AMA News
Walt Good 1916 - 2002
WALTER A. GOOD, past AMA president and considered by many as the father of the modern Radio Control (RC) model aircraft, died July 20, 2002. He was 86. His death followed a little after a year of that of his twin brother, Bill, who shared Walt's pioneering RC efforts.
A Life Member, Hall of Fame member (1969), and AMA Fellow (1953), Walt's considerable achievements spanned three principal areas—aeromodeling, AMA administration, and a distinguished career in scientific research.
Born in Hillsdale MI, Walt is best known for his work with brother Bill, to design and build their first RC aircraft, the Big Guff, and their own radio equipment in 1937.
Their model placed first the following year at the RC Nationals in Detroit. The Guff was used extensively for demonstrations, one of which included a spectator by the name of Henry Ford. Later accounts recalled that the model nearly struck Ford, "but Ford never batted an eye," Walt said in an interview many years later.
Walt's success carried over into the classroom and in the workplace. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in 1941, and took his first job at the Johns Hopkins Physics Laboratory near Washington DC. His research there included top-secret work to develop the VT Proximity Fuse during World War II. Walt received several awards for his work in this area.
Following the war, Walt resumed his aeromodeling activities, winning first place with an updated RC Guff at the 1947 AMA Nationals in Minnesota. In 1952, flying a new RC design, the Rudder Bug, Walt set a new Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) RC World Duration record flight of just over 40 minutes at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington DC. A few years later he was honored by the FAI with the prestigious Tissandier award for his pioneering work in model aviation.
Another of Walt's model airplanes, the Multi-Bug, set an FAI altitude record in 1963 assisted by the piloting experience of another AMA Hall of Fame member and past AMA president, Maynard Hill.
In 1965, Walt helped pioneer another form of aeromodeling, successfully launching an RC model glider from atop an RC-powered model in flight. This event later inspired the concept used 10 years later by NASA for the 747/Orbiter "piggyback" flights during the test phases for the US Space Shuttle program.
As an AMA member, Walt became active as a volunteer shortly after World War II. He served as AMA Contest Board chairman 1947-1949, and as chairman of the AMA RC Rules Committee 1948-1950. He was a member of the AMA Frequency Committee 1950-1959, serving as the first chairman 1950-1956.
Largely as a result of Walt's early leadership, this committee went on to obtain from the FCC the many RC frequencies we enjoy today. In 1999, Walt was made an honorary member of the Frequency Committee. He served as AMA's 11th president 1958-1960.
"When I was AMA president in 1963 at a time when AMA needed a new Executive Director, Walt Good was one of the key AMA leaders who helped persuade me to move to Washington to accept the position. I made the move and stayed on for 27 years, during which time AMA grew from less than 20,000 members to about 150,000. Practically all that growth was in the form of RC modelers so it is reasonable to credit Walt with helping to establish the basis for attracting so many new members."
—John Worth
Walt remained active as an aeromodeling competitor, functioning as RC team manager of the US team at the first RC World Championships in Switzerland in 1960. He also continued to fly RC Sailplanes for many years, until within a few months of passing away.
"Dr. Walt Good was a very quiet, soft-spoken man who made a tremendous impact on modeling, Radio Control, and all who knew him. His charm was that he treated everyone he met with grace and respect. After knowing Walt for forty years I, for one, will sorely miss him."
—Norm Rosenstock
2002 Election Campaign Statements
Executive Vice President
Douglas Barry Charlotte NC
My name is Douglas Barry and I am running for the position of Executive Vice President, the sole financial officer, of the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
This position over the years has grown in scope from simply managing the check book to responsibility for the complete financial health of the AMA. Further, as AMA has grown in size, added member services and added the Museum, IP property, the role of the Executive Vice President has also increased in both required time and financial knowledge. As a result, today's Executive Vice President must be knowledgeable in complex topics such as taxes, insurance and investments in order to best serve you, the members.
Currently, the Academy does not have minimum financial or accounting training and experience requirements for the job of Executive Vice President. Given the size and scope of the AMA and the increased responsibilities of the Executive Vice President, a trained, experienced financial and accounting person is an absolute necessity to ensure the financial future of the AMA.
I have spent my entire business career as an accountant and financial officer working primarily with manufacturing businesses. I have an accounting degree, a masters in business administration and am a Certified Public Accountant (retired). I currently serve on the Academy as a member of the Finance Committee and Chairman of the Soaring Contest Board. As a result of my training and experiences, I feel that I am prepared to step up to the position of Executive Vice President and to continue the professional work that the incumbent provides.
The current incumbent, Doug Holland, is the first professional accountant to hold the Executive Vice President position. Doug enhanced the AMA's budgeting and financial controls to the professional level that the Academy enjoys today. Doug's discipline as Executive Vice President has supported the Academy's continued growth and development.
It is not my intention to replace Doug Holland but to follow in his footsteps so that the professional financial management of the Academy will continue. As long as Doug Holland wants to fill the Executive Vice President position I will support him and look forward to the eventual day when you will elect me to continue the work he has begun. Let's keep the AMA a financially sound, dynamically growing organization and leisure hobby-time.
As a modeler, I have done CL, FF, stick/tissue, but mostly RC the past 30 years. I still do some sport CL. I belong to PAMPA as well as five other SIGs. I'm much too lazy to chase FF now.
As a previous D-VI VP, I was known for bringing AMA back to the modeling members. I want the BC to again hear the modeler, not just the so-called business approach. Help me be your EVP. Vote.
The EVP's charge is financial. I have several financial people at my disposal all ready to give me the information I need to present a true factual picture of AMA's financial position.
In no way do I even pretend to be a financial wizard. I could never be an accountant, as when the boss asks, "What is two plus two," any good accountant will answer "Whatever you want it to be, sir." I could only answer "Four."
The position requires an annual report to you and quarterly reports to the BC. My outside resources can prepare reports that both you and I can read. They will be correct "four."
Gentlemen, et. al., if you follow the forum, then you will know that only a very few AMA members are concerned with AMA's political posturing. Nothing is ever for all the members. Variables must exist.
I say that not only will I tell you all I know, I will also bring to the BC a different approach than the current modeler friendly approach. The modeler's interest will be at the front of the priority list.
I will also strive to make the Council more of an active partner in member improvement activities such as Club Chartering, modeler training, etc. Quickly establishing rules that simply have to be discussed again wastes time.
You, as a modeler, will know rebuilding costs money and takes time. When the BC crashes and has to rebuild, it costs money.
Horace D. Cain New Caney TX
Hello to you in AMA land, from Horace Cain, here in New Caney, TX. Not just another Texan, I have lived in Buffalo Grove, IL (Chicago), Laredo, TX, Little Rock, AR, Sacramento, CA, Savannah, GA, and I own a summer place in Crystal Falls, MI.
As a USAF, and as a UAL pilot, I visited cities in all 50 states. I am familiar with your part of this USA. Now that you know me, I solicit your vote for AMA Executive Vice President.
As an AMA member from the early '50s and a Leader since 2/14/64, I have witnessed growth, and many changes in the AMA and model aviation. As a senior in years and activity, I wish to offer my experience, knowledge and understanding of this sport/hobby to further that growth and to accommodate the many changes to come. One major objective is to gain governmental and public media recognition of model aviation as an educational, worthwhile, and proper activity for competition, recreation, and leisure hobby-time.
AMA News
C. Douglas Holland, Incumbent Raleigh NC
I am the incumbent Executive Vice President of AMA and a candidate for reelection to a three-year term beginning January 1, 2003. I graduated from Duke University with a degree in accounting. I am a certified public accountant and have been practicing for 52 years. During WWII, I served in the US Navy, primarily in the Philippines. At the present time, I am the Senior Partner and President of C.D. Holland & Company, P.A., a certified public accounting firm.
The Executive Vice President of AMA is responsible for accounting for funds for the financial operations. This includes matters of finance, investing of funds, budgeting, daily accounting operations, and structuring debt to acquire fixed assets. There is involvement with the federal tax law due to the amount of revenue generated and because AMA has unrelated business income from sales of advertising by Model Aviation. I have a great deal of academic training and practical experience in all of the aforementioned items as well as involvement in management responsibilities and consulting. In addition, my service on various committees has given me a knowledge of the financial needs of AMA. All these factors stand me in good stead to perform for you the work that is required by this position in a manner that is both knowledgeable and professional.
My involvement with model aviation goes back to 1935 when I began building model airplanes at a YMCA camp. I have been involved in indoor, free flight, U-control, and radio control categories. I have been an active participant in these classes as a contestant in many events, including various nationals, as well as a CD for over 30 years. I am presently active in electric flying.
Due to my love of modeling and my extensive business experience in the field of accounting, finance, and management, I feel I am most qualified to serve as the Executive Vice President of AMA. I will appreciate your support.
District III Vice President
Bob Brown, Incumbent Bradford PA
The Academy of Model Aeronautics has experienced several significant changes in recent years. As your Vice President, I have attempted to provide the professional leadership necessary to continue and enhance the membership benefits during this crucial period.
It is now time to focus on the needs of the individual members and the local club. The procurement and maintenance of local flying sites is of primary concern. The Academy has to enhance our programs that will enable the local clubs to obtain and maintain their flying sites. Positive liaison between national, state, and local government agencies has to be increased. Corporate involvement is also necessary. As your elected representative, I have the expertise needed to initiate this increased involvement.
Membership growth within the Academy has to be increased. To do this, the individual member must obtain additional benefits without increased cost. Programs involving the neophyte must provide the proper assistance needed to become a safe, active modeler. Today’s modeling style is changing and we have to adapt to this change. A more positive alignment with the hobby industry will certainly provide benefit to all.
Apathy within society is very critical to our hobby. Unfortunately, not many club members desire to extend themselves for the club. The Academy’s Leader Club Program should be extended to help encourage active club involvement and participation.
Within the modeling hobby, one can express oneself in several different avenues. We have airplanes, boats, cars, etc. The time has come for the Academy of Model Aeronautics to act as the catalyst to have all the various organizations working for common goals. Duplication of effort is costly and often counter productive. The primary need for all is to acquire additional sites to actively conduct our sport. It is time we work together.
As your elected representative, I will continue to be available to all. Recognition of the needs of the individual modeler is of the utmost importance. Please demonstrate the positive attitude we have within the AMA’s greatest district ... Vote for Bob Brown!
District VII Vice President
Dave Gish Wapello IA
Some of you already know me. But for those who don’t, my name is Dave Gish and I live in Wapello, Iowa. I have been a member of the AMA for many years (in and out) but steadily involved for the past 10–12 years.
However, before going any further, I would like to advise everyone of some personal good news. During 1998–1999 I was fighting a battle with cancer. Well, as of now I have beat it and my doctors have classified me as stable and am now leading a normal life.
As far as qualifications go I have served as an AVP for Iowa and VP for District VII. During my modeling years, I have built and flown control line, free flight, sail plane and RC models. Competition and fun-fly events are not new to me.
I am now retired with no real outside interests except for modeling and the AMA. I believe strongly in the AMA and everything it stands for. I think I know what our members want and I am prepared to deliver these wants to headquarters.
Being retired I have plenty of time to travel within the district and I will respond to any requests that require my presence.
Having been a VP, I am very familiar with how the council and the AMA operate. I have given strong support to the museum and flying safety and I will fight for getting and keeping of flying sites.
As far as a little personal history goes, I have an AMA involved wife, named Pat and I served 4 years in the Air Force (Korean War) and possess a degree in mechanical engineering. I am currently involved in RC scale and free flight modeling. One thing I promise is that each state within District VII will receive proper representation by me and AVP’s.
I think I have the knowledge and qualifications to serve as your vice president and if you also think so, please vote for me. I am ready to serve.
Sincerely, Dave Gish (AMA 2815)
Bill Oberdieck, Incumbent Southgate MI
I am Bill Oberdieck, incumbent, and I am honored to have been nominated for re-election as your District VII Vice President. I have worked hard to represent all AMA members within our District. Now I need your vote to continue representing our District within the AMA Executive Council.
In the time since I was elected as your District Vice President, I have been involved in finding new flying sites for clubs that have either lost or were about to lose their fields. I am currently negotiating for two more fields. Losing a flying site is one of the biggest problems in our District. I’ve made a difference for these clubs.
The District VII web site was born under my direction and has helped develop a cost effective way for our clubs to share information. I have plans to expand electronic communication to each club officer within the District to keep them up to date with the latest information. And to continue my 24/7 open door policy.
Recently, I led the change that enables AMA members of large, 55+ pound aircraft to fly them anywhere and anytime rather than just at AMA sanctioned events provided the aircraft are qualified. Once the aircraft has been qualified, and passed the inspection process you are good to go.
District XI Vice President
Bruce Nelson, Incumbent Spokane WA
My name is Bruce Nelson, and I represent you as a member of the AMA Executive Council. I have served in that capacity for the past three years and was an Associate Vice President for District XI for 22 years before becoming your Vice President.
I am a retired Police Detective and am now the owner of my own business. I work with the managers of over a dozen major national corporations and provide their business's investigative and security services. My past profession has taught me to deal with people in a wide variety of circumstances and situations.
I am an active modeler and have been for almost 50 years. I built my first model with my father when I was ten years old and have shared this experience with my sons. I have served on AMA's Air Show Advisory Committee for over 15 years and chaired that Committee four times. This has given me the opportunity to work with many AMA staff members and have an understanding as to how the organization functions. In that capacity I have successfully solved some complex and sensitive administrative problems. I received AMA's Distinguished Service Award for my work on this committee and service as an AVP.
I am currently seeking reelection to the office of District XI Vice President. As such I am your representative to the Executive Council, which is the policy making board of directors for the AMA. I am your voice at that board and help set the course of the AMA for today and for its future.
I do not have all the answers to the problems facing AMA and its members, but those of you that know me know that I am not afraid to ask for advice and input.
If reelected I promise to work with members and clubs and to assist them with their problems and needs. I will do my best to provide them with the services they need and deserve. My entire career has demanded that I be a problem solver, and I feel this experience will be a great asset in this endeavor.
Special Election for District IV Vice President
Randy Elliott Pulaski VA
As long as I can remember I have been an aviation nut. It started with my father, who is also an enthusiast, when he bought me my first u-control model at the age of ten. From there it escalated to free flight and then to radio control. After a few years of "full scale" planes, returned to model aviation in 1990 and have been active in the hobby ever since. In the last 12 years I have held several offices in my local club and become AMA introductory pilot to help beginners. In 1994 I became a Contest director and have directed several successful events. For the last 4 years have been an associate vice president working with Chuck Foreman.
If elected I intent to apply my experience and conservative values to insure the future success of AMA and to improve the services provided by the AMA to its members. I feel that the current projects and areas of concern for AMA are all valid and with merit and should be continued. I also feel that additional emphasis should be placed on assisting local clubs to obtain and keep flying sites. As unpopulated areas are becoming more and more difficult to find, flying sites will be at a premium in the very near future. Now is the time to be proactive in this area if we are to be successful in the future.
Bliss Teague, Incumbent Hickory NC
I was born March 2, 1931, and finished high school in 1949 in the upper 1% of my class. While serving in the US Army, (Korea 1952-1954) I attained the rank of Sergeant. I completed several technical schools in service and State Metal Building School afterward.
I became a field superintendent in commercial and industrial construction until 1972 with W. E. Dale Construction Co. and built schools, manufacturing plants, city halls, recreation centers, churches and dormitories.
My construction career continued at Twin City Builders where I was chief estimator and purchasing agent until 1978. I then worked with Hetrick General Contractors until 1980. From 1980 until 1992, I was president of Brownes Construction Inc. There I was responsible for the complete operation and construction of multi-million dollar homes in the Grandfather Golf and Country Club, Linville Ridge, Elk River Resorts, and Linville Resorts golf communities. From 1992 until my retirement in March 2001 I held the same position with Griffin Contractors, Inc., Linville Division.
I became an AMA member for the second time in the mid 60's. The first time was in the mid 40's. In 1978 I became a Contest Director and have handled more than 50 contests since. I attained Leader Member status in 1989 and was appointed AVP for Western North Carolina in 1998. Then I was responsible for approximately 40 clubs and visited approximately three-fourths of them.
I have held the office of club president for over 25 terms, though not all consecutive, and was vice-president for several years. I was instrumental in starting the first modeling club in our area and securing our flying site. I was CD for Camp Jep 2000 and along with over 50 other AMA members, we introduced radio control flying to over 1000 new people. For 2001, I assisted our District VP, Chuck Foreman who had solicited over 50 more AMA members, and we flew almost 1000 again with the buddy box. We would have surpassed the first year, but the weather was not in our favor. The rain slowed us down for several hours for part of two days.
Since April of this year, I have been Acting Vice President of District IV. I enjoy meeting people and talking modeling. Everyone has something to contribute and that makes modeling special. With your input and consideration, hopefully I can vote your wishes. As time and invitations permit, I would like to visit as many clubs as possible. Let me know what you think about the issues.
My modeling started at the early age of nine, being interested in balsa gliders and rubber powered models. The modeling interest moved to control line. I worked in a hobby shop to support my modeling. After a time our family and home, I started back in the late 60's in radio control and building my own radios. Like most, I flew the trainers, sport types and then pattern and racing.
Later, I tried helicopters, some sailplanes and a little electric. Eventually, I got into scale and the larger models. I enjoy all facets of modeling, although I haven't tried them all. Perhaps some day I will. I am member of AMA, NMPRA, IMAA, LSF, and SSWA.
If you think I can represent you fairly through your input and comments, then I appreciate your vote.
This letter is from Gene Hempel:
"February 13, 2002, the Victor Stanzel Museum in Schulenburg TX invited Gene Hempel and Jim Thomerson to work with a group of second through fifth grade high-achieving students. We worked with each grade individually.
"The second and third grade students made Priceless Fun airplanes out of egg carton tops, as shown in the June 1997 issue of Model Aviation. We discovered that all egg cartons are not created equal. The first egg cartons we found had the indent in the wrong place for the Priceless Fun pattern. Fortunately, we recognized this in time.
"With the Priceless Fun models we held a competition for the students, as suggested by AMA's Education Coordinator Jack Frost, where the children attempted to fly their airplanes through a suspended hula hoop. The students really got involved and had a great time. So did the adults. The Stanzel factory donated prizes for the highest number of passes through the hula hoop.
"The plan for the fourth and fifth grade students was to construct and fly Delta Darts, but we ran into time constraints. (One should schedule at least a two-hour session for building a Delta Dart, because the building sequence includes one hour of drying time.)
"The first class was able to get their Darts assembled and pinned down to dry. We decided that teachers should come back the next day and collect the Darts. We gave Dart kits to the other class, and their teacher was enthusiastic about them building the darts during a school period.
"We want to thank Lisa Meysenburg, teacher for the gifted and talented students at Weimar Elementary school, for her effort in helping us.
"At the end of the final period Jim Thomerson put in a couple of Control Line exhibition flights with his J3 Pitts Special. The students and their teachers appreciated this. Overall, for a couple of amateurs, we did okay and learned a lot that we will use to improve planning for the next demonstration.
"Gene Hempel and Jim Thomerson want to thank Eugenia Reeves who coordinated and planned the introduction to model aviation and 'what the AMA is all about' for the students at Weimar Elementary school. We want to thank Ted Stanzel and Helen Konczak for setting the tables up in the factory for the students.
"For those who have never visited the Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum in Schulenburg TX, this is a must! This museum covers the history of Victor and Joe Stanzel's contributions to model aviation from the beginning. I would rate this museum second only to the AMA museum in Muncie IN."
I hope to be able to run photos of the Victor Stanzel Museum in another column.
Finally, a letter from Vernon Hacker about Science Olympiad in 2001. The letter is timeless and very informative.
"With this year's state contest I will be finishing my third year of experience with Science Olympiad program. I have only one regret: we did not take photos of the builders' first airplanes brought to events so that we could better show the evolution of our participants' skills.
"Even this year we have seen the following growing materials used: The Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper, Saran Wrap, wax paper, and toilet paper. The varieties of glues used was also interesting, and included every type of carpenter, white glue, PVA, and cyanos—all used in excess.
"We, the Cleveland Clowns have been able to help in many schools but there is still a gap of knowledge that we have not been able to overcome. There are several schools that we have offered to help that have not responded to our invitations.
"Part of our effort to 'level the playing field' was to sponsor a two-day how-to-do-it clinic in January. Eleven coaches attended and were very satisfied with our effort. The great majority of that symposium's teaching was by John Langan and Don and Chuck Slusarczyk.
"It was at this meeting that Don Slusarczyk introduced a CD that exquisitely shows the hows and whys of building and flying the Wright Stuff airplane. Don has also kitted a Science Olympiad airplane called Olympus.
"I have noted my personal disappointment in the fact that some schools have not been helped, but on the other hand, we are very proud of the 17 teams that have come from as far away as Columbus and Piqua OH to learn and to fly at the Andrews School for Girls in Willoughby OH. Another unfortunate occurrence is that we did not keep a record of the number of Internet contacts we have made.
"There are three regional Science Olympiad invitational in Northern Ohio. At those competitions, the people whom we have mentored have always placed high on the list. Our state Science Olympiad contest will be April 21. It will be an interesting Wright Stuff competition as there will be so many of our 'spin ups' competing.
"'Spin up' is a title I use for the five from our group who have developed an interest in Indoor Free Flight and will be going to the USIC (United States Indoor Championships) to fly AMA events as well as the Wright Stuff event. There are two or three others from Southern Ohio who plan to go to the USIC as well.
"This interest in Indoor Free Flight flying is truly a spin up from the Science Olympiad airplanes and is quite a different response from the AMA Cub (Delta Dart) program. When I do a Delta Dart program, I always leave my address, telephone number, and e-mail address. The number has exceeded 300, but as yet, I have never received a call for help.
"I know that there are some guys in Georgia who are also spin ups and are already starting to rewrite the record book. Those of you who are interested in records can watch for the following names: Doug Schaefer, Matt Chalker, Palmer Parker, Ben Saks, Alex Johnson, Brian Johnson, Dave Rigotti, Melissa Rigotti, and several names that have escaped this vintage 1922 cereal computer.
"The Cleveland Clowns had a Postal contest for Science Olympiad airplanes. The total number of entries was 31. That was in spite of little marketing on our part.
"I have attended many Indoor events, including three International competitions. I have had the pleasure of seeing many win trophies and national records, but the recent Science Olympiad experiences come close to being the most gratifying of all."
District VI Report
Illinois / Indiana / Kentucky / Missouri
Charlie Bauer Vice President
4944 N. Orange Ave. Norridge, IL 60706-3224 Home: (708) 457-0565 Fax: (708) 457-2177 E-mail: [email protected]
District VI Web page: http://www.cs.iit.edu/~amadist6/
Associate Vice Presidents
Illinois John Kelland, 1935A Hickory Rd. Homewood IL 60430 (708) 798-7242 Hal Parent, 1920 Buckingham, Westchester IL 60154 (708) 562-5752 Jerry Worden, 400 Alden Dr., Normal IL 61761 (309) 454-3905
Indiana Ron Ballard, 6302 N. 700 E., Decatur IN 46733 (219) 724-8934 Gary Bussell, 5000 W. Connie Dr., Muncie IN 47304 (765) 288-3541 Frank Roales, 4585 E. State Road 61, Vincennes IN 47591 (812) 882-4773
Kentucky Jim Sears, Box 308, Burgin KY 40310 (606) 748-5834
Missouri Bob Underwood, 32 Hollandbush Ct., St. Charles MO 63304 (636) 939-3395 Ken Booher, 1016 North East Barnes Dr., Lee’s Summit MO 64086 (816) 524-7715
Frequency Coordinator Cal Orr, R.R. 1 Box 1238, Higginsville MO 64037 (660) 584-6224, Fax (660) 584-6285
Webmaster Gary Parent, 11001 Martindale Dr., Westchester IL 60154 Eve. (708) 531-9556
THIS MONTH I have a quiz. Can you name the person pictured below? He’s one of the people listed in the column header. You will find the answer at the end of this column.
Springfield IL: In May, three Springfield-area clubs worked together to present a mall show at the White Oaks Mall in Springfield. Twenty airplanes and three helicopters were on hand for the mall’s patrons to see.
Videos of various flying events were also on hand for the visitors to see. The three clubs were Sangamon Valley RC Flyers, Bruce Kern, president; Springfield Sunday Flyers, Vic Gasperini, president; and Knights of the Air RC Club, Ben Krueger, president.
Ten members were present to talk to people and hand out promotional material for the three clubs. The clubs feel the show was a success in promoting the sport of model aviation, and are planning for next year.
Hoffman Estates IL: The Tri Village RCers held their first annual Radio Control (RC) Scout Fly-in, and it was a tremendous success. Fifty-five youngsters flew on a buddy box with registered club instructors. The weather was beautiful, and the parents and adults were very appreciative.
The club members all worked to make the day a success. A pre-flight ground school covering safety rules, and diagrams of control surfaces were provided.
Dave Edson used a model with the transmitter on for each Scout to see how the controls worked. Certificates were made up and handed to each Scout following his or her flight.
A Carl Goldberg Me 109 balsa kit was given to each, donated by Elmer Helfert. Mike Kirkpatrick coordinated the instructors, buddy boxes, and models and Frank Del Giudice served as Contest Director. Tom Solar was Frank’s assistant and provided pictures and information.
Quiz Answer: The photo is of Frank Roales, District VI Associate Vice President from Indiana.
It was taken in 1951 with his first powered airplane, an A.J. Firebaby with a .074.
Bob Kane of the Signal Seekers submitted this next report. Bob was the Contest Director, along with assistant Tim Jessky, who officiated over the second annual Signal Seekers Precision Aerobatics Contest.
In addition to local pilots, participants came in from Ohio, Canada, and Indiana. One of the notables who attended was Dave von Linsowe, flying in an FAI event. Dave is also noted as flying in the Tournament of Champions as a competitor.
The weather certainly could not have been better for this meet. All agreed it was one of the better meets attended.
Final scores for the Signal Seekers’ event were as follows:
Sportsman Class: first place, D. Bodary, Trenton MI; second place, B. Rodgers, Wayne MI; third place, S. Pavlock, New Baltimore MI.
Intermediate Class: first place, M. Darr, Lenox MI; second place, D. Gilmore, Reynoldsburg OH; third place, S. Maxwell, Greenwood IN.
Advanced class: first place, C. Williams, Portage MI; second place, B. Kane, Wyandotte MI.
Masters Class: first place, 14-year-old Andrew Jesky, Lincoln Park MI; second place, S. Miller, Elmira NY; third place, T. Mitchell, Dexter MI.
FAI Class: Dave von Linsowe.
Late breaking news: Another District VII member has been inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Keith Shaw of Ann Arbor MI. Dr. Shaw was nominated and subsequently voted upon to receive the prestigious AMA award for his many innovations and contributions to electric-powered model aircraft. I am also proud to say that I know Keith personally.
The official announcement was made at the Mid-America Electric Fly-in on July 13, 2002 to a very surprised Dr. Shaw. The announcement was met by thunderous applause from the many participants and friends of Keith.
Unfortunately, I was not one of the celebrants to enjoy the moment, but the official presentation of the plaque will be September 13 at the 2002 NEAT Fair at Downsville NY where many more of Dr. Shaw’s friends and admirers will be there. Congratulations, Keith Shaw. You deserve it!
Until next time, fly safely, have fun and take time to introduce a youngster to aeromodeling — and don’t forget to cast your ballot. Let your voice be heard. 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 Tel./Fax: (817) 599-7131 E-mail: [email protected] www.AMA-Dist-8.org
Note: For a listing of all district workers please consult the previous Model Aviation/the above Web address.
I AM DEVOTING this month's column to the 2002 National Aeromodeling Championships (Nats).
This is our district flag flying in front of the main entrance of the AMA International Aeromodeling Center.
All
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
