RC Flying Today
THE AMA has urged you to write to your senators and congressmen in opposition to FCC PR 92-235, which will destroy RC as we know it, beginning in 1998. The reason for contacting your representatives is simple: They control the lifeblood of the bureaucracy-which is money. Every so often, you get a chance to elect someone to office. When you vote, you tell that candidate, "Take my money, and do what you think is right with it."
RC Flying Today: What Is A Special Interest Group?
EIGHTEEN Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are listed on the back of the Academy of Model Aeronautics Membership Manual. When I asked, "What is a SIG?" I got as many answers as the people I asked. When I called AMA Headquarters (HQ), I was sent an application form. As far as the AMA application form is concerned, a SIG has officers who are elected at least once every two years, has written bylaws, has AMA members, and has applied to the AMA Executive Council for recognition-which has been granted. There's more to it. Here are some details:
RC Flying Today
PROBLEMS, I have problems. I need a plane that can travel and perform well in practically any situation. Equipped with floats and wheels, the Laser manufactured by Lanier R/C served me well on my Alaskan trip (see Model Aviation, February 1990). But carrying liquid fuel in my van is such a nuisance! It manages to ooze out, no matter how I store it. If I give away leftover fuel, I have to buy more at the next stop and that isn't always easy to do. Another nuisance is oil dripping from unexpected places.
RC Flying Today
MORE ON SELF-LAUNCHING SAILPLANES: Since publication of the May '93 issue of Model Aviation, I have received several enthusiastic comments about including self-launching sailplanes (SLS) in the National Soaring Society (NSS). Mike McQuisten, of Potter Valley, California, wrote: "Your (May) column made my day. Tell it to the LSF. [They're allowed to read this column, too, Mike. GMM] ". . . Yesterday, I got a 1.5-hour flight with power left over to get me back over the fence, if necessary. To each his own. I've got mine! Keep up the good work."
RC Flying Today
ELECTRICS: For the past two years I have been very enthusiastic about electric-powered airplanes. They are so quiet and peaceful. You should try one. It's dead! My electric motor controller succumbed to crash damage. It is (was) an STW, which is a high-rate (4 kHz), soft-start, on/off power controller with BEC (battery eliminator circuit), designed to handle 10 cells and 25 amps for F3E (FAI class for electric-powered sailplanes) competition. It includes opto-isolation with low-voltage and high-temperature cutoff and is small and light. It worked very well, but repair is a problem because it is made in Germany.
