In the Air

May 2010 9
Q: What is the AMA Event Calendar?
A: An online listing that contains the same
information as the “Contest Calendar” in MA
does. You can access this new feature of the
AMA Web site at
www.modelaircraft.org/events/calendar.aspx.
Q: What fields must be selected before I can
search for an event?
A: The “Type of Event” drop-down menu,
“Start Date,” and “End Date” must be
completed to perform a search. “City,”
“State,” “Class,” and “Category” are
optional.
Q: Can I simultaneously look for flying and
nonflying events?
A: No. Only one can be entered at a time;
that is the option in the “Type of Event”
field.
Q: I searched for my club’s event that will be
held next week and did not find it. How can I
locate it?
A: Search using different criteria. Look at the
whole state instead of city and state, or
expand the start and end dates. If you want to
search for events held at the International
Aeromodeling Center, you must select
Muncie and Indiana as your city and state.
INtheAIR
AMA HEADQUARTERS AND MEMBER NEWS
And note that the start and end dates can be
only one year apart.
Note: Your club’s event will be posted
within 24 hours of your submitting the
information.
Q: Where can I find definitions for the listings
in the “Class” search?
A: On the AMA home page, go to
“Competition/Events,” then “Competition
Regulations,” then “General Regulations, or
go directly to
www.modelaircraft.org/events/compreg.aspx.
Q: Can I bookmark my search results?
A: Yes. And when you return, any new
information that qualifies for listing under
your criteria will also show up.
Q: I tried to print my search results but got an
error message. What might cause this, and
how do I obtain assistance?
A: You must have a PDF (Portable Document
Format) viewer to look at and print the page.
Adobe Acrobat Reader is a free downloadable
program that you can obtain at
http://get.adobe.com/reader.
Q: Can I see the Event Calendar in its
entirety?
A: No. You will be able to view only what
you enter in the search criteria, up to one
year apart from the start and end dates.
Q: We need to make a change to the
information about our posted event. How
do we do that?
A: You can make any corrections or
adjustments to your published event by
contacting the AMA sanction secretary at
[email protected] or (765)
287-1256, extension 232.
Q: Will supplementary advertisements
continue to be published in MA? Will they
be included in the online Event Calendar?
A: Yes. Supplementary ads will continue
to run in MA, and they will be posted on
the online Event Calendar. They are
available for you to see if the calendar
listing has a “View Advertisement” button
next to it.
Q: How do I obtain a print version of the
calendar of events once it is no longer
published in MA?
A: You can subscribe annually to a print
version of the Event Calendar. The cost is
$X.XX for four issues; one will be mailed
to subscribers at the beginning of each
quarter. Contact the sanction secretary to
enroll.
Q: What changes will be made to the
procedure for submitting supplementary
ads?
A: None.
Q: Do those who post information about
nonflying events need to pay for a line
listing in addition to paying for a
supplementary ad?
A: Yes. All those who hold nonflying events
must pay the $10 listing before a
supplementary ad can be accepted.
Q: Why not continue to publish the
“Contest Calendar” information on both
on the Web site and in MA?
A: The Internet version offers much more
than print ever could, at a fraction of the
price. Rising costs associated with print
magazines, coupled with a membership
that is more comfortable with digital
technology, necessitates this change. A
recent magazine readership survey
indicated that the “Contest Calendar”
portion of MA has broad support for
moving to an online format. MA
—AMA HQ
Frequently Asked Questions About the AMA Event Calendar
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Beginning with the
July 2009 MA, Assistant
Editor Jay Smith has
authored the bimonthly “About
Us” series. It allows readers to see behind the scenes of
companies, brands, and organizations within our hobby.
Not only is this section informative, but it also allows
interaction for a chance to win a prize with each installment.
So far, three companies have given products in exchange for
correct answers to trivia questions.
10 MODEL AVIATION
INtheAIR
Expo “Thank You” Card
Without question, the vendors that
attend the AMA Expo in Ontario,
California, are a huge part of what makes
the weekend a success. They deserve a
portion of the credit for the fact that this
year’s edition was such a hit.
If you think the footprint this show has
made on the exposition trail is one to
follow, demonstrate your support for the
following companies, clubs, and
organizations. MA
—AMA Headquarters
Ace Hobby Distributors
Aero-Model/Hacker Brushless
ADC Hobby Store
Aeroworks
Air Age Media
Airborne Models
AOPA
Airland Hobbies
Airscape
Airtronics
AirWild Hobbies
All Star Warbirds
AMA District X
American Model Airport Association
Antique Radio Display
Banana Hobby
Batteries America
Big Train Show
Brainstorm Products
CA Scale Modelers Association
Castle Creations
Commander, Naval Air Forces
Century Helicopter Products
Cermark
Charger RC
Combat Wings
Common Sense RC
Corona RC Club
CST—The Composites Store
D&L Designs
Dan Linehan
Desert Aircraft
Digitronics
Du-Bro
Dymond Modelsport
Electronic Model System
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Fabco
Flight Expo
Fly Eagle Jets
Gorilla Bob’s
Great Planes
Grex Airbrush
Hayes Products
Hitec
HMA
Hobby People
Horizon Hobby
House of Balsa
IFO
Inland Slope Rebels
Innov8tive Designs
IMAA
Jet Hangar Hobbies
Kangke International
Klotz Synthetic Lubricants
Knights of the Round Circle
Lapcad Engineering
Leisure Electronics
Maritime Modelers
MARKS
Maxford USA
Micro Fasteners
Miller RC Products
MTA Hobbies
NAMBA
NMPRA
NRHSA
NSRCA
Nitro Models
Orange Coast RC Club
Pacific Coast Hobbies
Peak Electronics
Pegasus Hobbies
Pomona Valley Model Airplane Club
Premier RC
Propwash Video
Puretech Products
Quest Engineering
Radio Control Combat Association
RAM RC
RC Accessory
RC Heli magazine
RC Hot Deals
RC Micro Flight
RC Toy House
RC Trayman
Rodman Co.
SAM
San Fernando Valley RC Flyers
San Gabriel Valley RC League
Scale Squadron of Southern California
Soaring Society of America
SoaringUSA.com
Sonic Electric
Sophos Silkscreening
Southern California Rocket Association
Southwest Armour Group
Super Battery Pack
Task Force 96 Model Warship
Team Edge
Team Losi
Thunder Power
Toymine International
Utopia Tools
Victor Valley RC Flyers
Xoar International
Xtreme Power Systems
Zurich International
Winners so far are Donald Haworth of Pennsylvania,
who received a 57-inch Sukhoi from 3D Hobby Shop;
Norman Staples of Massachusetts, who won a 17cc gas
engine from Troy Built Models; and Dan Dirksen of
Oregon, who earned a 35% Extra 260 from Aeroworks.
Turn to page 70 to read this month’s “About Us,”
featuring Knife Edge Software, and for the opportunity to
win an exciting prize! MA
—MA Staff
More “About Us” Winners Announced!
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May 2010 11
INtheAIR
Why does the AMA need to redefine its
strategy? AMA continues to be an
association with a declining membership
and a membership whose average age rises
every year. AMA is not unique in the
association world. Most associations, both
in and out of the aviation environment, are
experiencing the same phenomenon.
Today’s generation is looking for
instant gratification and there are many
competitors vying for their disposable
income. Video games attract the attention
of young people at the expense of other
activities including model aviation. Online
social networking is replacing meetings.
Electronic communication has replaced the
physical camaraderie of being with others
who share a common interest. The
associations that not just survive but also
thrive will be the ones that recognize and
react to these changes. The world is
changing and AMA must adapt to the
world “outside” of ours, not the other way
around. While AMA has made some effort
to adapt to these changes, the effort has not
had the positive impact for which we had
hoped.
AMA needs to act to address these
concerns and to find a solution to return the
organization to growth. Two major risks
associated with a declining member base
are loss of revenue, resulting in a decline in
programs and services, and a “smaller”
voice when advocating for our members.
Some associations are accessing their
reserve accounts to remain fiscally afloat
and others are reducing personnel and
cutting back on services to members. This
is not the time to cut costs by making any
changes to reduce the value, benefits,
products, and services provided to AMA
clubs and members.
AMA’s revenue level must increase to
support and maintain the increased
inflationary costs in providing product and
services to the membership and offset the
revenue loss resulting from the current
trend in membership decline. In a declining
economy, an increase in member dues is
not the answer. We must explore potential
sources of new revenue streams.
Development, implementation, and
optimization of profitable non-dues
revenue programs may require us to think
and act in an entrepreneurial way. Non-
Profit is a tax status, not a mission
statement. Organizations that succeed do so
because they are willing to shift to a new
paradigm; the ones that fail are those that
refuse to see beyond the traditional ideas. It
was said “not accepting the status quo will
create an environment where innovation and
entrepreneurial spirit will flourish.”
Today most associations include in their
strategic plans new initiatives that will
require entrepreneurial skills, especially
when those goals involve revenue. The nonprofit
traditionally generates non-dues
revenue from affinity programs, sponsorship,
advertising sales, products and services,
grants, and donations. These traditional
sources are not always successful in meeting
the needs for additional revenue without a
major shift to an entrepreneurial strategy.
Non-profits have found that their boards and
staff need to have members who are able to
perform as entrepreneurs. Smart boards
recognize that to acquire the absolute best
level of expertise, the association may need
to go outside to acquire individuals
possessing these required qualities and form
a task force to work with the board and staff.
How does the AMA plan to change its
strategy? As a result of the success of the
AMA Membership Dynamic program and
the members who volunteered some of their
time and specific expertise to help our
committees, we believe that our best
resource for bringing the necessary changes
to the AMA business strategy should come
from our membership. The latitude to
consider all factors without fear of
confinement to the “traditional box” can best
be achieved by a task force primarily of
individual members who have business
expertise in desirable areas specific to the
defined mission.
This idea was presented to the Executive
Council (EC) during the January 2010
meeting and approved by the board. We
were charged with creating an elite AMA
Strategic Task Force (STF) empowered to
recommend comprehensive changes to
AMA’s business model. The initial STF
focus will be directed toward developing
strategies and initiatives for increasing
revenue streams and membership.
“Agents of Change”—the AMA Strategic
Task Force: The STF core group will consist
of one AMA EC member to lead/facilitate
the STF, one AMA senior staff member to
provide liaison between the STF and all
AMA departments, and six team leaders who
have individual executive work experience
We Need Your Help to Redefine
AMA’s Business Strategy!
in any of the following areas: association
management, marketing, finance, revenue/
resource, information/technology, and
legal/regulatory. In addition to the STF
core group, the selected team leaders may
choose individuals as members of their
teams to aid them in their work.
Each STF executive team leader will
review the AMA business strategy with
their team members and apply their areas
of expertise along with other team leaders
to the development of programs and
initiatives to accomplish the STF mission.
If you are willing to volunteer some
of your free time and expertise to serve
as an AMA STF team leader or team
member, you will be ensuring the future
of your Academy and the sport of
aeromodeling. We recognize the need for
flexibility in terms of your participation
in the work group, so the primary
interaction will utilize online discussion
threads, periodic Web conferencing, and
collaboration software. Any expenses
incurred by the STF or its team leader
members in the performance of the STF
mission would be funded by the AMA.
STF Membership Application and More
About Membership Roles: Download the
AMA STF application and STF member
role information that can be found as a
link on the opening page of the AMA
Web site (www.modelaircraft.org).
Return the application to the e-mail
address on the form.
All applicants will be considered for
STF membership. The applications will
be reviewed by the AMA president and
EC. They will select the initial core
group of team leaders. These team
leaders will then make additional
selections for their team members from
the remaining applicants. Those who are
not selected will have their applications
kept on file in a database and, as the need
arises, may be solicited again for STF
membership.
We would appreciate your participation in
this important Strategic Task Force. If you
have any questions or comments, please
contact Dave Mathewson at president@
modelaircraft.org or Andy Argenio at
[email protected]. MA
—Dave Mathewson, AMA President
Andy Argenio, AMA District I Vice
President
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12 MODEL AVIATION
INtheAIR
The National Model Aviation Museum’s
collection consists of more than model
airplanes; it also contains aeromodeling tools
and equipment, building supplies, and
memorabilia from clubs and contests.
The memorabilia includes approximately
300 lapel pins and buttons. The former
indicated the wearer’s flying level, club
association, contest participation, or simply
showed an enthusiasm for flying model
airplanes.
Several of those pins are from other
countries, having been received by trade
during international competitions. Many
of them date to the 1920s-1940s, when
national flying clubs such as the Junior
Unusual are the downward sweep of the
wings (when portrayed flat, most wings are
straight) and the unique perspective of the
airplane at the center. It’s as seen from the
top, with no discernable nose.
The other two pins are unusual in
perspective as well. They are shown from
the side, with only one wing extending away
from the person who is looking at them.
However, the wings look to be complete
when viewed at a slight downward angle.
This geometric Art Deco design is
another clue that the pieces could date back
to the 1930s. The odd angle of the wing was
also most likely easier to manufacture and
allowed for more printable space on the
fuselage.
The smaller of the two, measuring .625 x
.25 inch, is brass-plated aluminum with blue
enamel engraved “L-S-C.” The other,
measuring .6875 x .3125 inch, is plated with
a darker metal with white and green enamel
and is engraved with “Hi-Flyers.”
The former has a simple straight-pin
closure, but the second has a screw-on tack
fitting that’s practically guaranteed to put a
permanent hole in the wearer’s shirt.
Bastian Brothers Company in Rochester,
New York, manufactured both of them.
Although we don’t know much about
these lapel pins, their existence is evidence
of those who were proud to show off their
aeromodeling allegiances. For that reason
alone, they are an integral part of the
museum’s collection. MA
—Maria VanVreede
Museum Registrar
History Preserved:
The Collection of the
National Model Aviation Museum
Aviation League and Jimmie Allen Flying
Club were popular.
Most of the lapel pins promote the AMA
or a specific year’s Nats. All of them are fairly
small, but three in particular hold the honor of
being the most diminutive artifacts in the
museum’s collection.
Other than the fact that George B.
Armstead collected these tiny pieces and
donated them to the museum, little is known
about them. The emblems and associations
they depict are enigmatic and could not be
traced to a particular group.
These items most likely date to the 1920s-
1930s, but this is guesswork based on
knowledge of the time period—not factual
evidence. The 1930s stands out as a possibility
because of the small size; the less metal a
piece had, the less expensive it was.
The daintiest of the three pins is made
from a gold-colored metal and measures only
.75 x .1875 inch. The center shield, complete
with an airplane surrounded by the letters
“NAR,” is flanked by a set of birdlike wings
curved slightly downward.
The mission of MA is to inform and
serve its readers. We never (knowingly)
hire manufacturers, product
representatives, or team members to
research and write review articles for the
magazine.
Our new “Double Take” review is based
on the popularity of our long-running
“Worth a Closer Look” section. These
departments feature editors’ picks of new
and/or successful aeromodeling products.
Reviews in this publication report on
successful projects by AMA staff and
independent experts. These articles include
constructive information to support the
authors’ findings and report on points that
help the membership copy that success.
This magazine is not influenced by any
brand, origin, or sponsor. If you think MA
reviews could be improved to better
achieve its goals, please send your ideas
for doing so to me. MA
—Michael Ramsey
Editor, MA
Win Big in MonoKote’s
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Review of
Reviews in MA
Join Hobbico in celebrating 40 years of
the #1 film covering! You can enter one
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an ARF—with MonoKote. This
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creativity and ability and win one of
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Check out the “Covering Corner”
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watch?v=PP2frkX-xIg or top-flite.com), and let Bill and Bob fill you in on
the details! They’ll even give you some tips to make your covering project
a snap. While you’re at it, look at some great covering jobs that past
contests have produced!
The contest begins on April 9, 2010, at the Toledo Weak Signals Show,
which gives you plenty of time to complete your entry. All entries are due
by midnight on September 15, 2010.
Enter as often as you like. Winners will be announced at the iHobby
Expo, which will take place on October 18 in Chicago, Illinois.
See www.top-flite.com for complete details. MA
—Hobbico
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