U Bob Underwood U WFai brain interesting thing Seemingly unrelated bits stuff somehow wind way through brains recesses grab hands other bits creating series thoughts revelations become meaningful Toledo show representative distributors pondering problem During last few years sales Radio Control RC Almost-Ready-to-Flys ARFs kits have done turnaroundkit sales have faltered ARFs have soared reps concern companys centered around fact turnaround results necessarily decrease overall sales decrease sales related products such covering materials etc statement hit brain recesses linked up thoughts expressed years ago about Academy Model Aeronautics AMA loses members Notice didnt say loses modelers Some members modelers hung over local safety fence mused looks like fun werent modelers bought ARE werent modelers local club taught fly didnt want become modelers never will just wanted enjoy some recreational weekend flying theres nothing wrong people failed way since once learned bore holes sky take off land etc nothing further provided could have gotten competition bulk membership just isnt interested Read reread Dave Browns column last month explores details of thoughts shared similar ideas after presented program Johnson City Indoor Nats banquet feel discussion spilled over following day competition proved very valuable Daves read cannot turn back clock spin youth issue also motivational issue New modelers being produced instead recreational pilots flying ARFs being produced age primary issue dont have answer problem Maybe Dave does maybe better found soon Consider 25% AMAs membership changes year means membership static 160000 still 40000 new faces 1997 40000 departed since 1995-1996 did because no longer challengeno mountain scale Virtual reality Jurassic Park etc has created instantgratification society people can have real experiences developing specific skills must learn cope since Dave says cant turn clock back Homecoming Hobby Expo AMA Headquarters Muncie Indiana took place first weekend June Mother Nature determined participants needed cool damp public said What heck turned out reasonable numbers area featured three booths manned Tom Sanders Education Director Midwest Products Chip Mull representing Airlines Pilots Association printed material detailing programs available throughout US During valuable productive experience surprised significant number home schoolers three us talked after 30 years public education prepared level interest should send message school systems everywhere remaining educational activities 1997 include attendance ISA convention Washington DC EAA/AMA Modeling Academy Oshkosh Wisconsin preparation two programs Ball State University Muncie September/October finalization activities Smithsonian model airplane two-year tour will report ambitious programs later Smithsonian exhibit Miniature Wings taldag shape 25 models will exhibit about eight weeks 10-12 city museums scheduled Most models display will flying variety recreational models such fly will included aircraft will metal plastic wood creations some will wind-tunnel test drop-test models plan dovetail educational activities location display will visit possibility Saturdny AMA Cub Delta Dart building session 4th-7th graders during eight-week period projected building program during eight weeks hope local clubs can culminate program flying activities teacher resource packages field trips involving in-school activities etc ambitious projects will hinge individual contracts Smithsonian works out museum Funding exhibit issue AMA has minimal involvement basic concern will coordination getting people-power achieve goals As soon schedule available will begin contacting local groups however educational activity content will established time becomes matter working within framework agreed upon Smithsonian Academy Stand During days present Indoor Nats privileged witness participation about 10 young people organized church activity under leadership Rev Tim Lavender Wayne Anderson modelers tine sense word ball part kids participated unofficial events obvious well-schooled modeling much 13-year-old blew away competition Open otherwise Coconut Scale interesting challenging event hearty congratulations Michelle Boyd victory reviewed tape Panache Home Video presents Insider tips tricks help succeed faster features ARE-type model provides scores hints getting started Radio Control piloting Engines hinges safety radioyou name its videos host John Beech does presentation rapid-fire fashionI mean fast good basic thoughts presented can reviewed again again internalized viewer factor difficult address column video product-oriented regarding radio engines ARFs etc since people have asked about such video felt compelled mention Im gone another month ber 1997 35 Thirteen-year-old Michelle Boyd Smyrna TN launches winning Coconut Scale Aristocrat 1996 Indoor Nats