August 2011 9
INtheAIR
AMA HEADQUARTERS AND MEMBER NEWS
Many clubs have one. Some fortunate clubs might have
more than one. Who are they?
They are members who go above and beyond to
support model aviation, our clubs, and our members. They
do this quietly, sometimes in the background, and often
ask for little in return other than maybe the occasional
“thank you.” They might be club officers, newsletter
editors, or even members who raise their hands at club
meetings and volunteer to pull things together for the club
picnic, fly-in, or some other event.
In 1983, Carl and Beth Goldberg asked the Academy
of Model Aeronautics to help create an award to recognize
these types of individuals. Named the Carl & Beth
Goldberg Vital People Award, it was presented annually
to “vital people in the background of the modeling
movement whose efforts enhance the enjoyment of the
hobby and whose accomplishments are seldom formally
acknowledged.”
Carl Goldberg (1912-1985) was an exceptional model
aircraft designer, an aeromodeling club founder, an
educator, a business owner, and more. He is a prominent
figure in the history of the AMA and aeromodeling. Many
will recognize the Goldberg name on model kits from Carl
Goldberg Products.
AMA is pleased to continue recognizing and thanking
our members who make model aviation at the local level
more enjoyable for all of us. The Goldberg name is
certainly a legacy we want to live on through AMA and
the sport and hobby of model aviation.
All it takes is one member or club to nominate a
deserving individual. Recipients are selected by a
committee of members: one from each AMA district. The
winners will be announced in late October each year. This
is your opportunity to do something in return for that
member who works so hard to make model aviation better
for all of us.
Congratulations and thank you to the following 2010
winners named at right:
Please take this opportunity to recognize someone
special in your club. For more information about the Carl
& Beth Goldberg Vital People Award, visit
www.modelaircraft.org/files/717.pdf.
Applications will be accepted until September 15,
2011, and winners will be announced by November 10.
Please submit the application electronically to Erin Dobbs
at [email protected] at AMA HQ. MA
—MA Staff
Carl & Beth Goldberg Vital People Award
GARY WEAKS of the Skymasters Radio Control Club of
Michigan is a talented modeler and has been known to create beautiful
scaled masterpieces. He helps at numerous club events, sharing his
passion for aviation in many ways.
Gary is a full-scale pilot and participates in “Operation Cheer,”
distributing gifts to needy children throughout the state of Michigan. He
also volunteers as an instructor at the Detroit Science Center and was
involved in the creation of the first Aviation Day at the Science Center.
Gary carries his youth involvement further by coordinating an annual
outing at a local park near the Skymasters’ field that allows youngsters
the opportunity to get some stick time with Skymasters instructors.
Nominators: David Wendt and Joe Hass.
JON EARLEY of the Skyknights Aeromodeling Team was
nominated by Don Wehrheim and Ralph Warner.
Every club needs members with a variety of skills that they are willing
to apply for the good of the club. Their abilities should include a
willingness to run and/or perform duties in leadership positions; initiate
and research various club projects; inspire others with new, cutting-edge
models; build enthusiasm for club membership and projects; research
potential new flying sites; maintain the flying site for the safe activities of
the club; and produce a monthly newsletter!
For the Sky Knights, the one man who has done all of them and more
is Jon Earley from Round Lake, Illinois.
BILL CARPENTER is a member of the Wyoming
Modelers Park Association. He has been an inspiration for fliers for more
than 40 years. His ignitions are used on model aircraft and UAVs
worldwide.
Bill has helped many people get started in model aviation. His hard
work and dedication have helped his club flying field to be the best flying
field in west central Wyoming. Bill has never asked for anything in return
and he still takes the time to explain the hobby to everyone who comes
out to the field.
Sollie Cadman nominated Bill for this prestigious award.
CHARLIE VOGEL hails from Honeoye, New York.
The Genesee Valley Aeromodelers (GVAM) feel blessed to have Charles
Vogel as one of its charter members and club founders since the club’s
inception in the mid-1960s.
Charlie has helped everyone from kids to 89-year-olds. He usually
instructs two or three students each year.
The go-to guy when your engine is not running properly, Charlie is
also the man who takes care of the club tractor. He has organized events
with the Scouts throughout the years and also extends a helping hand to
members who aren’t physically able to take care of their own equipment.
In addition to all of these “behind the scenes” activities, Charlie also
took his turn as club president and secretary.
Charlie was nominated by Jim McBride and Ned Holmes.
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:18 PM Page 9
10 MODEL AVIATION
INtheAIR
The International Miniature Aircraft Association
(IMAA), the largest AMA Special Interest Group
(SIG), announced the winners of its “Build a Big Bird”
promotion at the Joe Nall Fly-In.
“Build a Big Bird” was a postal event, conceived to
promote large-scale model building. To show that big
models can also be affordable, the challenge was to
build a model under $500. Finally, we hoped to recruit
new members for the IMAA. A $1,000 first prize was
awarded for creativity and craftsmanship in each of
three categories.
The $1,000 kit and scratch-built prize went to Carl
Schurenberg, of West Chester, Ohio. Carl built a
magnificent Morane Saulnier parasol model. The $400
second-place award went to Robert Barth’s Fleet
Biplane, and third place went to Robert Moe’s 1912
Curtiss Pusher.
In the ARF category, Ken Karpinski, of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, transformed a Great Planes
Stearman to duplicate the airplane that Gus McLeod
flew to the North Pole in April 2000. Ken’s photos
included his model parked in the snow with a
miniature “North Pole” nearby. Dan Schneider won the
$400 second-place prize with his Cessna AgWagon.
Winning the $1,000 prize in the Junior category
was Johnny Aiello, age 9, of Albuquerque, New
Mexico. Johnny built the Phony Fokker Einducker that
was featured in the IMAA Giant Scale Handbook
several years ago. Ryan Karcher won a Great Planes
Reactor ARF kit for his Japanese Zero ARF entry.
We had 50 entries with the vast majority (40) in the
scratch-built and kit-built category. This shows that
IMAA is still the home of modelers who build their own
airplanes.
The judges especially struggled with the kit- and
scratch-built category, since all of the models were of
very high quality and they had only the photographs to
go by. In the end, the three judges and the event
committee all agreed on the winners who were
announced.
Congratulations to all of the winners and
participants in the “Build a Big Bird” competition. The
entries showed lots of creativity and imagination, and
made the judging very difficult. MA
—Bill Hamby
IMAA President and AMA Liaison
Johnny Aiello, age 9, won the $1,000
first prize in the Junior category.
“Build a Big Bird” Winners Announced
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:19 PM Page 10
12 MODEL AVIATION
INtheAIR
One Saturday morning, while we were
flying at the local school’s soccer field, the
teams began showing up and we started to put
our airplanes away. One of the coaches asked
why we had stopped flying and we explained.
As always, we want to befriend anyone who
shows an interest in model aviation.
We found out that he use to fly model
airplanes and invited him to join us the
following Saturday. He showed up, watched
us fly, and I’m sure someone gave him some
stick time that morning.
The following Wednesday, Gary Endersbe
received a call from the North Mankato City
Administrator, Wendell Sande, asking if we
would be interested in the city putting in a city
park just for flying model airplanes!
Apparently the coach we befriended knew the
city manager and talked to him about us.
There wasn’t a problem with us flying at
the school, but we were not always able to fly
at the field because other groups used it for
soccer, softball practice, track, and football.
The city’s offer would give us a place for
electric-powered model aircraft so we could
get together and take advantage of good
weather.
Club members involved in the project
included Gary, Bob Kurkowski, Carl Larson,
Steve Eccles, Mike Eccles, Steve Mills, and
Mike Stott. We had several meetings with
Wendell concerning a site
location. The city had a
couple of locations in
mind. One was at an existing city park
surrounded by residential property; the other
was 6 acres in the industrial park. We chose
the industrial park next to an educational
center with parking for 100 cars that we could
use.
We suggested a small paved runway for
smaller park flyers for the park, but the city
had something bigger in mind! We ended up
with a paved runway that was 75 x 150 feet,
and two grass runways for suitable for larger
electrics!
We planned a dedication for our new flying
site on May 21, 2012. The city asked us hang
airplanes in the North Mankato Library to
inform the public of the new electric aircraft
park throughout the winter. A month before
the dedication, the city and library asked us to
purchase on their behalf three complete RTF
models to be given away—one for a
youngster, one for a teen, and one for an adult.
Nearly 1,000 people entered the drawings
and we were pleased when the teenager
showed up, along with his father, at the
dedication. Club member Mike Stott gave him
his first training session.
The City Administrator Wendell Sande,
mayor, and several council members attended
the opening. More than 100 spectators came to
watch the dedication and the flying.
Since the park has opened, we’ve had a
number of individuals show an interest in
learning how to fly. So far, 12 people are in the
training program and three have soloed. On
the third Saturday of each month we provide
training for anyone who wants to try flying.
This was part of our agreement with the city.
Because we’re located next to an educational
facility, we may even plan to offer classroom
training, using a city-provided flight simulator.
The field is officially open to the public,
and with continued positive guidance from a
growing group of experienced pilots, the park
will be a successful site that will help grow the
hobby and serve as a model for other cities.
The City of North Mankato is very proud
of its parks and sporting facilities and this new
Electric Aircraft Park is a commitment to their
furthering their park systems and sporting
facilities. We thank the city and especially City
Administrator Wendell Sande.
This proves that it pays to be friendly and
promote the hobby. In this case it got us a firstclass
electric flying park! MA
—Mike Stott
[email protected]
Nor th Mankato, Minnesota,
promotes aeromodeling
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:36 PM Page 12
August 2011 13
INtheAIR
The AMA’s Government Relations Web pages, which you can
find at www.modelaircraft.org/gov, will serve as your hub of
information. There you can find background information, the latest
developments, how to contact your senators and representatives,
and even how to identify them if you don’t know who they are.
All AMA members—indeed, all who love aeromodeling—
should familiarize themselves with the issue and let your voices be
heard. MA
—AMA HQ
Let Your Voice
Be Heard!
AMA’s Model Aircraft Standards Development
Workgroup met with representatives of FAA’s
Unmanned Aircraft Program Office (UAPO) in a twoday
meeting in Greenville, South Carolina, during the
week-long 29th annual Joe Nall Memorial Fly-In.
This face-to-face meeting was a continuation of the
workgroup’s efforts to develop a set of model aircraft
standards to be used as an alternative means of
complying with the small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
(sUAS) Federal Aviation Regulation when it will be
enacted in 2013.
The 10-man workgroup has completed an
exhaustive review and assessment of model aviation,
AMA’s safety programs, and the hazards associated
with the aeromodeling activity.
During the past two years, the group’s progress
has been slightly hampered by the lack of specificity
regarding the proposed rule and directional changes
resulting from the rulemaking process. However,
despite the challenges and occasional setbacks, the
workgroup has stayed the course and continues to
work toward the development of a set of standards
that will ultimately allow the aeromodeling
enthusiasts to continue to enjoy the hobby in much
the same way as they have in the past.
In developing the standards, the workgroup has
looked to AMA’s National Model Aircraft Safety
Code and related safety programs as the basis for the
model aviation standards.
AMA’s safety program has served as the
benchmark for model aviation safety for 75 years
and has established an enviable safety record;
however, the evolution of the aeromodeling activity
and the technological advancement in the hobby in
the past several decades do merit further
consideration.
Some of the more challenging topics facing the
workgroup are the operation of high-performance
model aircraft, operations at altitude, and operations
in proximity to airports or congested airspace.
These more challenging areas will be the focus of
the workgroup over the coming weeks and months.
The group meets weekly with representatives from
the UAPO via teleconference and webinar and
periodically meets face-to-face to focus on and
finalize the ongoing work.
Progress is often slow and methodical and much
time is spent conveying ideas and concepts and
working through issues. However, the end game is in
sight and we are confident we’ll achieve our goal of
having a draft of model aircraft standards available
for review by AMA members before the sUAS
Notice of Proposed Rule Making is released later this
fall.
To follow the progress of the workgroup and for
the latest on AMA’s government relations effort go
to the AMA website at www.modelaircraft.org or
“Like” us on facebook.com/amagov. MA
Model Aviation Standards Development
Workgroup Continues its Work
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:37 PM Page 13August 2011 13
INtheAIR
The AMA’s Government Relations Web pages, which you can
find at www.modelaircraft.org/gov, will serve as your hub of
information. There you can find background information, the latest
developments, how to contact your senators and representatives,
and even how to identify them if you don’t know who they are.
All AMA members—indeed, all who love aeromodeling—
should familiarize themselves with the issue and let your voices be
heard. MA
—AMA HQ
Let Your Voice
Be Heard!
AMA’s Model Aircraft Standards Development
Workgroup met with representatives of FAA’s
Unmanned Aircraft Program Office (UAPO) in a twoday
meeting in Greenville, South Carolina, during the
week-long 29th annual Joe Nall Memorial Fly-In.
This face-to-face meeting was a continuation of the
workgroup’s efforts to develop a set of model aircraft
standards to be used as an alternative means of
complying with the small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
(sUAS) Federal Aviation Regulation when it will be
enacted in 2013.
The 10-man workgroup has completed an
exhaustive review and assessment of model aviation,
AMA’s safety programs, and the hazards associated
with the aeromodeling activity.
During the past two years, the group’s progress
has been slightly hampered by the lack of specificity
regarding the proposed rule and directional changes
resulting from the rulemaking process. However,
despite the challenges and occasional setbacks, the
workgroup has stayed the course and continues to
work toward the development of a set of standards
that will ultimately allow the aeromodeling
enthusiasts to continue to enjoy the hobby in much
the same way as they have in the past.
In developing the standards, the workgroup has
looked to AMA’s National Model Aircraft Safety
Code and related safety programs as the basis for the
model aviation standards.
AMA’s safety program has served as the
benchmark for model aviation safety for 75 years
and has established an enviable safety record;
however, the evolution of the aeromodeling activity
and the technological advancement in the hobby in
the past several decades do merit further
consideration.
Some of the more challenging topics facing the
workgroup are the operation of high-performance
model aircraft, operations at altitude, and operations
in proximity to airports or congested airspace.
These more challenging areas will be the focus of
the workgroup over the coming weeks and months.
The group meets weekly with representatives from
the UAPO via teleconference and webinar and
periodically meets face-to-face to focus on and
finalize the ongoing work.
Progress is often slow and methodical and much
time is spent conveying ideas and concepts and
working through issues. However, the end game is in
sight and we are confident we’ll achieve our goal of
having a draft of model aircraft standards available
for review by AMA members before the sUAS
Notice of Proposed Rule Making is released later this
fall.
To follow the progress of the workgroup and for
the latest on AMA’s government relations effort go
to the AMA website at www.modelaircraft.org or
“Like” us on facebook.com/amagov. MA
Model Aviation Standards Development
Workgroup Continues its Work
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:37 PM Page 13
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/08
Page Numbers: 9,10,11,12,13
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/08
Page Numbers: 9,10,11,12,13
August 2011 9
INtheAIR
AMA HEADQUARTERS AND MEMBER NEWS
Many clubs have one. Some fortunate clubs might have
more than one. Who are they?
They are members who go above and beyond to
support model aviation, our clubs, and our members. They
do this quietly, sometimes in the background, and often
ask for little in return other than maybe the occasional
“thank you.” They might be club officers, newsletter
editors, or even members who raise their hands at club
meetings and volunteer to pull things together for the club
picnic, fly-in, or some other event.
In 1983, Carl and Beth Goldberg asked the Academy
of Model Aeronautics to help create an award to recognize
these types of individuals. Named the Carl & Beth
Goldberg Vital People Award, it was presented annually
to “vital people in the background of the modeling
movement whose efforts enhance the enjoyment of the
hobby and whose accomplishments are seldom formally
acknowledged.”
Carl Goldberg (1912-1985) was an exceptional model
aircraft designer, an aeromodeling club founder, an
educator, a business owner, and more. He is a prominent
figure in the history of the AMA and aeromodeling. Many
will recognize the Goldberg name on model kits from Carl
Goldberg Products.
AMA is pleased to continue recognizing and thanking
our members who make model aviation at the local level
more enjoyable for all of us. The Goldberg name is
certainly a legacy we want to live on through AMA and
the sport and hobby of model aviation.
All it takes is one member or club to nominate a
deserving individual. Recipients are selected by a
committee of members: one from each AMA district. The
winners will be announced in late October each year. This
is your opportunity to do something in return for that
member who works so hard to make model aviation better
for all of us.
Congratulations and thank you to the following 2010
winners named at right:
Please take this opportunity to recognize someone
special in your club. For more information about the Carl
& Beth Goldberg Vital People Award, visit
www.modelaircraft.org/files/717.pdf.
Applications will be accepted until September 15,
2011, and winners will be announced by November 10.
Please submit the application electronically to Erin Dobbs
at [email protected] at AMA HQ. MA
—MA Staff
Carl & Beth Goldberg Vital People Award
GARY WEAKS of the Skymasters Radio Control Club of
Michigan is a talented modeler and has been known to create beautiful
scaled masterpieces. He helps at numerous club events, sharing his
passion for aviation in many ways.
Gary is a full-scale pilot and participates in “Operation Cheer,”
distributing gifts to needy children throughout the state of Michigan. He
also volunteers as an instructor at the Detroit Science Center and was
involved in the creation of the first Aviation Day at the Science Center.
Gary carries his youth involvement further by coordinating an annual
outing at a local park near the Skymasters’ field that allows youngsters
the opportunity to get some stick time with Skymasters instructors.
Nominators: David Wendt and Joe Hass.
JON EARLEY of the Skyknights Aeromodeling Team was
nominated by Don Wehrheim and Ralph Warner.
Every club needs members with a variety of skills that they are willing
to apply for the good of the club. Their abilities should include a
willingness to run and/or perform duties in leadership positions; initiate
and research various club projects; inspire others with new, cutting-edge
models; build enthusiasm for club membership and projects; research
potential new flying sites; maintain the flying site for the safe activities of
the club; and produce a monthly newsletter!
For the Sky Knights, the one man who has done all of them and more
is Jon Earley from Round Lake, Illinois.
BILL CARPENTER is a member of the Wyoming
Modelers Park Association. He has been an inspiration for fliers for more
than 40 years. His ignitions are used on model aircraft and UAVs
worldwide.
Bill has helped many people get started in model aviation. His hard
work and dedication have helped his club flying field to be the best flying
field in west central Wyoming. Bill has never asked for anything in return
and he still takes the time to explain the hobby to everyone who comes
out to the field.
Sollie Cadman nominated Bill for this prestigious award.
CHARLIE VOGEL hails from Honeoye, New York.
The Genesee Valley Aeromodelers (GVAM) feel blessed to have Charles
Vogel as one of its charter members and club founders since the club’s
inception in the mid-1960s.
Charlie has helped everyone from kids to 89-year-olds. He usually
instructs two or three students each year.
The go-to guy when your engine is not running properly, Charlie is
also the man who takes care of the club tractor. He has organized events
with the Scouts throughout the years and also extends a helping hand to
members who aren’t physically able to take care of their own equipment.
In addition to all of these “behind the scenes” activities, Charlie also
took his turn as club president and secretary.
Charlie was nominated by Jim McBride and Ned Holmes.
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:18 PM Page 9
10 MODEL AVIATION
INtheAIR
The International Miniature Aircraft Association
(IMAA), the largest AMA Special Interest Group
(SIG), announced the winners of its “Build a Big Bird”
promotion at the Joe Nall Fly-In.
“Build a Big Bird” was a postal event, conceived to
promote large-scale model building. To show that big
models can also be affordable, the challenge was to
build a model under $500. Finally, we hoped to recruit
new members for the IMAA. A $1,000 first prize was
awarded for creativity and craftsmanship in each of
three categories.
The $1,000 kit and scratch-built prize went to Carl
Schurenberg, of West Chester, Ohio. Carl built a
magnificent Morane Saulnier parasol model. The $400
second-place award went to Robert Barth’s Fleet
Biplane, and third place went to Robert Moe’s 1912
Curtiss Pusher.
In the ARF category, Ken Karpinski, of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, transformed a Great Planes
Stearman to duplicate the airplane that Gus McLeod
flew to the North Pole in April 2000. Ken’s photos
included his model parked in the snow with a
miniature “North Pole” nearby. Dan Schneider won the
$400 second-place prize with his Cessna AgWagon.
Winning the $1,000 prize in the Junior category
was Johnny Aiello, age 9, of Albuquerque, New
Mexico. Johnny built the Phony Fokker Einducker that
was featured in the IMAA Giant Scale Handbook
several years ago. Ryan Karcher won a Great Planes
Reactor ARF kit for his Japanese Zero ARF entry.
We had 50 entries with the vast majority (40) in the
scratch-built and kit-built category. This shows that
IMAA is still the home of modelers who build their own
airplanes.
The judges especially struggled with the kit- and
scratch-built category, since all of the models were of
very high quality and they had only the photographs to
go by. In the end, the three judges and the event
committee all agreed on the winners who were
announced.
Congratulations to all of the winners and
participants in the “Build a Big Bird” competition. The
entries showed lots of creativity and imagination, and
made the judging very difficult. MA
—Bill Hamby
IMAA President and AMA Liaison
Johnny Aiello, age 9, won the $1,000
first prize in the Junior category.
“Build a Big Bird” Winners Announced
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:19 PM Page 10
12 MODEL AVIATION
INtheAIR
One Saturday morning, while we were
flying at the local school’s soccer field, the
teams began showing up and we started to put
our airplanes away. One of the coaches asked
why we had stopped flying and we explained.
As always, we want to befriend anyone who
shows an interest in model aviation.
We found out that he use to fly model
airplanes and invited him to join us the
following Saturday. He showed up, watched
us fly, and I’m sure someone gave him some
stick time that morning.
The following Wednesday, Gary Endersbe
received a call from the North Mankato City
Administrator, Wendell Sande, asking if we
would be interested in the city putting in a city
park just for flying model airplanes!
Apparently the coach we befriended knew the
city manager and talked to him about us.
There wasn’t a problem with us flying at
the school, but we were not always able to fly
at the field because other groups used it for
soccer, softball practice, track, and football.
The city’s offer would give us a place for
electric-powered model aircraft so we could
get together and take advantage of good
weather.
Club members involved in the project
included Gary, Bob Kurkowski, Carl Larson,
Steve Eccles, Mike Eccles, Steve Mills, and
Mike Stott. We had several meetings with
Wendell concerning a site
location. The city had a
couple of locations in
mind. One was at an existing city park
surrounded by residential property; the other
was 6 acres in the industrial park. We chose
the industrial park next to an educational
center with parking for 100 cars that we could
use.
We suggested a small paved runway for
smaller park flyers for the park, but the city
had something bigger in mind! We ended up
with a paved runway that was 75 x 150 feet,
and two grass runways for suitable for larger
electrics!
We planned a dedication for our new flying
site on May 21, 2012. The city asked us hang
airplanes in the North Mankato Library to
inform the public of the new electric aircraft
park throughout the winter. A month before
the dedication, the city and library asked us to
purchase on their behalf three complete RTF
models to be given away—one for a
youngster, one for a teen, and one for an adult.
Nearly 1,000 people entered the drawings
and we were pleased when the teenager
showed up, along with his father, at the
dedication. Club member Mike Stott gave him
his first training session.
The City Administrator Wendell Sande,
mayor, and several council members attended
the opening. More than 100 spectators came to
watch the dedication and the flying.
Since the park has opened, we’ve had a
number of individuals show an interest in
learning how to fly. So far, 12 people are in the
training program and three have soloed. On
the third Saturday of each month we provide
training for anyone who wants to try flying.
This was part of our agreement with the city.
Because we’re located next to an educational
facility, we may even plan to offer classroom
training, using a city-provided flight simulator.
The field is officially open to the public,
and with continued positive guidance from a
growing group of experienced pilots, the park
will be a successful site that will help grow the
hobby and serve as a model for other cities.
The City of North Mankato is very proud
of its parks and sporting facilities and this new
Electric Aircraft Park is a commitment to their
furthering their park systems and sporting
facilities. We thank the city and especially City
Administrator Wendell Sande.
This proves that it pays to be friendly and
promote the hobby. In this case it got us a firstclass
electric flying park! MA
—Mike Stott
[email protected]
Nor th Mankato, Minnesota,
promotes aeromodeling
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:36 PM Page 12
August 2011 13
INtheAIR
The AMA’s Government Relations Web pages, which you can
find at www.modelaircraft.org/gov, will serve as your hub of
information. There you can find background information, the latest
developments, how to contact your senators and representatives,
and even how to identify them if you don’t know who they are.
All AMA members—indeed, all who love aeromodeling—
should familiarize themselves with the issue and let your voices be
heard. MA
—AMA HQ
Let Your Voice
Be Heard!
AMA’s Model Aircraft Standards Development
Workgroup met with representatives of FAA’s
Unmanned Aircraft Program Office (UAPO) in a twoday
meeting in Greenville, South Carolina, during the
week-long 29th annual Joe Nall Memorial Fly-In.
This face-to-face meeting was a continuation of the
workgroup’s efforts to develop a set of model aircraft
standards to be used as an alternative means of
complying with the small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
(sUAS) Federal Aviation Regulation when it will be
enacted in 2013.
The 10-man workgroup has completed an
exhaustive review and assessment of model aviation,
AMA’s safety programs, and the hazards associated
with the aeromodeling activity.
During the past two years, the group’s progress
has been slightly hampered by the lack of specificity
regarding the proposed rule and directional changes
resulting from the rulemaking process. However,
despite the challenges and occasional setbacks, the
workgroup has stayed the course and continues to
work toward the development of a set of standards
that will ultimately allow the aeromodeling
enthusiasts to continue to enjoy the hobby in much
the same way as they have in the past.
In developing the standards, the workgroup has
looked to AMA’s National Model Aircraft Safety
Code and related safety programs as the basis for the
model aviation standards.
AMA’s safety program has served as the
benchmark for model aviation safety for 75 years
and has established an enviable safety record;
however, the evolution of the aeromodeling activity
and the technological advancement in the hobby in
the past several decades do merit further
consideration.
Some of the more challenging topics facing the
workgroup are the operation of high-performance
model aircraft, operations at altitude, and operations
in proximity to airports or congested airspace.
These more challenging areas will be the focus of
the workgroup over the coming weeks and months.
The group meets weekly with representatives from
the UAPO via teleconference and webinar and
periodically meets face-to-face to focus on and
finalize the ongoing work.
Progress is often slow and methodical and much
time is spent conveying ideas and concepts and
working through issues. However, the end game is in
sight and we are confident we’ll achieve our goal of
having a draft of model aircraft standards available
for review by AMA members before the sUAS
Notice of Proposed Rule Making is released later this
fall.
To follow the progress of the workgroup and for
the latest on AMA’s government relations effort go
to the AMA website at www.modelaircraft.org or
“Like” us on facebook.com/amagov. MA
Model Aviation Standards Development
Workgroup Continues its Work
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:37 PM Page 13August 2011 13
INtheAIR
The AMA’s Government Relations Web pages, which you can
find at www.modelaircraft.org/gov, will serve as your hub of
information. There you can find background information, the latest
developments, how to contact your senators and representatives,
and even how to identify them if you don’t know who they are.
All AMA members—indeed, all who love aeromodeling—
should familiarize themselves with the issue and let your voices be
heard. MA
—AMA HQ
Let Your Voice
Be Heard!
AMA’s Model Aircraft Standards Development
Workgroup met with representatives of FAA’s
Unmanned Aircraft Program Office (UAPO) in a twoday
meeting in Greenville, South Carolina, during the
week-long 29th annual Joe Nall Memorial Fly-In.
This face-to-face meeting was a continuation of the
workgroup’s efforts to develop a set of model aircraft
standards to be used as an alternative means of
complying with the small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
(sUAS) Federal Aviation Regulation when it will be
enacted in 2013.
The 10-man workgroup has completed an
exhaustive review and assessment of model aviation,
AMA’s safety programs, and the hazards associated
with the aeromodeling activity.
During the past two years, the group’s progress
has been slightly hampered by the lack of specificity
regarding the proposed rule and directional changes
resulting from the rulemaking process. However,
despite the challenges and occasional setbacks, the
workgroup has stayed the course and continues to
work toward the development of a set of standards
that will ultimately allow the aeromodeling
enthusiasts to continue to enjoy the hobby in much
the same way as they have in the past.
In developing the standards, the workgroup has
looked to AMA’s National Model Aircraft Safety
Code and related safety programs as the basis for the
model aviation standards.
AMA’s safety program has served as the
benchmark for model aviation safety for 75 years
and has established an enviable safety record;
however, the evolution of the aeromodeling activity
and the technological advancement in the hobby in
the past several decades do merit further
consideration.
Some of the more challenging topics facing the
workgroup are the operation of high-performance
model aircraft, operations at altitude, and operations
in proximity to airports or congested airspace.
These more challenging areas will be the focus of
the workgroup over the coming weeks and months.
The group meets weekly with representatives from
the UAPO via teleconference and webinar and
periodically meets face-to-face to focus on and
finalize the ongoing work.
Progress is often slow and methodical and much
time is spent conveying ideas and concepts and
working through issues. However, the end game is in
sight and we are confident we’ll achieve our goal of
having a draft of model aircraft standards available
for review by AMA members before the sUAS
Notice of Proposed Rule Making is released later this
fall.
To follow the progress of the workgroup and for
the latest on AMA’s government relations effort go
to the AMA website at www.modelaircraft.org or
“Like” us on facebook.com/amagov. MA
Model Aviation Standards Development
Workgroup Continues its Work
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:37 PM Page 13
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/08
Page Numbers: 9,10,11,12,13
August 2011 9
INtheAIR
AMA HEADQUARTERS AND MEMBER NEWS
Many clubs have one. Some fortunate clubs might have
more than one. Who are they?
They are members who go above and beyond to
support model aviation, our clubs, and our members. They
do this quietly, sometimes in the background, and often
ask for little in return other than maybe the occasional
“thank you.” They might be club officers, newsletter
editors, or even members who raise their hands at club
meetings and volunteer to pull things together for the club
picnic, fly-in, or some other event.
In 1983, Carl and Beth Goldberg asked the Academy
of Model Aeronautics to help create an award to recognize
these types of individuals. Named the Carl & Beth
Goldberg Vital People Award, it was presented annually
to “vital people in the background of the modeling
movement whose efforts enhance the enjoyment of the
hobby and whose accomplishments are seldom formally
acknowledged.”
Carl Goldberg (1912-1985) was an exceptional model
aircraft designer, an aeromodeling club founder, an
educator, a business owner, and more. He is a prominent
figure in the history of the AMA and aeromodeling. Many
will recognize the Goldberg name on model kits from Carl
Goldberg Products.
AMA is pleased to continue recognizing and thanking
our members who make model aviation at the local level
more enjoyable for all of us. The Goldberg name is
certainly a legacy we want to live on through AMA and
the sport and hobby of model aviation.
All it takes is one member or club to nominate a
deserving individual. Recipients are selected by a
committee of members: one from each AMA district. The
winners will be announced in late October each year. This
is your opportunity to do something in return for that
member who works so hard to make model aviation better
for all of us.
Congratulations and thank you to the following 2010
winners named at right:
Please take this opportunity to recognize someone
special in your club. For more information about the Carl
& Beth Goldberg Vital People Award, visit
www.modelaircraft.org/files/717.pdf.
Applications will be accepted until September 15,
2011, and winners will be announced by November 10.
Please submit the application electronically to Erin Dobbs
at [email protected] at AMA HQ. MA
—MA Staff
Carl & Beth Goldberg Vital People Award
GARY WEAKS of the Skymasters Radio Control Club of
Michigan is a talented modeler and has been known to create beautiful
scaled masterpieces. He helps at numerous club events, sharing his
passion for aviation in many ways.
Gary is a full-scale pilot and participates in “Operation Cheer,”
distributing gifts to needy children throughout the state of Michigan. He
also volunteers as an instructor at the Detroit Science Center and was
involved in the creation of the first Aviation Day at the Science Center.
Gary carries his youth involvement further by coordinating an annual
outing at a local park near the Skymasters’ field that allows youngsters
the opportunity to get some stick time with Skymasters instructors.
Nominators: David Wendt and Joe Hass.
JON EARLEY of the Skyknights Aeromodeling Team was
nominated by Don Wehrheim and Ralph Warner.
Every club needs members with a variety of skills that they are willing
to apply for the good of the club. Their abilities should include a
willingness to run and/or perform duties in leadership positions; initiate
and research various club projects; inspire others with new, cutting-edge
models; build enthusiasm for club membership and projects; research
potential new flying sites; maintain the flying site for the safe activities of
the club; and produce a monthly newsletter!
For the Sky Knights, the one man who has done all of them and more
is Jon Earley from Round Lake, Illinois.
BILL CARPENTER is a member of the Wyoming
Modelers Park Association. He has been an inspiration for fliers for more
than 40 years. His ignitions are used on model aircraft and UAVs
worldwide.
Bill has helped many people get started in model aviation. His hard
work and dedication have helped his club flying field to be the best flying
field in west central Wyoming. Bill has never asked for anything in return
and he still takes the time to explain the hobby to everyone who comes
out to the field.
Sollie Cadman nominated Bill for this prestigious award.
CHARLIE VOGEL hails from Honeoye, New York.
The Genesee Valley Aeromodelers (GVAM) feel blessed to have Charles
Vogel as one of its charter members and club founders since the club’s
inception in the mid-1960s.
Charlie has helped everyone from kids to 89-year-olds. He usually
instructs two or three students each year.
The go-to guy when your engine is not running properly, Charlie is
also the man who takes care of the club tractor. He has organized events
with the Scouts throughout the years and also extends a helping hand to
members who aren’t physically able to take care of their own equipment.
In addition to all of these “behind the scenes” activities, Charlie also
took his turn as club president and secretary.
Charlie was nominated by Jim McBride and Ned Holmes.
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:18 PM Page 9
10 MODEL AVIATION
INtheAIR
The International Miniature Aircraft Association
(IMAA), the largest AMA Special Interest Group
(SIG), announced the winners of its “Build a Big Bird”
promotion at the Joe Nall Fly-In.
“Build a Big Bird” was a postal event, conceived to
promote large-scale model building. To show that big
models can also be affordable, the challenge was to
build a model under $500. Finally, we hoped to recruit
new members for the IMAA. A $1,000 first prize was
awarded for creativity and craftsmanship in each of
three categories.
The $1,000 kit and scratch-built prize went to Carl
Schurenberg, of West Chester, Ohio. Carl built a
magnificent Morane Saulnier parasol model. The $400
second-place award went to Robert Barth’s Fleet
Biplane, and third place went to Robert Moe’s 1912
Curtiss Pusher.
In the ARF category, Ken Karpinski, of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, transformed a Great Planes
Stearman to duplicate the airplane that Gus McLeod
flew to the North Pole in April 2000. Ken’s photos
included his model parked in the snow with a
miniature “North Pole” nearby. Dan Schneider won the
$400 second-place prize with his Cessna AgWagon.
Winning the $1,000 prize in the Junior category
was Johnny Aiello, age 9, of Albuquerque, New
Mexico. Johnny built the Phony Fokker Einducker that
was featured in the IMAA Giant Scale Handbook
several years ago. Ryan Karcher won a Great Planes
Reactor ARF kit for his Japanese Zero ARF entry.
We had 50 entries with the vast majority (40) in the
scratch-built and kit-built category. This shows that
IMAA is still the home of modelers who build their own
airplanes.
The judges especially struggled with the kit- and
scratch-built category, since all of the models were of
very high quality and they had only the photographs to
go by. In the end, the three judges and the event
committee all agreed on the winners who were
announced.
Congratulations to all of the winners and
participants in the “Build a Big Bird” competition. The
entries showed lots of creativity and imagination, and
made the judging very difficult. MA
—Bill Hamby
IMAA President and AMA Liaison
Johnny Aiello, age 9, won the $1,000
first prize in the Junior category.
“Build a Big Bird” Winners Announced
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:19 PM Page 10
12 MODEL AVIATION
INtheAIR
One Saturday morning, while we were
flying at the local school’s soccer field, the
teams began showing up and we started to put
our airplanes away. One of the coaches asked
why we had stopped flying and we explained.
As always, we want to befriend anyone who
shows an interest in model aviation.
We found out that he use to fly model
airplanes and invited him to join us the
following Saturday. He showed up, watched
us fly, and I’m sure someone gave him some
stick time that morning.
The following Wednesday, Gary Endersbe
received a call from the North Mankato City
Administrator, Wendell Sande, asking if we
would be interested in the city putting in a city
park just for flying model airplanes!
Apparently the coach we befriended knew the
city manager and talked to him about us.
There wasn’t a problem with us flying at
the school, but we were not always able to fly
at the field because other groups used it for
soccer, softball practice, track, and football.
The city’s offer would give us a place for
electric-powered model aircraft so we could
get together and take advantage of good
weather.
Club members involved in the project
included Gary, Bob Kurkowski, Carl Larson,
Steve Eccles, Mike Eccles, Steve Mills, and
Mike Stott. We had several meetings with
Wendell concerning a site
location. The city had a
couple of locations in
mind. One was at an existing city park
surrounded by residential property; the other
was 6 acres in the industrial park. We chose
the industrial park next to an educational
center with parking for 100 cars that we could
use.
We suggested a small paved runway for
smaller park flyers for the park, but the city
had something bigger in mind! We ended up
with a paved runway that was 75 x 150 feet,
and two grass runways for suitable for larger
electrics!
We planned a dedication for our new flying
site on May 21, 2012. The city asked us hang
airplanes in the North Mankato Library to
inform the public of the new electric aircraft
park throughout the winter. A month before
the dedication, the city and library asked us to
purchase on their behalf three complete RTF
models to be given away—one for a
youngster, one for a teen, and one for an adult.
Nearly 1,000 people entered the drawings
and we were pleased when the teenager
showed up, along with his father, at the
dedication. Club member Mike Stott gave him
his first training session.
The City Administrator Wendell Sande,
mayor, and several council members attended
the opening. More than 100 spectators came to
watch the dedication and the flying.
Since the park has opened, we’ve had a
number of individuals show an interest in
learning how to fly. So far, 12 people are in the
training program and three have soloed. On
the third Saturday of each month we provide
training for anyone who wants to try flying.
This was part of our agreement with the city.
Because we’re located next to an educational
facility, we may even plan to offer classroom
training, using a city-provided flight simulator.
The field is officially open to the public,
and with continued positive guidance from a
growing group of experienced pilots, the park
will be a successful site that will help grow the
hobby and serve as a model for other cities.
The City of North Mankato is very proud
of its parks and sporting facilities and this new
Electric Aircraft Park is a commitment to their
furthering their park systems and sporting
facilities. We thank the city and especially City
Administrator Wendell Sande.
This proves that it pays to be friendly and
promote the hobby. In this case it got us a firstclass
electric flying park! MA
—Mike Stott
[email protected]
Nor th Mankato, Minnesota,
promotes aeromodeling
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:36 PM Page 12
August 2011 13
INtheAIR
The AMA’s Government Relations Web pages, which you can
find at www.modelaircraft.org/gov, will serve as your hub of
information. There you can find background information, the latest
developments, how to contact your senators and representatives,
and even how to identify them if you don’t know who they are.
All AMA members—indeed, all who love aeromodeling—
should familiarize themselves with the issue and let your voices be
heard. MA
—AMA HQ
Let Your Voice
Be Heard!
AMA’s Model Aircraft Standards Development
Workgroup met with representatives of FAA’s
Unmanned Aircraft Program Office (UAPO) in a twoday
meeting in Greenville, South Carolina, during the
week-long 29th annual Joe Nall Memorial Fly-In.
This face-to-face meeting was a continuation of the
workgroup’s efforts to develop a set of model aircraft
standards to be used as an alternative means of
complying with the small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
(sUAS) Federal Aviation Regulation when it will be
enacted in 2013.
The 10-man workgroup has completed an
exhaustive review and assessment of model aviation,
AMA’s safety programs, and the hazards associated
with the aeromodeling activity.
During the past two years, the group’s progress
has been slightly hampered by the lack of specificity
regarding the proposed rule and directional changes
resulting from the rulemaking process. However,
despite the challenges and occasional setbacks, the
workgroup has stayed the course and continues to
work toward the development of a set of standards
that will ultimately allow the aeromodeling
enthusiasts to continue to enjoy the hobby in much
the same way as they have in the past.
In developing the standards, the workgroup has
looked to AMA’s National Model Aircraft Safety
Code and related safety programs as the basis for the
model aviation standards.
AMA’s safety program has served as the
benchmark for model aviation safety for 75 years
and has established an enviable safety record;
however, the evolution of the aeromodeling activity
and the technological advancement in the hobby in
the past several decades do merit further
consideration.
Some of the more challenging topics facing the
workgroup are the operation of high-performance
model aircraft, operations at altitude, and operations
in proximity to airports or congested airspace.
These more challenging areas will be the focus of
the workgroup over the coming weeks and months.
The group meets weekly with representatives from
the UAPO via teleconference and webinar and
periodically meets face-to-face to focus on and
finalize the ongoing work.
Progress is often slow and methodical and much
time is spent conveying ideas and concepts and
working through issues. However, the end game is in
sight and we are confident we’ll achieve our goal of
having a draft of model aircraft standards available
for review by AMA members before the sUAS
Notice of Proposed Rule Making is released later this
fall.
To follow the progress of the workgroup and for
the latest on AMA’s government relations effort go
to the AMA website at www.modelaircraft.org or
“Like” us on facebook.com/amagov. MA
Model Aviation Standards Development
Workgroup Continues its Work
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:37 PM Page 13August 2011 13
INtheAIR
The AMA’s Government Relations Web pages, which you can
find at www.modelaircraft.org/gov, will serve as your hub of
information. There you can find background information, the latest
developments, how to contact your senators and representatives,
and even how to identify them if you don’t know who they are.
All AMA members—indeed, all who love aeromodeling—
should familiarize themselves with the issue and let your voices be
heard. MA
—AMA HQ
Let Your Voice
Be Heard!
AMA’s Model Aircraft Standards Development
Workgroup met with representatives of FAA’s
Unmanned Aircraft Program Office (UAPO) in a twoday
meeting in Greenville, South Carolina, during the
week-long 29th annual Joe Nall Memorial Fly-In.
This face-to-face meeting was a continuation of the
workgroup’s efforts to develop a set of model aircraft
standards to be used as an alternative means of
complying with the small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
(sUAS) Federal Aviation Regulation when it will be
enacted in 2013.
The 10-man workgroup has completed an
exhaustive review and assessment of model aviation,
AMA’s safety programs, and the hazards associated
with the aeromodeling activity.
During the past two years, the group’s progress
has been slightly hampered by the lack of specificity
regarding the proposed rule and directional changes
resulting from the rulemaking process. However,
despite the challenges and occasional setbacks, the
workgroup has stayed the course and continues to
work toward the development of a set of standards
that will ultimately allow the aeromodeling
enthusiasts to continue to enjoy the hobby in much
the same way as they have in the past.
In developing the standards, the workgroup has
looked to AMA’s National Model Aircraft Safety
Code and related safety programs as the basis for the
model aviation standards.
AMA’s safety program has served as the
benchmark for model aviation safety for 75 years
and has established an enviable safety record;
however, the evolution of the aeromodeling activity
and the technological advancement in the hobby in
the past several decades do merit further
consideration.
Some of the more challenging topics facing the
workgroup are the operation of high-performance
model aircraft, operations at altitude, and operations
in proximity to airports or congested airspace.
These more challenging areas will be the focus of
the workgroup over the coming weeks and months.
The group meets weekly with representatives from
the UAPO via teleconference and webinar and
periodically meets face-to-face to focus on and
finalize the ongoing work.
Progress is often slow and methodical and much
time is spent conveying ideas and concepts and
working through issues. However, the end game is in
sight and we are confident we’ll achieve our goal of
having a draft of model aircraft standards available
for review by AMA members before the sUAS
Notice of Proposed Rule Making is released later this
fall.
To follow the progress of the workgroup and for
the latest on AMA’s government relations effort go
to the AMA website at www.modelaircraft.org or
“Like” us on facebook.com/amagov. MA
Model Aviation Standards Development
Workgroup Continues its Work
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:37 PM Page 13
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/08
Page Numbers: 9,10,11,12,13
August 2011 9
INtheAIR
AMA HEADQUARTERS AND MEMBER NEWS
Many clubs have one. Some fortunate clubs might have
more than one. Who are they?
They are members who go above and beyond to
support model aviation, our clubs, and our members. They
do this quietly, sometimes in the background, and often
ask for little in return other than maybe the occasional
“thank you.” They might be club officers, newsletter
editors, or even members who raise their hands at club
meetings and volunteer to pull things together for the club
picnic, fly-in, or some other event.
In 1983, Carl and Beth Goldberg asked the Academy
of Model Aeronautics to help create an award to recognize
these types of individuals. Named the Carl & Beth
Goldberg Vital People Award, it was presented annually
to “vital people in the background of the modeling
movement whose efforts enhance the enjoyment of the
hobby and whose accomplishments are seldom formally
acknowledged.”
Carl Goldberg (1912-1985) was an exceptional model
aircraft designer, an aeromodeling club founder, an
educator, a business owner, and more. He is a prominent
figure in the history of the AMA and aeromodeling. Many
will recognize the Goldberg name on model kits from Carl
Goldberg Products.
AMA is pleased to continue recognizing and thanking
our members who make model aviation at the local level
more enjoyable for all of us. The Goldberg name is
certainly a legacy we want to live on through AMA and
the sport and hobby of model aviation.
All it takes is one member or club to nominate a
deserving individual. Recipients are selected by a
committee of members: one from each AMA district. The
winners will be announced in late October each year. This
is your opportunity to do something in return for that
member who works so hard to make model aviation better
for all of us.
Congratulations and thank you to the following 2010
winners named at right:
Please take this opportunity to recognize someone
special in your club. For more information about the Carl
& Beth Goldberg Vital People Award, visit
www.modelaircraft.org/files/717.pdf.
Applications will be accepted until September 15,
2011, and winners will be announced by November 10.
Please submit the application electronically to Erin Dobbs
at [email protected] at AMA HQ. MA
—MA Staff
Carl & Beth Goldberg Vital People Award
GARY WEAKS of the Skymasters Radio Control Club of
Michigan is a talented modeler and has been known to create beautiful
scaled masterpieces. He helps at numerous club events, sharing his
passion for aviation in many ways.
Gary is a full-scale pilot and participates in “Operation Cheer,”
distributing gifts to needy children throughout the state of Michigan. He
also volunteers as an instructor at the Detroit Science Center and was
involved in the creation of the first Aviation Day at the Science Center.
Gary carries his youth involvement further by coordinating an annual
outing at a local park near the Skymasters’ field that allows youngsters
the opportunity to get some stick time with Skymasters instructors.
Nominators: David Wendt and Joe Hass.
JON EARLEY of the Skyknights Aeromodeling Team was
nominated by Don Wehrheim and Ralph Warner.
Every club needs members with a variety of skills that they are willing
to apply for the good of the club. Their abilities should include a
willingness to run and/or perform duties in leadership positions; initiate
and research various club projects; inspire others with new, cutting-edge
models; build enthusiasm for club membership and projects; research
potential new flying sites; maintain the flying site for the safe activities of
the club; and produce a monthly newsletter!
For the Sky Knights, the one man who has done all of them and more
is Jon Earley from Round Lake, Illinois.
BILL CARPENTER is a member of the Wyoming
Modelers Park Association. He has been an inspiration for fliers for more
than 40 years. His ignitions are used on model aircraft and UAVs
worldwide.
Bill has helped many people get started in model aviation. His hard
work and dedication have helped his club flying field to be the best flying
field in west central Wyoming. Bill has never asked for anything in return
and he still takes the time to explain the hobby to everyone who comes
out to the field.
Sollie Cadman nominated Bill for this prestigious award.
CHARLIE VOGEL hails from Honeoye, New York.
The Genesee Valley Aeromodelers (GVAM) feel blessed to have Charles
Vogel as one of its charter members and club founders since the club’s
inception in the mid-1960s.
Charlie has helped everyone from kids to 89-year-olds. He usually
instructs two or three students each year.
The go-to guy when your engine is not running properly, Charlie is
also the man who takes care of the club tractor. He has organized events
with the Scouts throughout the years and also extends a helping hand to
members who aren’t physically able to take care of their own equipment.
In addition to all of these “behind the scenes” activities, Charlie also
took his turn as club president and secretary.
Charlie was nominated by Jim McBride and Ned Holmes.
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:18 PM Page 9
10 MODEL AVIATION
INtheAIR
The International Miniature Aircraft Association
(IMAA), the largest AMA Special Interest Group
(SIG), announced the winners of its “Build a Big Bird”
promotion at the Joe Nall Fly-In.
“Build a Big Bird” was a postal event, conceived to
promote large-scale model building. To show that big
models can also be affordable, the challenge was to
build a model under $500. Finally, we hoped to recruit
new members for the IMAA. A $1,000 first prize was
awarded for creativity and craftsmanship in each of
three categories.
The $1,000 kit and scratch-built prize went to Carl
Schurenberg, of West Chester, Ohio. Carl built a
magnificent Morane Saulnier parasol model. The $400
second-place award went to Robert Barth’s Fleet
Biplane, and third place went to Robert Moe’s 1912
Curtiss Pusher.
In the ARF category, Ken Karpinski, of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, transformed a Great Planes
Stearman to duplicate the airplane that Gus McLeod
flew to the North Pole in April 2000. Ken’s photos
included his model parked in the snow with a
miniature “North Pole” nearby. Dan Schneider won the
$400 second-place prize with his Cessna AgWagon.
Winning the $1,000 prize in the Junior category
was Johnny Aiello, age 9, of Albuquerque, New
Mexico. Johnny built the Phony Fokker Einducker that
was featured in the IMAA Giant Scale Handbook
several years ago. Ryan Karcher won a Great Planes
Reactor ARF kit for his Japanese Zero ARF entry.
We had 50 entries with the vast majority (40) in the
scratch-built and kit-built category. This shows that
IMAA is still the home of modelers who build their own
airplanes.
The judges especially struggled with the kit- and
scratch-built category, since all of the models were of
very high quality and they had only the photographs to
go by. In the end, the three judges and the event
committee all agreed on the winners who were
announced.
Congratulations to all of the winners and
participants in the “Build a Big Bird” competition. The
entries showed lots of creativity and imagination, and
made the judging very difficult. MA
—Bill Hamby
IMAA President and AMA Liaison
Johnny Aiello, age 9, won the $1,000
first prize in the Junior category.
“Build a Big Bird” Winners Announced
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:19 PM Page 10
12 MODEL AVIATION
INtheAIR
One Saturday morning, while we were
flying at the local school’s soccer field, the
teams began showing up and we started to put
our airplanes away. One of the coaches asked
why we had stopped flying and we explained.
As always, we want to befriend anyone who
shows an interest in model aviation.
We found out that he use to fly model
airplanes and invited him to join us the
following Saturday. He showed up, watched
us fly, and I’m sure someone gave him some
stick time that morning.
The following Wednesday, Gary Endersbe
received a call from the North Mankato City
Administrator, Wendell Sande, asking if we
would be interested in the city putting in a city
park just for flying model airplanes!
Apparently the coach we befriended knew the
city manager and talked to him about us.
There wasn’t a problem with us flying at
the school, but we were not always able to fly
at the field because other groups used it for
soccer, softball practice, track, and football.
The city’s offer would give us a place for
electric-powered model aircraft so we could
get together and take advantage of good
weather.
Club members involved in the project
included Gary, Bob Kurkowski, Carl Larson,
Steve Eccles, Mike Eccles, Steve Mills, and
Mike Stott. We had several meetings with
Wendell concerning a site
location. The city had a
couple of locations in
mind. One was at an existing city park
surrounded by residential property; the other
was 6 acres in the industrial park. We chose
the industrial park next to an educational
center with parking for 100 cars that we could
use.
We suggested a small paved runway for
smaller park flyers for the park, but the city
had something bigger in mind! We ended up
with a paved runway that was 75 x 150 feet,
and two grass runways for suitable for larger
electrics!
We planned a dedication for our new flying
site on May 21, 2012. The city asked us hang
airplanes in the North Mankato Library to
inform the public of the new electric aircraft
park throughout the winter. A month before
the dedication, the city and library asked us to
purchase on their behalf three complete RTF
models to be given away—one for a
youngster, one for a teen, and one for an adult.
Nearly 1,000 people entered the drawings
and we were pleased when the teenager
showed up, along with his father, at the
dedication. Club member Mike Stott gave him
his first training session.
The City Administrator Wendell Sande,
mayor, and several council members attended
the opening. More than 100 spectators came to
watch the dedication and the flying.
Since the park has opened, we’ve had a
number of individuals show an interest in
learning how to fly. So far, 12 people are in the
training program and three have soloed. On
the third Saturday of each month we provide
training for anyone who wants to try flying.
This was part of our agreement with the city.
Because we’re located next to an educational
facility, we may even plan to offer classroom
training, using a city-provided flight simulator.
The field is officially open to the public,
and with continued positive guidance from a
growing group of experienced pilots, the park
will be a successful site that will help grow the
hobby and serve as a model for other cities.
The City of North Mankato is very proud
of its parks and sporting facilities and this new
Electric Aircraft Park is a commitment to their
furthering their park systems and sporting
facilities. We thank the city and especially City
Administrator Wendell Sande.
This proves that it pays to be friendly and
promote the hobby. In this case it got us a firstclass
electric flying park! MA
—Mike Stott
[email protected]
Nor th Mankato, Minnesota,
promotes aeromodeling
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:36 PM Page 12
August 2011 13
INtheAIR
The AMA’s Government Relations Web pages, which you can
find at www.modelaircraft.org/gov, will serve as your hub of
information. There you can find background information, the latest
developments, how to contact your senators and representatives,
and even how to identify them if you don’t know who they are.
All AMA members—indeed, all who love aeromodeling—
should familiarize themselves with the issue and let your voices be
heard. MA
—AMA HQ
Let Your Voice
Be Heard!
AMA’s Model Aircraft Standards Development
Workgroup met with representatives of FAA’s
Unmanned Aircraft Program Office (UAPO) in a twoday
meeting in Greenville, South Carolina, during the
week-long 29th annual Joe Nall Memorial Fly-In.
This face-to-face meeting was a continuation of the
workgroup’s efforts to develop a set of model aircraft
standards to be used as an alternative means of
complying with the small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
(sUAS) Federal Aviation Regulation when it will be
enacted in 2013.
The 10-man workgroup has completed an
exhaustive review and assessment of model aviation,
AMA’s safety programs, and the hazards associated
with the aeromodeling activity.
During the past two years, the group’s progress
has been slightly hampered by the lack of specificity
regarding the proposed rule and directional changes
resulting from the rulemaking process. However,
despite the challenges and occasional setbacks, the
workgroup has stayed the course and continues to
work toward the development of a set of standards
that will ultimately allow the aeromodeling
enthusiasts to continue to enjoy the hobby in much
the same way as they have in the past.
In developing the standards, the workgroup has
looked to AMA’s National Model Aircraft Safety
Code and related safety programs as the basis for the
model aviation standards.
AMA’s safety program has served as the
benchmark for model aviation safety for 75 years
and has established an enviable safety record;
however, the evolution of the aeromodeling activity
and the technological advancement in the hobby in
the past several decades do merit further
consideration.
Some of the more challenging topics facing the
workgroup are the operation of high-performance
model aircraft, operations at altitude, and operations
in proximity to airports or congested airspace.
These more challenging areas will be the focus of
the workgroup over the coming weeks and months.
The group meets weekly with representatives from
the UAPO via teleconference and webinar and
periodically meets face-to-face to focus on and
finalize the ongoing work.
Progress is often slow and methodical and much
time is spent conveying ideas and concepts and
working through issues. However, the end game is in
sight and we are confident we’ll achieve our goal of
having a draft of model aircraft standards available
for review by AMA members before the sUAS
Notice of Proposed Rule Making is released later this
fall.
To follow the progress of the workgroup and for
the latest on AMA’s government relations effort go
to the AMA website at www.modelaircraft.org or
“Like” us on facebook.com/amagov. MA
Model Aviation Standards Development
Workgroup Continues its Work
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:37 PM Page 13August 2011 13
INtheAIR
The AMA’s Government Relations Web pages, which you can
find at www.modelaircraft.org/gov, will serve as your hub of
information. There you can find background information, the latest
developments, how to contact your senators and representatives,
and even how to identify them if you don’t know who they are.
All AMA members—indeed, all who love aeromodeling—
should familiarize themselves with the issue and let your voices be
heard. MA
—AMA HQ
Let Your Voice
Be Heard!
AMA’s Model Aircraft Standards Development
Workgroup met with representatives of FAA’s
Unmanned Aircraft Program Office (UAPO) in a twoday
meeting in Greenville, South Carolina, during the
week-long 29th annual Joe Nall Memorial Fly-In.
This face-to-face meeting was a continuation of the
workgroup’s efforts to develop a set of model aircraft
standards to be used as an alternative means of
complying with the small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
(sUAS) Federal Aviation Regulation when it will be
enacted in 2013.
The 10-man workgroup has completed an
exhaustive review and assessment of model aviation,
AMA’s safety programs, and the hazards associated
with the aeromodeling activity.
During the past two years, the group’s progress
has been slightly hampered by the lack of specificity
regarding the proposed rule and directional changes
resulting from the rulemaking process. However,
despite the challenges and occasional setbacks, the
workgroup has stayed the course and continues to
work toward the development of a set of standards
that will ultimately allow the aeromodeling
enthusiasts to continue to enjoy the hobby in much
the same way as they have in the past.
In developing the standards, the workgroup has
looked to AMA’s National Model Aircraft Safety
Code and related safety programs as the basis for the
model aviation standards.
AMA’s safety program has served as the
benchmark for model aviation safety for 75 years
and has established an enviable safety record;
however, the evolution of the aeromodeling activity
and the technological advancement in the hobby in
the past several decades do merit further
consideration.
Some of the more challenging topics facing the
workgroup are the operation of high-performance
model aircraft, operations at altitude, and operations
in proximity to airports or congested airspace.
These more challenging areas will be the focus of
the workgroup over the coming weeks and months.
The group meets weekly with representatives from
the UAPO via teleconference and webinar and
periodically meets face-to-face to focus on and
finalize the ongoing work.
Progress is often slow and methodical and much
time is spent conveying ideas and concepts and
working through issues. However, the end game is in
sight and we are confident we’ll achieve our goal of
having a draft of model aircraft standards available
for review by AMA members before the sUAS
Notice of Proposed Rule Making is released later this
fall.
To follow the progress of the workgroup and for
the latest on AMA’s government relations effort go
to the AMA website at www.modelaircraft.org or
“Like” us on facebook.com/amagov. MA
Model Aviation Standards Development
Workgroup Continues its Work
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:37 PM Page 13
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/08
Page Numbers: 9,10,11,12,13
August 2011 9
INtheAIR
AMA HEADQUARTERS AND MEMBER NEWS
Many clubs have one. Some fortunate clubs might have
more than one. Who are they?
They are members who go above and beyond to
support model aviation, our clubs, and our members. They
do this quietly, sometimes in the background, and often
ask for little in return other than maybe the occasional
“thank you.” They might be club officers, newsletter
editors, or even members who raise their hands at club
meetings and volunteer to pull things together for the club
picnic, fly-in, or some other event.
In 1983, Carl and Beth Goldberg asked the Academy
of Model Aeronautics to help create an award to recognize
these types of individuals. Named the Carl & Beth
Goldberg Vital People Award, it was presented annually
to “vital people in the background of the modeling
movement whose efforts enhance the enjoyment of the
hobby and whose accomplishments are seldom formally
acknowledged.”
Carl Goldberg (1912-1985) was an exceptional model
aircraft designer, an aeromodeling club founder, an
educator, a business owner, and more. He is a prominent
figure in the history of the AMA and aeromodeling. Many
will recognize the Goldberg name on model kits from Carl
Goldberg Products.
AMA is pleased to continue recognizing and thanking
our members who make model aviation at the local level
more enjoyable for all of us. The Goldberg name is
certainly a legacy we want to live on through AMA and
the sport and hobby of model aviation.
All it takes is one member or club to nominate a
deserving individual. Recipients are selected by a
committee of members: one from each AMA district. The
winners will be announced in late October each year. This
is your opportunity to do something in return for that
member who works so hard to make model aviation better
for all of us.
Congratulations and thank you to the following 2010
winners named at right:
Please take this opportunity to recognize someone
special in your club. For more information about the Carl
& Beth Goldberg Vital People Award, visit
www.modelaircraft.org/files/717.pdf.
Applications will be accepted until September 15,
2011, and winners will be announced by November 10.
Please submit the application electronically to Erin Dobbs
at [email protected] at AMA HQ. MA
—MA Staff
Carl & Beth Goldberg Vital People Award
GARY WEAKS of the Skymasters Radio Control Club of
Michigan is a talented modeler and has been known to create beautiful
scaled masterpieces. He helps at numerous club events, sharing his
passion for aviation in many ways.
Gary is a full-scale pilot and participates in “Operation Cheer,”
distributing gifts to needy children throughout the state of Michigan. He
also volunteers as an instructor at the Detroit Science Center and was
involved in the creation of the first Aviation Day at the Science Center.
Gary carries his youth involvement further by coordinating an annual
outing at a local park near the Skymasters’ field that allows youngsters
the opportunity to get some stick time with Skymasters instructors.
Nominators: David Wendt and Joe Hass.
JON EARLEY of the Skyknights Aeromodeling Team was
nominated by Don Wehrheim and Ralph Warner.
Every club needs members with a variety of skills that they are willing
to apply for the good of the club. Their abilities should include a
willingness to run and/or perform duties in leadership positions; initiate
and research various club projects; inspire others with new, cutting-edge
models; build enthusiasm for club membership and projects; research
potential new flying sites; maintain the flying site for the safe activities of
the club; and produce a monthly newsletter!
For the Sky Knights, the one man who has done all of them and more
is Jon Earley from Round Lake, Illinois.
BILL CARPENTER is a member of the Wyoming
Modelers Park Association. He has been an inspiration for fliers for more
than 40 years. His ignitions are used on model aircraft and UAVs
worldwide.
Bill has helped many people get started in model aviation. His hard
work and dedication have helped his club flying field to be the best flying
field in west central Wyoming. Bill has never asked for anything in return
and he still takes the time to explain the hobby to everyone who comes
out to the field.
Sollie Cadman nominated Bill for this prestigious award.
CHARLIE VOGEL hails from Honeoye, New York.
The Genesee Valley Aeromodelers (GVAM) feel blessed to have Charles
Vogel as one of its charter members and club founders since the club’s
inception in the mid-1960s.
Charlie has helped everyone from kids to 89-year-olds. He usually
instructs two or three students each year.
The go-to guy when your engine is not running properly, Charlie is
also the man who takes care of the club tractor. He has organized events
with the Scouts throughout the years and also extends a helping hand to
members who aren’t physically able to take care of their own equipment.
In addition to all of these “behind the scenes” activities, Charlie also
took his turn as club president and secretary.
Charlie was nominated by Jim McBride and Ned Holmes.
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:18 PM Page 9
10 MODEL AVIATION
INtheAIR
The International Miniature Aircraft Association
(IMAA), the largest AMA Special Interest Group
(SIG), announced the winners of its “Build a Big Bird”
promotion at the Joe Nall Fly-In.
“Build a Big Bird” was a postal event, conceived to
promote large-scale model building. To show that big
models can also be affordable, the challenge was to
build a model under $500. Finally, we hoped to recruit
new members for the IMAA. A $1,000 first prize was
awarded for creativity and craftsmanship in each of
three categories.
The $1,000 kit and scratch-built prize went to Carl
Schurenberg, of West Chester, Ohio. Carl built a
magnificent Morane Saulnier parasol model. The $400
second-place award went to Robert Barth’s Fleet
Biplane, and third place went to Robert Moe’s 1912
Curtiss Pusher.
In the ARF category, Ken Karpinski, of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, transformed a Great Planes
Stearman to duplicate the airplane that Gus McLeod
flew to the North Pole in April 2000. Ken’s photos
included his model parked in the snow with a
miniature “North Pole” nearby. Dan Schneider won the
$400 second-place prize with his Cessna AgWagon.
Winning the $1,000 prize in the Junior category
was Johnny Aiello, age 9, of Albuquerque, New
Mexico. Johnny built the Phony Fokker Einducker that
was featured in the IMAA Giant Scale Handbook
several years ago. Ryan Karcher won a Great Planes
Reactor ARF kit for his Japanese Zero ARF entry.
We had 50 entries with the vast majority (40) in the
scratch-built and kit-built category. This shows that
IMAA is still the home of modelers who build their own
airplanes.
The judges especially struggled with the kit- and
scratch-built category, since all of the models were of
very high quality and they had only the photographs to
go by. In the end, the three judges and the event
committee all agreed on the winners who were
announced.
Congratulations to all of the winners and
participants in the “Build a Big Bird” competition. The
entries showed lots of creativity and imagination, and
made the judging very difficult. MA
—Bill Hamby
IMAA President and AMA Liaison
Johnny Aiello, age 9, won the $1,000
first prize in the Junior category.
“Build a Big Bird” Winners Announced
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:19 PM Page 10
12 MODEL AVIATION
INtheAIR
One Saturday morning, while we were
flying at the local school’s soccer field, the
teams began showing up and we started to put
our airplanes away. One of the coaches asked
why we had stopped flying and we explained.
As always, we want to befriend anyone who
shows an interest in model aviation.
We found out that he use to fly model
airplanes and invited him to join us the
following Saturday. He showed up, watched
us fly, and I’m sure someone gave him some
stick time that morning.
The following Wednesday, Gary Endersbe
received a call from the North Mankato City
Administrator, Wendell Sande, asking if we
would be interested in the city putting in a city
park just for flying model airplanes!
Apparently the coach we befriended knew the
city manager and talked to him about us.
There wasn’t a problem with us flying at
the school, but we were not always able to fly
at the field because other groups used it for
soccer, softball practice, track, and football.
The city’s offer would give us a place for
electric-powered model aircraft so we could
get together and take advantage of good
weather.
Club members involved in the project
included Gary, Bob Kurkowski, Carl Larson,
Steve Eccles, Mike Eccles, Steve Mills, and
Mike Stott. We had several meetings with
Wendell concerning a site
location. The city had a
couple of locations in
mind. One was at an existing city park
surrounded by residential property; the other
was 6 acres in the industrial park. We chose
the industrial park next to an educational
center with parking for 100 cars that we could
use.
We suggested a small paved runway for
smaller park flyers for the park, but the city
had something bigger in mind! We ended up
with a paved runway that was 75 x 150 feet,
and two grass runways for suitable for larger
electrics!
We planned a dedication for our new flying
site on May 21, 2012. The city asked us hang
airplanes in the North Mankato Library to
inform the public of the new electric aircraft
park throughout the winter. A month before
the dedication, the city and library asked us to
purchase on their behalf three complete RTF
models to be given away—one for a
youngster, one for a teen, and one for an adult.
Nearly 1,000 people entered the drawings
and we were pleased when the teenager
showed up, along with his father, at the
dedication. Club member Mike Stott gave him
his first training session.
The City Administrator Wendell Sande,
mayor, and several council members attended
the opening. More than 100 spectators came to
watch the dedication and the flying.
Since the park has opened, we’ve had a
number of individuals show an interest in
learning how to fly. So far, 12 people are in the
training program and three have soloed. On
the third Saturday of each month we provide
training for anyone who wants to try flying.
This was part of our agreement with the city.
Because we’re located next to an educational
facility, we may even plan to offer classroom
training, using a city-provided flight simulator.
The field is officially open to the public,
and with continued positive guidance from a
growing group of experienced pilots, the park
will be a successful site that will help grow the
hobby and serve as a model for other cities.
The City of North Mankato is very proud
of its parks and sporting facilities and this new
Electric Aircraft Park is a commitment to their
furthering their park systems and sporting
facilities. We thank the city and especially City
Administrator Wendell Sande.
This proves that it pays to be friendly and
promote the hobby. In this case it got us a firstclass
electric flying park! MA
—Mike Stott
[email protected]
Nor th Mankato, Minnesota,
promotes aeromodeling
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:36 PM Page 12
August 2011 13
INtheAIR
The AMA’s Government Relations Web pages, which you can
find at www.modelaircraft.org/gov, will serve as your hub of
information. There you can find background information, the latest
developments, how to contact your senators and representatives,
and even how to identify them if you don’t know who they are.
All AMA members—indeed, all who love aeromodeling—
should familiarize themselves with the issue and let your voices be
heard. MA
—AMA HQ
Let Your Voice
Be Heard!
AMA’s Model Aircraft Standards Development
Workgroup met with representatives of FAA’s
Unmanned Aircraft Program Office (UAPO) in a twoday
meeting in Greenville, South Carolina, during the
week-long 29th annual Joe Nall Memorial Fly-In.
This face-to-face meeting was a continuation of the
workgroup’s efforts to develop a set of model aircraft
standards to be used as an alternative means of
complying with the small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
(sUAS) Federal Aviation Regulation when it will be
enacted in 2013.
The 10-man workgroup has completed an
exhaustive review and assessment of model aviation,
AMA’s safety programs, and the hazards associated
with the aeromodeling activity.
During the past two years, the group’s progress
has been slightly hampered by the lack of specificity
regarding the proposed rule and directional changes
resulting from the rulemaking process. However,
despite the challenges and occasional setbacks, the
workgroup has stayed the course and continues to
work toward the development of a set of standards
that will ultimately allow the aeromodeling
enthusiasts to continue to enjoy the hobby in much
the same way as they have in the past.
In developing the standards, the workgroup has
looked to AMA’s National Model Aircraft Safety
Code and related safety programs as the basis for the
model aviation standards.
AMA’s safety program has served as the
benchmark for model aviation safety for 75 years
and has established an enviable safety record;
however, the evolution of the aeromodeling activity
and the technological advancement in the hobby in
the past several decades do merit further
consideration.
Some of the more challenging topics facing the
workgroup are the operation of high-performance
model aircraft, operations at altitude, and operations
in proximity to airports or congested airspace.
These more challenging areas will be the focus of
the workgroup over the coming weeks and months.
The group meets weekly with representatives from
the UAPO via teleconference and webinar and
periodically meets face-to-face to focus on and
finalize the ongoing work.
Progress is often slow and methodical and much
time is spent conveying ideas and concepts and
working through issues. However, the end game is in
sight and we are confident we’ll achieve our goal of
having a draft of model aircraft standards available
for review by AMA members before the sUAS
Notice of Proposed Rule Making is released later this
fall.
To follow the progress of the workgroup and for
the latest on AMA’s government relations effort go
to the AMA website at www.modelaircraft.org or
“Like” us on facebook.com/amagov. MA
Model Aviation Standards Development
Workgroup Continues its Work
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:37 PM Page 13August 2011 13
INtheAIR
The AMA’s Government Relations Web pages, which you can
find at www.modelaircraft.org/gov, will serve as your hub of
information. There you can find background information, the latest
developments, how to contact your senators and representatives,
and even how to identify them if you don’t know who they are.
All AMA members—indeed, all who love aeromodeling—
should familiarize themselves with the issue and let your voices be
heard. MA
—AMA HQ
Let Your Voice
Be Heard!
AMA’s Model Aircraft Standards Development
Workgroup met with representatives of FAA’s
Unmanned Aircraft Program Office (UAPO) in a twoday
meeting in Greenville, South Carolina, during the
week-long 29th annual Joe Nall Memorial Fly-In.
This face-to-face meeting was a continuation of the
workgroup’s efforts to develop a set of model aircraft
standards to be used as an alternative means of
complying with the small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
(sUAS) Federal Aviation Regulation when it will be
enacted in 2013.
The 10-man workgroup has completed an
exhaustive review and assessment of model aviation,
AMA’s safety programs, and the hazards associated
with the aeromodeling activity.
During the past two years, the group’s progress
has been slightly hampered by the lack of specificity
regarding the proposed rule and directional changes
resulting from the rulemaking process. However,
despite the challenges and occasional setbacks, the
workgroup has stayed the course and continues to
work toward the development of a set of standards
that will ultimately allow the aeromodeling
enthusiasts to continue to enjoy the hobby in much
the same way as they have in the past.
In developing the standards, the workgroup has
looked to AMA’s National Model Aircraft Safety
Code and related safety programs as the basis for the
model aviation standards.
AMA’s safety program has served as the
benchmark for model aviation safety for 75 years
and has established an enviable safety record;
however, the evolution of the aeromodeling activity
and the technological advancement in the hobby in
the past several decades do merit further
consideration.
Some of the more challenging topics facing the
workgroup are the operation of high-performance
model aircraft, operations at altitude, and operations
in proximity to airports or congested airspace.
These more challenging areas will be the focus of
the workgroup over the coming weeks and months.
The group meets weekly with representatives from
the UAPO via teleconference and webinar and
periodically meets face-to-face to focus on and
finalize the ongoing work.
Progress is often slow and methodical and much
time is spent conveying ideas and concepts and
working through issues. However, the end game is in
sight and we are confident we’ll achieve our goal of
having a draft of model aircraft standards available
for review by AMA members before the sUAS
Notice of Proposed Rule Making is released later this
fall.
To follow the progress of the workgroup and for
the latest on AMA’s government relations effort go
to the AMA website at www.modelaircraft.org or
“Like” us on facebook.com/amagov. MA
Model Aviation Standards Development
Workgroup Continues its Work
08sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 6/23/11 12:37 PM Page 13
