International Aeromodeling Center 2003/05
Steve Kaluf
Overview
The International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) at Muncie, Indiana, houses the AMA Headquarters operation, the National Model Aviation Museum, and the International Flying Site. More than 14,000 people (members and nonmembers) visit the site every year.
It has been a while since we provided a good perspective on how the site has developed. If you frequent the Competitions Department section of the AMA website, you may have seen some of the construction and other site developments that have taken place in recent years. This short article offers a pictorial perspective of the site now—a virtual tour.
Location and grounds
The IAC is situated on just under 1,000 acres near the middle of the state. The ground is flat, and obstructions in the flying areas are kept to a minimum.
Entering the IAC from Memorial Drive, the new administration building is on the left (behind the pond) and the museum is on the right.
Museum and related facilities
The museum building was the first structure built on the site. It originally contained the museum plus all Headquarters staff and offices; it was very cramped. The museum is currently being expanded into the area vacated by Headquarters staff. Improvements include:
- A new theater under construction.
- Expansion of the Lee Renaud Memorial Library.
- A restoration shop addition.
- Permanent magazine stacks.
- The Custom Merchandising Department moved into the back half of the building; all silk-screening, engraving, and related work is done there.
The museum is a must-see if you are ever in the area.
Administration building
The AMA staff moved into the new administration building in March 2001. The low, horizontal profile suggests an airport concourse. A two-story atrium lobby—decorated with model aircraft and memorabilia—is capped by a vertical element reminiscent of an airport control tower.
Staff work in an open-concept office area with sweeping views of the pond immediately north of the building. A second-floor, 1,500-square-foot boardroom accommodates nearly 100 people and has a nearby kitchen for meal service.
Energy and sustainability features
The building is state of the art in many ways. An installed geothermal system uses the pond as a heat sink for climate control. Water-source heat pumps use energy stored in the pond for heating and air conditioning, significantly reducing the building's reliance on fossil-fuel-derived energy, lowering operating costs, and reducing environmental impact.
Flying sites and amenities
Driving out onto the flying site via the main entrance road, the first improved area reached is the Control Line (CL) Speed and Racing venue. During major events, protective netting is hung from the permanent poles surrounding the area.
- Photo 5: Improved grass area
This section is level and smooth—approximately 600 x 600 feet of manicured grass. As many as nine Control Line circles may be placed here. It is also used for RC soaring, RC electrics, and other events in which participants prefer a smooth grass surface for takeoff. Electricity and a high-volume irrigation water system are available.
- Photo 6: The “L-pad” (first paved flying surface)
The L-pad is primarily used for CL aerobatics but is also used for RC aerobatics and occasionally RC helicopters. It is a good general-purpose site with markings for CL circles and RC aerobatics boxes. A permanent pavilion, electricity, and water are available.
- Photo 7: Bob Vjoslavek RC Raceway (off-road RC car track)
A local club built and maintains the off-road RC car track. AMA has installed a driver's stand and computerized lap-counting scoring system. All AMA members are welcome to use the track when in town. RC cars must use 75 MHz channels at the IAC. (Photo by Bob Hunt.)
- Photo 8: “Stage Center” runway complex
The Stage Center runway complex is used almost exclusively for RC flying operations. Open RC flying takes place here daily. The area south of those buildings, extending nearly to the southern boundary of the property, is AMA land. On the very south side of the site there is an improved grass runway and parking area with electric hookups for motor homes.
Hosting events and contact information
The IAC hosts just under 30 activities each summer, ranging from small club outings to World Championships. No event is too small or too large. If your club wants to host an event at the IAC, contact me for details:
- Phone: (765) 287-1256, ext. 230
If you will be in the area, make plans to stop by.
Steve Kaluf AMA Technical Director
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
