August 2010 9
INtheAIR
AMA HEADQUARTERS AND MEMBER NEWS
By now I’m guessing most everyone has
at least heard the term “TFR” and perhaps
even been affected by one. A Temporary
Flight Restriction is a type of Notice to
Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the FAA that
defines an area with restricted air travel due
to a hazardous condition, a special event, or
a general warning for the entire airspace.
In the past, TFRs were primarily used to
restrict air traffic over extraordinary groundbased
situations to protect the individuals
involved and to facilitate the ingress and
egress of aircraft working the situation.
Typically TFRs are used to facilitate
firefighting efforts, law-enforcement
situations, and rescue operations during
natural disasters.
At times they are used during large
spectator events and open-air assemblies
such as air shows and sporting events. They
are also used during serious mishaps such as
airplane crashes and most recently the Gulf
oil spill.
Since the terrorist attacks on September
11, 2001, TFRs have been increasingly used
for security purposes to thwart potential
terrorist activity. They are now being used
to protect VIP travel around the country,
high-profile international events such as the
G-20 Summit and the Olympics, and NASA
activities such as space shuttle operations at
the Kennedy Space Center.
Until recently, model aviation (MA) was
not significantly affected when a TFR was
issued. However, in the post-September 11
era, model airplanes have come under much
closer scrutiny and the performance
capabilities of the current MA technology
has heightened the perceived threat
attributed to model aircraft.
The perceived threat has been
accentuated by the advancements in the
unmanned aircraft (UAV/UAS) arena and
the lethal capability of the UAS operating in
the Middle East. Unfortunately from a
regulatory standpoint, we’re now closely
tied to commercial- and public-use UAS
and, to an extent, viewed as presenting a
similar security threat.
TFRs come in all shapes and sizes, and
fortunately MA is only affected by those
with the most stringent restrictions. TFRs
affecting MA were first issued in 2004, as
part of the security measures put in place for
the Republican and Democratic National
Conventions.
In January 2009, a TFR was issued to
cover the activities and events leading up to
and including the presidential inauguration.
A permanent MA restriction was thereafter
enacted for the Washington Metropolitan
Temporary Flight Restrictions Affect MA
Flight Restriction Zone surrounding the
nation’s capital.
Since then, more than 100 TFRs have
been issued restricting model airplane
operations in locations across the country.
TFRs are usually in effect for anywhere from
a few hours to a few days; however, some
have restricted MA activities for several
weeks.
TFRs that have an impact on MA
typically involve a 60-nautical-mile (69
statute mile) outer circle and a 10-nauticalmile
inner circle around a given set of
coordinates. The outer circle establishes a
3,737-square-mile area in which model
airplane operations are prohibited during the
specified times of the TFR. The inner circle
establishes an area in which heightened
restrictions are imposed on manned aviation.
The prohibition of model airplane
operations is specifically stated in the TFR in
a paragraph restricting all sport aviation
groups:
“The following operations are not
authorized within this TFR: flight training,
practice instrument approaches, aerobatic
flight, glider operations, parachute
operations, ultralight, hang gliding,
balloon operations, agriculture/crop
dusting, animal population control flight
operations, banner towing operations,
seaplane operations, sightseeing
operations, maintenance test flights, model
aircraft operations, model rocketry, and
unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).”
From a security standpoint, the concept is
to create a “sterile” area in which all
nonessential air traffic is grounded and in
which only those aircraft that are under
positive air traffic control are allowed to fly.
As such, anything else that pops up is
immediately considered suspect.
The FAA enacts and administers TFRs.
However, the establishment and execution of
the restrictions are a joint effort involving
numerous federal, state, and local agencies
including the Secret Service, Federal Bureau
of Investigation, Department of Homeland
Security, US Department of Justice, and US
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, just
to name a few.
Although, on occasion, Flight Advisories
are published in advance when TFRs are
anticipated for upcoming events, TFR
notices are typically distributed 24-48 hours
before implementation. The short lead time
is itself a security measure but brings with it
the challenge of getting the information out
to those affected by the restrictions.
The AMA is committed to keeping its
members informed and is doing everything
possible to get TFR information out to the
membership in a timely manner. The
Academy is currently included in the initial
e-mail distribution used in publishing the
TFRs.
When a new TFR notice comes in, it is
immediately posted on Twitter, the AMA
Web site, and the AMA news scroll and
RSS feed. The AMA membership records
and club roster are searched, and an e-mail
distribution is sent to all members and clubs
in the affected area.
Any changes or updates to the TFR are
posted to the Web and Twitter. Members
can find the most up-to-date information by
logging on to the AMA Web site or by
following AMAGov at “Twitter.com/
amagov.
From a modeler’s point of view, the first
reaction might be, “You’ve got to be
kidding me!” and the inclination may be to
huff at it and ignore the TFR. But believe
me, this is serious business.
Under federal regulation, the US
government may “pursue criminal charges”
or “use deadly force against an aircraft if it
is determined that the aircraft poses an
imminent security threat.” I, for one, would
not want to be the one to test the waters.
That having been said, AMA clearly
believes that the security threat attributed to
model airplanes is grossly overstated and
that the security measures imposed are
overreaching and excessive.
The AMA is currently working with the
NAA (National Aeronautic Association)
and the other sport-aviation groups in an
effort to open dialogue with the FAA
Special Operations Security Center toward
obtaining relief for our members and the
modeling community in general. The first
step will be to address AMA sanctioned
events for which abrupt cancellation poses
a demonstrative impact and an undue
economic hardship.
The next step will be to address
established flying sites affiliated with our
chartered clubs, and ultimately to exclude
MA from the TFRs altogether.
Unfortunately, this will be a very long,
drawn-out process, and it is unlikely that
we will see any real relief in the
immediate future.
For now, please be patient, continue to
fly in a safe and responsible manner, and,
most importantly, continue to enjoy this
great hobby. MA
—Rich Hanson
AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs
You can find all you want to know about
AirVenture Oshkosh at www.airventure.org.
Earlier this year the EAA AirVenture
Museum debuted “Little Wings … Big
Dreams: Sport Aviation in Miniature”: a
yearlong exhibit that highlights model
aircraft builders’ craftsmanship and
ingenuity. It was created as a joint effort
with assistance from and EAA and AMA
museum directors.
For the duration of this 2010 display,
the museum will admit AMA members at
no cost when they present their
membership cards. In return, the
National Model Aviation Museum in
Muncie, Indiana, will be free to EAA
members who show their membership
cards throughout the remainder of the
year.
In addition, there will be a free
reception at the AirVenture museum on
July 24 to highlight the
interorganizational partnership and the
model aviation exhibit. To register, go to
https://t2.clicknprint.com/tix/SilverStrea
m/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=2755.
And hurry; it’s open to only the first
300 people who sign up. MA
—AMA HQ
You can find all you want to know about
AirVenture Oshkosh at www.airventure.org.
Earlier this year the EAA AirVenture
Museum debuted “Little Wings … Big
Dreams: Sport Aviation in Miniature”: a
yearlong exhibit that highlights model
aircraft builders’ craftsmanship and
ingenuity. It was created as a joint effort
with assistance from and EAA and AMA
museum directors.
For the duration of this 2010 display,
the museum will admit AMA members at
no cost when they present their
membership cards. In return, the
National Model Aviation Museum in
Muncie, Indiana, will be free to EAA
members who show their membership
cards throughout the remainder of the
year.
In addition, there will be a free
reception at the AirVenture museum on
July 24 to highlight the
interorganizational partnership and the
model aviation exhibit. To register, go to
https://t2.clicknprint.com/tix/SilverStrea
m/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=2755.
And hurry; it’s open to only the first
300 people who sign up. MA
—AMA HQ
12 MODEL AVIATION
INtheAIR
As do most organizations, the Vintage
Radio Control Society (VR/CS) has an online
discussion group. When it was announced that
Ed Kazmirski’s Taurus would be auctioned, a
few of us members thought that as an AMA
SIG devoted to preserving RC history, we
needed to try to acquire this special model and
donate it to AMA’s National Model Aviation
Museum.
VR/CS members soon chimed in with,
“Put me in for $10,” “Me too,” or “Put me in
for $20.” We soon realized that this historical
aircraft would fetch a premium price when a
new, unknown bidder came onto the scene,
putting the model far out of the average
person’s reach.
We needed more than a casual effort if we
were to be successful; we needed to pool our
resources. From that point on, a grassroots
effort spontaneously took hold within the
membership.
Eventually we organized 13 contributors,
with our historian, Giuseppe (Beppe) Fascione,
pledging $1,500 to help make ours the winning
bid. With such an example to follow, other
VR/CS members contributed $500, $100, or
whatever they could afford. It was a great
coming-together for a common cause.
As the auction deadline approached, the
mystery man was still in the lead with a bid of
$1,800. But our group had already raised and
were prepared to pay essentially whatever it
took. As time ran out, the bid jumped to more
than $2,900 as the mystery bidder made his or
her final offer, but we had it covered.
So who was the unknown bidder? An Ed
Kazmirski fan from Japan. He later identified
himself on the RC Universe thread and
congratulated VR/CS on the win. He said that
he would have (eventually) donated the
aircraft to the AMA museum, but the final
outcome (and keeping it in the US) worked
out best.
Ed’s most famous Taurus was displayed at
a number of shows and VR/CS events before
it formally joined one of his Orions in a
special donation event at the AMA museum in
Muncie, Indiana.
The Taurus is in beautiful condition. Drop
by the museum to see it when you’re in the
area and take a look at some aeromodeling
history.
While you’re at it, you can obtain a copy
of the original Taurus construction article that
Ed Kazmirski wrote, which was published in
the January 1963 Model Airplane News. AMA
Archivist Jackie Shalberg will provide it to
you for a modest fee. MA
—Duane Wilson
District IV
VR/CS Wins
Famous Taurus
in Auction for
AMA
Top 10 Reasons Why Your Club Should Adopt a School
Right: Mr. Bodily’s
4th-grade class,
with Valley Wide
RC Electric Club
members in back.
L-R: Jack Wilson,
Jeff Barker, David
Chizlett, John
Gluth, Ralph
SanGiovani, Tim
Bailiff, Ron
Hudson, and
David Martin.
Mackey photo.
10. It is a lot of
fun.
9. The youth of
this generation
needs your club’s
positive influence.
8. This is an opportunity to give back to our hobby.
7. It will make AMA President David Mathewson smile.
6. You might find your club’s name in an MA vice president’s
column.
5. It will spark interest in your club’s activities.
4. Your family and friends will be proud of you.
3. It will help answer the question of who has the most fun: children
or club members.
2. It will help your local school through these tough economic times.
1. It will make the world a little nicer.
Q: What do you mean by “adopt a school”?
A: Sharing the joy of your hobby with a school in your area.
Q: How do we get started?
A: Discuss it at your club meeting. If you have enough willing
people, discuss
what type of
program will best
match your club’s
talents and fit your
school’s facilities.
It can be a
small program
that takes place in
a classroom or a
large outdoor
program that
includes flying
demonstrations or
buddy-box
training.
Q: Can our club
get help?
A: Absolutely. The AMA’s education program has much
information, available for the asking. Contact AMA’s
Education Program Development and Outreach person, Gordon
Schimmel, at [email protected], or me through our club,
the Valley Wide RC Electric Club, at [email protected].
Q: How do we go about setting up a program with the school?
A: Be prepared. Make a brief outline of what you want to do.
Arm yourself with information about the AMA; a couple issues
of MA will help—especially my piece on page 11 of the
January 2010 issue.
Make an appointment with the principal and give it your
best shot. You can do this! Good luck! MA
—Charles Mackey
District X
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/08
Page Numbers: 9,10,11,12
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/08
Page Numbers: 9,10,11,12
August 2010 9
INtheAIR
AMA HEADQUARTERS AND MEMBER NEWS
By now I’m guessing most everyone has
at least heard the term “TFR” and perhaps
even been affected by one. A Temporary
Flight Restriction is a type of Notice to
Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the FAA that
defines an area with restricted air travel due
to a hazardous condition, a special event, or
a general warning for the entire airspace.
In the past, TFRs were primarily used to
restrict air traffic over extraordinary groundbased
situations to protect the individuals
involved and to facilitate the ingress and
egress of aircraft working the situation.
Typically TFRs are used to facilitate
firefighting efforts, law-enforcement
situations, and rescue operations during
natural disasters.
At times they are used during large
spectator events and open-air assemblies
such as air shows and sporting events. They
are also used during serious mishaps such as
airplane crashes and most recently the Gulf
oil spill.
Since the terrorist attacks on September
11, 2001, TFRs have been increasingly used
for security purposes to thwart potential
terrorist activity. They are now being used
to protect VIP travel around the country,
high-profile international events such as the
G-20 Summit and the Olympics, and NASA
activities such as space shuttle operations at
the Kennedy Space Center.
Until recently, model aviation (MA) was
not significantly affected when a TFR was
issued. However, in the post-September 11
era, model airplanes have come under much
closer scrutiny and the performance
capabilities of the current MA technology
has heightened the perceived threat
attributed to model aircraft.
The perceived threat has been
accentuated by the advancements in the
unmanned aircraft (UAV/UAS) arena and
the lethal capability of the UAS operating in
the Middle East. Unfortunately from a
regulatory standpoint, we’re now closely
tied to commercial- and public-use UAS
and, to an extent, viewed as presenting a
similar security threat.
TFRs come in all shapes and sizes, and
fortunately MA is only affected by those
with the most stringent restrictions. TFRs
affecting MA were first issued in 2004, as
part of the security measures put in place for
the Republican and Democratic National
Conventions.
In January 2009, a TFR was issued to
cover the activities and events leading up to
and including the presidential inauguration.
A permanent MA restriction was thereafter
enacted for the Washington Metropolitan
Temporary Flight Restrictions Affect MA
Flight Restriction Zone surrounding the
nation’s capital.
Since then, more than 100 TFRs have
been issued restricting model airplane
operations in locations across the country.
TFRs are usually in effect for anywhere from
a few hours to a few days; however, some
have restricted MA activities for several
weeks.
TFRs that have an impact on MA
typically involve a 60-nautical-mile (69
statute mile) outer circle and a 10-nauticalmile
inner circle around a given set of
coordinates. The outer circle establishes a
3,737-square-mile area in which model
airplane operations are prohibited during the
specified times of the TFR. The inner circle
establishes an area in which heightened
restrictions are imposed on manned aviation.
The prohibition of model airplane
operations is specifically stated in the TFR in
a paragraph restricting all sport aviation
groups:
“The following operations are not
authorized within this TFR: flight training,
practice instrument approaches, aerobatic
flight, glider operations, parachute
operations, ultralight, hang gliding,
balloon operations, agriculture/crop
dusting, animal population control flight
operations, banner towing operations,
seaplane operations, sightseeing
operations, maintenance test flights, model
aircraft operations, model rocketry, and
unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).”
From a security standpoint, the concept is
to create a “sterile” area in which all
nonessential air traffic is grounded and in
which only those aircraft that are under
positive air traffic control are allowed to fly.
As such, anything else that pops up is
immediately considered suspect.
The FAA enacts and administers TFRs.
However, the establishment and execution of
the restrictions are a joint effort involving
numerous federal, state, and local agencies
including the Secret Service, Federal Bureau
of Investigation, Department of Homeland
Security, US Department of Justice, and US
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, just
to name a few.
Although, on occasion, Flight Advisories
are published in advance when TFRs are
anticipated for upcoming events, TFR
notices are typically distributed 24-48 hours
before implementation. The short lead time
is itself a security measure but brings with it
the challenge of getting the information out
to those affected by the restrictions.
The AMA is committed to keeping its
members informed and is doing everything
possible to get TFR information out to the
membership in a timely manner. The
Academy is currently included in the initial
e-mail distribution used in publishing the
TFRs.
When a new TFR notice comes in, it is
immediately posted on Twitter, the AMA
Web site, and the AMA news scroll and
RSS feed. The AMA membership records
and club roster are searched, and an e-mail
distribution is sent to all members and clubs
in the affected area.
Any changes or updates to the TFR are
posted to the Web and Twitter. Members
can find the most up-to-date information by
logging on to the AMA Web site or by
following AMAGov at “Twitter.com/
amagov.
From a modeler’s point of view, the first
reaction might be, “You’ve got to be
kidding me!” and the inclination may be to
huff at it and ignore the TFR. But believe
me, this is serious business.
Under federal regulation, the US
government may “pursue criminal charges”
or “use deadly force against an aircraft if it
is determined that the aircraft poses an
imminent security threat.” I, for one, would
not want to be the one to test the waters.
That having been said, AMA clearly
believes that the security threat attributed to
model airplanes is grossly overstated and
that the security measures imposed are
overreaching and excessive.
The AMA is currently working with the
NAA (National Aeronautic Association)
and the other sport-aviation groups in an
effort to open dialogue with the FAA
Special Operations Security Center toward
obtaining relief for our members and the
modeling community in general. The first
step will be to address AMA sanctioned
events for which abrupt cancellation poses
a demonstrative impact and an undue
economic hardship.
The next step will be to address
established flying sites affiliated with our
chartered clubs, and ultimately to exclude
MA from the TFRs altogether.
Unfortunately, this will be a very long,
drawn-out process, and it is unlikely that
we will see any real relief in the
immediate future.
For now, please be patient, continue to
fly in a safe and responsible manner, and,
most importantly, continue to enjoy this
great hobby. MA
—Rich Hanson
AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs
You can find all you want to know about
AirVenture Oshkosh at www.airventure.org.
Earlier this year the EAA AirVenture
Museum debuted “Little Wings … Big
Dreams: Sport Aviation in Miniature”: a
yearlong exhibit that highlights model
aircraft builders’ craftsmanship and
ingenuity. It was created as a joint effort
with assistance from and EAA and AMA
museum directors.
For the duration of this 2010 display,
the museum will admit AMA members at
no cost when they present their
membership cards. In return, the
National Model Aviation Museum in
Muncie, Indiana, will be free to EAA
members who show their membership
cards throughout the remainder of the
year.
In addition, there will be a free
reception at the AirVenture museum on
July 24 to highlight the
interorganizational partnership and the
model aviation exhibit. To register, go to
https://t2.clicknprint.com/tix/SilverStrea
m/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=2755.
And hurry; it’s open to only the first
300 people who sign up. MA
—AMA HQ
You can find all you want to know about
AirVenture Oshkosh at www.airventure.org.
Earlier this year the EAA AirVenture
Museum debuted “Little Wings … Big
Dreams: Sport Aviation in Miniature”: a
yearlong exhibit that highlights model
aircraft builders’ craftsmanship and
ingenuity. It was created as a joint effort
with assistance from and EAA and AMA
museum directors.
For the duration of this 2010 display,
the museum will admit AMA members at
no cost when they present their
membership cards. In return, the
National Model Aviation Museum in
Muncie, Indiana, will be free to EAA
members who show their membership
cards throughout the remainder of the
year.
In addition, there will be a free
reception at the AirVenture museum on
July 24 to highlight the
interorganizational partnership and the
model aviation exhibit. To register, go to
https://t2.clicknprint.com/tix/SilverStrea
m/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=2755.
And hurry; it’s open to only the first
300 people who sign up. MA
—AMA HQ
12 MODEL AVIATION
INtheAIR
As do most organizations, the Vintage
Radio Control Society (VR/CS) has an online
discussion group. When it was announced that
Ed Kazmirski’s Taurus would be auctioned, a
few of us members thought that as an AMA
SIG devoted to preserving RC history, we
needed to try to acquire this special model and
donate it to AMA’s National Model Aviation
Museum.
VR/CS members soon chimed in with,
“Put me in for $10,” “Me too,” or “Put me in
for $20.” We soon realized that this historical
aircraft would fetch a premium price when a
new, unknown bidder came onto the scene,
putting the model far out of the average
person’s reach.
We needed more than a casual effort if we
were to be successful; we needed to pool our
resources. From that point on, a grassroots
effort spontaneously took hold within the
membership.
Eventually we organized 13 contributors,
with our historian, Giuseppe (Beppe) Fascione,
pledging $1,500 to help make ours the winning
bid. With such an example to follow, other
VR/CS members contributed $500, $100, or
whatever they could afford. It was a great
coming-together for a common cause.
As the auction deadline approached, the
mystery man was still in the lead with a bid of
$1,800. But our group had already raised and
were prepared to pay essentially whatever it
took. As time ran out, the bid jumped to more
than $2,900 as the mystery bidder made his or
her final offer, but we had it covered.
So who was the unknown bidder? An Ed
Kazmirski fan from Japan. He later identified
himself on the RC Universe thread and
congratulated VR/CS on the win. He said that
he would have (eventually) donated the
aircraft to the AMA museum, but the final
outcome (and keeping it in the US) worked
out best.
Ed’s most famous Taurus was displayed at
a number of shows and VR/CS events before
it formally joined one of his Orions in a
special donation event at the AMA museum in
Muncie, Indiana.
The Taurus is in beautiful condition. Drop
by the museum to see it when you’re in the
area and take a look at some aeromodeling
history.
While you’re at it, you can obtain a copy
of the original Taurus construction article that
Ed Kazmirski wrote, which was published in
the January 1963 Model Airplane News. AMA
Archivist Jackie Shalberg will provide it to
you for a modest fee. MA
—Duane Wilson
District IV
VR/CS Wins
Famous Taurus
in Auction for
AMA
Top 10 Reasons Why Your Club Should Adopt a School
Right: Mr. Bodily’s
4th-grade class,
with Valley Wide
RC Electric Club
members in back.
L-R: Jack Wilson,
Jeff Barker, David
Chizlett, John
Gluth, Ralph
SanGiovani, Tim
Bailiff, Ron
Hudson, and
David Martin.
Mackey photo.
10. It is a lot of
fun.
9. The youth of
this generation
needs your club’s
positive influence.
8. This is an opportunity to give back to our hobby.
7. It will make AMA President David Mathewson smile.
6. You might find your club’s name in an MA vice president’s
column.
5. It will spark interest in your club’s activities.
4. Your family and friends will be proud of you.
3. It will help answer the question of who has the most fun: children
or club members.
2. It will help your local school through these tough economic times.
1. It will make the world a little nicer.
Q: What do you mean by “adopt a school”?
A: Sharing the joy of your hobby with a school in your area.
Q: How do we get started?
A: Discuss it at your club meeting. If you have enough willing
people, discuss
what type of
program will best
match your club’s
talents and fit your
school’s facilities.
It can be a
small program
that takes place in
a classroom or a
large outdoor
program that
includes flying
demonstrations or
buddy-box
training.
Q: Can our club
get help?
A: Absolutely. The AMA’s education program has much
information, available for the asking. Contact AMA’s
Education Program Development and Outreach person, Gordon
Schimmel, at [email protected], or me through our club,
the Valley Wide RC Electric Club, at [email protected].
Q: How do we go about setting up a program with the school?
A: Be prepared. Make a brief outline of what you want to do.
Arm yourself with information about the AMA; a couple issues
of MA will help—especially my piece on page 11 of the
January 2010 issue.
Make an appointment with the principal and give it your
best shot. You can do this! Good luck! MA
—Charles Mackey
District X
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/08
Page Numbers: 9,10,11,12
August 2010 9
INtheAIR
AMA HEADQUARTERS AND MEMBER NEWS
By now I’m guessing most everyone has
at least heard the term “TFR” and perhaps
even been affected by one. A Temporary
Flight Restriction is a type of Notice to
Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the FAA that
defines an area with restricted air travel due
to a hazardous condition, a special event, or
a general warning for the entire airspace.
In the past, TFRs were primarily used to
restrict air traffic over extraordinary groundbased
situations to protect the individuals
involved and to facilitate the ingress and
egress of aircraft working the situation.
Typically TFRs are used to facilitate
firefighting efforts, law-enforcement
situations, and rescue operations during
natural disasters.
At times they are used during large
spectator events and open-air assemblies
such as air shows and sporting events. They
are also used during serious mishaps such as
airplane crashes and most recently the Gulf
oil spill.
Since the terrorist attacks on September
11, 2001, TFRs have been increasingly used
for security purposes to thwart potential
terrorist activity. They are now being used
to protect VIP travel around the country,
high-profile international events such as the
G-20 Summit and the Olympics, and NASA
activities such as space shuttle operations at
the Kennedy Space Center.
Until recently, model aviation (MA) was
not significantly affected when a TFR was
issued. However, in the post-September 11
era, model airplanes have come under much
closer scrutiny and the performance
capabilities of the current MA technology
has heightened the perceived threat
attributed to model aircraft.
The perceived threat has been
accentuated by the advancements in the
unmanned aircraft (UAV/UAS) arena and
the lethal capability of the UAS operating in
the Middle East. Unfortunately from a
regulatory standpoint, we’re now closely
tied to commercial- and public-use UAS
and, to an extent, viewed as presenting a
similar security threat.
TFRs come in all shapes and sizes, and
fortunately MA is only affected by those
with the most stringent restrictions. TFRs
affecting MA were first issued in 2004, as
part of the security measures put in place for
the Republican and Democratic National
Conventions.
In January 2009, a TFR was issued to
cover the activities and events leading up to
and including the presidential inauguration.
A permanent MA restriction was thereafter
enacted for the Washington Metropolitan
Temporary Flight Restrictions Affect MA
Flight Restriction Zone surrounding the
nation’s capital.
Since then, more than 100 TFRs have
been issued restricting model airplane
operations in locations across the country.
TFRs are usually in effect for anywhere from
a few hours to a few days; however, some
have restricted MA activities for several
weeks.
TFRs that have an impact on MA
typically involve a 60-nautical-mile (69
statute mile) outer circle and a 10-nauticalmile
inner circle around a given set of
coordinates. The outer circle establishes a
3,737-square-mile area in which model
airplane operations are prohibited during the
specified times of the TFR. The inner circle
establishes an area in which heightened
restrictions are imposed on manned aviation.
The prohibition of model airplane
operations is specifically stated in the TFR in
a paragraph restricting all sport aviation
groups:
“The following operations are not
authorized within this TFR: flight training,
practice instrument approaches, aerobatic
flight, glider operations, parachute
operations, ultralight, hang gliding,
balloon operations, agriculture/crop
dusting, animal population control flight
operations, banner towing operations,
seaplane operations, sightseeing
operations, maintenance test flights, model
aircraft operations, model rocketry, and
unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).”
From a security standpoint, the concept is
to create a “sterile” area in which all
nonessential air traffic is grounded and in
which only those aircraft that are under
positive air traffic control are allowed to fly.
As such, anything else that pops up is
immediately considered suspect.
The FAA enacts and administers TFRs.
However, the establishment and execution of
the restrictions are a joint effort involving
numerous federal, state, and local agencies
including the Secret Service, Federal Bureau
of Investigation, Department of Homeland
Security, US Department of Justice, and US
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, just
to name a few.
Although, on occasion, Flight Advisories
are published in advance when TFRs are
anticipated for upcoming events, TFR
notices are typically distributed 24-48 hours
before implementation. The short lead time
is itself a security measure but brings with it
the challenge of getting the information out
to those affected by the restrictions.
The AMA is committed to keeping its
members informed and is doing everything
possible to get TFR information out to the
membership in a timely manner. The
Academy is currently included in the initial
e-mail distribution used in publishing the
TFRs.
When a new TFR notice comes in, it is
immediately posted on Twitter, the AMA
Web site, and the AMA news scroll and
RSS feed. The AMA membership records
and club roster are searched, and an e-mail
distribution is sent to all members and clubs
in the affected area.
Any changes or updates to the TFR are
posted to the Web and Twitter. Members
can find the most up-to-date information by
logging on to the AMA Web site or by
following AMAGov at “Twitter.com/
amagov.
From a modeler’s point of view, the first
reaction might be, “You’ve got to be
kidding me!” and the inclination may be to
huff at it and ignore the TFR. But believe
me, this is serious business.
Under federal regulation, the US
government may “pursue criminal charges”
or “use deadly force against an aircraft if it
is determined that the aircraft poses an
imminent security threat.” I, for one, would
not want to be the one to test the waters.
That having been said, AMA clearly
believes that the security threat attributed to
model airplanes is grossly overstated and
that the security measures imposed are
overreaching and excessive.
The AMA is currently working with the
NAA (National Aeronautic Association)
and the other sport-aviation groups in an
effort to open dialogue with the FAA
Special Operations Security Center toward
obtaining relief for our members and the
modeling community in general. The first
step will be to address AMA sanctioned
events for which abrupt cancellation poses
a demonstrative impact and an undue
economic hardship.
The next step will be to address
established flying sites affiliated with our
chartered clubs, and ultimately to exclude
MA from the TFRs altogether.
Unfortunately, this will be a very long,
drawn-out process, and it is unlikely that
we will see any real relief in the
immediate future.
For now, please be patient, continue to
fly in a safe and responsible manner, and,
most importantly, continue to enjoy this
great hobby. MA
—Rich Hanson
AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs
You can find all you want to know about
AirVenture Oshkosh at www.airventure.org.
Earlier this year the EAA AirVenture
Museum debuted “Little Wings … Big
Dreams: Sport Aviation in Miniature”: a
yearlong exhibit that highlights model
aircraft builders’ craftsmanship and
ingenuity. It was created as a joint effort
with assistance from and EAA and AMA
museum directors.
For the duration of this 2010 display,
the museum will admit AMA members at
no cost when they present their
membership cards. In return, the
National Model Aviation Museum in
Muncie, Indiana, will be free to EAA
members who show their membership
cards throughout the remainder of the
year.
In addition, there will be a free
reception at the AirVenture museum on
July 24 to highlight the
interorganizational partnership and the
model aviation exhibit. To register, go to
https://t2.clicknprint.com/tix/SilverStrea
m/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=2755.
And hurry; it’s open to only the first
300 people who sign up. MA
—AMA HQ
You can find all you want to know about
AirVenture Oshkosh at www.airventure.org.
Earlier this year the EAA AirVenture
Museum debuted “Little Wings … Big
Dreams: Sport Aviation in Miniature”: a
yearlong exhibit that highlights model
aircraft builders’ craftsmanship and
ingenuity. It was created as a joint effort
with assistance from and EAA and AMA
museum directors.
For the duration of this 2010 display,
the museum will admit AMA members at
no cost when they present their
membership cards. In return, the
National Model Aviation Museum in
Muncie, Indiana, will be free to EAA
members who show their membership
cards throughout the remainder of the
year.
In addition, there will be a free
reception at the AirVenture museum on
July 24 to highlight the
interorganizational partnership and the
model aviation exhibit. To register, go to
https://t2.clicknprint.com/tix/SilverStrea
m/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=2755.
And hurry; it’s open to only the first
300 people who sign up. MA
—AMA HQ
12 MODEL AVIATION
INtheAIR
As do most organizations, the Vintage
Radio Control Society (VR/CS) has an online
discussion group. When it was announced that
Ed Kazmirski’s Taurus would be auctioned, a
few of us members thought that as an AMA
SIG devoted to preserving RC history, we
needed to try to acquire this special model and
donate it to AMA’s National Model Aviation
Museum.
VR/CS members soon chimed in with,
“Put me in for $10,” “Me too,” or “Put me in
for $20.” We soon realized that this historical
aircraft would fetch a premium price when a
new, unknown bidder came onto the scene,
putting the model far out of the average
person’s reach.
We needed more than a casual effort if we
were to be successful; we needed to pool our
resources. From that point on, a grassroots
effort spontaneously took hold within the
membership.
Eventually we organized 13 contributors,
with our historian, Giuseppe (Beppe) Fascione,
pledging $1,500 to help make ours the winning
bid. With such an example to follow, other
VR/CS members contributed $500, $100, or
whatever they could afford. It was a great
coming-together for a common cause.
As the auction deadline approached, the
mystery man was still in the lead with a bid of
$1,800. But our group had already raised and
were prepared to pay essentially whatever it
took. As time ran out, the bid jumped to more
than $2,900 as the mystery bidder made his or
her final offer, but we had it covered.
So who was the unknown bidder? An Ed
Kazmirski fan from Japan. He later identified
himself on the RC Universe thread and
congratulated VR/CS on the win. He said that
he would have (eventually) donated the
aircraft to the AMA museum, but the final
outcome (and keeping it in the US) worked
out best.
Ed’s most famous Taurus was displayed at
a number of shows and VR/CS events before
it formally joined one of his Orions in a
special donation event at the AMA museum in
Muncie, Indiana.
The Taurus is in beautiful condition. Drop
by the museum to see it when you’re in the
area and take a look at some aeromodeling
history.
While you’re at it, you can obtain a copy
of the original Taurus construction article that
Ed Kazmirski wrote, which was published in
the January 1963 Model Airplane News. AMA
Archivist Jackie Shalberg will provide it to
you for a modest fee. MA
—Duane Wilson
District IV
VR/CS Wins
Famous Taurus
in Auction for
AMA
Top 10 Reasons Why Your Club Should Adopt a School
Right: Mr. Bodily’s
4th-grade class,
with Valley Wide
RC Electric Club
members in back.
L-R: Jack Wilson,
Jeff Barker, David
Chizlett, John
Gluth, Ralph
SanGiovani, Tim
Bailiff, Ron
Hudson, and
David Martin.
Mackey photo.
10. It is a lot of
fun.
9. The youth of
this generation
needs your club’s
positive influence.
8. This is an opportunity to give back to our hobby.
7. It will make AMA President David Mathewson smile.
6. You might find your club’s name in an MA vice president’s
column.
5. It will spark interest in your club’s activities.
4. Your family and friends will be proud of you.
3. It will help answer the question of who has the most fun: children
or club members.
2. It will help your local school through these tough economic times.
1. It will make the world a little nicer.
Q: What do you mean by “adopt a school”?
A: Sharing the joy of your hobby with a school in your area.
Q: How do we get started?
A: Discuss it at your club meeting. If you have enough willing
people, discuss
what type of
program will best
match your club’s
talents and fit your
school’s facilities.
It can be a
small program
that takes place in
a classroom or a
large outdoor
program that
includes flying
demonstrations or
buddy-box
training.
Q: Can our club
get help?
A: Absolutely. The AMA’s education program has much
information, available for the asking. Contact AMA’s
Education Program Development and Outreach person, Gordon
Schimmel, at [email protected], or me through our club,
the Valley Wide RC Electric Club, at [email protected].
Q: How do we go about setting up a program with the school?
A: Be prepared. Make a brief outline of what you want to do.
Arm yourself with information about the AMA; a couple issues
of MA will help—especially my piece on page 11 of the
January 2010 issue.
Make an appointment with the principal and give it your
best shot. You can do this! Good luck! MA
—Charles Mackey
District X
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/08
Page Numbers: 9,10,11,12
August 2010 9
INtheAIR
AMA HEADQUARTERS AND MEMBER NEWS
By now I’m guessing most everyone has
at least heard the term “TFR” and perhaps
even been affected by one. A Temporary
Flight Restriction is a type of Notice to
Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the FAA that
defines an area with restricted air travel due
to a hazardous condition, a special event, or
a general warning for the entire airspace.
In the past, TFRs were primarily used to
restrict air traffic over extraordinary groundbased
situations to protect the individuals
involved and to facilitate the ingress and
egress of aircraft working the situation.
Typically TFRs are used to facilitate
firefighting efforts, law-enforcement
situations, and rescue operations during
natural disasters.
At times they are used during large
spectator events and open-air assemblies
such as air shows and sporting events. They
are also used during serious mishaps such as
airplane crashes and most recently the Gulf
oil spill.
Since the terrorist attacks on September
11, 2001, TFRs have been increasingly used
for security purposes to thwart potential
terrorist activity. They are now being used
to protect VIP travel around the country,
high-profile international events such as the
G-20 Summit and the Olympics, and NASA
activities such as space shuttle operations at
the Kennedy Space Center.
Until recently, model aviation (MA) was
not significantly affected when a TFR was
issued. However, in the post-September 11
era, model airplanes have come under much
closer scrutiny and the performance
capabilities of the current MA technology
has heightened the perceived threat
attributed to model aircraft.
The perceived threat has been
accentuated by the advancements in the
unmanned aircraft (UAV/UAS) arena and
the lethal capability of the UAS operating in
the Middle East. Unfortunately from a
regulatory standpoint, we’re now closely
tied to commercial- and public-use UAS
and, to an extent, viewed as presenting a
similar security threat.
TFRs come in all shapes and sizes, and
fortunately MA is only affected by those
with the most stringent restrictions. TFRs
affecting MA were first issued in 2004, as
part of the security measures put in place for
the Republican and Democratic National
Conventions.
In January 2009, a TFR was issued to
cover the activities and events leading up to
and including the presidential inauguration.
A permanent MA restriction was thereafter
enacted for the Washington Metropolitan
Temporary Flight Restrictions Affect MA
Flight Restriction Zone surrounding the
nation’s capital.
Since then, more than 100 TFRs have
been issued restricting model airplane
operations in locations across the country.
TFRs are usually in effect for anywhere from
a few hours to a few days; however, some
have restricted MA activities for several
weeks.
TFRs that have an impact on MA
typically involve a 60-nautical-mile (69
statute mile) outer circle and a 10-nauticalmile
inner circle around a given set of
coordinates. The outer circle establishes a
3,737-square-mile area in which model
airplane operations are prohibited during the
specified times of the TFR. The inner circle
establishes an area in which heightened
restrictions are imposed on manned aviation.
The prohibition of model airplane
operations is specifically stated in the TFR in
a paragraph restricting all sport aviation
groups:
“The following operations are not
authorized within this TFR: flight training,
practice instrument approaches, aerobatic
flight, glider operations, parachute
operations, ultralight, hang gliding,
balloon operations, agriculture/crop
dusting, animal population control flight
operations, banner towing operations,
seaplane operations, sightseeing
operations, maintenance test flights, model
aircraft operations, model rocketry, and
unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).”
From a security standpoint, the concept is
to create a “sterile” area in which all
nonessential air traffic is grounded and in
which only those aircraft that are under
positive air traffic control are allowed to fly.
As such, anything else that pops up is
immediately considered suspect.
The FAA enacts and administers TFRs.
However, the establishment and execution of
the restrictions are a joint effort involving
numerous federal, state, and local agencies
including the Secret Service, Federal Bureau
of Investigation, Department of Homeland
Security, US Department of Justice, and US
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, just
to name a few.
Although, on occasion, Flight Advisories
are published in advance when TFRs are
anticipated for upcoming events, TFR
notices are typically distributed 24-48 hours
before implementation. The short lead time
is itself a security measure but brings with it
the challenge of getting the information out
to those affected by the restrictions.
The AMA is committed to keeping its
members informed and is doing everything
possible to get TFR information out to the
membership in a timely manner. The
Academy is currently included in the initial
e-mail distribution used in publishing the
TFRs.
When a new TFR notice comes in, it is
immediately posted on Twitter, the AMA
Web site, and the AMA news scroll and
RSS feed. The AMA membership records
and club roster are searched, and an e-mail
distribution is sent to all members and clubs
in the affected area.
Any changes or updates to the TFR are
posted to the Web and Twitter. Members
can find the most up-to-date information by
logging on to the AMA Web site or by
following AMAGov at “Twitter.com/
amagov.
From a modeler’s point of view, the first
reaction might be, “You’ve got to be
kidding me!” and the inclination may be to
huff at it and ignore the TFR. But believe
me, this is serious business.
Under federal regulation, the US
government may “pursue criminal charges”
or “use deadly force against an aircraft if it
is determined that the aircraft poses an
imminent security threat.” I, for one, would
not want to be the one to test the waters.
That having been said, AMA clearly
believes that the security threat attributed to
model airplanes is grossly overstated and
that the security measures imposed are
overreaching and excessive.
The AMA is currently working with the
NAA (National Aeronautic Association)
and the other sport-aviation groups in an
effort to open dialogue with the FAA
Special Operations Security Center toward
obtaining relief for our members and the
modeling community in general. The first
step will be to address AMA sanctioned
events for which abrupt cancellation poses
a demonstrative impact and an undue
economic hardship.
The next step will be to address
established flying sites affiliated with our
chartered clubs, and ultimately to exclude
MA from the TFRs altogether.
Unfortunately, this will be a very long,
drawn-out process, and it is unlikely that
we will see any real relief in the
immediate future.
For now, please be patient, continue to
fly in a safe and responsible manner, and,
most importantly, continue to enjoy this
great hobby. MA
—Rich Hanson
AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs
You can find all you want to know about
AirVenture Oshkosh at www.airventure.org.
Earlier this year the EAA AirVenture
Museum debuted “Little Wings … Big
Dreams: Sport Aviation in Miniature”: a
yearlong exhibit that highlights model
aircraft builders’ craftsmanship and
ingenuity. It was created as a joint effort
with assistance from and EAA and AMA
museum directors.
For the duration of this 2010 display,
the museum will admit AMA members at
no cost when they present their
membership cards. In return, the
National Model Aviation Museum in
Muncie, Indiana, will be free to EAA
members who show their membership
cards throughout the remainder of the
year.
In addition, there will be a free
reception at the AirVenture museum on
July 24 to highlight the
interorganizational partnership and the
model aviation exhibit. To register, go to
https://t2.clicknprint.com/tix/SilverStrea
m/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=2755.
And hurry; it’s open to only the first
300 people who sign up. MA
—AMA HQ
You can find all you want to know about
AirVenture Oshkosh at www.airventure.org.
Earlier this year the EAA AirVenture
Museum debuted “Little Wings … Big
Dreams: Sport Aviation in Miniature”: a
yearlong exhibit that highlights model
aircraft builders’ craftsmanship and
ingenuity. It was created as a joint effort
with assistance from and EAA and AMA
museum directors.
For the duration of this 2010 display,
the museum will admit AMA members at
no cost when they present their
membership cards. In return, the
National Model Aviation Museum in
Muncie, Indiana, will be free to EAA
members who show their membership
cards throughout the remainder of the
year.
In addition, there will be a free
reception at the AirVenture museum on
July 24 to highlight the
interorganizational partnership and the
model aviation exhibit. To register, go to
https://t2.clicknprint.com/tix/SilverStrea
m/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=2755.
And hurry; it’s open to only the first
300 people who sign up. MA
—AMA HQ
12 MODEL AVIATION
INtheAIR
As do most organizations, the Vintage
Radio Control Society (VR/CS) has an online
discussion group. When it was announced that
Ed Kazmirski’s Taurus would be auctioned, a
few of us members thought that as an AMA
SIG devoted to preserving RC history, we
needed to try to acquire this special model and
donate it to AMA’s National Model Aviation
Museum.
VR/CS members soon chimed in with,
“Put me in for $10,” “Me too,” or “Put me in
for $20.” We soon realized that this historical
aircraft would fetch a premium price when a
new, unknown bidder came onto the scene,
putting the model far out of the average
person’s reach.
We needed more than a casual effort if we
were to be successful; we needed to pool our
resources. From that point on, a grassroots
effort spontaneously took hold within the
membership.
Eventually we organized 13 contributors,
with our historian, Giuseppe (Beppe) Fascione,
pledging $1,500 to help make ours the winning
bid. With such an example to follow, other
VR/CS members contributed $500, $100, or
whatever they could afford. It was a great
coming-together for a common cause.
As the auction deadline approached, the
mystery man was still in the lead with a bid of
$1,800. But our group had already raised and
were prepared to pay essentially whatever it
took. As time ran out, the bid jumped to more
than $2,900 as the mystery bidder made his or
her final offer, but we had it covered.
So who was the unknown bidder? An Ed
Kazmirski fan from Japan. He later identified
himself on the RC Universe thread and
congratulated VR/CS on the win. He said that
he would have (eventually) donated the
aircraft to the AMA museum, but the final
outcome (and keeping it in the US) worked
out best.
Ed’s most famous Taurus was displayed at
a number of shows and VR/CS events before
it formally joined one of his Orions in a
special donation event at the AMA museum in
Muncie, Indiana.
The Taurus is in beautiful condition. Drop
by the museum to see it when you’re in the
area and take a look at some aeromodeling
history.
While you’re at it, you can obtain a copy
of the original Taurus construction article that
Ed Kazmirski wrote, which was published in
the January 1963 Model Airplane News. AMA
Archivist Jackie Shalberg will provide it to
you for a modest fee. MA
—Duane Wilson
District IV
VR/CS Wins
Famous Taurus
in Auction for
AMA
Top 10 Reasons Why Your Club Should Adopt a School
Right: Mr. Bodily’s
4th-grade class,
with Valley Wide
RC Electric Club
members in back.
L-R: Jack Wilson,
Jeff Barker, David
Chizlett, John
Gluth, Ralph
SanGiovani, Tim
Bailiff, Ron
Hudson, and
David Martin.
Mackey photo.
10. It is a lot of
fun.
9. The youth of
this generation
needs your club’s
positive influence.
8. This is an opportunity to give back to our hobby.
7. It will make AMA President David Mathewson smile.
6. You might find your club’s name in an MA vice president’s
column.
5. It will spark interest in your club’s activities.
4. Your family and friends will be proud of you.
3. It will help answer the question of who has the most fun: children
or club members.
2. It will help your local school through these tough economic times.
1. It will make the world a little nicer.
Q: What do you mean by “adopt a school”?
A: Sharing the joy of your hobby with a school in your area.
Q: How do we get started?
A: Discuss it at your club meeting. If you have enough willing
people, discuss
what type of
program will best
match your club’s
talents and fit your
school’s facilities.
It can be a
small program
that takes place in
a classroom or a
large outdoor
program that
includes flying
demonstrations or
buddy-box
training.
Q: Can our club
get help?
A: Absolutely. The AMA’s education program has much
information, available for the asking. Contact AMA’s
Education Program Development and Outreach person, Gordon
Schimmel, at [email protected], or me through our club,
the Valley Wide RC Electric Club, at [email protected].
Q: How do we go about setting up a program with the school?
A: Be prepared. Make a brief outline of what you want to do.
Arm yourself with information about the AMA; a couple issues
of MA will help—especially my piece on page 11 of the
January 2010 issue.
Make an appointment with the principal and give it your
best shot. You can do this! Good luck! MA
—Charles Mackey
District X
