The Inside Loop - 2001/03

6 MODEL AVIATION
... and enjoyed it was.
Editor Michael Ramsey
[email protected]
odeling is an adventure. Not like
the old U-Haul commercials
about “Adventures in Moving”
that, for most, were actually
nightmares in moving frightening enough to
scare matched china bowl sets into hiding
under floorboards. Think instead of an
“Indiana Jones”-type adventure—something
that includes a hint of fortune, lots of glory,
and a zealous quest for truth (and fact).
As do the Lucas/Spielberg adventure
tales, our almost archeological quest
involved a worldly cast outside of the
library. Instead of boarding a China Clipper
or Ford Tri-Motor, our heroes traveled
virtually (visit the long thread on RC
Universe). The project drew a host of talent
that rallied around a single quest—the model
aircraft Holy Grail to some—but they didn’t
need bullwhips to get cracking.
From a maze of material, an ocean of
sweat, and a little luck and opportunity, Ed
Kazmirski’s lost aircraft was born again. A
resurrection of sorts would be more accurate.
Duane Wilson and Jeff Petroski led a
team of technical advisors that included
Kevin Clark (US), Ray Jennings (Ireland),
Evan Pimms (New Zealand), Burkhard
Edlenbruch (Germany), and Andy Kunz
(US).
This band of engineers, experts, and
dreamers echo the spirit of what
aeromodeling is all about: skill, teamwork,
and camaraderie. A tiny part of the fiveyear
project even included me. I only
mention this because I am honored to have
helped bring to life something connected
with our RC modeling roots.
I hope you remember the “Kaz!” article
that we published in the August 2010 MA.
My take of the article was that our
personal relationships with the hobby/sport
can rise to any level. When you love what
you do, good things are more likely to
come.
Kaz loved to fly, and his enthusiasm
inspired others to join in and create
successes from their ideas. Replicating the
Simla is proof that the spirit of Kaz is still
with us.
The day that the Simla replica flew for
real had to be one of intense satisfaction.
On his tour to show off the Simla, Duane
stopped by Muncie, Indiana, and invited
me to fly his model. That particular day
predicted rain, strong winds, and
temperatures in the 50s.
We flew anyway. I think Duane
deserves a Sportsmanship Award for
putting his prized possession in my charge
on a day when even FAI world-class pilots
would have packed up and gone home.
Duane wanted to see the Simla enjoyed,
and enjoyed it was.
We put three flights on the model
between rainstorms. That’s “plane” crazy,
isn’t it? Two guys in the middle of a field,
with an airplane in the rain. I still smile
The Inside Loop
Published by The Academy of Model Aeronautics
Rob Kurek
Director of Publications
Editorial offices: (765) 287-1256, extension
231 (8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays); Fax: (765)
281-7907
Contributing Editors
Dave Mathewson
President
Mark Smith
Executive Vice President
Staff
(765) 287-1256 | www.modelaircraft.org
Fax: (765) 289-4248
Advertising Representative
Mark Lanterman, Airborne Media, 7414
Burton Dr., Liberty Township OH 45044
(513) 755-7494 | Fax: (513) 755-7495
Model Aviation is an official publication of The Academy
of Model Aeronautics, Inc., an associate member of the
National Aeronautic Association (NAA). NAA is the
official U.S. representative of the Fédération
Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the world governing
body for sport aviation, and represents the U.S. at FAI
meetings. NAA delegated to the AMA supervision of FAIrelated
aeromodeling activities such as record attempts,
competition sanctions, and selection of U.S. teams for
World Championships. (ISSN 0744-5059, USPS 087-930
Publications Agreement No. 40688541) is owned
exclusively by The Academy of Model Aeronautics, Inc.,
a nonprofit organization, and published monthly at 5161
E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302. Periodical rate
postage paid at Muncie IN and at additional mailing
offices. Canadian return address: Station A, PO Box 54,
Windsor ON N9A 615
Account Executive Yolanda Jones
Administrative Assistant Lisa Johnson
Assistant Editor Jay Smith
Communications Specialist Ashley Rauen
Director of Design/Production Carla Kunz
Editor Michael Ramsey
Graphic Designer Sarah Shaw
Managing Editor Shelia Ames Webb
Multimedia Editor Chad Budreau
Production Associate Jennifer Orebaugh
Senior Editor Elizabeth Helms
Stan Alexander
Bob Angel
Bill Boss
Paul Bradley
Sal Calvagna
Lee Estingoy
Mark Fadely
Dave Garwood
Dave Gee
Greg Gimlick
John Glezellis
Jim T. Graham
Donald Grissom
Jim Hiller
Louis Joyner
John Kagan
Rich Lopez
Joe Malinchak
Dennis Norman
Dean Pappas
Richard L. Perry
Mike Riggs
Aaron “AJ” Seaholm
Red Scholefield
Gene Smith
Joe Wagner
Editor Emeritus Bob Hunt
Technical Editor Bob Aberle
M
about it to this day. After all, 45 years ago
the Simla represented ideas that were ahead
of its time.
In a way, Duane and I re-created a
moment in time. It was the moment when
Pattern flying was in its infancy, and the
path that it would leap down was before us.
Today the Simla is ours to enjoy. I found
it to “groove” extremely well. It can execute
sport aerobatic maneuvers with a grace that
is common with the modern Pattern airplane.
Grab a set of plans. I understand that a lasercut
short kit will be available soon.
The World Soaring Masters is another
event in aeromodeling that exemplifies a
sense of adventure. And it happened in yet
another time in Muncie when weather
challenged the boundaries of acceptable
flying conditions. Mother Nature threw
everything at these folks during the threeday
event, and everyone still went home
smiling.
The story will have you wanting to
compete in RC Soaring. Gordon Buckland
not only reported on, but also competed in
the event. I’m guessing that that’s how he
was able to compile such detailed blow-byblow
coverage.
I know that Gordon wanted to write
more, but his editor (that’s I) limited his
page count. I give him free reign when he
comes to the Nats to write for our daily
newsletter.
The grace and skill of Soaring couldn’t
possibly have been better represented at this
event. I hope that if you find a Soaring funfly
or contest in your area that you can enjoy
the adventure, and the fun, for yourself.
Go fly! MA
Interim Executive Director Joyce Hager
CFO/Treasurer Doug Holland
03sig1x.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/25/11 12:03 PM Page 6