SPORT DOMES for Indoor Flying: With the availability of
improved micro radio systems through development, a great new
era has been created in the growth and interest of flying model
airplanes indoors. These are not rubber powered—although they
could be as in the past indoor activity—but are powered with
electric motors.
Outstanding developments have been made in the
miniaturization of electric motors and control components. This
and the latest in battery technology—using lithium batteries—
offers great opportunities for building flying model airplanes with
weights that can be less than 10 grams.
Craig Tamboia, an ardent modeler, recognizes the use of a sport
dome for indoor flying. He is organizing a new club in the
Brewster, New York, Sport Dome. Craig received a positive
reception for the practice session on May 1 and others are
scheduled. The dome has an area of 35,000 square feet and a
ceiling height of 65 feet.
There is the potential of a larger 100,000 square-foot unit.
Craig welcomes anyone interested to contact him at (845) 832-
3321 or E-mail [email protected]. He shares with us the
following:
“My goal is to fill the void in this part of the state with a large
indoor facility that can be used on a regular basis for indoor flying.
I have always wanted to try to fly inside the dome since I work a
few miles up the road.
“A few months ago I contacted the management and asked if
they would mind if local fliers used their facility and they were
very receptive. In a couple of years they will be moving their
operation to a dome boasting more than 100,000 square feet (two
indoor soccer fields with a 55-foot ceiling). The idea now is to
become good friends and gain trust.
“Right now we are still in the introduction phase. Most people
fly outdoors in the summer, however this is the time when the
dome is empty. I want to develop a relationship built on trust in
addition to showing how profitable this venture could be.
“The dome staff is flexible about using it at different times, and
in the future (during the cold months) perhaps we could use the
dome at unusual hours. Maybe we could have a late-night flying
meet. I would also like to see participation with local
organizations. This could help us gain community support. Perhaps
we could organize a flying clinic where people could get
immediate stick time with veteran fliers and learn about the types
of models and radio systems that are available.
“I am working with the management to set up a small hobby
shop within the dome so that people could “buy-and-fly” and have
the full resources of a hobby shop during their flying session.
“All of this is possible once I get a good number of fliers to
participate and support this venture. We have to look at what the
future holds as far as a much larger facility.”
This model appears content with the environment of the Sport
Dome in Brewster, New York.
Modelers enjoying the flying session.
A view of the outside of the Sport Dome.
September 2004 145
AMA News
Academy of Model Aeronautics 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302
View from HQ
See page 184
Flying Site Assistance
Joe Beshar Coordinator,
Eastern Region,
Districts I - VI
198 Merritt Dr., Oradell NJ 07649
Tel.: (201) 261-1281; Fax: (201) 261-0223
E-mail: [email protected]
Wes De Cou, Coordinator
Western Region
Districts VII - XI
Voice: (480) 460-9466; Cell: (480) 296-9515; Fax: (480) 460-9434
202 W. Desert Flower Ln.; Phoenix AZ 85045
E-mail: [email protected]
Finding—Preserving—Maintaining
continued on page 146
04sept.qxd 6/23/04 10:34 am Page 145
According to AMA Programs Director Jay
Mealy, much has been written about safety.
As it relates to our model aircraft activities,
safety is a word that is used in almost every
paragraph of text written or conversation
exchanged. It is a “must use” word in our
area of interest if for no other reason than
“it sounds good.” But what does safety
really mean when it comes to keeping a
flying field?
The Webster’s New World Dictionary,
Second College Edition defines safety as
“the quality or condition of being safe;
freedom from danger, injury, or damage;
security.” Good definition, sounds right,
and pretty much describes the condition
that we would expect to find at a safe
flying field, but is that the only definition
of safety? Hasn’t Mr. Webster pretty much
nailed it? Doesn’t that say it all?
No! Let’s say that the next time you go
to your flying field there are five other
people present, and if you were to ask each
of them what their definition of safety was,
you would get five different answers. So
now Mr. Webster has five other definitions
to compete with, plus yours which makes
six. What I’m getting at is that there are
probably as many definitions of safety as
there are people.
“Hey,” you say, “maybe we can’t define
safety but we all know what it is. You have
to be safe so you can enjoy your hobby
without getting hurt. You must be safe so
others are not fearful or not enjoying their
flying activities because of your unsafe
behavior or visa versa.”
I guess what we are really bringing to
light is that safety is nebulous. It is a tough
concept to get your arms around, and even
tougher to appreciate, comprehend, and
most importantly, to put into action.
For the time being let’s assume
everyone has a good grasp of what safety is
all about and return to our original
question. What does safety really mean
when it comes to keeping a flying site?
Clubs are faced with two catagories of
problems: external and internal. External
problems are those involving neighbors,
community, or any entity outside the club
environment that may pose a problem that
the club has no direct control of.
On the other hand, internal problems are
those such as “How do we get more
members to the meetings?” “What is the
best way to keep the gophers off our
runway?”
In my experience, safety has to be the
number one topic of conversation between
a club member and me when a call is made
to AMA Headquarters to discuss an
internal problem. “We have a person (or
persons) who just don’t seem to be able to
follow the field rules and safety code, and
we aren’t sure what to do.”
Examples of this would be a member of
the club who just never quite got the hang
of making right turns, and because of this
he (or she) is always flying behind the
flightline over the pits, or the “showboater”
who ignores the field rules to
selfishly fulfill some personal need for
attention. We all could add to this list and
we have all experienced this type of
behavior.
The clubs that recognize this behavior
as inappropriate and call for assistance are
the clubs that survive. We can provide
recommendations on how to correct such
problems and provide examples of what
other clubs have done in similar situations.
The clubs that allow this type of behavior
to continue unchecked and never attempt to
rectify the situation or contact us for
assistance are possibly setting a course for
extinction.
The majority of modelers operate in a
safe manner and are uncomfortable with
the unsafe actions of other modelers. If the
club as a whole is not doing anything to
end these unsafe actions, then the members
will begin to compensate for their
discomfort in their own ways.
It begins subtly. The number of active
fliers at the field on any given day starts to
decrease. Fewer members show up at club
meetings. There is less participation in club
functions such as work days, picnics, and
fun-flys. Members may start participating
at other club sites or just decide to back off
flying their models for a while. Whatever
the cure may be, they are going to pursue it
because they are not having good, safe fun
at their own flying site.
The negative results of unsafe flying
practices can take many forms, with the
end results being the same: loss of a club,
loss of a flying site, or, heaven forbid,
something much worse. For these reasons,
it is imperative for clubs and all members
to take a strong position when it comes to
safety at the club field. Don’t allow people
to do dumb things in the air, on the
flightline, in the pits, or anywhere else.
Clubs that always operate safely have
more fun and make more friends, both
within the club and within their
community, and virtually guarantee their
longevity and success. Unsafe flight
operations are like a rust spot on your car.
If you don’t take steps to eliminate the rust,
it will eventually consume your entire car
or at least make it unusable. The same
thing can happen to a club and its flying
site.
If you would like to be part of the
Flying Site Assistance column, please feel
free to share any success stories—or even
not-so-successful stories—with Joe Beshar
and Wes De Cou. Often the successes
and/or mistakes of others can be learning
experiences for us all.
146
M i s s i o n S t a t e m e n t
The Academy of Model Aeronautics is a world-class association of modelers organized for the purpose of promotion,
development, education, and advancement of modeling activities.
The Academy provides leadership, organization, competition, communication, protection, representation, recognition,
education, and scientific/technical development to its members.
V i s i o n S t a t e m e n t
We, the members of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, are the pathway to the future of aeromodeling and are committed
to making modeling the foremost sport/hobby in the world.
This vision is accomplished through
• Partnerships with its valued associates, the modeling industry, and governments;
• A process of continuous improvement;
• A commitment to leadership, quality, education, and scientific/technical development; and
• A safe, enjoyable modeling environment.
Flying Site Assistance
continued from page 145
04sept.qxd 6/23/04 10:34 am Page 146
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/09
Page Numbers: 145,146
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/09
Page Numbers: 145,146
SPORT DOMES for Indoor Flying: With the availability of
improved micro radio systems through development, a great new
era has been created in the growth and interest of flying model
airplanes indoors. These are not rubber powered—although they
could be as in the past indoor activity—but are powered with
electric motors.
Outstanding developments have been made in the
miniaturization of electric motors and control components. This
and the latest in battery technology—using lithium batteries—
offers great opportunities for building flying model airplanes with
weights that can be less than 10 grams.
Craig Tamboia, an ardent modeler, recognizes the use of a sport
dome for indoor flying. He is organizing a new club in the
Brewster, New York, Sport Dome. Craig received a positive
reception for the practice session on May 1 and others are
scheduled. The dome has an area of 35,000 square feet and a
ceiling height of 65 feet.
There is the potential of a larger 100,000 square-foot unit.
Craig welcomes anyone interested to contact him at (845) 832-
3321 or E-mail [email protected]. He shares with us the
following:
“My goal is to fill the void in this part of the state with a large
indoor facility that can be used on a regular basis for indoor flying.
I have always wanted to try to fly inside the dome since I work a
few miles up the road.
“A few months ago I contacted the management and asked if
they would mind if local fliers used their facility and they were
very receptive. In a couple of years they will be moving their
operation to a dome boasting more than 100,000 square feet (two
indoor soccer fields with a 55-foot ceiling). The idea now is to
become good friends and gain trust.
“Right now we are still in the introduction phase. Most people
fly outdoors in the summer, however this is the time when the
dome is empty. I want to develop a relationship built on trust in
addition to showing how profitable this venture could be.
“The dome staff is flexible about using it at different times, and
in the future (during the cold months) perhaps we could use the
dome at unusual hours. Maybe we could have a late-night flying
meet. I would also like to see participation with local
organizations. This could help us gain community support. Perhaps
we could organize a flying clinic where people could get
immediate stick time with veteran fliers and learn about the types
of models and radio systems that are available.
“I am working with the management to set up a small hobby
shop within the dome so that people could “buy-and-fly” and have
the full resources of a hobby shop during their flying session.
“All of this is possible once I get a good number of fliers to
participate and support this venture. We have to look at what the
future holds as far as a much larger facility.”
This model appears content with the environment of the Sport
Dome in Brewster, New York.
Modelers enjoying the flying session.
A view of the outside of the Sport Dome.
September 2004 145
AMA News
Academy of Model Aeronautics 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302
View from HQ
See page 184
Flying Site Assistance
Joe Beshar Coordinator,
Eastern Region,
Districts I - VI
198 Merritt Dr., Oradell NJ 07649
Tel.: (201) 261-1281; Fax: (201) 261-0223
E-mail: [email protected]
Wes De Cou, Coordinator
Western Region
Districts VII - XI
Voice: (480) 460-9466; Cell: (480) 296-9515; Fax: (480) 460-9434
202 W. Desert Flower Ln.; Phoenix AZ 85045
E-mail: [email protected]
Finding—Preserving—Maintaining
continued on page 146
04sept.qxd 6/23/04 10:34 am Page 145
According to AMA Programs Director Jay
Mealy, much has been written about safety.
As it relates to our model aircraft activities,
safety is a word that is used in almost every
paragraph of text written or conversation
exchanged. It is a “must use” word in our
area of interest if for no other reason than
“it sounds good.” But what does safety
really mean when it comes to keeping a
flying field?
The Webster’s New World Dictionary,
Second College Edition defines safety as
“the quality or condition of being safe;
freedom from danger, injury, or damage;
security.” Good definition, sounds right,
and pretty much describes the condition
that we would expect to find at a safe
flying field, but is that the only definition
of safety? Hasn’t Mr. Webster pretty much
nailed it? Doesn’t that say it all?
No! Let’s say that the next time you go
to your flying field there are five other
people present, and if you were to ask each
of them what their definition of safety was,
you would get five different answers. So
now Mr. Webster has five other definitions
to compete with, plus yours which makes
six. What I’m getting at is that there are
probably as many definitions of safety as
there are people.
“Hey,” you say, “maybe we can’t define
safety but we all know what it is. You have
to be safe so you can enjoy your hobby
without getting hurt. You must be safe so
others are not fearful or not enjoying their
flying activities because of your unsafe
behavior or visa versa.”
I guess what we are really bringing to
light is that safety is nebulous. It is a tough
concept to get your arms around, and even
tougher to appreciate, comprehend, and
most importantly, to put into action.
For the time being let’s assume
everyone has a good grasp of what safety is
all about and return to our original
question. What does safety really mean
when it comes to keeping a flying site?
Clubs are faced with two catagories of
problems: external and internal. External
problems are those involving neighbors,
community, or any entity outside the club
environment that may pose a problem that
the club has no direct control of.
On the other hand, internal problems are
those such as “How do we get more
members to the meetings?” “What is the
best way to keep the gophers off our
runway?”
In my experience, safety has to be the
number one topic of conversation between
a club member and me when a call is made
to AMA Headquarters to discuss an
internal problem. “We have a person (or
persons) who just don’t seem to be able to
follow the field rules and safety code, and
we aren’t sure what to do.”
Examples of this would be a member of
the club who just never quite got the hang
of making right turns, and because of this
he (or she) is always flying behind the
flightline over the pits, or the “showboater”
who ignores the field rules to
selfishly fulfill some personal need for
attention. We all could add to this list and
we have all experienced this type of
behavior.
The clubs that recognize this behavior
as inappropriate and call for assistance are
the clubs that survive. We can provide
recommendations on how to correct such
problems and provide examples of what
other clubs have done in similar situations.
The clubs that allow this type of behavior
to continue unchecked and never attempt to
rectify the situation or contact us for
assistance are possibly setting a course for
extinction.
The majority of modelers operate in a
safe manner and are uncomfortable with
the unsafe actions of other modelers. If the
club as a whole is not doing anything to
end these unsafe actions, then the members
will begin to compensate for their
discomfort in their own ways.
It begins subtly. The number of active
fliers at the field on any given day starts to
decrease. Fewer members show up at club
meetings. There is less participation in club
functions such as work days, picnics, and
fun-flys. Members may start participating
at other club sites or just decide to back off
flying their models for a while. Whatever
the cure may be, they are going to pursue it
because they are not having good, safe fun
at their own flying site.
The negative results of unsafe flying
practices can take many forms, with the
end results being the same: loss of a club,
loss of a flying site, or, heaven forbid,
something much worse. For these reasons,
it is imperative for clubs and all members
to take a strong position when it comes to
safety at the club field. Don’t allow people
to do dumb things in the air, on the
flightline, in the pits, or anywhere else.
Clubs that always operate safely have
more fun and make more friends, both
within the club and within their
community, and virtually guarantee their
longevity and success. Unsafe flight
operations are like a rust spot on your car.
If you don’t take steps to eliminate the rust,
it will eventually consume your entire car
or at least make it unusable. The same
thing can happen to a club and its flying
site.
If you would like to be part of the
Flying Site Assistance column, please feel
free to share any success stories—or even
not-so-successful stories—with Joe Beshar
and Wes De Cou. Often the successes
and/or mistakes of others can be learning
experiences for us all.
146
M i s s i o n S t a t e m e n t
The Academy of Model Aeronautics is a world-class association of modelers organized for the purpose of promotion,
development, education, and advancement of modeling activities.
The Academy provides leadership, organization, competition, communication, protection, representation, recognition,
education, and scientific/technical development to its members.
V i s i o n S t a t e m e n t
We, the members of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, are the pathway to the future of aeromodeling and are committed
to making modeling the foremost sport/hobby in the world.
This vision is accomplished through
• Partnerships with its valued associates, the modeling industry, and governments;
• A process of continuous improvement;
• A commitment to leadership, quality, education, and scientific/technical development; and
• A safe, enjoyable modeling environment.
Flying Site Assistance
continued from page 145
04sept.qxd 6/23/04 10:34 am Page 146