Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/10
Page Numbers: 9,10,11,12
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US Wins Team Gold at F3D World Champs!

Event

The 2009 F3D World Championships (FAI RC Pylon Racing) took place July 20–26, 2009, in Ballenstedt, Germany.

US Team

The team representing the United States included:

  • Richard Verano (pilot)
  • Travis Flynn (pilot; finished second at the 2007 World Champs)
  • Gary Freeman Jr. (pilot)
  • Randy Bridge (reigning World Champion)
  • Craig Greening (team manager)
  • Robert Holik (helper/mechanic)

Results

#### Individual

  • Gold: Robert van den Bosch (Netherlands)
  • Silver: Richard Verano (US)
  • Bronze: Randy Bridge (US)

#### Team

  • Gold: US
  • Silver: Netherlands
  • Bronze: Germany

More information

Congratulations, Team USA!

—AMA Headquarters

AMA Executive Director Mixes It Up In Detroit

Visit and attendees

While on a personal trip to the Detroit area on June 4, 2009, AMA Executive Director Jim Cherry combined AMA business with flying. He contacted the Skymasters Radio Control Club of Michigan to arrange an impromptu meeting. Using the club’s e-mail list, the Skymasters invited surrounding clubs to send representatives.

Officers from clubs located more than 100 miles away attended. Two Model Aviation Hall of Fame members, Pete Waters and Keith Shaw, were present. Ken Myers, editor of the widely read Ampeer newsletter, also attended.

Activities

Jim shared insights over dinner and then visited the Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, where the Skymasters, in conjunction with the Romeo Skyhawks Radio Control Club of Michigan and the Greater Detroit Soaring and Hiking Society, hosted weekly indoor flying sessions last fall and winter.

Impressed by the facility, Jim commented, “Pictures don't do this justice.” Using a meeting room, he reiterated the AMA’s current position with the FAA and addressed questions from attendees. Activities then moved to one of the soccer fields, where a variety of indoor electric-powered aircraft were flown. Jim and many others got some stick time before heading home.

—Joe Hass Skymasters President

An Amazing Aeromodeller

Background

Robert (Bob) Bradford is a 98-year-old RC enthusiast and longtime member of the Sangamon Valley RC Flyers of Springfield, Illinois. He attends meetings regularly.

Flying and approach

Bob has some balance issues that require him to sit while flying, and age has affected his coordination and timing. With a buddy box as backup, he continues to enjoy the hobby as much as anyone. As a child, he and a friend rode bicycles to the original Springfield airfield to watch Charles Lindbergh arrive with mail on his flight from Chicago to St. Louis.

Having lived through the Great Depression, Bob is frugal and often salvages wrecked airplanes from the trash, later repairing them and returning them to flight.

Personal qualities

Bob is known for his upbeat attitude. His longevity and continued participation in the hobby are inspiring.

—Sherwin Kroll Sangamon Valley RC Flyers

Canada Jets

Event

The inaugural Wingham jet fly took place June 20–21, 2009, at the Wingham, Ontario, airport, sponsored by Angus and Margaret McDonald.

Saturday

  • Morning weather was extremely wet; skies began clearing at 11:30 and flying started by noon.
  • By the end of Saturday, 35 pilots had registered; many brought two or more aircraft.
  • Pilots registered from locations including Kirkland Lake, Ontario; Quebec; and Florida.
  • Saturday night dinner (beef on a bun and salads) was served to 70 people. Andrew Coholic won the poker run ($100), donating $50 back to the event. Small door prizes were handed out to all pilots.

Sunday

  • Morning fog cleared by 9:00; 38 pilots registered.
  • Brian Wiebe and his 12-year-old son, Greg, traveled from Altona, Manitoba. Greg flew impressively.
  • Ivan Christensen performed a noon-hour demonstration.

Acknowledgments

  • Angus McDonald provided seed money and many hours of organization.
  • Volunteers from the Listowel Model Club and the Skyharbour Modelers of Goderich contributed many hours.
  • Margaret McDonald and the pilots’ wives staffed the food booth.
  • The Wingham airport committee and the council of North Huron donated the flying site, provided a 4,000-foot runway and flat fields, and assisted with garbage removal, fencing, refreshments, and even a barbecue when needed.
  • Local interest was strong; more than 200 cars were parked on Sunday. Organizers hope for an even larger turnout next year.

Contact

For event information: [email protected] or [email protected]

—William Fry

A "Win-Win" With McDonald's

Problem

The Greater Southwest Aero Modelers (GSWAM) of Fort Worth, Texas, previously paid a monthly fee to hold meetings at a nearby recreational center. During hot months the club met at the flying field to save money, but conditions there were uncomfortable (heat, bugs, setting sun, dust).

Solution

While having breakfast at a McDonald's in Hurst, Texas, member Chuck Rovell spoke with owner Tyrous Ingram, who offered the restaurant’s play area for GSWAM’s second-Tuesday meetings at 7:30 p.m. He agreed to:

  • Close the play area one hour before meetings for setup.
  • Post signs featuring the club emblem and indicating a private meeting one hour prior.
  • Return 10% of the money club members spend on food at each meeting to a charity selected by GSWAM (Toys for Tots).

The club voted to meet at McDonald's starting in May 2008. Food receipts were collected and submitted to the manager after each meeting.

Results

  • In 2008 the club spent $780 at meetings; McDonald's donation was $200.
  • That money, other donations, and a large van full of toys were given to the local Marines for Toys for Tots.
  • Through June 2009, club members had spent $637 at meetings.
  • The arrangement provided comfortable meeting space, good food and service, and charity support. McDonald's benefited from increased business and goodwill.

Thanks

Special thanks to:

  • Kris Hesler, McDonald's manager for the meeting restaurant
  • Jason Blanton, McDonald's area supervisor
  • Tyrous Ingram, owner

—Chuck Rovell GSWAM Member

Science Works With Aeromodeling

Event

On May 2, 2009, Aslam (Sam) Shahid, an AMA member, participated in the Science Works! program at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, Illinois. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Chicago Section selected Sam to introduce math, science, engineering, and technology to youth.

Presentation

Sam gave a presentation and demonstration using an RC flight simulator and model aircraft technology. Young attendees asked questions on topics including:

  • FM vs. 2.4 GHz radios
  • Model aircraft technology vs. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
  • Battery types (NiMH vs. Li-Poly)
  • Materials (foam, fiberglass, balsa)

Sam enjoys RC modeling because it involves math, science, engineering, and technology, and he encourages young people to get involved in flying RC and joining the AMA.

—Information provided by Sam Shahid

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.