Model aviation has many forms. One we don’t often think about is model rocketry. Did you know your AMA insurance covers model rockets? Did you know the US fields a model rocket team to the FAI model rocket world championships?
I didn’t know there was such a thing until I was informed that the US model rocket team trials were held in District III—specifically Aurora, Ohio—in July 2013. I wanted to attend, however I had an AMA Executive Council meeting in Muncie, Indiana, that weekend so I asked for a report from fellow modeler and competitor in the event, Jay Marsh, District IV associate vice president (AVP). Jay’s words and recollections from the event follow.
Timers ready? Pilots ready? Range is clear. 5-4-3-2-1-launch! Those are the sounds heard at the FAI fly-offs for space models held in Aurora last summer. Every two years, the best of the best in US aeromodeling, whether it be FF, CL, RC, or Spacemodeling, gather to compete head to head to win a spot on a US aeromodeling team, allowing them the privilege to represent the country in competition against the best of the best from other countries at various world championships.
Spacemodeling events are similar to FF in that none of the events are radio controlled. The one exception is class S8 RC Rocket Glider Duration where the model glider is boosted to altitude by a rocket motor and must return at a predetermined time and to a specific target location. Other events include Altitude and Scale Altitude, timed duration using parachutes, streamers, gliders, and autorotating helicopters.
Up first was S3 Parachute Duration with parachutes blossoming then the S4 gliders began sailing around, followed by S6 streamers flapping in the breeze, and finally S9 helicopters spinning up in free fall. Altitude and Scale flights were allowed anytime and on Sunday, the RC Rocket Glider event was held.
By the end of the event, the 2014 US Spacemodeling team was selected for juniors and seniors. The team will travel to Kaspichan, Bulgaria, to compete in the 20th FAI World Championship for Space Models.
The AMA fields roughly 20 aeromodeling teams, including junior competitors. The US FAI aeromodeling teams fund their own travel, lodging, food, and contestant fees. The next time you have an opportunity to assist one of our US teams, either as a co-traveler or financially, please do so. You are supporting a great cause.
For more information about US Spacemodeling, visit https://sites.google.com/site/xfaispacemodeling.
District III Service Award
On February 8, at the Greater Cincinnati Radio Control Club (GCRCC) annual banquet, District III AVP Randy Adams presented a district service award to longtime club member Barry Langefeld. Barry has been and continues to be a supporter of model aviation activities in the Cincinnati area.
During his tenure of leadership the GCRCC Flying Circus has grown in size and attendance. The Flying Circus has been featured in past issues of Model Aviation because of its 10-plus years of model aviation promotion in the Greater Cincinnati area. For more than half those years Barry has served as the event’s chairman and champion for the growth of GCRCC.
In addition to his Circus contributions, Barry has been an active leader in new member development of flying skills and club leadership. In the words of Randy Adams, Barry demonstrates all of the goals of the AMA. Congratulations to Barry on his award.
Until next month, go fly and have fun!
