AMA Headquarters Hosts
International Aeromodeling Meeting
History was made December 1-2,
2006, as AMA Headquarters played host
to the annual CIAM (International
Aeromodeling Commission) Bureau
Meeting; this was the first time the
gathering has been held in the United
States.
CIAM is a commission of FAI
(International Aeronautic Federation).
The CIAM Bureau meeting is typically
hosted at FAI Headquarters in Lausanne,
Switzerland. Last Year AMA President
(CIAM 1st Vice President) Dave Brown
proposed having it here in an effort to
make travel fairer to those attending
from non-European countries and to
give participants an opportunity to see
the AMA facilities.
The CIAM Bureau is made up of the
president, three vice presidents, the
CIAM secretary, the technical secretary,
the immediate past president, and the
subcommittee chairs for the various
forms of aeromodeling.
NAC (National Airsport Control
organizations) representatives who are
preparing to host World Championships
are invited to attend the meeting and
present status reports for their upcoming
events. Other people to have business
before the CIAM Bureau may also be
invited.
Much of the meeting consists of
reports from Jury chairmen about recent
world and continental championships.
They go into detail about how the events
went and talk about any problems that
may have occurred. If there was a
problem, a discussion is held regarding
how to resolve it for future
championships.
The judges’ performances at
championships are also reviewed. One of
the main things the Bureau looks at is if
there was any evidence of national bias
by any of the judges. The relevant
subcommittee chairman reports on this.
Each subcommittee chairman gives a
detailed report on his/her area of
responsibility. He or she normally talks
about upcoming rules changes or
proposals and any issues his or her events
might be having. You might call this a
“state of the event(s)” report.
The agenda for the upcoming (March
2007) Plenary Meeting was reviewed to
make sure that all necessary points will
be covered. The Plenary Meeting is that
at which rules-change proposals are
discussed and voted on. Therefore, the
agenda for this meeting is long.
Many other committees’ reports are
given during the Bureau Meeting.
Organizers of upcoming World
Championships are invited to give
planning updates on the events on which
they are working. AMA gave its report
about the F3D Pylon World Championships
we will host in June 2007.
It was an honor for the United States
and AMA to hold this meeting. The
attendees seemed to enjoy the
opportunity to see the AMA facilities and
go to a different venue for the gathering.
We are hopeful that we may be able to
host the meeting again. MA
—Steve Kaluf
AMA Technical Director
Attention AMA Clubs That
Advertise in “Contest Calendar”!
Effective January 1, 2007, the following
new rates apply for the supplemental
(display) advertisements that are printed in
the MA’s “Contest Calendar” section.
• 2.25 inches x one column: $45 per issue.
• 1.50 inches x one column: $35 per issue.
• The 3.75-inch x one-column space has been
discontinued for 2007.
This is the first pricing increase for
supplemental advertisements in more than 25
years. The new rates offset magazine
production costs and do not generate
additional income.
“Contest Calendar” event text listings
remain free to clubs and are automatically
published when an AMA sanction is issued
for an event and the material is submitted
according to the deadline and guidelines
provided. In addition, all events are posted to
the AMA Web site at www.modelaircraft.org/
comp/contest.htm.
For more information, see page 174 of
this issue. MA
—AMA Headquarters
Dates Are Set
for AMA’s 81st Nats!
The AMA Executive Council has
approved the schedule for the 2007
National Aeromodeling Championships.
The Indoor FF events will be held May
29-June 3 at the East Tennessee State
University Mini-Dome in Johnson City,
Tennessee.
The outdoor events will be held at
AMA’s International Aeromodeling
Center. The dates are as follows.
• June 29-July 4: RC Pylon Racing
• July 5-8: RC Scale Aerobatics
• July 8-12: RC Helicopter
• July 9-14: CL Precision Aerobatics,
Navy Carrier, Combat, Racing,
and Speed
• July 13-16: RC Combat
• July 17-21: RC Aerobatics
• July 22-29: RC Soaring
• July 30-August 2: RC Electrics
• July 30-August 3: Outdoor FF
• August 3-5: RC and CL Scale
If you have participated in the Nats
within the last two years, you will receive
an entry form at roughly the first of the
year. For more information or to obtain an
entry form, visit www.modelaircraft.org/
events/ or call (765) 287-1256, extension
224, 252, or 293. MA
—AMA Headquarters
INtheAIR
10 MODEL AVIATION
October 13, 2006, representatives from
the 1st U.S. R/C Flight School and the Four
Seasons R/C Flyers shared what it’s like to
fly radio-control airplanes with more than
150 second- through fifth-graders during
“Hobby Day” at Wabeno Elementary
School in central Wisconsin.
Club member
Tony Baiach did a
terrific job
entertaining the
kids with some
amazing aviation
trivia and
explaining how an
airplane is
controlled. Rusty
Billings and John
Huntington
displayed their
awesome Giant
Scale airplanes and
turned the switches
on so the kids could
watch the surfaces
deflect while they
took turns working
the controls.
Then 1st U.S.
R/C Flight School
instructor Dave
Scott put on an
exciting indoor
flying demonstration
with his Yak
foamie. Each child
received a balsa
glider to fly, and
the gymnasium
quickly filled up
with gliders and the
sounds of laughter.
This was the
first time many of
the kids had seen an
RC airplane.
Judging from the
many thank-you
cards received,
numerous attendees
had a great time.
Following are some
of the kids’
reactions.
“Thanks for
flying the airplane,”
wrote Caine
Somon, age 6.
“They are great.
That was the most
fun school day of
the year.”
“RC flying was
the best day ever,” wrote 7-year-old James
Mervy.” I want to be an airplane flier.”
“I had a lot of fun,” wrote Justin
Cassidy, 7. “I thought the airplanes were
cool and they looked fun to fly.”
“I loved the RC fliers,” wrote 6-yearold
Dennis Porton. “They are so cool. I
wish I could be like you guys.”
“Thank you for showing me that
awesome hobby,” wrote 7-year-old
Peter Widucki. “I’m going to get an RC
flier.” MA
—Dave Scott
District VII
A Great Elementary Hobby Day
INtheAIR
10 MODEL AVIATION
October 13, 2006, representatives from
the 1st U.S. R/C Flight School and the Four
Seasons R/C Flyers shared what it’s like to
fly radio-control airplanes with more than
150 second- through fifth-graders during
“Hobby Day” at Wabeno Elementary
School in central Wisconsin.
Club member
Tony Baiach did a
terrific job
entertaining the
kids with some
amazing aviation
trivia and
explaining how an
airplane is
controlled. Rusty
Billings and John
Huntington
displayed their
awesome Giant
Scale airplanes and
turned the switches
on so the kids could
watch the surfaces
deflect while they
took turns working
the controls.
Then 1st U.S.
R/C Flight School
instructor Dave
Scott put on an
exciting indoor
flying demonstration
with his Yak
foamie. Each child
received a balsa
glider to fly, and
the gymnasium
quickly filled up
with gliders and the
sounds of laughter.
This was the
first time many of
the kids had seen an
RC airplane.
Judging from the
many thank-you
cards received,
numerous attendees
had a great time.
Following are some
of the kids’
reactions.
“Thanks for
flying the airplane,”
wrote Caine
Somon, age 6.
“They are great.
That was the most
fun school day of
the year.”
“RC flying was
the best day ever,” wrote 7-year-old James
Mervy.” I want to be an airplane flier.”
“I had a lot of fun,” wrote Justin
Cassidy, 7. “I thought the airplanes were
cool and they looked fun to fly.”
“I loved the RC fliers,” wrote 6-yearold
Dennis Porton. “They are so cool. I
wish I could be like you guys.”
“Thank you for showing me that
awesome hobby,” wrote 7-year-old
Peter Widucki. “I’m going to get an RC
flier.” MA
—Dave Scott
District VII
A Great Elementary Hobby Day
INtheAIR
Frequently Asked Questions About
AMA’s Programs Department
Q: What are this department’s responsibilities within AMA?
A: The Programs Department has several functions, which
are as follows.
• Representing the Academy at modeling/aviation trade
shows.
• Overseeing the AMA Leader Club Program, Hobby Shop
Pilot Program, Air Show Team Program, NRHSA
[National Retail Hobby Stores Association] National Pilot
Program, and Mall Show Program.
• Representing AMA at public forums and presentations.
• Acting as a liaison to the Federal Aviation
Administration.
• Acting as a liaison to other federal agencies (such as the
Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland
Security, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation).
• Acting as a liaison to state agencies (such as the State
Police and State Antiterrorism Task Forces).
• Acting as a liaison to full-scale aviation organizations
(such as the Experimental Aircraft Association [EAA], the
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the local EAA
Chapter 226, and the Delaware County Airport Authority
in Muncie.
Q: What trade shows does AMA own or run?
A: AMA owns and presents one show each year, which the
Programs Department runs: the AMA Convention held in Ontario,
California, in January.
Q: Does AMA provide clubs with financial assistance?
A: Yes, through the Flying Site Development/Improvement Grant
Program, administered by the Programs Department. You can find
details at www.modelaircraft.org/04fsdigpindex.asp.
Q: Does AMA assist clubs in finding and maintaining flying
sites?
A: Yes. The Academy has many resources available to help clubs
and has two Flying Site Assistance coordinators whose full
responsibility is to assist clubs with these tasks. Coordinators are
Joe Beshar in districts I-VII and Wes De Cou in districts VIII-XI.
Q: Does AMA sanction club fields?
A: No, AMA does not sanction, approve, or validate club fields.
The Academy does charter clubs, and the safe operation of a club’s
site is its responsibility. All flying activities should be governed by
the AMA Safety Code and recommendations found in the AMA
Membership Manual. MA
12 MODEL AVIATION
• This month’s construction
articles are for Frank B.
Baker’s 58-inch-span RC
Northrop P-61 Black Widow,
which is extremely flyable
with a pair of .10 engines; the
Nats-winning Country Boy—
an unusual FF model because
it has electric power—
developed by Bill Jenkins and
Jim Clem; and Paul Smith’s
The Dragon for tearing up the
CL Slow Combat competition.
It lends itself well to
production-line techniques.
• Bob and Dolly Wischer take
us on a photo tour of the 9th
Annual Greater Chicago Radio
Controlled Model Show. D.B.
Mathews shows us how to
make quick and easy radial
engine cowls using foam
layered with fiberglass-epoxy.
John R. Lange presents a
frequency monitor for 4- to 6-
meter and 72-75 MHz bands
that can be made by anyone
who has done some electronics
work.
• Jack Finn relates the story of
how a team of RC pilots flew
a model called “Plenny’s
Dream” into the world record
book by keeping it in the air
continuously for 16 hours and
43 minutes.
• Dave Peltz explains how to
build a low-cost theodolite to
measure the height of
sailplanes, and Michael Bame
explains the mathematics
involved in its use. MA
—Rich LaGrange
AMA Librarian
Welcome, AMA
Life Members!
The Academy recently
welcomed new Life Members
Ronald E. Hill (Okeechobee
FL), Craig Blackman (Tucson
AZ), Mike McGraw (Pasadena
TX), Tom Clark (Kissimmee
FL), Kenneth Kear (Mesa AZ),
Scott Walowsky (San Antonio
TX), Glen Singleton (Ingram
TX), Robert Larson (Deep River
CT), Thomas Johnson
(Gladstone MI), Charles Yates
Jamestown NC), Joe Thornton
(Springboro OH), Denver
Whitaker (Choctaw OK), Roger
Nienberg (Ottawa OH), Dennis
Valliant (Cedar Crest NM),
Andrew Schmeltz (Broken
Arrow OK), and Dennis Kirk
(Arcadia FL).
For information about
becoming a Life Member,
contact AMA Headquarters at
(800) 435-9262. MA
—AMA Membership
Department
25 Years Ago in MA:
February 1982
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/02
Page Numbers: 9,10,11,12
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/02
Page Numbers: 9,10,11,12
AMA Headquarters Hosts
International Aeromodeling Meeting
History was made December 1-2,
2006, as AMA Headquarters played host
to the annual CIAM (International
Aeromodeling Commission) Bureau
Meeting; this was the first time the
gathering has been held in the United
States.
CIAM is a commission of FAI
(International Aeronautic Federation).
The CIAM Bureau meeting is typically
hosted at FAI Headquarters in Lausanne,
Switzerland. Last Year AMA President
(CIAM 1st Vice President) Dave Brown
proposed having it here in an effort to
make travel fairer to those attending
from non-European countries and to
give participants an opportunity to see
the AMA facilities.
The CIAM Bureau is made up of the
president, three vice presidents, the
CIAM secretary, the technical secretary,
the immediate past president, and the
subcommittee chairs for the various
forms of aeromodeling.
NAC (National Airsport Control
organizations) representatives who are
preparing to host World Championships
are invited to attend the meeting and
present status reports for their upcoming
events. Other people to have business
before the CIAM Bureau may also be
invited.
Much of the meeting consists of
reports from Jury chairmen about recent
world and continental championships.
They go into detail about how the events
went and talk about any problems that
may have occurred. If there was a
problem, a discussion is held regarding
how to resolve it for future
championships.
The judges’ performances at
championships are also reviewed. One of
the main things the Bureau looks at is if
there was any evidence of national bias
by any of the judges. The relevant
subcommittee chairman reports on this.
Each subcommittee chairman gives a
detailed report on his/her area of
responsibility. He or she normally talks
about upcoming rules changes or
proposals and any issues his or her events
might be having. You might call this a
“state of the event(s)” report.
The agenda for the upcoming (March
2007) Plenary Meeting was reviewed to
make sure that all necessary points will
be covered. The Plenary Meeting is that
at which rules-change proposals are
discussed and voted on. Therefore, the
agenda for this meeting is long.
Many other committees’ reports are
given during the Bureau Meeting.
Organizers of upcoming World
Championships are invited to give
planning updates on the events on which
they are working. AMA gave its report
about the F3D Pylon World Championships
we will host in June 2007.
It was an honor for the United States
and AMA to hold this meeting. The
attendees seemed to enjoy the
opportunity to see the AMA facilities and
go to a different venue for the gathering.
We are hopeful that we may be able to
host the meeting again. MA
—Steve Kaluf
AMA Technical Director
Attention AMA Clubs That
Advertise in “Contest Calendar”!
Effective January 1, 2007, the following
new rates apply for the supplemental
(display) advertisements that are printed in
the MA’s “Contest Calendar” section.
• 2.25 inches x one column: $45 per issue.
• 1.50 inches x one column: $35 per issue.
• The 3.75-inch x one-column space has been
discontinued for 2007.
This is the first pricing increase for
supplemental advertisements in more than 25
years. The new rates offset magazine
production costs and do not generate
additional income.
“Contest Calendar” event text listings
remain free to clubs and are automatically
published when an AMA sanction is issued
for an event and the material is submitted
according to the deadline and guidelines
provided. In addition, all events are posted to
the AMA Web site at www.modelaircraft.org/
comp/contest.htm.
For more information, see page 174 of
this issue. MA
—AMA Headquarters
Dates Are Set
for AMA’s 81st Nats!
The AMA Executive Council has
approved the schedule for the 2007
National Aeromodeling Championships.
The Indoor FF events will be held May
29-June 3 at the East Tennessee State
University Mini-Dome in Johnson City,
Tennessee.
The outdoor events will be held at
AMA’s International Aeromodeling
Center. The dates are as follows.
• June 29-July 4: RC Pylon Racing
• July 5-8: RC Scale Aerobatics
• July 8-12: RC Helicopter
• July 9-14: CL Precision Aerobatics,
Navy Carrier, Combat, Racing,
and Speed
• July 13-16: RC Combat
• July 17-21: RC Aerobatics
• July 22-29: RC Soaring
• July 30-August 2: RC Electrics
• July 30-August 3: Outdoor FF
• August 3-5: RC and CL Scale
If you have participated in the Nats
within the last two years, you will receive
an entry form at roughly the first of the
year. For more information or to obtain an
entry form, visit www.modelaircraft.org/
events/ or call (765) 287-1256, extension
224, 252, or 293. MA
—AMA Headquarters
INtheAIR
10 MODEL AVIATION
October 13, 2006, representatives from
the 1st U.S. R/C Flight School and the Four
Seasons R/C Flyers shared what it’s like to
fly radio-control airplanes with more than
150 second- through fifth-graders during
“Hobby Day” at Wabeno Elementary
School in central Wisconsin.
Club member
Tony Baiach did a
terrific job
entertaining the
kids with some
amazing aviation
trivia and
explaining how an
airplane is
controlled. Rusty
Billings and John
Huntington
displayed their
awesome Giant
Scale airplanes and
turned the switches
on so the kids could
watch the surfaces
deflect while they
took turns working
the controls.
Then 1st U.S.
R/C Flight School
instructor Dave
Scott put on an
exciting indoor
flying demonstration
with his Yak
foamie. Each child
received a balsa
glider to fly, and
the gymnasium
quickly filled up
with gliders and the
sounds of laughter.
This was the
first time many of
the kids had seen an
RC airplane.
Judging from the
many thank-you
cards received,
numerous attendees
had a great time.
Following are some
of the kids’
reactions.
“Thanks for
flying the airplane,”
wrote Caine
Somon, age 6.
“They are great.
That was the most
fun school day of
the year.”
“RC flying was
the best day ever,” wrote 7-year-old James
Mervy.” I want to be an airplane flier.”
“I had a lot of fun,” wrote Justin
Cassidy, 7. “I thought the airplanes were
cool and they looked fun to fly.”
“I loved the RC fliers,” wrote 6-yearold
Dennis Porton. “They are so cool. I
wish I could be like you guys.”
“Thank you for showing me that
awesome hobby,” wrote 7-year-old
Peter Widucki. “I’m going to get an RC
flier.” MA
—Dave Scott
District VII
A Great Elementary Hobby Day
INtheAIR
10 MODEL AVIATION
October 13, 2006, representatives from
the 1st U.S. R/C Flight School and the Four
Seasons R/C Flyers shared what it’s like to
fly radio-control airplanes with more than
150 second- through fifth-graders during
“Hobby Day” at Wabeno Elementary
School in central Wisconsin.
Club member
Tony Baiach did a
terrific job
entertaining the
kids with some
amazing aviation
trivia and
explaining how an
airplane is
controlled. Rusty
Billings and John
Huntington
displayed their
awesome Giant
Scale airplanes and
turned the switches
on so the kids could
watch the surfaces
deflect while they
took turns working
the controls.
Then 1st U.S.
R/C Flight School
instructor Dave
Scott put on an
exciting indoor
flying demonstration
with his Yak
foamie. Each child
received a balsa
glider to fly, and
the gymnasium
quickly filled up
with gliders and the
sounds of laughter.
This was the
first time many of
the kids had seen an
RC airplane.
Judging from the
many thank-you
cards received,
numerous attendees
had a great time.
Following are some
of the kids’
reactions.
“Thanks for
flying the airplane,”
wrote Caine
Somon, age 6.
“They are great.
That was the most
fun school day of
the year.”
“RC flying was
the best day ever,” wrote 7-year-old James
Mervy.” I want to be an airplane flier.”
“I had a lot of fun,” wrote Justin
Cassidy, 7. “I thought the airplanes were
cool and they looked fun to fly.”
“I loved the RC fliers,” wrote 6-yearold
Dennis Porton. “They are so cool. I
wish I could be like you guys.”
“Thank you for showing me that
awesome hobby,” wrote 7-year-old
Peter Widucki. “I’m going to get an RC
flier.” MA
—Dave Scott
District VII
A Great Elementary Hobby Day
INtheAIR
Frequently Asked Questions About
AMA’s Programs Department
Q: What are this department’s responsibilities within AMA?
A: The Programs Department has several functions, which
are as follows.
• Representing the Academy at modeling/aviation trade
shows.
• Overseeing the AMA Leader Club Program, Hobby Shop
Pilot Program, Air Show Team Program, NRHSA
[National Retail Hobby Stores Association] National Pilot
Program, and Mall Show Program.
• Representing AMA at public forums and presentations.
• Acting as a liaison to the Federal Aviation
Administration.
• Acting as a liaison to other federal agencies (such as the
Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland
Security, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation).
• Acting as a liaison to state agencies (such as the State
Police and State Antiterrorism Task Forces).
• Acting as a liaison to full-scale aviation organizations
(such as the Experimental Aircraft Association [EAA], the
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the local EAA
Chapter 226, and the Delaware County Airport Authority
in Muncie.
Q: What trade shows does AMA own or run?
A: AMA owns and presents one show each year, which the
Programs Department runs: the AMA Convention held in Ontario,
California, in January.
Q: Does AMA provide clubs with financial assistance?
A: Yes, through the Flying Site Development/Improvement Grant
Program, administered by the Programs Department. You can find
details at www.modelaircraft.org/04fsdigpindex.asp.
Q: Does AMA assist clubs in finding and maintaining flying
sites?
A: Yes. The Academy has many resources available to help clubs
and has two Flying Site Assistance coordinators whose full
responsibility is to assist clubs with these tasks. Coordinators are
Joe Beshar in districts I-VII and Wes De Cou in districts VIII-XI.
Q: Does AMA sanction club fields?
A: No, AMA does not sanction, approve, or validate club fields.
The Academy does charter clubs, and the safe operation of a club’s
site is its responsibility. All flying activities should be governed by
the AMA Safety Code and recommendations found in the AMA
Membership Manual. MA
12 MODEL AVIATION
• This month’s construction
articles are for Frank B.
Baker’s 58-inch-span RC
Northrop P-61 Black Widow,
which is extremely flyable
with a pair of .10 engines; the
Nats-winning Country Boy—
an unusual FF model because
it has electric power—
developed by Bill Jenkins and
Jim Clem; and Paul Smith’s
The Dragon for tearing up the
CL Slow Combat competition.
It lends itself well to
production-line techniques.
• Bob and Dolly Wischer take
us on a photo tour of the 9th
Annual Greater Chicago Radio
Controlled Model Show. D.B.
Mathews shows us how to
make quick and easy radial
engine cowls using foam
layered with fiberglass-epoxy.
John R. Lange presents a
frequency monitor for 4- to 6-
meter and 72-75 MHz bands
that can be made by anyone
who has done some electronics
work.
• Jack Finn relates the story of
how a team of RC pilots flew
a model called “Plenny’s
Dream” into the world record
book by keeping it in the air
continuously for 16 hours and
43 minutes.
• Dave Peltz explains how to
build a low-cost theodolite to
measure the height of
sailplanes, and Michael Bame
explains the mathematics
involved in its use. MA
—Rich LaGrange
AMA Librarian
Welcome, AMA
Life Members!
The Academy recently
welcomed new Life Members
Ronald E. Hill (Okeechobee
FL), Craig Blackman (Tucson
AZ), Mike McGraw (Pasadena
TX), Tom Clark (Kissimmee
FL), Kenneth Kear (Mesa AZ),
Scott Walowsky (San Antonio
TX), Glen Singleton (Ingram
TX), Robert Larson (Deep River
CT), Thomas Johnson
(Gladstone MI), Charles Yates
Jamestown NC), Joe Thornton
(Springboro OH), Denver
Whitaker (Choctaw OK), Roger
Nienberg (Ottawa OH), Dennis
Valliant (Cedar Crest NM),
Andrew Schmeltz (Broken
Arrow OK), and Dennis Kirk
(Arcadia FL).
For information about
becoming a Life Member,
contact AMA Headquarters at
(800) 435-9262. MA
—AMA Membership
Department
25 Years Ago in MA:
February 1982
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/02
Page Numbers: 9,10,11,12
AMA Headquarters Hosts
International Aeromodeling Meeting
History was made December 1-2,
2006, as AMA Headquarters played host
to the annual CIAM (International
Aeromodeling Commission) Bureau
Meeting; this was the first time the
gathering has been held in the United
States.
CIAM is a commission of FAI
(International Aeronautic Federation).
The CIAM Bureau meeting is typically
hosted at FAI Headquarters in Lausanne,
Switzerland. Last Year AMA President
(CIAM 1st Vice President) Dave Brown
proposed having it here in an effort to
make travel fairer to those attending
from non-European countries and to
give participants an opportunity to see
the AMA facilities.
The CIAM Bureau is made up of the
president, three vice presidents, the
CIAM secretary, the technical secretary,
the immediate past president, and the
subcommittee chairs for the various
forms of aeromodeling.
NAC (National Airsport Control
organizations) representatives who are
preparing to host World Championships
are invited to attend the meeting and
present status reports for their upcoming
events. Other people to have business
before the CIAM Bureau may also be
invited.
Much of the meeting consists of
reports from Jury chairmen about recent
world and continental championships.
They go into detail about how the events
went and talk about any problems that
may have occurred. If there was a
problem, a discussion is held regarding
how to resolve it for future
championships.
The judges’ performances at
championships are also reviewed. One of
the main things the Bureau looks at is if
there was any evidence of national bias
by any of the judges. The relevant
subcommittee chairman reports on this.
Each subcommittee chairman gives a
detailed report on his/her area of
responsibility. He or she normally talks
about upcoming rules changes or
proposals and any issues his or her events
might be having. You might call this a
“state of the event(s)” report.
The agenda for the upcoming (March
2007) Plenary Meeting was reviewed to
make sure that all necessary points will
be covered. The Plenary Meeting is that
at which rules-change proposals are
discussed and voted on. Therefore, the
agenda for this meeting is long.
Many other committees’ reports are
given during the Bureau Meeting.
Organizers of upcoming World
Championships are invited to give
planning updates on the events on which
they are working. AMA gave its report
about the F3D Pylon World Championships
we will host in June 2007.
It was an honor for the United States
and AMA to hold this meeting. The
attendees seemed to enjoy the
opportunity to see the AMA facilities and
go to a different venue for the gathering.
We are hopeful that we may be able to
host the meeting again. MA
—Steve Kaluf
AMA Technical Director
Attention AMA Clubs That
Advertise in “Contest Calendar”!
Effective January 1, 2007, the following
new rates apply for the supplemental
(display) advertisements that are printed in
the MA’s “Contest Calendar” section.
• 2.25 inches x one column: $45 per issue.
• 1.50 inches x one column: $35 per issue.
• The 3.75-inch x one-column space has been
discontinued for 2007.
This is the first pricing increase for
supplemental advertisements in more than 25
years. The new rates offset magazine
production costs and do not generate
additional income.
“Contest Calendar” event text listings
remain free to clubs and are automatically
published when an AMA sanction is issued
for an event and the material is submitted
according to the deadline and guidelines
provided. In addition, all events are posted to
the AMA Web site at www.modelaircraft.org/
comp/contest.htm.
For more information, see page 174 of
this issue. MA
—AMA Headquarters
Dates Are Set
for AMA’s 81st Nats!
The AMA Executive Council has
approved the schedule for the 2007
National Aeromodeling Championships.
The Indoor FF events will be held May
29-June 3 at the East Tennessee State
University Mini-Dome in Johnson City,
Tennessee.
The outdoor events will be held at
AMA’s International Aeromodeling
Center. The dates are as follows.
• June 29-July 4: RC Pylon Racing
• July 5-8: RC Scale Aerobatics
• July 8-12: RC Helicopter
• July 9-14: CL Precision Aerobatics,
Navy Carrier, Combat, Racing,
and Speed
• July 13-16: RC Combat
• July 17-21: RC Aerobatics
• July 22-29: RC Soaring
• July 30-August 2: RC Electrics
• July 30-August 3: Outdoor FF
• August 3-5: RC and CL Scale
If you have participated in the Nats
within the last two years, you will receive
an entry form at roughly the first of the
year. For more information or to obtain an
entry form, visit www.modelaircraft.org/
events/ or call (765) 287-1256, extension
224, 252, or 293. MA
—AMA Headquarters
INtheAIR
10 MODEL AVIATION
October 13, 2006, representatives from
the 1st U.S. R/C Flight School and the Four
Seasons R/C Flyers shared what it’s like to
fly radio-control airplanes with more than
150 second- through fifth-graders during
“Hobby Day” at Wabeno Elementary
School in central Wisconsin.
Club member
Tony Baiach did a
terrific job
entertaining the
kids with some
amazing aviation
trivia and
explaining how an
airplane is
controlled. Rusty
Billings and John
Huntington
displayed their
awesome Giant
Scale airplanes and
turned the switches
on so the kids could
watch the surfaces
deflect while they
took turns working
the controls.
Then 1st U.S.
R/C Flight School
instructor Dave
Scott put on an
exciting indoor
flying demonstration
with his Yak
foamie. Each child
received a balsa
glider to fly, and
the gymnasium
quickly filled up
with gliders and the
sounds of laughter.
This was the
first time many of
the kids had seen an
RC airplane.
Judging from the
many thank-you
cards received,
numerous attendees
had a great time.
Following are some
of the kids’
reactions.
“Thanks for
flying the airplane,”
wrote Caine
Somon, age 6.
“They are great.
That was the most
fun school day of
the year.”
“RC flying was
the best day ever,” wrote 7-year-old James
Mervy.” I want to be an airplane flier.”
“I had a lot of fun,” wrote Justin
Cassidy, 7. “I thought the airplanes were
cool and they looked fun to fly.”
“I loved the RC fliers,” wrote 6-yearold
Dennis Porton. “They are so cool. I
wish I could be like you guys.”
“Thank you for showing me that
awesome hobby,” wrote 7-year-old
Peter Widucki. “I’m going to get an RC
flier.” MA
—Dave Scott
District VII
A Great Elementary Hobby Day
INtheAIR
10 MODEL AVIATION
October 13, 2006, representatives from
the 1st U.S. R/C Flight School and the Four
Seasons R/C Flyers shared what it’s like to
fly radio-control airplanes with more than
150 second- through fifth-graders during
“Hobby Day” at Wabeno Elementary
School in central Wisconsin.
Club member
Tony Baiach did a
terrific job
entertaining the
kids with some
amazing aviation
trivia and
explaining how an
airplane is
controlled. Rusty
Billings and John
Huntington
displayed their
awesome Giant
Scale airplanes and
turned the switches
on so the kids could
watch the surfaces
deflect while they
took turns working
the controls.
Then 1st U.S.
R/C Flight School
instructor Dave
Scott put on an
exciting indoor
flying demonstration
with his Yak
foamie. Each child
received a balsa
glider to fly, and
the gymnasium
quickly filled up
with gliders and the
sounds of laughter.
This was the
first time many of
the kids had seen an
RC airplane.
Judging from the
many thank-you
cards received,
numerous attendees
had a great time.
Following are some
of the kids’
reactions.
“Thanks for
flying the airplane,”
wrote Caine
Somon, age 6.
“They are great.
That was the most
fun school day of
the year.”
“RC flying was
the best day ever,” wrote 7-year-old James
Mervy.” I want to be an airplane flier.”
“I had a lot of fun,” wrote Justin
Cassidy, 7. “I thought the airplanes were
cool and they looked fun to fly.”
“I loved the RC fliers,” wrote 6-yearold
Dennis Porton. “They are so cool. I
wish I could be like you guys.”
“Thank you for showing me that
awesome hobby,” wrote 7-year-old
Peter Widucki. “I’m going to get an RC
flier.” MA
—Dave Scott
District VII
A Great Elementary Hobby Day
INtheAIR
Frequently Asked Questions About
AMA’s Programs Department
Q: What are this department’s responsibilities within AMA?
A: The Programs Department has several functions, which
are as follows.
• Representing the Academy at modeling/aviation trade
shows.
• Overseeing the AMA Leader Club Program, Hobby Shop
Pilot Program, Air Show Team Program, NRHSA
[National Retail Hobby Stores Association] National Pilot
Program, and Mall Show Program.
• Representing AMA at public forums and presentations.
• Acting as a liaison to the Federal Aviation
Administration.
• Acting as a liaison to other federal agencies (such as the
Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland
Security, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation).
• Acting as a liaison to state agencies (such as the State
Police and State Antiterrorism Task Forces).
• Acting as a liaison to full-scale aviation organizations
(such as the Experimental Aircraft Association [EAA], the
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the local EAA
Chapter 226, and the Delaware County Airport Authority
in Muncie.
Q: What trade shows does AMA own or run?
A: AMA owns and presents one show each year, which the
Programs Department runs: the AMA Convention held in Ontario,
California, in January.
Q: Does AMA provide clubs with financial assistance?
A: Yes, through the Flying Site Development/Improvement Grant
Program, administered by the Programs Department. You can find
details at www.modelaircraft.org/04fsdigpindex.asp.
Q: Does AMA assist clubs in finding and maintaining flying
sites?
A: Yes. The Academy has many resources available to help clubs
and has two Flying Site Assistance coordinators whose full
responsibility is to assist clubs with these tasks. Coordinators are
Joe Beshar in districts I-VII and Wes De Cou in districts VIII-XI.
Q: Does AMA sanction club fields?
A: No, AMA does not sanction, approve, or validate club fields.
The Academy does charter clubs, and the safe operation of a club’s
site is its responsibility. All flying activities should be governed by
the AMA Safety Code and recommendations found in the AMA
Membership Manual. MA
12 MODEL AVIATION
• This month’s construction
articles are for Frank B.
Baker’s 58-inch-span RC
Northrop P-61 Black Widow,
which is extremely flyable
with a pair of .10 engines; the
Nats-winning Country Boy—
an unusual FF model because
it has electric power—
developed by Bill Jenkins and
Jim Clem; and Paul Smith’s
The Dragon for tearing up the
CL Slow Combat competition.
It lends itself well to
production-line techniques.
• Bob and Dolly Wischer take
us on a photo tour of the 9th
Annual Greater Chicago Radio
Controlled Model Show. D.B.
Mathews shows us how to
make quick and easy radial
engine cowls using foam
layered with fiberglass-epoxy.
John R. Lange presents a
frequency monitor for 4- to 6-
meter and 72-75 MHz bands
that can be made by anyone
who has done some electronics
work.
• Jack Finn relates the story of
how a team of RC pilots flew
a model called “Plenny’s
Dream” into the world record
book by keeping it in the air
continuously for 16 hours and
43 minutes.
• Dave Peltz explains how to
build a low-cost theodolite to
measure the height of
sailplanes, and Michael Bame
explains the mathematics
involved in its use. MA
—Rich LaGrange
AMA Librarian
Welcome, AMA
Life Members!
The Academy recently
welcomed new Life Members
Ronald E. Hill (Okeechobee
FL), Craig Blackman (Tucson
AZ), Mike McGraw (Pasadena
TX), Tom Clark (Kissimmee
FL), Kenneth Kear (Mesa AZ),
Scott Walowsky (San Antonio
TX), Glen Singleton (Ingram
TX), Robert Larson (Deep River
CT), Thomas Johnson
(Gladstone MI), Charles Yates
Jamestown NC), Joe Thornton
(Springboro OH), Denver
Whitaker (Choctaw OK), Roger
Nienberg (Ottawa OH), Dennis
Valliant (Cedar Crest NM),
Andrew Schmeltz (Broken
Arrow OK), and Dennis Kirk
(Arcadia FL).
For information about
becoming a Life Member,
contact AMA Headquarters at
(800) 435-9262. MA
—AMA Membership
Department
25 Years Ago in MA:
February 1982
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/02
Page Numbers: 9,10,11,12
AMA Headquarters Hosts
International Aeromodeling Meeting
History was made December 1-2,
2006, as AMA Headquarters played host
to the annual CIAM (International
Aeromodeling Commission) Bureau
Meeting; this was the first time the
gathering has been held in the United
States.
CIAM is a commission of FAI
(International Aeronautic Federation).
The CIAM Bureau meeting is typically
hosted at FAI Headquarters in Lausanne,
Switzerland. Last Year AMA President
(CIAM 1st Vice President) Dave Brown
proposed having it here in an effort to
make travel fairer to those attending
from non-European countries and to
give participants an opportunity to see
the AMA facilities.
The CIAM Bureau is made up of the
president, three vice presidents, the
CIAM secretary, the technical secretary,
the immediate past president, and the
subcommittee chairs for the various
forms of aeromodeling.
NAC (National Airsport Control
organizations) representatives who are
preparing to host World Championships
are invited to attend the meeting and
present status reports for their upcoming
events. Other people to have business
before the CIAM Bureau may also be
invited.
Much of the meeting consists of
reports from Jury chairmen about recent
world and continental championships.
They go into detail about how the events
went and talk about any problems that
may have occurred. If there was a
problem, a discussion is held regarding
how to resolve it for future
championships.
The judges’ performances at
championships are also reviewed. One of
the main things the Bureau looks at is if
there was any evidence of national bias
by any of the judges. The relevant
subcommittee chairman reports on this.
Each subcommittee chairman gives a
detailed report on his/her area of
responsibility. He or she normally talks
about upcoming rules changes or
proposals and any issues his or her events
might be having. You might call this a
“state of the event(s)” report.
The agenda for the upcoming (March
2007) Plenary Meeting was reviewed to
make sure that all necessary points will
be covered. The Plenary Meeting is that
at which rules-change proposals are
discussed and voted on. Therefore, the
agenda for this meeting is long.
Many other committees’ reports are
given during the Bureau Meeting.
Organizers of upcoming World
Championships are invited to give
planning updates on the events on which
they are working. AMA gave its report
about the F3D Pylon World Championships
we will host in June 2007.
It was an honor for the United States
and AMA to hold this meeting. The
attendees seemed to enjoy the
opportunity to see the AMA facilities and
go to a different venue for the gathering.
We are hopeful that we may be able to
host the meeting again. MA
—Steve Kaluf
AMA Technical Director
Attention AMA Clubs That
Advertise in “Contest Calendar”!
Effective January 1, 2007, the following
new rates apply for the supplemental
(display) advertisements that are printed in
the MA’s “Contest Calendar” section.
• 2.25 inches x one column: $45 per issue.
• 1.50 inches x one column: $35 per issue.
• The 3.75-inch x one-column space has been
discontinued for 2007.
This is the first pricing increase for
supplemental advertisements in more than 25
years. The new rates offset magazine
production costs and do not generate
additional income.
“Contest Calendar” event text listings
remain free to clubs and are automatically
published when an AMA sanction is issued
for an event and the material is submitted
according to the deadline and guidelines
provided. In addition, all events are posted to
the AMA Web site at www.modelaircraft.org/
comp/contest.htm.
For more information, see page 174 of
this issue. MA
—AMA Headquarters
Dates Are Set
for AMA’s 81st Nats!
The AMA Executive Council has
approved the schedule for the 2007
National Aeromodeling Championships.
The Indoor FF events will be held May
29-June 3 at the East Tennessee State
University Mini-Dome in Johnson City,
Tennessee.
The outdoor events will be held at
AMA’s International Aeromodeling
Center. The dates are as follows.
• June 29-July 4: RC Pylon Racing
• July 5-8: RC Scale Aerobatics
• July 8-12: RC Helicopter
• July 9-14: CL Precision Aerobatics,
Navy Carrier, Combat, Racing,
and Speed
• July 13-16: RC Combat
• July 17-21: RC Aerobatics
• July 22-29: RC Soaring
• July 30-August 2: RC Electrics
• July 30-August 3: Outdoor FF
• August 3-5: RC and CL Scale
If you have participated in the Nats
within the last two years, you will receive
an entry form at roughly the first of the
year. For more information or to obtain an
entry form, visit www.modelaircraft.org/
events/ or call (765) 287-1256, extension
224, 252, or 293. MA
—AMA Headquarters
INtheAIR
10 MODEL AVIATION
October 13, 2006, representatives from
the 1st U.S. R/C Flight School and the Four
Seasons R/C Flyers shared what it’s like to
fly radio-control airplanes with more than
150 second- through fifth-graders during
“Hobby Day” at Wabeno Elementary
School in central Wisconsin.
Club member
Tony Baiach did a
terrific job
entertaining the
kids with some
amazing aviation
trivia and
explaining how an
airplane is
controlled. Rusty
Billings and John
Huntington
displayed their
awesome Giant
Scale airplanes and
turned the switches
on so the kids could
watch the surfaces
deflect while they
took turns working
the controls.
Then 1st U.S.
R/C Flight School
instructor Dave
Scott put on an
exciting indoor
flying demonstration
with his Yak
foamie. Each child
received a balsa
glider to fly, and
the gymnasium
quickly filled up
with gliders and the
sounds of laughter.
This was the
first time many of
the kids had seen an
RC airplane.
Judging from the
many thank-you
cards received,
numerous attendees
had a great time.
Following are some
of the kids’
reactions.
“Thanks for
flying the airplane,”
wrote Caine
Somon, age 6.
“They are great.
That was the most
fun school day of
the year.”
“RC flying was
the best day ever,” wrote 7-year-old James
Mervy.” I want to be an airplane flier.”
“I had a lot of fun,” wrote Justin
Cassidy, 7. “I thought the airplanes were
cool and they looked fun to fly.”
“I loved the RC fliers,” wrote 6-yearold
Dennis Porton. “They are so cool. I
wish I could be like you guys.”
“Thank you for showing me that
awesome hobby,” wrote 7-year-old
Peter Widucki. “I’m going to get an RC
flier.” MA
—Dave Scott
District VII
A Great Elementary Hobby Day
INtheAIR
10 MODEL AVIATION
October 13, 2006, representatives from
the 1st U.S. R/C Flight School and the Four
Seasons R/C Flyers shared what it’s like to
fly radio-control airplanes with more than
150 second- through fifth-graders during
“Hobby Day” at Wabeno Elementary
School in central Wisconsin.
Club member
Tony Baiach did a
terrific job
entertaining the
kids with some
amazing aviation
trivia and
explaining how an
airplane is
controlled. Rusty
Billings and John
Huntington
displayed their
awesome Giant
Scale airplanes and
turned the switches
on so the kids could
watch the surfaces
deflect while they
took turns working
the controls.
Then 1st U.S.
R/C Flight School
instructor Dave
Scott put on an
exciting indoor
flying demonstration
with his Yak
foamie. Each child
received a balsa
glider to fly, and
the gymnasium
quickly filled up
with gliders and the
sounds of laughter.
This was the
first time many of
the kids had seen an
RC airplane.
Judging from the
many thank-you
cards received,
numerous attendees
had a great time.
Following are some
of the kids’
reactions.
“Thanks for
flying the airplane,”
wrote Caine
Somon, age 6.
“They are great.
That was the most
fun school day of
the year.”
“RC flying was
the best day ever,” wrote 7-year-old James
Mervy.” I want to be an airplane flier.”
“I had a lot of fun,” wrote Justin
Cassidy, 7. “I thought the airplanes were
cool and they looked fun to fly.”
“I loved the RC fliers,” wrote 6-yearold
Dennis Porton. “They are so cool. I
wish I could be like you guys.”
“Thank you for showing me that
awesome hobby,” wrote 7-year-old
Peter Widucki. “I’m going to get an RC
flier.” MA
—Dave Scott
District VII
A Great Elementary Hobby Day
INtheAIR
Frequently Asked Questions About
AMA’s Programs Department
Q: What are this department’s responsibilities within AMA?
A: The Programs Department has several functions, which
are as follows.
• Representing the Academy at modeling/aviation trade
shows.
• Overseeing the AMA Leader Club Program, Hobby Shop
Pilot Program, Air Show Team Program, NRHSA
[National Retail Hobby Stores Association] National Pilot
Program, and Mall Show Program.
• Representing AMA at public forums and presentations.
• Acting as a liaison to the Federal Aviation
Administration.
• Acting as a liaison to other federal agencies (such as the
Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland
Security, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation).
• Acting as a liaison to state agencies (such as the State
Police and State Antiterrorism Task Forces).
• Acting as a liaison to full-scale aviation organizations
(such as the Experimental Aircraft Association [EAA], the
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the local EAA
Chapter 226, and the Delaware County Airport Authority
in Muncie.
Q: What trade shows does AMA own or run?
A: AMA owns and presents one show each year, which the
Programs Department runs: the AMA Convention held in Ontario,
California, in January.
Q: Does AMA provide clubs with financial assistance?
A: Yes, through the Flying Site Development/Improvement Grant
Program, administered by the Programs Department. You can find
details at www.modelaircraft.org/04fsdigpindex.asp.
Q: Does AMA assist clubs in finding and maintaining flying
sites?
A: Yes. The Academy has many resources available to help clubs
and has two Flying Site Assistance coordinators whose full
responsibility is to assist clubs with these tasks. Coordinators are
Joe Beshar in districts I-VII and Wes De Cou in districts VIII-XI.
Q: Does AMA sanction club fields?
A: No, AMA does not sanction, approve, or validate club fields.
The Academy does charter clubs, and the safe operation of a club’s
site is its responsibility. All flying activities should be governed by
the AMA Safety Code and recommendations found in the AMA
Membership Manual. MA
12 MODEL AVIATION
• This month’s construction
articles are for Frank B.
Baker’s 58-inch-span RC
Northrop P-61 Black Widow,
which is extremely flyable
with a pair of .10 engines; the
Nats-winning Country Boy—
an unusual FF model because
it has electric power—
developed by Bill Jenkins and
Jim Clem; and Paul Smith’s
The Dragon for tearing up the
CL Slow Combat competition.
It lends itself well to
production-line techniques.
• Bob and Dolly Wischer take
us on a photo tour of the 9th
Annual Greater Chicago Radio
Controlled Model Show. D.B.
Mathews shows us how to
make quick and easy radial
engine cowls using foam
layered with fiberglass-epoxy.
John R. Lange presents a
frequency monitor for 4- to 6-
meter and 72-75 MHz bands
that can be made by anyone
who has done some electronics
work.
• Jack Finn relates the story of
how a team of RC pilots flew
a model called “Plenny’s
Dream” into the world record
book by keeping it in the air
continuously for 16 hours and
43 minutes.
• Dave Peltz explains how to
build a low-cost theodolite to
measure the height of
sailplanes, and Michael Bame
explains the mathematics
involved in its use. MA
—Rich LaGrange
AMA Librarian
Welcome, AMA
Life Members!
The Academy recently
welcomed new Life Members
Ronald E. Hill (Okeechobee
FL), Craig Blackman (Tucson
AZ), Mike McGraw (Pasadena
TX), Tom Clark (Kissimmee
FL), Kenneth Kear (Mesa AZ),
Scott Walowsky (San Antonio
TX), Glen Singleton (Ingram
TX), Robert Larson (Deep River
CT), Thomas Johnson
(Gladstone MI), Charles Yates
Jamestown NC), Joe Thornton
(Springboro OH), Denver
Whitaker (Choctaw OK), Roger
Nienberg (Ottawa OH), Dennis
Valliant (Cedar Crest NM),
Andrew Schmeltz (Broken
Arrow OK), and Dennis Kirk
(Arcadia FL).
For information about
becoming a Life Member,
contact AMA Headquarters at
(800) 435-9262. MA
—AMA Membership
Department
25 Years Ago in MA:
February 1982