Above: Dave Gee assists Lashae Benson and her family with building
airplanes at the make-and-take area of the event.
Left: A beautifully airbrushed DW Foamies Juka in a hover in the indoor
flying area. The aircraft is made from milled Depron, to keep it light.
A hands-on
hobby experience
18 MODEL AVIATION
Bird’s-eye view of the Expo floor
on Friday. The indoor RC track
was a popular stop for many
attendees. Bill Oberdieck photo.
by Jay Smith
04sig1.QXD 2/24/09 11:13 AM Page 18
April 2009 19
This 1/6-scale Sikorsky S-35 was a showstopper. All of the graphics
were hand-painted—a lot of work, considering its 17-foot wingspan.
This Funtana 300 was converted from RC to CL. Throttle control
was handled via a transmitter hooked on the pilot’s belt.
Attendees take in the beautiful California weather while waiting
for the doors to open at the Ontario Convention Center.
A large collection of vintage RC radios on display. Commonly
heard at this booth were variations of, “I had that radio.”
Right: The US Naval Sea Cadets, commanded by LTJG Tom
Blackshear, display the colors during the Pledge of Allegiance at
show center.
Paul Quick models the AMA T-shirt and hat that he won. Bill
Oberdieck photo.
Photos by the author except as noted
THE FIRST THING I look for in an RC magazine is new
products. It is almost like being a kid at Christmas and trying to
decide what to put on your wish list. If you are like me, that list
could get pretty long.
Today’s modeler has the ability to be more informed. Not
only do we have modeling magazines, but we also have the
Internet, which allows us to further research products and get
feedback on them from the comfort of our own homes.
We have many great new products to choose from, which
makes getting into the hobby, or expanding to new areas of it,
much easier. The AMA Expo builds on this by allowing us not
only to see the latest and greatest products our hobby has to
offer, but also to handle them and question the manufacturers
directly. We even have the opportunity to see some of the new
products demonstrated in the indoor flying area at the event.
However, the consumer is not the only one who benefits
from the Expo. It also helps the manufacturers by allowing them
to show off new releases to the public and gain valuable
feedback.
The 2009 “AMA Expo”—which is the AMA Convention’s new
moniker—was held January 9-11 at the Ontario Convention
Center in Ontario, California. Regardless of what it’s called,
04sig1.QXD 2/24/09 11:14 AM Page 19
20 MODEL AVIATION
Jack Dunkle takes us back to 1983 with Blue Thunder. It was built from a T-Rex
600E, with mostly scratch-built body parts and accessories.
Any Jaws fan would enjoy this model of the Orca. Just looking at it brings to mind
the famous line, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”
Gayle Anderson of KTLA TV does a live broadcast from the AMA Expo. The
model flying in the background is painted to match the station’s news helicopter.
Early birds wait inside the convention center for the start
of the show on Saturday morning.
AMA District VIII Vice President Jim Rice (L)
assists an eager new pilot with some “stick time”
on the RC simulator.
04sig1.QXD 2/24/09 11:28 AM Page 20
April 2009 21
Maryann Harness (L) and Beth Hasenauer (R) of NASA with a
model of Sofia (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared
Astronomy).
Jim T. Graham of RCGroups was on hand to cover the Expo and
correspond online with those who could not attend.
Jim Herries looks on as his son, Ryan, prepares to launch the Sky
Streak they built together at the event.
AMA Executive Director Jim Cherry gives a presentation to AMA
members during the membership meeting.
One of several rocket-building sessions was run by the Southern
California Rocket Association. Participants got to keep the
rockets they built.
er for the start
each year this event offers more than just the products we use; it
also focuses strongly on education.
A total of 28 seminars this year covered a variety of topics and
were led by industry professionals. In addition, the Expo hosted
an AMA Membership Meeting. This is a great way to get
members up to speed on the latest things the Academy is working
on and answer any questions those in attendance have. It is also a
great opportunity for members to meet AMA representatives and
employees.
The show does a great job of attracting families. One of the
activities that draws a lot of attention is the make-and-take area
staffed by volunteers. The Southern California Rocket
Association assisted with building model rockets and had
displays showing much larger versions of the aircraft and all the
exciting things that rocketry has to offer.
Representing model aircraft, the Black Sheep Squadron
manned the build-and-fly area with rubber-band-powered
airplanes. Not only did they assist kids in building the models,
but the students also flew and trimmed them.
This flying area was filled with smiling faces, as participants
were able to test the aircraft they constructed and compete in
duration competitions with them. Approximately 400 models
were built and flown.
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
representatives were on hand in the education resource area. They
brought models and exhibits dedicated to the research that is done
04sig1.QXD 2/24/09 11:30 AM Page 21
at the Dryden Flight Research Center, which is located at
Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The indoor RC flying area was also a popular spot. Spectators
were five rows deep behind the safety netting at times, watching
demonstration pilots show off manufacturers’ new products.
Exhibitions included flights with RC helicopters and RC, FF, and
CL airplanes. Between demonstrations, the area was used for
open flying by AMA members.
Something interesting was going on every time I ventured over
to the flying area. You can’t help but get wrapped up in the
excitement, with the crowd cheering at everything from
helicopters landing vertically on the wall to golden age pylon
racing.
The Expo was advertised both locally and nationally through
magazines and newspapers. It also received television exposure,
with Gayle Anderson of KTLA of Los Angeles broadcasting live
from the venue Friday morning. The AMA had segments that
highlighted flying and featured a sneak peek at some of the
displays on the show floor.
The hard work paid off; the Expo was full of activity
throughout the weekend. The majority of vendors I spoke with
were pleased with the turnout, and early reports showed that
attendance was as strong this year as it was in 2008.
A main focus of the event is trying to find the best deals on
everything from kits, engines, and batteries to glues and screws.
The deals were there, and, for the most part, they were easy to
spot by the large congregations making purchases at certain
booths.
Throughout the weekend, I passed a number of people who
had their goodies in tow as they traversed the show floor. I ran
into an old friend carrying an ARF purchase, who said those
magic words to me: “It was too good of a deal to pass up.” I
nodded with understanding and smiled as I thought about filling
my suitcase with all the deals I couldn’t pass up.
This year’s Static Model Competition featured some amazing
entries that included airplanes, helicopters, cars, boats, and
rockets. If bragging rights and winning a plaque isn’t enough to
encourage you to enter this annual contest, I should add that there
are also cash prizes. I was thankful that I didn’t have to pick the
winners; that would have been tough.
One of the static entries—a Hawker Typhoon named
“Pulverizer II”—had the full-scale aircraft’s pilot, Harry Hardy,
on hand to answer questions. He flew 96 combat sorties over
France, Holland, Belgium, and Germany with the Canadian
Fighter Bomber Wing during World War II.
While 2009 saw a minor name change, this event’s focus is still
on providing a family-oriented show for our members and helping
promote model aviation to the masses. I think we succeeded on
both levels and look forward to next year!
All-Star Nick Maxwell and
District III Vice President Bob
Brown have a few laughs before one
of Nick’s flying demonstrations. He
also flew for kids at the Children’s
Hospital of Orange County.
Oberdieck photo.
While in
California for the
Expo, we had the
opportunity to take
the show on the road
for a trip to the
Children’s Hospital
of Orange County.
Some members of
the AMA’s
Executive Council;
Nick Maxwell, who
is a member of the
AMA All-Star
Team; and others
made the visit on
Friday.
We toured the
hospital and shared
the excitement of
aeromodeling with
the children. Nick
Community Payback
entertained onlookers with a helicopter demonstration and
then gave the kids a chance to take a closer look at his model
and radio and ask questions. We were amazed by some of the
questions the children had; one asked about the amount of
watts the electric motor put out.
The kids were given activity books from the National
Model Aviation Museum and AMA pilot wings. Judging by
the smiles, the visit was a great success.
A big thank you to Emily Grankowski and the Children’s
Hospital of Orange County for allowing us the opportunity to
interact with the children.
The hospital visit was one of the highlights of the event. It
proved that only a little time and effort is required to make a
positive impact on the community, not to mention that it feels
good while you are doing it. Such outings are a great
opportunity to get the younger generation interested in
everything our hobby has to offer.
Another thing to consider is that what we do for our
community now may be repaid in the future, when our clubs
or organization is in need of support. I encourage clubs to get
involved; it does make a difference.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/04
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/04
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22
Above: Dave Gee assists Lashae Benson and her family with building
airplanes at the make-and-take area of the event.
Left: A beautifully airbrushed DW Foamies Juka in a hover in the indoor
flying area. The aircraft is made from milled Depron, to keep it light.
A hands-on
hobby experience
18 MODEL AVIATION
Bird’s-eye view of the Expo floor
on Friday. The indoor RC track
was a popular stop for many
attendees. Bill Oberdieck photo.
by Jay Smith
04sig1.QXD 2/24/09 11:13 AM Page 18
April 2009 19
This 1/6-scale Sikorsky S-35 was a showstopper. All of the graphics
were hand-painted—a lot of work, considering its 17-foot wingspan.
This Funtana 300 was converted from RC to CL. Throttle control
was handled via a transmitter hooked on the pilot’s belt.
Attendees take in the beautiful California weather while waiting
for the doors to open at the Ontario Convention Center.
A large collection of vintage RC radios on display. Commonly
heard at this booth were variations of, “I had that radio.”
Right: The US Naval Sea Cadets, commanded by LTJG Tom
Blackshear, display the colors during the Pledge of Allegiance at
show center.
Paul Quick models the AMA T-shirt and hat that he won. Bill
Oberdieck photo.
Photos by the author except as noted
THE FIRST THING I look for in an RC magazine is new
products. It is almost like being a kid at Christmas and trying to
decide what to put on your wish list. If you are like me, that list
could get pretty long.
Today’s modeler has the ability to be more informed. Not
only do we have modeling magazines, but we also have the
Internet, which allows us to further research products and get
feedback on them from the comfort of our own homes.
We have many great new products to choose from, which
makes getting into the hobby, or expanding to new areas of it,
much easier. The AMA Expo builds on this by allowing us not
only to see the latest and greatest products our hobby has to
offer, but also to handle them and question the manufacturers
directly. We even have the opportunity to see some of the new
products demonstrated in the indoor flying area at the event.
However, the consumer is not the only one who benefits
from the Expo. It also helps the manufacturers by allowing them
to show off new releases to the public and gain valuable
feedback.
The 2009 “AMA Expo”—which is the AMA Convention’s new
moniker—was held January 9-11 at the Ontario Convention
Center in Ontario, California. Regardless of what it’s called,
04sig1.QXD 2/24/09 11:14 AM Page 19
20 MODEL AVIATION
Jack Dunkle takes us back to 1983 with Blue Thunder. It was built from a T-Rex
600E, with mostly scratch-built body parts and accessories.
Any Jaws fan would enjoy this model of the Orca. Just looking at it brings to mind
the famous line, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”
Gayle Anderson of KTLA TV does a live broadcast from the AMA Expo. The
model flying in the background is painted to match the station’s news helicopter.
Early birds wait inside the convention center for the start
of the show on Saturday morning.
AMA District VIII Vice President Jim Rice (L)
assists an eager new pilot with some “stick time”
on the RC simulator.
04sig1.QXD 2/24/09 11:28 AM Page 20
April 2009 21
Maryann Harness (L) and Beth Hasenauer (R) of NASA with a
model of Sofia (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared
Astronomy).
Jim T. Graham of RCGroups was on hand to cover the Expo and
correspond online with those who could not attend.
Jim Herries looks on as his son, Ryan, prepares to launch the Sky
Streak they built together at the event.
AMA Executive Director Jim Cherry gives a presentation to AMA
members during the membership meeting.
One of several rocket-building sessions was run by the Southern
California Rocket Association. Participants got to keep the
rockets they built.
er for the start
each year this event offers more than just the products we use; it
also focuses strongly on education.
A total of 28 seminars this year covered a variety of topics and
were led by industry professionals. In addition, the Expo hosted
an AMA Membership Meeting. This is a great way to get
members up to speed on the latest things the Academy is working
on and answer any questions those in attendance have. It is also a
great opportunity for members to meet AMA representatives and
employees.
The show does a great job of attracting families. One of the
activities that draws a lot of attention is the make-and-take area
staffed by volunteers. The Southern California Rocket
Association assisted with building model rockets and had
displays showing much larger versions of the aircraft and all the
exciting things that rocketry has to offer.
Representing model aircraft, the Black Sheep Squadron
manned the build-and-fly area with rubber-band-powered
airplanes. Not only did they assist kids in building the models,
but the students also flew and trimmed them.
This flying area was filled with smiling faces, as participants
were able to test the aircraft they constructed and compete in
duration competitions with them. Approximately 400 models
were built and flown.
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
representatives were on hand in the education resource area. They
brought models and exhibits dedicated to the research that is done
04sig1.QXD 2/24/09 11:30 AM Page 21
at the Dryden Flight Research Center, which is located at
Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The indoor RC flying area was also a popular spot. Spectators
were five rows deep behind the safety netting at times, watching
demonstration pilots show off manufacturers’ new products.
Exhibitions included flights with RC helicopters and RC, FF, and
CL airplanes. Between demonstrations, the area was used for
open flying by AMA members.
Something interesting was going on every time I ventured over
to the flying area. You can’t help but get wrapped up in the
excitement, with the crowd cheering at everything from
helicopters landing vertically on the wall to golden age pylon
racing.
The Expo was advertised both locally and nationally through
magazines and newspapers. It also received television exposure,
with Gayle Anderson of KTLA of Los Angeles broadcasting live
from the venue Friday morning. The AMA had segments that
highlighted flying and featured a sneak peek at some of the
displays on the show floor.
The hard work paid off; the Expo was full of activity
throughout the weekend. The majority of vendors I spoke with
were pleased with the turnout, and early reports showed that
attendance was as strong this year as it was in 2008.
A main focus of the event is trying to find the best deals on
everything from kits, engines, and batteries to glues and screws.
The deals were there, and, for the most part, they were easy to
spot by the large congregations making purchases at certain
booths.
Throughout the weekend, I passed a number of people who
had their goodies in tow as they traversed the show floor. I ran
into an old friend carrying an ARF purchase, who said those
magic words to me: “It was too good of a deal to pass up.” I
nodded with understanding and smiled as I thought about filling
my suitcase with all the deals I couldn’t pass up.
This year’s Static Model Competition featured some amazing
entries that included airplanes, helicopters, cars, boats, and
rockets. If bragging rights and winning a plaque isn’t enough to
encourage you to enter this annual contest, I should add that there
are also cash prizes. I was thankful that I didn’t have to pick the
winners; that would have been tough.
One of the static entries—a Hawker Typhoon named
“Pulverizer II”—had the full-scale aircraft’s pilot, Harry Hardy,
on hand to answer questions. He flew 96 combat sorties over
France, Holland, Belgium, and Germany with the Canadian
Fighter Bomber Wing during World War II.
While 2009 saw a minor name change, this event’s focus is still
on providing a family-oriented show for our members and helping
promote model aviation to the masses. I think we succeeded on
both levels and look forward to next year!
All-Star Nick Maxwell and
District III Vice President Bob
Brown have a few laughs before one
of Nick’s flying demonstrations. He
also flew for kids at the Children’s
Hospital of Orange County.
Oberdieck photo.
While in
California for the
Expo, we had the
opportunity to take
the show on the road
for a trip to the
Children’s Hospital
of Orange County.
Some members of
the AMA’s
Executive Council;
Nick Maxwell, who
is a member of the
AMA All-Star
Team; and others
made the visit on
Friday.
We toured the
hospital and shared
the excitement of
aeromodeling with
the children. Nick
Community Payback
entertained onlookers with a helicopter demonstration and
then gave the kids a chance to take a closer look at his model
and radio and ask questions. We were amazed by some of the
questions the children had; one asked about the amount of
watts the electric motor put out.
The kids were given activity books from the National
Model Aviation Museum and AMA pilot wings. Judging by
the smiles, the visit was a great success.
A big thank you to Emily Grankowski and the Children’s
Hospital of Orange County for allowing us the opportunity to
interact with the children.
The hospital visit was one of the highlights of the event. It
proved that only a little time and effort is required to make a
positive impact on the community, not to mention that it feels
good while you are doing it. Such outings are a great
opportunity to get the younger generation interested in
everything our hobby has to offer.
Another thing to consider is that what we do for our
community now may be repaid in the future, when our clubs
or organization is in need of support. I encourage clubs to get
involved; it does make a difference.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/04
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22
Above: Dave Gee assists Lashae Benson and her family with building
airplanes at the make-and-take area of the event.
Left: A beautifully airbrushed DW Foamies Juka in a hover in the indoor
flying area. The aircraft is made from milled Depron, to keep it light.
A hands-on
hobby experience
18 MODEL AVIATION
Bird’s-eye view of the Expo floor
on Friday. The indoor RC track
was a popular stop for many
attendees. Bill Oberdieck photo.
by Jay Smith
04sig1.QXD 2/24/09 11:13 AM Page 18
April 2009 19
This 1/6-scale Sikorsky S-35 was a showstopper. All of the graphics
were hand-painted—a lot of work, considering its 17-foot wingspan.
This Funtana 300 was converted from RC to CL. Throttle control
was handled via a transmitter hooked on the pilot’s belt.
Attendees take in the beautiful California weather while waiting
for the doors to open at the Ontario Convention Center.
A large collection of vintage RC radios on display. Commonly
heard at this booth were variations of, “I had that radio.”
Right: The US Naval Sea Cadets, commanded by LTJG Tom
Blackshear, display the colors during the Pledge of Allegiance at
show center.
Paul Quick models the AMA T-shirt and hat that he won. Bill
Oberdieck photo.
Photos by the author except as noted
THE FIRST THING I look for in an RC magazine is new
products. It is almost like being a kid at Christmas and trying to
decide what to put on your wish list. If you are like me, that list
could get pretty long.
Today’s modeler has the ability to be more informed. Not
only do we have modeling magazines, but we also have the
Internet, which allows us to further research products and get
feedback on them from the comfort of our own homes.
We have many great new products to choose from, which
makes getting into the hobby, or expanding to new areas of it,
much easier. The AMA Expo builds on this by allowing us not
only to see the latest and greatest products our hobby has to
offer, but also to handle them and question the manufacturers
directly. We even have the opportunity to see some of the new
products demonstrated in the indoor flying area at the event.
However, the consumer is not the only one who benefits
from the Expo. It also helps the manufacturers by allowing them
to show off new releases to the public and gain valuable
feedback.
The 2009 “AMA Expo”—which is the AMA Convention’s new
moniker—was held January 9-11 at the Ontario Convention
Center in Ontario, California. Regardless of what it’s called,
04sig1.QXD 2/24/09 11:14 AM Page 19
20 MODEL AVIATION
Jack Dunkle takes us back to 1983 with Blue Thunder. It was built from a T-Rex
600E, with mostly scratch-built body parts and accessories.
Any Jaws fan would enjoy this model of the Orca. Just looking at it brings to mind
the famous line, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”
Gayle Anderson of KTLA TV does a live broadcast from the AMA Expo. The
model flying in the background is painted to match the station’s news helicopter.
Early birds wait inside the convention center for the start
of the show on Saturday morning.
AMA District VIII Vice President Jim Rice (L)
assists an eager new pilot with some “stick time”
on the RC simulator.
04sig1.QXD 2/24/09 11:28 AM Page 20
April 2009 21
Maryann Harness (L) and Beth Hasenauer (R) of NASA with a
model of Sofia (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared
Astronomy).
Jim T. Graham of RCGroups was on hand to cover the Expo and
correspond online with those who could not attend.
Jim Herries looks on as his son, Ryan, prepares to launch the Sky
Streak they built together at the event.
AMA Executive Director Jim Cherry gives a presentation to AMA
members during the membership meeting.
One of several rocket-building sessions was run by the Southern
California Rocket Association. Participants got to keep the
rockets they built.
er for the start
each year this event offers more than just the products we use; it
also focuses strongly on education.
A total of 28 seminars this year covered a variety of topics and
were led by industry professionals. In addition, the Expo hosted
an AMA Membership Meeting. This is a great way to get
members up to speed on the latest things the Academy is working
on and answer any questions those in attendance have. It is also a
great opportunity for members to meet AMA representatives and
employees.
The show does a great job of attracting families. One of the
activities that draws a lot of attention is the make-and-take area
staffed by volunteers. The Southern California Rocket
Association assisted with building model rockets and had
displays showing much larger versions of the aircraft and all the
exciting things that rocketry has to offer.
Representing model aircraft, the Black Sheep Squadron
manned the build-and-fly area with rubber-band-powered
airplanes. Not only did they assist kids in building the models,
but the students also flew and trimmed them.
This flying area was filled with smiling faces, as participants
were able to test the aircraft they constructed and compete in
duration competitions with them. Approximately 400 models
were built and flown.
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
representatives were on hand in the education resource area. They
brought models and exhibits dedicated to the research that is done
04sig1.QXD 2/24/09 11:30 AM Page 21
at the Dryden Flight Research Center, which is located at
Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The indoor RC flying area was also a popular spot. Spectators
were five rows deep behind the safety netting at times, watching
demonstration pilots show off manufacturers’ new products.
Exhibitions included flights with RC helicopters and RC, FF, and
CL airplanes. Between demonstrations, the area was used for
open flying by AMA members.
Something interesting was going on every time I ventured over
to the flying area. You can’t help but get wrapped up in the
excitement, with the crowd cheering at everything from
helicopters landing vertically on the wall to golden age pylon
racing.
The Expo was advertised both locally and nationally through
magazines and newspapers. It also received television exposure,
with Gayle Anderson of KTLA of Los Angeles broadcasting live
from the venue Friday morning. The AMA had segments that
highlighted flying and featured a sneak peek at some of the
displays on the show floor.
The hard work paid off; the Expo was full of activity
throughout the weekend. The majority of vendors I spoke with
were pleased with the turnout, and early reports showed that
attendance was as strong this year as it was in 2008.
A main focus of the event is trying to find the best deals on
everything from kits, engines, and batteries to glues and screws.
The deals were there, and, for the most part, they were easy to
spot by the large congregations making purchases at certain
booths.
Throughout the weekend, I passed a number of people who
had their goodies in tow as they traversed the show floor. I ran
into an old friend carrying an ARF purchase, who said those
magic words to me: “It was too good of a deal to pass up.” I
nodded with understanding and smiled as I thought about filling
my suitcase with all the deals I couldn’t pass up.
This year’s Static Model Competition featured some amazing
entries that included airplanes, helicopters, cars, boats, and
rockets. If bragging rights and winning a plaque isn’t enough to
encourage you to enter this annual contest, I should add that there
are also cash prizes. I was thankful that I didn’t have to pick the
winners; that would have been tough.
One of the static entries—a Hawker Typhoon named
“Pulverizer II”—had the full-scale aircraft’s pilot, Harry Hardy,
on hand to answer questions. He flew 96 combat sorties over
France, Holland, Belgium, and Germany with the Canadian
Fighter Bomber Wing during World War II.
While 2009 saw a minor name change, this event’s focus is still
on providing a family-oriented show for our members and helping
promote model aviation to the masses. I think we succeeded on
both levels and look forward to next year!
All-Star Nick Maxwell and
District III Vice President Bob
Brown have a few laughs before one
of Nick’s flying demonstrations. He
also flew for kids at the Children’s
Hospital of Orange County.
Oberdieck photo.
While in
California for the
Expo, we had the
opportunity to take
the show on the road
for a trip to the
Children’s Hospital
of Orange County.
Some members of
the AMA’s
Executive Council;
Nick Maxwell, who
is a member of the
AMA All-Star
Team; and others
made the visit on
Friday.
We toured the
hospital and shared
the excitement of
aeromodeling with
the children. Nick
Community Payback
entertained onlookers with a helicopter demonstration and
then gave the kids a chance to take a closer look at his model
and radio and ask questions. We were amazed by some of the
questions the children had; one asked about the amount of
watts the electric motor put out.
The kids were given activity books from the National
Model Aviation Museum and AMA pilot wings. Judging by
the smiles, the visit was a great success.
A big thank you to Emily Grankowski and the Children’s
Hospital of Orange County for allowing us the opportunity to
interact with the children.
The hospital visit was one of the highlights of the event. It
proved that only a little time and effort is required to make a
positive impact on the community, not to mention that it feels
good while you are doing it. Such outings are a great
opportunity to get the younger generation interested in
everything our hobby has to offer.
Another thing to consider is that what we do for our
community now may be repaid in the future, when our clubs
or organization is in need of support. I encourage clubs to get
involved; it does make a difference.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/04
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22
Above: Dave Gee assists Lashae Benson and her family with building
airplanes at the make-and-take area of the event.
Left: A beautifully airbrushed DW Foamies Juka in a hover in the indoor
flying area. The aircraft is made from milled Depron, to keep it light.
A hands-on
hobby experience
18 MODEL AVIATION
Bird’s-eye view of the Expo floor
on Friday. The indoor RC track
was a popular stop for many
attendees. Bill Oberdieck photo.
by Jay Smith
04sig1.QXD 2/24/09 11:13 AM Page 18
April 2009 19
This 1/6-scale Sikorsky S-35 was a showstopper. All of the graphics
were hand-painted—a lot of work, considering its 17-foot wingspan.
This Funtana 300 was converted from RC to CL. Throttle control
was handled via a transmitter hooked on the pilot’s belt.
Attendees take in the beautiful California weather while waiting
for the doors to open at the Ontario Convention Center.
A large collection of vintage RC radios on display. Commonly
heard at this booth were variations of, “I had that radio.”
Right: The US Naval Sea Cadets, commanded by LTJG Tom
Blackshear, display the colors during the Pledge of Allegiance at
show center.
Paul Quick models the AMA T-shirt and hat that he won. Bill
Oberdieck photo.
Photos by the author except as noted
THE FIRST THING I look for in an RC magazine is new
products. It is almost like being a kid at Christmas and trying to
decide what to put on your wish list. If you are like me, that list
could get pretty long.
Today’s modeler has the ability to be more informed. Not
only do we have modeling magazines, but we also have the
Internet, which allows us to further research products and get
feedback on them from the comfort of our own homes.
We have many great new products to choose from, which
makes getting into the hobby, or expanding to new areas of it,
much easier. The AMA Expo builds on this by allowing us not
only to see the latest and greatest products our hobby has to
offer, but also to handle them and question the manufacturers
directly. We even have the opportunity to see some of the new
products demonstrated in the indoor flying area at the event.
However, the consumer is not the only one who benefits
from the Expo. It also helps the manufacturers by allowing them
to show off new releases to the public and gain valuable
feedback.
The 2009 “AMA Expo”—which is the AMA Convention’s new
moniker—was held January 9-11 at the Ontario Convention
Center in Ontario, California. Regardless of what it’s called,
04sig1.QXD 2/24/09 11:14 AM Page 19
20 MODEL AVIATION
Jack Dunkle takes us back to 1983 with Blue Thunder. It was built from a T-Rex
600E, with mostly scratch-built body parts and accessories.
Any Jaws fan would enjoy this model of the Orca. Just looking at it brings to mind
the famous line, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”
Gayle Anderson of KTLA TV does a live broadcast from the AMA Expo. The
model flying in the background is painted to match the station’s news helicopter.
Early birds wait inside the convention center for the start
of the show on Saturday morning.
AMA District VIII Vice President Jim Rice (L)
assists an eager new pilot with some “stick time”
on the RC simulator.
04sig1.QXD 2/24/09 11:28 AM Page 20
April 2009 21
Maryann Harness (L) and Beth Hasenauer (R) of NASA with a
model of Sofia (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared
Astronomy).
Jim T. Graham of RCGroups was on hand to cover the Expo and
correspond online with those who could not attend.
Jim Herries looks on as his son, Ryan, prepares to launch the Sky
Streak they built together at the event.
AMA Executive Director Jim Cherry gives a presentation to AMA
members during the membership meeting.
One of several rocket-building sessions was run by the Southern
California Rocket Association. Participants got to keep the
rockets they built.
er for the start
each year this event offers more than just the products we use; it
also focuses strongly on education.
A total of 28 seminars this year covered a variety of topics and
were led by industry professionals. In addition, the Expo hosted
an AMA Membership Meeting. This is a great way to get
members up to speed on the latest things the Academy is working
on and answer any questions those in attendance have. It is also a
great opportunity for members to meet AMA representatives and
employees.
The show does a great job of attracting families. One of the
activities that draws a lot of attention is the make-and-take area
staffed by volunteers. The Southern California Rocket
Association assisted with building model rockets and had
displays showing much larger versions of the aircraft and all the
exciting things that rocketry has to offer.
Representing model aircraft, the Black Sheep Squadron
manned the build-and-fly area with rubber-band-powered
airplanes. Not only did they assist kids in building the models,
but the students also flew and trimmed them.
This flying area was filled with smiling faces, as participants
were able to test the aircraft they constructed and compete in
duration competitions with them. Approximately 400 models
were built and flown.
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
representatives were on hand in the education resource area. They
brought models and exhibits dedicated to the research that is done
04sig1.QXD 2/24/09 11:30 AM Page 21
at the Dryden Flight Research Center, which is located at
Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The indoor RC flying area was also a popular spot. Spectators
were five rows deep behind the safety netting at times, watching
demonstration pilots show off manufacturers’ new products.
Exhibitions included flights with RC helicopters and RC, FF, and
CL airplanes. Between demonstrations, the area was used for
open flying by AMA members.
Something interesting was going on every time I ventured over
to the flying area. You can’t help but get wrapped up in the
excitement, with the crowd cheering at everything from
helicopters landing vertically on the wall to golden age pylon
racing.
The Expo was advertised both locally and nationally through
magazines and newspapers. It also received television exposure,
with Gayle Anderson of KTLA of Los Angeles broadcasting live
from the venue Friday morning. The AMA had segments that
highlighted flying and featured a sneak peek at some of the
displays on the show floor.
The hard work paid off; the Expo was full of activity
throughout the weekend. The majority of vendors I spoke with
were pleased with the turnout, and early reports showed that
attendance was as strong this year as it was in 2008.
A main focus of the event is trying to find the best deals on
everything from kits, engines, and batteries to glues and screws.
The deals were there, and, for the most part, they were easy to
spot by the large congregations making purchases at certain
booths.
Throughout the weekend, I passed a number of people who
had their goodies in tow as they traversed the show floor. I ran
into an old friend carrying an ARF purchase, who said those
magic words to me: “It was too good of a deal to pass up.” I
nodded with understanding and smiled as I thought about filling
my suitcase with all the deals I couldn’t pass up.
This year’s Static Model Competition featured some amazing
entries that included airplanes, helicopters, cars, boats, and
rockets. If bragging rights and winning a plaque isn’t enough to
encourage you to enter this annual contest, I should add that there
are also cash prizes. I was thankful that I didn’t have to pick the
winners; that would have been tough.
One of the static entries—a Hawker Typhoon named
“Pulverizer II”—had the full-scale aircraft’s pilot, Harry Hardy,
on hand to answer questions. He flew 96 combat sorties over
France, Holland, Belgium, and Germany with the Canadian
Fighter Bomber Wing during World War II.
While 2009 saw a minor name change, this event’s focus is still
on providing a family-oriented show for our members and helping
promote model aviation to the masses. I think we succeeded on
both levels and look forward to next year!
All-Star Nick Maxwell and
District III Vice President Bob
Brown have a few laughs before one
of Nick’s flying demonstrations. He
also flew for kids at the Children’s
Hospital of Orange County.
Oberdieck photo.
While in
California for the
Expo, we had the
opportunity to take
the show on the road
for a trip to the
Children’s Hospital
of Orange County.
Some members of
the AMA’s
Executive Council;
Nick Maxwell, who
is a member of the
AMA All-Star
Team; and others
made the visit on
Friday.
We toured the
hospital and shared
the excitement of
aeromodeling with
the children. Nick
Community Payback
entertained onlookers with a helicopter demonstration and
then gave the kids a chance to take a closer look at his model
and radio and ask questions. We were amazed by some of the
questions the children had; one asked about the amount of
watts the electric motor put out.
The kids were given activity books from the National
Model Aviation Museum and AMA pilot wings. Judging by
the smiles, the visit was a great success.
A big thank you to Emily Grankowski and the Children’s
Hospital of Orange County for allowing us the opportunity to
interact with the children.
The hospital visit was one of the highlights of the event. It
proved that only a little time and effort is required to make a
positive impact on the community, not to mention that it feels
good while you are doing it. Such outings are a great
opportunity to get the younger generation interested in
everything our hobby has to offer.
Another thing to consider is that what we do for our
community now may be repaid in the future, when our clubs
or organization is in need of support. I encourage clubs to get
involved; it does make a difference.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/04
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22
Above: Dave Gee assists Lashae Benson and her family with building
airplanes at the make-and-take area of the event.
Left: A beautifully airbrushed DW Foamies Juka in a hover in the indoor
flying area. The aircraft is made from milled Depron, to keep it light.
A hands-on
hobby experience
18 MODEL AVIATION
Bird’s-eye view of the Expo floor
on Friday. The indoor RC track
was a popular stop for many
attendees. Bill Oberdieck photo.
by Jay Smith
04sig1.QXD 2/24/09 11:13 AM Page 18
April 2009 19
This 1/6-scale Sikorsky S-35 was a showstopper. All of the graphics
were hand-painted—a lot of work, considering its 17-foot wingspan.
This Funtana 300 was converted from RC to CL. Throttle control
was handled via a transmitter hooked on the pilot’s belt.
Attendees take in the beautiful California weather while waiting
for the doors to open at the Ontario Convention Center.
A large collection of vintage RC radios on display. Commonly
heard at this booth were variations of, “I had that radio.”
Right: The US Naval Sea Cadets, commanded by LTJG Tom
Blackshear, display the colors during the Pledge of Allegiance at
show center.
Paul Quick models the AMA T-shirt and hat that he won. Bill
Oberdieck photo.
Photos by the author except as noted
THE FIRST THING I look for in an RC magazine is new
products. It is almost like being a kid at Christmas and trying to
decide what to put on your wish list. If you are like me, that list
could get pretty long.
Today’s modeler has the ability to be more informed. Not
only do we have modeling magazines, but we also have the
Internet, which allows us to further research products and get
feedback on them from the comfort of our own homes.
We have many great new products to choose from, which
makes getting into the hobby, or expanding to new areas of it,
much easier. The AMA Expo builds on this by allowing us not
only to see the latest and greatest products our hobby has to
offer, but also to handle them and question the manufacturers
directly. We even have the opportunity to see some of the new
products demonstrated in the indoor flying area at the event.
However, the consumer is not the only one who benefits
from the Expo. It also helps the manufacturers by allowing them
to show off new releases to the public and gain valuable
feedback.
The 2009 “AMA Expo”—which is the AMA Convention’s new
moniker—was held January 9-11 at the Ontario Convention
Center in Ontario, California. Regardless of what it’s called,
04sig1.QXD 2/24/09 11:14 AM Page 19
20 MODEL AVIATION
Jack Dunkle takes us back to 1983 with Blue Thunder. It was built from a T-Rex
600E, with mostly scratch-built body parts and accessories.
Any Jaws fan would enjoy this model of the Orca. Just looking at it brings to mind
the famous line, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”
Gayle Anderson of KTLA TV does a live broadcast from the AMA Expo. The
model flying in the background is painted to match the station’s news helicopter.
Early birds wait inside the convention center for the start
of the show on Saturday morning.
AMA District VIII Vice President Jim Rice (L)
assists an eager new pilot with some “stick time”
on the RC simulator.
04sig1.QXD 2/24/09 11:28 AM Page 20
April 2009 21
Maryann Harness (L) and Beth Hasenauer (R) of NASA with a
model of Sofia (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared
Astronomy).
Jim T. Graham of RCGroups was on hand to cover the Expo and
correspond online with those who could not attend.
Jim Herries looks on as his son, Ryan, prepares to launch the Sky
Streak they built together at the event.
AMA Executive Director Jim Cherry gives a presentation to AMA
members during the membership meeting.
One of several rocket-building sessions was run by the Southern
California Rocket Association. Participants got to keep the
rockets they built.
er for the start
each year this event offers more than just the products we use; it
also focuses strongly on education.
A total of 28 seminars this year covered a variety of topics and
were led by industry professionals. In addition, the Expo hosted
an AMA Membership Meeting. This is a great way to get
members up to speed on the latest things the Academy is working
on and answer any questions those in attendance have. It is also a
great opportunity for members to meet AMA representatives and
employees.
The show does a great job of attracting families. One of the
activities that draws a lot of attention is the make-and-take area
staffed by volunteers. The Southern California Rocket
Association assisted with building model rockets and had
displays showing much larger versions of the aircraft and all the
exciting things that rocketry has to offer.
Representing model aircraft, the Black Sheep Squadron
manned the build-and-fly area with rubber-band-powered
airplanes. Not only did they assist kids in building the models,
but the students also flew and trimmed them.
This flying area was filled with smiling faces, as participants
were able to test the aircraft they constructed and compete in
duration competitions with them. Approximately 400 models
were built and flown.
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
representatives were on hand in the education resource area. They
brought models and exhibits dedicated to the research that is done
04sig1.QXD 2/24/09 11:30 AM Page 21
at the Dryden Flight Research Center, which is located at
Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The indoor RC flying area was also a popular spot. Spectators
were five rows deep behind the safety netting at times, watching
demonstration pilots show off manufacturers’ new products.
Exhibitions included flights with RC helicopters and RC, FF, and
CL airplanes. Between demonstrations, the area was used for
open flying by AMA members.
Something interesting was going on every time I ventured over
to the flying area. You can’t help but get wrapped up in the
excitement, with the crowd cheering at everything from
helicopters landing vertically on the wall to golden age pylon
racing.
The Expo was advertised both locally and nationally through
magazines and newspapers. It also received television exposure,
with Gayle Anderson of KTLA of Los Angeles broadcasting live
from the venue Friday morning. The AMA had segments that
highlighted flying and featured a sneak peek at some of the
displays on the show floor.
The hard work paid off; the Expo was full of activity
throughout the weekend. The majority of vendors I spoke with
were pleased with the turnout, and early reports showed that
attendance was as strong this year as it was in 2008.
A main focus of the event is trying to find the best deals on
everything from kits, engines, and batteries to glues and screws.
The deals were there, and, for the most part, they were easy to
spot by the large congregations making purchases at certain
booths.
Throughout the weekend, I passed a number of people who
had their goodies in tow as they traversed the show floor. I ran
into an old friend carrying an ARF purchase, who said those
magic words to me: “It was too good of a deal to pass up.” I
nodded with understanding and smiled as I thought about filling
my suitcase with all the deals I couldn’t pass up.
This year’s Static Model Competition featured some amazing
entries that included airplanes, helicopters, cars, boats, and
rockets. If bragging rights and winning a plaque isn’t enough to
encourage you to enter this annual contest, I should add that there
are also cash prizes. I was thankful that I didn’t have to pick the
winners; that would have been tough.
One of the static entries—a Hawker Typhoon named
“Pulverizer II”—had the full-scale aircraft’s pilot, Harry Hardy,
on hand to answer questions. He flew 96 combat sorties over
France, Holland, Belgium, and Germany with the Canadian
Fighter Bomber Wing during World War II.
While 2009 saw a minor name change, this event’s focus is still
on providing a family-oriented show for our members and helping
promote model aviation to the masses. I think we succeeded on
both levels and look forward to next year!
All-Star Nick Maxwell and
District III Vice President Bob
Brown have a few laughs before one
of Nick’s flying demonstrations. He
also flew for kids at the Children’s
Hospital of Orange County.
Oberdieck photo.
While in
California for the
Expo, we had the
opportunity to take
the show on the road
for a trip to the
Children’s Hospital
of Orange County.
Some members of
the AMA’s
Executive Council;
Nick Maxwell, who
is a member of the
AMA All-Star
Team; and others
made the visit on
Friday.
We toured the
hospital and shared
the excitement of
aeromodeling with
the children. Nick
Community Payback
entertained onlookers with a helicopter demonstration and
then gave the kids a chance to take a closer look at his model
and radio and ask questions. We were amazed by some of the
questions the children had; one asked about the amount of
watts the electric motor put out.
The kids were given activity books from the National
Model Aviation Museum and AMA pilot wings. Judging by
the smiles, the visit was a great success.
A big thank you to Emily Grankowski and the Children’s
Hospital of Orange County for allowing us the opportunity to
interact with the children.
The hospital visit was one of the highlights of the event. It
proved that only a little time and effort is required to make a
positive impact on the community, not to mention that it feels
good while you are doing it. Such outings are a great
opportunity to get the younger generation interested in
everything our hobby has to offer.
Another thing to consider is that what we do for our
community now may be repaid in the future, when our clubs
or organization is in need of support. I encourage clubs to get
involved; it does make a difference.