Competition Newsletter

Competition Newsletter

Two Airfields for 1976 Nats?

Is possible. Currently being explored is the feasibility of using Wright Field for RC Pattern, Pylon, Scale, and all CL events, with Springfield Airport for RC Soaring, Helicopter, and all outdoor Free Flight events.

Springfield Airport is about 15 minutes from Wright Field and is superior for Free Flight purposes. If details concerning use of Springfield can be worked out, that's the way the '76 Nats probably will go.

Another exciting possibility is the addition of the SAM (Society of Antique Modelers) Championship to the AMA Nats schedule. Tentatively set for Bong Field in Wisconsin for '76, the SAM Champs may switch to Springfield if current explorations work out.

Still to be settled is the location of indoor events. Possibilities include Akron, Cincinnati, or West Baden (Indiana) for duration events. Decisions regarding these possibilities will probably be made at the '76 Nats Planning Meeting in January.

Meanwhile, Air Force confirmation of the availability of Wright Field for the '76 Nats is expected by year's end. Planned dates: August 1-8, 1976.

New National Records Starting January 1

At the conclusion of each rules-change cycle a review is made to see what new categories have reached official rules status, enabling flight performances to be considered for National AMA Record purposes, and whether rules have been changed in other categories such that flight performance potential is considered to be reduced. In the latter case, and also when new rules are started as of the effective date of the new rules, new records, thus, will be started for the following, for flights made in AMA sanctioned competition beginning January 1, 1976.

Indoor Pennyplane (three age classes in each of three ceiling heights). No records for Novice Pennyplane; the rules for which are provisional.

Outdoor Free Flight Payload (in three age classes). Cargo (in three age classes). Power Landplane (three age classes for 1/2A, A, B and C in both Category I and II).

Control Line Speed 1/2A, A, B, and C, Junior age only (Open C record continues, but is re-titled Class 0). Formula '40' Speed (in three age classes). Proto Speed 1/2A and B (in three age classes). Profile Proto Speed 1/2A and B (Junior only). Navy Carrier Classes I and II (in three age classes). Profile Navy Carrier (in three age classes).

Underwood and McDonald Join U.S. World Championships Teams

Bob Underwood of St. Louis, Mo., and Les McDonald of Miami, Fla., have accepted positions on the U.S. World Championships Teams, respectively, for RC Scale and CL Aerobatics. This action followed approval by the AMA Executive Council of providing travel assistance to reigning U.S. World Champions to compete as individuals (rather than as U.S. Team members) in the next World Championships if they wish.

Bob Wischer, 1974 RC Scale World Championships winner, and Sob Cieseke, 1974 CL Aerobatics World Championships winner, both had earned the right through Team Trials to be members of the U.S. Teams, and so Underwood and McDonald, who were runners-up in the Team Trials, are filling vacancies from the choice by Wischer and Cieseke to step down and compete, instead, solely as individuals.

Inasmuch as current FAI rules permit the reigning World Champion to attend the World Championships as an individual representative of his country, one effect of this action is to permit the U.S. to have four chances at first place in those two events. The only disadvantage is that neither Wischer's nor Cieseke's score will be counted toward the Team Championship.

January 1 Is Starting Date for 1978-79 Rules Proposals

Contest Board Procedures provide a period from January 1 through June 1 every other year in which AMA members may submit Basic Proposals to add to or revise existing competition rules for effect January 1 two years later. The new cycle for accepting Basic Rules Change Proposals begins January 1, 1976 and extends through June 1, 1976 (postmark deadline). Rules emanating from such proposals will be effective January 1, 1978.

Only proposals submitted on the standard Rules Change Proposal Form will be accepted. These are available upon request from AMA HQ (please include a pre-addressed, stamped envelope). Items to be included in making a proposal consist of (1) a brief summary of the proposed change; (2) the exact wording proposed for the rule book; and (3) the logic behind the proposed change including alleged shortcomings of the present rules. Three adult AMA members must sign the proposal form; one of whom must be an AMA Contest Director.

RC Sport Scale—Ducted Fans Okay Without Muffler

Acting on a request from Dave Platt, the AMA Scale Contest Board has been unanimous in its vote to exempt ducted fan installations from the newly enacted Sport Scale rule requiring mufflers (effective January 1, 1976). The exemption was approved, apparently, because a ducted fan installation without muffler is thought to be at least as quiet as an exposed engine with muffler. Also, it was noted that the expected power loss normally associated with muffler use would diminish flyability of ducted fan power models.

All Scale Contest Board members were in favor of providing the exemption, except that votes from Districts II and IX had not been received when this was written.

CL Contest Board Ratifies Slow Combat, Combat, Scale Racing & General Rules

Separate action clarifies Sport Race wing thickness and lines for lower classes in Novice Stunt.

Background. The interpretations pertaining to Slow Combat (identified as 1.1, 1.1.1), General (1.2, 2A, 2B, and 2C), and Combat (3.3 and 3.8) were made effective upon publication in the November 1975 Competition Newsletter, page 61, following a vote for immediate effect by the AMA Contest Board in accordance with the Contest Board procedures document. These procedures provide for immediate effect of such new interpretations on the opposite page.

Similar action was taken on a request for interpretations of rules concerning Sport Race wing thickness and lines for lower classes in Novice Stunt. The board voted to publish the proposed interpretations for comment and to declare their immediate effect pending final action at the January meeting. requirements for Novice aerobatics when permitted small engines are used.

Following is the text of the ratified interim action proposals of those items indicated by asterisk (*) in the voting chart:

1.A. Slow Combat. The "tail wheel" of a model does not satisfactorily fulfill the requirement that "models shall have a minimum of a one-wheel landing gear."

1.B. Slow Combat. The "landing gear" must be the main load-supporting landing gear, and the required "one wheel" must be in reasonable proportion in size to the rest of the model.

1.C. Slow Combat. The "one wheel landing gear" shall provide full prop clearance when the model sits in a normal unassisted "at rest" position.

1.D. Slow Combat. When ROG is required in a contest, the model must be launched from its "at rest" position. Any other type ROG will not be considered "unassisted."

1.E. General. Any of the above interpretations which are approved shall also apply to any other CL events where there is a one-wheel landing gear and/or unassisted ROG requirement (and will, therefore, be appropriately incorporated into the CL General Rules, Section 20).

2.C. General. Only permanent type line end terminations and connectors, as shown and described in paragraphs 20.5 through 20.5.4, are permitted. Any system using knots is specifically not considered "as strong" as those systems shown and required in 20.5.3. Splices at any point along the lines are not considered a "termination" and are not allowed.

3.A. Combat. When one or both control lines on a Combat model are cut or break during a match, that model shall be declared "unflyable" on the basis that it does not have a strong and workable control.

4.H. Scale Racing. Resolve the conflict between the 1/2" maximum cowl width in the chart (accepted proposals 80 and 30A) and the "as used on the full-size" statement.

TWO AIRFIELDS FOR 1976 NATS

It's possible. Currently being explored is the feasibility of using Wright Field for RC Pattern, Pylon, Scale and CL events, and Springfield Airport for SC Soaring, Helicopter and outdoor Free Flight events. Springfield Airport is about 15 minutes from Wright Field and is superior for Free Flight purposes. Details concerning use of Springfield can be worked out that way. '76 Nats probably will go.

Another exciting possibility: addition of SAM (Society for Antique Models).

NEW NATIONAL RECORDS STARTING JANUARY 1

In conclusion of the rules-change cycle review, the Contest Board reviewed what new categories have reached official rules status enabling flight performances to be considered for National AMA Record purposes. Where rules have changed, flight performance potential may be considered reduced; in the latter case flights are also scored differently under the new rules. New records will start effective with the new rules. Records thus will be started following flights made in AMA-sanctioned competition beginning January 1, 1976.

Indoor Pennyplane — three age classes, three ceiling heights. No records for Novice Pennyplane; rules provisional.

Outdoor Free Flight — Payload: three age classes; Cargo: three age classes; Power Landplane: three age classes; 1/2A S/C both Category II.

Control Line Speed — 1/2A S/C Junior age. Open C record continues, retitled Class O.

Formula 40 Speed — three age classes.

Proto Speed — 1/2A S, three age classes.

Profile Proto Speed — 1/2A S Junior.

Navy Carrier Classes II — three age classes.

Profile Navy Carrier — three age classes.

UNDERWOOD AND McDONALD JOIN US WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS TEAMS

Sob Underwood, St. Louis, Mo., and Les McDonald, Miami, Fla., have accepted positions on the US World Championships Teams, respectively RC Scale and CL Aerobatics. Action followed approval by the AMA Executive Council.

Tentative plans set the AMA Nats at Song Field, Wisconsin, for '76. SAM Champs may switch to Springfield; current explorations will work out details. Indoor event possibilities include Akron, Cincinnati and West Baden, Indiana. Decisions regarding these possibilities will probably be made at the '76 Nats Planning Meeting in January. Meanwhile, Air Force confirmation of availability of Wright Field for the '76 Nats is expected by year's end. Planned dates are August 1–8, 1976.

Reigning US World Champions who wish to compete as individuals rather than as US Team members in the next World Championships include Bob Wischer, 1974 RC Scale World Champion, and Sob Cieseke, 1974 CL Aerobatics World Champion. Both earned rights through Team Trials. Members of the US Teams, Underwood and McDonald, were runners-up in Team Trials and are filling vacancies created when Wischer and Cieseke chose to step down and compete solely as individuals. Inasmuch as current FAI rules permit a reigning World Champion to attend the World Championships as an individual representative of his country, the effect of this action permits the US to have four chances for first place in those two events. A disadvantage is that neither Wischer's nor Cieseke's score will be counted toward Team Championships.

Contest Board procedures provide a period January 1 through June 1 of each year during which AMA members may submit Basic Rules Change Proposals to add or revise existing competition rules taking effect January 1 two years later. The new rules recently announced started proposals submitted in 1974. The new cycle for accepting Basic Rules Change Proposals begins January 1, 1976 and extends through June 1, 1976 (postmark deadline). Rules emanating from such proposals will be effective January 1, 1978.

Only proposals submitted on the standard Rules Change Proposal Form will be accepted. The form is available upon request from AMA HQ; please include a pre-addressed stamped envelope. Items to include when making a proposal consist of:

• 1. A brief summary of the proposed change
• 2. The exact wording proposed for the rule book
• 3. The logic behind the proposed change, including alleged shortcomings of present rules

Three adult AMA members must sign the proposal form. Proposals must be filed with the AMA Contest Director.

RC SPORT SCALE—DUCTED FANS OKAY WITHOUT MUFFLER

Acting on a request from Dave Platt, the AMA Scale Contest Board has voted unanimously to exempt ducted fan installations from the newly enacted Sport Scale rule requiring mufflers, effective January 1, 1976. The exemption was approved.

Competition Newsletter

TWO AIRFIELDS FOR 1976 NATS It's possible. Currently being explored is the feasibility of using Wright Field for RC Pattern, Pylon, Scale and CL events, and Springfield Airport for SC Soaring, Helicopter and outdoor Free Flight events. Springfield Airport is about 15 minutes from Wright Field. Wright Field is superior for Free Flight purposes; details concerning use of Springfield can be worked out that way. '76 Nats probably will go. Another exciting possibility: addition of SAM Society Antique Model ...

NEW NATIONAL RECORDS STARTING JANUARY 1 In conclusion of the rules-change cycle review, see what new categories have reached official rules status, enabling flight performances to be considered for National AMA Record purposes. Where rules have changed in other categories such flight performance potential is considered reduced; in the latter case flights are also scored differently under the new rules. Fresh new records start effective with the new rules. New records thus will be started following flights made in AMA-sanctioned competition beginning January 1, 1976.

Indoor Pennyplane — three age classes; three ceiling heights. No records. Novice Pennyplane rules provisional.

Outdoor Free Flight — Payload — three age classes. Cargo — three age classes. Power Landplane — three age classes. 1/2A S C both Category II Control Line Speed 1/2A Proto Speed — three age classes. Junior Navy Carrier — Classes II — three age classes. Profile Navy Carrier — three age classes.

UNDERWOOD AND McDONALD JOIN US WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS TEAMS Sob Underwood, St. Louis, Mo., and Les McDonald, Miami, Fla., have accepted positions on the US World Championships Teams, respectively RC Scale and CL Aerobatics. The action followed approval by the AMA Executive Council. Reigning US World Champions who wish to compete as individuals rather than as US Team members at the next World Championships are being accommodated; Bob Wischer, 1974 RC Scale World Champion, and Sob Cieseke, 1974 CL Aerobatics World Champion, both earned the right through Team Trials. Underwood and McDonald, as runners-up in the Team Trials, are filling vacancies created when Wischer and Cieseke stepped down to compete solely as individuals. Inasmuch as current FAT rules permit a reigning World Champion to attend the World Championships as an individual representative of his country, the action permits the US to have four chances for first place (two events). Neither Wischer's nor Cieseke's score will be counted toward the Team Championships.

TWO AIRFIELDS FOR 1976 NATS

It's possible. Currently being explored is the feasibility of using Wright Field for RC Pattern, Pylon, Scale and CL events, and Springfield Airport for SC Soaring, Helicopter and outdoor Free Flight events. Springfield Airport is about 15 minutes [from] Wright Field. Wright Field is superior for Free Flight purposes; details concerning use of Springfield can be worked out that way. The '76 Nats probably will go.

Another exciting possibility: addition of SAM (Society of Antique Modelers) Antique Model ...

NEW NATIONAL RECORDS STARTING JANUARY 1

At the conclusion of a rules-change cycle, a review is made to see what new categories have reached official rules status enabling flight performances to be considered for National AMA Record purposes. Where rules have changed, other categories' flight-performance potential is considered reduced; in the latter case, also flights are scored differently under the new rules. Fresh new records are started effective the date of the new rules. New records thus will be started following flights made in AMA-sanctioned competition beginning January 1, 1976.

• Indoor Pennyplane — three age classes, three ceiling heights. No records. Novice Pennyplane rules provisional.
• Outdoor Free Flight — Payload — three age classes.
• Cargo — three age classes.
• Power Landplane — three age classes.
• 1/2A S/C — both Category II Control Line Speed.
• Formula 40 Speed — three age classes.
• Proto Speed 1/2A S — three age classes.
• Profile Proto Speed 1/2A S — Junior.
• Navy Carrier — Classes II — three age classes.
• Profile Navy Carrier — three age classes.

Contest Board procedures provide a period, January 1 through June 1 of the other year, during which AMA members may submit basic proposals to add or revise existing competition rules, effective January 1 two years later. The new rules recently announced started from proposals submitted in 1974. The new cycle accepting Basic Rules Change Proposals begins January 1, 1976 and extends through June 1, 1976 (postmark deadline). Rules emanating from such proposals will be effective January 1, 1978.

Only proposals submitted on the standard Rules Change Proposal Form will be accepted. The form is available upon request from AMA SQ; please include a pre-addressed stamped envelope. Items included in making a proposal consist of:

1. A brief summary of the proposed change.
2. Exact wording for the proposed rule book entry.
3. The logic behind the proposed change, including alleged shortcomings of the present rules.

Three adult AMA members must sign the proposal form. Submit completed forms to the AMA Contest Director.

RC SPORT SCALE — DUCTED FANS OKAY WITHOUT MUFFLER

Acting on a request from Dave Platt, the AMA Scale Contest Board has unanimously voted to exempt ducted-fan installations from the newly enacted Sport Scale rule requiring mufflers, effective January 1, 1976. The exemption was approved.

TWO AIRFIELDS FOR 1976 NATS

It's possible. Currently being explored is the feasibility of using Wright Field for RC Pattern, Pylon, Scale and CL events; Springfield Airport for Soaring, Helicopter and outdoor Free Flight events. Springfield is about 15 minutes (sic) from Wright Field and is superior for Free Flight purposes. Details concerning use of Springfield can be worked out that way. '76 Nats probably will go.

Another exciting possibility: addition of SAM (Society of Antique Modelers) events.

NEW NATIONAL RECORDS STARTING JANUARY 1

In conclusion, a rules-change cycle review was made to see what new categories have reached official rules status, enabling flight performances to be considered National AMA Records purposes. Where rules have changed, other categories whose flight performance potential is considered reduced in the latter case are also flights scored differently under the new rules. Fresh new records started effective date new rules. New records thus will be started following flights made in AMA sanctioned competition beginning January 1, 1976.

Indoor

• Pennyplane — three age classes, three ceiling heights. No records.

Novice Pennyplane rules provisional.

Outdoor Free Flight

• Payload — three age classes
• Cargo — three age classes
• Power Landplane — three age classes
• 1/2A S & C — both Category II

Control Line

• Speed 1/2A & C — Junior age. Open C record continues, re-titled Class O.
• Formula 40 Speed — three age classes
• Proto Speed 1/2A S — three age classes
• Profile Proto Speed 1/2A S — Junior

Navy Carrier

• Classes II — three age classes
• Profile Navy Carrier — three age classes

Sob Underwood, St. Louis, Mo., and Les McDonald, Miami, Fla., have accepted positions on the US World Championships Teams for RC Scale and CL Aerobatics respectively, following approval by the AMA Executive Council and the Championships AMA Nats schedule. Tentatively set for Song Field, Wisconsin, '76 SAM Champs may switch to Springfield; current explorations are working out. Still unsettled is the location for indoor events. Possibilities include Akron, Cincinnati, West Baden, Indiana; duration of events decisions regarding possibilities will probably be made at the '76 Nats Planning Meeting in January. Meanwhile Air Force confirmation of availability of Wright Field for the '76 Nats is expected by year's end. Planned dates: August 18, 1976. Travel assistance for reigning US World Champions competing as individuals rather than US Team members at the next World Championships was sought by Bob Wischer, 1974 RC Scale World Championships winner, and Sob Cieseke, 1974 CL Aerobatics World Championships winner. Both earned the right through Team Trials; members of US Teams Underwood and McDonald, runners-up in Team Trials, are filling vacancies by choice as Wischer and Cieseke step down to compete instead solely as individuals. Inasmuch as current FAT rules permit a reigning World Champion to attend World Championships as an individual representative of a country, this action will permit the US to have four chances for first place in two events. To the disadvantage of neither Wischer's nor Cieseke's score will be counted toward Team Championships.

Contest Board procedures provide the period January 1 through June 1 of each year AMA members may submit Basic Proposals to add or revise existing competition rules, effective January 1 two years later. The new rules recently announced started from proposals submitted in 1974. The new cycle accepting Basic Rules Change Proposals begins January 1, 1976 and extends through June 1, 1976 (postmark deadline). Rules emanating from such proposals will be effective January 1, 1978. Only proposals submitted on the standard Rules Change Proposal Form will be accepted. The form is available upon request from AMA SQ; please include a pre-addressed stamped envelope. Items included in making a proposal consist of:

1. Brief summary of proposed change
2. Exact wording for the proposed rule book entry
3. Logic behind proposed change, including alleged shortcomings of present rules

RC SPORT SCALE — DUCTED FANS OKAY WITHOUT MUFFLER

Acting on request of Dave Platt, the AMA Scale Contest Board has unanimously voted to exempt ducted‑fan installations from the newly enacted Sport Scale rule requiring mufflers, effective January 1, 1976. The exemption was approved.

NEW NATIONAL RECORDS STARTING JANUARY 1

As a conclusion of the rules‑change cycle review, the Contest Board determined what new categories have reached official rules status, enabling flight performances in these categories to be considered for National AMA record purposes. Where rules have changed such that flight‑performance potential is reduced or flights are scored differently under the new rules, fresh records will be started effective the new rules' date. New records thus will be started following flights made in AMA‑sanctioned competition beginning January 1, 1976, in the following categories:

• Indoor Pennyplane — three age classes, three ceiling heights (No records; Novice Pennyplane rules provisional)
• Outdoor Free Flight Payload — three age classes
• Cargo — three age classes
• Power Landplane — three age classes
• 1/2A S.C. — both Category II Control Line Speed and 1/2A S.C. Junior age
• Open C — record continues, re‑titled Class O
• Formula 40 Speed — three age classes
• Proto Speed 1/2A S — three age classes
• Profile Proto Speed 1/2A S — Junior
• Navy Carrier Classes II — three age classes
• Profile Navy Carrier — three age classes

Bob Underwood, St. Louis, Mo., and Les McDonald, Miami, Fla., have accepted positions on the U.S. World Championships teams for RC Scale and CL Aerobatics, respectively. Their action followed approval by the AMA Executive Council providing the Championships and AMA Nats schedule.

Reigning World Champions who wish to compete as individuals rather than as U.S. Team members at the next World Championships are permitted to do so under current FAI rules. Bob Wischer (1974 RC Scale World Champion) and Sob Cieseke (1974 CL Aerobatics World Champion) earned the right through Team Trials; Underwood and McDonald, as runners‑up in Team Trials, are filling vacancies created when Wischer and Cieseke step down to compete solely as individuals. Inasmuch as current FAI rules permit a reigning World Champion to attend the World Championships as an individual representative of his country, the effect of this action is that the U.S. will have four chances for first place in two events. To the disadvantage of neither, Wischer's nor Cieseke's score will be counted toward Team Championships.

TWO AIRFIELDS FOR 1976 NATS (POSSIBLE)

It is possible the 1976 Nats will use two airfields. Currently being explored is the feasibility of using Wright Field for RC Pattern, Pylon, Scale and CL events, and Springfield Airport for Soaring, Helicopter, Outdoor Free Flight events. Springfield is about 15 minutes from Wright Field and is superior for Free Flight purposes; details concerning use of Springfield can be worked out that way. If so, the '76 Nats probably will go that way. Another exciting possibility is the addition of SAM (Society of Antique Modelers) events. "Competition Newsletter" will present, from time to time, constructive and thought‑provoking ideas or criticisms of AMA rules and policies which affect competitors. When the issue has two sides, CN will endeavor to print all viewpoints that have been submitted — within the limits of available space, uniqueness, constructiveness, timeliness and "good taste." Determination of the appropriateness of publication of any of these matters must of necessity rest solely with the editor.

The thoughts presented are those of the author, and should not necessarily be construed as those of AMA HQ, AMA officers or the editor. All should note that publication here of a rules‑change or policy‑change idea does not necessarily mean that specific proposal has been presented to the Contest Board, Executive Council, or appropriate committee; such action is the responsibility of the author or anyone else interested in obtaining official action.

ONE HAND WASHES THE OTHER

Warren Shadrick Randolph, Mass.

I'd like to say a few words about one or two subjects that I feel is something the AMA ought to publicize to the maximum: the Flying Goombahs, a Control Line club from Braintree, helped out a great deal at the Fitchburg New England Regional RC Championships (June 28-29, 1975); the other 16 clubs making up the organizing Council of N.E. Modelers are all RC! Also, for the past two years, my own club (South Shore RC) and the Goombahs have been jointly putting on flying and static contests at airports and public gatherings several times each year. The largest of these, the three‑day "Summerfest" at Brockton, Mass., draws in excess of 100,000 people.

The point I am trying to make is that it's super for the N.E.'s largest RC club and, I believe, the N.E.'s largest CL club to have worked together for the last several years not just to promote their individual phases of the sport, but the entire sport!

Would be discontinued. Separating flyers into experience levels is not impossible and may be worth serious consideration. It is already being done with some success in other AMA events. We might set this in the ad our local meets. After all, Free Fighters are competitors to one degree or another, and all need the encouragement of winning. But this is an entirely different discussion from the VTO versus hand‑launch argument.

If today's modern Free Flight still typically do 5 to 6 minutes on 10 seconds motor run, and a 15‑second motor run is a clear overkill for a 5‑minute maximum. Many of us have outgrown the need for 15‑second motor runs, and with it, the VTO. In hand‑launch, several new American designs will be marketed in 1976. With these new engines, performance will be further increased. For 1976, the first three flights will be almost as difficult as the flyoff flights. Those not prepared will have trouble making without thermal air. But isn't that the way it should be?

Is safety really an issue? Yes, it is, and always has been. It is not a serious safety problem, but safety is improved by hand launching. After all, if VTO was safer than HL, we would use it for all other flying and our flyoff flights. Flying in windy conditions is often dangerous for the smaller ships, and often VTO launches are made at low angles with no clearance check made before flying through the crowd. When the flyer hand launches, he faces the intended flight path, giving the plane an assist in direction and speed. The hand launch is done at a higher elevation and is better controlled.

There is a natural resistance to change of any kind. Some people are satisfied with things as they are. We always have the choice of watching the world go by or joining the fun. Change can be fun, and it's sure more challenging than standing still or looking backwards. Flying on a shorter run does require greater thermal selectivity and greater airplane performance, but why not welcome the challenge? All real competitors will.

Have the Easterners dictated our AMA rules? Certainly not. During my last five years on the Contest Board, I have never known the Easterners or anyone else to dictate to us. We should realize the AMA rules must be a compromise. The rules are not written only for us on the West Coast; we must change the cat. rules at the same time we change the Cat. 2 rules to prevent obsolescence and dilution of design effort. Cat. 1 models should be competitive in Cat. 2 and vice versa. In the Cat. 1 rules, stayed the same; models for this class would not be size. Cat. 2 models would shrink at the same time. Since flying fields are getting smaller, Cat. 2 contests would become dominant.

The Contest Board Procedures generally outline the duties of the Contest Board member. It is not a political office and should it ever become a political office, the board member serves on his own time and at his own expense in a rules contest. There are 11 members on the Contest Board, and it takes a two‑year period for a two‑thirds majority vote by the board to make a rules change. AMA members have the right to appeal board decisions by submitting new proposals. A petition against a rule, no matter how many sign it, does not necessarily stop it; nor does it guarantee the selected group.

The majority of all FAI events are opposed to this new rule, and we have good reasons for feeling that way. Immature proposals, but there should be room for a more mature reference of opinion even in their thinking.

FF AMA POWER — HL IN, VTO OUT

Mel Schmidt Dist. X FFBC Member

By now, we have heard just about every possible argument "for" and "against" abolishing VTO. I would now like to publicly express my views on the subject.

There is fear that the AMA Power is being moved purposely in the direction of FAI Power, and that a FAI‑oriented Contest Board is the controlling element. There has been a rumor spread in California that masks heavily used "sabotage" to finish the power rules. The abolishment of VTO was done for other reasons.

Which VTO still? In my opinion, AMA Power is a development class independent of FAI Power. Its unlimited rules make it ideal for developing new designs. We can experiment with size, weight and power far beyond the limitations imposed by the rigid FAI rules. This is why many of us refer to AMA Power. AMA Power is not a sub‑class of FAI Power, nor should it ever be.

There is fear that AMA Power is becoming overly competitive. My fear is that it is not competitive enough. It is our unlimited Power class. The FAI advocates argue that AMA Power is the advanced Free Flight class and that AMA Power is for training the beginners. When we act and fly like beginners, we only support the FAI advocate's theory. AMA Power should be the competitive. Perhaps we need separate events for beginners with graduation to the advanced level as skills are developed. Under such a scheme, separation by age

NEW NATIONAL RECORDS STARTING JANUARY 1

Conclusion of the rules‑change cycle review made us see what new categories have reached official rules status enabling flight performances to be considered National AMA Record purposes. Whether rules have changed in other categories such flight performance potential is considered reduced; in the latter case also flights are scored differently under the new rules. Fresh new records started effective date new rules. New records thus will be started following flights made in AMA‑sanctioned competition beginning January 1, 1976.

Indoor

• Novice Pennyplane rules provisional.

Outdoor Free Flight

• Payload — three age classes
• Cargo — three age classes
• Power Landplane — three age classes
• 1/2A S C both Category II
• Control Line Speed — 1/2A S C Junior age. Open C record continues re‑titled Class O.
• Formula 40 Speed — three age classes
• Proto Speed 1/2A S — three age classes
• Profile Proto Speed 1/2A S — Junior
• Navy Carrier Classes II — three age classes
• Profile Navy Carrier — three age classes

Sob Underwood, St. Louis, Mo., and Les McDonald, Miami, Fla., have accepted positions on the U.S. World Championships Teams for RC Scale and CL Aerobatics, respectively, following approval by the AMA Executive Council providing their Championship AMA Nats schedule. Tentatively set Song Field, Wisconsin, '76. SAM Champs may switch to Springfield; current explorations will work out. Still unsettled location for indoor events. Possibilities include Akron, Cincinnati, West Baden, Indiana. Decisions regarding possibilities will probably be made at the '76 Nats Planning Meeting in January. Meanwhile, Air Force confirmation of availability of Wright Field for '76 Nats expected by year's end. Planned dates: August 18, 1976. Travel assistance for reigning U.S. World Champions to compete as individuals rather than U.S. Team members for the next World Championships was requested by Bob Wischer, 1974 RC Scale World Champion, and Sob Cieseke, 1974 CL Aerobatics World Champion. Both earned the right through Team Trials; Underwood and McDonald, as runners‑up in Team Trials, are filling vacancies created when Wischer and Cieseke step down to compete solely as individuals. Inasmuch as current FAI rules permit a reigning World Champion to attend the World Championships as an individual representative of his country, the effect of this action is that the U.S. will have four chances for first place in two events. To the disadvantage of neither, Wischer's nor Cieseke's score will be counted toward Team Championships.

JANUARY 1 IS STARTING DATE FOR 1978‑79 RULES PROPOSALS

Contest Board Procedures provide period January 1 through June 1 of the other year AMA members may submit Basic Proposals to add or revise existing competition rules effective January 1 two years later. New rules recently announced pages started proposals submitted 1974 new cycle accepting Basic Rules Change Proposals begins January 1, 1976 and extends through June 1, 1976 (postmark deadline). Rules emanating from such proposals will be effective January 1, 1978.

Only proposals submitted on the standard Rules Change Proposal Form will be accepted. The form is available upon request from AMA HQ; please include a pre‑addressed stamped envelope. Items included in making a proposal consist of:

1. Brief summary of the proposed change
2. Exact wording for the proposed rule book
3. Logic behind the proposed change including alleged shortcomings of present rules

Three adult AMA members must sign the proposal form; it must be endorsed by AMA Contest Director.

RC SPORT SCALE — DUCTED FANS OKAY WITHOUT MUFFLER

Acting upon request of Dave Platt, AMA Scale Contest Board has unanimously voted to exempt ducted‑fan installations from the newly‑enacted Sport Scale rule requiring mufflers, effective January 1, 1976. Exemption approved.

TWO AIRFIELDS FOR 1976 NATS

It's possible. Currently being explored is the feasibility of using Wright Field for RC Pattern, Pylon, Scale and CL events, Springfield Airport for Soaring, Helicopter and outdoor Free Flight events. Springfield is about 15 minutes from Wright Field and is superior for Free Flight purposes. Details concerning use of Springfield can be worked out; that way the '76 Nats probably will go.

Another exciting possibility is the addition of SAM (Society of Antique Modelers) Antique Model ...

NEW NATIONAL RECORDS STARTING JANUARY 1

In conclusion of the rules‑change cycle review made to see what new categories have reached official rules status enabling flight performances to be considered National AMA Record purposes: whether rules have changed, other categories whose flight performance potential is considered reduced (in the latter case also flights scored differently under new rules). Fresh new records will be started effective the date of the new rules. New records thus will be started following flights made in AMA‑sanctioned competition beginning January 1, 1976.

• Indoor Pennyplane — three age classes, three ceiling heights. No records — Novice Pennyplane rules provisional.
• Outdoor Free Flight — Payload three age classes, Cargo three age classes, Power Landplane three age classes, 1/2A S/C both Category II.
• Control Line Speed — 1/2A S/C Junior age. Open C record continues, re‑titled Class O.
• Formula 40 Speed — three age classes.
• Proto Speed 1/2A S — three age classes.
• Profile Proto Speed 1/2A S Junior.
• Navy Carrier Classes II — three age classes.
• Profile Navy Carrier — three age classes.

Bob Underwood, St. Louis, Mo., and Les McDonald, Miami, Fla., have accepted positions on the US World Championships Teams for RC Scale and CL Aerobatics, respectively, following approval by the AMA Executive Council. Tentative scheduling places the Championships at Song Field, Wisconsin, 1976. The SAM Champs may switch to Springfield if current explorations work out. Location for Indoor events is still unsettled; possibilities include Akron, Cincinnati and West Baden, Indiana. Decisions regarding these possibilities will probably be made at the '76 Hats Planning Meeting in January. Meanwhile, Air Force confirmation of availability at Wright Field for the '76 Nats is expected by year's end. Planned dates are August 18, 1976.

Reigning US World Champions wishing travel assistance to compete as individuals rather than as US Team members at the next World Championships are: Bob Wischer, 1974 RC Scale World Championships winner; Bob Cieseke, 1974 CL Aerobatics World Championships winner — both earned their rights through Team Trials. Underwood and McDonald, runners‑up in the Team Trials, are filling vacancies. By choice Wischer and Cieseke step down to compete instead solely as individuals. Inasmuch as current FAI rules permit a reigning World Champion to attend the World Championships as an individual representative of a country, the effect of this action permits the US to have four chances for first place in two events. The disadvantage is that neither Wischer's nor Cieseke's score will be counted toward the Team Championships.

RC DB'S

(In September 1975 SRAC Newsletter, Bob Brown mentions that MRCS is in danger of losing its field because of noise generation and the ensuing complaints. Our sympathies are with the club in this matter. Maybe it is time to form an association of Northwest RC clubs to combat this and other problems as they arise. Maybe we can sponsor a public relations program that, collectively, will have a louder voice in these matters than possibly one club alone. Somewhere in the history books is a slogan. We must hang together or we shall hang separately.)

NEW PEANUT SCALE RULES

Charlie & Cathy Learoyd West Groton, Mass.

The Learoyd proposal for new Peanut Scale rules, recently accepted by the Scale Contest Board, was originally written two years ago and submitted following several revisions. Since then there has been time for more evaluation and feedback and, more important, the "state of the art" has changed considerably. These occurrences and more have led to some changes in our thinking. Consequently we would like to take this opportunity to explain some of the rationale behind the original proposal and the reasons for changing our viewpoint.

Our overall goal was to produce (or to bring about) a new set of rules superior to the old FAA rules. We were aware that several clubs were using different rules, and one purpose of our proposal was to prod others into submitting proposals also. Unfortunately only one other alternative materialized. Another very important goal was to avoid a 13‑inch span version of AMA Scale.

At the time the proposal was written, good times for the typical built‑up double‑truss, covered Peanut ranged around 60–70 seconds per flight. We were aiming for a 2‑to‑1 flight score to scale score ratio, and assuming a three‑flight total of 180–200 seconds and a maximum scale score around the same figure. This goal was met. In the two years since the proposal was written, however, performance has increased drastically. In New England, for example, there are several flyers whose 35–40 foot static lines now average well in excess of two minutes per flight, and some flyers are consistently doing 6 to 10 comparable flights in a day. The effect of these developments is to alter the scale‑to‑flight ratio intended in the original proposal.

Given this kind of flight performance, the criticism that our rules do not emphasize scale sufficiently is well taken. Another frequent comment is that counting three out of flight times makes the flying portion a very high‑pressure situation; this flight scoring was carried directly from the old rules at the time of the original draft. We do agree that the resulting pressure does not belong on this type of event, and in fact six or even nine attempts should be allowed.

It should be pointed out that although the new rules are just going into effect (January 1, 1976), the deadline for submitting proposals for 1978 will probably be September of 1976, only nine months away. (FRC: Except that the deadline actually is June 1, 1976.) It is not too early to start thinking about changes or even alternatives.

We would like to suggest one possible solution: count the best two out of five flights (as the FAI rules do) or their best one out of six. Either of these will reduce the emphasis on flying points and alleviate the pressure for consistency while permitting more flying. We will experiment with this effect after the present indoor season is over.

We still feel other accepted rules are basically sound and very workable. We welcome comments to continue to improve upon them while they are still provisional.

[CN: Variations to AMA rules as suggested are permitted, particularly on local level, but in all cases where rules are at variance organizers should be particularly careful in including the revisions in all contest announcements.]

DID THEMSELVES PROUD

George Jamieson Orlando, Fla.

This is a letter of appreciation.

I went to the 1975 Lake Charles Nationals, but allowed only one day (plus the night before the morning after the fly‑in) for the event and was present only half a day. This was the first non‑Navy Nationals I had been to (I had previously been to 1950, 1955 and 1962), so I was a bit let‑down. Things were not the same. Weather was more settled, and the activity less‑almost like the Nationals were a thing of the past. I said to myself, "I don't think I'll ever come again."

Then, after spending the Nationals day there, the boyish excitement was back. The realization of how many people had to work so hard to put this affair on, and my disappointment turned to admiration. To put on a contest like the Nationals with no help from an organization like the Navy is a great undertaking, and those who did it did themselves proud. By the time I left my attitude had made a complete reversal, and I am already planning to go to the 1976 Nationals and stay from start to finish. No matter of fact, I am eagerly awaiting word of when and where the '76 Nats are to be held so that I can reserve the leave time as far ahead as possible.

Another good word I would like to put in is for the McNeese College people. We stayed at their hands in the "couples" dormitory, and when we turned our key in, the lad who took it said, "I hope you come again next year." No matter whether he meant us personally or the AMA as a whole really doesn't matter — it really was a kind sentiment.

To sum things up, congratulations and thank you.

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