AMA News
Flying Site Assistance
Wes De Cou Coordinator, Western Region
Voice: (480) 460-9466 Cell: (480) 236-2918 Fax: (480) 460-9434 [email protected]
Finding—Preserving—Maintaining
I have an abbreviated column this month due to our move to Arizona. We are in our new home, and we're just about back online with the telephone, fax, computer, etc.
I don't have a new E-mail address as yet, so continue to reach me at [email protected] until further notice.
The new telephone number is (480) 460-9466. My fax number is (480) 460-9434 and the new address is 202 West Desert Flower Ln., Phoenix, AZ 85045.
During the extremely hectic "pack-move-unpack and just try to find that widget" period of the move, flying-site demands continued unabated. I want to describe a couple of examples of how great work on the part of local modelers is leading to improved flying possibilities for modelers in the Western region.
In Southern California, modelers have been trying for years to gain access to the old El Toro Marine Base for model flying activities.
While the success story is long and detailed (I plan to cover the history in my next column), the crux of the progress we've made in this quest involves persistence and the willingness of many local clubs to form an association.
As I have said in other columns, associations do two important things in helping to get flying-site support from local governments.
First, they allow the model aviation advocate to speak in terms of big numbers. Local politics pay more attention to numbers in the hundreds or thousands than they do to the numbers we find in individual clubs.
Second, the association structure allows us to provide the local administration with two or three "key" contacts relative to model-flying activity.
Often I hear park administrators complain that they are inundated with calls from many individual modelers wanting to get clarification on rules, to change rules, or to complain about various flying-site problems. When this happens, we literally shoot ourselves in the foot.
The easiest way for a busy local administrator to handle constant questions or complaints from a group is to ban the group's activity. In an association, the contacts can be regulated and businesslike.
The short story is that the formation of a large association has been key to the current success at El Toro.
In Northern California, the Western Associated Modelers spent a day showcasing the fun and skill involved with Control Line (CL) flying on the deck of the USS Hornet (CV-12)—a retired aircraft carrier now serving as a museum at the former Alameda Naval Air Station. Fliers in the area have flown Radio Control as well as Control Line from this impressive venue.
The event was recorded for posterity by a staff writer and a photographer from the Oakland Tribune in an article published in the February 26 edition of that paper.
I (in a totally unrelated vein, let me state that the first job I had as a kid was delivering the Oakland Tribune to 55 or 60 of my neighbors on a daily basis. I thought about asking for a commission from the local window dealer because of all the business I brought in, but abandoned the idea when my aim improved.)
The real benefit for the rest of us is that Carlos Vadilla, the club president this year; Gary Buffen, the club secretary; and Bill Osborne, the local patriarch of CL flying, had the foresight to get the local newspaper involved in the event.
A portion of the article, as well as other pictures from the event, can be found on the club Web site at http://208.142.156.184/wam/pictures.cfm?CategoryID=36.
This kind of publicity speaks volumes on behalf of model-aviation enthusiasts everywhere. Having seniors, youngsters, and the general public involved always helps sell our case to "the powers that be" at every level.
We'll review some of our flying-site successes next time, and we'll assess the reasons for the wins and the losses as we continue the quest for adequate space in which to practice our sport.
As always, I'm anxious to hear from you relative to your own problems and successes. The more exposure we can give to your good ideas, the easier it is to win a flying site without reinventing the wheel.
And now, there are 397 large cardboard boxes waiting to be unpacked and one colpiot insisting I get on the job now!
THE HEARTBEAT OF MODEL AVIATION: Recognizing the critical nature of the need for preserving and finding flying sites, congratulations to the AMA members who have taken the initiative to register 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 one of the Flying Site Assistance Coordinators for registration details.
These are only a couple of stories that fell onto the page from recent experiences. There's a person in Southern California who could probably match those stories and more tenfold. His name is Tony Naccarato.
Tony is the "T" of T and A Hobbies. He is one of the founders and mainstays of the Black Sheep Squadron of Southern California. The Black Sheep run a free building clinic for youth at the AMA Convention in Pasadena every year and have done it for about 24 years.
These aren't just guys talking about presenting aviation to our youth. They're doing something about it.
Tony and several other model aviation business people were invited to address the AMA Education Committee recently. The committee is trying to reach out for ideas.
- What are people in the industry doing to promote model aviation?
- What are people in hobby shops doing to promote model aviation?
- What are individuals doing to promote model aviation?
- How can we, as an organization, tie all this together to make it more productive or at least help in the process?
The AMA Education Committee is about as apolitical as you can get. We are interested in one thing and one thing only. We can be effective evangelists for the hobby not only for the youth, but also for newcomers and returning hobbyists alike. It is not and will not be a fulcrum for politics.
Tony is the epitome of what this committee would like to see as a seed in every club and community. He is a never-ending bundle of energy with more projects and ideas than all AMA modelers combined could execute.
Tony is constantly addressing youngsters in assemblies and assisting them at his shop to learn about model aviation. One of Tony's recent projects is a display at Los Angeles International Airport.
It was on display at the Bradley International Terminal for four months and is now at Terminal One for four months. It makes a striking statement about our hobby.
I have watched as young and old stop to admire this display. It presents an array of propulsion, from CO2 to rubber power to two-strokes.
Also presented are examples of gliders, Radio Control projects, rubber-powered models, and the new park flyers.
LAX Display
It will be on display through April. Stop by Terminal One at LAX if you have a chance, and take a look.
Along with the static models and examples is a video loop of Bob Benjamin's All Because of Model Airplanes along with interviews and club meets.
This display should be used as a prototype for AMA clubs nationwide with your own flavor of models on display. Contact your local airport and give it a go.
Hats off to Tony!
Now what about this virus? Be careful looking at or being around aircraft of any kind.
Whether they are models, civilian aircraft, or military, there are infectious. The aviation virus has no known cure. Once infected, you will unwittingly look at the skies searching for that elusive model sound you hear approaching. Every military airplane within a couple hundred yards has the potential of becoming your new Scale subject.
For the young, there is a great career out there and not limited to piloting. Model aviation offers everything from reading blueprints and drawings to electronics to mechanical adaptations.
Take a look at the aviation programs in your area, and if there isn't one, start one. Unlike other viruses, this is one we like to spread.
Until later ...
HERB COTTERLY
I have known Herb Cotterly for many years. I probably first met him at one of the Scale shows Art Alfano has been doing for the last 13 years. Herb had a large Sig Spacewalker there that I really admired.
Since then, I have seen many of his projects and each one seems to be more complex than the preceding one. However, they all share the same quality: each one is impeccably built and beautiful.
At the 2000 Scale Show, Herb displayed a Piper Cub, powered by a two-cylinder O.S. 70 four-stroke engine. Okay, so one of the cylinders was a fake, but you had to study the engine very closely to see which one it was.
In November 2000 I attended a meeting of the 107th R/C Flyers, Inc. Herb had a four-cylinder aircraft engine on display along with one of his boats.
I realize this column is supposed to be about model aircraft, but this gentleman divides his time and skills enjoying both portions of the Radio Control sport. Showing Herb's projects is not meant to detract in any way from the skills of the many other fine craftsmen in this district.
Holiday Events and Club Recognition
Holiday banquets, swap shops, auctions, awards dinners—all some of the things we do to get our "modeling fix" in the winter months here in the Northeast. In addition to giving us a reason to get out and engage in some modeling activities, these events also give us an opportunity to show our appreciation to some of our members who have given back so much in support of what we do.
District II Associate Vice President (AVP) Tom Murray sent the following:
"In the next column is a picture from the Central Jersey RC (CJRC) Club's year-end awards banquet where two of their longtime members were honored.
"Steve West and Henry Orzech were building and flying model airplanes before some in attendance were even born. It was amazing to listen to them describe how they continue to build better model airplanes that achieve ever-improving flight characteristics.
"They have done it all—Wakefield, Control Line, Free Flight, and Radio Control, but their true love is Indoor Rubber modeling.
"Steve and Henry were presented plaques by District II AVP Tom Murray. These plaques were inscribed, 'A man never stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child.' In recognition of decades of stooping to help children of all ages, [Henry and Steve] are awarded life membership in the Central Jersey Radio Control Club.
"Congratulations to both gentlemen, and yes, the rumor is true. Henry has a pilot's license signed by Orville Wright."
AVP Ray Juschkus writes that the Nassau Flyers of Long Island hosted their 18th annual January Swap Shop on January 28, 2001. The group has 50 active members and everyone participates in a smooth-running event.
There were 50 vendors, both dealers and personal, and at one time there must have been more than 200 modelers in attendance.
Bob Bender, master Rubber modeler, had on display his collection of Rubber models. He put on several flying exhibitions for the crowd all day long.
Ray notes that this group has also hosted a Giant Scale Fly-In each September for the last 18 years.
Ray also sent the following report on the Whitman Flyers' Warbirds Over Bethpage Fly-In 2000:
"The Whitman Flyers, a long-standing Long Island-based RC club, held their first Warbird Fly-In on October 15, 2000. The event was held at the Polo Field located in Bethpage State Park on Long Island. Registrants and volunteers arrived early to get the field, impound area, and other necessities set up and ready.
"State park officials helped prepare the field and there were coffee and doughnuts available for everyone. At 9:00 a.m. Whitman's eight-term president and event MC, Ray Ballereau, took the mike to open the event.
"The first pilot, Sal Curiale, started the festivities by putting his beautiful AT-6 through its paces for the crowd. Next up was Gunther Uthgenannt with his impressive Fokker D.VII.
"The rest of the day saw pilots flying every kind of warbird from every era imaginable. There were more than 50 airplanes that flew during the event. During the halftime there were flight demonstrations and pilots and helpers were provided lunch.
"Robert Adder demonstrated his Raptor helicopter and Duain Rothmann flew a very nice Control Line demonstration.
"The day was a huge success for the Whitman Flyers. In addition to having nearly the entire membership in attendance, there were more than 140 spectators. The 2001 event is already in the planning stages."
Remember the Ambassador Program. Sign three, fly free. See you at the field.
District III Highlights
District III is very proud that many clubs are interested in the Academy's Leader Club Program.
I cannot emphasize enough the benefits accrued by any club that participates in the Leader Club projects.
Clubs that have already received Leader Club status include:
- Black Sheep Squadron (Pittston PA)
- Flying Aero Sport Team (Brookville OH)
- South Park Area Radio Kontrol Society (Pittsburgh PA)
- Southern Tier Aero Radio Society (Bradford PA)
- Tuscarora R/C Society (St. Clair PA)
- Valley City Radio Control (Medina OH)
- Valley Forge Signal Seekers (Broomall PA)
- Western Ohio Radio Kontrol Society (Huber Heights OH)
- Westlake RC Club Inc. (North Olmsted OH)
All but one of the mentioned clubs have received Gold Leader Club status. Your club should be working on the program.
If additional information is needed, contact AMA Headquarters.
Recently, I attended the WRAM (Westchester Radio Aero Modelers) show in White Plains NY. As usual, the WRAM produced a great show.
Meeting friends from District III was a pleasure and conversing with those of varied opinions certainly provides direction that will help the Academy better understand the needs of modelers.
Your opinions are valuable; don't be afraid to express them.
Waymart Wings was formed early last spring for kids and opened in July for adults. In August they chartered with the Academy and in September produced their first Vladimir Kellachow Jr. Memorial Fun Fly/Open House.
The event had more than 75 pilots registered to fly, more than 300 attendees, seven visiting aircraft, and 10 skydivers.
This club is focused on kids and adults who want to learn and experience the joys of flight. Organized by local police officer Gary Pozza, their site is at "Lum" Kellachow's private airstrip in South Canaan PA.
Prior to the meet, the club provided a memorial service for Lum's son Vladimir. Fourteen youngsters then competed in rubber-band competition. The success of the event has generated enthusiasm for this year.
Trade shows, flea markets, and auctions provide a way for most modelers to pass the cold winter months. This year, Associate Vice President (AVP) Tom Morris and I spent a morning at the MARS Flea Market near Pittsburgh.
Discussion focused on the club's effort in obtaining a flying site in North Park of Allegheny County. Although this is not an easy task, the Academy is assisting this project in every way possible. The club has been very positive and only time and "politics" will provide an answer to this endeavor.
JoAnne Brown provided the following photos.
I have made a lot of trips to Muncie lately. As chairman of the Headquarters Building Committee, it was my job to keep track of the progress of our new administration building.
As I write this, the building is almost complete, and the staff will be moved by the second week of March. Finally, the headquarters staff will have a decent place to work, instead of being in a warehouse atmosphere.
If you have not already done so, plan on spending some of your summer vacation in Muncie visiting the National Model Aviation Museum, the new AMA Headquarters building, and the International Flying Site. It will be worth the trip and I'm sure you will be pleased.
Bring your airplane and enjoy flying on your national flying site.
Camp Jeep® 2001 is scheduled for July 26, 27, and 28 in Charlottesville, Virginia. I will be contacting the participating District IV clubs this month to set up the final arrangements for this event.
John Stare, Associate Vice President from Delaware, sent in the following:
"The photo in the next column was taken at the Delaware R/C Club's Freeze Fly. They are racing the Razors. FMA gave the plans to the club at a great discount to promote the racing. The club now has a set of rules to try to get something started nationwide."
If you are interested or want more information about the Razor rules, contact John Stare.
Our Hobby Is People
Our hobby isn't really model airplanes. It's people. They are more interesting than the airplanes.
I have just returned from the Southeastern Model Show, sponsored by the Georgia Aircraft Modelers Association and held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds. In one of the big buildings young kids were being taught how to fly model airplanes. Look how happy they are in the picture below.
Included here are Heather McIntyre, Shawn McIntyre, Dave Zeigler (teacher), Sean Bartlett, Simone Azzalini, Jordan Ireland, Daniel McCleroy, Rob Wallinow, Chris Shepard, Joey Carr, Doug White, Clay Orr, Joseph Moscola, Tony Acton, Callie Beal, Jennie Beal, Alex Wilson, Mike Brennan, Juan Carlos Segarra, Anna Wilson, Alexander Ritchie, David Condon, Andrew Henebry, and Michael Condon.
Pictured above are more important shining faces of children not in the first picture.
Here above, the happy husband-and-wife team of Francis and Norman Deputy. Norman was one of the show's directors.
The Ocala, Florida Flying Model Club held an important ceremony February 3; a groundbreaking to celebrate their new field. Club chairperson of advertising, Judith Dunlap, sent me this excellent snap of the officials.
Pictured above: club President Dick Thomas, Vice President (VP) Russell Strickler, Secretary Jack Davis, Treasurer Don Weber, Field Marshal Joe Anderson, Hank Jawzinski, Gary Dorrean, John Reynolds, Ed Wingertzer, Ralph Cook, Harold Darcy, Dick Smith, Chris Harnel, Bob Doley, Don Zepp, Paul Mooney, Fred Dade, Doc Simpson, Don Crise, and Ray Marchant. The "Fly Girls" helped with the food.
I attended the 10th Annual Big Bird Fly-In in Port St. Lucie, Florida, sponsored by the famous Sun Dancers RC (Radio Control) Club.
Pictured above: CD (Contest Director) and club VP Larry Olson, Raffle Director George Zegaiib, Event Director Dale Silvia, Frequency Control Bob Gelina, announcer Jack DeLisle, co-announcer Charles Smith, and club President Walt Swentzel. While there, I explained to the officials about the five-gallon water tanks for putting out grass fires.
I attended the Hal DeBolt Vintage RC Society Reunion at Spring Hill, Florida a few days ago.
Plenty of great people were there; a veritable Who's Who in the modeling world.
I took many pictures, and a lady said, "For your scrapbook?"
My reply, "No, ma'am. For the mag." She said, "You can't do it." I said, "We'll see!" (A challenge.)
I cannot leave the Spring Hill Fling without paying homage to Lyman Slack, Associate Vice President Emeritus, who helped me alert the Remote Control Association of Central Florida, via Wally Zober and Stu Richmond, to the advantages of a five-gallon water tank and pump for fighting grass fires. (Thanks, Lyman.)
I attended the Indian River Kontrol Society Scale Classic Contest for .511, .512, .515, .520 at Viera, Florida on February 25.
This gentleman in the picture above is a constant winner in RC Scale. He is Corvin Miller from Sarasota (center). On his right, Bud Roane, and on his left, wife Sherie. His airplane in front is a Globe Swift.
I've pictured 102 faces this month with 72 identified by name. AMA is people.
Does your club have activities that you want everyone to know about? If so, why not use the District VI Web site?
In this column header is the E-mail address for Gary Parenti, our Webmaster. Send him information about the activity and it will be posted quickly for all to see.
You can get to the District VI Web site through the AMA page at www.modelaircraft.org, or go directly to it at www.csam.iit.edu/~amadist6/index.htm.
District VI Highlights
Springfield, MO: Club 1943, the Springfield Hawks, recently had their annual Chili Fly.
Having such an event is not unique; however, their club adds to the usual by providing all children under age 18 with rubber-powered Free Flight airplanes. They are given time to put them together and practice flying while the RC fun-fly events are taking place.
During a break from the RC events, all the children are lined up for a mass launch. The contest contains two events: duration and distance. First-place winners of each task are awarded a ride in a Cessna 150 donated by the local flight school.
Pictures and information were sent in by Randy Cameron, CD of the event.
Ernie Fordham had his display of miniature CO2 engines. Spectators were amazed at his 14-inch-wingspan RC biplane that weighs only one ounce.
Bill Weibel entertained the crowd by dangling his Dazzler on the prop. Dave Prince put on an excellent smoke show with his Giant Stinger. Many other of the club members helped to make the day a great one for model aviation.
Orland Park, IL: Club 263, the Palos RC Flying Club, took part in the Mt. Greenwood festival last fall. Twenty members displayed more than four dozen aircraft. There were numerous Giant Scale, ducted-fan, and Sport aircraft.
Pictures and information were supplied by Dennis Meindersma.
District VII Commentary
Normally this space would be about events and news items intended for the District VII membership. And that is as it should be, but I am going to take this time to editorialize a bit because of a matter I feel is of great importance to us all.
Recently I heard of some comments that have been made that I feel were totally unfounded. These comments stated, and I will have to paraphrase, that there is some doubt that members of the Executive Council (EC) participate in AMA activities, such as flying.
If you have been a reader of this column you have seen in recent issues pictures of EC members actively involved in model aviation.
Recently, District VI Vice President (VP) Charlie Bauer was pictured at a Control Line event he was entered in.
To name a few more, District XIV VP Bruce Nelson is an active quarter-scale modeler, Sandy Frank, District VIII VP, is a RC sport flier, and President Dave Brown is a former Pattern champion.
I am currently involved in Giant Scale and at one time or another have tried other forms of flying models.
I am addressing the comments because I feel there must be harmony among the officers. Without the spirit of amity and agreement, there can be no forward motion in promoting our sport/hobby.
Regarding the upcoming elections, I am asking you all to really study the backgrounds of the candidates who may be nominated and ask questions if necessary. Please be informed before you cast your vote, and by all means vote.
Back to District VII events.
Phil Schwartz, president of the Owatonna MN RC Modelers, sends in the next report. The club held a combination model show and swap meet. President Schwartz says there was a very good turnout of both general public and modelers.
It appears the club did a good job of promoting our sport/hobby.
We are just about in the middle of the flying season now. I hope the club reporters have been busy taking pictures and notes for coming issues of the District VII column.
This column is for the membership, so let's see what you all are doing out there. I'll plan to be out and about throughout the district as much as I will be able, and hope to get to know some of you and answer any questions you may have. I'm looking forward to it.
In the meantime, fly safely and have fun.
C.A.V.U.
District VIII Report
Arkansas / Louisiana / New Mexico / Oklahoma / Texas
Dr. Sandy Frank Vice President
105 N. Brazos St., Weatherford, TX 76086-3207 Phone/Fax: (817) 599-7131 E-mail: [email protected] www.AMA-Dist-8.org
Notice: For listing of all district volunteer workers consult the previous magazine issue or the above Web address.
MAKING MEMORIES that last for generations!
AMA, the glue that bonds modelers together!
The encore production of the Southwestern Aeromodeling Conference 2001 is scheduled for May 18 and 19 at the Arlington, Texas Convention Center located on I-30 between Fort Worth and Dallas and the Ballpark in Arlington.
Everyone is invited to attend and be part of this grand gathering of model-aircraft enthusiasts!
A $5 daily general admission fee will be charged at the door. Those 12 years and younger are admitted free. Just show up the morning of the event!
Swap-shop participants will set up the morning of May 18 from 7 a.m. until the doors open to the public at 9 a.m. There will be no preregistration for swap-shop participants. Spaces available will be on a first-come basis with a $10 per table fee collected daily.
There will be continuous indoor flying demonstrations and competitions both days from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. You are invited to bring your indoor model and participate—no landing fee!
A tremendous lineup of guest speakers, seminars, and workshops will include Grand Wing Servo Co. president and CEO, Houng Wen Lin of the Taiwan R.O.C. on Friday. He is the manufacturer of the Litestik/Pico Stick.
AMA Western Regional Flying Site Assistance Coordinator Wes De Cou will present seminars both Friday and Saturday on the topic of “Getting and Keeping Flying Sites.”
Elizabeth Helms, editor of the AMA National Newsletter, will participate in a major workshop for club newsletter editors on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., and AMA’s Executive Director, Joyce Hager, will be present and available throughout the conference to discuss organizational concerns, programs, and general AMA information.
There will be a static display of model aircraft with “members’ choice” voting for the top 20 models. No registration fees will be charged.
Both Friday and Saturday evening after 5 p.m. we will host a commission-free public auction of model aircraft and components. (Last year the Saturday evening auction was a highlight of the entire event with world-class purchases and transactions available.)
The Southwestern Aeromodeling Conference 2001 will be a must-attend event for anyone who wants to be where the action is for aircraft modeling this year!
The Arlington Convention Center is located at 1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington, TX. Directions and hotel information are provided; the primary motel where the staff of the conference will stay is the Sleep Inn, located at the Six Flags main entrance. For reservations, call (800) SLEEPINN.
Please plan to attend this tremendous gathering. It is your attendance that will determine the longevity of this event!
Flying, Fun, & Fellowship!
Sandy Frank
District IX Report
Colorado / Kansas / Nebraska / North Dakota / South Dakota / Wyoming
Russ Miller Vice President
980 N. 3rd St. Carrington, ND 58421 Phone: (701) 652-2321 Fax: (701) 652-2994 Email: [email protected]
Associate Vice Presidents:
- Max Hansen, 1909 Wisconsin SW, Huron, SD 57350
- Nathan Lancaster, 3597 S. Kendall Street, Denver, CO 80235
- Troy Lapp, 1619 Wichita Dr., Bismarck, ND 58504
- Travis McGinnis, 8027 W. 81st Circle, Arvada, CO 80005
- Don Moden, 410 Hart St., Salina, KS 67401
- Jim Ricketts, 4921 Fernwood Drive, Sioux Falls, SD 57103-3573
- Jack L. Sibert, 3611 Kimberly Circle, Lincoln, NE 68506-4524
- Chuck Smith, 1091 Cheshire Street, Casper, WY 82609-3214
- Mark T. Smith, 14632 W. 50th Street, Shawnee, KS 66216
- Mike Wiedner, 6535 Foxdale Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80919-1788
Frequency Coordinator: Steve Mangles, c/o Radio Service Center, 918 S. Sheridan, Denver, CO 80226
News from Nebraska
Dick Hawes, editor of The Winding Stooge, sent in the following article about the Nebraska Indoor Free Flight Championships.
"Eleven contestants from Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri participated in the Nebraska Indoor Championships at Beatrice City Auditorium on Saturday, November 18, 2000.
"The contest (also known as the Kansas Benefit Contest) is sponsored by the Nebraska Free Flighters MAC. It is held every November and March in what is probably the lowest category II ceiling in the country, being about 1¼-inch above the Category I limit.
"The contest is referred to as the Kansas Benefit because the Kansas guys always eat our lunch. They take Indoor seriously. They actually practice! As is widely known, practice is an advanced form of cheating!
"Events included: Limited Pennyplane, Easy B, MinisTick, HLG, Glider, Catapult Glider, 7-gram and 14-gram Bostonians, Peanut Scale, and Kit/Plan Scale from the regular AMA events.
"The popular A-6, Legal Eagle, and FAC No-Cal events, plus mass-launch events for Aeronca Champ No-Cal and WWII fighter No-Cals were also included. The latter two events are the real crowd-pleasers.
"We were pleased to have Russ Miller, District IX Vice President, and Jack Sibert, Associate Vice President for Nebraska, as our guests for this contest. It was an educational experience for both, as neither had much, if any, exposure to the joys of flying free indoors.
"We hope you enjoyed watching as much as we enjoyed having you. Now you know you can fly airplanes without a transmitter in your hands! And it's so quiet!
"Tom Johnson of Shawnee Mission KS won Pennyplane with a time of 6:08 (believed to be a site record), A-6 with a flight of 5:08, another record (how does he do that?), Indoor Hand Launch Glider with a two-flight total of 45.6 seconds (also probably a site record or very close to it), and Catapult Launched Glider with a two-flight total of 66.8 seconds (again, probably another record).
"Bob Kochersperger of Olathe KS won Easy B with a flight of 4:54, and won 14-gram Bostonians with a time of 0:46.
"Emil Schutzel, of Shawnee Mission KS won Mini-Stick with a time of 7:46, a site record, and Peanut Scale, with his beautiful Santos-Dumont pusher canard biplane with a best time of 1:12. He also won 7-gram Bostonians with a time of 2:23.
"Nebraskans finally got in the winners' circle in FAC No-Cal Scale and Legale Eagle. Ray Talacko of Omaha won No-Cal with his gorgeous P-51 Gunfighter and a two-flight time of 3:20. Jack Fiehler of Omaha won Legal Eagle with a time of 1:55.
"Contest director John Pakiz is raising his own contestants. His son Tim won Jr. HLG with a time of 18.7 seconds and Jr. No-Cal Scale with a time of 26.9 seconds.
"His son Chris competed against the Old Timers Aero Research Team (you make up your own acronym) in A-6, with a time of 41 seconds and finished third in Hand Launched Glider with a time of 32.3 seconds.
"Others competing included Ellis Malone of the Kansas City MO area who was second in MiniStick, third in Easy B, and third in No-Cal Scale; Gary Hodson of Kansas, second in Peanut Scale and second in A-6; John Pakiz, second in Easy B, third in A-6; Dick Hawes, second in HLG, and second in No-Cal Scale.
"Walt Erbach flew his Easy B but did not post any times. He also flew his ornithopter for the edification of those present. To no one's surprise, Ray Talacko won both mass-launch events.
"The site is low for a category II, the ceiling, while not flat, is smooth, with no exposed structure, trusses, or girders to cope with.
"The Kansas guys really like it, as you can see from the results. However, we're sure glad they show up, because it wouldn't be much of a contest without them! They win the prizes, we have the fun!"
AMA News
On February 17, the annual EAA America's Cup Series Banquet was held during the Max Men's 14 rounder. This prestigious series is in its 13th season and tracks FAI Free Flight results in 28 separate events throughout the year. Honored at this year's banquet were the top accumulated points holders in F1A through F1J. Pictured above are the 2000 America's Cup winners: F1A Steve Spencer (above center), F1B John Sessums (above right), F1C & F1J Bob Gutai (below left), F1G Dick Wood (above left), and F1H Brian VanNest (below right).
The 2001 San Diego Mid-Winter Electrics Fly-in (MWE), hosted by the Silent Electric Flyers and sponsored by Hitec and Sanyo, was held February 16-19. Centered in the heart of San Diego's Mission Bay recreation area, this year's MWE drew a record attendance and brought out electric-powered aircraft ranging from ducted fans, to aerobatic IMAC aircraft, to Speed 400 Pylon racers. As part of the 2001 MWE, the organizers were fortunate to gain access to the Confederate Air Force hangar at Gillespie Field, allowing the event to continue indoors well into the evening hours.
Forty-two-inch Electric Fokker D.VIII (EX-155) built by Allan Flowers of Del Mar, CA.
Correction: In the District X column in the March issue of Model Aviation, I reported on the Arizona Radio Control Society's annual Octoberfest Fun Fly held October 7-8, 2000. In the column I misidentified the police agency supporting the club's community event.
The "DARE" vehicle pictured was graciously provided by the City of Surprise.
One additional comment: Frank's Hobbies of Phoenix, AZ was a major sponsor of this event and is a significant supporter of modeling events throughout the Valley of the Sun. My apologies to the members of ARCS for this error.
Speaking of corrections, in the April issue I identified Jaime Cortez' turbine-powered model as an F-15 Eagle. It is in fact a model of a Northrop F/A-18. My thanks to "Chip" Morrison, Colonel USAF (Ret) of the Catalina RC Club and Brian Murray of San Diego.
Till next time ... Keep 'em safe and Keep 'em fly'n.
District XI Report
Alaska / Idaho / Montana / Oregon / Washington
Bruce Nelson Vice President
807 E. Vicksburg St., Spokane, WA 99208 [email protected] (509) 326-4882 Office Fax (509) 467-1852 Home Ph./Fax Web page: http://www.olyywa.com/yosemite/flash/xiama.htm
Associate Vice Presidents:
- Al Culver, Box 86, Wilder ID 83676 E-mail: [email protected]
- Jerry Holcomb, 1010 NE 122nd Ave., Vancouver, WA 98684
- Reeves Lippincott, 4400 Gray Wolf
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
