IN THE September 2002 issue of Model
Aviation, I shared a letter from Tim Pease,
president of the Oswego Valley Modelaires
Hawks detailing the club’s flight-training
program. Since that time, I have
communicated with Marty Chipkin, the
father of Josh Chipkin, one of the Hawks.
Marty is a supportive father who is also
learning to fly.
During one of our conversations, I
mentioned to Marty that it would be great to
get the impressions of one of the students
who went through the Hawks’ training
program. The following letter from Josh is
the result of that conversation.
“Hi. My name is Josh and I’m 12 (soon
to be 13). I like to fly airplanes. I graduated
from the Hawks and became a ‘pilot’ in late
September. I got started because my dad
was interested in the fact that you could fly
model aircraft, and I thought it was neat so I
would try it out.
“My dad got interested after a family on
Staten Island donated a lot of airplane kits
that her father made (the Banshee and the
Quickie 500). She wanted the kits to benefit
kids because her father, Lou Drucker, used
to work a lot with them before he got very
sick.
“My dad talked with Mr. Shulman, the
man who designed the Banshee a long time
ago. He said he knew Mr. Drucker, the man
who redrew the plans for the Banshee. We
plan to use the kits in the Hawks Club so
everyone, if they want, can build and fly a
plane that he (or she) builds, or their father
or mother builds for them—with the kid’s
help of course.
“I had a lot of fun in the Hawks. I
completed the four steps to become a
pilot—including a dead-stick landing that I
only practiced once before the test—but I
still made it!
“My dad only tried flying once for a few
minutes at the club field one day. He likes
to watch me fly. He said he is going to learn
this summer so we can fly together. He
really likes to design and build planes with
me and any other kids. He made one of his
own designs and it flew without crashing.
Now he is helping with a Quickie 500 and a
Banshee.
“I will be going to the next club meeting
and will be asking to teach ground control
for the Hawks in the summer. And if my
dad builds me skis for the Quickie 500, if
the weather’s good, will be going flying this
winter (soon!).
“I wanted to tell you how good these
teachers are and how much patience they
have. And especially thanks to Daryl
Echard and Tim Pease for teaching me stuff
I didn’t even need to know until I’m a more
experienced pilot, such as multiple rolls and
helicopter (flying straight up and not
moving). The other teachers were great as
well!
158
“I also wanted to say thanks to Mr.
Drucker’s family for helping a lot of us kids
get started building planes. I don’t think we
would be doing any of this without the help
we are getting like this.
“Thanks for taking the time to read this
letter and looking at the pictures. I sent
pictures of a Banshee and Quickie 500,
almost ready for covering. Also, pictures of
my certificate and prop that I used in my
test. And it didn’t break! Please write
back.”
You can bet that I will write back to
Josh! Does he sound just a little excited? If
you have more success stories to share, I
want to hear from you!
Bill Kuhl sent a letter that I want to share.
As you might already know, Bill has a very
impressive Delta Dart Web site,
http://www.luminet.net/~bkuhl/Dart.htm,
containing tons of information.
“The benefits of model aviation are not
as direct as other activities begun at a young
age. Example: I was reading biographies of
National Geographic photographers, and in
many cases their start in photography was
sparked when they were given a camera as a
child. Chances are that not many children
given model airplane kits grow up to be
model airplane designers, although many
aeronautical engineers and astronauts had
an interest in model aviation as youngsters.
“So what is the importance of model
aviation? Modelers and modeling
organizations normally promote model
aviation to young people in hopes that they
will become modelers and enjoy the hobby
for much of their life. Nothing wrong with
this, but I believe there can be great benefits
to exposing every child to model aviation
even if they have no interest in taking it up
as a hobby.
“That could probably be said of many
activities, and I believe that as well, but
model aviation has advantages over many
activities, yet just giving a child a model
airplane kit can be a waste of money.
“Why would I say that? Chances that the
child will successfully build the model and
get the model (rubber-powered model
airplane) to fly for very long are not good. I
say this because of my experience and that
of many other modelers who did not have
much success getting their first planes
flying well. This has always been true, but
in the past children did not have so many
activities, so their attention was not lost
elsewhere so quickly. Also, with more kids
flying model planes in the past, there was
greater peer pressure motivating them to
continue. (More of their buddies built
models.)
“Model aviation is a great activity when
combined with mentoring. What makes
modeling airplanes better than many other
mentored activities is that the degree of
success is easily measured with a
stopwatch. Compare this with the child who
takes a picture, writes an essay, or plays a
musical instrument. Their success is
somewhat subjective to the opinions of
other people. Not that having quantifiable
results is all that matters, but I think at
times it is good to be able to measure our
progress by more than an opinion.
“Another plus for model aviation is that
it is a good activity in which to teach the
skill of refinement. With most activities in
school the child does the activity, receives a
grade, and must move on to something else;
there is not enough time to perfect the
results. I remember back to college when
students who could not get computer
programs to function were able to write up
what the program was suppose to do and get
partial credit. I don’t think that would have
worked on my first computer programming
job.
“Like computer work, model aviation
can be very technical and certain aspects
can be critical. Often with model planes, a
small warp or not having the correct rubber
motor size can be the difference between a
plane that flies well and one that does a fast
descent to the ground.
“Accuracy is a big part of success in
model aviation, but just as important is
learning to evaluate failure and learning to
correct a bad situation. If your rubber motor
is bunching up on the motor stick and the
propeller is stopping, you need to take
corrective action.
“It would be easy for me to go on and on
about why model aviation is a great hobby
and educational as well. There are many
dedicated individuals who are working to
promote model aviation as an activity for
young people, but there is room for more.
Our future depends on it.”
I want to thank Bill and Josh for taking the
time to write. I hope more of you will share
your thoughts.
Each year, the Academy of Model Aeronautics awards
Charles Hampton Grant Scholarships to deserving high-school
seniors who will be pursuing a continuing academic program at
an accredited college or university.
In 2001, 37 applications were received and processed by the
four-person selection committee. Each applicant is screened and
ranked using various criteria. These include such things as
grade-point average, test results, school and community
activities, aeromodeling activities, etc.
In addition to the Grant scholarship program, there are
specialized funds available. These include a yearly donation
provided by the Weak Signals club. The funds for this
scholarship are the result of activities which occur at the club's
annual model expo held each spring in Toledo OH. In 2002, at
the club’s direction, the sum of $4,250 was awarded to the top
winner in addition to the amount provided by C.H. Grant funds.
A third scholarship is awarded from funds provided by Sig
Manufacturing, Inc. of Montezuma IA. This award is based upon
need and modeling activity. The 2002 sum awarded was $2,200.
Currently, the amount awarded through the C.H. Grant
Scholarship fund is approximately $20,000, generated through
funds based on Academy memberships and donations or
memorials designated for that specific purpose. The other
awards represent specific donations by individuals or
organizations.
To be eligible for a scholarship, the applicant must:
1) have been an AMA member for the last full 36 consecutive
months prior to the April 30 application deadline,
2) graduate from high school in the year in which the award
is to be granted, and
3) have been accepted by a college or university offering a
certificate or degree program. Applicants are eligible to
receive a grant only once.
Applications and information for scholarships or information
regarding donations to the programs may be obtained by
contacting AMA Headquarters, extension 515, or by E-mailing
[email protected]. Applications and detailed
information is available on the AMA Web site,
www.modelaircraft.org, and the Education Web site,
www.buildandfly.com.
The deadline for applications for the 2003 awards is April
30, 2003.
AMA/Charles H. Grant Scholarships
april03.qxd 1.22.03 8:51 am Page 158
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/04
Page Numbers: 157,158
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/04
Page Numbers: 157,158
IN THE September 2002 issue of Model
Aviation, I shared a letter from Tim Pease,
president of the Oswego Valley Modelaires
Hawks detailing the club’s flight-training
program. Since that time, I have
communicated with Marty Chipkin, the
father of Josh Chipkin, one of the Hawks.
Marty is a supportive father who is also
learning to fly.
During one of our conversations, I
mentioned to Marty that it would be great to
get the impressions of one of the students
who went through the Hawks’ training
program. The following letter from Josh is
the result of that conversation.
“Hi. My name is Josh and I’m 12 (soon
to be 13). I like to fly airplanes. I graduated
from the Hawks and became a ‘pilot’ in late
September. I got started because my dad
was interested in the fact that you could fly
model aircraft, and I thought it was neat so I
would try it out.
“My dad got interested after a family on
Staten Island donated a lot of airplane kits
that her father made (the Banshee and the
Quickie 500). She wanted the kits to benefit
kids because her father, Lou Drucker, used
to work a lot with them before he got very
sick.
“My dad talked with Mr. Shulman, the
man who designed the Banshee a long time
ago. He said he knew Mr. Drucker, the man
who redrew the plans for the Banshee. We
plan to use the kits in the Hawks Club so
everyone, if they want, can build and fly a
plane that he (or she) builds, or their father
or mother builds for them—with the kid’s
help of course.
“I had a lot of fun in the Hawks. I
completed the four steps to become a
pilot—including a dead-stick landing that I
only practiced once before the test—but I
still made it!
“My dad only tried flying once for a few
minutes at the club field one day. He likes
to watch me fly. He said he is going to learn
this summer so we can fly together. He
really likes to design and build planes with
me and any other kids. He made one of his
own designs and it flew without crashing.
Now he is helping with a Quickie 500 and a
Banshee.
“I will be going to the next club meeting
and will be asking to teach ground control
for the Hawks in the summer. And if my
dad builds me skis for the Quickie 500, if
the weather’s good, will be going flying this
winter (soon!).
“I wanted to tell you how good these
teachers are and how much patience they
have. And especially thanks to Daryl
Echard and Tim Pease for teaching me stuff
I didn’t even need to know until I’m a more
experienced pilot, such as multiple rolls and
helicopter (flying straight up and not
moving). The other teachers were great as
well!
158
“I also wanted to say thanks to Mr.
Drucker’s family for helping a lot of us kids
get started building planes. I don’t think we
would be doing any of this without the help
we are getting like this.
“Thanks for taking the time to read this
letter and looking at the pictures. I sent
pictures of a Banshee and Quickie 500,
almost ready for covering. Also, pictures of
my certificate and prop that I used in my
test. And it didn’t break! Please write
back.”
You can bet that I will write back to
Josh! Does he sound just a little excited? If
you have more success stories to share, I
want to hear from you!
Bill Kuhl sent a letter that I want to share.
As you might already know, Bill has a very
impressive Delta Dart Web site,
http://www.luminet.net/~bkuhl/Dart.htm,
containing tons of information.
“The benefits of model aviation are not
as direct as other activities begun at a young
age. Example: I was reading biographies of
National Geographic photographers, and in
many cases their start in photography was
sparked when they were given a camera as a
child. Chances are that not many children
given model airplane kits grow up to be
model airplane designers, although many
aeronautical engineers and astronauts had
an interest in model aviation as youngsters.
“So what is the importance of model
aviation? Modelers and modeling
organizations normally promote model
aviation to young people in hopes that they
will become modelers and enjoy the hobby
for much of their life. Nothing wrong with
this, but I believe there can be great benefits
to exposing every child to model aviation
even if they have no interest in taking it up
as a hobby.
“That could probably be said of many
activities, and I believe that as well, but
model aviation has advantages over many
activities, yet just giving a child a model
airplane kit can be a waste of money.
“Why would I say that? Chances that the
child will successfully build the model and
get the model (rubber-powered model
airplane) to fly for very long are not good. I
say this because of my experience and that
of many other modelers who did not have
much success getting their first planes
flying well. This has always been true, but
in the past children did not have so many
activities, so their attention was not lost
elsewhere so quickly. Also, with more kids
flying model planes in the past, there was
greater peer pressure motivating them to
continue. (More of their buddies built
models.)
“Model aviation is a great activity when
combined with mentoring. What makes
modeling airplanes better than many other
mentored activities is that the degree of
success is easily measured with a
stopwatch. Compare this with the child who
takes a picture, writes an essay, or plays a
musical instrument. Their success is
somewhat subjective to the opinions of
other people. Not that having quantifiable
results is all that matters, but I think at
times it is good to be able to measure our
progress by more than an opinion.
“Another plus for model aviation is that
it is a good activity in which to teach the
skill of refinement. With most activities in
school the child does the activity, receives a
grade, and must move on to something else;
there is not enough time to perfect the
results. I remember back to college when
students who could not get computer
programs to function were able to write up
what the program was suppose to do and get
partial credit. I don’t think that would have
worked on my first computer programming
job.
“Like computer work, model aviation
can be very technical and certain aspects
can be critical. Often with model planes, a
small warp or not having the correct rubber
motor size can be the difference between a
plane that flies well and one that does a fast
descent to the ground.
“Accuracy is a big part of success in
model aviation, but just as important is
learning to evaluate failure and learning to
correct a bad situation. If your rubber motor
is bunching up on the motor stick and the
propeller is stopping, you need to take
corrective action.
“It would be easy for me to go on and on
about why model aviation is a great hobby
and educational as well. There are many
dedicated individuals who are working to
promote model aviation as an activity for
young people, but there is room for more.
Our future depends on it.”
I want to thank Bill and Josh for taking the
time to write. I hope more of you will share
your thoughts.
Each year, the Academy of Model Aeronautics awards
Charles Hampton Grant Scholarships to deserving high-school
seniors who will be pursuing a continuing academic program at
an accredited college or university.
In 2001, 37 applications were received and processed by the
four-person selection committee. Each applicant is screened and
ranked using various criteria. These include such things as
grade-point average, test results, school and community
activities, aeromodeling activities, etc.
In addition to the Grant scholarship program, there are
specialized funds available. These include a yearly donation
provided by the Weak Signals club. The funds for this
scholarship are the result of activities which occur at the club's
annual model expo held each spring in Toledo OH. In 2002, at
the club’s direction, the sum of $4,250 was awarded to the top
winner in addition to the amount provided by C.H. Grant funds.
A third scholarship is awarded from funds provided by Sig
Manufacturing, Inc. of Montezuma IA. This award is based upon
need and modeling activity. The 2002 sum awarded was $2,200.
Currently, the amount awarded through the C.H. Grant
Scholarship fund is approximately $20,000, generated through
funds based on Academy memberships and donations or
memorials designated for that specific purpose. The other
awards represent specific donations by individuals or
organizations.
To be eligible for a scholarship, the applicant must:
1) have been an AMA member for the last full 36 consecutive
months prior to the April 30 application deadline,
2) graduate from high school in the year in which the award
is to be granted, and
3) have been accepted by a college or university offering a
certificate or degree program. Applicants are eligible to
receive a grant only once.
Applications and information for scholarships or information
regarding donations to the programs may be obtained by
contacting AMA Headquarters, extension 515, or by E-mailing
[email protected]. Applications and detailed
information is available on the AMA Web site,
www.modelaircraft.org, and the Education Web site,
www.buildandfly.com.
The deadline for applications for the 2003 awards is April
30, 2003.
AMA/Charles H. Grant Scholarships
april03.qxd 1.22.03 8:51 am Page 158