Now you're Talking

U Steve Aidridge N e IIczii g IN REFERENCE TO [Bob Underwoods competition aerobatics has dramatically column] January 1998 Model Aviation improved flying skills have some comments feel address changing state aeromodeling US First background started modeling tender young age 11 time Control Line Free Flight flying main activities RC [Radio Control] relatively new very expensive Competition apparent reason involved hobby course everyone did compete AMA fostered competition military especially Navy encouraged entire activity aeromodeling reason clear cultivating source manpower military aviation appears two things have changed 1 AIvIA plays less-commanding role 2 Competition main focus hobby What does mean believe means great number modelers dont have specific goal participation hobby Without goal reason doing thing first place new experienced modelers may become bored Once have mastered sport flying anything other competition what challenge dont need work learning four-point rolls new IMAC [International Miniature Aerobatic Club] sequence dont need learn relocate tailwheel hide pushrods tailcone Chipmunk increase Scale static score dont need find out lowest-cost good-quality motel out-of-town contest believe AMA dropout rate reflects absence goal individual modeler have seen field New members come out ARF [Almost-Ready-to-Fly] learn fly After mastering takeoffs landings doing some basic aerobatics theres much else havent involved building thats considered challenge Im anti-ARF think have place dont know what competition exists get involved Some like myself background model competition sniff out gotten involved Scale competition doubt would have progressed much beyond second airplane Now Im adding IMAC list challenges Just practicing What about sport flying proponents leisurely pace sport flying Some think focus too much competition enjoy sport flying Any time am specifically practicing involved competition Im sport flying what keeps hobby its really getting lighten up remind myself just hobby its fun Having figure out get higher static score higher flight realism points real challenge find invigorating enjoy challenge take seriously Yes no best back off occasionally Fun Check its really getting lighten up remind myself just hobby its fun What think should done First AMA needs make some changes 1 name should changed Association ModelAviation clearly reflects reality todays membership initials would remain same would logo 2 Regain leadership role rule-making competition planning policy making docsnt mean SIGs would ignored fact AIVIA should utilize work closely groups Develop timely responsive rule making responsibilities within association AMA needs become standardizing entitythe communication center bringing everyone together 3 Promote competition activities Emphasize clubs people manufacturers tune competition activity Use magazine promote competition worthwhile pursuit modelers Feature articles demonstrate problem solving success stories Photo coverage contests okay has limited value serious competitors types competitive flying should nurtured encouraged youth competing Hand Launched Gliders aerobatic competition large RC aircraft ages types building flying should encouraged Next manufacturers both cottage-type larger ones need also emphasize competition healthy growing hobby best interest Currently donate merchandise local contests good advertising shows interest competition larger organizations could sponsor special contests has done Another area havent seen emphasized industry skill building Perhaps factory reps could conduct kit-building clinics around country considerable amount advertising competition could emphasized Im thinking terms applauding actual winners use products rather use products will win Finally club needs get involved nonsanctioned events could held club Im talking about Fun-Flys arc mostly luck encouraging club activity events dont have highly organized run book Sport Ion Racing Combat come mind events dont require training judges multiple forms maneuver descriptions etc get competitive juices flowing fun cause members try improve equipment skills leads members exchanging ideas solutions should club view sport flying Sport flying will always province club no way should emphasis competition drown out eliminate sport flying have no desire compete should welcome hobby Model aviation needs some tangible goals both new existing members Competition modeling exercise body Its invigorating healthy can have fun participating competition can levels everyone regardless age experience level e Aidridge 7630 Colt Dr Boise ID 83709 April 1998 85