AMA News
Focus on Education
Chip Mull Air Line Pilots Association Liaison to AMA Education Committee
Who ...
- ... is a modeler?
- ... is the AMA?
- ... are you?
- ... is the Education Committee?
"Who is a modeler today?" That isn't an easy question to answer. "What is a modeler?" isn't easy either.
The common answer is, we come in all shapes and sizes. That quip aside, let's wax philosophical for a moment and define a modeler.
Modelers today can be divided into two major groups: builders and drivers. We have builders who construct everything from sailboats to sailplanes, from radio-controlled (RC) cars to RC space vehicles, and from electric park flyers to electric-powered, high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
We have drivers of RC cars not much bigger than a large cockroach to drivers of an RC Boeing 707. Modelers today range from horizon to horizon in any aspect you want to choose.
Technology has changed not only the limits of our physical capabilities, but has also released us from most restraints. If you can dream it, someone can, or maybe already has, built it.
Modelers today are doctors, lawyers, and Indian chiefs, and at some point in their modeling, need the talents of all three. I know of several times that I could have used a shaman to control my latest creation.
Modelers range in professions as varied as the hobby itself. I have received requests for information on our products from professionals and amateurs, from housewives in the Arctic, and from surveyors in the outback of Australia.
The AMA recently commissioned a video to be produced to tell this story much more eloquently than I could ever have dreamed. It is titled All Because of Model Airplanes. If your club would like to invest $24.95, I highly recommend this video. Some personalities depicted will amaze you. All Because of Model Airplanes belongs in every club, school, and local library. Bob Benjamin and his associates did an outstanding job answering, "who is a modeler?"
If you're interested, you can order it online at www.rcmodel.com, or look for the ad in the June issue of Model Aviation.
After your club has seen the video, consider donating it to a local school and double your investment!
"Who is the AMA?" There is a simple answer! Well, maybe there is. If you are a member of the AMA, the AMA is you. That's right—you!
When you get your district election ballot, you have input. When you have AMA-sanctioned club elections, you have input. When your club sponsors an event, you have input.
The question is whether or not you take the opportunity. Generally, all it takes is the willingness to raise your hand.
Read the AMA's Mission and Vision Statement. It can be found in this magazine, and on AMA's Web page (www.modelaircraft.org). To make sure you have an opportunity to read it, I have included it here:
AMA Mission
The Academy of Model Aeronautics is a world-class association of modelers organized for the purpose of promotion, development, education and advancement of modeling activities. The academy provides leadership, organization, competition, communication, protection, representation, recognition, education and scientific/technical development to modelers.
AMA Vision
We, the members of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, are the pathway to the future of aeromodeling and are committed to making modeling the foremost sport/hobby in the world. This vision is accomplished through:
- Partnerships with its valued associates, the modeling industry and governments;
- A process of continuous improvement;
- A commitment to leadership, quality, education and scientific/technical development; and,
- A safe, enjoyable modeling environment.
Now, how can you promote the AMA? Simple, just choose one: promotion, development, education, or advancement of modeling activities. We have several opportunities, or better yet, lots of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) affiliated with the AMA. These groups are designed to promote, guess what? Special interests.
Look at the "Special Interest Groups" area of AMA's Web page. Each group has a fascinating perspective of our hobby, and as with our local clubs, each has its movers and shakers, and its naysayers.
If we would all pull together in this hobby, the results would be astounding. We have a diverse group as one can imagine, with talents that have literally put a craft on Mars, and yet we cannot decide rules for an 80-foot wingspan model. What's wrong with this picture?
In the words of the infamous Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along?" Better yet, if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. This begs the question, "who are you?"
"Who is the Education Committee?"
Talk about diverse! This group consists of doctors, educators, longshoremen, entrepreneurs, energy management specialists, and retirees.
Can this diverse group get along? You bet it can! I am impressed at the amount of work accomplished in a day.
We meet one day, four times a year, and it's all voluntary. In every meeting, I am taught a lesson by Dr. Gordon Schimmel, Education Committee Chairman. It may be a lesson on organizational skills, or a lesson on bait and switch, but you can bet he has something in store at every meeting. His intent is not intentional, but by observation and osmosis, we can all be students when in the presence of talents such as Dr. Schimmel.
At the last meeting, though, Dr. Schimmel was surprised by Charles Bauer, District VI Vice President. Dr. Schimmel and Rocco Ferrario of the Education Committee were presented certificates, granting them the honored position and title of Fellow.
Rocco's tireless efforts on behalf of the Education Committee and Dr. Schimmel's leadership of this committee were recognized by the AMA Board of Directors at their last meeting.
These AMA committee meetings take valuable time away from families and hobbies, and there is never a convenient time to be away from home. Thank you, Rocco, and Dr. Schimmel, for the time you have taken away from your families and hobbies for the promotion, development, education, and advancement of modeling activities.
You can see the names of the other members of the Education Committee and their E-mail addresses in the "Programs Information" area of the AMA Web page.
In the words of the old Bartles and James TV commercial, "Thank you for your support."
Chip Mull
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AMA News
THE HEARTBEAT OF MODEL AVIATION: Recognizing the critical nature of the need for preserving and finding flying sites, I am listing the AMA members who have taken the initiative of registering to join in addressing this most important objective. They are the heartbeat of model aviation.
These people comprise a network of volunteers who serve as AMA's eyes and ears, by being aware of activities in their area that could negatively impact existing flying sites.
They recognize locations that have the potential for future flying sites, and they advise the clubs and members in their area.
We invite and welcome all AMA members to get on board and join the team. Please contact me for registration details.
Statements of Financial Position
THIS MONTH, I present for your reading enjoyment the Statements of Financial Position. Obviously, that is said with "tongue in cheek."
For those who are familiar with statements of financial position, you will find these statements presented in a well-defined, classified manner, and in accordance with the required reporting standards of the AICPA by AMA's auditors, Brady, Ware and Schoenfeld, Inc.
Should you have any questions about what is included in a category, I will be happy to furnish you that information. The statements of financial position are snapshots of the business taken as of a particular date to which the statements apply.
The Academy continues to be in a strong financial position and is currently experiencing growth in membership. You will notice the total net assets increased from $8,647,969 for the year ending
THE ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS, INC. STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
- Cash and cash equivalents
- Receivables
- Inventory - at cost
- Prepaid insurance
- Prepaid membership costs
- Prepaid IMS expenses
- Prepaid expenses
- Prepaid taxes
Total Current Assets
INVESTMENTS
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
- Land and improvements
- Buildings and improvements
- Computers and software
- Museum contents and library
- Furniture and equipment
- Vehicles
Total Cost Less accumulated depreciation
OTHER ASSETS
- Goodwill - net of accumulated amortization of $10,278 and $3,612, respectively
- Mortgage note receivable
- Life memberships receivable
1999 (in $)
- Cash and cash equivalents: 4,263,771
- Receivables: 115,525
- Inventory - at cost: 189,930
- Prepaid insurance: 106,443
- Prepaid membership costs: 222,878
- Prepaid IMS expenses: 29,521
- Prepaid expenses: 4,159
- Prepaid taxes: 7,050
Total Current Assets: 4,939,277
Investments: 3,949,361
Property and Equipment:
- Land and improvements: 2,996,757
- Buildings and improvements: 2,567,713
- Computers and software: 949,743
- Museum contents and library: 175,873
- Furniture and equipment: 934,599
- Vehicles: 93,790
Total Cost: 7,718,475 Less accumulated depreciation: 2,084,180
Net Property and Equipment: 5,634,295
Other Assets:
- Goodwill - net: 89,722
- Mortgage note receivable: -
- Life memberships receivable: 13,104
Total Other Assets: 102,826
Total Assets: 14,625,759
1998 (in $)
- Cash and cash equivalents: 3,834,665
- Receivables: 111,746
- Inventory - at cost: 199,968
- Prepaid insurance: 130,745
- Prepaid membership costs: 212,980
- Prepaid IMS expenses: 17,978
- Prepaid expenses: 26,333
- Prepaid taxes: 4,500
Total Current Assets: 4,538,915
Investments: 3,326,037
Property and Equipment:
- Land and improvements: 2,746,496
- Buildings and improvements: 2,446,844
- Computers and software: 1,178,967
- Museum contents and library: 175,873
- Furniture and equipment: 830,181
- Vehicles: 98,599
Total Cost: 7,476,960 Less accumulated depreciation: 1,994,025
Net Property and Equipment: 5,482,935
Other Assets:
- Goodwill - net: 96,388
- Mortgage note receivable: 245,834
- Life memberships receivable: 16,870
Total Other Assets: 359,092
Total Assets: 13,706,979
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AMA News
As you know, we have suggested that people establish charitable remainder trusts naming AMA as the beneficiary.
If you have any interest in learning more about this opportunity, I will be happy to discuss how this benefits you as well as AMA.
Gifts in other forms are appreciated, as well. Anyone who plans to give to AMA should contact AMA Headquarters in advance to discuss how you would receive the best tax results from your gift, as well as allowing AMA to use the funds in their best interest.
In an effort to have a little something for those who do not care about reading figures, consider this question: Have you noticed an umbrella is a device that provides protection for one and a shower bath for two?
Until later. —
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AMA News
District I Report
Connecticut / Maine / Massachusetts / New Hampshire / Rhode Island / Vermont
Don Krafft Vice President
PO Box 1828 Duxbury MA 02331-1828 (781) 934-6248
Associate Vice Presidents
- James M. Semonian, 166 Allen Road, Billerica MA 01821-5240
- M.C. McGuffin, 116 Hillview Avenue, Houlton ME 04730-2312
- Harry S. Newman, 36 Sherwood Drive, Hooksett NH 03106-1077
- Richard Sherman, 30 High Street, Plymouth NH 03264-1223
- Andrew Argenio, 3 Sheila Ave., Smithfield RI 02917
- Bob Wallace, 91 Sylvan Street, Avon CT 06001-2230
Frequency Coordinator Joel Chappell, 21 Billings Street, Milford NH 03055-3906 Ph. (603) 885-3876
LEADER CLUBS: In a previous column I mentioned that only the 107th R/C Flyers club is a Gold Leader Club. Since then I have been advised that the Cape Ann RC Club is a Leader Club also.
Toys for Tots Fly In: The following information was provided by Mark Versprille of the Southern New Hampshire Flying Eagles:
"The Southern New Hampshire Flying Eagles, with the USMC Reserve, is sponsoring a relaxed, no competition, AMA-sanctioned Fly In to benefit the Toys for Tots on Sunday, October 15, 2000, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Merrimack NH.
"The landing/registration fee is a $10-$15 new, boxed, unwrapped toy for TFT. Registering gets you into the event raffle for no extra cash.
"Currently, Sig, TufFlight, Morris, PICA, North East Aerodynamics, Zagi, FMA Direct, Sullivan, Zap, and APC have generously contributed raffle prizes for this event, including airplane kits and RC gear. You don't have to attend to win, nor do you have to be an AMA member to fly.
"There will be AMA Intro-Pilot Instructors for newcomers to RC. For area club officers, the AMA District I Flying Site Assistance Coordinator, Alan Cohen, will conduct a round table discussion on getting and keeping good flying sites.
"This is an opportunity to help kids have a Christmas who otherwise wouldn't, and to show the USMC you appreciate all they do and have done, for our country. It is also a chance to demonstrate to the invited public servants (town council to governor to US senators) that RC modelers are an important part of local communities.
"You can drop off a toy, register, and get directions to the field at any of these hobby shops starting in August 2000: Alex's RC Hobby Works in Belmont MA, Bill's Hobby Barn in Salem NH, Dave's Hobby Shop in Beverly MA, The Hobby Emporium in Tyngsboro MA, Hobbies Etc. in Nashua NH, or R/C Buyers Warehouse in Nashua NH. You can also donate a toy and register at the event. If you forget to bring a toy, a toy purchase kitty will be set up at the field."
Plymouth South School Aviation Day: On June 2, many people assembled to give demonstrations and provide information on aviation-related activities. This event is organized each year by Carol Weiss, and takes considerable time and energy, but it provides information and a chance to see equipment such as helicopters and fire equipment that they may not otherwise have a chance to see.
There were model aircraft demonstrations by Dave Lemee and Jack Patrolia. Nearly 800 students had a chance to see model aviation.
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AMA News
THE BLACK Dirt Squadron, owners of a great flying site in the onion country near Florida NY, played host to a group of about 18 Cub Scouts, their friends, and families on May 7. The Scouts were treated to hours of buddy-box flying, had a great hamburger/hotdog picnic, and went away clamoring for more model aviation action.
Congratulations to the BDS on a great effort. Activities such as this ensure the future of the sport.
In early April, the Ithaca Radio Control Society treated customers at the Pyramid Mall in Ithaca to a model aviation extravaganza. This club has hosted the show every year since 1982. On display were more than 45 models, ranging from a 1/2A trainer to a 14-foot Senior Telemaster research airplane operated by club member and entomologist Elson Shields.
Several model-building techniques were demonstrated, and the club's two flight simulators were busy all day with mall shoppers trying their hand at inexpensive crashing. Modeling videos were shown throughout the day on monitors provided by Sears and Radio Shack.
By popular vote of the shoppers, Greg DiPasquale's Byron P-51 was selected as the best model airplane on display.
IRCS is a five-year Gold Leader Club, and has been recognized by RCHTA for its exemplary mall show efforts.
Thanks to John Cake and Theron Wildey for the IRCS material.
News from across the pond: AVP Roy Brown sent the following picture of AMA member Bill Lubke and Hobby Land operator Wolfgang Liene. Bill transferred from Anchorage AK to Landshut, Germany, which is near the Ramstein airbase. Wolfgang's uniform is that of a Heinsberg Landkreis policeman—his day job. According to Roy, Wolfgang is a good man to know.
Ron Partacz, a member of the Flying Knights of Hamburg NY, reports that their mall show was a huge success. Kim Mitchell of the McKinley Mall staff was 100% supportive of the club's effort. The show included static displays of airplanes, a helicopter, and a boat, free penny gliders made from foam egg cartons for the small children, free Delta Dart building for the more-advanced kids (150 in all!), an RC flight simulator, and RC-related videos.
And finally, the Radio Control Aircrafters; Western New York put on a show in March at the Eastern Hills mall that lasted three days. The club got great publicity from the mall in its monthly activities advertiser, and did a great job of publicizing RC in a club handout.
The District II AMA tabletop booth was done to perfection!
Congratulations to these clubs, and all of the others who put our sport in front of the public. This is one of the keys to our continued viability.
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District III Report
Ohio / Pennsylvania / West Virginia
Bob Brown Vice President
35 Sanford Street Bradford, PA 16701 (814) 368-7655 E-mail: [email protected]
Associate Vice Presidents
- Mike Barbee, 6561 Calgary Court, Columbus OH 43229-2008 (614) 891-1643
- David H. Ellis, 5261 DeWitt Road, Cross Lanes WV 25313-1299 (304) 776-1408
- Nelson Gould, 1934 Idaho Street, Allentown PA 18103-8519 (610) 797-6597
- Donald Klopp, 637 Hamilton Court, Trappe PA 19426-2256 (610) 409-0129
- Tom Morris, 5131 Delford, Pittsburgh PA 15207 (412) 461-7346
- Frank Noll, 5492 Waterloo Road, Dayton OH 45459 (937) 435-9232
- Joe Otto, 13065 Heath Road, Chesterland OH 44026-3225 (440) 729-0185, E-mail: [email protected]
- Matthew Turowski, 5 Dogwood Road, Drums, PA 18222 (717) 788-0661
- Joseph S. Vislay, 1381 Cranbrook Drive, PO Box 851, Maumee OH 43537-3062 (419) 893-9537 E-mail: [email protected]
Frequency Coordinator John Cottle, 1012 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort PA 18704 (717) 287-8970
THE FAIRMONT Flyers of Morgantown WV are very active with their Boy and Cub Scout Aviation Education programs.
Raffling off an ARF trainer, complete with engine and radio, met most of the financial needs for the program.
The club's activities also included a mall show at the Morgantown Mall. Approximately thirty models were displayed.
The Morgantown area is also the home of another very active club, the Mason-Dixon RC Club. This spring, they hosted the "First Thaw Fly-In." A large turnout of eager fliers took to the air to signal the return of the flying season.
The Delaware Valley Radio Control Club recently hosted fifteen Cub Scouts at their annual picnic. Rick Meyer explained the control system of an aircraft by a static and flying demonstration of his Extra 300S. Various club members performed additional flight demonstrations. Club member Jon Leyland also treated the Scouts to a flyby of his full-scale Pitts.
The Greater Pittsburgh Acro Radio Control Society produced their annual mall show at the Parkway Center Mall in Pittsburgh PA. Joe Jackson was the coordinator of the event for the club.
The Toledo Weak Signals hosted an annual SAM meet. Forty-six participants enjoyed the weekend's activities. The wives of club members provided a great lunch both days of the event.
CDs of the SAM event were: Bob Knisely, Paul Schmitz, and Chuck Hutton.
Gene Hildebrandt with his Commando. Chuck Hutton had his Dallaire autographed by Joe Dallaire.
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AMA News
Just to change the subject matter, I thought I would mention an ongoing situation. If you have been following this column over the past months, you have seen a few success stories. Not a week goes by that I don't get a call, letter, or E-mail from a club officer asking what the secret is to finding a field.
The questions are all too familiar. What can we do? How do we get started? I can only relate my own personal experiences. What it boils down to is that someone must take the responsibility and be prepared to spend a lot of time and energy in developing a program.
The best way to get started is to contact Jay Mealy, AMA Programs Director, and ask for the publication Getting and Keeping Flying Sites. This manual has a wealth of material that gives some direction on how to get the community to see fit to provide land for flying, plus a lot of other information. Jay can be contacted by telephone at AMA headquarters, (765) 287-1256, ext. 270, or by E-mail: [email protected]. You can also contact me if you have any questions.
If this hobby/sport is a priority for your club, then by all means don't wait until it's too late.
Until next time, fly safely and have fun. CAVU.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
