AMA News District II
Media Contacts
For the last few years it has become almost common for clubs in our district to be contacted by the local news media about doing a story on model aviation. One would think this would present a tremendous opportunity to promote what we do as model aviation enthusiasts. What we have found is that the result of these contacts has not always turned out as we would have hoped.
Recently, a club in District II was contacted by a local television station and asked if a crew could visit the field to film some modeling activities. Without knowing the true intent of the TV crew—and there was no way they could have known—the club members invited them out.
Those who were there did a great job of flying, describing their models, and explaining to the reporter all about model aviation. A week later when the piece ran, it was heavily edited with the apparent intent of portraying model aviation as a threat to our national security.
There probably isn't much we can do to stop this kind of sensational reporting. We certainly don't want to miss a chance to showcase model aviation when presented with the opportunity. However, a wrong word here or there can be taken out of context and used in a less-than-complimentary way if the intent of the reporter is to sensationalize our hobby as a public danger.
AMA deals with these issues on a daily basis. If your club is approached about doing an interview and you have any question at all about the true intent of the contact, it might be beneficial to call Jay Mealy at AMA Headquarters.
- Jay Mealy is AMA's liaison to several government agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.
- Phone: (765) 287-1256, ext. 270
- E-mail: [email protected]
International Visit: Tze Law Chan
Ron Lockhart sent the following about a visit by a world-class precision aerobatics pilot to the United States.
Tze Law Chan, Singapore FAI F3A Pattern Champion, occasionally visits the United States on business trips. On a recent trip he was able to add a weekend to visit with District II F3A Pattern flier Dave Lockhart in central New Jersey.
Tze Law enjoyed his first flight on an F3A electric model. The model is Dave's Prestige, currently using:
- Hacker A60-20S outrunner motor
- Castle Creations Phoenix HV85 ESC
- Thunder Power 10s1p 4600 Extreme LiPos
- APC 18.1 x 11 propeller
When darkness falls, Tze Law and the Lockharts usually head for a steak dinner and talk of F3A Pattern activities around the world. We all enjoy the camaraderie of model aviation and Pattern; adding an international flavor enhances it even more.
Tze Law has represented Singapore as a pilot at F3A World Championships, has been the Contest Director for the Continental Asian Oceanic Championships, and has judged at the F3A World Championships.
School Visits
Dozens of clubs in our district annually visit schools in their communities to introduce model aviation to students. Members who have participated in these events will tell you it's a fun experience and that they get as much enjoyment out of it as the students do.
On Friday, June 1, 2007, members of the Oneonta R/C Flyers and the Leatherstocking R/C Buzzards put on an RC aircraft demonstration for more than 40 sixth-grade students at Morris Central School. Students listened intently as club members described an RC model airplane and how it flies.
- Al Kanser explained the workings of a "foamy" model.
- Dave Dewey showed a servo/receiver setup to the students.
- Mike Spreutels prepared to demonstrate a model helicopter.
- Don Corbett and Jan Gorshack prepared to put on a flight demonstration.
The highlight of the day for the kids was when each student had the opportunity to fly a trainer model. It turned out to be a great day for club members and the students, who showed a great deal of interest and enthusiasm.
Distinguished Service Award: Walt Throne
Earlier this year I was privileged to present AMA's Distinguished Service Award to my friend Walt Throne. Walt's list of contributions to the hobby locally and nationally is impressive.
- Contest Director (CD) for nearly 40 years, running virtually every type of event including fun flies, soaring, pattern, and pylon.
- Twice served as RC Pattern Event Director at the U.S. Nationals.
- Instrumental in forming the Central New York Model Aircraft Association, an association of clubs in central New York, and served as its first president.
- Served two different periods as a District II Associate Vice President.
As a hobby shop owner, Walt became heavily involved in the industry, serving on the board of the Radio Control Hobby Trade Association (RCHTA) and as past president of the National Retail Hobby Stores Association (NRHSA).
Walt has received several other accolades for his efforts, including the Carl Goldberg Vital People Award.
My friendship with Walt began when we met as kids at the flying field. Forty-five years later we're still flying together and still belong to the same club. Of all the people I have met through model aviation, I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award. Congratulations, Walt!
See you next time.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
