The Academy has enrolled its charter Park Pilot Program club:
the Vegas Aces of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Greg Clemenson, John Storick, Mark Rose, Darrell Stubbs, and
Ben Storick started the Aces. They and several other pilots in the
area had frequently spent time flying their park flyer aircraft at the
Robert O. Gibson Middle School.
“There has been RC flying at the school yard for several
years,” said Greg. “Once the Park Pilot Program was introduced,
it was just a natural thing to start a club.”
Mark Smith, the District IX vice president, provided the
inspiration for the Vegas Aces. He explained that the Park Pilot
Program was created to reach out to those who fly electricpowered
small airplanes at parks and school yards. That concept
was perfect for what this group of modelers did.
Greg downloaded the charter kit from the AMA Web site, and
the formation of the Vegas Aces began.
At the initial club meeting, the president asked those present to
share why they became interested in joining the Aces. The members responded with a long list of reasons, including having people to
fly with, getting instruction, obtaining permission to fly at the field, the idea that more activities can be done as a group than
individually, and, most importantly, fun.
The club grew quickly when word of it got out. The Vegas Aces’ membership nearly doubled in one weekend! As of May 4, 2008, it
had 23 members.
Greg said:
“Individuals have been flying at the school yard ever since
electrics became popular. A lot of people have come and gone
because they crash, get frustrated, and quit. Now with Vegas
Aces Park Pilot club, there is an avenue for newcomers to get
the help they need.
“The Park Pilot Program was critical in starting the Vegas
Aces. The Park Pilot Program provided the guidelines
needed.”
Greg and the Vegas Aces have several plans for the club’s
future.
“The energy is tremendous! Working together makes all the
difference. There will be a fun-fly and trainer day. The club is
involving the students at the school. We expect the club to
grow. Eventually, maybe a fundraiser.” MA
—Ashley Rauen
AMA Communications Specialist
The Buzz About AMA’s Appreciation Day
INtheAIR
July 2008 9
AMA HEADQUARTERS AND MEMBER NEWS
You may remember the Homecoming event that was held each
June at AMA’s International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) in Muncie,
Indiana. It was a weekend of open flying for all members, and it
included a Saturday-night picnic dinner and an AMA general
membership meeting. This gathering had a decline in attendance in
its last few years and was discontinued in 2005.
Since then, AMA has received several requests to bring
Homecoming back. That prompted us to try again and host a
weekend of informal, open flying at the IAC for our members. Thus
AMA Appreciation Day was born.
It will be held July 4-6, 2008. There will be all-day flying Friday
and Saturday, and it will end at noon on Sunday. Free camping
Friday and Saturday nights will be available to all AMA members.
The fly-in will be low-key, with no organized events. It will
be a weekend to visit, and fly at, your national flying site and an
opportunity to meet and socialize with AMA members from
across the country.
The National Model Aviation Museum will be open during the
weekend. It is one of the premiere model-aviation museums in the
world and holds many of aeromodeling’s most significant artifacts
including the Guff, which was Walt and Bill Good’s first RC model,
and TAM5: the model that was flown successfully across the Atlantic
Ocean from Canada to Ireland.
AMA Appreciation Day is a come-one, come-all event. No
matter what your special interest, you are welcome to join the
fun. If things go well this year, we hope to be able to expand on
this get-together in the future.
Go to www.modelaircraft.org or call (765) 287-1256, extension
200, for more information. MA
—AMA staff
The charter members of the Vegas Aces Park Pilot Program club
at their flying site, Robert O. Gibson Middle School, in Las Vegas,
Nevada.
An AMA First: A Chartered Park Pilot Program Club!
INtheAIR
10 MODEL AVIATION
The Academy has made additions and updates to its Web
site, including a new page in the Members Only section; the
Information Systems (IS) Department at AMA Headquarters has
added a club roster. It has listings for all AMA chartered clubs
that include each member’s name, AMA number, membership
expiration date, and any position the person holds in the club.
This page allows club presidents or contacts to view and print
their club rosters at once, which is much easier than the old way
of looking up each individual one at a time.
IS is also working to update the chartered-club locator section
of the Web site. Several clubs have updated their information
and flying-site-specific data to include topographical maps of the
their fields.
The chartered-club updates are a continuous process. Go to
www.modelaircraft.org/clubsearch.aspx to see if your club’s
information is available. If you don’t see it, talk to your club
president about providing the information to the AMA club
secretary, Lois Mock, at [email protected], to get it
posted online. MA
—AMA staff
The AMA Web site’s new page features chartered-club rosters.
Find Your Club on AMA’s Web Site
When builder Graeme Mears and pilot David Shulman started
preparing their F-16C for this year’s Top Gun Invitational, they probably
never thought it would get them an audience of the US Air Force
Thunderbirds demonstration squadron!
David said:
“The past week sure has been an interesting one. As you can see by
the photo, our new Team Scale entry for Top Gun has garnered the
attention of the USAF Thunderbirds teams and warranted a special upclose
and personal meeting with them at the Sun ’n Fun event last
weekend here in Florida.
“The team was thoroughly impressed by the craftsmanship and you
should’ve seen their faces when we told them, yes, it does fly!”
The incredible photographs of David, Graeme, their F-16, and the Air
Force pilots were passed around the Great Planes offices. Don Anderson,
the company’s president, said:
“ ... this is one of those few memorable achievements in modeling that
makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck. That doesn’t happen
very often anymore, but it did when I viewed this picture.” MA
—From Futaba News
www.futaba-rc.com/news/index.html
(Editor’s note: To see how Graeme and David fared at Top Gun
2008, which was held April 23-27 at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport
in Lakeland, Florida, go to www.franktiano.com/TopGunFrameset.htm.)
Modelers get USAF Thunderbirds’ Attention
SEFF Annihilates Guinness World Record
All Guinness World Record-breakers are lined up and ready to go.
Technology Committee outlined the radio
turn-on sequence. During the range check
we had a total of 59 2.4-gig systems on and
bound at the same time.
“Sky space was not a problem. Most
participants said they had plenty of room to
fly, but there was one midair that cost us an
airplane. All in all it went way better than I
thought it would.”
Tony Stillman was present for the
endeavor. He said:
A Guinness World Record was set at the
Southeastern Electric Flight Festival (SEFF)
in Americus, Georgia, in May, for the most
RC model airplanes flown at the same time
in a one-minute period. Ric Vaughn cocoordinated
this attempt, which blew the
record of 49 away with 113 launches. A
total of 100 models remained in the air for
the required time.
Ric said:
“Cal Orr from the AMA Electronics
“As the AMA District V VP, I was
tasked with observing and helping as I
could. The attempt was well thought out,
with safety in the forefront. Ric Vaughn
did a great job of organizing, and it paid
off with 100 models meeting the required
one-minute flight time.
“On behalf of the AMA, I
congratulate those who participated in
this event!” MA
—Dave Terry
District V
Wings Across America 2008
INtheAIR
July 2008 11
A group of model-airplane enthusiasts will
fly a battery-powered RC airplane in each of
the 48 contiguous states in America. This
endeavor is called Wings Across America
2008, or WAA-08, and it kicked off Memorial
Day weekend.
Frank Geisler of Gloucester, Virginia, is a
passionate RC pilot who developed this
concept while wishing he could take the
summer off and travel to different RC fields
throughout the US to fly. Frank frequently
visits RC forums, and he knew that a crosscountry
journey would allow him to meet
some of the people he chats with online.
But given job restrictions and the
continuously rising gas costs, Frank realized
that he could not carry out this venture alone.
So he and a group of co-coordinators
developed the idea for an RC model to be
flown in 48 states by as many pilots as
possible at their local fields. The airplane
would be passed from pilot to pilot on a
list, creating a “chain” of people who
theoretically fly the model across the US.
Frank embraced his RC-forum experience
and began hunting for pilots on RCGroups
(www.rcgroups.com) and Wattflyer
(www.wattflyer.com), and notices were
posted on RCUniverse (www.rcuniverse.com)
and RC Hangout (www.rchangout.com). It
didn’t take long for more than 260 pilots to
sign up.
Participating WAA-08 pilots provided
the equipment for the project. Bill Stevens
of Stevens AeroModel donated a SQuiRT
400 trainer/park flyer, and Horizon Hobby
contributed the radio system. The batteries
and charger were from Common Sense
RC, and Big Al’s Hobby Supply donated a
Li-Poly sack for safe transport.
A WAA-08 requirement is that the
SQuiRT must be hand-delivered from pilot
to pilot; it is never to be mailed to its next
destination. To make sure all equipment is
safely transported in this manner, Steve
Griffin of Victor, Idaho, constructed a
custom-built travel box.
If this concept is successful, 2009 and
2010 WAAs may be in order, with an even
bigger model and pilots in Canada and
Mexico.
WAA will visit the International
Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana,
during its travels across the nation. Check
MA throughout the year for an update on
the SQuiRT’s progress.
If you would like to be a part of this
record-setting event, send an E-mail to
Frank at [email protected].
Although the organizers are currently
trying to fill the gaps between pilots,
anyone interested can feel free to contact
him. MA
—Information provided by Frank Geisler
District IV
The WAA-08 airplane is a Stevens
AeroModel SQuiRT. This tough 38-inch-span
park flyer is easy to fly and should take the
abuse that more than 260 pilots can dish out.
This travel box that Steve Griffin built
will help guarantee that the model
travels safely from pilot to pilot.
Frequently Asked Questions About AMA’s Model Aviation Hall of Fame
Q: What is the Model Aviation Hall of Fame?
A: A group of modelers established the Model Aviation Hall of
Fame to recognize aeromodelers who have made outstanding
contributions to model aviation and who have improved the hobby
and increased its prestige and stature. The AMA currently
administers the Model Aviation Hall of Fame although it is not an
entity of the AMA.
Q: Who do I call for information about the Model Aviation Hall of
Fame?
A: Jackie Shalberg, the archivist/assistant historian, can answer
general questions about the Hall of Fame process and mail out
copies of the current application form. Call her at (765) 287-1256,
extension 511, or E-mail her at [email protected].
Norm Rosenstock, the Model Aviation Hall of Fame chairman, can
answer specific questions about the Hall of Fame process. To
contact him, call (561) 798-5154 or E-mail [email protected].
Q: How do I nominate someone for the Model Aviation Hall of
Fame?
A: Obtain a nomination form by requesting one from Jackie
Shalberg or downloading it at www.modelaircraft.org/PDFfiles/
152.pdf. Instructions are on the form.
Q: When are nomination forms due?
A: March 31 each year.
Q: Who elects Model Aviation Hall of Fame inductees?
A: The Model Aviation Hall of Fame Selection Committee,
which is composed of one Hall of Fame member from each AMA
district and previous AMA presidents. The Model Aviation Hall
of Fame chairman tallies the votes but is unable to cast a vote.
Q: How are modelers chosen to be in the Hall of Fame?
A: Selection is based solely on the information in the nomination
applications. The committee evaluates an individual’s contribution
to model aviation as a competitor, designer, experimenter, leader,
educator, organizer, CD, writer, publisher, manufacturer, and
through other related activities. The Model Aviation Hall of Fame
Selection Committee places emphasis on an accumulated
contribution in one or more of those categories during a period of
years.
Q: Is there a set number of inductees allowed each year?
A: The number of inductees varies. In 2007 there were six.
Q: How and when are the Model Aviation Hall of Fame inductees
announced?
A: Inductees are notified in late July/early August each year. An
announcement is published in the February MA the following year.
Q: Can I have friends send letters of recommendation for my
nominee?
A: The selection committee does not evaluate letters of
recommendation or any other information besides the nomination
applications; therefore, they have no bearing on the decision.
However, an individual may submit more than one nomination
application.
Q: Where do I send nomination forms?
A: To the Model Aviation Hall of Fame, c/o Jackie Shalberg, 5151
E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302. MA
INtheAIR
12 MODEL AVIATION
• On the cover, Lyn Dee Ryan is shown
holding the Monarch Butterfly RC
Slope Soarer. John J. Dyal designed the
colorful model, and his article in this
issue details the dimensions and
materials required to build your own.
• This issue contains two RC building
projects. Frank Baker’s true-to-scale
DH 98 Mosquito (MA plans 412) is
powered by two .10 engines. The 1/12-
scale model has a finished weight of 4.5
pounds and spans 54 inches. Don
Srull’s 64-inch-span Electric Sparky
(MA plans 414) is an Old-Timer that Ed
Lidgard designed. This electric version
is a superb sport model with smooth
flight performance, hands-off stability,
and respectable thermal-soaring
capability.
• This month’s CL building project is
Gene Nelson’s Bonanza Profile (MA
plans 413). Powered by a .25 engine,
the model has a generous wing with
coupled flaps and elevator for great
maneuvers. The V-tail gives this airplane
a distinctive appearance with no
discernable loss of control.
• John R. Walker has designed this
month’s 22-inch-wingspan FF project for
CO2 power. The all-balsa pusher’s fullsize
plans are published in the magazine.
Its realistic looks come from its being
patterned after what may be a future fullscale
airplane.
• Other interesting articles this month
include a pictorial walk-through of the
Weak Signals’ show in Toledo, Ohio,
and a review of Bill Winter’s new book,
The World of Model Airplanes. Luther
Hux takes us across the country to see
several of the 26 AMA Air Show Teams.
The program is in its 10th year and is
going strong.
• For the builders, L.F. Randolph has
written an article about how to make
Welcome, AMA
Life Members!
The Academy recently
welcomed new Life Members
Adrian Marshall (Ellensburg WA),
William Rahiser (South Bend IN),
Kenneth Averitt (Carmel IN),
Scott Lounsbury (Palmyra VA),
Michael Hudson (Nashville NC),
Russ Thompson (Torrance CA),
Richard D. Jackson (Nashville TN),
and Joe Garcia (Pecos TX).
For information about
becoming a Life Member, contact
AMA Headquarters at (800) 435-
9262. MA
—AMA Membership Department
25 Years Ago in MA: July 1983
round
LEs for
wings.
He
explains
how to
employ a
sanding
technique
to make
round
dowels
from
square balsa sticks.
• New products this month include a
twin-ducted-fan F-4 Phantom from Jet
Model Products. The deluxe kit is
$1,095 and the semikit is $330. Magnum
announces a new four-stroke .91 engine
that will turn a 16 x 5 propeller at 7,300
rpm using 15% nitro, and it sells for
$250. MA
—Rich LaGrange
AMA Librarian
2008 TAG Program Recipients
Take off And Grow (TAG) is an AMA support program that is designed to help
chartered clubs introduce model aviation to friends and neighbors. Hosting an
AMA TAG Model Aviation Day is a great way to promote what we do as modelaviation
enthusiasts.
The TAG program began in 2007. Clubs selected to host events were supplied
with trainers and flight simulators.
Unlike last year, this year AMA provided cash grants of as much as $1,000.
The amount awarded to a club was based on a budget it included with an
application to hold a TAG event. This change was a direct result of input from
clubs that hosted TAG events last year.
They indicated that although they appreciated the equipment, most already had
equipment available. They thought funds could be used for such purposes as
promoting the event or hosting an event picnic, which would help them be more
successful.
The rewards are great! Hosting a TAG Model Aviation Day is a great way to
reach out to your community to give it a taste of the family-oriented recreational
activity we enjoy. It creates positive relationships with neighbors that can help
when the time comes to keep or acquire a new flying site.
Following are the recipients of the 2008 TAG program monetary awards.
• District I: South Shore RC Club
• District II: Meroke R/C, Sky Rovers
• District III: Greater Cincinnati R/C Club
• District IV: No clubs applied.
• District V: Flying Tigers
• District VI: Tri-County Aero, Millersburg R/C Modelers, Somerset MAC
• District VII: Four Seasons R/C Flyers
• District VIII: Alvin R/C Club
• District IX: Arvada Association of Modelers, Missouri Slope, Crosswinds R/C Club
• District X: Sacramento Area Modelers
• District XI: No clubs applied. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/07
Page Numbers: 9,10,11,12
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/07
Page Numbers: 9,10,11,12
The Academy has enrolled its charter Park Pilot Program club:
the Vegas Aces of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Greg Clemenson, John Storick, Mark Rose, Darrell Stubbs, and
Ben Storick started the Aces. They and several other pilots in the
area had frequently spent time flying their park flyer aircraft at the
Robert O. Gibson Middle School.
“There has been RC flying at the school yard for several
years,” said Greg. “Once the Park Pilot Program was introduced,
it was just a natural thing to start a club.”
Mark Smith, the District IX vice president, provided the
inspiration for the Vegas Aces. He explained that the Park Pilot
Program was created to reach out to those who fly electricpowered
small airplanes at parks and school yards. That concept
was perfect for what this group of modelers did.
Greg downloaded the charter kit from the AMA Web site, and
the formation of the Vegas Aces began.
At the initial club meeting, the president asked those present to
share why they became interested in joining the Aces. The members responded with a long list of reasons, including having people to
fly with, getting instruction, obtaining permission to fly at the field, the idea that more activities can be done as a group than
individually, and, most importantly, fun.
The club grew quickly when word of it got out. The Vegas Aces’ membership nearly doubled in one weekend! As of May 4, 2008, it
had 23 members.
Greg said:
“Individuals have been flying at the school yard ever since
electrics became popular. A lot of people have come and gone
because they crash, get frustrated, and quit. Now with Vegas
Aces Park Pilot club, there is an avenue for newcomers to get
the help they need.
“The Park Pilot Program was critical in starting the Vegas
Aces. The Park Pilot Program provided the guidelines
needed.”
Greg and the Vegas Aces have several plans for the club’s
future.
“The energy is tremendous! Working together makes all the
difference. There will be a fun-fly and trainer day. The club is
involving the students at the school. We expect the club to
grow. Eventually, maybe a fundraiser.” MA
—Ashley Rauen
AMA Communications Specialist
The Buzz About AMA’s Appreciation Day
INtheAIR
July 2008 9
AMA HEADQUARTERS AND MEMBER NEWS
You may remember the Homecoming event that was held each
June at AMA’s International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) in Muncie,
Indiana. It was a weekend of open flying for all members, and it
included a Saturday-night picnic dinner and an AMA general
membership meeting. This gathering had a decline in attendance in
its last few years and was discontinued in 2005.
Since then, AMA has received several requests to bring
Homecoming back. That prompted us to try again and host a
weekend of informal, open flying at the IAC for our members. Thus
AMA Appreciation Day was born.
It will be held July 4-6, 2008. There will be all-day flying Friday
and Saturday, and it will end at noon on Sunday. Free camping
Friday and Saturday nights will be available to all AMA members.
The fly-in will be low-key, with no organized events. It will
be a weekend to visit, and fly at, your national flying site and an
opportunity to meet and socialize with AMA members from
across the country.
The National Model Aviation Museum will be open during the
weekend. It is one of the premiere model-aviation museums in the
world and holds many of aeromodeling’s most significant artifacts
including the Guff, which was Walt and Bill Good’s first RC model,
and TAM5: the model that was flown successfully across the Atlantic
Ocean from Canada to Ireland.
AMA Appreciation Day is a come-one, come-all event. No
matter what your special interest, you are welcome to join the
fun. If things go well this year, we hope to be able to expand on
this get-together in the future.
Go to www.modelaircraft.org or call (765) 287-1256, extension
200, for more information. MA
—AMA staff
The charter members of the Vegas Aces Park Pilot Program club
at their flying site, Robert O. Gibson Middle School, in Las Vegas,
Nevada.
An AMA First: A Chartered Park Pilot Program Club!
INtheAIR
10 MODEL AVIATION
The Academy has made additions and updates to its Web
site, including a new page in the Members Only section; the
Information Systems (IS) Department at AMA Headquarters has
added a club roster. It has listings for all AMA chartered clubs
that include each member’s name, AMA number, membership
expiration date, and any position the person holds in the club.
This page allows club presidents or contacts to view and print
their club rosters at once, which is much easier than the old way
of looking up each individual one at a time.
IS is also working to update the chartered-club locator section
of the Web site. Several clubs have updated their information
and flying-site-specific data to include topographical maps of the
their fields.
The chartered-club updates are a continuous process. Go to
www.modelaircraft.org/clubsearch.aspx to see if your club’s
information is available. If you don’t see it, talk to your club
president about providing the information to the AMA club
secretary, Lois Mock, at [email protected], to get it
posted online. MA
—AMA staff
The AMA Web site’s new page features chartered-club rosters.
Find Your Club on AMA’s Web Site
When builder Graeme Mears and pilot David Shulman started
preparing their F-16C for this year’s Top Gun Invitational, they probably
never thought it would get them an audience of the US Air Force
Thunderbirds demonstration squadron!
David said:
“The past week sure has been an interesting one. As you can see by
the photo, our new Team Scale entry for Top Gun has garnered the
attention of the USAF Thunderbirds teams and warranted a special upclose
and personal meeting with them at the Sun ’n Fun event last
weekend here in Florida.
“The team was thoroughly impressed by the craftsmanship and you
should’ve seen their faces when we told them, yes, it does fly!”
The incredible photographs of David, Graeme, their F-16, and the Air
Force pilots were passed around the Great Planes offices. Don Anderson,
the company’s president, said:
“ ... this is one of those few memorable achievements in modeling that
makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck. That doesn’t happen
very often anymore, but it did when I viewed this picture.” MA
—From Futaba News
www.futaba-rc.com/news/index.html
(Editor’s note: To see how Graeme and David fared at Top Gun
2008, which was held April 23-27 at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport
in Lakeland, Florida, go to www.franktiano.com/TopGunFrameset.htm.)
Modelers get USAF Thunderbirds’ Attention
SEFF Annihilates Guinness World Record
All Guinness World Record-breakers are lined up and ready to go.
Technology Committee outlined the radio
turn-on sequence. During the range check
we had a total of 59 2.4-gig systems on and
bound at the same time.
“Sky space was not a problem. Most
participants said they had plenty of room to
fly, but there was one midair that cost us an
airplane. All in all it went way better than I
thought it would.”
Tony Stillman was present for the
endeavor. He said:
A Guinness World Record was set at the
Southeastern Electric Flight Festival (SEFF)
in Americus, Georgia, in May, for the most
RC model airplanes flown at the same time
in a one-minute period. Ric Vaughn cocoordinated
this attempt, which blew the
record of 49 away with 113 launches. A
total of 100 models remained in the air for
the required time.
Ric said:
“Cal Orr from the AMA Electronics
“As the AMA District V VP, I was
tasked with observing and helping as I
could. The attempt was well thought out,
with safety in the forefront. Ric Vaughn
did a great job of organizing, and it paid
off with 100 models meeting the required
one-minute flight time.
“On behalf of the AMA, I
congratulate those who participated in
this event!” MA
—Dave Terry
District V
Wings Across America 2008
INtheAIR
July 2008 11
A group of model-airplane enthusiasts will
fly a battery-powered RC airplane in each of
the 48 contiguous states in America. This
endeavor is called Wings Across America
2008, or WAA-08, and it kicked off Memorial
Day weekend.
Frank Geisler of Gloucester, Virginia, is a
passionate RC pilot who developed this
concept while wishing he could take the
summer off and travel to different RC fields
throughout the US to fly. Frank frequently
visits RC forums, and he knew that a crosscountry
journey would allow him to meet
some of the people he chats with online.
But given job restrictions and the
continuously rising gas costs, Frank realized
that he could not carry out this venture alone.
So he and a group of co-coordinators
developed the idea for an RC model to be
flown in 48 states by as many pilots as
possible at their local fields. The airplane
would be passed from pilot to pilot on a
list, creating a “chain” of people who
theoretically fly the model across the US.
Frank embraced his RC-forum experience
and began hunting for pilots on RCGroups
(www.rcgroups.com) and Wattflyer
(www.wattflyer.com), and notices were
posted on RCUniverse (www.rcuniverse.com)
and RC Hangout (www.rchangout.com). It
didn’t take long for more than 260 pilots to
sign up.
Participating WAA-08 pilots provided
the equipment for the project. Bill Stevens
of Stevens AeroModel donated a SQuiRT
400 trainer/park flyer, and Horizon Hobby
contributed the radio system. The batteries
and charger were from Common Sense
RC, and Big Al’s Hobby Supply donated a
Li-Poly sack for safe transport.
A WAA-08 requirement is that the
SQuiRT must be hand-delivered from pilot
to pilot; it is never to be mailed to its next
destination. To make sure all equipment is
safely transported in this manner, Steve
Griffin of Victor, Idaho, constructed a
custom-built travel box.
If this concept is successful, 2009 and
2010 WAAs may be in order, with an even
bigger model and pilots in Canada and
Mexico.
WAA will visit the International
Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana,
during its travels across the nation. Check
MA throughout the year for an update on
the SQuiRT’s progress.
If you would like to be a part of this
record-setting event, send an E-mail to
Frank at [email protected].
Although the organizers are currently
trying to fill the gaps between pilots,
anyone interested can feel free to contact
him. MA
—Information provided by Frank Geisler
District IV
The WAA-08 airplane is a Stevens
AeroModel SQuiRT. This tough 38-inch-span
park flyer is easy to fly and should take the
abuse that more than 260 pilots can dish out.
This travel box that Steve Griffin built
will help guarantee that the model
travels safely from pilot to pilot.
Frequently Asked Questions About AMA’s Model Aviation Hall of Fame
Q: What is the Model Aviation Hall of Fame?
A: A group of modelers established the Model Aviation Hall of
Fame to recognize aeromodelers who have made outstanding
contributions to model aviation and who have improved the hobby
and increased its prestige and stature. The AMA currently
administers the Model Aviation Hall of Fame although it is not an
entity of the AMA.
Q: Who do I call for information about the Model Aviation Hall of
Fame?
A: Jackie Shalberg, the archivist/assistant historian, can answer
general questions about the Hall of Fame process and mail out
copies of the current application form. Call her at (765) 287-1256,
extension 511, or E-mail her at [email protected].
Norm Rosenstock, the Model Aviation Hall of Fame chairman, can
answer specific questions about the Hall of Fame process. To
contact him, call (561) 798-5154 or E-mail [email protected].
Q: How do I nominate someone for the Model Aviation Hall of
Fame?
A: Obtain a nomination form by requesting one from Jackie
Shalberg or downloading it at www.modelaircraft.org/PDFfiles/
152.pdf. Instructions are on the form.
Q: When are nomination forms due?
A: March 31 each year.
Q: Who elects Model Aviation Hall of Fame inductees?
A: The Model Aviation Hall of Fame Selection Committee,
which is composed of one Hall of Fame member from each AMA
district and previous AMA presidents. The Model Aviation Hall
of Fame chairman tallies the votes but is unable to cast a vote.
Q: How are modelers chosen to be in the Hall of Fame?
A: Selection is based solely on the information in the nomination
applications. The committee evaluates an individual’s contribution
to model aviation as a competitor, designer, experimenter, leader,
educator, organizer, CD, writer, publisher, manufacturer, and
through other related activities. The Model Aviation Hall of Fame
Selection Committee places emphasis on an accumulated
contribution in one or more of those categories during a period of
years.
Q: Is there a set number of inductees allowed each year?
A: The number of inductees varies. In 2007 there were six.
Q: How and when are the Model Aviation Hall of Fame inductees
announced?
A: Inductees are notified in late July/early August each year. An
announcement is published in the February MA the following year.
Q: Can I have friends send letters of recommendation for my
nominee?
A: The selection committee does not evaluate letters of
recommendation or any other information besides the nomination
applications; therefore, they have no bearing on the decision.
However, an individual may submit more than one nomination
application.
Q: Where do I send nomination forms?
A: To the Model Aviation Hall of Fame, c/o Jackie Shalberg, 5151
E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302. MA
INtheAIR
12 MODEL AVIATION
• On the cover, Lyn Dee Ryan is shown
holding the Monarch Butterfly RC
Slope Soarer. John J. Dyal designed the
colorful model, and his article in this
issue details the dimensions and
materials required to build your own.
• This issue contains two RC building
projects. Frank Baker’s true-to-scale
DH 98 Mosquito (MA plans 412) is
powered by two .10 engines. The 1/12-
scale model has a finished weight of 4.5
pounds and spans 54 inches. Don
Srull’s 64-inch-span Electric Sparky
(MA plans 414) is an Old-Timer that Ed
Lidgard designed. This electric version
is a superb sport model with smooth
flight performance, hands-off stability,
and respectable thermal-soaring
capability.
• This month’s CL building project is
Gene Nelson’s Bonanza Profile (MA
plans 413). Powered by a .25 engine,
the model has a generous wing with
coupled flaps and elevator for great
maneuvers. The V-tail gives this airplane
a distinctive appearance with no
discernable loss of control.
• John R. Walker has designed this
month’s 22-inch-wingspan FF project for
CO2 power. The all-balsa pusher’s fullsize
plans are published in the magazine.
Its realistic looks come from its being
patterned after what may be a future fullscale
airplane.
• Other interesting articles this month
include a pictorial walk-through of the
Weak Signals’ show in Toledo, Ohio,
and a review of Bill Winter’s new book,
The World of Model Airplanes. Luther
Hux takes us across the country to see
several of the 26 AMA Air Show Teams.
The program is in its 10th year and is
going strong.
• For the builders, L.F. Randolph has
written an article about how to make
Welcome, AMA
Life Members!
The Academy recently
welcomed new Life Members
Adrian Marshall (Ellensburg WA),
William Rahiser (South Bend IN),
Kenneth Averitt (Carmel IN),
Scott Lounsbury (Palmyra VA),
Michael Hudson (Nashville NC),
Russ Thompson (Torrance CA),
Richard D. Jackson (Nashville TN),
and Joe Garcia (Pecos TX).
For information about
becoming a Life Member, contact
AMA Headquarters at (800) 435-
9262. MA
—AMA Membership Department
25 Years Ago in MA: July 1983
round
LEs for
wings.
He
explains
how to
employ a
sanding
technique
to make
round
dowels
from
square balsa sticks.
• New products this month include a
twin-ducted-fan F-4 Phantom from Jet
Model Products. The deluxe kit is
$1,095 and the semikit is $330. Magnum
announces a new four-stroke .91 engine
that will turn a 16 x 5 propeller at 7,300
rpm using 15% nitro, and it sells for
$250. MA
—Rich LaGrange
AMA Librarian
2008 TAG Program Recipients
Take off And Grow (TAG) is an AMA support program that is designed to help
chartered clubs introduce model aviation to friends and neighbors. Hosting an
AMA TAG Model Aviation Day is a great way to promote what we do as modelaviation
enthusiasts.
The TAG program began in 2007. Clubs selected to host events were supplied
with trainers and flight simulators.
Unlike last year, this year AMA provided cash grants of as much as $1,000.
The amount awarded to a club was based on a budget it included with an
application to hold a TAG event. This change was a direct result of input from
clubs that hosted TAG events last year.
They indicated that although they appreciated the equipment, most already had
equipment available. They thought funds could be used for such purposes as
promoting the event or hosting an event picnic, which would help them be more
successful.
The rewards are great! Hosting a TAG Model Aviation Day is a great way to
reach out to your community to give it a taste of the family-oriented recreational
activity we enjoy. It creates positive relationships with neighbors that can help
when the time comes to keep or acquire a new flying site.
Following are the recipients of the 2008 TAG program monetary awards.
• District I: South Shore RC Club
• District II: Meroke R/C, Sky Rovers
• District III: Greater Cincinnati R/C Club
• District IV: No clubs applied.
• District V: Flying Tigers
• District VI: Tri-County Aero, Millersburg R/C Modelers, Somerset MAC
• District VII: Four Seasons R/C Flyers
• District VIII: Alvin R/C Club
• District IX: Arvada Association of Modelers, Missouri Slope, Crosswinds R/C Club
• District X: Sacramento Area Modelers
• District XI: No clubs applied. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/07
Page Numbers: 9,10,11,12
The Academy has enrolled its charter Park Pilot Program club:
the Vegas Aces of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Greg Clemenson, John Storick, Mark Rose, Darrell Stubbs, and
Ben Storick started the Aces. They and several other pilots in the
area had frequently spent time flying their park flyer aircraft at the
Robert O. Gibson Middle School.
“There has been RC flying at the school yard for several
years,” said Greg. “Once the Park Pilot Program was introduced,
it was just a natural thing to start a club.”
Mark Smith, the District IX vice president, provided the
inspiration for the Vegas Aces. He explained that the Park Pilot
Program was created to reach out to those who fly electricpowered
small airplanes at parks and school yards. That concept
was perfect for what this group of modelers did.
Greg downloaded the charter kit from the AMA Web site, and
the formation of the Vegas Aces began.
At the initial club meeting, the president asked those present to
share why they became interested in joining the Aces. The members responded with a long list of reasons, including having people to
fly with, getting instruction, obtaining permission to fly at the field, the idea that more activities can be done as a group than
individually, and, most importantly, fun.
The club grew quickly when word of it got out. The Vegas Aces’ membership nearly doubled in one weekend! As of May 4, 2008, it
had 23 members.
Greg said:
“Individuals have been flying at the school yard ever since
electrics became popular. A lot of people have come and gone
because they crash, get frustrated, and quit. Now with Vegas
Aces Park Pilot club, there is an avenue for newcomers to get
the help they need.
“The Park Pilot Program was critical in starting the Vegas
Aces. The Park Pilot Program provided the guidelines
needed.”
Greg and the Vegas Aces have several plans for the club’s
future.
“The energy is tremendous! Working together makes all the
difference. There will be a fun-fly and trainer day. The club is
involving the students at the school. We expect the club to
grow. Eventually, maybe a fundraiser.” MA
—Ashley Rauen
AMA Communications Specialist
The Buzz About AMA’s Appreciation Day
INtheAIR
July 2008 9
AMA HEADQUARTERS AND MEMBER NEWS
You may remember the Homecoming event that was held each
June at AMA’s International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) in Muncie,
Indiana. It was a weekend of open flying for all members, and it
included a Saturday-night picnic dinner and an AMA general
membership meeting. This gathering had a decline in attendance in
its last few years and was discontinued in 2005.
Since then, AMA has received several requests to bring
Homecoming back. That prompted us to try again and host a
weekend of informal, open flying at the IAC for our members. Thus
AMA Appreciation Day was born.
It will be held July 4-6, 2008. There will be all-day flying Friday
and Saturday, and it will end at noon on Sunday. Free camping
Friday and Saturday nights will be available to all AMA members.
The fly-in will be low-key, with no organized events. It will
be a weekend to visit, and fly at, your national flying site and an
opportunity to meet and socialize with AMA members from
across the country.
The National Model Aviation Museum will be open during the
weekend. It is one of the premiere model-aviation museums in the
world and holds many of aeromodeling’s most significant artifacts
including the Guff, which was Walt and Bill Good’s first RC model,
and TAM5: the model that was flown successfully across the Atlantic
Ocean from Canada to Ireland.
AMA Appreciation Day is a come-one, come-all event. No
matter what your special interest, you are welcome to join the
fun. If things go well this year, we hope to be able to expand on
this get-together in the future.
Go to www.modelaircraft.org or call (765) 287-1256, extension
200, for more information. MA
—AMA staff
The charter members of the Vegas Aces Park Pilot Program club
at their flying site, Robert O. Gibson Middle School, in Las Vegas,
Nevada.
An AMA First: A Chartered Park Pilot Program Club!
INtheAIR
10 MODEL AVIATION
The Academy has made additions and updates to its Web
site, including a new page in the Members Only section; the
Information Systems (IS) Department at AMA Headquarters has
added a club roster. It has listings for all AMA chartered clubs
that include each member’s name, AMA number, membership
expiration date, and any position the person holds in the club.
This page allows club presidents or contacts to view and print
their club rosters at once, which is much easier than the old way
of looking up each individual one at a time.
IS is also working to update the chartered-club locator section
of the Web site. Several clubs have updated their information
and flying-site-specific data to include topographical maps of the
their fields.
The chartered-club updates are a continuous process. Go to
www.modelaircraft.org/clubsearch.aspx to see if your club’s
information is available. If you don’t see it, talk to your club
president about providing the information to the AMA club
secretary, Lois Mock, at [email protected], to get it
posted online. MA
—AMA staff
The AMA Web site’s new page features chartered-club rosters.
Find Your Club on AMA’s Web Site
When builder Graeme Mears and pilot David Shulman started
preparing their F-16C for this year’s Top Gun Invitational, they probably
never thought it would get them an audience of the US Air Force
Thunderbirds demonstration squadron!
David said:
“The past week sure has been an interesting one. As you can see by
the photo, our new Team Scale entry for Top Gun has garnered the
attention of the USAF Thunderbirds teams and warranted a special upclose
and personal meeting with them at the Sun ’n Fun event last
weekend here in Florida.
“The team was thoroughly impressed by the craftsmanship and you
should’ve seen their faces when we told them, yes, it does fly!”
The incredible photographs of David, Graeme, their F-16, and the Air
Force pilots were passed around the Great Planes offices. Don Anderson,
the company’s president, said:
“ ... this is one of those few memorable achievements in modeling that
makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck. That doesn’t happen
very often anymore, but it did when I viewed this picture.” MA
—From Futaba News
www.futaba-rc.com/news/index.html
(Editor’s note: To see how Graeme and David fared at Top Gun
2008, which was held April 23-27 at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport
in Lakeland, Florida, go to www.franktiano.com/TopGunFrameset.htm.)
Modelers get USAF Thunderbirds’ Attention
SEFF Annihilates Guinness World Record
All Guinness World Record-breakers are lined up and ready to go.
Technology Committee outlined the radio
turn-on sequence. During the range check
we had a total of 59 2.4-gig systems on and
bound at the same time.
“Sky space was not a problem. Most
participants said they had plenty of room to
fly, but there was one midair that cost us an
airplane. All in all it went way better than I
thought it would.”
Tony Stillman was present for the
endeavor. He said:
A Guinness World Record was set at the
Southeastern Electric Flight Festival (SEFF)
in Americus, Georgia, in May, for the most
RC model airplanes flown at the same time
in a one-minute period. Ric Vaughn cocoordinated
this attempt, which blew the
record of 49 away with 113 launches. A
total of 100 models remained in the air for
the required time.
Ric said:
“Cal Orr from the AMA Electronics
“As the AMA District V VP, I was
tasked with observing and helping as I
could. The attempt was well thought out,
with safety in the forefront. Ric Vaughn
did a great job of organizing, and it paid
off with 100 models meeting the required
one-minute flight time.
“On behalf of the AMA, I
congratulate those who participated in
this event!” MA
—Dave Terry
District V
Wings Across America 2008
INtheAIR
July 2008 11
A group of model-airplane enthusiasts will
fly a battery-powered RC airplane in each of
the 48 contiguous states in America. This
endeavor is called Wings Across America
2008, or WAA-08, and it kicked off Memorial
Day weekend.
Frank Geisler of Gloucester, Virginia, is a
passionate RC pilot who developed this
concept while wishing he could take the
summer off and travel to different RC fields
throughout the US to fly. Frank frequently
visits RC forums, and he knew that a crosscountry
journey would allow him to meet
some of the people he chats with online.
But given job restrictions and the
continuously rising gas costs, Frank realized
that he could not carry out this venture alone.
So he and a group of co-coordinators
developed the idea for an RC model to be
flown in 48 states by as many pilots as
possible at their local fields. The airplane
would be passed from pilot to pilot on a
list, creating a “chain” of people who
theoretically fly the model across the US.
Frank embraced his RC-forum experience
and began hunting for pilots on RCGroups
(www.rcgroups.com) and Wattflyer
(www.wattflyer.com), and notices were
posted on RCUniverse (www.rcuniverse.com)
and RC Hangout (www.rchangout.com). It
didn’t take long for more than 260 pilots to
sign up.
Participating WAA-08 pilots provided
the equipment for the project. Bill Stevens
of Stevens AeroModel donated a SQuiRT
400 trainer/park flyer, and Horizon Hobby
contributed the radio system. The batteries
and charger were from Common Sense
RC, and Big Al’s Hobby Supply donated a
Li-Poly sack for safe transport.
A WAA-08 requirement is that the
SQuiRT must be hand-delivered from pilot
to pilot; it is never to be mailed to its next
destination. To make sure all equipment is
safely transported in this manner, Steve
Griffin of Victor, Idaho, constructed a
custom-built travel box.
If this concept is successful, 2009 and
2010 WAAs may be in order, with an even
bigger model and pilots in Canada and
Mexico.
WAA will visit the International
Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana,
during its travels across the nation. Check
MA throughout the year for an update on
the SQuiRT’s progress.
If you would like to be a part of this
record-setting event, send an E-mail to
Frank at [email protected].
Although the organizers are currently
trying to fill the gaps between pilots,
anyone interested can feel free to contact
him. MA
—Information provided by Frank Geisler
District IV
The WAA-08 airplane is a Stevens
AeroModel SQuiRT. This tough 38-inch-span
park flyer is easy to fly and should take the
abuse that more than 260 pilots can dish out.
This travel box that Steve Griffin built
will help guarantee that the model
travels safely from pilot to pilot.
Frequently Asked Questions About AMA’s Model Aviation Hall of Fame
Q: What is the Model Aviation Hall of Fame?
A: A group of modelers established the Model Aviation Hall of
Fame to recognize aeromodelers who have made outstanding
contributions to model aviation and who have improved the hobby
and increased its prestige and stature. The AMA currently
administers the Model Aviation Hall of Fame although it is not an
entity of the AMA.
Q: Who do I call for information about the Model Aviation Hall of
Fame?
A: Jackie Shalberg, the archivist/assistant historian, can answer
general questions about the Hall of Fame process and mail out
copies of the current application form. Call her at (765) 287-1256,
extension 511, or E-mail her at [email protected].
Norm Rosenstock, the Model Aviation Hall of Fame chairman, can
answer specific questions about the Hall of Fame process. To
contact him, call (561) 798-5154 or E-mail [email protected].
Q: How do I nominate someone for the Model Aviation Hall of
Fame?
A: Obtain a nomination form by requesting one from Jackie
Shalberg or downloading it at www.modelaircraft.org/PDFfiles/
152.pdf. Instructions are on the form.
Q: When are nomination forms due?
A: March 31 each year.
Q: Who elects Model Aviation Hall of Fame inductees?
A: The Model Aviation Hall of Fame Selection Committee,
which is composed of one Hall of Fame member from each AMA
district and previous AMA presidents. The Model Aviation Hall
of Fame chairman tallies the votes but is unable to cast a vote.
Q: How are modelers chosen to be in the Hall of Fame?
A: Selection is based solely on the information in the nomination
applications. The committee evaluates an individual’s contribution
to model aviation as a competitor, designer, experimenter, leader,
educator, organizer, CD, writer, publisher, manufacturer, and
through other related activities. The Model Aviation Hall of Fame
Selection Committee places emphasis on an accumulated
contribution in one or more of those categories during a period of
years.
Q: Is there a set number of inductees allowed each year?
A: The number of inductees varies. In 2007 there were six.
Q: How and when are the Model Aviation Hall of Fame inductees
announced?
A: Inductees are notified in late July/early August each year. An
announcement is published in the February MA the following year.
Q: Can I have friends send letters of recommendation for my
nominee?
A: The selection committee does not evaluate letters of
recommendation or any other information besides the nomination
applications; therefore, they have no bearing on the decision.
However, an individual may submit more than one nomination
application.
Q: Where do I send nomination forms?
A: To the Model Aviation Hall of Fame, c/o Jackie Shalberg, 5151
E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302. MA
INtheAIR
12 MODEL AVIATION
• On the cover, Lyn Dee Ryan is shown
holding the Monarch Butterfly RC
Slope Soarer. John J. Dyal designed the
colorful model, and his article in this
issue details the dimensions and
materials required to build your own.
• This issue contains two RC building
projects. Frank Baker’s true-to-scale
DH 98 Mosquito (MA plans 412) is
powered by two .10 engines. The 1/12-
scale model has a finished weight of 4.5
pounds and spans 54 inches. Don
Srull’s 64-inch-span Electric Sparky
(MA plans 414) is an Old-Timer that Ed
Lidgard designed. This electric version
is a superb sport model with smooth
flight performance, hands-off stability,
and respectable thermal-soaring
capability.
• This month’s CL building project is
Gene Nelson’s Bonanza Profile (MA
plans 413). Powered by a .25 engine,
the model has a generous wing with
coupled flaps and elevator for great
maneuvers. The V-tail gives this airplane
a distinctive appearance with no
discernable loss of control.
• John R. Walker has designed this
month’s 22-inch-wingspan FF project for
CO2 power. The all-balsa pusher’s fullsize
plans are published in the magazine.
Its realistic looks come from its being
patterned after what may be a future fullscale
airplane.
• Other interesting articles this month
include a pictorial walk-through of the
Weak Signals’ show in Toledo, Ohio,
and a review of Bill Winter’s new book,
The World of Model Airplanes. Luther
Hux takes us across the country to see
several of the 26 AMA Air Show Teams.
The program is in its 10th year and is
going strong.
• For the builders, L.F. Randolph has
written an article about how to make
Welcome, AMA
Life Members!
The Academy recently
welcomed new Life Members
Adrian Marshall (Ellensburg WA),
William Rahiser (South Bend IN),
Kenneth Averitt (Carmel IN),
Scott Lounsbury (Palmyra VA),
Michael Hudson (Nashville NC),
Russ Thompson (Torrance CA),
Richard D. Jackson (Nashville TN),
and Joe Garcia (Pecos TX).
For information about
becoming a Life Member, contact
AMA Headquarters at (800) 435-
9262. MA
—AMA Membership Department
25 Years Ago in MA: July 1983
round
LEs for
wings.
He
explains
how to
employ a
sanding
technique
to make
round
dowels
from
square balsa sticks.
• New products this month include a
twin-ducted-fan F-4 Phantom from Jet
Model Products. The deluxe kit is
$1,095 and the semikit is $330. Magnum
announces a new four-stroke .91 engine
that will turn a 16 x 5 propeller at 7,300
rpm using 15% nitro, and it sells for
$250. MA
—Rich LaGrange
AMA Librarian
2008 TAG Program Recipients
Take off And Grow (TAG) is an AMA support program that is designed to help
chartered clubs introduce model aviation to friends and neighbors. Hosting an
AMA TAG Model Aviation Day is a great way to promote what we do as modelaviation
enthusiasts.
The TAG program began in 2007. Clubs selected to host events were supplied
with trainers and flight simulators.
Unlike last year, this year AMA provided cash grants of as much as $1,000.
The amount awarded to a club was based on a budget it included with an
application to hold a TAG event. This change was a direct result of input from
clubs that hosted TAG events last year.
They indicated that although they appreciated the equipment, most already had
equipment available. They thought funds could be used for such purposes as
promoting the event or hosting an event picnic, which would help them be more
successful.
The rewards are great! Hosting a TAG Model Aviation Day is a great way to
reach out to your community to give it a taste of the family-oriented recreational
activity we enjoy. It creates positive relationships with neighbors that can help
when the time comes to keep or acquire a new flying site.
Following are the recipients of the 2008 TAG program monetary awards.
• District I: South Shore RC Club
• District II: Meroke R/C, Sky Rovers
• District III: Greater Cincinnati R/C Club
• District IV: No clubs applied.
• District V: Flying Tigers
• District VI: Tri-County Aero, Millersburg R/C Modelers, Somerset MAC
• District VII: Four Seasons R/C Flyers
• District VIII: Alvin R/C Club
• District IX: Arvada Association of Modelers, Missouri Slope, Crosswinds R/C Club
• District X: Sacramento Area Modelers
• District XI: No clubs applied. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/07
Page Numbers: 9,10,11,12
The Academy has enrolled its charter Park Pilot Program club:
the Vegas Aces of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Greg Clemenson, John Storick, Mark Rose, Darrell Stubbs, and
Ben Storick started the Aces. They and several other pilots in the
area had frequently spent time flying their park flyer aircraft at the
Robert O. Gibson Middle School.
“There has been RC flying at the school yard for several
years,” said Greg. “Once the Park Pilot Program was introduced,
it was just a natural thing to start a club.”
Mark Smith, the District IX vice president, provided the
inspiration for the Vegas Aces. He explained that the Park Pilot
Program was created to reach out to those who fly electricpowered
small airplanes at parks and school yards. That concept
was perfect for what this group of modelers did.
Greg downloaded the charter kit from the AMA Web site, and
the formation of the Vegas Aces began.
At the initial club meeting, the president asked those present to
share why they became interested in joining the Aces. The members responded with a long list of reasons, including having people to
fly with, getting instruction, obtaining permission to fly at the field, the idea that more activities can be done as a group than
individually, and, most importantly, fun.
The club grew quickly when word of it got out. The Vegas Aces’ membership nearly doubled in one weekend! As of May 4, 2008, it
had 23 members.
Greg said:
“Individuals have been flying at the school yard ever since
electrics became popular. A lot of people have come and gone
because they crash, get frustrated, and quit. Now with Vegas
Aces Park Pilot club, there is an avenue for newcomers to get
the help they need.
“The Park Pilot Program was critical in starting the Vegas
Aces. The Park Pilot Program provided the guidelines
needed.”
Greg and the Vegas Aces have several plans for the club’s
future.
“The energy is tremendous! Working together makes all the
difference. There will be a fun-fly and trainer day. The club is
involving the students at the school. We expect the club to
grow. Eventually, maybe a fundraiser.” MA
—Ashley Rauen
AMA Communications Specialist
The Buzz About AMA’s Appreciation Day
INtheAIR
July 2008 9
AMA HEADQUARTERS AND MEMBER NEWS
You may remember the Homecoming event that was held each
June at AMA’s International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) in Muncie,
Indiana. It was a weekend of open flying for all members, and it
included a Saturday-night picnic dinner and an AMA general
membership meeting. This gathering had a decline in attendance in
its last few years and was discontinued in 2005.
Since then, AMA has received several requests to bring
Homecoming back. That prompted us to try again and host a
weekend of informal, open flying at the IAC for our members. Thus
AMA Appreciation Day was born.
It will be held July 4-6, 2008. There will be all-day flying Friday
and Saturday, and it will end at noon on Sunday. Free camping
Friday and Saturday nights will be available to all AMA members.
The fly-in will be low-key, with no organized events. It will
be a weekend to visit, and fly at, your national flying site and an
opportunity to meet and socialize with AMA members from
across the country.
The National Model Aviation Museum will be open during the
weekend. It is one of the premiere model-aviation museums in the
world and holds many of aeromodeling’s most significant artifacts
including the Guff, which was Walt and Bill Good’s first RC model,
and TAM5: the model that was flown successfully across the Atlantic
Ocean from Canada to Ireland.
AMA Appreciation Day is a come-one, come-all event. No
matter what your special interest, you are welcome to join the
fun. If things go well this year, we hope to be able to expand on
this get-together in the future.
Go to www.modelaircraft.org or call (765) 287-1256, extension
200, for more information. MA
—AMA staff
The charter members of the Vegas Aces Park Pilot Program club
at their flying site, Robert O. Gibson Middle School, in Las Vegas,
Nevada.
An AMA First: A Chartered Park Pilot Program Club!
INtheAIR
10 MODEL AVIATION
The Academy has made additions and updates to its Web
site, including a new page in the Members Only section; the
Information Systems (IS) Department at AMA Headquarters has
added a club roster. It has listings for all AMA chartered clubs
that include each member’s name, AMA number, membership
expiration date, and any position the person holds in the club.
This page allows club presidents or contacts to view and print
their club rosters at once, which is much easier than the old way
of looking up each individual one at a time.
IS is also working to update the chartered-club locator section
of the Web site. Several clubs have updated their information
and flying-site-specific data to include topographical maps of the
their fields.
The chartered-club updates are a continuous process. Go to
www.modelaircraft.org/clubsearch.aspx to see if your club’s
information is available. If you don’t see it, talk to your club
president about providing the information to the AMA club
secretary, Lois Mock, at [email protected], to get it
posted online. MA
—AMA staff
The AMA Web site’s new page features chartered-club rosters.
Find Your Club on AMA’s Web Site
When builder Graeme Mears and pilot David Shulman started
preparing their F-16C for this year’s Top Gun Invitational, they probably
never thought it would get them an audience of the US Air Force
Thunderbirds demonstration squadron!
David said:
“The past week sure has been an interesting one. As you can see by
the photo, our new Team Scale entry for Top Gun has garnered the
attention of the USAF Thunderbirds teams and warranted a special upclose
and personal meeting with them at the Sun ’n Fun event last
weekend here in Florida.
“The team was thoroughly impressed by the craftsmanship and you
should’ve seen their faces when we told them, yes, it does fly!”
The incredible photographs of David, Graeme, their F-16, and the Air
Force pilots were passed around the Great Planes offices. Don Anderson,
the company’s president, said:
“ ... this is one of those few memorable achievements in modeling that
makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck. That doesn’t happen
very often anymore, but it did when I viewed this picture.” MA
—From Futaba News
www.futaba-rc.com/news/index.html
(Editor’s note: To see how Graeme and David fared at Top Gun
2008, which was held April 23-27 at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport
in Lakeland, Florida, go to www.franktiano.com/TopGunFrameset.htm.)
Modelers get USAF Thunderbirds’ Attention
SEFF Annihilates Guinness World Record
All Guinness World Record-breakers are lined up and ready to go.
Technology Committee outlined the radio
turn-on sequence. During the range check
we had a total of 59 2.4-gig systems on and
bound at the same time.
“Sky space was not a problem. Most
participants said they had plenty of room to
fly, but there was one midair that cost us an
airplane. All in all it went way better than I
thought it would.”
Tony Stillman was present for the
endeavor. He said:
A Guinness World Record was set at the
Southeastern Electric Flight Festival (SEFF)
in Americus, Georgia, in May, for the most
RC model airplanes flown at the same time
in a one-minute period. Ric Vaughn cocoordinated
this attempt, which blew the
record of 49 away with 113 launches. A
total of 100 models remained in the air for
the required time.
Ric said:
“Cal Orr from the AMA Electronics
“As the AMA District V VP, I was
tasked with observing and helping as I
could. The attempt was well thought out,
with safety in the forefront. Ric Vaughn
did a great job of organizing, and it paid
off with 100 models meeting the required
one-minute flight time.
“On behalf of the AMA, I
congratulate those who participated in
this event!” MA
—Dave Terry
District V
Wings Across America 2008
INtheAIR
July 2008 11
A group of model-airplane enthusiasts will
fly a battery-powered RC airplane in each of
the 48 contiguous states in America. This
endeavor is called Wings Across America
2008, or WAA-08, and it kicked off Memorial
Day weekend.
Frank Geisler of Gloucester, Virginia, is a
passionate RC pilot who developed this
concept while wishing he could take the
summer off and travel to different RC fields
throughout the US to fly. Frank frequently
visits RC forums, and he knew that a crosscountry
journey would allow him to meet
some of the people he chats with online.
But given job restrictions and the
continuously rising gas costs, Frank realized
that he could not carry out this venture alone.
So he and a group of co-coordinators
developed the idea for an RC model to be
flown in 48 states by as many pilots as
possible at their local fields. The airplane
would be passed from pilot to pilot on a
list, creating a “chain” of people who
theoretically fly the model across the US.
Frank embraced his RC-forum experience
and began hunting for pilots on RCGroups
(www.rcgroups.com) and Wattflyer
(www.wattflyer.com), and notices were
posted on RCUniverse (www.rcuniverse.com)
and RC Hangout (www.rchangout.com). It
didn’t take long for more than 260 pilots to
sign up.
Participating WAA-08 pilots provided
the equipment for the project. Bill Stevens
of Stevens AeroModel donated a SQuiRT
400 trainer/park flyer, and Horizon Hobby
contributed the radio system. The batteries
and charger were from Common Sense
RC, and Big Al’s Hobby Supply donated a
Li-Poly sack for safe transport.
A WAA-08 requirement is that the
SQuiRT must be hand-delivered from pilot
to pilot; it is never to be mailed to its next
destination. To make sure all equipment is
safely transported in this manner, Steve
Griffin of Victor, Idaho, constructed a
custom-built travel box.
If this concept is successful, 2009 and
2010 WAAs may be in order, with an even
bigger model and pilots in Canada and
Mexico.
WAA will visit the International
Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana,
during its travels across the nation. Check
MA throughout the year for an update on
the SQuiRT’s progress.
If you would like to be a part of this
record-setting event, send an E-mail to
Frank at [email protected].
Although the organizers are currently
trying to fill the gaps between pilots,
anyone interested can feel free to contact
him. MA
—Information provided by Frank Geisler
District IV
The WAA-08 airplane is a Stevens
AeroModel SQuiRT. This tough 38-inch-span
park flyer is easy to fly and should take the
abuse that more than 260 pilots can dish out.
This travel box that Steve Griffin built
will help guarantee that the model
travels safely from pilot to pilot.
Frequently Asked Questions About AMA’s Model Aviation Hall of Fame
Q: What is the Model Aviation Hall of Fame?
A: A group of modelers established the Model Aviation Hall of
Fame to recognize aeromodelers who have made outstanding
contributions to model aviation and who have improved the hobby
and increased its prestige and stature. The AMA currently
administers the Model Aviation Hall of Fame although it is not an
entity of the AMA.
Q: Who do I call for information about the Model Aviation Hall of
Fame?
A: Jackie Shalberg, the archivist/assistant historian, can answer
general questions about the Hall of Fame process and mail out
copies of the current application form. Call her at (765) 287-1256,
extension 511, or E-mail her at [email protected].
Norm Rosenstock, the Model Aviation Hall of Fame chairman, can
answer specific questions about the Hall of Fame process. To
contact him, call (561) 798-5154 or E-mail [email protected].
Q: How do I nominate someone for the Model Aviation Hall of
Fame?
A: Obtain a nomination form by requesting one from Jackie
Shalberg or downloading it at www.modelaircraft.org/PDFfiles/
152.pdf. Instructions are on the form.
Q: When are nomination forms due?
A: March 31 each year.
Q: Who elects Model Aviation Hall of Fame inductees?
A: The Model Aviation Hall of Fame Selection Committee,
which is composed of one Hall of Fame member from each AMA
district and previous AMA presidents. The Model Aviation Hall
of Fame chairman tallies the votes but is unable to cast a vote.
Q: How are modelers chosen to be in the Hall of Fame?
A: Selection is based solely on the information in the nomination
applications. The committee evaluates an individual’s contribution
to model aviation as a competitor, designer, experimenter, leader,
educator, organizer, CD, writer, publisher, manufacturer, and
through other related activities. The Model Aviation Hall of Fame
Selection Committee places emphasis on an accumulated
contribution in one or more of those categories during a period of
years.
Q: Is there a set number of inductees allowed each year?
A: The number of inductees varies. In 2007 there were six.
Q: How and when are the Model Aviation Hall of Fame inductees
announced?
A: Inductees are notified in late July/early August each year. An
announcement is published in the February MA the following year.
Q: Can I have friends send letters of recommendation for my
nominee?
A: The selection committee does not evaluate letters of
recommendation or any other information besides the nomination
applications; therefore, they have no bearing on the decision.
However, an individual may submit more than one nomination
application.
Q: Where do I send nomination forms?
A: To the Model Aviation Hall of Fame, c/o Jackie Shalberg, 5151
E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302. MA
INtheAIR
12 MODEL AVIATION
• On the cover, Lyn Dee Ryan is shown
holding the Monarch Butterfly RC
Slope Soarer. John J. Dyal designed the
colorful model, and his article in this
issue details the dimensions and
materials required to build your own.
• This issue contains two RC building
projects. Frank Baker’s true-to-scale
DH 98 Mosquito (MA plans 412) is
powered by two .10 engines. The 1/12-
scale model has a finished weight of 4.5
pounds and spans 54 inches. Don
Srull’s 64-inch-span Electric Sparky
(MA plans 414) is an Old-Timer that Ed
Lidgard designed. This electric version
is a superb sport model with smooth
flight performance, hands-off stability,
and respectable thermal-soaring
capability.
• This month’s CL building project is
Gene Nelson’s Bonanza Profile (MA
plans 413). Powered by a .25 engine,
the model has a generous wing with
coupled flaps and elevator for great
maneuvers. The V-tail gives this airplane
a distinctive appearance with no
discernable loss of control.
• John R. Walker has designed this
month’s 22-inch-wingspan FF project for
CO2 power. The all-balsa pusher’s fullsize
plans are published in the magazine.
Its realistic looks come from its being
patterned after what may be a future fullscale
airplane.
• Other interesting articles this month
include a pictorial walk-through of the
Weak Signals’ show in Toledo, Ohio,
and a review of Bill Winter’s new book,
The World of Model Airplanes. Luther
Hux takes us across the country to see
several of the 26 AMA Air Show Teams.
The program is in its 10th year and is
going strong.
• For the builders, L.F. Randolph has
written an article about how to make
Welcome, AMA
Life Members!
The Academy recently
welcomed new Life Members
Adrian Marshall (Ellensburg WA),
William Rahiser (South Bend IN),
Kenneth Averitt (Carmel IN),
Scott Lounsbury (Palmyra VA),
Michael Hudson (Nashville NC),
Russ Thompson (Torrance CA),
Richard D. Jackson (Nashville TN),
and Joe Garcia (Pecos TX).
For information about
becoming a Life Member, contact
AMA Headquarters at (800) 435-
9262. MA
—AMA Membership Department
25 Years Ago in MA: July 1983
round
LEs for
wings.
He
explains
how to
employ a
sanding
technique
to make
round
dowels
from
square balsa sticks.
• New products this month include a
twin-ducted-fan F-4 Phantom from Jet
Model Products. The deluxe kit is
$1,095 and the semikit is $330. Magnum
announces a new four-stroke .91 engine
that will turn a 16 x 5 propeller at 7,300
rpm using 15% nitro, and it sells for
$250. MA
—Rich LaGrange
AMA Librarian
2008 TAG Program Recipients
Take off And Grow (TAG) is an AMA support program that is designed to help
chartered clubs introduce model aviation to friends and neighbors. Hosting an
AMA TAG Model Aviation Day is a great way to promote what we do as modelaviation
enthusiasts.
The TAG program began in 2007. Clubs selected to host events were supplied
with trainers and flight simulators.
Unlike last year, this year AMA provided cash grants of as much as $1,000.
The amount awarded to a club was based on a budget it included with an
application to hold a TAG event. This change was a direct result of input from
clubs that hosted TAG events last year.
They indicated that although they appreciated the equipment, most already had
equipment available. They thought funds could be used for such purposes as
promoting the event or hosting an event picnic, which would help them be more
successful.
The rewards are great! Hosting a TAG Model Aviation Day is a great way to
reach out to your community to give it a taste of the family-oriented recreational
activity we enjoy. It creates positive relationships with neighbors that can help
when the time comes to keep or acquire a new flying site.
Following are the recipients of the 2008 TAG program monetary awards.
• District I: South Shore RC Club
• District II: Meroke R/C, Sky Rovers
• District III: Greater Cincinnati R/C Club
• District IV: No clubs applied.
• District V: Flying Tigers
• District VI: Tri-County Aero, Millersburg R/C Modelers, Somerset MAC
• District VII: Four Seasons R/C Flyers
• District VIII: Alvin R/C Club
• District IX: Arvada Association of Modelers, Missouri Slope, Crosswinds R/C Club
• District X: Sacramento Area Modelers
• District XI: No clubs applied. MA