AMA News
VIEW FROM HQ by Dave Mathewson, AMA Executive Director
Modeling gives a head start toward an aviation career
Did you see the article in the November 12, 2012, issue of the Wall Street Journal titled, "Airlines Face Acute Shortage of Pilots"? The column was picked up by a number of organizations and quickly spread throughout the aviation community via the Internet.
The article made some stark predictions about the future of the airline industry. In fact, it stated that the industry could be facing the most serious shortage of pilots since the 1960s.
Much of this problem is driven by new federal regulations to be implemented in the coming year requiring more experience for new pilots, and the fact that a large number of current pilots will soon be reaching the industry's mandatory retirement age of 65.
One industry consultant, Kit Darby, claims, "We are about four years from a solution, but we are only about six months away from a problem."
What does this mean for the airline industry and its customers? Airline passengers could face negative effects such as fewer flights, more crowded flights, and a reduction in service—especially in areas served by the smaller, regional airports.
Although one might think that a large number of future pilots will come from the military, which was the case a few decades ago, this is no longer true. And most flight schools report that the number of pilots graduating from their programs has been on a steady decline. In fact, FAA officials say that the number of pilot certificates they issued has declined 30% to 40% in the last 10 years.
AMA has always believed that model aviation is the perfect stepping-stone to careers in the aviation and aerospace fields.
So what does all of this mean to AMA members other than the fact that airline travel for everyone is likely to become more of a challenge in the not-so-distant future?
AMA has always believed that model aviation is the perfect stepping-stone to careers in the aviation and aerospace fields. Many of today's most well-known pilots and astronauts got their start in aviation with a model airplane.
Our partnership with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and its Young Eagles Program has begun to show that aeromodelling can help hold the interest of a 10- or 12-year-old until he or she is able to begin full-scale flight lessons.
Learning about aerodynamics through model aviation gives young people a head start either in the classroom or sitting in the cockpit of a full-scale aircraft.
AMA's AeroLab Program, funded through a grant from the Alcoa Foundation, has shown that model airplanes can play an important role in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education. Alcoa was so pleased with the initial version of AeroLab that AMA is currently developing AeroLab II with the help of another Alcoa Foundation grant.
As modelers, we have the ability to reach out to our communities to introduce model aviation to our friends and neighbors. Many of our clubs—I'd venture to say the majority—already do this by participating in community-based events, such as utilizing local park and recreation programs, or simply by reaching out to the general public.
AMA's Take off And Grow (TAG) program is designed to help our clubs in this effort and has been one of our most successful ventures. Many of our members will tell you that they get involved in this type of outreach simply because it's fun. And that's true.
Many of us get real enjoyment and take great satisfaction in sharing with others what we do as model aviation enthusiasts. However, it goes much further than that.
Community leaders like it when groups such as model airplane clubs create programs that their constituents can take advantage of. By creating these programs we become an asset in the community and earn the support of those community leaders if and when the club is ever faced with a challenge such as the loss of a flying site.
But more importantly, by planting that first aviation seed, we have the opportunity to be a part of the pipeline that takes young people and helps introduce and guide them to eventual careers as pilots, engineers, and the aircraft mechanics that the airline industry will sorely need. We have the ability to make a positive impact on the entire industry.
By taking on this challenge, we build the credibility of what we do and who we are. And, we all benefit from that. Give some thought to how you could play a part in developing the next generation of airline professionals.
See you next time.
Don't forget the museum!
Happy New Year everyone! Here is wishing all of you a great 2013.
The AMA Expo will be held again in Ontario, California, January 11-13, and we hope to see our West Coast members come out and support the show. Stop by AMA's booth and let us know what is on your mind.
It is late October as I write this, and we won't know the outcome of the AMA elections for another month. One thing for sure is that we will have at least two new vice presidents (VPs)—one from District VI and one from District VIII.
Charlie Bauer has been District VI VP, which encompasses Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri. Few can match Charlie's 18 years of service to the Academy. He kept our meetings on track, never fearing to speak his mind.
Charlie will continue to teach college and compete, especially in the Nats. Charlie has been a good friend to the Academy, and to me, and his departure will leave a void.
Jim Rice has been VP for District VIII, which encompasses Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, and has decided not to run for reelection. Jim has had a significant impact in the direction the Academy has taken. He has contributed thousands of hours working on our FAA workgroup, chairing the Safety Committee, and now the Education Committee.
Jim often changed the direction of discussions with his thought-provoking questions. His wit and logic are second to none and those are the things I will miss most from the man who sat in that chair next to mine at council meetings.
I want to thank Charlie and Jim for their dedication and hard work that benefited all of us!
AMA is the largest model aviation–based organization in the world. Our Headquarters in Muncie, Indiana, encompasses 1,100 acres, and is the largest of its kind. Our museum is also the largest model aviation museum in the world. Our members have a right to be proud of their association.
I brought a longtime AMA member and friend to Muncie and he couldn't believe it. I had forgotten that awestruck feeling! He drove around the property and commented that our members owe it to themselves to come to AMA Headquarters at least once. Photos of AMA can't compare to a site visit.
We visited the museum and each time I stop, I learn something new. Our museum has more than 9,000 modeling artifacts. In our history section, the AMA and Model Aviation History Moments features a chronological listing of historic modeling events since the 1920s, listed by month.
The AMA Model Aviation Hall of Fame has nearly 300 members—most with interesting biographies. On the subject of biographies, the history section has more than 890 of them for members who sent their information to AMA. There is also a club history list, company history list, and SIG list. Additionally you can view the history of the AMA, National Model Aviation Museum, and Model Aviation magazine.
Of course, there are displays of aircraft, engines, radios, club patches, a 1950s fully stocked model shop with proprietor, and a special Robert "Hoot" Gibson display. The museum store is stocked with a wide range of mementos and AMA apparel.
Admission is free to AMA members, and group tours are available. Museum Director Michael Smith and his staff have done a great job of making this a fine museum. Much of it can be viewed via AMA's website: www.modelaircraft.org. It is one of those ancillary benefits that most of us don't think about.
I want to stress the importance for every member and club to think about safety. Our relationship with governmental agencies is based, in no small part, on our longtime safety record.
Download and read the 2013 AMA Membership Manual in PDF format to understand what you agree to when becoming a new AMA member or renewing your membership.
Clubs should police flying sites for obstacles that pose a hazard or danger and remove them. Fly within your capability. All of us are responsible for our safety, the safety of our friends, neighbors, and communities at large.
Thanks for listening, and again we hope to see you in Ontario. Until next month ... help secure our future and take a youngster flying!
AMA Executive Council Meeting
The motions and acclamations are part of the unofficial minutes of the meeting. Minutes from a given meeting are not official until they are approved at the following quarterly Council meeting. Questions or comments concerning the motions should be addressed to your district vice president.
October 20-21, 2012 Muncie, Indiana
Note: Vice Presidents for District IV and VII were not in attendance
It was moved and seconded to approve the Consent Agenda. Consent Agenda items:
Approval of the July 21, 2012, Executive Council meeting minutes Approval of the August 22, 2012, Conference Call minutes Approved by consensus.
Motion I: It was moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by J. Soto (V) to accept the 2013 Operating/Capital Budgets and the Foundation Budget as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
It was moved and seconded to approve the dates for the 2013 Executive Council meetings. Dates are: January 14 (Ontario CA); April 27-28 (Muncie IN); July 20-21 (Muncie IN) and October 19-20 (Muncie IN). The Finance Committee meeting will be held Friday, September 20. The annual General Membership Meeting will be held during the 2013 Joe Nall event. Approved by consensus.
It was moved and seconded to approve the 2012 Goldberg Award recipients. Approved by consensus.
Motion II: It was moved by G. Fitch (EVP) and seconded by J. Rice (VIII) to accept Documents 550 and 560 presented October 20, 2012, as modified. Motion passed unanimously.
It was moved and seconded to assign 5A status to the 2013 Nationals and accept the dates. Indoor June 19-23, 2013 (tentative dates/site TBD); Outdoor June 25-July 30, 2013, Muncie IN. Approved by consensus.
Motion III: It was moved by M. Mosbrooker (XI) and seconded by C. Bauer (VI) that Contest Coordinators should consider ‘C’ and ‘A’ events as candidates in determining traditional event status. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion IV: It was moved by J. Rice (VIII) and seconded by J. Soto (V) that the President, Executive Vice President, or District VP may each waive all or part of a year’s dues for up to three members in a year’s time. This includes Park Pilot Program membership, three-month Trial Membership, Open Membership, or Senior Membership. Such action must be submitted to the Membership Director, the Executive Director, and the President either electronically or in writing with a simple sentence describing the rationale for such action. Only under extreme circumstances should a member be provided consecutive years of free membership. Motion passed unanimously.
MOTION V: It was moved by L. Tougas (X) and seconded by A. Argenio (I) to reconsider the previously approved Motion I of the October 20, 2012, Executive Council meeting. Motion failed: 3-Y; 8-N (II, III, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, EVP and NAA)
It was moved and seconded that the description listed under National Aeromodelling Championships Relating to Article II on page 32 of the (2013 version) AMA Membership Manual include only the Purpose and Organization description. All other sections under National Aeromodelling Championships are removed. Approved by consensus.
2013 Executive Council Meetings
The following dates were set for the 2013 Executive Council meetings. These dates are subject to change.
January 14, 2013 Ontario, California
April 27-28, 2013 Muncie, Indiana
July 20-21, 2013 Muncie, Indiana
October 19-20, 2013 Muncie, Indiana
The Finance Committee Meeting will be held Friday, September 20. The Annual General Membership Meeting will be held during the 2013 Joe Nall event.
District I—Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Andy Argenio Vice President
[email protected] 3 Sheila Ln., Smithfield RI 02917 Tel.: (401) 231-6901; www.amadistrict-i.org
I have great news for AMA clubs and members who want to advertise their upcoming events and/or submit event reports for publishing in district columns. We are no longer limited to one page of content. District vice presidents (VPs) and members can now submit 12 additional photos and a 3-minute video with the monthly column to be included in the tablet version of Model Aviation.
Members with tablets who have downloaded AMA’s tablet version, can experience interactive multimedia content. Tapping on a photo may activate a brilliant-colored slideshow of event photos or an awesome video. With a touch of a finger, some photos and videos may also be expanded to the tablet’s full display size.
Digital photos should be one to three megapixels or resolutions from 1024 x 768 up to 2048 x 1536 pixels. Good pictures should show the action of the event or the reaction of the people in attendance. Photos that capture the entire visual panorama of the event are also important. Close-up photos of pilots with their aircraft are always desired. Up to 20 optional photos may be submitted by the district VP. Photos should include a printed sheet of informative, factual captions of less than 30 words for each photo submitted for the printed publication. Most printed columns average approximately four photos per page.
Not all photos for the tablet version will require captions, especially if they are grouped together as a slideshow. A slideshow may include a voiceover sharing the story behind the pictures, as well as non-copyrighted background music.
Submission requirements for videos include pre-edited to no more than 3 minutes, no copyrighted music or images (unless in the background of event), 1080 or 720 HD, and any format may be submitted, but MP4 is preferred. We don’t expect professional videos, however, today with free editing software, nearly anyone can learn to add voiceovers, free music, and clip, cut, and paste video frames together.
The written report should describe the event and highlight all of the most exciting and meaningful activities that took place in less than 600 words to leave space for photos. Include not only your impressions of the event, but those of others who may or may not be involved in aeromodeling.
When I submitted this column, I included my first amateur attempt at creating a 3-minute video. As luck would have it, I had a short video I took with my iPad at the Electric Tournament of Champions (ETOC) during the Weak Signals Toledo R/C Show. I managed to figure out how to upload the video to YouTube so those readers without a tablet could view it on their computers. Enter the following URL into your browser to critique my videography: http://youtu.be/AjjbbLr0NY.
If you don’t have a tablet subscription to MA, you can view the 12 additional photos of the Renegade Flyers event on YouTube at http://youtu.be/_F3SKciabCE.
Wishing you all a holiday season filled with peace and love, and a new year rich with happiness.
District II — New Jersey, New York, Europe
Eric Williams Vice President [email protected] 4242 Amanda Ln., Schenectady NY 12303 Tel.: (518) 356-2057; www.amadistrict-ii.org
On October 22, I attended the initial meeting of a new Chapter of AMA clubs on Long Island (New York). This group was formed to support the clubs in the region and promote our hobby.
Spearheaded by Richard Green, president of the Babylon RC Flyers, with assistance from Eddie Coppa, president of the Whitman Flyers, and Bobby Grassick, president of the Long Island Cobras, the meeting was a great success. Thirteen clubs were represented.
Little did anyone know that one week later, Hurricane Sandy would forever change Long Island and life for many modelers in District II.
As news reports surfaced, it became apparent that Sandy was the 100-year storm many had feared. With power and communication outages, it took days and weeks to first hear stories of individual AMA members devastated by Sandy’s path.
Both Eddie’s and Richard’s homes sustained heavy damage. They were only two of thousands of AMA members in the storm’s path.
We have yet to fully know how much it will impact our fellow modelers and clubs in New Jersey, New York, and nearby areas. Certainly for many, the storm’s effects will last through 2013.
Numerous District II modeling events were canceled in the storm’s aftermath. The Jersey Coast Sport Fliers club postponed its long-running auction at Croydon Hall in Leonardo, New Jersey. The venue was designated as a relief station—distributing food and aid supplies to storm victims.
Similar coastal New Jersey and downstate New York events such as indoor flying, swap meets, and auctions will be affected this winter. Some events may be postponed or rescheduled.
Many clubs depend on income from these events, and some may be in great financial need after the storm. Please help support clubs in these areas through your attendance and participation. It is greatly appreciated!
Each month I close this column with: It’s not about what we fly, it’s about the people and the friends we make. Those words were never truer than during Hurricane Sandy, nor tested more than now.
Many of our fellow modelers and friends lost everything in the storm—their belongings, their cars, their models, and even their homes. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, AMA established the Club Disaster Relief Program to provide grants to rebuild club flying fields after natural disasters.
This month, I’ll close by asking you to please join me in contributing to AMA’s Club Disaster Relief Program. You can do so by calling Mandee Mikulski at AMA at 1-800-I-FLY-AMA, ext. 277. I thank you in advance!
District III—Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia
Mark Radcliff Vice President
[email protected] 199 Heron Dr., St. Marys WV 26170 Tel.: (304) 684-2133; www.amadistrict-iii.org
To begin 2013, I want to say thank you to all of the clubs and individuals I met and flew with this past year. In my first year as District III vice president (VP), I had a view of all of AMA's behind-the-scenes work to keep model aviation alive and well in the United States.
I attended many events, listened, and discussed your concerns about the future of model aviation. It was a great year reacquainting with old friends and making new ones to share this great hobby we enjoy. I look forward to serving you in 2013 and will do my best to represent the modelers of Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Thank you for your trust in me.
The following event report was submitted by western Ohio District III Associate Vice President (AVP) Jim Martin.
The Dayton Buzzin' Buzzards Model Airplane Club, of Dayton, Ohio, held its first contest of the year on June 3, 2012. John Jordan (CD) and his crew prepared the field for the expected competitors, but the weather forecast kept some of them at home.
Frank Sparacino was the first to put up an official flight with his Pathfinder. The wind gave him trouble at times, but he made it through with flying colors.
Bob Campbell was next with his Cardinal ARF. Bob flew RC Pattern many years ago, but now is happily flying CL Stunt.
The women at the food tent kept everyone content with hot dogs and some excellent homemade goodies. Because the wind was gusting badly, the rest of the time was spent hangar flying and storytelling. Although the turnout was light, the club plans to hold more competitions in the future.
Anyone wanting to try a CL Stunt competition, come on out and give it try. Hope to see you there.
Jeff Black, AVP for District III in eastern Pennsylvania, submitted this report.
The Carlisle Aeromodelers club held its annual Altitude Limited Electric Soaring (ALES) contest June 8-10, 2012. Pilots are allowed 10 seconds to launch their gliders, then climb up to 200 meters and try to stay in flight for 10 minutes. When the 10 minutes are nearly over, they bring the glider in for a spot landing within the 5-meter tape, and can receive up to 50 bonus points.
The contest began Saturday with six rounds of flying, and the scoring was close. The winds were a factor in some of the standings.
Sunday was another sunny day but not as windy. The scores were closer to the 10-minute mark and it was a tight race between several pilots.
After all of the flying was completed on Sunday, the awards were handed out and pilots began the journey home. This contest attracted 47 pilots from Canada, Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. No contest can go without the help of the CD, Denny Maize, scorekeepers Kim Franz and Lauren Brust, and all who made the event a success.
It is again with sadness that I must report the loss of another District III modeler, Steve Arnold. Steve was the VP of the Blue & Gray Miniature Aircraft Squadron and member of the York Area Radio Control Club in which he held many positions including CD. Steve and District III VP Jeff Black were close friends and could always be seen together at various events. Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve's family.
In memory of Steve Arnold.
I look forward to a safe 2013 modeling season.
Happy New Year, District III!
District IV—Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia
Bliss Teague Vice President
[email protected] 625 5th Ave. S.W., Hickory NC 28602 Tel.: (828) 324-2164; www.amadistrict-iv.org
Scott Richlen reports on flight training at his church in Virginia.
“We did flight training for roughly 40 kids at my church’s neighborhood fair in Falls Church, Virginia. We began the day with a big stack of flight certificates, and by the end of the event had awarded them to each of the children who flew our trainer aircraft.
“We had a few instances of balky engines (Cox .049s), but we were well prepared this year—having already checked and rebuilt the engines as necessary. Our team of Dick H., John M., David R., Mark S., and I set up operations and ran a ground school, fueling/starting/launching group, and instructed in a smooth operation.
“Our little ‘Jimmy says you must be this tall to fly’ sign has spared us a lot of grief (not to mention sore backs) by setting a qualification for whom we will train. We have found that the motor skills of third- and fourth-graders are adequate for them to fly the trainers.
“Because the purpose of our flight training is to give them a CL flying experience with the opportunity to actually fly the airplane, we use this as a qualifier. It isn’t a flawless system, but it seems to work. We occasionally have the overindulgent parent who thinks we are there for the entertainment of his or her spoiled 3-year-old. These guidelines ensure that there will be no surprised parents.
“Among the kids lining up to fly with us are always a few alumni from previous years. Return customers—alright!”
Hello members! By the time you read this, the year will be almost over ... it was too quick! We have had a bunch of fun and I still have plenty of reporting to do. You, District V, are an absolutely wonderful bunch of modelers and a very friendly group. I have enjoyed meeting so many of you in 2012 and look forward to January to start over again!
We had the AMA District V Airfest Fly-In at Prosser Field in Statesboro, Georgia. This event was a full-blown, give-back-to-the-membership event, and it was fantastic. We had 98 pilots, plenty of food, a stiff wind, and fun.
Those of you who came had the opportunity to witness an eclectic fly-in, proving that different disciplines can mingle together! We had helicopters (roughly half of the registered pilots), electrics, gliders, Giant Scale, sport, and FF (hand-launched gliders for the kids).
We also sponsored one lucky young man's trip to Camp AMA this summer. This is an opportunity for him to get one-on-one instruction from well-known pilots such as Nick Maxwell and RJ Gritter, while learning responsibility and having fun with other youth at camp!
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District VII—Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Tim Jesky Vice President
[email protected] 2886 E. Country Ln., Monroe MI 48162 Tel.: (734) 384-6085; www.amadistrict-vii.org
Go flying or head to the shop and build? That's not a question those of us in the district have had to regularly ponder in January until recently, unless you've achieved snowbird status and head out to warmer climates for the winter months. The availability of gymnasiums and indoor sports and practice facilities has given modelers who live in the northern latitudes options we might not have imagined a few years ago.
In addition, there is a host of good-flying RC indoor models that have come on the market to help us get our flying fix during winter. On most weekends, from fall until spring, you don't have to look hard to find a place where there's indoor flying.
Another group of aeromodelers that has seen a surge in activity from the indoor venues is the indoor rubber-powered enthusiasts. Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of attending an indoor FF championship event. I walked away truly amazed at the level of skill and attention to detail these competitors apply to their models. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more knowledgeable and friendlier group of modelers anywhere.
The following text and photos from the 2012 Indoor Spring Fling, held May 6, 2012, in Pontiac, Michigan, were provided by Paul Smith of the Cloudbusters Model Airplane Club of southeast Michigan and Detroit Balsa Bugs of Royal Oak, Michigan.
The Cloudbusters and Balsa Bugs used to run annual indoor meets in air-inflated golf domes in Flint and later Jackson, Michigan. This year, a new, bigger, and better indoor field became available: Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac. This is a full-service, three-field complex in a permanent structure.
This year's Indoor Spring Fling offered 22 events. Ten modern AMA performance events were run by The Balsa Bugs and 12 FAC Scale and Old-Timer events were overseen by the Cloudbusters. Modern high-performance events from the AMA rule book also took place.
F1D was flown at the back corner of the arena, away from the door and pedestrian traffic. We hope to host the AMA Indoor Nats here in the future.
During 2012, a couple of clubs in District VII had some significant birthdays that I want to recognize. In May, the Radio Control Club of Detroit celebrated its 60th, and in October the Minneapolis Model Aero Club celebrated 75 years. Happy birthday and wishes of many more to come.
Take a kid flying!
I finally made it to Victoria, Texas, for an event. Unfortunately, it was nearly blown out, but we had a great time and they had good prizes that folks other than me won! Thanks to Johnnie Longoria for a nice event.
The entry fee was 10 cans of pet food or $10. They called it Feed-A-Pet Fly In.
Now, back to my thanks and farewells. I would be remiss if I didn't thank all of the volunteers in the district who are my staff, friends, and, often, my conscience. The district couldn't operate without these associate vice presidents, contest coordinators, the webmaster, contest board members, safety coordinator, and various others appointed by me as well as CDs and club officers around the district who make things run smoothly so modelers can enjoy their hobby. I can't tell you how many of these people there are, but all volunteers, past and present, are appreciated for their assistance to AMA.
I have to thank all past and present members of the Executive Council who have served the Academy professionally—volunteering time and energy and providing me with a tremendous group of friends across the country. They are truly special and made me feel important in my capacity as the District VIII vice president. They are great people with more mission than you can imagine if you haven't been in their shoes!
The AMA staff has provided this district and me with unbelievable support throughout the years. While small in numbers, they are huge in performance, talent, enthusiasm and spirit. They are currently led by one of my favorite people in the entire world: my good friend, Dave Mathewson. Thanks to all of you! Best friend, driver, and loyal supporter, Jack Matlock, probably did as much work for the district as I did and could likely have done a better job representing it. He kept me honest and humble and I appreciate it.
My family has tolerated and encouraged my participation in this demanding, time-consuming volunteer job. I have missed birthdays, anniversaries, and many other important activities in the lives of my wife, Linda, my children, grandchildren, my mother, and my sisters. Many phone calls started with, "Will you be out of town on this date?"
I know they were proud of my service every time but also disappointed when the answer was, "Sorry I will be at XXX AMA function." They sacrificed the most, and I love them for their support of my hobby throughout the years!
A huge regret is that I couldn't see every club or accept every invitation to attend events. The district has more than 14,000 members, 350 clubs, and approximately 560,000 square miles. It is a big mission that can be both overwhelming and rewarding. It has been my pleasure to serve and meet so many great modelers during the last six years.
What I will miss the most is traveling to places I never expected to go and enjoying the fellowship that modeling brings and the opportunity to bring current AMA activities and ideas to the membership!
Linda and I wish Godspeed to all members, friends, and family! She has been an AMA member for many years, helps with AMA business, plans and organizes contests and events, runs concession stands, and has put up with me for 42 years. She should be a saint or an AMA Fellow—whichever is higher!
Have fun and fly safely.
District IX—Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming
Jim Wallen Vice President [email protected] 7322 W 82nd Way, Arvada CO 80003 Tel.: (303) 421-9061; www.amadistrict-ix.org
The ninth annual Warbirds Over the Rockies (WOTR) was held near Fort Collins, Colorado, and was hosted by Love-Air R/C. Mike Harrington was the event's CD and Brian O'Meara served as its organizer.
The pilots from across the country, as well as Brazil and Australia, totaled more than 130 with 300 airplanes. There were six flightlines and many pilots logged as many as eight flights per day.
An RC air show depicting the history of military aviation followed the noontime air show. The air filled with World War I biplanes, and then the Golden Age Stearman and a PT-19 were launched. The highlight was the World War II air battle.
The WW II segment is finished with a lone B-29 reenacting the dropping of the atomic bomb. Six jets took to the air and brought in the jet age.
WOTR offers a complete, professional pyrotechnics show and any RC pilot who wants to fly is encouraged to do so. Finally, a mass launch of 30 foamies caps off the exciting show.
The Saturday night banquet featured Col. Charles McGee, a Tuskegee Airman who flew more combat missions than any American pilot during WW II, Korea, and Vietnam.
The event brought in $20,000 for Mental Health America of Colorado. This organization caters to the needs of people afflicted with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and bipolar disorders. In Colorado, the organization also pays special attention to children.
Check out the website at www.warbirdsovertherockies.com and the feature in this issue for the complete report.
I received the following letter from a teacher named Jake Marshall who teaches and coaches in Loveland, Colorado, and who also serves as MESA/RCF advisor/director for a group of approximately 50 students interested in RC.
“I am writing on behalf of my students (50 total) in our after-school RC group called the MESA rafcor Fighters. We are unique in that we apply [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math] STEM-based skills through the use of Scratch Build Remote Control Aircraft; we are the only MESA (Math, Engineering, Science, and Achievement) program in the state that has this.
“Students learn and study the physics of flight such as hydrofoils, aerodynamics, center of gravity, drag, lift, thrust, and much more. Students' mathematical skills are applied by use of measurement as well as science skills through the use of RC electronics. The students have engineered some awesome planes with foam board; check the following website to see. We have been doing this now for three years and [are] still going strong, gaining more popularity on our YouTube channel which allows sponsorships and donors for us.
“It is a pretty cool program and I was wondering if you could swing a write-up for us in the next AMA magazine issue.”
Website: http://mesarfoamfighters.wix.com/mesarcfoamfighters YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/sshoover10?feature=mhee
I am happy to report that the students were recognized in Model Aviation and received a check from AMA to purchase additional building materials for their ongoing projects. Check out their website and be sure to look at their thank-you response to AMA that is available on YouTube.
What pleasure it is to help out with an investment in the future of our hobby.
Darrell Watts reports on float flying in the Kansas City area:
“Float flying is rapidly growing in the greater Kansas City area. There are now four float-fly events in the immediate area: Heart of America (Paola, Kansas) in early June, Jayhawk (Lawrence, Kansas) in late June, Shawnee Mission (Lenexa, Kansas) in August, and Dambusters (Smithville, Missouri) in late September. In addition, there are four others within a three-hour drive: Springfield, Missouri; Neosho, Missouri; Jefferson City, Missouri; and Omaha, Nebraska. Some of these events have been in existence for years, some are new, and all are growing. This year, most of them had 30 or more pilots and 40-60 models. Check out some pictures.”
District X—Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah
Lawrence Tougas Vice President
[email protected] 1827 Santa Monica St., Fairfield CA 94533 Tel.: (707) 480-2053; www.ama10.org
I wish all of you a happy new year. I hope that 2013 brings health, happiness, and continued success in your aeromodeling endeavors.
January brings the biggest AMA event of the year to our front door. I'm referring to AMA Expo, which is being held January 11-13, 2013, in Ontario, California. This is a great opportunity to get out and see the major manufacturers' products first-hand, to enjoy some interesting speakers, and to get some great deals. If you're inside hiding from the cold, take advantage of the warm January weather in southern California and make it a getaway weekend. I'll be there all three days and I'd love to meet you in person.
AMA will hold a general membership meeting Saturday morning before the show starts. This will be a chance to hear the latest AMA news, meet your Executive Council, and ask questions on the subjects that matter the most to you.
I'll be splitting my time each day walking the floor and manning the AMA booth at show center. If you would like to get a hold of me during the show, please call my cell at (707) 480-2053. I hope to see you there.
This month, two colleagues on the Executive Council are stepping down. Charlie Bauer from District VI and Jim Rice from District VIII will be able to spend more time enjoying our great sport. I want
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
