Executive Council Meeting Highlights
Motions made at the April 28, 2001 Executive Council Meeting in Muncie, IN
The motions below are part of the unofficial minutes of the meeting. Minutes from a given meeting are not official until they are approved at the next quarterly Council meeting. Questions or comments on the motions should be addressed to your District Vice President.
IT WAS moved by C. Bauer (VI), seconded by C. Foreman (IV), to approve the minutes of the February 10, 2001 Executive Council meeting.
Approved by acclamation.
Motions
- Motion I: Moved by C. Foreman (IV), seconded by J. McNeill (V), to fund up to $2,500 additional for a Camp Jeep® mail promotion. (The EVP to determine from which budget.)
- The motion passed unanimously.
- Motion II: Moved by R. Miller (IX), seconded by B. Nelson (XI), to give the new HQ Building Committee the authority to go ahead with the proposed sign and buy-a-brick plan.
- The motion was withdrawn.
- Motion III: Moved by D. Mathewson (II), seconded by C. Bauer (VI), to provide up to two District Frequency Coordinators with the same tools (business cards, stationery, embroidery of shirts, etc.) we provide other district appointed officers such as AVPs, Contest Coordinators, Contest Board members, etc.
- The motion passed unanimously.
- Motion IV: Moved by R. Miller (IX), seconded by D. Mathewson (II), that the President and Executive Director proceed on the matter of setting up a lease for the EMS service.
- The motion passed unanimously.
- Motion V: Moved by C. Foreman (IV), seconded by B. Nelson (XI), to contribute $2,500 to Maynard Hill’s record attempt.
- The motion was withdrawn.
Awards
- Two Superior Service Awards
- One Distinguished Service Award
- Two Fellowship Awards
The above awards were approved by acclamation.
KidVenture and Volunteer Opportunities
Ground instruction (each student pilot is given a brief tutorial on what's up and what's down) and the "repair facility" keep virtually every airplane serviceable for the entire show. Lots of C/As and an attitude that says "Yeah, I can make it fly again!" keep virtually every airplane serviceable for the entire show. Yes, there is the occasional unplanned meeting "next plane and terrain!"
If you're a proficient CL pilot and plan to attend the EAA Convention at Oshkosh, consider spending an hour at KidVenture 2001 helping at the CL circles. If you are involved in any facet of model aviation, or if you just enjoy watching, your help is welcome for any of the jobs supporting the CL effort.
To volunteer, call Sue Strehlo at (920) 425-5840 or Jim Krueger at (262) 827-1123. They are busy folks, so leave a message with your telephone number if they can't answer your call.
If you can't spend an hour helping out but you're going to be at the convention, drop by KidVenture 2001 — the Shuttle bus stop — and see what the EAA, local clubs, and the AMA are doing to promote the sport of model aviation.
El Toro Flying Site Story
Perseverance helps. In a June 2001 column, the El Toro Marine Base success story was mentioned. Here are details.
In November 2000, Andy Patten of Aliso Viejo, CA, asked for help dealing with city administrators regarding flying-site acquisition. At the time, Andy was looking at potential sites in San Clemente, CA. Andy drafted a letter to send to local parks and recreation departments asking for help finding and developing a suitable model-aircraft flying site. Responses included one from Doug Witherspoon, who manages allocation of space at the old El Toro Marine Base in Southern California. Other modelers had been trying to gain access to the base, but none had contacted Doug, who proved key to the solution.
One initial concern was communications. County parks and recreation staff insisted that if the base was opened to modelers, modelers would need to organize and designate a maximum of two or three key contacts. They did not want to be bombarded with calls; the modelers would handle inquiries internally.
The solution was an association of clubs. Andy contacted local clubs and the Orange County Modelers Association (OCMA) was formed. Meetings to define the flying site and overlay area followed, including a meeting to demonstrate actual RC operations at the field, where Doug Witherspoon and his staff participated.
On May 3, 2001, three OCMA directors, AMA Vice President Rich Hanson, and the author met with Doug and his staff to iron out financial requirements of the agreement. Flying at El Toro won't be free, but the required annual fees are within the range seen for top-notch sites around the country. Administrative details remain to be worked out; OCMA is charged with paperwork and permitting responsibilities. The modelers community is expected to rise to the challenge.
RCRCC Grant and Primer
Congratulations to the Royal City Radio Control Club (RCRCC) of Santa Fe, NM. They received a grant from the Hitec R/C, Inc. Field Improvement Fund awards. Instead of using the award for its own field improvement, RCRCC will create a primer for clubs considering acquiring federal land for an RC flying site.
RCRCC has been successful with the Federal Recreation and Public Purposes Act. Clubs in states with substantial Bureau of Land Management land will want to use this comprehensive primer to try to gain a permanent flying site. The booklet will be announced when ready. Thanks to Hitec R/C, Inc. for its support of field acquisition and improvement activities at the club level.
Education and the Delta Dart Program
Building and flying an AMA Cub (Delta Dart) as a classroom activity has a long tradition. The author recalls a student winning a contest 20 to 30 years ago but never finding the model; part of the prize was another Dart to build. Before retiring from teaching in 1985, the author's daughter Anne began teaching fifth-graders; every May each of her students builds and flies a Dart, continuing the tradition.
When the Education Committee took root within AMA, the Dart was prominent, but networking revealed many local programs in place—some demonstrations, others longer class projects. AMA's YES Grants and other activities expanded education in aeromodeling, but some mindsets still slow evolution.
One committee goal was to remember education is not just for kids. A significant number of AMA's new members are adults who need "education" to properly enjoy the hobby/sport. Many newcomers are attracted to flying more than building. Programs should address both: provide building programs and programs focused on teaching how to make models fly well.
Park flyers are a key current topic. Opinions vary from seeing them as safety threats and "toys" to considering them a wonderful opportunity. Clubs working with local hobby shops to create programs that offer a few hours one evening a week to help purchasers learn to trim and fly park flyers could be beneficial. This effort could fall under "Focus on Education."
What do you think? Have any ideas?
AMA News
Executive VP's Report
Doug Holland AMA Executive VP
3517 Fernwood Dr. Raleigh, NC 27612 Home: (919) 787-5163 Office: (919) 787-7454
The accountants completed the audit report; the author will cover numbers. The first statement presented is "Statements of Financial Position," a comparative statement showing assets, liabilities, and net worth for the years ending December 31, 2000 and 1999. The statement has several numbers explained in other supporting statements to be presented later.
It was another good year, with an increase in net assets of $753,863. Details will follow in subsequent statements.
Anecdote: Many modelers call an airplane "composite" when built from high-tech materials. The author was flying with a friend who offered an airplane assembled from an old wing, a different fuselage, and tail feathers from a third—yet it flew well. The author approves of "composite" airplanes.
Contact Doug Holland for further discussion of the financial statement.
Statements of Financial Position
THE ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS, INC. STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION DECEMBER 31, 2000 and 1999
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
- Cash and cash equivalents: 2000 — $3,096,066; 1999 — $4,263,771
- Receivables: 2000 — $108,167; 1999 — $115,525
- Inventory - at cost: 2000 — $174,528; 1999 — $189,930
- Prepaid insurance: 2000 — $116,701; 1999 — $106,443
- Prepaid membership costs: 2000 — $238,271; 1999 — $222,878
- Prepaid IMS expenses: 2000 — $13,354; 1999 — $29,521
- Prepaid expenses: 2000 — $7,630; 1999 — $4,159
- Prepaid taxes: 2000 — $9,855; 1999 — $7,050
Total Current Assets: 2000 — $3,764,572; 1999 — $4,939,277
INVESTMENTS
- 2000 — $3,869,986; 1999 — $3,949,361
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
- Land and improvements: 2000 — $3,068,332; 1999 — $2,996,757
- Buildings and improvements: 2000 — $2,878,930; 1999 — $2,567,713
- Construction in progress: 2000 — $2,402,085; 1999 — (not listed)
- Computers and software: 2000 — $1,058,630; 1999 — $949,743
- Museum contents and library: 2000 — $175,873; 1999 — $175,873
- Furniture and equipment: 2000 — $853,453; 1999 — $934,599
- Vehicles: 2000 — $118,790; 1999 — $93,790
Total Cost: 2000 — $10,556,093; 1999 — $7,718,475 Less accumulated depreciation: 2000 — $2,470,282; 1999 — $2,084,180
Net Property and Equipment: 2000 — $8,085,811; 1999 — $5,634,295
OTHER ASSETS
- Goodwill - net of accumulated amortization of $16,994 and $10,278, respectively: 2000 — $83,056; 1999 — $89,722
- Life memberships receivable: 2000 — $12,919; 1999 — $13,104
Other Assets Total: 2000 — $95,975; 1999 — $102,826
Total Assets: 2000 — $15,816,344; 1999 — $14,625,759
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
CURRENT LIABILITIES
- Accounts payable: 2000 — $218,614; 1999 — $0
- Current maturities of mortgage payable and capital lease obligations: 2000 — $68,000; 1999 — $93,200
- Accrued expenses: 2000 — $50,643; 1999 — $44,161
- Competition funds escrow: 2000 — $76,297; 1999 — $68,996
- Deferred membership revenue: 2000 — $4,138,168; 1999 — $4,173,279
- Deferred IMS revenue: 2000 — $68,046; 1999 — $62,831
- Prepaid royalties: 2000 — $263,432; 1999 — $0
Total Current Liabilities: 2000 — $4,883,200; 1999 — $4,442,467
DEFERRED MEMBERSHIP REVENUE
- 2000 — $331,164; 1999 — $233,109
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
- Mortgage payable - net of current maturities: 2000 — $561,933; 1999 — $624,161
- Obligations under capital lease - net of current maturities: 2000 — $0; 1999 — $39,838
Total Long-Term Liabilities: 2000 — $561,933; 1999 — $663,999
Total Liabilities: 2000 — $5,776,297; 1999 — $5,339,575
NET ASSETS
Unrestricted net assets
- Unrestricted net assets available for operations: 2000 — $5,760,406; 1999 — $5,093,475
- Designated by Executive Council for contingencies: 2000 — $3,940,000; 1999 — $2,967,401
- Designated by Executive Council for building project: 2000 — $0; 1999 — $972,599
Unrestricted Net Assets Total: 2000 — $9,700,406; 1999 — $9,033,475
Temporarily restricted net assets
- Site development: 2000 — $89,299; 1999 — $50,988
- Scholarships and awards: 2000 — $28,800; 1999 — $27,656
- Other programs: 2000 — $221,542; 1999 — $174,065
Temporarily Restricted Net Assets Total: 2000 — $339,641; 1999 — $252,709
Total Net Assets: 2000 — $10,040,047; 1999 — $9,286,184
Total Liabilities and Net Assets: $15,816,344 (2000) and $14,625,759 (1999)
District I Report
Connecticut / Maine / Massachusetts / New Hampshire / Rhode Island / Vermont
Don Krafft, Vice President
PO Box 1828 Duxbury, MA 02331-1828 Phone: (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) 888-3876
Events and Club News
STATE OF MAINE Scale Shootout: This event will take place August 4–5, 2001 at New Gloucester, ME. Two days of flying feature some of the best scale airplanes in the area. Demonstration flying during the lunch break will include David and Jason Shulman—David with a turbine-powered aircraft and Jason with an Extra 330. The Saturday night barbecue is presented by Bill Reeve and his staff.
Millis Model Aircraft Club: Each year the club holds a "winter projects" night. This year approximately 20 aircraft were shown.
Junior pilot Emily Trimher participated with her Delta Dart at the Harris Hill Lift Over Drag Indoor event at the Murray Athletic Center. About two dozen pilots flew a combination of rubber-powered, CO2, and electric models, both Free Flight and Radio Control. This first-year low-key fly-in is likely to become annual.
District II recently lost an outstanding member: Bob McKay, District II Associate Vice President, passed away April 22 after battling cancer. On March 27, Bob was presented with AMA's Superior Service Award. He also served as a District II director for IMAA and was active in Giant Scale. He will be missed.
New Webmaster: Jack Sgambelluri is the new Webmaster for the district site and is updating it. Visit http://www.amadistrictii.org and contact Jack with ideas.
Internet note: There were issues earlier this year with emails sent to AOL subscribers from Earthlink/Mindspring users being blocked by anti-spam software. If you email the author and do not receive a reply in a reasonable time, assume the message was not received and resend.
Posting AMA questions on newsgroups or mailing lists can produce conflicting answers. Examples: AMA is not self-insured (contrary to some posts), and radio interference can occur for reasons beyond two transmitters on the same frequency. If you have questions regarding AMA, contact the author for accurate information.
Museum outreach idea: Ron Ogden maintains a display at the Niagara Aerospace Museum dedicated to longtime modeler Hal deBolt. Clubs might consider adopting a local modeling pioneer and approaching museums to place displays that promote model aviation and AMA.
See you at the field.
District II Report (excerpt)
I'LL BEGIN this month's column where I left off last month and introduce another junior pilot, Emily Trimher, who participated with her Delta Dart at the Harris Hill Lift Over Drag Indoor event at the Murray Athletic Center. Emily joined about two dozen pilots flying rubber-powered, CO2, and electric models, Free Flight and RC.
This was the first year for this low-key, unorganized fun-fly and it appears likely to become a yearly event.
On a sad note, District II Associate Vice President Bob McKay passed away April 22 after a battle with cancer. He had been presented with the AMA Superior Service Award on March 27.
A new Webmaster for the district web site, Jack Sgambelluri, has stepped forward and begun updating the site: http://www.amadistrictii.org.
Email issues: AOL anti-spam filtering blocked some Earthlink/Mindspring messages earlier in the year. If you don't get a reply, resend your email.
Newsgroup caution: Answers found on lists may be incorrect (examples: AMA insurance and frequency interference). If unsure, ask the author.
Museum project suggestion: Clubs could work with local museums to highlight modeling pioneers and promote AMA.
See you at the field.
District III Notes
APRIL was a sad month for District III. On April 18, 2001, Marge Weisenbach passed away. Marge served as Contest Coordinator for more than 40 years; she was known for being fair, firm, and knowledgeable of the rule book. Condolences to her husband Warren and family.
Francis Fluharty, former District III AVP, also passed away. Frank founded the Vienna Sky Sharks Model Airplane Club and assisted local modelers. Condolences to his wife Edith and family.
Youth Program Example: Christ United Methodist Church
Bill Lehn of Dayton, Ohio, provided details of a successful youth program run at Christ United Methodist Church. The program uses the church's new facilities and is entering its fourth year. Key points:
- Class size limited to 40; tuition $30–$35 to cover materials.
- Targeted to 4th–6th graders; students from multiple schools.
- Classes divided into beginners, intermediate, and advanced.
- All materials provided (plans, wood, glues, jigs, tools, covering materials, etc.).
- Students store models on site; models are not taken home until family night.
- Family night: students fly each model built (2–4 types), including mass launches, then take models home.
- Staff: about 14 senior modelers (largely retired) volunteer one morning a week and instruct classes.
- Models progress from Delta Dart to indoor stick types, profile fuselages, built-up fuselages, and semiscale designs.
- Additional school sessions: three-day sessions covering flight principles, building Delta Darts, and flying at the indoor site.
- Current program involved 39 students plus teachers.
AMA News — Club and Education Highlights
Tidewater Radio Control Club (Virginia)
Photos and reports covered Aviation Day for Great Bridge Middle School. Club members Bob Orr, Joe Scalet, and Bob Tabler explained RC models to interested students.
Indian Creek School Program
John and Tim are students in the school's fifth year of teaching model building and flying. Instructor Carl is shown working with Tim.
Camp Jeep® 2001: The author is working on Camp Jeep® 2001 and will provide more information later.
Go take a kid flying!
District V Report
Alabama / Florida / Georgia / Mississippi / Puerto Rico / South Carolina / Tennessee
Jim McNeill, Vice President
617 South 20th Avenue Birmingham, AL 35205 Phone: (205) 322-2127 FAX: (205) 252-2654 E-mail: [email protected]
WEB PAGE contact: Lamar Blair — http://[email protected]/~ama_district_v/
Associate Vice Presidents (selected)
- Lamar Blair, Decatur AL (256) 351-8445
- Malcolm Boartfield, Marietta GA (770) 977-4126
- Ron Chidgey, Pensacola FL (850) 476-8639
- John G. Cooper, Memphis TN (901) 363-3420
- James Alvis, Jackson MS (601) 956-4978
- Michael Gregory, Greenville SC (864) 884-1201
- Louise Izzo, Kinterprisngs FL (407) 699-4929
- Richard Jackson, Charleston SC (843) 744-4579
- Dr. John Martin, Miami FL (305) 868-6363
- Joseph Micalizzi, Fajardo PR (787) 863-9163
- Russell Mobley, Thomcon GA (706) 597-9763
- Tom Morris, Anniston AL (256) 820-1983
- Fred Mulholland, Tampa FL (813) 962-7020
- George Perryman, Smyrna GA (770) 438-6001
- Melvin Sires, Aiken SC (803) 649-4073
- Jim Weems, Indian Springs AL (205) 733-2021
- Ward Van Duzer, Gainesville GA (770) 718-0123
- Lee Webster, Manchester TN (615) 728-3263
Columbia, TN RC Flying Modelers — Giant Scale Fly-In
The Columbia TN RC Flying Modelers held their fifth annual Spring RC Giant Scale Fly-In with a large turnout. Officials included club secretary Craig Dieter; Contest Director Allan Dieterle; announcer Lee Wells; club president Kurt Reekston; treasurer Leon Whitlach; club member Roscoe Brannon; and vice president John Bufford.
The club field includes a paved helicopter pad (12' x 12') within a grass circle for safety.
Winthrop Harbor, IL — Club 777
Lake County Radio Control Club held their annual January Fun Fly at Ed Furst Field. More than 45 people enjoyed chili provided by Myra Enbert. Field crew plowed parking and paths through deep snow.
St. Louis, MO — Spirits of St. Louis Flying Club
Club 396 presented an RC flying demonstration for the Clayton, Missouri Rotary Club in Ladue, MO. Presenters included Craig Finks, Gene Jones, Les Richman, and Walt Wilson. Handouts described the club and its training program; Craig gave a 30-minute talk followed by Q&A.
Frozen Finger Fun Fly (Rosedale International Flyers Club, Sault Ste. Marie MI)
Snow depth ~24 inches; about 20 pilots participated. Activities included Combat flying and helium balloon bursting. Pilots then enjoyed chili, lasagna, and hot chocolate.
Skymasters RC Club — Boy Scouts Jamboree
Skymasters participated in the Boy Scouts Jamboree at Romeo Airport, supplying buddy boxes, trainers, fuel, and support equipment.
St. Paul Model Radio Control Club — Cub Scout Fun-Fly
Cub Scouts Pack 711 received pilot training certificates. Instructors provided training despite gusty winds up to 25 mph.
Wausau R/C Sportsman Club — Festival of Trees
For four years the club participated in "The Festival of Trees" to raise donations for Hospice. Participation helped generate more than $250,000 to aid Hospice charitable activities.
Until next time, fly smart, fly safe. 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 a listing of all district volunteer workers consult the previous magazine issue or the above web address.
SWAC and Magazines for Libraries Project
As SWAC 2001 concludes (at time of writing), thanks to exhibitors, participants, volunteers, and attendees.
New project: Model Aviation “Magazines for Libraries” project. Jeff Carter will spearhead placing Model Aviation subscriptions into schools, libraries, and possibly public libraries within District VIII. Funding will come from SWAC 2001 proceeds if the event runs in the black.
This program requires local volunteers to contact libraries in person to promote the publication and secure shelf space. Volunteers should have email capability for coordination. The project is formative and open to input. Contact Jeff at [email protected].
AMA Administrative Complex
Photo note: The new AMA Administrative complex is located on the International Flying Site in Muncie, IN. Designed to be functional and long-serving. Appreciation to District IV VP Chuck Foreman who chaired the project.
Park Flyer Committee
Dave Mathewson, newly elected VP for District II, was assigned to chair the new AMA ad hoc committee on park flyers. He will address welcoming park flyer modelers and dealing with issues of flying outside regularly designated model flying sites. Contact Dave at [email protected] for more information.
Toledo Show Highlights
- George Steiner (modeling author) and Wayne Yeager (Toledo Show co-director) pictured.
- Joyce Hager (current AMA Executive Director) and retired Executive Director John Worth shown.
- District VIII exhibitors included G.R.S. Models (Richard and Mrs. Stubblefield, and George Cleveland).
- AMA staff at the show included Wendy Wishart, April Hathaway, and Randall Trumbull.
Outdoor flying season is underway. Fly safely. Flying, fun, and fellowship!
Sandy Frank — August 2001
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 E-mail: [email protected]
Associate Vice Presidents (selected)
- Max Hansen, Huron, SD
- Nathan Lancaster, Denver, CO
- Troy Lapp, Bismarck, ND
- Travis McGinnis, Arvada, CO
- Don Moden, Salina, KS
- Jim Ricketts, Sioux Falls, SD
- Jack L. Siebert, Lincoln, NE
- Chuck Smith, Casper, WY
- Mark T. Smith, Shawnee, KS
- Mike Weidner, Colorado Springs, CO
Frequency Coordinator: Steve Mangels, c/o Radio Service Center, 918 S. Sheridan, Denver, CO 80226
News from Colorado
Rocky Mountain Soaring Association held its fourth annual Pro/Am. Despite dense fog and wind later in the day, the event was successful. The Ams received individual instruction from Pros; Team Moffett (Dr. Dan and Bob Moffett) won the Pro/Am title. Team results:
- Team Moffett: Dr. Dan and Bob Moffett
- Team Skip: Skip Miller and Don Ingram
- Team Howard: Mark Howard and Gary Levan
News from Kansas
Wichita Radio Control Club hosted a Sport Combat meet with seven hard-core combat pilots and 18 spectators. Thirteen heats over four rounds produced intense action. Scores and highlights included numerous midairs and dramatic landings. Top individual totals:
- 9 kills, 2 cuts — Collin "Kraut" McGinnis
- 8 kills, 3 cuts — Mike "Bear" Tallman
- 5 kills, 1 cut — "Hot" Rod Christie
Class and aircraft totals were also noted.
News from South Dakota
Dakota Flyers held their annual Chili Feed/Fun-Fly in Sioux Falls with 25 attendees, three gallons of chili consumed, and many flights.
Material is needed for the District IX column—send pictures and short articles of club activities.
District X Report
Arizona / California / Hawaii / Guam / Nevada / Utah
Richard Hanson, Vice President
PO Box 3312 Scottsdale, AZ 85271 Voice/Fax: (888) 899-3548 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.ama-10.com/rama
Associate Vice Presidents (selected)
- Darwin Barrie, Scottsdale, AZ (480) 946-8955
- Darlene Frederick, Santa Rosa, CA (707) 525-8815
- Don Guisenh, Lancaster, CA (661) 940-6065
- Don Guilhur, Santee, CA (619) 449-8397
- Marc Karpowich, Logan, UT (435) 994-4955
- Dave Pinjuv, Las Vegas, NV (702) 656-1772
- Lucky Pyatt, Garden Grove, CA (714) 745-4300
Frequency Coordinator: Eloy Marez, Santa Ana, CA (714) 540-4935
Battle Mountain Long Distance Contest
On September 22, 2000, the Battle Mountain "Sagemtrimmers" R/C Club held the first annual Long Distance Contest. The contest began at Altamira Farms, 50 miles south of town, and ended at the club field. Airplanes were weighed before and after flight to determine fuel usage; the least fuel used was declared the winner. Pilots departed at two-minute intervals. Neil Shaw (Elko) was the only airplane to fly the entire distance, landing rough about 1/4 mile from the field.
The second annual Long Distance Contest is scheduled for September 22–23, 2001 in Battle Mountain, NV. Motels are nearby; field space available for motor homes and campers (no hookups).
Remote Possibilities Event (St. George, UT)
A report described a three-day event hosted by the Remote Possibilities club in St. George with 44 pilots attending. Weather ranged from low 80s to 90s, with light winds except Saturday afternoon. The event was well attended and enjoyed.
A complete report and award winners are available on the USRCJC web page at http://www.usrjc.org/.
El Toro Flight Demonstration
On April 13, the Orange County Modelers' Association (OCMA) conducted a flight demonstration for Orange County officials at the proposed El Toro flying site. OCMA has been working to broker a deal with the County for access to El Toro. As of the writing, OCMA was close to an agreement for use of a three-acre parcel on the north side of the field. OCMA board members asked modelers not to contact the County directly. Points of contact:
- Andrew Patten: (949) 246-3530
- Jack Guiso: (949) 665-1505
- Lucky Pyatt: (714) 745-4300
OCMA planners and board members include Andrew Patten, Jack Guiso, and Lucky Pyatt (District X AVP).
Indoor Free Flight — Boeing Hangar Event
March 31 and April 1 found indoor fliers at Boeing's 747 facility in Everett, WA ("The Big Hangar"). This largest building in the world hosted small indoor airplanes. The event showcased senior modelers mentoring young people, trimming fragile creations, and sharing flying tips. Participants included Don Miller, Gil Coughlin, Keith Varnau, Walter Wiltshire, and Fred Hollingsworth. The BEAMS Club hosts this event and works actively with youth.
District web resources: Visit the district web site for links to club sites, bulletin boards, and event postings: http://www.olylwa.com/yosemiteflash/xiama.htm. Juan Fernandez volunteered to build the site.
Financial Audit Note
At the latest Executive Council meeting the financial audit was reviewed. The reporting auditor complimented AMA on how well finances are handled compared to similar associations.
Closing thought: There is nothing worse than running out of airspeed, altitude, and ideas all at once. Keep safe and enjoy the flying season.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
