Awesome Pilot Too!
Thanks for the great write up in the May issue on our
Frightfully Fast Bash. Dennis and I are on page 75 with the
packed Town & Country. The next page (76) gives me
credit for the Awesome Raptor paint job on the Polecat. In
fact it was done by my best friends and fellow team mates
Mike Friesel and his dad Dennis.
Mike is starting his second year in GT racing and was
runner up last season to Craig Grunkemeyer. Pretty
impressive results since he had never raced and flew
electrics exclusively
before coming to Giant Scale racing.
Talk about raw talent!
I hope to see you soon in Ashtabula.
Tim Sparks
via e-mail
Piloto Flight-Time Update
In the March 2009 issue of Model Aviation, the “Room Flyers” article reported
data on a number of small RC planes.
Having obtained a new sample of the Revell Piloto, we found the flight duration
to be 8.5 minutes, not 2.6 as reported.
Frank Mandriota
[email protected]
Keep Going!
I just want to say what a great job [MA Editor Michael Ramsey is] doing
bringing the AMA magazine into the current flying scene. This month’s [March
2009] indoor articles underscore what I am talking about. The routing, foam cutting
tools, and indoor model stuff is not only interesting, but pertinent.
We make jokes at the house about how the AMA Mag is hip to last year’s stuff. I
figure, you must hear a lot of jeers when things aren’t going good, but probably
don’t hear much when you make positive changes. I like the direction you’re taking
the magazine. (And I’m not saying this as a biased 3D pilot, but embracing 3mm
foam, light batteries, and Spektrum is all stuff the magazine readership can benefit
from.)
Nice Job, See you at the next event!
Josh Ziering
via e-mail
Showcase Blitz
I really enjoyed the Blitz plans review in the March 2009 issue of Model
Aviation.
When I was stationed in Germany we flew off a taxiway/runway and I had
scratch built this model. The favorite beer in the area was called Bitburger, so I
painted it up in those colors, added a bomb drop to her and had the time of my life!
I worked F4G Wild Weasels and our mission was
suppression of enemy air defenses, i.e. SAM/AAA
sites. I became known as “SAM Run Suter” because
of the way I flew the Blitz and dropped the bomb. I
even received a plaque when I left Germany …
Sad to say as I was leaving Germany I then
became very interested in Gliders and this is the only
gas model I brought home. On the first flight in the USA she took off nicely then
did a slow rolling dive to her final resting place.
Upon the NTSB review it was found that I had coiled the receiver antenna up in
the fuselage during shipping and failed to unroll it to full length. Bummer. May she
rest in peace.
Thanks for letting me reminisce about the model.
Curtis Suter
via e-mail
July 2009 7
May 2009 $4.95
MODEL AVIATION MAY 2009 • VOLUME 35, NUMBER 5
SINCE 1936
Official Publication of the Academy of Model Aeronautics
®
An obsessionAn S.E.5a obsession
Explore Giant Scale
aerotowing and racing
How’s your hearing?
The Bitburger Bomber.
Continued on page 134
usually you do not know how to repair
something that is only a small mistake.
Something that could get you back and
flying in an hour or so.
When you build a Stevens AeroModel
kit, you know that it is going to all come
together and fly like you see it in videos
on the internet. You and I may not be able
to “fly it like you stole it” but if you can or
want to attempt it, you know this model is
fully capable of doing it.
I fly several of his models at my local
club and people look at me in amazement.
I always explain to them that the plane
makes me look good. I usually offer them
a chance at the sticks and they are amazed
at how easy and great these models fly.
Thank you for the great article on
Stevens AeroModel kits. I hope this gives
people confidence to purchase and build
one of these kits or any kit. There really is
no other great feeling or satisfaction like
building something from a stack of sticks
and plans, to a finished flying model that
you can take out and have a great day
with.
It is also nice when people look at your
unique color or covering scheme and ask
you “Where did you get that?” or “What
ARF is that” and you tell them “It is a kit.
I built it from sticks, and covered it
myself!” There is a greater appreciation
and respect for a model you build versus
one that comes out of a box ninety percent
complete.
I would like to see more articles on
building. We cannot afford to lose this
ability in our hobby.
Julian Sandoval
Bedford, Texas
The Real Beginning
You might want to consider a
BMJR Model Products
• 36" span
• 194 sq. in. area
• Complete laser
cut kit
Send $2.00 for 2009
22 page catalog
or go to
www.bmjrmodels.com
EEDD KKAAZZMIIRRSSKKII''SS 11996622 TTAURUS
Box 1210 • Sharpes, FL 32959-1210
321-537-1159 • www.BMJRModels.com
$9150
$6.50 postage
• IN 1/2 SIZE:
by Paul Bradley
Because of Kit Building …
I just finished reading your article in
[the April 2009] Model Aviation about the
Stevens AeroModel Edge 540 [“Plane
Talk” by Michael Ramsey]. I cannot agree
more with you on the excellence of the
design, ease of building, and flying
capabilities.
I have been building Bill Stevens
models for five or more years now. I
currently have five of his planes in my
hangar. G-400 Stella, Edge 540,
Dystraction, G-300, and Espresso.
I started in this hobby as a builder with
a Guillow’s ME-109 kit, easy to build, but
a pain to cut all the parts out. I then
proceeded to grow my skills. My third
model was a Dare Ki-31 that is still half
built. My fourth kit was a Stevens
AeroModel G-300.
I have built 20 plus kits in the last five
years. If it was not for Bill’s tab lock
design and construction technique, I
probably would of never taken up building
as part of the hobby. It really is genius.
The plane virtually builds itself. Then you
just wick the glue in, cover and add your
radio gear. If you follow the instructions,
which are very well written, your plane
comes out as advertised straight, strong,
light, and the correct weight.
Building Bill’s kits have given me the
confidence to build bigger, take on larger
more difficult projects, and even design
and build my own models. Building
teaches you the inner workings and
structure of a plane. Unlike an ARF, you
never see the inside until you crash it and
have to fix it. If you never built before,
correction/clarification. Page 150 of the
APR2009 issue of Model Aviation states,
“...the first issue of MA, which had a cover
date of July 1975.
Attached
copy of a
Model
Aviation
cover shows
19 year old
John
Simpson
(AMA
5275), J.
Williams,
and Mokey
Peavy at a
Huntsville,
Alabama CL
Stunt contest held in the Summer of 1962.
Please note magazine issue date of
November 1962. The original mailing label
is still attached.
George Carlton Floyd
via e-mail
For most AMA members, the name
“Model Aviation” is associated with the
Academy’s monthly flagship publication.
What many members may not know is that
the magazine has survived in numerous
formats since the mid-1930s.
The first publication with the MA
title—the June 1936 issue—was printed
digest-size with limited pages. The
American Academy for Model Aeronautics
published that version monthly.
In 1937, MA was expanded to
newsletter size. It was reverted to digest
size in 1956. By 1963, the publication had
grown, again, to a “monthly news
magazine” with the same name.
The June 1966 cover notes that,
“MODEL AVIATION is the monthly news
magazine of the Academy of Model
Aeronautics” and the “Independent Voice
of American Aeromodeling.” That issue
also indicated that it would be the last one
as “an independent effort.”
Future editions of MA were to be
bound inside the then-popular and highcirculation
American Modeler consumer
magazine, which Potomac Aviation
Publications, Inc. published bimonthly.
That special section was designated the
“Official Magazine of the Academy of
Model Aeronautics” and retained the
Model Aviation title.
American Modeler went monthly in
1967 and became American Aircraft
Modeler the following year. In 1975,
Potomac Aviation Publications went
bankrupt, creating an opportunity for MA
to return to its roots as a separate
magazine published by the Academy.
With barely two months’ notice, the
July 1975 MA was launched in its new,
glossy design. It remains in this format to
the present day.
Rob Kurek
AMA Director of Publications
Our airplanes are more lightly built and
fast. I’ve submitted them (and aircraft of other
genres) to MA in the past but they never get
published. I really don’t care except to let
people know you can “roll your own”!
Why would someone feel a sense of
accomplishment assembling an ARF to send
photos for publication? Why does the AMA
have contests for this type of model? Seems
counterproductive to me.
I’ve had models published in WWI Aero
and SKYWAYS, usually as a consequence of
previous articles and they aren’t even
modeling magazines but historically oriented
research journals.
I think membership is falling off because
of the “toylike” disposable airplanes that
predominate. There is no “stake” in these
types of airplanes other than a little
discretionary income. They are marketed as
benign toys so why would anyone think they
need “insurance”? They are worse than ARFs
(my opinion—I’ve heard all of the
arguments).
Another way to save money for the AMA
and members is allowing members to choose
to forgo the magazine.
I really hope Model Aviation can help put
the model back into this hobby. Otherwise
just call it ARFY-ation. MA
Michael G. Kelly
via e-mai
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/07
Page Numbers: 7,136,137
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/07
Page Numbers: 7,136,137
Awesome Pilot Too!
Thanks for the great write up in the May issue on our
Frightfully Fast Bash. Dennis and I are on page 75 with the
packed Town & Country. The next page (76) gives me
credit for the Awesome Raptor paint job on the Polecat. In
fact it was done by my best friends and fellow team mates
Mike Friesel and his dad Dennis.
Mike is starting his second year in GT racing and was
runner up last season to Craig Grunkemeyer. Pretty
impressive results since he had never raced and flew
electrics exclusively
before coming to Giant Scale racing.
Talk about raw talent!
I hope to see you soon in Ashtabula.
Tim Sparks
via e-mail
Piloto Flight-Time Update
In the March 2009 issue of Model Aviation, the “Room Flyers” article reported
data on a number of small RC planes.
Having obtained a new sample of the Revell Piloto, we found the flight duration
to be 8.5 minutes, not 2.6 as reported.
Frank Mandriota
[email protected]
Keep Going!
I just want to say what a great job [MA Editor Michael Ramsey is] doing
bringing the AMA magazine into the current flying scene. This month’s [March
2009] indoor articles underscore what I am talking about. The routing, foam cutting
tools, and indoor model stuff is not only interesting, but pertinent.
We make jokes at the house about how the AMA Mag is hip to last year’s stuff. I
figure, you must hear a lot of jeers when things aren’t going good, but probably
don’t hear much when you make positive changes. I like the direction you’re taking
the magazine. (And I’m not saying this as a biased 3D pilot, but embracing 3mm
foam, light batteries, and Spektrum is all stuff the magazine readership can benefit
from.)
Nice Job, See you at the next event!
Josh Ziering
via e-mail
Showcase Blitz
I really enjoyed the Blitz plans review in the March 2009 issue of Model
Aviation.
When I was stationed in Germany we flew off a taxiway/runway and I had
scratch built this model. The favorite beer in the area was called Bitburger, so I
painted it up in those colors, added a bomb drop to her and had the time of my life!
I worked F4G Wild Weasels and our mission was
suppression of enemy air defenses, i.e. SAM/AAA
sites. I became known as “SAM Run Suter” because
of the way I flew the Blitz and dropped the bomb. I
even received a plaque when I left Germany …
Sad to say as I was leaving Germany I then
became very interested in Gliders and this is the only
gas model I brought home. On the first flight in the USA she took off nicely then
did a slow rolling dive to her final resting place.
Upon the NTSB review it was found that I had coiled the receiver antenna up in
the fuselage during shipping and failed to unroll it to full length. Bummer. May she
rest in peace.
Thanks for letting me reminisce about the model.
Curtis Suter
via e-mail
July 2009 7
May 2009 $4.95
MODEL AVIATION MAY 2009 • VOLUME 35, NUMBER 5
SINCE 1936
Official Publication of the Academy of Model Aeronautics
®
An obsessionAn S.E.5a obsession
Explore Giant Scale
aerotowing and racing
How’s your hearing?
The Bitburger Bomber.
Continued on page 134
usually you do not know how to repair
something that is only a small mistake.
Something that could get you back and
flying in an hour or so.
When you build a Stevens AeroModel
kit, you know that it is going to all come
together and fly like you see it in videos
on the internet. You and I may not be able
to “fly it like you stole it” but if you can or
want to attempt it, you know this model is
fully capable of doing it.
I fly several of his models at my local
club and people look at me in amazement.
I always explain to them that the plane
makes me look good. I usually offer them
a chance at the sticks and they are amazed
at how easy and great these models fly.
Thank you for the great article on
Stevens AeroModel kits. I hope this gives
people confidence to purchase and build
one of these kits or any kit. There really is
no other great feeling or satisfaction like
building something from a stack of sticks
and plans, to a finished flying model that
you can take out and have a great day
with.
It is also nice when people look at your
unique color or covering scheme and ask
you “Where did you get that?” or “What
ARF is that” and you tell them “It is a kit.
I built it from sticks, and covered it
myself!” There is a greater appreciation
and respect for a model you build versus
one that comes out of a box ninety percent
complete.
I would like to see more articles on
building. We cannot afford to lose this
ability in our hobby.
Julian Sandoval
Bedford, Texas
The Real Beginning
You might want to consider a
BMJR Model Products
• 36" span
• 194 sq. in. area
• Complete laser
cut kit
Send $2.00 for 2009
22 page catalog
or go to
www.bmjrmodels.com
EEDD KKAAZZMIIRRSSKKII''SS 11996622 TTAURUS
Box 1210 • Sharpes, FL 32959-1210
321-537-1159 • www.BMJRModels.com
$9150
$6.50 postage
• IN 1/2 SIZE:
by Paul Bradley
Because of Kit Building …
I just finished reading your article in
[the April 2009] Model Aviation about the
Stevens AeroModel Edge 540 [“Plane
Talk” by Michael Ramsey]. I cannot agree
more with you on the excellence of the
design, ease of building, and flying
capabilities.
I have been building Bill Stevens
models for five or more years now. I
currently have five of his planes in my
hangar. G-400 Stella, Edge 540,
Dystraction, G-300, and Espresso.
I started in this hobby as a builder with
a Guillow’s ME-109 kit, easy to build, but
a pain to cut all the parts out. I then
proceeded to grow my skills. My third
model was a Dare Ki-31 that is still half
built. My fourth kit was a Stevens
AeroModel G-300.
I have built 20 plus kits in the last five
years. If it was not for Bill’s tab lock
design and construction technique, I
probably would of never taken up building
as part of the hobby. It really is genius.
The plane virtually builds itself. Then you
just wick the glue in, cover and add your
radio gear. If you follow the instructions,
which are very well written, your plane
comes out as advertised straight, strong,
light, and the correct weight.
Building Bill’s kits have given me the
confidence to build bigger, take on larger
more difficult projects, and even design
and build my own models. Building
teaches you the inner workings and
structure of a plane. Unlike an ARF, you
never see the inside until you crash it and
have to fix it. If you never built before,
correction/clarification. Page 150 of the
APR2009 issue of Model Aviation states,
“...the first issue of MA, which had a cover
date of July 1975.
Attached
copy of a
Model
Aviation
cover shows
19 year old
John
Simpson
(AMA
5275), J.
Williams,
and Mokey
Peavy at a
Huntsville,
Alabama CL
Stunt contest held in the Summer of 1962.
Please note magazine issue date of
November 1962. The original mailing label
is still attached.
George Carlton Floyd
via e-mail
For most AMA members, the name
“Model Aviation” is associated with the
Academy’s monthly flagship publication.
What many members may not know is that
the magazine has survived in numerous
formats since the mid-1930s.
The first publication with the MA
title—the June 1936 issue—was printed
digest-size with limited pages. The
American Academy for Model Aeronautics
published that version monthly.
In 1937, MA was expanded to
newsletter size. It was reverted to digest
size in 1956. By 1963, the publication had
grown, again, to a “monthly news
magazine” with the same name.
The June 1966 cover notes that,
“MODEL AVIATION is the monthly news
magazine of the Academy of Model
Aeronautics” and the “Independent Voice
of American Aeromodeling.” That issue
also indicated that it would be the last one
as “an independent effort.”
Future editions of MA were to be
bound inside the then-popular and highcirculation
American Modeler consumer
magazine, which Potomac Aviation
Publications, Inc. published bimonthly.
That special section was designated the
“Official Magazine of the Academy of
Model Aeronautics” and retained the
Model Aviation title.
American Modeler went monthly in
1967 and became American Aircraft
Modeler the following year. In 1975,
Potomac Aviation Publications went
bankrupt, creating an opportunity for MA
to return to its roots as a separate
magazine published by the Academy.
With barely two months’ notice, the
July 1975 MA was launched in its new,
glossy design. It remains in this format to
the present day.
Rob Kurek
AMA Director of Publications
Our airplanes are more lightly built and
fast. I’ve submitted them (and aircraft of other
genres) to MA in the past but they never get
published. I really don’t care except to let
people know you can “roll your own”!
Why would someone feel a sense of
accomplishment assembling an ARF to send
photos for publication? Why does the AMA
have contests for this type of model? Seems
counterproductive to me.
I’ve had models published in WWI Aero
and SKYWAYS, usually as a consequence of
previous articles and they aren’t even
modeling magazines but historically oriented
research journals.
I think membership is falling off because
of the “toylike” disposable airplanes that
predominate. There is no “stake” in these
types of airplanes other than a little
discretionary income. They are marketed as
benign toys so why would anyone think they
need “insurance”? They are worse than ARFs
(my opinion—I’ve heard all of the
arguments).
Another way to save money for the AMA
and members is allowing members to choose
to forgo the magazine.
I really hope Model Aviation can help put
the model back into this hobby. Otherwise
just call it ARFY-ation. MA
Michael G. Kelly
via e-mai
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/07
Page Numbers: 7,136,137
Awesome Pilot Too!
Thanks for the great write up in the May issue on our
Frightfully Fast Bash. Dennis and I are on page 75 with the
packed Town & Country. The next page (76) gives me
credit for the Awesome Raptor paint job on the Polecat. In
fact it was done by my best friends and fellow team mates
Mike Friesel and his dad Dennis.
Mike is starting his second year in GT racing and was
runner up last season to Craig Grunkemeyer. Pretty
impressive results since he had never raced and flew
electrics exclusively
before coming to Giant Scale racing.
Talk about raw talent!
I hope to see you soon in Ashtabula.
Tim Sparks
via e-mail
Piloto Flight-Time Update
In the March 2009 issue of Model Aviation, the “Room Flyers” article reported
data on a number of small RC planes.
Having obtained a new sample of the Revell Piloto, we found the flight duration
to be 8.5 minutes, not 2.6 as reported.
Frank Mandriota
[email protected]
Keep Going!
I just want to say what a great job [MA Editor Michael Ramsey is] doing
bringing the AMA magazine into the current flying scene. This month’s [March
2009] indoor articles underscore what I am talking about. The routing, foam cutting
tools, and indoor model stuff is not only interesting, but pertinent.
We make jokes at the house about how the AMA Mag is hip to last year’s stuff. I
figure, you must hear a lot of jeers when things aren’t going good, but probably
don’t hear much when you make positive changes. I like the direction you’re taking
the magazine. (And I’m not saying this as a biased 3D pilot, but embracing 3mm
foam, light batteries, and Spektrum is all stuff the magazine readership can benefit
from.)
Nice Job, See you at the next event!
Josh Ziering
via e-mail
Showcase Blitz
I really enjoyed the Blitz plans review in the March 2009 issue of Model
Aviation.
When I was stationed in Germany we flew off a taxiway/runway and I had
scratch built this model. The favorite beer in the area was called Bitburger, so I
painted it up in those colors, added a bomb drop to her and had the time of my life!
I worked F4G Wild Weasels and our mission was
suppression of enemy air defenses, i.e. SAM/AAA
sites. I became known as “SAM Run Suter” because
of the way I flew the Blitz and dropped the bomb. I
even received a plaque when I left Germany …
Sad to say as I was leaving Germany I then
became very interested in Gliders and this is the only
gas model I brought home. On the first flight in the USA she took off nicely then
did a slow rolling dive to her final resting place.
Upon the NTSB review it was found that I had coiled the receiver antenna up in
the fuselage during shipping and failed to unroll it to full length. Bummer. May she
rest in peace.
Thanks for letting me reminisce about the model.
Curtis Suter
via e-mail
July 2009 7
May 2009 $4.95
MODEL AVIATION MAY 2009 • VOLUME 35, NUMBER 5
SINCE 1936
Official Publication of the Academy of Model Aeronautics
®
An obsessionAn S.E.5a obsession
Explore Giant Scale
aerotowing and racing
How’s your hearing?
The Bitburger Bomber.
Continued on page 134
usually you do not know how to repair
something that is only a small mistake.
Something that could get you back and
flying in an hour or so.
When you build a Stevens AeroModel
kit, you know that it is going to all come
together and fly like you see it in videos
on the internet. You and I may not be able
to “fly it like you stole it” but if you can or
want to attempt it, you know this model is
fully capable of doing it.
I fly several of his models at my local
club and people look at me in amazement.
I always explain to them that the plane
makes me look good. I usually offer them
a chance at the sticks and they are amazed
at how easy and great these models fly.
Thank you for the great article on
Stevens AeroModel kits. I hope this gives
people confidence to purchase and build
one of these kits or any kit. There really is
no other great feeling or satisfaction like
building something from a stack of sticks
and plans, to a finished flying model that
you can take out and have a great day
with.
It is also nice when people look at your
unique color or covering scheme and ask
you “Where did you get that?” or “What
ARF is that” and you tell them “It is a kit.
I built it from sticks, and covered it
myself!” There is a greater appreciation
and respect for a model you build versus
one that comes out of a box ninety percent
complete.
I would like to see more articles on
building. We cannot afford to lose this
ability in our hobby.
Julian Sandoval
Bedford, Texas
The Real Beginning
You might want to consider a
BMJR Model Products
• 36" span
• 194 sq. in. area
• Complete laser
cut kit
Send $2.00 for 2009
22 page catalog
or go to
www.bmjrmodels.com
EEDD KKAAZZMIIRRSSKKII''SS 11996622 TTAURUS
Box 1210 • Sharpes, FL 32959-1210
321-537-1159 • www.BMJRModels.com
$9150
$6.50 postage
• IN 1/2 SIZE:
by Paul Bradley
Because of Kit Building …
I just finished reading your article in
[the April 2009] Model Aviation about the
Stevens AeroModel Edge 540 [“Plane
Talk” by Michael Ramsey]. I cannot agree
more with you on the excellence of the
design, ease of building, and flying
capabilities.
I have been building Bill Stevens
models for five or more years now. I
currently have five of his planes in my
hangar. G-400 Stella, Edge 540,
Dystraction, G-300, and Espresso.
I started in this hobby as a builder with
a Guillow’s ME-109 kit, easy to build, but
a pain to cut all the parts out. I then
proceeded to grow my skills. My third
model was a Dare Ki-31 that is still half
built. My fourth kit was a Stevens
AeroModel G-300.
I have built 20 plus kits in the last five
years. If it was not for Bill’s tab lock
design and construction technique, I
probably would of never taken up building
as part of the hobby. It really is genius.
The plane virtually builds itself. Then you
just wick the glue in, cover and add your
radio gear. If you follow the instructions,
which are very well written, your plane
comes out as advertised straight, strong,
light, and the correct weight.
Building Bill’s kits have given me the
confidence to build bigger, take on larger
more difficult projects, and even design
and build my own models. Building
teaches you the inner workings and
structure of a plane. Unlike an ARF, you
never see the inside until you crash it and
have to fix it. If you never built before,
correction/clarification. Page 150 of the
APR2009 issue of Model Aviation states,
“...the first issue of MA, which had a cover
date of July 1975.
Attached
copy of a
Model
Aviation
cover shows
19 year old
John
Simpson
(AMA
5275), J.
Williams,
and Mokey
Peavy at a
Huntsville,
Alabama CL
Stunt contest held in the Summer of 1962.
Please note magazine issue date of
November 1962. The original mailing label
is still attached.
George Carlton Floyd
via e-mail
For most AMA members, the name
“Model Aviation” is associated with the
Academy’s monthly flagship publication.
What many members may not know is that
the magazine has survived in numerous
formats since the mid-1930s.
The first publication with the MA
title—the June 1936 issue—was printed
digest-size with limited pages. The
American Academy for Model Aeronautics
published that version monthly.
In 1937, MA was expanded to
newsletter size. It was reverted to digest
size in 1956. By 1963, the publication had
grown, again, to a “monthly news
magazine” with the same name.
The June 1966 cover notes that,
“MODEL AVIATION is the monthly news
magazine of the Academy of Model
Aeronautics” and the “Independent Voice
of American Aeromodeling.” That issue
also indicated that it would be the last one
as “an independent effort.”
Future editions of MA were to be
bound inside the then-popular and highcirculation
American Modeler consumer
magazine, which Potomac Aviation
Publications, Inc. published bimonthly.
That special section was designated the
“Official Magazine of the Academy of
Model Aeronautics” and retained the
Model Aviation title.
American Modeler went monthly in
1967 and became American Aircraft
Modeler the following year. In 1975,
Potomac Aviation Publications went
bankrupt, creating an opportunity for MA
to return to its roots as a separate
magazine published by the Academy.
With barely two months’ notice, the
July 1975 MA was launched in its new,
glossy design. It remains in this format to
the present day.
Rob Kurek
AMA Director of Publications
Our airplanes are more lightly built and
fast. I’ve submitted them (and aircraft of other
genres) to MA in the past but they never get
published. I really don’t care except to let
people know you can “roll your own”!
Why would someone feel a sense of
accomplishment assembling an ARF to send
photos for publication? Why does the AMA
have contests for this type of model? Seems
counterproductive to me.
I’ve had models published in WWI Aero
and SKYWAYS, usually as a consequence of
previous articles and they aren’t even
modeling magazines but historically oriented
research journals.
I think membership is falling off because
of the “toylike” disposable airplanes that
predominate. There is no “stake” in these
types of airplanes other than a little
discretionary income. They are marketed as
benign toys so why would anyone think they
need “insurance”? They are worse than ARFs
(my opinion—I’ve heard all of the
arguments).
Another way to save money for the AMA
and members is allowing members to choose
to forgo the magazine.
I really hope Model Aviation can help put
the model back into this hobby. Otherwise
just call it ARFY-ation. MA
Michael G. Kelly
via e-mai