AMA News
THE NEW HAMPSHIRE Flying Tigers have a new place to fly their model airplanes, thanks to a partnership between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
The Grand Opening of the Auburn Road Flying Field on the Auburn Road landfill Superfund site was held August 23, 2008, and was well attended by members of the local community and AMA. Frank Emiro, a New Hampshire State Representative, taxied a model airplane to cut the opening tape.
Rich Bono, of the Flying Tigers, said he is "thrilled to have the opportunity to use this location."
Throughout the day, members of the Flying Tigers offered flight demonstrations and conducted training for attendees.
The 200-acre Superfund site presented a unique opportunity for this AMA club. With flying space becoming increasingly difficult to obtain as land is developed, several AMA clubs across the country are looking to Superfund sites to provide them with the space they need.
The EPA and the Flying Tigers have worked together at the site, which is a 2007 Return to Use Initiative demonstration project, for the past two years to make the new flying field a reality. Superfund's Return to Use Initiative is designed to work with local communities to identify and remove barriers to reuse at cleaned-up sites. Although the process took time, the New Hampshire Flying Tigers are extremely proud of their new field.
The Flying Tigers have taken steps to make the field usable and have established procedures to act as responsible stewards of the site. Loam was brought in to create a grass runway from a field primarily composed of sand and brush.
The club hopes to continue to improve the flying field by creating larger areas for spectators.
Members must sign an "Auburn
AMA News
Road Site Usage Rules" agreement each year before being allowed to fly at the site. The agreement includes the following rules.
• Be sure the gate is never left unlocked. • Log the date and times when using the site. • Use a closed-loop or double-containment system when fueling or defueling our aircraft to ensure no fuel is dripped on the ground. Additionally, if/when using gasoline as a fuel, members must use this procedure over a cement pad. • Have each aircraft measured to be sure it meets our maximum sound-output requirement. • There is to be no use, nor contact with any ground or surface water from the site. • There is to be no entry into the capped landfill areas of the site.
The effort expended by the Flying Tigers results in a win-win situation—EPA knows their remedy is being taken care of and the Flying Tigers can enjoy a new field where the young and young-at-heart fly their airplanes.
For more information about EPA's partnership with the Academy of Model Aeronautics, please visit www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/recycle/news/modelair.html. For more information about EPA's efforts to support the Auburn Road Landfill under the Return to Use Initiative, please visit www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/recycle/pdf/AuburnRoad.pdf.
Scene at the Flying Field: How many times have you faced the need for a hex key to tighten a loose engine bolt, collar, mount, etc. at the field to find it a shell game searching around your field box for the correct size ball driver hex key and then the size in metric or inch?
Bondhus Corporation of Monticello, Minnesota, provides the solution with a new product that solves the problems. The company's BriteGuard/GoldGuard finish hex key sets are organized in separate storage containers well marked for size. The keys are gold for metric and silver for inches.
Not only will you be able to find the correct key without hassle, but you can help your flying buddy in his time of need.
Do you have an idea that you would like to share? Contact me! HERE ARE a few more notes for you to review.
Thought for the day: of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.
A-B-C Always Be Courteous. Until later ... EACH FLYING SEASON, in addition to attending AMA District I–sponsored events, I try to attend and write about a variety of the many popular club events in the district. One such event that I haven't written about in a few years, is the Otis Giants' Airshow in Cape Cod.
Unfortunately, I had AMA meetings and work that prevented my attendance, however, Associate Vice President Carl Vogel, our super contributor from southeast Massachusetts, came to the rescue with the following event report.
"Saturday, July 26, was one of the most beautiful days we have had on Cape Cod for quite some time and absolutely perfect for the opening day of the fifth annual Otis Giants Airshow. More than 40 pilots brought 75-plus airplanes from across the Northeast to attend and fly at this truly stellar event.
"The airshow was hosted by the Otis Model Aero Club flying from the Crane Wildlife Refuge RC field located in Falmouth, Massachusetts. The flying site, one of the best in the Northeast, provided lots of freedom and plenty of room for airplanes of all sizes that even included jets.
"Originally developed by the club five years ago under the guidance of member Jim McCormick who had years of experience gained from his annual Gathering of Giants International Miniature Aircraft Association (IMAA) event in Cape Coral, Florida.
"His knowledge was brought to the Cape Cod venue and this airshow has steadily grown in popularity and attendance. It is currently one of the most respected and anticipated events in District I.
"The Otis club receives extensive media coverage before and during the event, which draws thousands of spectators from the entire Cape Cod community. The club proudly donates a major portion of the proceeds to local charities.
"This year the requirement of an IMAA sanction was abandoned in favor of an unrestricted AMA sanction, which increased pilot participation with a much larger variety of aircraft.
"Mark Montella assumed the position of event director. With Mark's motivation and enthusiasm, along with the experience of the members of the Otis club from previous events, it's easy to understand the success that this gathering has garnered through the years. In Mike's own words, 'I couldn't have done it without all of the dedicated club members who stepped up to help out.'"
Many thanks go to all of the people of the Otis club for the open invitation to this event. I know that I speak for all who attended, this was truly a great show and we look forward to next year. HAPPY HOLIDAYS, everyone! I hope this season brings all of you health, happiness, and all of those flying-related items you can’t live without. Can you believe this year is almost over?
I have some sad news to cover. John David King, District II FF and CL Contest Coordinator, informed me of the passing of Don Post. Don was the first winner of the first Team Race event held at the 1950 Nats. He was vice president of the East Coast Indoor Modelers and was an active indoor electric pilot in Hangar No. One at Lakehurst Naval Air Station, which is where the Hindenburg met its final resting place.
Dave Reid, of The Sky Rovers club of Phelps, New York, said that two of the club’s founders have passed away this year. Gene DeCook and Roland Strassburger were remembered and honored at the club’s second annual Warbird Event.
Terry Terrenoire, District II associate vice president and Vintage R/C Society (VR/CS) treasurer, provided the eBay some moxy in the successful purchase of Ed Kazmirski’s original Taurus, keeping it from going to Japan.
Terry and Bob Noll consulted with the VR/CS membership and spent thousands to save this piece of history, which will tour Vintage events and find its final home at AMA’s National Model Aviation Museum for all to see. Outstanding work, Terry and Bob!
Longtime RC Contest Coordinator Bob Kircher has taken permanent residence in Minnesota and can no longer fulfill this volunteer position. Bob served in this capacity for more than two decades and he was the recipient of a District II Service Award last February. We are indebted to him for his service.
I have filled the vacancy with Jim Goodemote, 2310 Sheldon Dr., Allegany NY 14706; (716) 372-1137; goody8@verizon.net. Jim is a longtime CD, master builder, and outstanding pilot. He will do a great job filling a big pair of shoes. Welcome aboard the District II team, Jim!
The Somerset Signal Senders did a great job hosting the District II Fun-Fly last July. More than 100 registered pilots attended and flew their aircraft at the two-day event. Each received a free District II T-shirt, patch, and Saturday evening meal sponsored by the district. Many thanks to club president Len Cacciatore and all of the Signal Senders for your efforts, which made this a fun event.
The 2009 District II Fun-Fly will be held in western New York for the first time next July 18-19 at a full-scale airport. The venue is the Cattaraugus/Olean Municipal Airport. This will be a great place to fly so please mark your calendar. Details to follow.
Till next month, Keep ’em Three in the Green.
AMA News
DID YOU KNOW that autism affects roughly one of every 150 children and that boys are four times more likely than girls to be affected? When Joe Cunningham raised the prospect of having a combination fly-in and fundraiser to benefit autism awareness and research, his fellow Ravenna Thunderbirds gave the thumbs up.
The event was held on Saturday, August 9, in Ravenna, Ohio. Because of the generosity of several national and local businesses, it was a rousing success. Everything from complete model airplane kits to baskets of beauty products to a football autographed by former NFL quarterback Bernie Kosar were donated to the group to be raffled. Food was donated as well and was available to all who attended.
As an added bonus, AMA District III Vice President Bob Brown and his wife were able to attend and took time to speak with many of the Thunderbirds.
Slightly more than $1,000 was raised for Liam’s Legion, a group named for Joe’s grandson, whose members will be participating in the Cleveland Walk Now for Autism on Sunday September 28, 2008 at Progressive Field. The event is sponsored by Autism Speaks, an organization that maintains the Web site www.autismspeaks.org.
Liam’s family would like to thank everyone for their generosity and efforts. The Thunderbirds did a fantastic job of combining their passion for flying with their desire to help those in need. It was a wonderful way to introduce the community to RC flying.
The Farview R/C Flyers and the Tri County Wingsnappers hosted a Giant Scale Fun-Fly on the weekend of August 22-24, 2008, in beautiful Hamburg, Pennsylvania. Farview boasts a 400 x 1,800-foot grass runway with a large flyover area and is a 2.4 GHz-only club!
The weather was great and the flying was terrific. Farview has a complete kitchen at its field and the breakfast, lunch, and dinner that was served was spectacular. On Saturday and Sunday, the noontime show featured 3-D exhibitions that were so low and slow that the rudders were almost cutting the grass.
The Malchione family put on a demonstration with their Hangar 9 B-25 and their BVM turbine jet. Billy Jameson wowed the crowd with his F-15 turbine and the World War I warbird contingency displayed a mock dog fight between a 1/3-scale Sopwith Pup, a Nieuport 17, and a Fokker Dr.I. Baron Von Jameson was victorious.
When the war erupted, the BV 141 B (Lieutenant Jameson) and the Japanese Zero (Chris Miller San) were chased to the ground by a P-47 (Dave West) and a P-51 (Tim Berkehisler).
The emcee for the weekend was none other than “Fast” Eddie Lutter who is also the voice of Warbirds Over Delaware. A fun time was had by all and we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect weekend. AMA PARTICIPATED in the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) 50th anniversary in Washington, D.C. Rich Hanson, AMA's Government and Regulatory Affairs Representative, Joyce Hager, my wife Shirley, and I set up and staffed the AMA booth for this event. We are proud that the FAA invited AMA to join in their memorable occasion.
There were award ceremonies with speakers to recognize various members of the FAA for their contributions throughout the years. Some individuals have worked there nearly 70 years!
After the ceremony many came to enjoy the displays and ask questions. AMA was the only association there. Most of the displays were by various manufacturers in the aviation business. One woman she stopped by our booth and stated, "This is where it all started."
During our stay, it did not take me long to realize that Rich Hanson was responsible for our many visitors. He is well respected by his peers on the Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) and there is no doubt we have chosen the right person for the job.
Thanks, Rich, from all of us. We would not have been there without him. AMA seems to be well respected, too.
The Central Carolina R/C Modelers, an AMA Gold Leader club, held its annual Open House this past spring. The club is located in the Triad Area of North Carolina and the event is directed toward the community and offers community participation.
There were prizes for the spectators and pilots alike and as usual, there was plenty of food for everybody.
Some of the younger visitors tried the buddy-box system to get in some flying time as did some of the adults. In addition to the prizes and raffles, the candy-drop event was enjoyed by all, especially the kids who enjoyed eating the candy.
There is water near the flying site. This might evolve into some float flying some day.
Next spring, if you are in the area, come by and enjoy the fun and fellowship. You will be glad you did and they will be happy to offer some southern hospitality.
Until next time, go teach a kid to fly.
AMA News
AS 2008 draws to a close, I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas season! The fall/winter still brings much activity to District V.
Here is my report on the 32nd annual O.J. Stillman Memorial Pattern Event, held in memory of my dad and hosted by the Gateway R/C Club of Jacksonville, Florida.
The Gateway R/C Club of Jacksonville, Florida, held a successful Pattern contest September 28-29, 2008! With the support of the club president Patrick Lanfri and many other club members, the former Pensacola event made its successful debut in northeast Florida.
Perfect weather was the backdrop for a fun, competitive weekend of flying. With temperatures in the mid 80s, a clear blue sky, and light winds, the pilots could not have asked for better conditions or facility.
Thanks go out to all the club members who helped. A nice raffle was held on Saturday, with a Futaba 6EXA FASST as the main item. Thanks to Hobbico/Futaba for their donations to our event!
Make plans to attend next fall’s 33rd annual event!
Lake City Event a Huge Success: The Lake City (South Carolina) Flying Tigers, a 60-member club, welcomed 94 pilots to the club’s fly-in on September 27. Beautiful, sunny, warm weather followed three days of high winds and heavy rain from a tropical storm.
Most models were in the International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC) Aerobatic or Giant Scale categories. Many awards were presented and more than $4,400 worth of lottery prizes were won.
The high point of the day was a noon demonstration of precision and aerobatic flying by a full-scale AT-6 Texan. The Flying Tigers’ kitchen cooked 400 barbecued chicken wings and legs for lunch—all eagerly consumed by the large crowd of pilots and visitors.
This report was submitted by Roger Marshall, District V associate vice president (AVP) in South Carolina. BUFFALO GROVE, ILLINOIS: Club #1040, the Blue Max R/C Flying Club, has a bunch of brave members who fly in the winter. Pictures and information were sent in by Bradford Walters.
Neosho, Missouri: Terry Bolin, of the Ozark Controliners, sent a couple of pictures of his Legacy designed by Allen Brickhaus. NORMALLY I start this column with, “it’s that time of year again” for us in District VII. And it is also when we start looking for a project for the next flying season.
At one time I mentioned starting a kit. I can’t do that any more. It is now ARFs and ARCs; no one builds anymore. In my travels this past year I saw two scratch-built airplanes and maybe four aircraft built from kits. The rest were LT 40s to 40% aerobatic models.
It actually became boring to see the same color schemes repeatedly, but I can see a bright side as well. Time these days is critical and the ARFs and ARCs allow more people to spend time at the field instead of the shop.
For me, it is somewhat sad not to see kit-built models anymore. It’s a sign of the times I guess. So, let’s get to the reports.
Jeff Green, from the White Oak Hilltop Fliers club in Michigan, sent in a shot of his Hangar 9, 80-inch Cub, which typifies what I alluded to above. Jeff states he was a builder, but now has humbled himself to fly ARF airplanes.
His Cub has an Electrify brushless motor with ESC and a four-pack Li-Poly setup.
Chuck Spencer, District VII’s associate vice president in Iowa, attended the 2008 Sig Fest. A major factor was the weather with high winds and a lot of rain. But true to tradition, the event went on.
As usual there were attendees from all around the area. Maxie and Hazel put on a great event with good food.
Jim Zimmerman, of the Marshalltown RC Flyers sent in this report. I apologize that this report got misplaced until now, but the event is timeless.
The Marshalltown club got together for some community service. They put on a static and flying demonstration for veterans from the Iowa State Home in Marshalltown, Iowa. Often there are those who have served in the military are who never recognized, but not this time.
Great job, guys. The event was so well received that the activities director asked if the club could make it an annual event.
Till next time, remember how you got started in aeromodeling. Get a kid involved; just think, they might enjoy it as you do.
C.A.V.U.
AMA News
IT DOESN'T SEEM as though it should be Christmas time yet! My wife Linda and I want to wish modelers everywhere the best of the season and may you have a happy and flying-filled New Year!
Jack Matlock, my trusty sidekick Shorty, and I attended the National Electric Fly-In (NEFI) in Muncie. While it is outside the district, it was planned and run by Dr. Sandy Frank, our former district vice president.
It was a great time with both outdoor and indoor flying and I am happy to report that Sandy is doing well following his major car wreck.
While he has some permanent challenges to adapt to, he is recovering and thanks everyone in the district for their support and prayers during his ordeal and recovery.
The hurricanes have tried to whip District VIII into submission, but fortunately we are still functioning well.
In a three-week span Pete Boudreaux had to cancel two events that he was scheduled to CD—one for each hurricane.
When offered the opportunity to reschedule the event and save his sanction fee, he said, “We will donate the money to AMA. We are confident that AMA will put the money to good use.”
Several clubs experienced damage and at least one has lost complete use of its field while tree debris is stored by the parish, awaiting mulching.
AMA’s current disaster-relief program allows clubs to receive up to $500 immediately to reestablish use of runways, but it is not intended to be used for structure repair. Visit www.modelaircraft.org/PDF-files/714.pdf for complete details.
AMA offers another program that helps clubs with flying field upgrades. The Flying Site Development/Improvement Grant allows as much as 10% of the cost of a project, up to $5,000, but it is a once-a-year application in March.
Information is available at www.modelaircraft.org/PDF-files/712.pdf, or call (765) 287-1256, extension 272.
We have a new associate vice president position (AVP) in the district. With the number of members and clubs in the Houston area, it is too large for a single person to adequately cover.
Pat Willcox has a done a great job and will remain AVP for East Houston (incidentally, JETERO, which is Pat’s home field, was destroyed by a hurricane), but I created a new position that covers western Houston all the way to Monaville, home of the famed Bomber Field.
Randy Ritch is the new AVP for this area. Randy, his wife Suzanne, and two young children live in Magnolia, Texas. As are so many of us, Randy is a lifelong modeler, learning at his father’s knee from an early age.
Randy’s father Dickie Ritch helped him get started and as a young boy he was national champion in several CL Racing classes and later was a national champion in Pylon Racing. He is currently highly competitive in Giant Scale Pylon Racing and owns a model fuel business and hobby shop in Houston.
Randy has already begun visiting events and rendering reports to me. Both he and Dickie have suffered damage to their homes and businesses from Hurricane Ike.
Welcome Randy Ritch, our new AVP for the western side of the Houston area.
Thanks to all who have run and helped with events throughout the year. Volunteers are what we are all about and those who run events make your club and visiting club members’ enjoyment of the hobby even greater.
As I attend events I notice that attendance is down, but I believe that is attributable to gasoline prices and not lack of interest.
Have fun and fly safely! See you on the flightline. Jim Rice IN THIS TIME of celebration and new hope for the future, we have much to be thankful for. Unfortunately, we recently lost three modelers from District IX.
Les Sullivan, a member of several clubs in the Denver, Colorado, area passed away. In my many travels to the Arvada club field, Les always greeted me with his bright smile.
A wonderful, well-attended memorial service, given by Pastor Kaster, an RCer himself, was held in honor of Darryl Williams at the Casper Airmodelers’ flying site Sunday, August 24, followed by full military honors by the Army National Color Guard.
More than 75 fliers, family, and friends were there to wish Darryl Godspeed. He will be missed. Darryl was probably the most dedicated pilot in Casper. He loved his warbirds and he loved to fly RC. Now his P-51, Corsair, and Uproar are silent, and we feel the loss.
We miss you, Darryl, and thanks to Jo and his family for sharing him with us.
Finally, we lost a modeling icon from the Omaha, Nebraska, area. Olie Olsen, hobby shop owner, club newsletter editor, and legacy member of the Omahawks recently passed away.
Rest in Peace Les, Darryl, and Olie. We will miss you.
One of my goals as vice president was to visit all six states in our district, so last year I traveled to Wyoming to meet associate vice president (AVP) Fred Hildebrand and to personally present the Casper club with its Gold Leader Club award.
As luck would have it, the neighboring club in Riverton was having a fly-in that weekend, so we decided to present the award at the fly-in because several modelers belong to both clubs. The Riverton, Wyoming, club has a wonderful facility and is extremely active in the community. I challenged the Riverton club to complete the requirements for Gold Leader Club status and told them that if accomplished, I would personally present their award.
Well, you guessed it. Club president, Eddie Amend, took me up on my challenge and thus, I was headed to Riverton this fall. I flew into Casper and Fred Hildebrand met me at the airport. We ended up back at his home for a wonderful lunch prepared by his bride, Meg. Now I gotta tell you, Meg is one of the best things about visiting Wyoming. She is absolutely wonderful, and Fred, you are one lucky guy!
Later that evening, Fred and Meg took me to a local restaurant to meet with the officers of the Casper club. The food and fellowship was outstanding!
The next morning Fred and I drove to Riverton for the presentation. It was great seeing folks I had met and flown with the previous year and as usual, Eddie had arranged a great gathering for the Wyoming Modelers Park Association (WMPA).
As a side note of my trip, Eddie told me about one of the club members, Dick Adams, who built a model of the Benoist which flew into Riverton in the early 1900s.
Dick’s model is proudly displayed in the Riverton airport. It is a sight to behold. The detail on his airplane is out of this world!
That’s it for this year! I have truly enjoyed visiting and flying with my many friends throughout District IX and wish you all a very Merry Christmas! Mark I WANT to introduce two new associate vice presidents (AVPs). Mike Brown lives in Redding, California, and is the new District X safety officer. He is a longtime modeler and good builder.
For the last three years Mike has been the International Miniature Aircraft Association (IMAA) National Safety Officer and CDs two large fly-ins. The Red Bluff Float Fly has roughly 85 registered pilots and the Ash Creek Super Fun-Fly hosts approximately 50 registered pilots. Both fly-ins come with all of the whistles and bells.
John Lockwood lives in Clovis, California, and is retired from the Clovis School District. John is one of those people who never gives up teaching and is one who is always there to give us newbies a helping hand.
John CDs numerous events in the Clovis and Madera areas. He is also one of those guys who love to “go fast and turn left.” John races in a number of categories. I am sure he would be willing to discuss any racing concerns.
I received a short note from Rick and Merriam Maida. Rick is an AVP from Morgan Hill, California, and an IMAA member. Rick reported on the following Salinas Area Modelers event.
The Salinas club held its IMAA Giant Scale Fun-Fly August 22-24. The CDs were Joe Francis and Rick. The club has always held its second Giant Scale Fun-Fly of the year on Labor Day weekend, but this year the Society of Antique Modelers bunch moved it up a weekend to see if it would draw more pilots. Considering gas prices, the 13 pilots and approximately 20 airplanes constituted a good turnout.
On Friday evening, Joe and Chantel Francis did their annual chicken barbecue and it was terrific. The weather was decent—mild temperatures and a bit of wind with a little lacing of morning fog.
Different types of aircraft were present: World War I, World War II, aerobatic beasts, and a single turbine entertained the crowd of spectators. John Midgorden brought his plans-built Grumman Duck for its test run down the taxiway. Absolutely beautiful! Nice job, John.
As always, it was a great event and a great bunch of guys and gals attending. It will be the same time next year and check out the other fly-in next April.
Does the last name Francis ring a bell? CD Joe Francis is the son of the late Bob Francis, a great friend, master builder, and great competitor. Keep up the great work, Joe.
I would like to remind you all of the upcoming AMA Convention in Ontario, California, on January 9, 10, and 11, 2009. District X will have a booth there and all of the AVPs will attend. Stop by and say hello!
Remember, what goes up must come down. Keep it safe. Jim Giffin SEPTEMBER 26, 27, and 28, the Glacier Flyers held its annual open house at the club field between Whitefish and Kalispell, Montana. Beside having a great flying field the club is in the middle of some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Pacific Northwest. The entrance to Glacier Park is just minutes away. Add the fall colors to this picture and it just doesn't get any better than this.
Each year the club hosts many events, but this one is for the community. Even so, you can't help but notice the pilots were having a great time themselves. There were all types of aircraft on display and for three days there were very few breaks in the demonstrations.
There was food service and the regular tailgate swap meet, all this being blessed with great weather. In the past the flying demonstrations were scheduled, but this year it was "run what you brung" and fly whenever you choose. I think this worked very well.
A great deal of credit goes to the Glacier Flyers Open House CD, Art Grisez, of Kalispell, and his great staff.
Thanks for a great weekend and I am sure your neighbors had as good a time as I did.
That's all, folks. Bruce
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
