Newcomers
Bob Underwood
Box 40, St. Peters, MO 63376
It's hard to believe, but this column has wandered through Model Aviation since October 1994. During that span of time it has undergone transformations—some good, some confusing, and some that didn't work.
The column became a two-headed being following September 1995, after I stepped down as Technical Director. My proposal for the establishment of an Education Committee was accepted, and I began serving as part-time Education Director. Subsequently, a little more than a year ago the Newcomers column went back to basics; it became clear that the education activity had overrun a part-time position, and a full-time Education Coordinator was hired.
The above is, in essence, a preamble for the thrust of this month's offering. Before I share those moments, please consider the following letter from Clarence Ragland of Lockport, NY.
Letter from Clarence Ragland
"Last June at AMA's Grand Event, my wife and I volunteered our services. Many times in the past, I offered to share my unique RC (radio control) flight training technique with the rest of the aeromodeling community. I realize that my claims appear to be too good to be true. That's why we made the nine-hour trip to Muncie with the sole purpose of giving all of my detractors in the organization proof positive that Instant RC Wings is real.
"Rich LaGrange, Randall Trumbull, Carl Maroney, and many other members who would know the difference between the results of normal buddy-box flight training and what they witnessed first-hand from my teaching method did indeed see something that is considered by everyone that I've written to as not possible.
"Please, Mr. Underwood, tell me why my sincere efforts to help have been ignored and why everyone in the organization seems to fear to publicly acknowledge something that they know full well is 100% true—something that could be so beneficial to so many newcomers who are desperately looking for more and better flight instruction.
"Recently, I helped to bring 24 high-school kids into the hobby. Newfane High now has as many new accomplished RC pilots. In the summer of '98, I've expanded that program to the Tuscarora Indian Reservation, with another 28 kids, called the Walking Tall program. Last summer, 11 kids accumulated approximately 90 minutes each of stick time on .40-size trainers. I am the only instructor, by the way. No crashes occurred, and even several adults, including school officials, flew the trainer.
"What is quite puzzling to those officials is why AMA refuses to print my accomplishments in Model Aviation magazine. I've told those officials what you've told me: 'We cannot endorse your program, Mr. Ragland.' That a program that is bringing large numbers of kids into the hobby of RC flying cannot be endorsed by an organization that champions growth doesn't make any sense to any of these school officials.
"Enclosed is some information that you may find interesting. I would very much like to work with AMA on this program, but with all due respect, your help would be appreciated but is not really necessary."
Response and clarification
Although I give the organization credit for helping bring newcomers into the hobby, it takes time and effort. A review of the offerings made in this column since October 1994 will find references to programs and types. Some relate to learning to fly, some to learning to build, some promote aeromodeling as an educational tool, and others are simply motivational in nature. You will find debates by dedicated, opposite viewpoints—such as paid professional instructors versus volunteer club programs. What you will not find are statements that endorse a specific method. Neither will you, in most cases, find a specific product reference.
Mr. Ragland attributed the phrase "We cannot endorse your program, Mr. Ragland" to me. Coupled with earlier comments in his letter, it seems to imply that I, on behalf of AMA, told him that his method is not workable or of no value. If that is the impression Mr. Ragland gained, I am truly sorry and humbly apologize. That was not my intent.
What I said—or at least what I tried to state—was that AMA does not at this time endorse a specific method or say that any one way is the only way something should be accomplished. It does, however, try to network member groups and individuals interested in ideas and programs that have been submitted and that have been included repeatedly in this column. There is no reason copies of Mr. Ragland's technique would not be sent to interested parties along with hundreds of other programs. Mailings go out from Headquarters every year.
It wouldn't be hard to make the case that AMA should have a single program for RC flight instruction that is "endorsed," "approved," "sanctioned," "official," or whatever other term you want to use. After all, programs for other interests are treated in that manner. Perhaps it will happen at some point; time will tell.
After 30 years as a professional educator—and many more as an active member of the hobby—I feel there is no one way that is best when it comes to teaching. During those 30 years I encountered countless methods that were touted as "the answer." Phonics were in, then out; modern math was in, then gone; whole language was the answer, then it wasn't. What I learned quickly was that most methods had strengths and weaknesses—for me. I stockpiled the strengths and deep-sixed the weaknesses as they applied to my ability to relate to the children.
Every learner has different needs, and methods that work for one instructor may not work for another.
Consider some examples of the lengths to which AMA has gone to avoid the pitfalls of endorsements. Have you noticed Model Aviation's new product sections? The product is explained or described, but there aren't any "cheers" or "jeers." They are simply brought to your attention.
Some years ago, AMA attempted to produce a safety film but got bogged down in several ways. First, what was "safe" to one person who viewed the rough-cut version was not safe to another. Second, it was virtually impossible to portray the negative features of safety tips without involving a specific product.
AMA is like a big room with many doors. Each door is locked; each lock has a different combination, and we'll give you the combination for the door you want. Unfortunately, when you open it, the view on the other side is the same: blue sky, no wind, and a smooth runway.
Clarence, send the details of your program to the Programs Department, care of the Education Coordinator, so the specifics can be made available to any club or group desiring them.
If you'd like to contact Mr. Ragland directly for details about his method, write to: Clarence C. Ragland 546 Niagara St. Lockport, NY 14094
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
