AMA News
Campaign Statements
#### District II — Vice President
David Mathewson Baldwinsville, NY
With more than 40 years modeling experience and having served for several years as district AVP, I feel qualified to represent the members of District II as Vice President. I began flying CL models with my dad in 1959. I flew my first RC model in 1960, and have belonged to the same AMA club since that time. I have held every elected office in my club, was a founding member of the Central New York Model Aircraft Association and its first vice-president. I have served as AVP under both John Grigg and Wes De Cou.
I own a technical laboratory, and am part-owner of a small airport in Marcellus, NY. My work with the airport has given me experience in areas that cross over to modeling, including dealing with town boards, neighbor and public relations, and environmental issues. The airport is the home field to an AMA club: the Aero Radio Club of Syracuse.
While a major concern to all of us is the acquisition and retention of flying sites, it's especially important in District II because of our population density. AMA has been developing a flying site assistance program. I will expend a significant amount of my time and effort working within that program to help our members in obtaining new fields, and helping to keep fields that are in jeopardy.
Additionally, I'd like to see AMA encourage engine manufacturers to become involved in the development of more effective sound systems for combustion engines.
Communication is key in any organization. I will create a bimonthly newsletter to be sent to all district clubs. In addition, I would like to see an E-mail list established with each club having a contact person. This list could be used to make district clubs aware of others' events and would be used to poll the membership on AMA issues.
I will be accessible to the membership, visiting as many clubs as possible, schedule permitting. I'd appreciate your consideration.
Thank you.
#### District IV — Vice President
Chuck Foreman, Incumbent Kill Devil Hills, NC
The time has come once again to ask for your vote and also your help so that I may continue to represent you as your Vice President of AMA District IV. Having served in the past as Vice President of District IV, I am very familiar with the duties and responsibilities of the elected position.
As your District Vice President, I have dedicated my efforts toward presenting your views and supporting the ideas that help District IV and AMA to grow and prosper. Though the district has made substantial progress in the areas of communications, youth involvement, and public relations, there is still much that needs to be accomplished.
Some of the questions that are asked as I travel around the district are:
- "What is AMA doing to keep up with the changes in our hobby?"
- "How do we get the youth of today interested in our hobby, so that they can be the AMA leaders of tomorrow?"
- "How can we better inform the nonmodeling public about our hobby and help to prevent losing flying sites?"
- "How can we, as AMA members, get AMA to listen to our concerns and requests?"
No, I do not have all of the answers to these and many other questions, but with your help we can make a difference.
Obviously, AMA needs an effective team working to develop answers to these questions and to develop strategies for growth. I believe my qualifications make me a strong candidate to help resolve these and other issues. I do have a lot of experience that can contribute to the growth of AMA, and yes, I do want to represent you, the AMA member of District IV.
I have been an active AMA member for more than 50 years, 27 years as an active Leader Member, and 15 as an active Contest Director. I have in the past worked as the Nationals' Communications Manager for 13 years and served on the Nationals Executive Committee for 12 of those years.
I have served as District IV Vice President from 1979 to 1983 and from 1995 to present. As a member of the AMA Executive Council, I presently serve on the AMA Property Acquisitions and Development Committee, the Special Interest Group Committee, the Leader Member Committee, the New Headquarters Building Committee, and in 1995, I was awarded the AMA Fellow award for services to AMA and its membership.
I feel that my experience can contribute to the growth of AMA and to help to serve you, the AMA member. I would like to remain a member of the District IV team and assist in making a positive difference and sharing the responsibility of dealing with our common concerns.
While desire is a key ingredient to serving, background and depth of experience are very important as well. It takes a lot of time to do the job right. I do have the time—all I need now is your vote.
#### District VI — Vice President
Charlie Bauer, Incumbent Norridge, IL
My name is Charlie Bauer. I'm a retired college professor, and live in a suburb of Chicago. I would hope to continue to represent District VI as the Vice President. I have been designing, building, flying, and crashing models since 1938. I compete and sport-fly Free Flight, Control Line, and Radio Control.
The Executive Council (EC) is the policy-making board of directors for the AMA, and as such should be, and is, looking and planning for the future of our hobby. I believe that the AMA has two main functions; first, and most important, is to serve you, the members. The second is to promote the hobby through strong programs aimed at education and public relations.
I serve on many committees of the EC, one of which is the Education Committee, which has done much to increase the number of Junior members.
I'm not a politician and won't make promises I can't keep. I do promise to try to do whatever is necessary to assist individual members and clubs in our district to solve problems that fall within the jurisdiction of the AMA.
Our district is honored to have the International flying site and the AMA Headquarters in our backyard. The new headquarters building is starting to rise, and when finished, the museum will be able to expand to its full capability.
If there are any questions that you would like answered, please contact me by phone at: (708) 457-0565; Fax: (708) 457-2177; or E-mail: [email protected].
#### District VIII — Vice President
Sandy Frank, Incumbent Weatherford, TX
Hello. I am Dr. Sandy Frank of Weatherford, TX. I am asking for your vote in this election to choose your representative to serve on the AMA Board of Directors. The 2001–2003 term of office will set the course which AMA takes into the 21st century. Your vote is needed and important!
I have been an aeromodeller all of my life and an AMA member since 1957 (Life Member #169). I have built, flown, competed with, and enjoyed all types of Control Line, Free Flight, and Radio Control models. I organized the Southwestern Aeromodelling Conference (2000).
My late father, Murry Frank (AMA Fellow and Council Representative 1971–78) taught me as a child about modeling and the personal fulfillment of AMA volunteer work. I have been a local, regional, and national volunteer AMA worker for more than 36 years. I am the incumbent AMA Vice President for District VIII.
I studied Aerospace Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington. I am 52 years old, married (22 years), and a semiretired Licensed Psychologist (Ph.D.) having operated my own successful private practice.
Aeromodeling is my life. I can and will devote the time and effort to represent you well.
I will support no dues increases, no AMA-instigated lawsuits, local modeling support as AMA's highest priority, and open communications between AMA and all of its members.
Historically, only 10% of the membership votes. So please vote! Your vote for me will be sincerely appreciated.
Thank you. Sandy Frank, 105 North Brazos, Weatherford, TX 76086-3207; Phone/Fax: (817) 599-7131; E-mail: [email protected].
#### District X — Vice President
Richard Hanson, Incumbent Scottsdale, AZ
Richard Hanson, VP District X, Leader Member #69547:
Over the past several years I've had the distinct privilege of serving the membership of AMA District X as your representative to the AMA Executive Council, and I am currently seeking reelection to the office of District X Vice President. As your District VP, I have dedicated my efforts toward seeking out member issues, presenting your views before the Executive Council, and supporting initiatives aimed at addressing member concerns. I've traveled throughout the district to meet with individual modelers and the local leaders of our AMA chartered clubs, and I have gained an extensive working knowledge of the local and regional issues challenging the existence and growth of our great sport/hobby.
As we move forward into the new millennium, the District X focus will continue to be on the top three issues facing model aviation:
- The acquisition, retention and development of aeromodeling flying sites;
- The promotion of model aviation as a recognized and viable recreational activity for youth, families, and our adult membership; and
- The introduction of model aviation to newcomers of all ages.
Participation by individual modelers and the local AMA chartered clubs is crucial and I will strive to elevate AMA's support for the local organizations and their involvement in this great endeavor.
We need strong and resolute leaders in our national organization. If aeromodeling is to remain alive in the twenty-first century, all of us must do our part. With your support, I pledge to continue advocating the interests of District X and will ardently endeavor for the preservation and advancement of model aviation.
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AMA News
Focus on Education
Charlie Bauer AMA Education Committee Member
The Education Committee supports and assists national programs that introduce students to aeromodeling. Two national competitions with model components are noted:
- TSA (Technology Student Association): Many chapters run model aviation competitions. Visit www.tsaweb.org for details.
- Science Olympiad: Model competitions begin locally and lead to national competitions. The AMA Education Committee assists at the national level. Visit www.soinc.org.
Why doesn't your club begin by helping a team from a local school? Maybe your help will put the team in first place at the next national conference.
Need help for supplies? The Youth Education Stipend (YES) grants are available through AMA Headquarters to assist chartered clubs wishing to begin model programs with youth groups. Information can be found on the AMA Web site.
Another project is the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibit (SITES) program. The basis for the exhibit is Thomas J. Dietz's book, On Miniature Wings. This traveling exhibit of 25 historic model airplanes will visit about a dozen aviation and science museums around the United States. Volunteers from local AMA clubs will assist classroom teachers who visit the exhibit with a hands-on model-building activity.
The 2003 Committee of Dayton, Ohio is planning an international celebration of the Wright Brothers' first flight. The AMA is assisting the committee in developing curricular materials for classroom teachers and community youth group leaders. These materials, entitled Kites to Wrights, will trace the history from the early Chinese kites to the Wright Brothers' first flight.
In cooperation with Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, the Education Committee has developed a series of 10 web pages aimed at middle school students. These units consist of:
- a pre-lab that provides general background information on the topic;
- an in-lab area that contains activities specific to the topic; and
- a post-lab area that includes other examples and issues to consider, as well as a self-evaluation quiz.
Why not go through one or two units and see how well you do on the quiz? The Web site can be found at www.academy.bsu.edu/webwings.
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AMA News
Sound Advice
Ian Maclaughlin 11453 Alps Way, Escondido, CA 92026-7026 E-mail: [email protected]
The volume of feedback in response to the August 2000 sound column, regarding the dual expansion chamber muffler, told me a couple of things:
- Many of you are actually reading this column, and
- Practical information on exhaust silencer construction is of particular interest.
I follow up on the latter theme in this installment, but I warn that more is to come on related topics that must be considered in a comprehensive noise control approach aimed at protecting your flying field from hostile community reaction.
Effective mufflers are an important part of mitigating potential problems that result from our models' sound emissions, but are not cure-alls.
This design is generically of the "three-duct closed-ended perforated element" type, which I'll refer to simply as a three-duct muffler. It was chosen based on a different set of criteria than the dual expansion chamber muffler.
The dual expansion chamber muffler was selected for two-stroke engines, whose performance is very dependent on the pressure field downstream of the exhaust port while it is open. Satisfying that requirement, along with the acoustic band-stop desired, led to accepting an overall length that is greater than would generally be desired.
Four-stroke engines are not nearly as sensitive to muffler back pressure, nor do they have the induction/exhaust timing overlap that allows two-strokes to gain a power increase from well-timed pressure reflections. These advantageous reflected waves are provided by the dual chamber muffler with proper header length, just as they are with conventional tuned pipes.
For four-stroke engine mufflers, the two-stroke-specific considerations were dropped, and compactness given more priority. Other desired features like good acoustic transmission loss, light weight, low cost, and ease of construction were retained.
Design guidance for the three-duct muffler came from a parametric study of perforated element mufflers published in the January–February 1993 Noise Control Engineering Journal. It provides a good reduction in sound level on my O.S. 52. With an 11.5 x 7 Bolly Sportsman prop turning at 10,000 rpm, the sound level at three meters measured only 85 dBA, a drop of 4 dB compared to using only the stock muffler at the same rpm.
That's good enough to justify its two-ounce weight, as the prop sound level is now clearly dominant. There is room for improvement, as peak rpm of the engine was off 300–400 rpm from the peak attainable with the stock muffler.
The unit shown was built by Luke Remler of the Temecula Valley Flyers. Luke machined the end baffles from aluminum for a tight press fit with the duct tubing, eliminating the need for fasteners. He also cut a groove around the exhaust outlet on the stock muffler of the O.S. 52 and installed an E-clip in it. This provides a good grip for the automotive fuel/vapor tubing used to couple the three-duct muffler to the stock one.
Construction details:
- Outside duct: 1-inch thin wall tubing.
- Inlet/outlet ducts: 3/8-inch OD tubing, each with about a dozen 1/8-inch holes drilled for exhaust passage.
- The two ends of the inlet and outlet ducts extend through the muffler and recess into the opposite end baffles, making it a "closed-ended" perforated-duct muffler for mechanical rigidity.
If you like to experiment, an improvement in performance can be expected by supporting the ends while leaving them "open-ended," spacing them approximately one diameter from the tube end to the baffle. Open-ended perforated tube mufflers are noted for producing low back pressure, and somewhat better acoustic performance when transmission loss is the parameter.
This is a good muffler type for adapting to in-cowl and other custom installations, as its performance is not greatly affected by shape or other parameters.
For example, I recently modified mine with large perforations at the ends of the inlet and outlet ducts to approximate an open-ended configuration and reduce back pressure. This resulted in a gain of 200 rpm, and a 1 dB increase in sound level, which is the expected increase in prop-generated level with that change in rpm.
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Flying Site Assistance
Joe Beshar, Coordinator 198 Merritt Dr., Oradell, NJ 07649 Fax: (201) 261-0223 | Tel.: (201) 261-1281 E-mail: [email protected]
Finding—Preserving—Maintaining
YOU ASK, "What is AMA doing to address the highest priority in model aviation?"
Wes De Cou, no longer District II Vice President, has been staffed as the Flying Site Coordinator for Districts VII through XI. Wes will be residing in Arizona. His E-mail address is [email protected]; Tel.: (908) 672-9062.
Wes's addition to the staff will contribute a greater density of assistance in addressing flying site matters in the west. Please give him your support.
See page 48 for how the Rocket City Controllers of Huntsville, AL faced the possibility of loss of their flying site. They researched for, and succeeded in establishing a very fine flying site when the loss became a reality. Is your club prepared to lose its flying field?
The Ocean County Modelers had a Grand Opening for their new flying field on May 27, 2000. I had the pleasure of being invited and attended the gala event. Charles Witkow, the spearhead of the flying site committee, was recognized for the extensive effort he expended toward the completion of the air park, named in his honor.
I thought that publishing his letters of January and February 1999 for your reference would be informative.
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ATTN. Mr. Bruce Witkowski Department of Environmental Protection CN 414, Trenton, NJ 08625-0414 FACILITY NO. 1511A (AKA Legler Landfill)
January 10, 1999
Good Morning, Mr. Witkowski:
As per our recent telephone conversation, we seek your guidance and input regarding a minor revision at the former Legler Landfill site, which the club has leased from Jackson Township.
Specifically, we wish to utilize the site while maintaining the integrity of the "cell" areas.
This would be done by, first, cordoning off the entire westernmost cell; then, by confining our activities within the area truck lanes that were used during the closing. Finally, the northeast cell would serve only as a flyover area.
The problem that we need to overcome is sand. The entire surface has been covered with a substantial depth of it, which makes it impossible to take off or land on this beachlike surface. Therefore, we seek guidance in developing a solution.
Emphasizing again our assurance that the cell areas would be studiously avoided, we suggest the following.
Rather than try to describe what we need, perhaps it is best to illustrate it exactly.
A copy of Model Aviation magazine from August 1998 clearly describes a typical flying site that was developed at the Kershaw County landfill, in Camden, SC. The article begins on page 71. Our field would have some minor modifications described farther on, but the concept is parallel.
Also enclosed is a guideline for a typical site as offered by the national Academy of Model Aeronautics, our parent association and insurer.
Finally, we have superimposed this diagram onto a Legler site plan for your review. Note that we are avoiding the cell areas.
The drive-in and parking areas will cordon off the western cell. The equipment shed would be blocked up to allow the ground to perk. The shelter area would be as shown in the article.
Although the parking line will be cordoned, we would like to plant a row of trees along that line, to assure the cell integrity and provide both shade and a windbreak.
For the runways and pit areas, we have assumed that we may not pave, either with standard paving or biodegradable materials. Although ideal, our alternative suggestion is that we replace some of the sand with topsoil and grass. This would provide a suitable surface in order to use our airplanes.
Finally, note that the northeast cell would serve only as a flyover area while the pilots operate their radio controls from the flightline. This is both a common sense and club safety rule.
Should you require any additional information, please contact me. In the meantime I remain
Sincerely, Charlie Wiskow, Field Liaison
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Wiskow's second letter, dated February 18, 1999, was to me, appraising me of the situation, should additional support be needed.
We, the Ocean County Modelers, are a long-established club with approximately 110 members, sufficiently financed, presently flying at Lakehurst Naval Base, but seeking to establish a prime flying site.
The new area is an 89-plus acre site known as the Legler Landfill, located off Rte. 571 in Jackson. After clearing a number of hurdles, we face our final one and may need some counsel or even direct intervention.
Please allow me to provide a short background in order to better inform you.
Some years back, this Legler Landfill allegedly contaminated the area water supply and caused the township to pay more than $8 million in claims. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) ordered the site closed and capped.
That process took several years but was "signed off" in late 1996, with the DEP overseeing it for 30 years.
Upon inquiry in early 1997, we learned that because of the stigma and possibility of future claims, this town of 100 square miles was simply going to permit the fully fenced area to remain dormant.
We suggested a flying site and the township council were both enthusiastic and cooperative. We received approval immediately, provided the proper agencies approved.
Since then, we have spent two years walking through the township zoning board, their building department and environmental agency, the Pinelands Commission, the Soil Conservation Commission, and the county Board of Health. Finally, we were awarded a five-year, automatically renewable lease.
We were ready but had one remaining problem: sand.
It seems that when the site was closed, it was covered with an estimated 12 to 18 inches of sand. There were also two "cell" areas we could not disturb. The problem became a runway area.
When we investigated with survey and engineer club members, we identified the portion of the site used by the trucks while they worked, but clear of the protected cells. This would serve us perfectly.
In our attempt to do it right, the enclosed letter to Mr. Witkowski explained what we would like to do. However, after a month of waiting for a response, a call to him last week revealed that we may need a "disruption permit." We are determined but exasperated.
Should the feared permit be required, we would very much seek your help and input. Thus, this letter to better prepare you should we have to call in the cavalry.
Finally, in appreciation for the township's cooperation, we are planning to provide a $500 annual scholarship to a high school graduate who plans to further his or her education in the field of aeronautics.
May is fast approaching when we have to provide that, while still without a site.
As soon as I receive the formal notice from the DEP I will forward you a copy, whether it is a yes or nay. Until then, it is comforting to know that there are some willing hands out there.
Thanking you for your ear and trusting that this letter finds you well, I remain
Sincerely, Charlie Wiskow, Field Committee
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Executive VP's Report
Doug Holland AMA Executive VP 3517 Fernwood Dr., Raleigh, NC 27612 (Home) (919) 787-5163 | (Office) (919) 787-7454
Previously I ran a page from the financial report called Statements of Activities. Under the heading "Expenses" there is an item called "Operating Expenses." This item totaled $4,530,245 for the year 1999.
To show you the breakdown of that number, I am presenting the "Schedules of Operating Expenses" from the audit report. This gives you a breakdown of the operating expenditures and how 1999 compares with 1998. The amount of these expenses required 6.14 percent of the total revenue for the year 1999.
As usual, if you have any comments or questions, give me a call.
I am quite happy to report that several people have contacted me regarding charitable remainder trusts and including AMA in their wills.
When AMA is included in a will, we ask that a copy of the page including that information, or the entire will, be sent to us so we can have something to substantiate the future gift for our records.
Some of the amounts designated are large and some small, but there are none that are not appreciated. Any gift, bequest, etc., is greatly appreciated and needed.
If you are considering one of these options, I would like to ask that you not restrict AMA in the use of the gift. Some people designate the money for building or site improvement, and it is possible that at the time we receive the money, that will not be a need. The best option is to designate the money to the General Fund.
The thought for the month is this: If you want to improve a man's hearing, praise him.
Until later ...
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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
REMINDER: Toys for Tots. This is a repeat of a portion of last month’s column to remind you of this program.
The Southern New Hampshire Flying Eagles with the USMC Reserve is sponsoring a relaxed, non-competitive AMA-sanctioned FLY IN to benefit Toys for Tots on Sunday, October 15, 2000 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Merrimack, NH.
You can drop off a toy, register, and get directions to the field at any of these hobby shops beginning 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; 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.
Gold Leader Clubs: There are now three Gold Leader Clubs in the district. The East Coast Swamp Flyers have become the latest club to receive this designation. The other two clubs are the Cape Ann R/C Model Club and the 107th R/C Flyers. Thank you to all the members who make this possible.
The following material was sent by Bob Wallace, AVP for Connecticut. There is not room enough for all the pictures, so the rest will be in the next column.
“The North East Drone Society (NEDS) held their 11th Annual Polar Bear Fly-in on March 19 at their Mansfield Hollow Dam flying site.
“Also invited to attend were the members of the Yankee Flyers of Connecticut, who are no strangers themselves to cold weather flying. One of their annual events is a New Year’s Day Fly-in.
“In past years, this annual event has been held under truly ‘arctic’ conditions. However, this year it was a Polar Bear Fly-in that wasn’t, as the flying field was snow- and frost-free. Even the adjacent reservoir was free of ice.
“While not ‘beach weather’ either, a day of bright sunshine with temperatures in the mid-40s and only a gentle breeze allowed twenty-eight pilots from both clubs to enjoy a day of great flying and camaraderie.
“Lots of goodies were available to everyone in attendance throughout the day, including hot coffee and cocoa, and a hamburger/cheeseburger and hot dog lunch.
“A wide variety of aircraft types were flown, and there was never a lull in flightline activity.
“This year’s NEDS Polar Bear Fly-in was directed by Bob Boulias of Vernon, CT. Thanks to Bob’s efforts, a good time was had by all.
“The Yankee Flyers of Connecticut plan to reciprocate and invite the North East Drone Society members to a fly-in later this year.”
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District II Report
Dear Friends:
As many of you already know, new challenges and opportunities in my life keep me away from events in District II, to the extent that I have relinquished the balance of my term. Dave Mathewson will represent your interests to the Executive Council (EC) until the elections later this year.
I will still be active within AMA matters, having accepted the position of Flying Site Coordinator for the Western United States. Districts VII through XI will be my responsibility. Having been born, raised, and educated on the West Coast, I look forward to dealing with perhaps the most significant challenge facing our hobby on very familiar turf.
But I can't step through the VP door for the last time without expressing my sincere gratitude to all of you who have made my tenure so enjoyable. You have worked hard to accomplish tasks that enhance our standing in the community—an excellent approach to long-term success.
You have challenged the EC to create equitable rules where necessary, and to run a "business" in Muncie, not just a "club." Some of you have had differing opinions on various issues, but we've usually been able to find an amicable solution to those differences. In rare cases we couldn't agree—and that's to be expected.
Overall, I leave with the firm conviction that our successes in District II are not so much the result of what I have done, but rather they are the result of your interest in seeing our hobby grow and prosper.
You've run a mall show or a contest, you've participated in an event, or you've picked up the telephone, or typed an E-mail message to me letting me know how you feel. Sometimes you really let me know!
You've made my job an easy one. Thanks for your help!
I CAN'T BEGIN without taking a moment to offer, on behalf of all members of District II, my sincere thanks to Wes DeCou for the job he has done for us during his time as Vice President.
We have been fortunate, for as long as I can remember, to have always been well-represented on the Executive Council. Wes was no exception, and my plan is to continue that tradition.
Good news for you folks in the southern tier of New York. Gary Fitch has agreed to serve as Associate Vice President for that area. Gary is a longtime modeler and past president of the Southern Tier Aero Radio Society, hosts of the large Scale rally held every summer at the Olean Airport.
Gary will make a fine addition to the District II team. Chances are you may have already met him. He is extremely active and travels extensively throughout the district. His postal address can be found in the column header at the top of this page or you can E-mail him at [email protected].
It's the first week in August as this is being written, and once again it's raining out. It's been a bleak summer for outdoor flying for most of us in the district. Let's hope the fall season is a little more cooperative.
It occurs to me that by the time you read this, it will almost be "mall show season." Have you seen the district's new tabletop display booth? It's available for your club to borrow. Contact me with the dates you'd like it and I'll reserve it for you.
We only have one display, so the earlier you get your request in, the better your chances the booth will be available when you need it.
AMA also has a large selection of literature that it makes available as handouts for your events. These make a nice addition to the display. A call to AMA headquarters at (765) 287-1256 ext. 272 will get a package sent to you.
Speaking of the display booth, it was put to good use during the Annual Celebration of Flight 2000 held at the Erie County Agriculture Building in Hamburg, NY on July 8, 2000.
Local AVP Ernie Nikodem was there and said that this was the place to be if you have an interest in anything that flies. The highlight of the show, according to Ernie, was the indoor model flying, both Free Flight and Radio Control.
There was seldom a moment there wasn't a model in the air. The modeling community was well-represented by three AMA clubs: The Flying Aces, The Western New York Free Flight Society, and the Wings and Rotor RC Club.
Kirkwood Airpark provided the setting June 22–24, 2000 for the Third Warbird Scale Classic, put on by the Miniature World Warbird Association. One hundred and seventeen pilots registered for the three-day event. The only limitation for a model to qualify for the event is that it be of military design.
This year's fly-in was dedicated to the Tuskegee Air Men of World War II. At the Saturday evening banquet, six of the Tuskegee pilots were presented with plaques honoring them for their service to our country.
Well, that's about it for now. If your club has a newsletter, how about putting me on the mailing list? As AVP, I receive and read several each month. There's no better way to keep in touch with what's going on around the district.
'Till next time ...
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Our new Associate Vice President, Tom Morris, has provided the following introduction:
"Greetings to everyone in District III, and especially to those members in Southwestern Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Eastern Ohio. I live in Pittsburgh, along with a wonderful woman, a great 12-year-old, two dogs, two cats, and a bird.
The main way that I put food on the table is by being a Captain with the Allegheny County Airport Authority Fire Bureau at Pittsburgh International Airport.
I also edit a monthly newsletter for one of our local hobby shops and do some work with a local hobby distributor that specializes in Radio Control airplanes, all to support my hobby.
I belong to the South Park Area Radio Kontrol Society (SPARKS), where I served as president for two years. I also belong to the Washington County Model Aviation Association and the Tri-State Soaring Society. Additionally, I am an IMAA and LSF member.
Although my main interest lately has been sailplanes, I'm just about the whole range of RC power, including a couple of electrics. I've even been trying my hand at some indoor rubber motor events!
I hope to see most of you at local events this year. If possible, I'd like to receive copies of your club newsletters. If I can help you out, or if you'd like to express your opinions on AMA-related items, please don't hesitate to give me a call or an E-mail."
Tom can be contacted at: 5131 DeFord St., Pittsburgh, PA 15207 | Tel.: (412) 461-7364 | E-mail: [email protected]
Under four days of beautiful, sunny skies, nearly two hundred pilots from across the United States and Canada came and flew their Giant Scale aircraft at the Rally of the Giants 2000.
The rally was put on by the Westerville Model Aeronautics Association–Westerville Area Giant Scalers (WMAA-WAGS) at the R/C Aviation Country Club in Hebron, Ohio, just east of Columbus.
Aircraft flying ranged from jets to triplanes. Giant Scale, Warbirds, and 3-D aerobatic craft all flew. Top gun Frank Noll and Terry Nitch showed the many spectators just how beautifully and smoothly RC aircraft can be flown. The five flight stations were manned a good portion of the time.
There was a pizza party Friday evening, followed by night flying. The banquet was held Saturday evening. Both were catered so everyone could stay on site. R/C Aviation's ample parking lot was full Friday and Saturday, the two busiest days of the event.
WMAA-WAGS would like to thank all the pilots who registered and flew at the Rally, and the many spectators who came to watch.
Thanks to Don Fellenz for providing the information and pictures of the rally.
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For flying site questions or problems contact Joe Beshar at: Tel.: (201) 261-1281, or E-mail: [email protected]
CONTROL LINE is strong in North Carolina! Bliss Teague, Associate Vice President from North Carolina, submitted the following article:
"The Metrolina Control Line Society held their first contest June 3 and 4 of this year at the David B. Waymer Field in Huntersville, NC.
"The field is maintained and operated by the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Department.
"There are two paved and one grass circle used during contests. A third paved circle and grass Combat area can be opened up for overflow.
"Contestants from Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Virginia, California, and North Carolina participated in the contest.
"Ed Culver did an excellent job as the CD. He was assisted by Walt Moore, Gene Guffey, and Lynn Stewart who did the scoring. Other club members, too numerous to mention, helped make this contest a
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
