Letters to the Editor
Send Letters to: Model Aviation 1810 Samuel Morse Drive Reston, VA 22090
Muncie Fund Grows
(Editor's note: This note was included with a check for a generous contribution to the AMA Muncie Fund.)
Your January issue comments in Model Aviation, as well as Don Lowe's, made me realize how fortunate we modelers are in having the AMA.
I feel my original "investment" in Muncie wasn't sufficient. While, at 68, I'll probably never get to Muncie, I hope the enclosed added "investment" will help others to make use of the facility.
Howard E. Smith Bangor, Maine
Kudos to Doc Mathews
Just had to let you know that I sent a note to Dr. D. B. Mathews to say thanks for the fine lesson as presented in his "Flying Fun" in October's Model Aviation.
"Summer" is a lesson that all of us should study, especially the part ". . . goal, not an obsession." A great idea for everyday life. That's what I think.
Horace D. Cain Humble, Texas
Attention: USAF Current Members or Vets
I need to contact former or current pilots of the Cessna O-2A forward air controller.
I would like to know about the types of maneuvers the aircraft commonly did or could do (such as a split-S, wingovers, Immelmann, inside loops, etc.).
I need this information to add realism when I campaign my O-2A under construction.
Many thanks.
Charles "Chic" White 4500 South Four Mile Run Drive Apartment 629 Arlington, VA 22204 (703) 379-9689
...And Not So Wonderful
I am writing to explain a situation that occurred this past spring. We agreed to host a foreign exchange student from Germany for the school year 1991–1992. This fine young man, Michael Scheiba, age 16, arrived in our country in October. We shared a lot of interests — one of mine being an old control liner, and his being a real passion for airplanes.
We bought Michael a Kadet Senior trainer and an Enya .40 engine for Christmas. Michael was thrilled. He worked on this kit every free minute. Not being familiar with new materials on the market, we solicited help from anyone who knew anything about modeling. Michael joined the AMA to protect himself with insurance, and also to enjoy the magazine.
He finished the kit in March. An experienced RC modeler who is affiliated with local clubs helped Michael by loaning him a radio and all the necessary servos, etc., and taught him to fly. Michael practiced and flew at a nearby reservoir that is being built, until he felt comfortable and was in control of his model.
After gaining this confidence, we asked the local RC club if this young man from Germany could fly on their field some Saturday where he would have a hard surface to take off and land. I'm sure their field is overrun with club members, but I don't think it would have hurt these mature modelers to let Michael burn a couple of tanks of fuel at their field.
I must say this left a bad taste, and when I received Michael's October issue of Model Aviation this evening, I felt I should drop a note and let you know how disappointed I am that model aviation has deteriorated to a selfish hobby where only people with money can indulge.
In the late '50s and through the '60s, modelers helped each other so everyone would have something to fly on Saturday.
Donald R. Poush Concord, North Carolina
P.S. Great international relations, right?
Float-Flying Afloat
I could not resist replying to the "Soapbox" article as it appeared in the October issue of Model Aviation with my name affixed to it! I do thank you for the compliment and also trust that the article will continue to promote "model float flying."
It has already aroused interest. I have received one quite lengthy letter requesting information and advice and a phone call; the net result is that a fellow modeler will visit with me on September 25 and, weather permitting, we will go (of course!) float flying.
So, again, thank you very much. In the third-to-last paragraph (on p. 24), I suggested that a column or feature could be started relating to the many fascinating aspects of model float flying.
My offer still stands — I am trying to return to our great hobby/sport a small portion of what I have received in abundance.
I trust that you will forgive my audacity. In conclusion, please let me thank you once again and let me know if there is any way that I can help.
Jim Halls Johnson, Vermont
And Still Another Viewpoint
I'm a beginning (novice in the truest sense of the word) pattern flier who recently competed in my first pattern contest, the North Coast Pattern Championship in Cleveland.
I showed up bright and early Saturday morning with an older T-10, my backup airplane, and only an older FM radio that does not have a dual-conversion receiver. I didn't want to risk my good airplane, fearing first-contest nerves — dumb thumbs may turn it into trash.
Trying to get in a couple of practice flights before the contest, I realized my old radio wouldn't cut it in the frequency-congested skies of Cleveland. After takeoff with only marginal control, I landed uneventfully (yes, I did a range check before flight).
Locating CD Mike Kline in the registration building, I informed him that my old radio was marginal. "No problem," several guys said almost in unison. "If you want to fly, we'll get you a radio."
After some protest on my part (I really hate to use someone else's equipment), Dave Kline ran home and got a PCM radio for me to use.
"Scott, don't worry about a thing. Just fly and have fun," Dave told me.
Well, I did. During my first flight my hands shook so much that my maneuvers were barely recognizable.
Second flight: Nose steering malfunction prior to takeoff. All zeros.
Third flight: I was calmed down. The first few maneuvers were pretty good. Then my engine quit. I landed in the weeds and broke the stab. Done for the day.
Not very successful, you might say. I've got to tell you I just loved it! I can't wait for the next contest.
In closing, I'd just like to thank the Kline family (Mike, Matt, Dave, and Mrs. Kline), Mark Atkwood, and all the other Cleveland pattern guys for their help and patience. I can't remember when I've met a nicer, more knowledgeable bunch of people.
Well, that's it. I'll stop my rambling (got to get to work on my new LA-2 for next year).
Thanks for your time.
Scott Smith North Canton, Ohio
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
