INtheAIR - 2011/04
NRHSA Supports AMA’s Government Relations
Donation
AMA President Dave Mathewson received a $1,000 donation from the National Retail Hobby Stores Association (NRHSA) and its president, Bruce Thorne, in support of the Academy’s government-relations efforts.
Bruce Thorne said: “NRHSA is keenly aware of the good work AMA is doing to protect the flying privileges of its members and all who are active in aeromodeling. This donation is a vote of confidence that AMA’s stance on potential FAA regulations is not only correct, but necessary.”
Background
The NRHSA is the collective voice for more than 300 hobby shops across the U.S. and Canada. More than 130 hobby shops nationwide have participated in the AMA’s Hobby Shop Program since its inception in 1998.
The Academy is extremely appreciative of the support it has received from its many industry partners in its quest to mitigate any negative effects that potential federal regulations might have on aeromodeling.
—AMA Staff
For background and further information about these pending FAA regulations, go to www.modelaircraft.org/gov.
Recognizing a Vital Academy Member
Award
Bill Carpenter received the 2010 Carl Goldberg Vital People Award at an indoor flying session that the Wyoming Modelers Park Association (WyMoPA) held on January 5, 2011.
This honor is bestowed upon no more than five AMA members each year who have been identified as making significant contributions to aeromodeling.
About Bill Carpenter
Bill has been inspiring fliers for more than 40 years. His developments in solid-state ignitions for small engines have been a boon to model aviation. The ignitions from his company, C&H Electronic Inc., are used worldwide in model aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
Bill has helped many people get started in aeromodeling. At more than 70 years old, he still takes time to explain our sport to everyone who visits our field. His hard work and dedication have helped our club site become the best in west central Wyoming. Bill’s kindness and assistance at the site go far beyond what is asked or required of a WyMoPA member, and he has never asked for anything in return.
Bill graciously donated his $200 award check to WyMoPA. We congratulate him on his award!
MA
—Wyoming Modelers Park Association Riverton, Wyoming District IX
Goodrich Builds Good Models
About Gary Goodrich
The accompanying photo shows Gary Goodrich ([email protected]) holding my Ultra Sport 60 after its completion in December 2009. (See this issue’s “Focal Point” section to read about John Bromley’s Ultra Sports.)
There are two amazing things about Gary: he suffers from muscular dystrophy and he has to use a mobile walker to get around. Gary’s workshop is no bigger than two cubicles. His workbench measures only 18 inches by 16.5 feet, and that is where he builds and repairs RC airplanes for friends.
Gary has become very involved in aeromodeling in the last seven years, having worked on many aircraft, including 30%-scale airplanes and some that he has built from scratch, such as the Grandson Bipe and Flamingo that have been showcased in “Focal Point.”
When local modelers and I reach a stage in our projects at which all we can do is scratch our heads in confusion, we turn to Gary. Although he has never flown an RC aircraft, he loves the challenge of building them.
Gary retired from his job as an electrician in New York and moved to Rolling Greens, Florida. I was lucky to have crossed paths with him via the local hobby shop. Even though I’ve been building models for more than 30 years, I want Gary’s help on the “special” projects.
MA
—John Bromley District V
Exposing Scouts to Aeromodeling
Program
A fellow AMA member and I conducted a meeting that introduced model aircraft to members of Tiger Scout Troop 71 in Macungie, Pennsylvania. The class was designed to satisfy two of their electives en route to receiving their Bobcat Badges.
We started by displaying several of our models, including electric-ducted-fan-powered aircraft, large electrics, gliders, pylon racers, micro-size airplanes, trainers, and micro helicopters. The kids were amazed and excited to examine the models and learn how their servos and flight surfaces worked.
My partner and I talked about safety, and then we flew two micro Blade helicopters in the room. I supplied a handout to all of the Scouts’ parents that included information about the AMA, how to get started in aeromodeling, suitable beginner models, and where to purchase them.
I provided the parents with AMA membership sign-up forms and encouraged them to enroll their children, explaining the very small fee required to join.
Building and outcomes
Part Two of the class consisted of building a model. My fellow instructor and I had rubber-band-powered balsa glider kits that Hobby Town in Whitehall, Pennsylvania, supplied to us at a reduced cost.
We helped the kids assemble their gliders and did rise-off-ground takeoffs in the large meeting room. The boys were enthusiastic and had a great time flying their new airplanes. I had CA and kicker to fix the models that flew too far in the room.
All of the Scouts got to take their gliders home and had fun completing their electives.
This was an easy but effective way to expose children and adults to the Academy and to model aircraft. I have seen a few photos of Boy Scouts and clubs in the magazine, and that gave me the idea for this event.
I am hoping that readers see this piece in MA and plan similar activities in their areas. I would be happy to provide the handout we used to anyone who is interested.
MA
—Ryan Olszewski [email protected] (610) 462-4351 District III
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
