave up trying to get out of the yard and had puppies.

The End!

Competition Newsletter

Refer to the April 1988 issue, pages 116–119. The results of the Initial Vote will be printed in the March 1989 issue.

Modelers who have an interest in approving or opposing any rule proposal should make their feelings known to the appropriate Contest Board member in their AMA district. Addresses for all Contest Board members can be found in the "Competition Directory" section of this edition of the "Competition Newsletter."

Free Flight Proposals

• FF-90-1 appeared in the July '88 issue.
• FF-90-2: (Jim Bennett) Create new Hiller class for Outdoor Rubber. This would be a "daybreak" calm-air event. Rules are simple, requiring a model of any AMA Outdoor Rubber class with a minimum wing loading of 1.00 oz. per 100 sq. in. Scoring based on one flight. All flights to launch in a 15-minute window.
• FF-90-3 appeared in the October '88 issue.
• FF-90-4: (Steve Geraghty) Eliminate the builder-of-the-model rule for Outdoor Free Flight with the exception of Flying Scale. Flier's AMA number must be the only one visible on the model.
• FF-90-5: (Ralph L. Presly) Increase displacement limit for D Gas to 11 cc (0.670 cu. in.).
• FF-90-6: (Meredith K. Chamberlain) Prohibit multi-category meets/record trials in Outdoor FF at the same site on the same day.
• FF-90-7: (R. Linwood Cochran) Completely revise Event 112 CO2 to resemble other FF Power events, except for having no timing categories. There would be five displacement classes: A (.001–.010 in.3), B (.011–.025 in.3), C (.026–.050 in.3), D (.051–.100 in.3), E (.101–.200 in.3). Add 0.201–.650 in.3. Fuel capacity to be restricted to a tank size equal to 75 times the piston displacement.
• FF-90-8: (R. Linwood Cochran) Eliminate the present three categories in Rocket Power. Flyoff flight time maximums to increase by 30 sec. each successive flight.
• FF-90-10: (R. Linwood Cochran) In Event 113 (Rocket Power), delete a "bad example" in the paragraph dealing with power unit size.
• FF-90-11: (Dan Dominia) Allow three classes of rocket power in Event 113: A) Jet type only; B) Model rocket engines (up to 5.0 Newton-seconds) specific impulse only; C) Either type engine at the contestant's choice.
• FF-90-12: (Dan Dominia) Reduce the number of flyoff flights in Event 113 from three to two.
• FF-90-13: (R. Linwood Cochran) Add a CO2 power class to Event 124, FF Outdoor Helicopter. Motor displacement limited to 0.36 in.3.
• FF-90-14: (Dan Dominia) Specify a standard catapult for use in Event 127 (Catapult Glider).
• FF-90-15: (John Oldenkamp) Change model speed specifications and flight maximums of Event 114 (Multi-rubber) as follows: "A Multi-rubber model has no design restrictions as to size, weight, or surface area. Towing gear is not required. Flight maximums are: Category I—first flight unlimited duration, second and third flights five minutes, add 60 sec. for flyoffs; Category II—first flight unlimited duration, second and third flights three minutes, add 60 sec. for flyoffs; Category III—first flight unlimited duration, second and third flights two minutes, add 45 seconds for flyoffs."
• FF-90-16: (John Oldenkamp) Revise Outdoor FF Gas classes based on engine displacement as follows: Class A .001 to .100 cu. in., Class B .101 to .300 cu. in., Open Class .301 to .650 cu. in.
• Category III—engine run 7 sec. (5 sec. for flyoffs), first flight unlimited duration, second and third flights 2 min., and 45 sec. for flyoffs.
• FF-90-18: (John Oldenkamp) Eliminate the following Outdoor Free Flight events: Payload, AMA Cub, and F1H A Towline Glider.
• FF-90-19: (John Oldenkamp) Restructure flight maximums for Event 115 (P-30 Rubber) as follows: Flight one unlimited duration, second and third flights 120 sec., flyoffs add 45 sec.
• FF-90-20: (John Oldenkamp) Impose a safety restriction on the conduct of Outdoor Free Flight: "No flights may be launched within 200 ft. of spectators, parked vehicles, or other obstacles."
• FF-90-21: (John Oldenkamp) Restructure Event 122 (Outdoor Hand-Launched Glider)—Fly event rounds with flight maximums as follows: Round 1, unlimited duration; Round 2 through 5, 90 sec.; add 45 sec. for flyoffs.
• FF-90-22: (Russell C. Snyder, Jr.) Require all stopwatches/timing devices used for timing AMA Free Flight events to register to at least 1/10 sec. and possess the lap (split) time function. Time engine run with split-time feature while timing total flight with "standard" time function.

Radio-Controlled Aerobatics Proposals

• RCA-90-1, -2, -3 appeared in the July issue.
• RCA-90-4 appeared in the November issue.
• RCA-90-5: (Jimmy L. White) Combine the present Expert and Master classes.
• RCA-90-6: (Jimmy L. White) Eliminate the word "Expert" wherever it occurs in the current AMA rule book. Proposer wants to clear the way for a new Master class, consisting of all present Expert and Master class competitors.
• RCA-90-7: (Jimmy L. White) Delete ½-point scoring.
• RCA-90-8: (Jimmy L. White) Add new class to be called Master. This will encompass all present Expert and Master class competitors. The existing Expert class pattern would be used, with the exception that the Cuban 8, Double Immelmann, and Three Reverse Outside Loops would be deleted, and two maneuvers from the existing Master class pattern (Avalanche and Inverted Spin) would be added.
• RCA-90-9: (Jimmy L. White) Change the present AMA system of scoring to the normalized system as is presently used for FAI/FAI3A competition.
• RCA-90-10: (Horace D. Cain) Delete Event No. 414 (Club Team Fun-Fly) from the rule book. Proposer notes that the event (originally proposed by an earlier years ago) is no longer in use.
• RCA-90-11: (Michael Harrison) The winner in all Pattern classes will be determined by adding the scores of all flights (except for one "throwaway" flight if more than one round is flown).
• RCA-90-12: (D. W. Gilbert) Create a new RC Duration to supplement the existing Event 702. Four engine-displacement classes would be created: A (.020–.049 in.3), B (.051–.100 in.3), C (.101–.200 in.3), D (.201–.415 in.3). No adjustment to be made for four-stroke engines. Models to weigh at least 200 oz. per cu. in. of engine displacement. Engine run not to exceed 60 sec.
• RCA-90-13: (Michael Harrison) Create a new Advanced pattern suitable for AMA-style flying in both turnaround and non-turnaround modes.
• RCA-90-14: (Russell Knetzger) Add downgrades to three Reverse Outside Loops to clarify that pauses before and after loops are to be equal.
• RCA-90-15: This number is not assigned to an active proposal.
• RCA-90-16: (Russell Knetzger) Describe and allow for three-point landings, since conventional-gear aircraft are now more common in Pattern competition.
• RCA-90-17: (Russell Knetzger) Add heading change as possible downgrade to 4-Point Roll.
• RCA-90-18: (Russell Knetzger) Clarify entry to first Stall Turn.
• RCA-90-20: (Russell Knetzger) Clarify allowable direction of second roll of Cobra Roll.
• RCA-90-22: (Russell Knetzger) Give judges downgrade guidelines for off-center narrow, vertical maneuvers such as Spins, Aileron Turn, etc.
• RCA-90-22: (Russell Knetzger) Revise the "Size of Maneuvers" section of the "AMA RC Pattern Judges Guide" (page 63) to allow contestant to position maneuvers at any distance between 100 and 200 meters from himself.
• RCA-90-23: (Bryan Henderson) Combine existing Expert and Masters AMA classes into one class using a fixed schedule pattern and referred to as Masters.
• RCA-90-24: (Bryan Henderson) Create a new Pattern class called Expert Turnaround using a shorter and less difficult maneuver schedule than the FAI Pattern. Proposer states that this proposal would provide Contest Directors with a standardized event to satisfy the interests of many AMA Pattern fliers who wish to try "turnaround" but who find the F3A Pattern too demanding. It is his hope that this event would provide a stepping-stone to the F3A class.
• RCA-90-25: (Bryan Henderson) Establish maximum noise limits for Pattern aircraft. Planes testing at over 101 dB would have a 10% penalty on the raw score of each official flight inspection. Planes testing at 98–101 dB would incur a 5% scoring penalty.
• RCA-90-26: (Bryan Henderson) Establish normalized scoring as the standard method of scoring all Pattern contests.

Scale Proposals

• SC-90-1 and -2 appeared in the July issue.
• SC-90-3 appeared in the August issue.
• SC-90-4: (W. Kenny Kerr) Divide all RC Scale classes into Civilian-type and Military-type classes.
• SC-90-5: (C. Kent Walters) Change RC Flight Plan (page 108 of rule book) to include limitation on optional maneuvers/mechanical options which are performed exclusively on the ground to one such item.
• SC-90-6: (C. Kent Walters) Proposer wishes to bring emphasis to the present Scale General rule No. 4, "Scale Builder-Filter Rule" as presently found on page 96 of the rule book. He proposes to change paragraph 4.6 (page 107) "Proof of Scale" to require a contestant to submit a signed copy of the Builder-Filter rule in order to receive a Craftsmanship static score.
• SC-90-7: (C. Kent Walters) Change the maximum number of Scale Operations permitted in RC Sport Scale (page 108, para. 8) from three to two, and delete the reference to multiengine in the second sentence.
• SC-90-8: (C. Kent Walters) Proposer wants to change paragraph 4.1.4 (page 114) of the "RC Scale Flight Judging Guide" by changing the last sentence in the paragraph to the section on "Errors" as follows: When the "Scale Operation" bomb drop option is selected, the bomb must be identified by the pilot, be released on the straight-in approach and have no self-correcting or other means to detach the bomb not caused by the pilot. The bomb may be carried in the cockpit, fuselage or bomb bay. For the real weapon release, the real bomb release cannot be manhandled. Any other flying characteristics, or unusual or other types of weapon release must be considered a "remarkable feature" of the aircraft.
• SC-90-9: (D.R. Platt) For Events 511, 512, 513, 514 delete how to weigh electric-powered Scale models. Rules 2.6 is amended to include the following statement: "In the case of electric-powered models the term 'less fuel shall mean less battery mass.'"
• SC-90-10: (D.R. Platt) Open up Sportsman class to builders of Giant Scale-size models. There is presently no Giant Scale, Sportsman class.
• SC-90-11: (D.R. Platt) Remove engine displacement limit for Giant Scale.
• SC-90-12: (Claude McCullough) Increase engine displacement limit for Event 514 (RC Giant Scale) to 6 cu. in. to allow for two-stroke engines, 9.6 cu. in. for four-stroke engines.
• SC-90-13: (Claude McCullough) Raise the model weight limit for Event 514 (RC Giant Scale) to 55 lb. Change lower weight limit from 10 lb. for single-engine planes and 20 lb. for multiengine ones.
• SC-90-14: (Richard F. Irwin) Eliminate engine size as a "Model Requirement" in RC Giant Scale.
• SC-90-15: (Richard F. Irwin) Eliminate engine size, and adjust maximum and minimum weights as "Model Requirement" in RC Giant Scale. Dry model weight would be at least 15 lb. for single-engine, and 20 lb. for multiengine. Maximum weight limited to 55 lb.
• SC-90-16: (Richard F. Irwin) Provide a consistent, safe alternative to the "acorn nut" safety requirement in RC Sport Scale. Proposer felt that this action would provide an alternative that would be equally safe and allow the propeller more than 1/8 in. for planes not employing a rounded spinner.
• SC-90-17: (Richard F. Irwin) Eliminate engine displacement limitations as a "Safety Requirement" in RC Sport Scale.
• SC-90-18: (Claude McCullough) Clarify requirements for the signed declaration of parts not made by the builder in RC Sport Scale. Add: "Parts of the model that the builder did not make but are not visible during scale judging need not be listed. (Examples: retract gear drives, landing gear parts covered by scale detailing made by the builder, radio equipment, engine, etc.)."
• SC-90-19: (D.R. Platt) Provide for unsuitable flying sites involving Event 507 by allowing contestants to hand launch entries if no suitable takeoff runway is available.
• SC-90-20: (D.R. Platt) Allow entrants in Event 504 to hand launch entries if no suitable takeoff runway is available.
• SC-90-21: (D.R. Platt) Delete Event 519 (Nonflying Scale).
• SC-90-22: (Robert L. Underwood) Delete Event 519.
• SC-90-23: (Robert L. Underwood) Clarify the means of determining the score for Event 515, Precision Scale. Add: "If the flight score to be used to add to the static score shall be the average of the two best two flights judged. In the event of only three rounds being flown, the best single flight score will be used."
• SC-90-24: (Earl A. Thompson) In the "RC Scale Flight Judging Guide," remove retract gear and flaps as optional maneuvers, and make them mandatory (where appropriate) under the "Realism" section.
• SC-90-25: (Earl A. Thompson) Remove Photo Taxi as an optional maneuver and make it a required ground action before takeoff and after landing under "Realism."
• SC-90-26: (Earl A. Thompson) Reduce the allowed number of Scale Operations from three to one.
• SC-90-27: (Ernest A. Violett, Jr.) Prohibit the intentional entry of an FAI Scale or AMA Precision Scale model in the RC Sport Scale contest.
• SC-90-28: (Fred R. Irwin) Eliminate engine displacement as a "Safety and Model Requirement" in RC Precision Scale.
• SC-90-29: (D. Platt) Raise allowable weight and engine displacement limits in Event 515 to match those of Event 514.
• SC-90-30: (D. Platt) Streamline all Precision Scale events by deleting the requirement to measure the model.
• SC-90-31: (Greg J. Bartling) Revise the Taxi maneuver as described in the RC Scale Flight Judging Guide to combine parts (b) and (c) of paragraph 4.3.1 Taxi. Maneuver would then mandate model be under power (or the runway before coming to a stop).
• SC-90-32: (Greg J. Bartling) Add additional errors during the Taxi maneuver with respect to position of the model's control surfaces to offset wind conditions in a manner similar to the procedures for other maneuvers.
• SC-90-33: (Robert Price) Increase the upper weight limit of the RC Giant Scale event (Event 514) from 40 lb. to 55 lb.
• SC-90-34: (Robert Price) Eliminate the maximum engine size restriction of the RC Giant Scale event (Event 514).
• SC-90-35: (Robert Price) Increase the upper weight limit of the RC Giant Scale event (Event 514) from 40 lb. to 55 lb.
• SC-90-36: (Jeff Troy) Clarify paragraph 4.6 of the RC Sport Scale rules such that any visible parts of the model mentioned on the "declaration of parts not constructed by the modeler" will not be eligible to receive points in the "Accuracy of Outline" category or static judging.
• SC-90-37: (Jeff Troy) Clarify paragraph 4.6 of the RC Sport Scale rules such that any visible parts of the model mentioned on the "declaration of parts not constructed by the modeler" will not be eligible to receive points in the "Craftsmanship" category or static judging.
• SC-90-38: (Jeff Troy) In the RC Sport Scale and RC Giant Scale events, reduce the judges' distance from the model for Craftsmanship judging to five feet.
• SC-90-39: (Jeff Troy) In the RC Sport Scale and RC Giant Scale events, eliminate Craftsmanship judging and change the point scores for Accuracy of Outline to 80 pt., and have categories for Finish (texture) — 20 pt., Color — 10 pt., and Markings — 20 pt.
• SC-90-40: (Joseph Naber) Require RC Sport Scale to meet the "50-in? rule" on noise. [Note: proposer text on exact rule wording as printed.]
• SC-90-41: (Joseph Naber) Allow the engine to be changed and muffler added after static judging in RC Scale events. (Replacement must have same size/shape/color as original installed for static judging.)
• SC-90-42: (Joseph Naber) Limit RC Scale aircraft to flight maneuvers that are normally performed by the full-scale aircraft.
• SC-90-43: (Russell Knetzguer) Permit half-point scoring to be used in RC Scale flight judging.
• SC-90-44: (John Preston) Divide RC Giant Scale into Sportsman and Expert classes in the same manner as the RC Sport Scale event.
• SC-90-45: (D.K. Platt) Use a "fixed matrix" system of stated deductions and a prepared form to be filled out and signed by the builder of an RC Scale model for purposes of determining parts not built by the modeler. (Relates to paragraph 4.6 of the RC Sport Scale rules.)
• SC-90-46: (Orin L. Humphries) Increase the engine size and weight limits of CL Scale models to 0.10-cu. in. displacement, a displacement per pound of model (dry) weight — two-cycle, 0.133-cu. in. displacement for four-cycle engines up to the weight limit of Giant Scale. Displacement shall be the total of all engines, not of an individual engine.
• SC-90-47: (Horace D. Cain) Add a Professional class to AMA RC Sport Scale, and delete the Builder of the Model rule for that class. Also, redefine the Sportsman classes and award advancement points for contest wins. There are also other restrictions with respect to "sandbagging" as it applies to models and builders.
• SC-90-48: (Larry Kruse) Create a new Provisional event: FF Indoor Power Scale. Models to be limited to a maximum wingspan of 30 in. and weight of 4 oz. Only permissible power sources to be CO2 or electric motors.
• SC-90-49: (Larry Kruse) Establish a new Provisional event: Indoor and Outdoor Bostonian. Model specifications are rubber power only with a maximum wingspan of 16 in., a maximum wing chord of 3 in., maximum fuselage length of 14 in., maximum prop diameter of 6 in., total wing area not to exceed 48 sq. in., at least two . . . in. wheels required. Minimum weight to be either seven or 14 grams. Model must have windshield and side window areas of at least 3 sq. in. Fuselage must be capable of containing an imaginary cargo box . . . All flights must ROG. [Note: some dimensional figures as printed were unclear.]
• SC-90-50: (Larry Kruse) Restrict wingspan of models entered in Indoor and Outdoor Rubber Flying Scale (Events 503 and 507) to a minimum of 14 in.
• SC-90-51: (James C. Bruce) In Events 511, 512, 513, 514, and 515: Award a Flight Option bonus of 10 points to models which do not exceed 90 dB at 9 ft. with the engine operating at its peak power setting.

Radio-Controlled Helicopter Proposals

• RCH-90-1: (Horace G. Hagen) Change the manner in which the winning scores are determined in the AMA Novice and Intermediate (Event Nos. 431 and 432) competition classes. Use all flight scores minus one throwaway.
• RCH-90-2: (Horace G. Hagen) Increase flight-time limits in the Novice and Intermediate classes to six minutes.
• RCH-90-3: (Horace G. Hagen) Match helipad dimensions in Novice and Intermediate classes with those of the FAI course so that one course layout can be shared by all events.
• RCH-90-4: (Horace G. Hagen) Change Intermediate maneuver No. 4 from Chandelle to Loop.
• RCH-90-5: (Horace G. Hagen) Change description of maneuvers Nos. 4 and 5 in the "Helicopter Judges' Guide" (Chandelle and Stall Turn) so that they are flown along a line "parallel to the baseline" instead of "along the baseline." Proposer states that present wording forces the maneuvers into positions too close to the judges and is unsafe.
• RCH-90-6: (Horace G. Hagen) Change item 5 in the "RC Helicopter Scale" Flight Plan and paragraph No. 5 of the "Scale Helicopter Judges' Guide" to "Freestyle maneuver (1 minute max.)." Contestant would be required to describe or sketch the maneuver on the judges' scoresheet prior to takeoff.
• RCH-90-7: (Horace G. Hagen) A number of editorial-type corrections to the rules are proposed to clarify the RC Helicopter Scale section of the rule book.

Radio-Controlled Pylon Racing Proposals

• RCR-90-1 appeared in the July issue. RCR-90-2 through -4 appeared in the November issue.
• RCR-90-5: (D. Shadel) Allow radial-backplate-type engine mount (replacing stock engine backplate) in Quickie 500 (Event 428).
• RCR-90-6: (Robert L. Underwood) Add "alcoholic beverage" statement present in all other RC racing events to Q-500.
• RCR-90-7: (Dub Jett) This proposal is pending approval by the Contest Board chairman.
• RCR-90-8: (Dub Jett) Restrict fuel used in Formula 1 to 15% nitromethane supplied by the contest manager.
• RCR-90-9: This number is not assigned to an active proposal.
• RCR-90-10: (Dub Jett) Allow CD to specify optional takeoff order of having planes one and three take off simultaneously, followed by simultaneous takeoff of planes two and four.
• RCR-90-11: (Dub Jett) Allow Formula I competitors to remove aircraft wheel pants for racing without affecting their handicap status.
• RCR-90-12: (Dub Jett) In Formula I: In the event of a dead heat or an order of finish dispute or equipment failure that prevents a clear decision, the airplanes in question for that position will re-fly.
• RCR-90-13: (Russell H. Kime) Change Formula I rules to allow for "Two-by-Two" starts, and provide alternatives other than handicap judging for wide differences in starting order of aircraft.
• RCR-90-14: (Gary Hover) Clarify how ring area is computed in Formula I rules.
• RCR-90-15: (Gary Hover) Change restriction on allowable propellers: "Only wooden, or composite resin/continuous fiber construction, fixed-pitch, two-blade propellers shall be permitted. Injection-molded propellers are not acceptable."
• RCR-90-16: (Gary Hover) Define conditions constituting necessity for a re-fly: "A re-fly of a heat race is permitted only when a breakdown has occurred on the racecourse by the race officials or course equipment, and it is requested by the offended contestant. In no case is a re-fly granted for an error of procedure by officials or a contestant or his aircraft."
• RCR-90-17: (Gary Hover) Establish National Record categories for events 421, 422, and 427 (Formula I, Quarter Midget, and FAI).
• RCR-90-18: (Gary Hover) Restrict glow plugs in Formula I racing to one type with threads passing completely through the cylinder head.
• RCR-90-19: (Gary Hover) Allow use of two-piece or button-type, look-alike cylinder heads in Formula I.
• RCR-90-20: (Gary Hover) Allow the use of certain look-alike parts not manufactured by the original engine manufacturer in Formula I.
• RCR-90-21: (Gary Hover) Restrict G500 (Event 428) propellers to a diameter of nine inches (plus or minus as printed).
• RCR-90-22: (James Gager) Define aircraft which are eligible for competition in the Quarter Midget event (Event 422). Models entered must be replica aircraft of the full-scale prototype used in closed-course record attempts, or cross-country racing.
• RCR-90-23: (James Gager) State that aircraft used in competition must be reproductions of prototype racing aircraft; specify criteria for eligibility.
• RCR-90-24: (James Gager) Help define what aircraft designs are eligible to compete in the Quarter Midget class (Event 422): In the event the prototype design has not been built, there must be published evidence or available drawings that substantiate the design.
• RCR-90-25: (Wayne Yeager) Add a starting procedure for Q500 (Event 428): After initial starter has set the plane facing the line, pylon with both hands or his RC transmitter in order to be considered "prepared for takeoff."
• RCR-90-26: (Wayne Yeager) Clarify engine availability rule in Q500 (Event 428): "The language 'commercially available' is defined as: Once an engine is declared legal for competition, it shall always be legal."
• RCR-90-27: (Wayne Yeager) Define registration numbers to be affixed to Q500 models (Event 428) as being the last two or three digits of the AMA entrant's AMA number preceded by the letter "W." They must be at least one inch high and shall be placed on both sides of the fuselage and on the upper wing surface.
• RCR-90-28: (Wayne Yeager) Change the chord/span dimensions required for Q500 (Event 428) wings: "The minimum wing thickness shall be at least 1% in. for at least 4% in. in span." [Note: exact printed figures were unclear.]
• RCR-90-29: (Wayne Yeager) Clarify the scoring system used in Pylon Racing so that winners in three- and two-plane matrices receive the appropriate scores.
• RCR-90-30: (Wayne Yeager) Clarify the meaning of "prepared for takeoff" in Event 422 (Quarter Midget). The flier must be facing the pylon and have both hands on his RC transmitter to be considered "prepared for takeoff."
• RCR-90-31: (Wayne Yeager) Change language describing registration numbers in Event 422 (Quarter Midget). Registration numbers to be at least one inch high and be preceded by the letter "W" and followed by the entrant's last name initials. Registration number to be placed on both sides of the fuselage or in an upper wing surface.

(Note: A few numeric figures and short text fragments in the printed proposals were unclear on the scan and are indicated as printed or approximated where noted.)

R/C Proposals

• RCR-90-33: (Wayne Yeager) Require muffler systems to be used in Quarter Midget. Mufflers to be of the expansion chamber, tuned pipe, tuned-pipe muffler, or magic muffler types. Flow-through types would not be allowed.
• RCR-90-34: (Wayne Yeager) Clarify engine availability requirements for Quarter Midget: "Once an engine is declared legal for competition, it shall always be legal."

Control Line Proposals

• CL-90-1 through -16 appeared in the July issue.
• CL-90-17 through -22 appeared in the August issue.
• CL-90-23 and -24 appeared in the October issue.
• CL-90-25 through -36 appeared in the November issue.
• CL-90-37: (William Boss) Restore builder-of-the-model rule in all Navy Carrier events.
• CL-90-38: (Tom Dixon) Clarify the question of whether an assistant may start the engine of a CL Aerobatics model: "Engine may be started and/or regulated by an assistant, but the pilot must be an active member of the starting crew."
• CL-90-39: (Tom Dixon) Eliminate hand signal requirement for declaring an official flight in CLPA. Change rule such that flight is official once the model leaves the ground; however, the timer may declare the flight not to be scored by giving a clear "woof" signal.
• CL-90-40: (C.E. Robbert) Modify present rules to allow contestant in CLPA to receive flight pattern points even if his plane does not take off within the one-minute starting time period.
• CL-90-41: (C.E. Robbert) Define completion of the landing maneuver in CLPA as that point at which the model has stopped forward motion.
• CL-90-42: (Ross B. McMullen) Americanize the spelling of "Manoeuvres" in paragraph 11.2 (event 322—CLPA).
• CL-90-43: (Ross B. McMullen) Improve grammatical usage of "flyer/flyer's," "take off/takeoff" in several places in rules of Event 322.
• CL-90-44: (Ross B. McMullen) Encourage different flying styles/models in designs in CLPA. Replace existing last sentence in paragraph 11.1 with: "Maneuver sizes depicted in Section 13 are maximum sizes unless otherwise specified. Fliers shall not be downgraded for flying maneuvers which are of less than maximum size, so long as they are smooth and consistent."
• CL-90-45: (Ross B. McMullen) For safety purposes, impose a maximum weight restriction on CLPA models of 6 lb. (96 oz.).
• CL-90-46: (Ross B. McMullen) Remove eligibility of jet engines in CLPA event.
• CL-90-47: (Ross B. McMullen) Delete requirement that engines in CLPA event must be started by hand in order for flier to receive starting points.
• CL-90-48: (Ross B. McMullen) Modify engine-type eligibility rule for CLPA so that all types of power plants utilizing rotary outputs (both internal combustion and electric types) are allowed.
• CL-90-49: (Glenn Lee) Allow diesel engines, if used in Racing events, to use diesel fuel instead of "standard mixture."
• CL-90-50: (Glenn Lee) Make .21 Sport Speed an official event.
• CL-90-51: (Glenn Lee) Allow profile-fuselage models in .21 Sport Speed.
• CL-90-52: (Glenn Lee) Limit fuel in Class D Speed to 4% nitromethane.
• CL-90-53: (Glenn Lee) Limit the nitromethane content of fuel used in the Formula "40" Speed event to 10%.
• CL-90-54: (Glenn Lee) Limit the nitromethane content of fuel used in Class D Speed to 10%.
• CL-90-55: (Glenn Lee) Limit the nitromethane content of fuel used in Class B Speed to 10%.
• CL-90-56: (Glenn Lee) Limit the nitromethane content of fuel used in Class A Speed to 10%.
• CL-90-57: (Herbert H. Patrick) Allow mufflers/tuned pipes in all CL Navy Carrier events.
• CL-90-58: (George F. Lieb) Require use of safety thongs in all Control Line events for safety.
• CL-90-59: (Paul D. Kegel) Change racing rule application requirement in Scale Race event: "The model must have racing numbers on the fuselage sides and on the upper left wing."
• CL-90-60: (James J. Renkas) Eliminate hand signal to start official flight in CLPA. "The flight will become official when the aircraft turns into the vert part of the Reverse Wing Over. The pilot has the right to call off the flight at any time before this maneuver by signaling the judges."
• CL-90-61: (Orin L. Humphries) Allow use of a second, backup model in Navy Carrier events in the event that the primary model becomes unserviceable.
• CL-90-62: (Orin L. Humphries) Alter present rule affecting weight limit of Navy Carrier models: "The weight limit shall be 64 oz., not including the weight of removable, effective silencing equipment. The weight of such equipment shall be included, however, in the pull-test calculation. The effectiveness of the silencing equipment shall be the decision of the Event Director. If he rules it to be insufficiently effective upon hearing the engine run at full throttle, then the equipment weight shall be included in the 64-oz. limit. In no case shall the weight of the model plus silencing equipment combined exceed 72 oz."
• CL-90-63: (Orin L. Humphries) Eliminate the present ban upon exhaust devices in Navy Carrier events, and replace it with: "Mufflers may be used at the discretion of the pilot. Tuned pipes are not allowed in speed events. The muffler must be close in size to stock factory mufflers. Types which return the engine to its approximate unmuffled power output, as determined by competent sources such as national magazine columnists, are not allowed. The Event Director shall decide if the individual muffler is an 'effective' silencer and disallow too-loud ones."
• CL-90-64: (Orin L. Humphries) Permit the Event Director in CL Navy Carrier events to allow three attempts to make three official flights if the situation permits.
• CL-90-65: (M.P. Warshawana) Clarify the "exhaust extension" rule in CL Navy Carrier events: "Exhaust extensions may not extend beyond a point three inches from the centerline of the engine cylinder."
• CL-90-66: (Fred Randall) Add .21 Sport Speed to the present AMA CL Speed classes.

Radio-Controlled Soaring Proposals

• SO-90-1 through -3 appeared in the August issue.
• SO-90-4 appeared in the October issue.
• SO-90-5: (Kent E. Pyle) Change the classification of model sailplanes as follows: "3.12 Class B proposed sailplane set to two meters but not less than 39 inches. 3.13 Class C Unlimited Class Sailplanes. Projected span greater than 100 inches."

Electric R/C Proposals

• ELC-90-1: (Donald L. Hughes) Eliminate duplication of rules governing electric-powered Free Flight models by placing all of paragraph 2 of the Electric rules (page 120 of the rule book) and the numbering subsequent paragraphs to be sequenced.

General Proposals

• GEN-90-1 and -2 appeared in the November issue.
• GEN-90-3: (Robert L. Underwood) Simplify and standardize the rules for model identification by applying the "Safety Code" wording for competition models: "All models entered in competition, except Indoor, shall be identified with the contestant's name and address or AMA number, or on the model."
• GEN-90-4: (Robert L. Underwood) Clarify the statement concerning rule deviations in the Contest Director material on page 1 of the rule book. (Refer to GEN-90-5 for the remainder of this item.)
• GEN-90-5: (Robert L. Underwood) Clarify the statement concerning rule deviations in the Contest Director material on page 1 of the rule book and replace with "Any deviations from the standard rules as given in this book must be detailed in writing as part of the sanction request." (This proposal also appears as EC-90-1.)
• GEN-90-6: (Robert L. Underwood) Clarify the statement concerning rule deviations in the Contest Director material on page 1 of the rule book and reformat the text in the book body and the sanctioning forms. "Any deviations from the standard rules as printed in this book must be detailed in writing as part of the sanction request."
• GEN-90-7: (Wayne Yeager) Provide for the establishment of National Records in RC Pylon Racing.
• GEN-90-8: (Kevin R. Collins) Add an overall silence requirement for operating internal combustion engines in larger than 0.051-cu. in. displacement. "As of January 1, 1992 all model aircraft operated with more than 0.051 cu. in. displacement engines shall be required to have effective silencers. Engines must be equipped with effective silencers. Failure to do so will result in disqualification."

Executive Council Proposals

• ECx-90-1: (Robert L. Underwood) Clarify statement concerning rule deviations in the Contest Director material on page 1 of the rule book. (Refer to GEN-90-4 for the remainder of this item.)
• ECx-90-2: (Robert L. Underwood) Clarify the statement concerning the rule deviations in the Contest Director material on page 1 of the rule book. (Refer to GEN-90-5 for the remainder of this item.)
• ECx-90-3: (Robert L. Underwood) Eliminate paragraph 2.5 which deals with "automatic upgrade" of contest status to national level in the "Sanctioned Events" section of the "General Information" section of the rule book, page 8.
• ECx-90-4: (Victor Gagliano) Change the age categories for Junior and Senior contestants/members: Juniors up to and including age 16; Seniors over 16 up to and including 25 years.

Special Events Proposals

• SEB-90-1: (Don Mulligan) Change current Event 702 (RC Duration) to remove Provisional status and broaden its appeal by adding larger engine/limited-engine-run classes and to simplify its performance goals and contest procedures. (This item is too lengthy to reproduce here. Members are urged to read the entire proposal and to request a copy from the Competition Department at AMA HQ.)
• SEB-90-2: (Glenn F. Gresens) Establish new Provisional event for engine-powered RC models. Climb and Glide. Flight duration will be the basis of competition, and scoring will be based on the ratio of the total flight time to the engine run time. Proposed aircraft specifications and contest procedures will allow a wide variety of existing types and sizes of models to compete. Contest procedures for this new event are similar to those for existing Event 702 (RC Duration), and both events could be flown at the same contest using the same officials and timers. (This item is too long to reproduce here. Interested modelers may request a copy from the Competition Department at AMA HQ.)
• SEB-90-3: (Glenn F. Gresens) Several items in Event 702 (RC Duration) are modified and clarified. The basic concept and intent of the existing rules is not changed.

Indoor Proposals

• IND-90-1 through -3 appeared in the October issue.
• IND-90-4: (Victor Cagliano) Make the overall length of Novice and full Pennyplane 20 in., including the propeller.
• IND-90-5: (Doug Barber) Include the propeller in the overall length of both Pennyplane and Novice Pennyplane as was intended when the event was originated.
• IND-90-6: (Doug Barber) Change the name of the event, "Novice Pennyplane," to "Limited Pennyplane."
• IND-90-7: (Edmund S. Whitten, Jr.) Create a Provisional Indoor event named "Experimental Autogyro" (excerpted by the editor): 1) Model is supported in flight solely by the action of vanes or rotor(s) which rotate in an approximately vertical axis, no fixed wing(s) allowed; 2) Lifting surface area is swept area of vanes or rotor(s), with the lifting surface being the sum of the individual swept disc areas in the case of multirotor models; 3) Individual vane or rotor blades must have an aspect ratio no less than 4:1; 4) Horizontal stabilizing surface area not to exceed 100% of total lifting surface area, and no limit is placed on vertical stabilizing surface area.
• IND-90-8: (Edmund S. Whitten, Jr.) Create the Provisional event "Bostonian," which conforms to the following provisions (excerpted by the editor): 1) Model uses built-up construction with appearance similar to full-scale canard-type machines; 2) Maximum projected wingspan of 16 in. and maximum chord of 3 in.; 3) Maximum propeller diameter of 6 in.; 4) Maximum model length of 14 in. excluding propeller; 5) Minimum airframe weight (without rubber motor) of 0.247 oz. (7 grams); 6) All flight surfaces to be double-covered; 7) Fuselage must contain 1.5 x 2.5 x 3 in. "box," and the longerons forming it must enclose/support the motor—no motor sticks allowed, and forward-facing and side windows must each have a minimum of 1 sq. in. of area; 8) Landing gear to be fixed, sufficiently rigid to support the model to a hand-glide landing, and have two freely turning wheels (3/4 in. diameter minimum); 9) ROG takeoffs required for an unlimited number of official flights; 10) Contestants' score will be the total of their three best flights multiplied by the Charisma Judging Factor; 11) Judges will award a Charisma Factor ranging between 1.00 and 1.32; 12) Contestant may enter more than one model but may only win one prize.
• IND-90-9: (Richard Doig) Revise the scoring rules for Indoor Hand-Launch Glider to reflect the accuracy of modern electronic stopwatches. Change from timing to 1/5-sec precision to 1/100-sec precision, with a method of rounding.
• IND-90-10: (Richard Doig) Revise the Easy B rules such that the second sentence of paragraph 8.2.d (page 20) reads: "(The tail boom shall be either an extension of the motor stick or a separate piece of solid wood.)"
• IND-90-11: (Richard Doig) Add a new rule to the Novice Pennyplane event: The entire assembled model including propeller shall fit through a 20-in. long by 18-in. wide rectangle, with the motor stick parallel to the 20-in. sides, and with the wing level relative to the 18-in. sides.

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