Aeromodeling Newcomers Take Note!
At the AMA Convention in Ontario, California, January 12–14, AMA introduced its new R/C Model Aircraft Quick-Start Guide. Written by MA Technical Editor Bob Aberle, the guide takes the reader from the moment the model box is opened through that first flight.
In step-by-step detail, Bob describes an RC model, the radio-control system, the power system, and all the necessary safety aspects of our hobby, including frequency control and interference concerns. Then he gets the beginner out to the flying field and into the air.
The guide is easy to follow and answers all the questions most new modelers have. Focusing primarily on entry-level electric-powered models, the guide uses the Hitec/Multiplex EasyStar as the example. The entire guide, which includes more than 60 integrated photographs, is available on CD. A bookmarked table of contents helps guide viewers through the text, and active hyperlinks will take you directly to referenced websites if your computer has Internet capability.
The guide is ideal for use as a handout at "try RC days," mall shows, and flying demonstrations. Clubs can request a CD by calling AMA Headquarters at (765) 287-1256, ext. 212. Check the AMA website for updates on availability and other resource options at www.modelaircraft.org.
AMA’s R/C Model Aircraft Quick-Start Guide is another of the many new initiatives AMA will be introducing in the coming year to introduce the nonmodeling public to model aviation and ensure that those who decide to enter our hobby have the best chance at success. MA
—Dave Mathewson AMA District II Vice President
Participate in the World's Largest Aeromodeling Competition!
The Academy of Model Aeronautics presents the 81st National Aeromodeling Championships (Nats). This is the world's largest aeromodeling competition, in which pilots of all skill levels gather to compete against each other.
However, it's not all about winning! Many competitors come each year to enjoy the company of their fellow fliers and make new friends and memories.
The Nats is a six-week-long competition that features a variety of events in which to participate. From large Scale Aerobatics aircraft to rubber-band-powered free-flight models, you will surely find something that sparks your interest. Whether you want to compete or be a spectator, we invite all members, their friends, and their families to come out and be a part of modeling history.
Kicking off the Nats are the Indoor Free Flight events, scheduled for May 29–June 3, 2007, in Johnson City, Tennessee, at the East Tennessee State University Mini-Dome. This site has been used for many years and is a premier venue for indoor events.
The outdoor events, to be held at the International Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana, start with the 2007 Pylon World Championships beginning June 23. The outdoor Nats events will follow, running June 29–August 5. For more information or a detailed schedule of events, visit www.modelaircraft.org/events/ or call (765) 287-1256, ext. 224, 252, or 293.
We hope to see you there! MA
—AMA Headquarters
Cliff Telford Memorial Race
The Remote Control Association of Central Florida held its annual Tangerine RC Pylon Race December 1–3, 2006, in Apopka, Florida, with a total of 79 pilots participating. This race was also a memorial event held in honor of beloved fellow racer Cliff Telford.
Cliff was a competitive pylon racer and held many national and world titles. He and his wife Nancy rarely missed an event; she was usually working the contest. Cliff was also extremely involved in AMA's Scholarship Program and was an active participant with the committee until his passing in 2005.
Stephen Vaclav won the Quickie 500 event with his Neme-Q Plus, which has been his model of choice since he started racing. Stephen's win pleased Nancy Telford since Stephen was an AMA scholarship winner when Cliff served on the Scholarship Committee.
"Cliff and I both witnessed the growing potential that Stephen exhibited," she said. "Besides being an excellent pylon racer, strongly supported by his family, he is a fine young man and successful college student."
"Cliff Telford was a friend, mentor, and played an instrumental role in my applying for the AMA scholarship," said Stephen. "To win the 428 event at the Cliff Telford Memorial Race is an honor I shall always remember."
Stephen is currently a senior at the University of Central Florida, majoring in mechanical engineering, and will graduate in May 2007 with a 3.93 grade-point average. Stephen is also employed at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Orlando, Florida.
The AMA scholarship Stephen received in fall 2002 allowed him to focus on his studies without having to worry about money his freshman year. MA
—MA staff
IN the AIR
25 Years Ago in MA: March 1982
- This month's construction articles include the RC Supercat by John F. Kilsdonk — a little 1/2A-powered model that uses the Ace constant-chord foam wing and a balsa fuselage; Isaac's Fury by Gene Post — a rubber-powered free-flight Peanut Scale biplane with full-size plans in the magazine; and Peter Miller's Tiger Rag — a Fox .36-powered control-line Precision Aerobatics biplane spanning 36 inches.
- Bob and Doris Rich are at it again with their third coast-to-coast adventure by model aircraft: the Trans-Am Rally. This odyssey took the form of eight teams traversing the 2,970 miles that crossed 13 states and took almost a month.
- The AMA building fund is at $60,000, with a May goal of $160,000. This money is necessary for start-up costs incurred when the changeover from tenant to owner is made. Building architect John Hunton met with AMA President Johnny Clemons to go over building details.
- Frank P. Stanton gives a complete description of how to install a scale-like working cable control system in your World War I classic model. The pilot's control stick serves as the actual attachment point for the aileron and elevator.
- Ray Harlan reports on the first Nagoya Cup for indoor models, hosted by the Japanese. Stan Stoy demonstrated his folding-wing hand-launch glider in the 400-foot-diameter, 100-foot-high Trade Center at Nagoya.
—Rich LaGrange AMA Librarian
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
