Links on theWeb!
For more news, events,
and information, go to
www.modelaircraft.org.
• Hank Iltzsch brings us part one of an
article about his beautiful 1/4-scale
RC Bristol Scout for .90-size
engines, John Hunton presents his
unique CL design called The Seventh
Iteration, and R.J. Dunham represents
rubber-powered FF with his
Contester. Full-size plans for the
Peanut Scale Contester are included.
• Luther Hux proves his versatility
again by giving readers details about
building a helium-filled RC balloon
called the Summer Breeze. Lou
Bruhn presents a design for a lighterthan-
air RC dirigible called the Slow
Year Blimp. Both are guided with
electric motors.
• Robert H. Lodge explains a method
of taking aerial photographs from RC
sailplanes, and L.F. Randolph shares
an informative article about how to
increase the life span of your small
glow engines.
• New products this month include the
Twenty-Five Years Ago in MA:
March 1981
INtheAIR
December 13, 2005, AMA received a
check for $100,000 from the Alcoa
Foundation. This was the third such
grant.
The Alcoa Foundation is a source of
positive community change and
enhancement, helping to provide such
things as global education and workplace
skills. It has invested more than $388
million since its inception in 1952.
The foundation funded an initial
$28,000 “pilot project” to train science
teachers in Cleveland, Ohio, to use the
“Inventing Flight” curriculum produced
to celebrate the Wright brothers’
centennial of flight in 2003.
Because of that program’s success,
the foundation subsequently awarded
AMA a second grant for $128,000 to
present four more workshops: a second
one in Cleveland, one in Iowa, and two in
Indiana.
This grant was extended to permit the
AMA Education Committee to use
unexpended funds to create a DVD
featuring workshop activities and lessons
the committee intends to offer to teachers
throughout the country at www.build
andfly.com.
The new grant will allow the
Education Committee to offer three more
workshops to science teachers in the US,
and Alcoa has requested that one be
offered in Great Britain. This grant brings
the total support from the Alcoa
Foundation to more than $250,000.
These funds are being used
successfully to improve and refine
activities using model airplanes as
teaching tools for middle school physical
science. The Alcoa Foundation may be
interested in using these activities as part
of a package its employees could leave
with teachers when they visit classrooms
to give career talks.
The Education Committee recognizes
AMA employees Jack Frost, April
Hathaway, and Michael Smith, who have
assisted with presentations and exhibit
work at National Science Teacher
Association workshops that promote the
sport, hobby, and educational value of
model aviation. MA
—Gordon Schimmel
Education Committee Chairman
Attention Club Officers!
The 2006 club chartering kits will be
mailed soon. If you have had a recent
change in officers, please notify AMA
Club Secretary Lois Pierce at (765) 287-
1256, extension 291, or loisp@model
aircraft.org.
This notice must be provided in
writing; E-mail is acceptable. However,
this change cannot come from a newly
elected officer. MA
—Membership Department
Watch for New AMA
Insurance Program
Keep your eyes open for AMA’s new
partnership for dental and vision
insurance with one of the leaders in the
industry: Ameritas. This insurance will be
made available to all AMA members who
are interested.
Soon you will be able to learn more
about this insurance program on the AMA
Web site—www.modelaircraft.org—and
in MA. MA
—Tom Schwyn
Marketing Director
Welcome, Life Members!
The Academy recently welcomed the
following new Life Members. For
information about becoming a Life
Member, contact AMA Headquarters at
(800) I-FLY-AMA ([800] 435-9262). MA
—Membership Department
Franklin D. Cox (Swartz Creek MI)
Tim Batiuk (San Juan Capistrano CA)
Christopher Rose (Tucson AZ)
Kirt Palmer (Grovetown GA)
David L. Whitaker (Toledo OH)
William P. Scott (Rapid City MI)
Terry Chaudhary (Charlotte MI)
Jan Jansen (Florissant MO)
William C. Ahrens (Saint Louis MO)
Anthony Burns (Hagerstown MD)
Bryan Kennedy (Norcross GA)
Kevin Heesacker (Honolulu HI)
Tom Wiencek (Redding CA)
Bruce Janzen (Yucaipa CA)
Douglas Babb (Telford PA)
Eugene Prestera (Sanford FL)
Dan Shook (Potomac MD)
Oscar Persons (Mooresville NC)
AMA Receives Money for Education
Gold Spectrum 6 by Kraft Systems for
use with current and upcoming FM
frequencies and Sig Manufacturing’s
new Claude McCullough-designed
Kadet Mark II and Mark I kits for
$49.95 and $45.95 respectively. MA
—Rich LaGrange
AMA Librarian
10 MODEL AVIATION
INtheAIR
No AMA Grand Event in 2006
A milestone in every person’s
professional career comes in the form of
an anniversary. Such an event was shared
with AMA staff members December 8,
2005, when Acting Executive Director
Joyce Hager recognized Special Services
Director Carl Maroney for his 30 years of
dedicated service to the Academy and its
members. Maroney received a plaque
and gold-and-diamond lapel pin to mark
the occasion. He began his employment
with AMA November 5, 1975, in the
short-term capacity of assistant
executive director when AMA
Headquarters was located on Fifteenth
Street in Washington DC. He has spent
most of his time at the Academy as
special services director. MA
Since AMA has received no proposals from
clubs to host the Grand Event, it will not be held
this year for the first time since the inaugural
event in 1997.
The Grand Event’s purpose is to combine all
aspects of outdoor modeling at a free, fun-filled
exposition that offers hands-on opportunities via
make-and-take activities and the opportunity to
operate RC model airplanes, boats, and cars. It
introduces potential modelers to the hobby and
gains members for AMA and its SIGs.
This event was held away from the
International Aeromodeling Center for the first
time in 2003. Since the location was shifted to
other areas of the country, AMA has been able
to promote our hobby to prospective new
members nationwide. This event has generated
excellent feedback from modelers and the
public.
For information about hosting a future Grand
Event, go to www.modelaircraft.org/ge0106.asp. Clubs that may be interested in hosting
the 2007 or 2008 event should contact AMA Special Services Director Carl Maroney at
(765) 287-1256, extension 250, or [email protected]. MA
—AMA Headquarters
Eric Beard: 1957-2006
AMA member and lifelong aviation enthusiast Eric Beard, best known for his
Russian Thunder aerobatic exploits, died January 6, 2006, when the twin-engine Piper
he was piloting crashed roughly 60 miles north of Seattle, Washington. The crash was
not connected to his aerobatic activities; he was making a run for Seattle-based cargo
carrier Airpac Airlines when the accident occurred. The Federal Aviation
Administration is conducting an investigation.
Well known to thousands of members and aeromodelers, Eric helped promote
AMA through its successful “Got Wings!” advertising program. The advertisement
bearing his image and highlighting his successful aviation career with roots in
aeromodeling appeared in dozens of aviation-related magazines in 2005.
As the pilot of Russian Thunder—a single-engine red, white, and blue Yak-54
powered by a 360-horsepower engine—he entertained audiences across the country for
several years. The Russian-built airplane, shown in the “Got Wings” ad, is one of only
seven Yak-54s still flying.
Eric is survived by his wife Diane and four children. For more information about
him, go to www.russianthunder.com. MA
—AMA Headquarters
Got Wings!
Flying any aircraft is a thrill!
Thrills are the norm for Eric
Beard, the premier pilot of
"Russian Thunder." His airplane
of choice is a Yak-54–a truly
unlimited, high-performance
aerobatic aircraft.
Eric’s 30-year love affair with
aviation has included work on
"aircraft" as varied as the NASA
Space Shuttle and Titan rockets.
AMA members experience
the ultimate in thrills every
time they fly their aircraft and
enjoy the sport of aeromodeling!
Join the AMA today and find
out for yourself!
Eric Beard
Pilot of “Russian Thunder”
AMA #825382
March 2006 11
AMA is gearing up for a significant
promotional campaign. The Boy Scouts
of America and the Academy are
teaming up for the Crossroads of
America Council Fall 2006 Camporee,
Mission: Radio Control!
This all-weekend event will take
place October 13-15, 2006, and is
expected to bring more than 3,500 Boy
Scouts and Cub Scouts to the
International Aeromodeling Center in
Muncie, Indiana.
The Camporee will involve a variety
of manufacturers/distributors and
coverage by the Do It Yourself (DIY)
cable/satellite network.
The Scouts will participate in a
variety of hands-on activities such as
flying buddy boxes, driving an RC car,
controlling an RC boat, making kites,
and constructing “build-and-take” Sky
Streak models. Attendees will also have
the opportunity to watch an LED nightflying
spectacle and visit the National
Model Aviation Museum.
AMA is excited to welcome the
Scouts and has high hopes for Mission
Radio Control! The Academy is
currently seeking skilled and unskilled
volunteers of all types to help with
parking, kite-building, constructing Sky
Streaks, and in other areas of need.
For more information about this
event, including how to sign up, or to
become a trained volunteer, call (765)
287-1256, extension 274. MA
—Tom Schwyn
Marketing Director
INtheAIRLATE-BREAKING NEWS FROM THE ACADEMY
AMA Web Site FAQ
The AMA Web site—www.modelaircraft.org—has a password system in place for
two reasons: to protect members’ confidential information and to increase the benefits of
becoming or remaining an AMA member.
The following will help you obtain a password. It will also describe common
problems and provide solutions for the Web-page password system and membership
application.
Q: What if cookies are not enabled for the AMA Web site in my Internet browser?
A: The symptom of this problem is evident; when you log in, you will be redirected to
the login screen with no message indicating why you were not forwarded to the
“Members Only” section. For tips on how to enable cookies in your browser, please visit
the “Enabling Cookies” page.
Q: What if my E-mail address has changed, and my password “link” has been sent to the
E-mail address that AMA has on file—not my current address?
A: Provide AMA with your current E-mail address by E-mailing membership@model
aircraft.org or calling (800) 435-9262.
Q: What if AMA data has no birth date or an incorrect birth date on file for me?
A: Provide AMA with the correct information at [email protected] or
(800) 435-9262.
Q: What if I encounter problems inserting my birth date?
A: If you are new, select the “New Membership” category to finish filling out the
application. This will allow you to insert your birth date.
If you are renewing, take the steps to retrieve a password. After you insert your AMA
number and password, select the verify button and your information will automatically be
inserted into the correct fields. You cannot make changes to your birth date when you are
renewing.
(Your password must be at least seven characters long and is case sensitive. REFTER5 is
not the same as refter5 or Refter5.)
Q: What if my name does not appear as it is on my membership card?
A: Reinput the data exactly as it appears on your AMA membership card.
Q: What if my address data is incorrect or no longer current?
A: Update your address at [email protected] or (800) 435-9262.
Q: What if I haven’t received the E-mail message with the information required to
assign a password?
A: Add [email protected] to your Internet Service Provider’s “safe
sender” list. Check to make sure the E-mail message isn’t being put into the “spam” or
“bulk” category. MA
—Information Services Department
We Have a Winner!
William Napier (Taylor MI) is the
prize-package winner for the month
of November. He received more than
$200 worth of AMA merchandise
from AMA’s Cloud 9 Museum
Store.
William is still eligible to win the
grand-prize package which consists
of a Giant Scale ARF—a Hangar 9
TOC Ultimate biplane—a JR 10X
radio, and a Desert Aircraft DA-150
engine. This is a $6,000 value!
Renew your AMA membership
by March 31, 2006, and you will
automatically be entered to win!
For more information about the
sweepstakes, go to www.model
aircraft.org/flywithus.asp. MA
—Tom Schwyn
Marketing Director
March 2006 9
03sig1.QXD 1/24/06 12:38 PM Page 9
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/03
Page Numbers: 9,10,11
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/03
Page Numbers: 9,10,11
Links on theWeb!
For more news, events,
and information, go to
www.modelaircraft.org.
• Hank Iltzsch brings us part one of an
article about his beautiful 1/4-scale
RC Bristol Scout for .90-size
engines, John Hunton presents his
unique CL design called The Seventh
Iteration, and R.J. Dunham represents
rubber-powered FF with his
Contester. Full-size plans for the
Peanut Scale Contester are included.
• Luther Hux proves his versatility
again by giving readers details about
building a helium-filled RC balloon
called the Summer Breeze. Lou
Bruhn presents a design for a lighterthan-
air RC dirigible called the Slow
Year Blimp. Both are guided with
electric motors.
• Robert H. Lodge explains a method
of taking aerial photographs from RC
sailplanes, and L.F. Randolph shares
an informative article about how to
increase the life span of your small
glow engines.
• New products this month include the
Twenty-Five Years Ago in MA:
March 1981
INtheAIR
December 13, 2005, AMA received a
check for $100,000 from the Alcoa
Foundation. This was the third such
grant.
The Alcoa Foundation is a source of
positive community change and
enhancement, helping to provide such
things as global education and workplace
skills. It has invested more than $388
million since its inception in 1952.
The foundation funded an initial
$28,000 “pilot project” to train science
teachers in Cleveland, Ohio, to use the
“Inventing Flight” curriculum produced
to celebrate the Wright brothers’
centennial of flight in 2003.
Because of that program’s success,
the foundation subsequently awarded
AMA a second grant for $128,000 to
present four more workshops: a second
one in Cleveland, one in Iowa, and two in
Indiana.
This grant was extended to permit the
AMA Education Committee to use
unexpended funds to create a DVD
featuring workshop activities and lessons
the committee intends to offer to teachers
throughout the country at www.build
andfly.com.
The new grant will allow the
Education Committee to offer three more
workshops to science teachers in the US,
and Alcoa has requested that one be
offered in Great Britain. This grant brings
the total support from the Alcoa
Foundation to more than $250,000.
These funds are being used
successfully to improve and refine
activities using model airplanes as
teaching tools for middle school physical
science. The Alcoa Foundation may be
interested in using these activities as part
of a package its employees could leave
with teachers when they visit classrooms
to give career talks.
The Education Committee recognizes
AMA employees Jack Frost, April
Hathaway, and Michael Smith, who have
assisted with presentations and exhibit
work at National Science Teacher
Association workshops that promote the
sport, hobby, and educational value of
model aviation. MA
—Gordon Schimmel
Education Committee Chairman
Attention Club Officers!
The 2006 club chartering kits will be
mailed soon. If you have had a recent
change in officers, please notify AMA
Club Secretary Lois Pierce at (765) 287-
1256, extension 291, or loisp@model
aircraft.org.
This notice must be provided in
writing; E-mail is acceptable. However,
this change cannot come from a newly
elected officer. MA
—Membership Department
Watch for New AMA
Insurance Program
Keep your eyes open for AMA’s new
partnership for dental and vision
insurance with one of the leaders in the
industry: Ameritas. This insurance will be
made available to all AMA members who
are interested.
Soon you will be able to learn more
about this insurance program on the AMA
Web site—www.modelaircraft.org—and
in MA. MA
—Tom Schwyn
Marketing Director
Welcome, Life Members!
The Academy recently welcomed the
following new Life Members. For
information about becoming a Life
Member, contact AMA Headquarters at
(800) I-FLY-AMA ([800] 435-9262). MA
—Membership Department
Franklin D. Cox (Swartz Creek MI)
Tim Batiuk (San Juan Capistrano CA)
Christopher Rose (Tucson AZ)
Kirt Palmer (Grovetown GA)
David L. Whitaker (Toledo OH)
William P. Scott (Rapid City MI)
Terry Chaudhary (Charlotte MI)
Jan Jansen (Florissant MO)
William C. Ahrens (Saint Louis MO)
Anthony Burns (Hagerstown MD)
Bryan Kennedy (Norcross GA)
Kevin Heesacker (Honolulu HI)
Tom Wiencek (Redding CA)
Bruce Janzen (Yucaipa CA)
Douglas Babb (Telford PA)
Eugene Prestera (Sanford FL)
Dan Shook (Potomac MD)
Oscar Persons (Mooresville NC)
AMA Receives Money for Education
Gold Spectrum 6 by Kraft Systems for
use with current and upcoming FM
frequencies and Sig Manufacturing’s
new Claude McCullough-designed
Kadet Mark II and Mark I kits for
$49.95 and $45.95 respectively. MA
—Rich LaGrange
AMA Librarian
10 MODEL AVIATION
INtheAIR
No AMA Grand Event in 2006
A milestone in every person’s
professional career comes in the form of
an anniversary. Such an event was shared
with AMA staff members December 8,
2005, when Acting Executive Director
Joyce Hager recognized Special Services
Director Carl Maroney for his 30 years of
dedicated service to the Academy and its
members. Maroney received a plaque
and gold-and-diamond lapel pin to mark
the occasion. He began his employment
with AMA November 5, 1975, in the
short-term capacity of assistant
executive director when AMA
Headquarters was located on Fifteenth
Street in Washington DC. He has spent
most of his time at the Academy as
special services director. MA
Since AMA has received no proposals from
clubs to host the Grand Event, it will not be held
this year for the first time since the inaugural
event in 1997.
The Grand Event’s purpose is to combine all
aspects of outdoor modeling at a free, fun-filled
exposition that offers hands-on opportunities via
make-and-take activities and the opportunity to
operate RC model airplanes, boats, and cars. It
introduces potential modelers to the hobby and
gains members for AMA and its SIGs.
This event was held away from the
International Aeromodeling Center for the first
time in 2003. Since the location was shifted to
other areas of the country, AMA has been able
to promote our hobby to prospective new
members nationwide. This event has generated
excellent feedback from modelers and the
public.
For information about hosting a future Grand
Event, go to www.modelaircraft.org/ge0106.asp. Clubs that may be interested in hosting
the 2007 or 2008 event should contact AMA Special Services Director Carl Maroney at
(765) 287-1256, extension 250, or [email protected]. MA
—AMA Headquarters
Eric Beard: 1957-2006
AMA member and lifelong aviation enthusiast Eric Beard, best known for his
Russian Thunder aerobatic exploits, died January 6, 2006, when the twin-engine Piper
he was piloting crashed roughly 60 miles north of Seattle, Washington. The crash was
not connected to his aerobatic activities; he was making a run for Seattle-based cargo
carrier Airpac Airlines when the accident occurred. The Federal Aviation
Administration is conducting an investigation.
Well known to thousands of members and aeromodelers, Eric helped promote
AMA through its successful “Got Wings!” advertising program. The advertisement
bearing his image and highlighting his successful aviation career with roots in
aeromodeling appeared in dozens of aviation-related magazines in 2005.
As the pilot of Russian Thunder—a single-engine red, white, and blue Yak-54
powered by a 360-horsepower engine—he entertained audiences across the country for
several years. The Russian-built airplane, shown in the “Got Wings” ad, is one of only
seven Yak-54s still flying.
Eric is survived by his wife Diane and four children. For more information about
him, go to www.russianthunder.com. MA
—AMA Headquarters
Got Wings!
Flying any aircraft is a thrill!
Thrills are the norm for Eric
Beard, the premier pilot of
"Russian Thunder." His airplane
of choice is a Yak-54–a truly
unlimited, high-performance
aerobatic aircraft.
Eric’s 30-year love affair with
aviation has included work on
"aircraft" as varied as the NASA
Space Shuttle and Titan rockets.
AMA members experience
the ultimate in thrills every
time they fly their aircraft and
enjoy the sport of aeromodeling!
Join the AMA today and find
out for yourself!
Eric Beard
Pilot of “Russian Thunder”
AMA #825382
March 2006 11
AMA is gearing up for a significant
promotional campaign. The Boy Scouts
of America and the Academy are
teaming up for the Crossroads of
America Council Fall 2006 Camporee,
Mission: Radio Control!
This all-weekend event will take
place October 13-15, 2006, and is
expected to bring more than 3,500 Boy
Scouts and Cub Scouts to the
International Aeromodeling Center in
Muncie, Indiana.
The Camporee will involve a variety
of manufacturers/distributors and
coverage by the Do It Yourself (DIY)
cable/satellite network.
The Scouts will participate in a
variety of hands-on activities such as
flying buddy boxes, driving an RC car,
controlling an RC boat, making kites,
and constructing “build-and-take” Sky
Streak models. Attendees will also have
the opportunity to watch an LED nightflying
spectacle and visit the National
Model Aviation Museum.
AMA is excited to welcome the
Scouts and has high hopes for Mission
Radio Control! The Academy is
currently seeking skilled and unskilled
volunteers of all types to help with
parking, kite-building, constructing Sky
Streaks, and in other areas of need.
For more information about this
event, including how to sign up, or to
become a trained volunteer, call (765)
287-1256, extension 274. MA
—Tom Schwyn
Marketing Director
INtheAIRLATE-BREAKING NEWS FROM THE ACADEMY
AMA Web Site FAQ
The AMA Web site—www.modelaircraft.org—has a password system in place for
two reasons: to protect members’ confidential information and to increase the benefits of
becoming or remaining an AMA member.
The following will help you obtain a password. It will also describe common
problems and provide solutions for the Web-page password system and membership
application.
Q: What if cookies are not enabled for the AMA Web site in my Internet browser?
A: The symptom of this problem is evident; when you log in, you will be redirected to
the login screen with no message indicating why you were not forwarded to the
“Members Only” section. For tips on how to enable cookies in your browser, please visit
the “Enabling Cookies” page.
Q: What if my E-mail address has changed, and my password “link” has been sent to the
E-mail address that AMA has on file—not my current address?
A: Provide AMA with your current E-mail address by E-mailing membership@model
aircraft.org or calling (800) 435-9262.
Q: What if AMA data has no birth date or an incorrect birth date on file for me?
A: Provide AMA with the correct information at [email protected] or
(800) 435-9262.
Q: What if I encounter problems inserting my birth date?
A: If you are new, select the “New Membership” category to finish filling out the
application. This will allow you to insert your birth date.
If you are renewing, take the steps to retrieve a password. After you insert your AMA
number and password, select the verify button and your information will automatically be
inserted into the correct fields. You cannot make changes to your birth date when you are
renewing.
(Your password must be at least seven characters long and is case sensitive. REFTER5 is
not the same as refter5 or Refter5.)
Q: What if my name does not appear as it is on my membership card?
A: Reinput the data exactly as it appears on your AMA membership card.
Q: What if my address data is incorrect or no longer current?
A: Update your address at [email protected] or (800) 435-9262.
Q: What if I haven’t received the E-mail message with the information required to
assign a password?
A: Add [email protected] to your Internet Service Provider’s “safe
sender” list. Check to make sure the E-mail message isn’t being put into the “spam” or
“bulk” category. MA
—Information Services Department
We Have a Winner!
William Napier (Taylor MI) is the
prize-package winner for the month
of November. He received more than
$200 worth of AMA merchandise
from AMA’s Cloud 9 Museum
Store.
William is still eligible to win the
grand-prize package which consists
of a Giant Scale ARF—a Hangar 9
TOC Ultimate biplane—a JR 10X
radio, and a Desert Aircraft DA-150
engine. This is a $6,000 value!
Renew your AMA membership
by March 31, 2006, and you will
automatically be entered to win!
For more information about the
sweepstakes, go to www.model
aircraft.org/flywithus.asp. MA
—Tom Schwyn
Marketing Director
March 2006 9
03sig1.QXD 1/24/06 12:38 PM Page 9
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/03
Page Numbers: 9,10,11
Links on theWeb!
For more news, events,
and information, go to
www.modelaircraft.org.
• Hank Iltzsch brings us part one of an
article about his beautiful 1/4-scale
RC Bristol Scout for .90-size
engines, John Hunton presents his
unique CL design called The Seventh
Iteration, and R.J. Dunham represents
rubber-powered FF with his
Contester. Full-size plans for the
Peanut Scale Contester are included.
• Luther Hux proves his versatility
again by giving readers details about
building a helium-filled RC balloon
called the Summer Breeze. Lou
Bruhn presents a design for a lighterthan-
air RC dirigible called the Slow
Year Blimp. Both are guided with
electric motors.
• Robert H. Lodge explains a method
of taking aerial photographs from RC
sailplanes, and L.F. Randolph shares
an informative article about how to
increase the life span of your small
glow engines.
• New products this month include the
Twenty-Five Years Ago in MA:
March 1981
INtheAIR
December 13, 2005, AMA received a
check for $100,000 from the Alcoa
Foundation. This was the third such
grant.
The Alcoa Foundation is a source of
positive community change and
enhancement, helping to provide such
things as global education and workplace
skills. It has invested more than $388
million since its inception in 1952.
The foundation funded an initial
$28,000 “pilot project” to train science
teachers in Cleveland, Ohio, to use the
“Inventing Flight” curriculum produced
to celebrate the Wright brothers’
centennial of flight in 2003.
Because of that program’s success,
the foundation subsequently awarded
AMA a second grant for $128,000 to
present four more workshops: a second
one in Cleveland, one in Iowa, and two in
Indiana.
This grant was extended to permit the
AMA Education Committee to use
unexpended funds to create a DVD
featuring workshop activities and lessons
the committee intends to offer to teachers
throughout the country at www.build
andfly.com.
The new grant will allow the
Education Committee to offer three more
workshops to science teachers in the US,
and Alcoa has requested that one be
offered in Great Britain. This grant brings
the total support from the Alcoa
Foundation to more than $250,000.
These funds are being used
successfully to improve and refine
activities using model airplanes as
teaching tools for middle school physical
science. The Alcoa Foundation may be
interested in using these activities as part
of a package its employees could leave
with teachers when they visit classrooms
to give career talks.
The Education Committee recognizes
AMA employees Jack Frost, April
Hathaway, and Michael Smith, who have
assisted with presentations and exhibit
work at National Science Teacher
Association workshops that promote the
sport, hobby, and educational value of
model aviation. MA
—Gordon Schimmel
Education Committee Chairman
Attention Club Officers!
The 2006 club chartering kits will be
mailed soon. If you have had a recent
change in officers, please notify AMA
Club Secretary Lois Pierce at (765) 287-
1256, extension 291, or loisp@model
aircraft.org.
This notice must be provided in
writing; E-mail is acceptable. However,
this change cannot come from a newly
elected officer. MA
—Membership Department
Watch for New AMA
Insurance Program
Keep your eyes open for AMA’s new
partnership for dental and vision
insurance with one of the leaders in the
industry: Ameritas. This insurance will be
made available to all AMA members who
are interested.
Soon you will be able to learn more
about this insurance program on the AMA
Web site—www.modelaircraft.org—and
in MA. MA
—Tom Schwyn
Marketing Director
Welcome, Life Members!
The Academy recently welcomed the
following new Life Members. For
information about becoming a Life
Member, contact AMA Headquarters at
(800) I-FLY-AMA ([800] 435-9262). MA
—Membership Department
Franklin D. Cox (Swartz Creek MI)
Tim Batiuk (San Juan Capistrano CA)
Christopher Rose (Tucson AZ)
Kirt Palmer (Grovetown GA)
David L. Whitaker (Toledo OH)
William P. Scott (Rapid City MI)
Terry Chaudhary (Charlotte MI)
Jan Jansen (Florissant MO)
William C. Ahrens (Saint Louis MO)
Anthony Burns (Hagerstown MD)
Bryan Kennedy (Norcross GA)
Kevin Heesacker (Honolulu HI)
Tom Wiencek (Redding CA)
Bruce Janzen (Yucaipa CA)
Douglas Babb (Telford PA)
Eugene Prestera (Sanford FL)
Dan Shook (Potomac MD)
Oscar Persons (Mooresville NC)
AMA Receives Money for Education
Gold Spectrum 6 by Kraft Systems for
use with current and upcoming FM
frequencies and Sig Manufacturing’s
new Claude McCullough-designed
Kadet Mark II and Mark I kits for
$49.95 and $45.95 respectively. MA
—Rich LaGrange
AMA Librarian
10 MODEL AVIATION
INtheAIR
No AMA Grand Event in 2006
A milestone in every person’s
professional career comes in the form of
an anniversary. Such an event was shared
with AMA staff members December 8,
2005, when Acting Executive Director
Joyce Hager recognized Special Services
Director Carl Maroney for his 30 years of
dedicated service to the Academy and its
members. Maroney received a plaque
and gold-and-diamond lapel pin to mark
the occasion. He began his employment
with AMA November 5, 1975, in the
short-term capacity of assistant
executive director when AMA
Headquarters was located on Fifteenth
Street in Washington DC. He has spent
most of his time at the Academy as
special services director. MA
Since AMA has received no proposals from
clubs to host the Grand Event, it will not be held
this year for the first time since the inaugural
event in 1997.
The Grand Event’s purpose is to combine all
aspects of outdoor modeling at a free, fun-filled
exposition that offers hands-on opportunities via
make-and-take activities and the opportunity to
operate RC model airplanes, boats, and cars. It
introduces potential modelers to the hobby and
gains members for AMA and its SIGs.
This event was held away from the
International Aeromodeling Center for the first
time in 2003. Since the location was shifted to
other areas of the country, AMA has been able
to promote our hobby to prospective new
members nationwide. This event has generated
excellent feedback from modelers and the
public.
For information about hosting a future Grand
Event, go to www.modelaircraft.org/ge0106.asp. Clubs that may be interested in hosting
the 2007 or 2008 event should contact AMA Special Services Director Carl Maroney at
(765) 287-1256, extension 250, or [email protected]. MA
—AMA Headquarters
Eric Beard: 1957-2006
AMA member and lifelong aviation enthusiast Eric Beard, best known for his
Russian Thunder aerobatic exploits, died January 6, 2006, when the twin-engine Piper
he was piloting crashed roughly 60 miles north of Seattle, Washington. The crash was
not connected to his aerobatic activities; he was making a run for Seattle-based cargo
carrier Airpac Airlines when the accident occurred. The Federal Aviation
Administration is conducting an investigation.
Well known to thousands of members and aeromodelers, Eric helped promote
AMA through its successful “Got Wings!” advertising program. The advertisement
bearing his image and highlighting his successful aviation career with roots in
aeromodeling appeared in dozens of aviation-related magazines in 2005.
As the pilot of Russian Thunder—a single-engine red, white, and blue Yak-54
powered by a 360-horsepower engine—he entertained audiences across the country for
several years. The Russian-built airplane, shown in the “Got Wings” ad, is one of only
seven Yak-54s still flying.
Eric is survived by his wife Diane and four children. For more information about
him, go to www.russianthunder.com. MA
—AMA Headquarters
Got Wings!
Flying any aircraft is a thrill!
Thrills are the norm for Eric
Beard, the premier pilot of
"Russian Thunder." His airplane
of choice is a Yak-54–a truly
unlimited, high-performance
aerobatic aircraft.
Eric’s 30-year love affair with
aviation has included work on
"aircraft" as varied as the NASA
Space Shuttle and Titan rockets.
AMA members experience
the ultimate in thrills every
time they fly their aircraft and
enjoy the sport of aeromodeling!
Join the AMA today and find
out for yourself!
Eric Beard
Pilot of “Russian Thunder”
AMA #825382
March 2006 11
AMA is gearing up for a significant
promotional campaign. The Boy Scouts
of America and the Academy are
teaming up for the Crossroads of
America Council Fall 2006 Camporee,
Mission: Radio Control!
This all-weekend event will take
place October 13-15, 2006, and is
expected to bring more than 3,500 Boy
Scouts and Cub Scouts to the
International Aeromodeling Center in
Muncie, Indiana.
The Camporee will involve a variety
of manufacturers/distributors and
coverage by the Do It Yourself (DIY)
cable/satellite network.
The Scouts will participate in a
variety of hands-on activities such as
flying buddy boxes, driving an RC car,
controlling an RC boat, making kites,
and constructing “build-and-take” Sky
Streak models. Attendees will also have
the opportunity to watch an LED nightflying
spectacle and visit the National
Model Aviation Museum.
AMA is excited to welcome the
Scouts and has high hopes for Mission
Radio Control! The Academy is
currently seeking skilled and unskilled
volunteers of all types to help with
parking, kite-building, constructing Sky
Streaks, and in other areas of need.
For more information about this
event, including how to sign up, or to
become a trained volunteer, call (765)
287-1256, extension 274. MA
—Tom Schwyn
Marketing Director
INtheAIRLATE-BREAKING NEWS FROM THE ACADEMY
AMA Web Site FAQ
The AMA Web site—www.modelaircraft.org—has a password system in place for
two reasons: to protect members’ confidential information and to increase the benefits of
becoming or remaining an AMA member.
The following will help you obtain a password. It will also describe common
problems and provide solutions for the Web-page password system and membership
application.
Q: What if cookies are not enabled for the AMA Web site in my Internet browser?
A: The symptom of this problem is evident; when you log in, you will be redirected to
the login screen with no message indicating why you were not forwarded to the
“Members Only” section. For tips on how to enable cookies in your browser, please visit
the “Enabling Cookies” page.
Q: What if my E-mail address has changed, and my password “link” has been sent to the
E-mail address that AMA has on file—not my current address?
A: Provide AMA with your current E-mail address by E-mailing membership@model
aircraft.org or calling (800) 435-9262.
Q: What if AMA data has no birth date or an incorrect birth date on file for me?
A: Provide AMA with the correct information at [email protected] or
(800) 435-9262.
Q: What if I encounter problems inserting my birth date?
A: If you are new, select the “New Membership” category to finish filling out the
application. This will allow you to insert your birth date.
If you are renewing, take the steps to retrieve a password. After you insert your AMA
number and password, select the verify button and your information will automatically be
inserted into the correct fields. You cannot make changes to your birth date when you are
renewing.
(Your password must be at least seven characters long and is case sensitive. REFTER5 is
not the same as refter5 or Refter5.)
Q: What if my name does not appear as it is on my membership card?
A: Reinput the data exactly as it appears on your AMA membership card.
Q: What if my address data is incorrect or no longer current?
A: Update your address at [email protected] or (800) 435-9262.
Q: What if I haven’t received the E-mail message with the information required to
assign a password?
A: Add [email protected] to your Internet Service Provider’s “safe
sender” list. Check to make sure the E-mail message isn’t being put into the “spam” or
“bulk” category. MA
—Information Services Department
We Have a Winner!
William Napier (Taylor MI) is the
prize-package winner for the month
of November. He received more than
$200 worth of AMA merchandise
from AMA’s Cloud 9 Museum
Store.
William is still eligible to win the
grand-prize package which consists
of a Giant Scale ARF—a Hangar 9
TOC Ultimate biplane—a JR 10X
radio, and a Desert Aircraft DA-150
engine. This is a $6,000 value!
Renew your AMA membership
by March 31, 2006, and you will
automatically be entered to win!
For more information about the
sweepstakes, go to www.model
aircraft.org/flywithus.asp. MA
—Tom Schwyn
Marketing Director
March 2006 9
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