Modeling Spoken Here - 2006/08

ormally I try to utilize this column to
write something that is, hopefully,
inspirational. On this occasion I’m
going to shift gears a bit and try to
pass on some explanatory bits.
Lately I’ve been receiving some letters and
E-mails that express a degree of frustration that
MA is not hitting the mark in supplying specific
modeling information in sufficient quantities.
Each correspondent makes reference to
different areas that he or she feels need more
coverage.
Viewed as a whole, the comments suggest
that all of MA should be totally aimed at each
and every modeler’s specific interest area. Even
those who are mathematically challenged (like
me) will easily be able to figure out that this
does not equate. I guess it’s time to clear the air
about what MA is within AMA and the
modeling community, and also what it is not.
On the cover, right under the MA logo, are
words that read “Official Publication of the
Academy of Model Aeronautics.” This is an
organization that contains and represents
modelers of all types and disciplines.
It handles competition issues and rulesmaking
procedures, insurance issues, club
issues, legislative representation to the federal
government, legal issues, national flying-site
maintenance and improvement, international
modeling representation, and, of course,
promotion of the art and sport of model
aviation. MA is first and foremost a vehicle to
inform and educate the members about these
issues on a monthly basis.
Beyond that commission, it is my opinion
that MA should also inspire and encourage
modelers to go beyond their natural comfort
levels to achieve more in terms of technical
knowledge and creative possibilities. Of course
the magazine needs to inform the members
about new products, services, and modeling
techniques, and it should also entertain them
with photos and stories about contests and flyins.
The need MA cannot fill is to be the last
word on every technical subject about every
modeling discipline. Nor can it report on each
and every modeling activity that occurs. In fact,
no single modeling magazine can do either of
those things, even without AMA’s
organizational house organ component thrown
in.
In the past, modeling magazines were the
only source of technical information. Nowadays
we have the Internet and on it are literally
hundreds of sites and forums dedicated to all of
the many forms of modeling. There is more
information accessible today than ever before.
A traditional modeling magazine with its twoto
three-month production/printing/distribution
cycle simply cannot keep pace with the
information exchange that the Internet allows.
So it is clear that MA magazine cannot
deliver all things to all modelers every month.
So what exactly is its mission?
MA serves to remind us of the extreme
diversity of the modeling hobby/sport. It lets us
see the scope of our pastime and gives us a
Aeromodeling Editor Bob Hunt
N
chance to examine what others are doing. It
allows us to glean the best ideas from all
modeling disciplines to augment our own
involvement and enjoyment.
I am often contacted by members/readers
who tell me they do not find enough in MA
about their particular interest area and
consequently find the magazine of little value
to their modeling. Interestingly I also hear
from many who are amazed by the variety of
subjects covered. They speak of the
opportunity to abstract great ideas from other
modeling areas and adapt them to their own
areas of interest. Glass half empty and glass
half full ...
I truly wish I could, as the content editor,
publish reams of articles about all modeling
disciplines every month. That’s just not
possible. What I will do is strive to continue to
find the best and most varied material I can.
I’ve been a model-airplane magazine editor
for 24 years and have seen dramatic changes
in the dynamic of the hobby/sport in that time.
In the past few years that dynamic has
changed rapidly and dramatically. New
technologies have made possible realms of
flight we only dreamed of but a few years ago.
The need now is to integrate coverage of
these new forms and styles of modeling into
the mix we have already established. With that
the job of covering everything only becomes
more challenging.
The message I’m handing out today is this:
why not read it all? Why not take advantage of
the innovative thinking that permeates the
entire hobby/sport and learn from each other?
Why not appreciate everyone’s contribution
and view it as one large entity? And that entity
is aeromodeling. If it flies, it should be of
interest to us.
I can be reached for comment or questions
at (610) 614-1747. If E-mail is your thing,
use [email protected]. And if you prefer
to lick stamps, try Box 68, Stockertown PA
18083. MA
Modeling Spoken Here
6 MODEL AVIATION
If it flies, it should be
of interest to us
Published by The Academy of Model Aeronautics
Rob Kurek
Director of Publications
Editorial offices: (765) 287-1256, extension
224 (8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays) Fax:
(765) 281-7907
Contributing Editors
Dave Brown
President
Doug Holland
Executive Vice President
Staff
(765) 287-1256 | www.modelaircraft.org
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Mark Lanterman, Airborne Media, 7414
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Acting Executive Director Joyce Hager
NAA Representative David Ivey
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 FAI-related
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
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Account Executive Angela Martin
Administrative Assistant Yolanda Jones
Aeromodeling Editor Bob Hunt
AMA News Editor Elizabeth Helms
Art Director Carla Hart Kunz
Associate Editor Michael Ramsey
Graphic Designer Sarah Shaw
Graphic Designer Jessica A. Booth
Managing Editor Shelia Ames Webb
Production Associate Jennifer Orebaugh
Stan Alexander
Darwin Barrie
Bill Boss
Kurt Bozarth
Paul Bradley
Sal Calvagna
Curt Contrata
Dave Garwood
Dave Gee
Greg Gimlick
P.T. Granderson
Eric Henderson
Jim Hiller
James Holland
Mike Hurley
Louis Joyner
John Kagan
Mike Keville
Rich Lopez
Dave Mark
D.B. Mathews
Dennis Norman
Richard L. Perry
Dave Robelen
Greg Rose
Red Scholefield
Gene Smith
Ray Stacy
Joe Wagner
Technical Editor Bob Aberle
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