In The Air - 2006/08

INtheAIRLATE-BREAKING NEWS FROM THE ACADEMY
August 2006 9
April 22, 2006, I attended one of our area club’s community
activities that demonstrated community involvement and public
education, which are AMA missions. The Alabaster Radio Control
Association (ARCA) in Alabama has always been known as a
community-minded club, and with this event it took its reputation up
a notch.
The ARCA held its first R/C Model Air Show for surrounding
communities in an attempt to introduce the public to and educate the
public about modeling and benefit area school programs. Modeling
activities can produce opportunities for young people. The key is to
get them involved at an early age and get them focused. This air
show was just one way to bring the information to them.
By the time I arrived at the club field at roughly noon, there were
more than 70 people in the stands. By the end of the event more than
1,000 people had come to watch the show!
Some of the modeling community’s best pilots demonstrated their
skills during this two-day event. Team Futaba pilot Frank Noll had
his Yak-54, and Team Futaba pilot Matt Botos performed his
Miniature Aircraft 3-D helicopter routine. Jerry Smith (nine-time
National Fun Fly champ) flew his own-design flying delta wing, and
Raiko Potter flew his Partner RC Aerobatics model.
Pilot Tyler Churchill demonstrated that those with disabilities can
enjoy this hobby. His disability forces him to use his feet to fly his
models!
AMA District V Associate Vice President (Georgia) Bob Dixon
wowed the crowd Sunday. He flew CL Precision Aerobatics with his
own-design Crystal and CL Combat with a different aircraft.
Scale modeler J.C. Zalke showed that a model replica that looks
true to scale can fly as well. ARCA Vice President Jeb Jacobson
brought his Raptor 22 and showed the crowd that jet engines can be
used in models. Area Giant Scale pilot and RC enthusiast Donny
Click piloted an MD-500 helicopter.
Activities director and coordinator—and ARCA president—Don
Wade Jr. made sure things ran smoothly and that local media were
alerted to this exciting event. Fellow club members put many hours
into executing their plan to give as many young people a chance to fly
a model airplane for five minutes as possible.
Once the many demonstration flights were completed, the
flightline became busy as young and old lined up to take a turn at the
controls of a buddy box with a flight instructor. A team of club
members directed the flow of participants to each pilot station. The
smiles on the kids’ faces spoke volumes. Safety for all was the
primary concern, and it was evidenced by having an accident-free
event.
The ARCA’s air show was a success! All proceeds from this
event (gate fees, donations, and concessions) were given to the local
public school system to help further fund the “Kids First” program
and after-school educational activities. The donated total exceeded
$2,000!
Donated raffle prizes from Hobbico/Futaba included five RTF
trainers that were given to the kids who participated in the bubby-box
program.
Club programs such as this go a long way toward promoting
AMA’s creed and letting the public know the rewards of modeling.
The demonstration flights of various modeling disciplines showed the
many options that are available to a beginner; a newcomer has a lot
from which to choose.
It is up to us—the AMA members—to help educate the public
about our hobby. And the public getting to know us and the benefits
of the hobby will go a long way toward helping us keep our club
flying fields.
Please visit the ARCA Web site at www.alabasterrc.com for
further information. Feel free to contact club members if your club is
interested in setting up and running an air show. They would be
happy to assist you in putting on a successful event! MA
—Jhon Russell
AMA District V Associate Vice President for Central Alabama
Team Futaba pilot Jerry Smith with his delta-wing design.
ARCA members Bobby Pazbak (coaching) and Ray Antonio
(instructor pilot) with one of the many children who flew a model
aircraft for the first time.
Alabama Club Reaches out to
Community With Air Show
INtheAIR
10 MODEL AVIATION
Frequently Asked Questions About AMA’s
Custom Products Department
Screen-Printing
Q: How many colors can you print?
A: As many as six unless we use four-color-process printing.
Q: What is four-color-process printing?
A: A technique that uses four colors (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and
Black) to create millions of colors.
Q: What does the price for printing include?
A: A six-color print in one location and a one-color print in a second
location.
Q: What do you mean by “location”?
A: Were the print is on the shirt.
Q: Which locations can have a print?
A: The back, the front, the sleeves, the left crest, the right crest, and
above the pocket.
Q: Can you print on a pocket?
A: No.
Q: What items can I get screen-printed?
A: We have a large catalog of items. Call us at (800) 435-9262 or Email
us at [email protected] and we can send you a
catalog.
Q: Does pricing cover everything in the catalog?
A: No; pricing covers basic items. Some items are more expensive
and will have to be custom-quoted.
Q: What is the biggest print we can have on a shirt?
A: One that measures 10.5 x 13 inches.
Q: Can you put a photo on a shirt?
A: Yes, with process printing.
Q: What colors of ink do you have?
A: We have most standard primary colors; if your logo has a
specific color we can match it for $25. We also have specialty inks.
Q: What specialty inks do you have?
A: Shimmer inks (metallic), suede inks (like leather), and a glow-inthe-
dark ink.
Q: What if we want to put one color of ink on half our shirts and a
different color of ink on the rest?
A: You will have an ink-change fee, which is $25.
Q: Can you print on hats?
A: Yes; we can print as many as four colors on screen-printed hats
or do an ink-jet transfer, but only on white-crowned hats.
Q: Can you do jackets?
A: We can do nylon jackets, but only a one-color image.
Q: Can you do mouse pads?
A: Yes.
Q: Do I get price breaks when I order more?
A: Our price breaks start at 100 items.
Q: Can you do flags?
A: No.
Q: Can I send you shirts and have you print them?
A: Yes; you can provide shirts and we will charge only for
printing. However, we are not responsible for replacing an item
if it is accidentally misprinted.
Q: Can I get names printed on a shirt?
A: We do not print names; however, we can use transfers to
personalize with names for $4 each.
Q: What is the minimum number of shirts I can order?
A: Twelve without a fee, but we can do less than 12 for a $25
less-than-minimum fee. There is an absolute minimum of six.
Q: Are there any setup charges?
A: Your first setup is free. If we are doing a single color in a
second location, that is also free. If we are doing a multicolor in
more than one location there is a $25 setup fee. Each location
after that is an additional $25.
Q: What colors of shirts are available?
A: We can get most colors. Refer to our catalog for the colors
and types of shirts available.
Q: How will I know what my order is going to look like?
A: We E-mail or mail a proof of each design for approval before
printing.
Q: Can I get a production proof?
A: Yes, for $30.
Artwork
Q: Does the customer have to provide art?
A: No; we can design something for you.
Q: How much does art cost?
A: Art is free when tied into an order. Artwork we do without an
order is custom-quoted.
Q: How do I get my logo to you?
A: We welcome digital files E-mailed to us. If you have a hard
copy, such as a sticker or letterhead, we can scan that. Mail it to
us and we’ll re-create it.
Q: What kind of digital file do I need to send?
A: We accept almost any digital file. We work in CorelDraw but
can accept Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop files, as well as .esp,
.tif, .jpg, .gif, and .bmp files.
Q: How will I know what my order is going to look like?
A: We E-mail or mail a proof of each design for approval before
printing.
INtheAIR
August 2006 11
Engraving
Q: What type of engraving do you do?
A: It is rotary-engraved on color-coated brass plates or flat
plastic stock.
Q: What kind of things can we have engraved?
A: We can engrave on any flat plate.
Q: What about engraving on my pocket watch or lighter?
A: We are unable to engrave on those types of items at this time.
Q: How many colors of plate do you offer for plaques?
A: On brass we have Black, White, Red, Violet, Gray, Green,
Maroon, Brown, and Blue.
Q: Can we have a brass plate with black letters?
A: Yes; we have a process called Dye-Sub Transfer that allows
us to do that.
Q: In what colors do name badges come?
A: Standard colors are black on white, red on white, navy on
white, royal on white, yellow on black, gold on black, and white
on royal blue. Special colors require a minimum order of 100.
Q: Do you charge per letter on name badges?
A: No; they are priced as a whole.
Q: Can I put a logo on a name badge?
A: Depending on the logo. Detailed logos cannot be reproduced
in plastic.
Vinyl
Q: How big of a banner can I get?
A: 3 x 20 feet.
Q: What colors of vinyl are available?
A: Most primary colors. Please call if you have a specific color
in mind.
Q: How many colors can I put on a vinyl banner?
A: As many as six.
Q: Can you do decals?
A: Yes; we can do one-color decals depending on the detail in the
decal.
Miscellaneous
Q: How do you ship items?
A: Usually via UPS, but we can ship via US Postal Service if
requested.
Q: How much is shipping?
A: That depends on how many and what types of items are being
shipped. We normally ship UPS and try to estimate as close as
possible what shipping charges will be.
Q: How long does it take to get my order?
A: Our typical turnaround time is roughly three weeks. It could take
longer if we are in our busy season. Please plan for extra time to
assure completion of your order.
Q: Can I get my order faster if I have an event coming up?
A: Yes; we can rush your order for a fee, depending on what is
required for the job.
Q: How much would a rush charge cost?
A: It depends on what we need to produce and how quickly you need
it. We will have to custom-quote a rush fee at the time of the order.
Q: Is there any special way I should wash my garments?
A: We suggest washing them inside-out for longer print life.
Q: How long are these prices good?
A: Prices are subject to change at any time. Always call to get the
most current pricing. MA
—Ben Flesher
Graphic Designer
Welcome, AMA Life Members!
The Academy recently welcomed new Life Members
Christopher Miles (Tampa FL) and Leslie Lowe (Kailua Kona HI).
For information about becoming a Life Member, contact AMA
Headquarters at (800) 435-9262. MA
—Membership Department
AMA’s partnership with US Bank is continuing to be strong;
however, because of the switch in companies roughly a year ago,
your AMA Visa may no longer be supporting the Academy.
To make sure you are still supporting AMA with your creditcard
purchases, make sure the AMA logo is located somewhere
on your Visa. Partnerships with companies such as US Bank help
keep membership dues down.
If you do need to change your card or would like to enroll in
the program, you may do so online at www.modelaircraft.org; call
(800) 853-5576, extension 8390; or E-mail
[email protected] with your name and AMA number.
Get your AMA Visa today! MA
—Tom Schwyn
Marketing Director
Use the National Flying Site
for Your Event!
The International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) flying site
in Muncie, Indiana, is available for year-round use by AMA
members. During special events or contests, certain areas or
the entire site may be closed to open flying.
It is recommended that you call AMA Headquarters in
advance of your intended use to ensure that the areas of the
site you want to occupy are available during the time of your
visit. You can find a calendar of events taking place at the
IAC at www.modelaircraft.org/events.
If you want to conduct an event at the IAC, the steps are
simple. No events (except those run by AMA) are given
traditional status. Go to www.modelaircraft.org/PDFfiles/
eventregform.pdf, fill out the form, and fax it to (765)
289-4248 or E-mail it to [email protected].
There are no fees associated with using the flying site
itself; however, rental costs might apply for any equipment
that is requested. You can find Site Use Rules at
www.modelaircraft.org/PDF-files/106.pdf and a site map at
www.modelaircraft.org/events/images/Map2006.pdf. E-mail
[email protected] for additional information. MA
—Joyce Hager
Acting Executive Director
Support the Sport You Love
With an AMA Visa!
INtheAIR
12 MODEL AVIATION
structor
r the first
• Two RC construction articles and one
each for CL and FF are featured. For RC
Gary E. Brown designed the Brown B-2
Miss Los Angeles: a .25-powered sport
Pylon racer that would give a .40-powered
Quickie a run for its money. Bill Evans
presents a .19-powered model called the
Crosswind. Its long wings and sailplanelike
features make it easy and relaxing to fly.
Jack Sheeks presents a CL version of
the British de Havilland Mosquito World
War II fighter/bomber for .35 engines.
Mike Stoy shows how to construct his
1980 Nats winner the Wasp VI—a FF
Hand-Launched Glider with a 20-inch
wingspan.
• Dominic J. Palumbo presents an article
many Scale modelers have been waiting
for, even if they didn’t realize it. “True
Dynamic Scaling and the Flyable RC
Model” lays out the rules that apply to
scaling down a full-scale airplane to model
size.
• L.F. Randolph gives an interesting
pictorial essay on how to disassemble and
clean a two-stroke model engine in “Clean
it Up!”
Twenty-Five Years Ago in MA:
August 1981
• John R. Walker tells the story behind
the Little Bitty model airplane that
resides in the National Model Aviation
Museum. R.J. Talchik provides a slice
of history about Hitler’s terror
weapon—the Junkers Ju 87 Stuka—and
advice about how to model it. MA
—Rich LaGrange
AMA Librarian
“Contest Calendar” Fee Structure
to Change in 2007
Because of spiraling costs, we have found it
necessary to make significant changes to the
“Contest Calendar” fee structure. These
adjustments will go into effect January 1, 2007,
for all sanction applications received after that
date. All applications received before that date
will be processed at the current (2006) rates.
Sanction fees will remain $20 and will
include a free listing in the online version of
“Contest Calendar.” However, the basic
sanction fee will no longer include a free text
listing in the “Contest Calendar” section of MA.
You may purchase a text listing in MA for
$16 per month or $32 for three months. (Buy
two months and get one free.) The price
structure is for flying and nonflying events.
Supplemental advertisements (display ads) will
also increase in cost, and two sizes will be
offered. They are:
• 2.25 inches x one column width for $45 per
month.
• 1.5 inches x one column width for $35 per
month.
The 3/4-inch ad size will no longer be
offered since it was seldom used.
Ads must be of a quality that is acceptable
for publication, or they will be returned to
the owner and may miss the publication
deadline. Display ads must be “camera
ready” artwork.
We hope to offer an enhanced online
“Contest Calendar” later in the year. MA
—AMA Competitions/Technical Department
AMA holds membership meetings each year in different
locations across the country. They are typically coordinated with a
major event, such as a fun-fly or trade show, as a matter of
convenience to the members. The meeting agenda caters to the
particular interests of the district in which it is held and is used as an
opportunity to announce the state of the Academy as a whole.
The Joe Nall Giant Scale Fly-In is probably the most famous
event held at the Triple Tree Aerodrome in Woodruff, South
Carolina. It is likely also the largest International Miniature Aircraft
Association gathering in the country.
The event is hosted by the volunteers of the Confederate Air
Farce, who are primarily known for the hospitality, fun, and
fellowship they promote. Their get-togethers attract not only pilots,
but families and friends who come to enjoy the event, commune
with people, and enjoy good times.
The mood of the Joe Nall event is beyond happy, infecting
everyone on the site. This is the perfect stage for an AMA meeting.
Because the fly-in is such a melting pot of modelers from across the
country (and the world for that matter), the 2006 assembly, held
Thursday, May 18, was special.
The opportunity to listen to and share ideas was received in a
positive way by the hundreds who where in attendance. At the hourlong
meeting directed by AMA President Dave Brown, district
volunteers were awarded special mementos for their efforts and then
current events were touched upon.
Topics included news about an accident in Hungary that involved
a Giant Scale model and the injuries it caused to the viewing public.
Investigations into the incident were too new to report any definite
cause, but the point was made that AMA is extremely concerned
about a similar type of accident happening in this country. Many
safety programs in use at the Joe Nall event were described and
praised.
The last topic was the status of AMA’s growth programs. After
an update by District II Vice President Dave Mathewson on the new
Introductory Pilot Program upgrades, other ideas were shared among
the members regarding how clubs nationwide that already have a
positive influence within their communities could ensure the future
of aeromodeling.
Look for more information about these programs on the AMA
Web site and in the AMA Executive Council’s quarterly meeting
minutes. MA
—Michael Ramsey
[email protected]
Hundreds of pilots
and spectators
gathered at the east
side of the main
hangar to attend
the AMA Annual
M e m b e r s h i p
Meeting held at
the Joe Nall Fly-In.
A cookout and a
performance by a
bluegrass band
rounded out the
evening.
AMA Members Meet at Joe Nall Giant Scale Fly-In
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