Free Flight: Indoor
U.S. INDOOR CHAMPS. Some of you may not have heard; the U.S. Indoor Championships (USIC), sponsored by the National Free Flight Society (NFFS) and the National Indoor Model Airplane Society (NIMAS), is set for June 4-6, 1987 in the mini-dome at East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. If you haven't received an entry blank and meet info, send a business-sized SASE to Tony Italiano, 1655 Revere Dr., Brookfield, WI 53005, and get your set. The site is a 122-ft.-high dome with floor area equal to a football field. Housing is available in a nearby college dormitory with air-conditioned rooms at quite reasonable rates. In addition to the NFFS events, Doc Martin and the MIAMA club are repeating their Peanut Grand Prix. To get Grand Prix details, send another SASE to Dr. John Martin, 2180 Tigertail Ave., Miami, FL 33133.
Free Flight: Indoor
NFFS AWARDS. Each year, the National Free Flight Society singles out several persons and models for special recognition. The following persons were nominated to the Free Flight Hall of Fame for 1987: Vic Cunnyngham, Sr.; Dr. John Martin, Jr.; Walt Mooney; James Patterson; Charlie Werle; and Don Zipoy. Of special interest to Indoor fliers are the nominations of Doc Martin and Walt Mooney. John Martin was nominated in these words: "Recognized leader in the promotion of Peanut Scale activity, initiator of the Peanut Grand Prix, and an all-around coordinator of Indoor activity in the Florida area."
Free Flight: Indoor
STEERING PROBLEMS. In the past 18 months or so, steering of AMA models has become an increasing problem-one which has three sources. The first source has been fliers who have increasingly expanded the scope of their activity, up to and including steering Lo Cal Scale models! The second part of the problem has been Contest Directors who let them do it, either for fear of being a "bad guy," or because they really don't understand the steering rules well enough. The third leg of the problem is those fliers who stood by and muttered under their breaths without filing protests.
Free Flight: Indoor
SUCCESSFUL USIC and Nats: The United States Indoor Championships had 96 contestants and the nats had 68. In view of earlier (late '86, early '87) concerns by a few AMA officials that "Indoor fliers don't support their events anymore," these entry lists are heartening. In particular, a breakdown of the entry list by region is noteworthy in that the participation was not just local fliers-a lot of contestants went a long way to attend those meets! Here's the breakdown for the USIC: West (California), 2 Southwest (Texas), 5 South, 32 Midwest, 36 Northeast, 15 Canada, 9
Free Flight: Indoor
FLYING SESSIONS. Just a reminder to CDs and club officials: I am happy to list your club sessions and contests if I find out about them in time. Assume that I need 11 weeks' notice-with proper timing, I can handle shorter notice. The dates I have are listed below, and contacts for other areas are listed. CALIFORNIA-Santa Ana: Curt Stevens, 25108 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA 92692; phone (714) 240-8433. San Diego: Monthly sessions in Category I. Howard Haupt, 3860 Ecochee Ave., San Diego, CA 92117.
