Now you're Talking
Steve Aldridge
In reference to Bob Underwood's column in the January 1998 Model Aviation, I have some comments addressing the changing state of aeromodeling in the U.S.
First, my background. I started modeling at the tender age of 11. At that time, Control Line and Free Flight were the main activities. RC (Radio Control) was relatively new and very expensive.
Competition was the apparent reason to be involved in the hobby (of course, not everyone competed). The AMA fostered competition. The military, especially the Navy, encouraged the entire activity of aeromodeling. Their reason was clear: they were cultivating a source of manpower for military aviation.
I believe two things have changed:
- The AMA plays a less commanding role.
- Competition is not a main focus of the hobby.
What does this mean? I believe it means that a great number of modelers don't have a specific goal for their participation in the hobby. Without a goal (a reason to be doing this thing in the first place), new and experienced modelers may become bored.
Once they have mastered "sport flying" (anything other than competition), what is the challenge? They don't need to work on learning how to do four-point rolls for the new IMAC (International Miniature Aerobatic Club) sequence; they don't need to learn how to relocate the tailwheel and hide the pushrods in the tailcone of a Chipmunk to increase the Scale static score; and they don't need to find out where the lowest-cost, good-quality motel is for an out-of-town contest.
I believe the AMA dropout rate reflects the absence of a "goal" for the individual modeler. I have seen it at our field. New members come out with an ARF (Almost-Ready-to-Fly) and learn to fly it. After mastering takeoffs and landings and doing some basic aerobatics, there's not much else for them to do. They haven't been involved in building, so that's not even considered a challenge. I'm not anti-ARF — I think they have a place. Many owners don't even know what competition exists or how to get involved.
Some, like myself, with a background in model competition, sniff it out. Had I not gotten involved in Scale competition, I doubt I would have progressed much beyond my second airplane. Now I'm adding IMAC to my list of challenges. Just practicing for competition aerobatics has dramatically improved my flying skills.
What about sport flying? There are many proponents of the "leisurely" pace of sport flying. Some think we focus too much on competition. I enjoy sport flying. Any time I am not specifically practicing for or involved in competition, I'm sport flying, but that is not what keeps me in this hobby.
"If it's really getting to me, I lighten up and remind myself this is just a hobby and it's all for fun."
Having to figure out how to get a higher static score or higher flight realism points is the real challenge. I find it invigorating. I enjoy the challenge. Do I take it seriously? Yes and no. I do my best, but back off occasionally and do a "Fun Check." If it's really getting to me, I lighten up and remind myself this is just a hobby and it's all for fun.
What should be done?
First, the AMA needs to make some changes:
- Change the name to Association for Model Aviation. This more clearly reflects the reality of today's membership. The initials would remain the same, as would the logo.
- Regain a leadership role in rule-making, competition planning, and policy making. This doesn't mean SIGs would be ignored. In fact, the AMA should utilize and work closely with these groups. Develop timely and responsive rule-making responsibilities within the association. AMA needs to become the standardizing entity — the communication center, bringing everyone together.
- Promote competition activities. Emphasize clubs, people, and manufacturers who are in tune with competition as an activity. Use the magazine to promote competition as a worthwhile pursuit for modelers. Feature articles should demonstrate problem solving and success stories. Photo coverage of contests is okay, but has limited value to serious competitors. All types of competitive flying should be nurtured and encouraged, from youth competing with Hand Launched Gliders to aerobatic competition with large RC aircraft. All ages and all types of building and flying should be encouraged.
Industry / Manufacturers
Next, the manufacturers, both the cottage-type and the larger ones, need to emphasize competition. A healthy and growing hobby is in their best interest. Currently, many donate merchandise to local contests. This is good advertising for them and shows an interest in competition. Larger organizations could sponsor special contests (this has been done).
Another area that hasn't been emphasized by the industry is the skill of building. Perhaps factory reps could conduct kit-building clinics around the country. In the considerable amount of advertising they do, competition could be emphasized. I'm thinking in terms of applauding actual winners who use their products rather than "use our products and you will win."
Clubs
Finally, each club needs to get involved. Many more nonsanctioned events could be held at each club. I'm not talking about Fun-Flys, which are mostly luck and are for encouraging club activity. Events that don't have to be highly organized or "run by the book" — Sport Pylon Racing and Combat come to mind — don't require extensive training, judges, multiple forms, or maneuver descriptions, but they do get the competitive juices flowing. These events are fun and cause members to try to improve their equipment and skills. This leads to members exchanging ideas and solutions.
How should the club view sport flying? Sport flying will always be the province of the club. In no way should the emphasis on competition be dropped or eliminated from sport flying. There are those who have no desire to compete; they should be welcome in our hobby.
Model aviation needs some tangible goals for both new and existing members. Competition is to modeling as exercise is to the body: it's invigorating and healthy. One can have fun while participating in competition, and there can be levels for everyone, regardless of age or experience.
Steve Aldridge 7630 Coll Dr. Boise, ID 83709
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
