Edition: Model Aviation - 1997/06
Page Numbers: 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182
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FOCUS ON COMPETITION

Technical Director Steve Kaluf

We are early. Published in this issue are the Initial Vote tabulations for all Basic Rules Proposals. By our schedule for this issue we should be publishing this information in the July issue of Model Aviation, but because of the diligent efforts of my assistant, Teresa McKee, and the Production staff at Model Aviation it is available a month early. We will not move the rest of the schedule up. You will simply have a little more time to prepare for the next step.

This is when we get to see which proposals have passed and which did not. If we have all done our jobs right, the proposals that did pass are those that the bulk of the membership seems to be in favor of. This, of course, assumes that you also did your job and made your District Contest Board Member aware of your feelings on any proposal that you had an interest in. If you didn't, don't blame the Board if you now have to launch a Q-500 airplane with a hi-start!

The next step in the rules-change process is the submission of cross proposals. Cross proposals are alternate means of accomplishing the objectives of a basic proposal that has passed the initial ballot. While there is broad latitude in allowing alternative proposals, the original objective should be retained. Cross proposals will not be used to introduce new rules changes or to reintroduce proposals that were defeated in the Initial Ballot. Cross proposals must be postmarked by July 15, 1997. Cross proposals should be submitted on a standard AMA Rules Change Proposal Form. A copy of this was published in the August 1996 issue of Model Aviation. If you no longer have that issue, or do not wish to cut up your magazine, simply give the Competitions Department a call — we will be happy to send you a form. Cross proposals will be published in the November issue of Model Aviation.

This is my favorite annual issue of Model Aviation, since it is the one that is newcomer-oriented. There are so many good programs out there to help people learn about model aviation. Many school systems now have model aviation as part of their curriculum. Many AMA-chartered clubs are helping in these efforts too.

I recently attended a convention for science teachers in Indiana. Bob Underwood (AMA Educational Director) was the AMA official representative to this convention and did a great job dragging people out of the aisle (kicking and screaming) to extol the virtues of having model aviation as part of their curriculum. Jim Haught and I spent most of the day building AMA Cubs (Delta Darts). We started out building a few to fly and demonstrate to the teachers how easy they are to build and how they can be used as a great classroom tool; we also gave a few models away to interested teachers. By the end of the first hour the teachers were standing in line to receive a free model (about every eight minutes). By the end of the day we had built roughly 40 airplanes and gave them all away. What a neat way to show off model aviation. If you need any assistance in this area, give Bob Underwood a call; he has a wealth of information available.

That is it for this month. You will receive this issue just prior to the beginning of the Indoor Nationals in Johnson City, Tennessee. By all accounts, 1997 is going to be another great year for the Nationals. Remember, you can compete, you may not win, but you will learn.

Line Speed Pull Tests / Line Sizes

  • Per Competition Regulations, page 39 — Establishment of Line Sizes / Pull Tests.
  • CL Speed changes have made some CL Speed pull tests and line size changes necessary; the changes are reflected in the paragraph charts below. The changes are effective immediately.
  • Control Line — see Competition Regulations, page 29, Control Line General, Par. 6; Pull Test, Sub-par. 63.
  • Non-enclosed jet engines / Jet Speed models shall receive an engine mount pull test of 48 pounds.

General Contest Board

Initial Vote abbreviations:

  • IN — Indoor Contest Board
  • CL — Control Line Contest Board
  • FF — Free Flight Contest Board
  • SC — Scale Contest Board
  • ELC — Electric Contest Board
  • RCA — Radio Control Aerobatics Contest Board
  • RCH — Radio Control Helicopter Contest Board
  • RCR — Radio Control Racing Contest Board
  • SO — Radio Control Soaring Contest Board
  • SEB — Special Events Contest Board

Y = Yes P = Passed N = No F = Failed

Free Flight Contest Board Initial Vote

Y = Yes P = Passed N = No F = Failed

  • FF-99-1 — p12, Prohibit use of auto surfaces (except dethermalizing) in 1/2A Class — Failed (F)
  • FF-99-2 — Event 142, p17, Eliminate specification for catapult rubber loop — Failed (F)
  • FF-99-3 — Event 124, 015, Allows modification of the prop to permit installation of free-wheeling device — Passed (P)
  • FF-99-4 — Event 129, p16, Attempts to make rules more explicit — Passed (P)

Indoor Contest Board Initial Vote

Y = Yes P = Passed N = No F = Failed

  • IND-99-1 — Event 215, p24, Increases minimum allowable weight to encourage more scale-like models — Failed (F)
  • IND-99-2 — Event 215, p23, Restores original intent regarding orientation of the box — Failed (F)
  • IND-99-3 — Event 215, p24, Clarifies existing rule by defining "flying surface" — Passed (P)
  • IND-99-4 — Event 215, p23-24, Defines areas of windshield and side windows — Passed (P)
  • IND-99-5 — Event 215, p23, Clarifies rule concerning enclosure of imaginary box — Passed (P)
  • IND-99-6 — Event 210, p21, Restores original intent of the rules — Failed (F)

Attention: Plans Customers.

  • Credit card orders: Plans may be ordered with VISA or MasterCard. Please include the card number and expiration date. Please do not send cash for plans orders.

Control Line Contest Board Initial Vote

Y = Yes P = Passed N = No F = Failed 1 = Most Preferable 3 = Least Preferable

  • CL 99-1 — Event 329, p62. Allow use of pressurized fuel systems and restrict venturi size to .200" — Failed (F)
  • CL 99-2 — Event 332, p63. Total engine displacement is .0900 to .3600 — Passed (P)
  • CL 99-3 — Event 319, 320, 321, p45. Adds extra minute for starting time — Passed (P)
  • CL 99-5 — Event 322, p53. Reinstates when flight ends — Passed (P)
  • CL 99-8 — Event 328, 329, p58. Modify and/or delete references to midair ending — Passed (P)
  • CL 99-9 — Event 330, p62. Shut off rules do not apply to this event — Passed (P)
  • CL 99-10 — p45. Changes line diameters — Passed (P)
  • CL 99-11 — Add rules for Proto Speed as a Provisional event — Passed (P)
  • CL 99-12 — Event 323, 324, 325, 326, p56. Omit word Supplemental from title — Passed (P)
  • CL 99-6 — Event 328, 329, p58. Adds mandatory use of fuel/engine shutoff device — vote distribution shown on ballot (16)
  • CL 99-7 — Event 328, 329, p58. Adds requirement for devices to stop engine in event of flyaway — vote distribution shown on ballot (15) — Passed (P)
  • None of the above — vote distribution shown on ballot (29)

RC Aerobatics Contest Board Initial Vote

  • RCA 99-2 — p80. Delete sections 4.1A, 4.1B, 4.1C — Failed (F)
  • RCA 99-3 — p68, item 18. Replace Masters Maneuver Schedule with the FAI Maneuver Schedule — Failed (F)
  • RCA 99-4 — p81, item 14.2. Delete section 14.2 — Passed (P)
  • RCA 99-5 — p81, item 6. Delete section 6 — Passed (P)
  • RCA 99-6 — p81, item 7. Replace section 7 with section 6 from Radio Control Pattern (p65) — Passed (P)
  • RCA 99-7 — p81. Delete second sentence of 9.1 and entire 9.2, renumber 9.3 to 9.2 — Failed (F)
  • RCA 99-8 — p82, item 16.9. Change wording to delete K-factor reference — Passed (P)
  • RCA 99-9 — p82, item 17. Delete section 17 — Failed (F)
  • RCA 99-10 — p86, item 8. Remove restrictions on class contestant may enter and remove advancement process — Failed (F)

RC Aerobatics — Additional Proposals (no pass/fail indicated)

  • RCA 99-11 — p80, Replace section 3.3 with specific maneuver schedule
  • RCA 99-12 — p80, item 4.1a, Revise Formula 1 engine displacement limit
  • RCA 99-13 — p81, item 9.9, Make advancement to Unlimited optional
  • RCA 99-14 — p81, item 9.1, Increase difficulty in required advancement
  • RCA 99-15 — p81, item 12.1, Change box to 150 degrees from 120 degrees
  • RCA 99-16 — p81, item 12.2, Allow pilots to announce box entry
  • RCA 99-17 — p81, item 14.1, Change point system
  • RCA 99-18 — p81, item 15.1, Fly unknown sequence only once
  • RCA 99-19 — p81, item 9.1, Clarify advancement occurs next season not mid-season
  • RCA 99-20 — p81, item 15, Changes manner in which winner is determined
  • RCA 99-21 — p83-87, Replace Judging Standards and Techniques with revised version
  • RCA 99-22 — p80, item 3.2, Delete upper engine displacement limits
  • RCA 99-23 — p82, item 17, Allow IMAC to better tailor maneuvers to IMAC
  • RCA 99-24 — p81, item 14.1, Clarify use of half (.5) points
  • RCA 99-25 — p81, item 10, Clarify an official flight
  • RCA 99-26 — p81, item 11.1, Remove requirement for flying two sequences per flight
  • RCA 99-27 — p68, item 18, Provide for changing Masters pattern every two years
  • RCA 99-28 — p75 Landing, p78 Takeoff, Changes landing and takeoff criteria
  • RCA 99-29 — p72 Spins, add item 6; p77 add item 6, Clarify spin entry
  • RCA 99-30 — p72, Spins, Clarify spin entry
  • RCA 99-31 — p68, item 20.8, Provide procedures to avoid practice of flying when sun is in area
  • RCA 99-33 — p68, add item 14.7, Prohibits practice of "hotdodging" during free passes, takeoff, and landing
  • RCA 99-34 — p65, delete item 4.5 and reword, add item 4.7.1, Legitimizes sharing aircraft and parts
  • RCA 99-35 — p70, item B.b, Remove difference in judging criteria between AMA and FAI events
  • RCA 99-36 — p71, Loops, Adds additional downgrade criteria for loop geometry
  • RCA 99-37 — p68, item 18, Modifies certain K-factors in the Masters class
  • RCA 99-38 — p65, item 4.3.1, Reinstates 5 kilogram (11 lb) weight limit in Novice class
  • RCA 99-39 — p67, item 13, Clarifies intent of procedures set forth "Determining the Winner"

RC Aerobatics — Voting Results (selected items)

  • RCA 99-40 — p68, item 18, Modifies K-factors in the Masters class — Votes: Y Y DNV Y Y Y Y Y Y DNV Y — Passed (P)
  • RCA 99-42 — p78, Takeoff, Improves wording of maneuver description — Votes: Y Y DNV Y Y Y Y Y Y DNV Y — Passed (P)
  • RCA 99-43 — p68, item 18, Changes wording of Three turn inverted spin, Triangle snap loop, HumptyBump — Votes: N N DNV Y Y Y Y N N DNV N — Failed (F)
  • RCA 99-1 — p65, Change class from Novice to Sportsman, and Sportsman to Intermediate — Votes: 3 1 DNV 2 2 2 1 2 3 DNV 3 — (19)
  • RCA 99-41 — p68, item 7, Renames classes from Novice and Sportsman to Sportsman and Intermediate — Votes: 1 2 DNV 1 1 1 1 1 DNV 1 — (11) — Passed (P)
  • None of the above — Votes: 2 3 DNV 3 3 3 3 3 2 DNV 2 — (24)

RC Racing Contest Board Initial Vote

Y = Yes P = Passed N = No F = Failed 1 = Most Preferable 3/4 = Least Preferable

  • RCR 99-1 — p94, item 19.3, Allows substitution of 2-25 oz servos for a single 40 oz servo on V-tail aircraft — Passed (P)
  • RCR 99-5 — p91, item 7.4, Lists items that can't be contained in expansion chamber — Failed (F)
  • RCR 99-6 — p91, item 7.4, Freezes current muffler design (with internal spaces) — (vote distribution) — Failed (F)
  • RCR 99-7 — p91, item 7.4, Freeze current muffler design (outside dimensions only) — Failed (F)
  • RCR 99-14 — p92, item 12, Adds belly scoop to this paragraph — Passed (P)
  • RCR 99-15 — p92, item 12, Eliminate profile features from measurement — Passed (P)
  • RCR 99-16 — p92, item 14, Wheel diameter changed from 2.250 inches to 2 inches — Failed (F)
  • RCR 99-17 — p91, item 7.4, Limits size of muffler — Failed (F)
  • RCR 99-18 — p91, item 7.4, Allows only untuned "empty can" mufflers — Failed (F)
  • RCR 99-19 — p93, item 15, Increases minimum weight from 3 1/2 to 3 3/4 pounds — Passed (P)
  • RCR 99-20 — p91, item 9.2, Change fuel contest from not over 15% to 10% nitromethane — Failed (F)
  • RCR 99-21 — p88, add item 2.4, Encourages use of telemetry and other ways to having personnel on course — Passed (P)
  • RCR 99-22 — p95, item 19.11, Change starting time from 90 seconds to 60 — Passed (P)
  • RCR 99-23 — p95, item 19.16, Change starting time from 90 seconds to 60 — Passed (P)
  • RCR 99-26 — p95, item 19, Order of takeoff shall be 1-3-2-4 — Passed (P)
  • RCR 99-27 — p95, item 19.1, Add pole to right of Pylon 1 to be called sighting pole — Passed (P)

RC Racing — Additional Results

  • RCR 99-10 — p92, item 10, Add propellers shall be at least eight inches in diameter — Votes: N N N N N Y Y Y N Y N — Failed (F)
  • RCR 99-25 — p92, item 10, Allows non-laminated wood or carbon fiber props — Votes: N N Y Y Y Y Y N N Y N — Failed (F)
  • RCR 99-2 — p91, item 8, Diameter of carburetor or venturi is 8 mm — Votes: 3 3 3 2 4 3 3 3 1 1 2 — (28)
  • RCR 99-3 — p91, item 8, Diameter of carburetor or venturi is 7 mm — Votes: 2 1 2 3 3 2 1 2 2 2 3 — (23) — Passed (P)
  • RCR 99-4 — p91, item 8, Diameter of carburetor or venturi is 6 mm — Votes: 1 2 1 4 2 1 2 2 3 3 4 — (24)
  • None of the above — Votes: 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 — (35)
  • RCR 99-8 — p91, item 9, Changes fuel contest from 15% nitro to 10% nitro — Votes: 2 2 1 2 2 1 3 2 1 2 1 — (21)
  • RCR 99-9 — p91, item 9, Changes fuel contest from 15% nitro to 5% nitro — Votes: 1 3 3 3 2 3 1 3 2 3 2 — (25)
  • None of the above — Votes: 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 — (20) — Passed (P) 51%
  • RCR 99-11 — p92, item 11, Add cross-sectional area requirement — Votes: 1 1 2 2 3 1 1 1 2 1 3 — (18) — Passed (P)
  • RCR 99-12 — p92, item 12, Delete fuselage width and depth and substitute cross-sectional area requirement — Votes: 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 — (28)
  • RCR 99-13 — p92, item 12, Change fuselage width/depth formulas — Votes: 3 2 4 4 4 3 2 4 2 4 3 — (35)
  • None of the above — Votes: 4 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 — (29)

RC Soaring Contest Board Initial Vote

Y = Yes P = Passed N = No F = Failed

  • SO 99-1 — p110, item 3.1.3, Changes specifications for CL — Votes: N N Y Y N N Y N N N N — Failed (F)

Scale Contest Board Initial Vote

Y = Yes P = Passed N = No F = Failed 1 = Most Preferable 4 = Least Preferable

  • SC 99-2 — p138, item 3, Allow second entry if first entry is deemed unacceptable by CD — Failed (F)
  • SC 99-3 — p139, item 5.5, Allows addition of removable wing skid wires to underside of wing tips — Failed (F)
  • SC 99-4 — p144, item 4.23, Changes fly past requirements from 10 and 20 feet to 10 and 30 feet — Passed (P)
  • SC 99-5 — p139, item 5, Impose a time limit on Static judging — Passed (P)
  • SC 99-6 — p140, item 3, Limits FunScale to one mechanical option — Failed (F)

Scale — Continued

  • SC 99-7 — p139, item 5.e, Change "same" to "similar" — Failed (F)
  • SC 99-8 — p145, item 4.3.1c, Eliminates taxi back requirements — Failed (F)
  • SC 99-9 — p148, item 8.3, Contestant can show mechanical options to judges while being on clock — Passed (P)
  • SC 99-10 — p139, item 7.5, Allow caller/mechanic to make transmitter trim changes — Passed (P)
  • SC 99-11 — Add new event called Traditional Scale — Failed (F)
  • SC 99-12 — p139, item 5.5, Allow substitution of wheels/tires after static judging — Failed (F)
  • SC 99-13 — p138, item 5.1, Judges review bottom of aircraft for craftsmanship only — Failed (F)
  • SC 99-14 — p127, item 5.4, Maximum flying score increased to 100 seconds — Passed (P)
  • SC 99-15 — p127, item 5, ROG optional bonus of 10 seconds awarded if unassisted ROG is used — Passed (P)
  • SC 99-16 — Add RC Team Scale Event — Passed (P)
  • SC 99-17 — p140, item 10.1, Eliminate reference to an event which doesn't exist — Failed (F)
  • SC 99-19 — p140, event 520, Offer 2 distinct classes of RC Fun Scale — Passed (P)
  • SC 99-20 — p134, event 521, Create 2 distinct divisions of CL Profile scale — Passed (P)
  • SC 99-21 — p134, Remove Supplemental to make 521 regular event — Passed (P)
  • SC 99-22 — p140, event 520, Add entry restrictions — Failed (F)
  • SC 99-23 — p122-130, Replace 508 & 509 with SportScale breakdown as exists in RC — Passed (P)
  • SC 99-24 — p121, add item 4.2, Add noise limit to engine powered RC and CL Scale events — Failed (F)
  • SC 99-26 — p136, item 7.2, Alternate method regarding ROG — Passed (P)
  • SC 99-27 — p139, item 8, Eliminate Takeoff and Landing in this section - move to Options — Failed (F)
  • SC 99-29 — p144, item 4.2.5, Eliminate judging conferences — Passed (P)

Scale — Preference Votes (selected)

  • SC 99-1 — p141, item 2.3, Delete all references to "Speed" and "Scalelike Speed" — Votes: 3 2 2 4 3 2 3 3 2 3 2 — (28)
  • SC 99-25 — p144, item 4.2.5, Removes words "Scalelike Speed" — Votes: 4 1 1 1 4 1 4 1 1 1 1 — (20)
  • SC 99-28 — p144, item 4.2.5, Defines what is proper "airspeed" — Votes: 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 3 2 4 2 — (31)
  • None of the above — Votes: 1 4 4 2 2 3 2 3 4 2 3 — (31)

Electric Contest Board Initial Vote

Y = Yes P = Passed N = No F = Failed

  • ELC 99-1 — To define Class A Events & Class B Events — Failed (F)
  • ELC 99-2 — To define Builder of the Model Rule as it applies to Electric rules — Failed (F)
  • ELC 99-3 — To establish Electric National Records — Passed (P)

Special Events Contest Board Initial Vote

Y = Yes P = Passed N = No F = Failed

  • SEB 99-1 — p160, event 704, Item 3.2, Allows profile fuselage planes to compete — Passed (P)
  • SEB 99-2 — Establishes RC Competition Fun Fly as new event — Passed (P)

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