AMA News
Earl Witt 1920–2000
EARL F. WITT, former AMA president and a major participant in the affairs of AMA, died of numerous health problems related to diabetes February 14, 2000. He was 79.
Born in Seattle, Washington, in 1920, his family moved to the Los Angeles area when Earl was five years of age; moved back to Tacoma in the late 1920s; then to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, in 1961, where he resided until his death.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Maxine; two daughters; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Earl served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, flying B-25 bombers and numerous other types of aircraft. He worked for the US Army as a Facility Engineer until he retired in 1980.
A professional airplane pilot, he operated a flight school and served as a safety advisor with the Federal Aviation Administration. He belonged to the Experimental Aircraft Association for many years and built a number of aircraft. In recent years he owned a Moni powered sailplane, a sky bike, and an Aviflier.
A creative model designer, many of his model designs were published in the modeling magazines in the early 1950s. An acquaintance of Jim Walker, he created a model show team with support from Walker and participated in Northwest shows during the late 1940s and ’50s.
Earl was an original member of the Nationals Executive Committee and attended 50 consecutive National Model Airplane Championships from 1947–1996.
"I knew Earl from many years of working at the Nationals," said AMA Executive Director Joyce Hager. "His love of model aviation was shown through the countless hours of volunteer service."
In addition to serving as AMA president from 1979–1980, he served as AMA Secretary-Treasurer (now called Executive VP) during the 1970s.
During his service with AMA, he was recognized as a member of the AMA Hall of Fame, was an AMA Fellow, received the Distinguished Service and Meritorious Service awards, and was a Life Member of AMA.
With Earl's passing, another chapter in the evolution of AMA comes to a close. He was very active on the AMA scene for approximately 40 years.
Earl had tremendous skill in anticipating needs for whatever project with which he was involved. Much effort was put into getting the AMA on its feet financially during the early 1960s; another project was his desire to move AMA Headquarters away from Washington, DC, and into a permanent home. Although his plan was challenged when presented, his dream was realized a dozen years later.
Current AMA president Dave Brown has said many times that Earl was about 10 years ahead of his time.
He was an excellent teacher of student pilots and those he took under his wing for grooming in other administration positions. "I especially enjoyed his conversations about teaching new full-scale pilots," said Hager. "Especially the ones where women were involved."
Earl had a unique way to communicate that left no doubt what he was saying. This was often interpreted as being gruff, and as a result Earl was nicknamed "the mean man" in Nationals circles. Those who took the time would soon find he was a very gentle and kind person.
Not one to be afraid to take a position on a subject, he would defend his positions with logical arguments, making them difficult to challenge.
He loved the water and modeling, with seaplanes his favorite. Working with school students was a favorite project anytime the opportunity would arise.
"Earl will surely be missed," said Hager.
— Ron Morgan and Jim Haught
Flying Site Assistance
Joe Beshar Coordinator
198 Merritt Dr. Oradell NJ 07649 Fax: (201) 261-0223 Tel.: (201) 261-1281
Finding—Preserving—Maintaining
HELP THE thrust for the return of the Galeville NY flying site and possibly other national model flying sites. Your letters to your congressman can stop the lack of positive reception experienced in the past, not only with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, but other government agencies. Your letters make sure that the members of Congress get the message to protect the future of model aviation.
Model flying sites are the heartbeat of aeromodeling, and they need to recognize just that. Write today. A personal communication from a constituent is one of the most effective methods of influencing members of Congress. Share in exerting that pressure. Loss of your flying site could be next.
Galeville Status Report: Word has been received that Congressman Ben Gilman has spoken to Congressman Maurice Hinchey regarding the return of model flying to Galeville. Hinchey has agreed to review the information given him by Gilman, and we expect that there will be further discussions between them.
Gilman's staff feels the time is now appropriate to seek additional congressional support. Enclosed is a "boilerplate" letter that any modeler from any area of the country can use (or paraphrase) to urge his or her representative to join our crusade. A phone call to your congressman's local office would also be appropriate.
Obviously, it is now incumbent upon each of us to enlist the help of all of our aeromodeling friends. In particular, anyone with an "influential contact" ought to seek that person's help in order to bring as much pressure to bear as possible.
Register as an FSA Volunteer!
The Flying Site Assistance Program consists of a network of volunteers who serve as the AMA's eyes and ears. These volunteers read newspapers and listen to and watch news programs to be aware of any activities that could impact an existing or potential flying site.
It is just a matter of collecting information regarding flying sites, advising local modelers and AMA clubs in the area, and passing it on to the AMA Flying Site Assistance Coordinator.
Join this ambitious program as a service to your fellow modelers. Anyone interested, contact me at the address above.
Sample letter:
Your address and the date
Honorable (name of congressman/congresswoman) House of Representatives (or local district office) Washington D.C. 20515-3220 (or local address)
Dear Congressman/Congresswoman,
I am writing to seek your support in a matter of great concern to model aviation enthusiasts throughout the northeastern United States. After nearly three decades of access to the Galeville airfield (near Newburgh NY), aeromodelers were abruptly "evicted" when control of the field passed from the military to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Galeville site lies within the congressional district represented by Congressman Maurice Hinchey. With the help and encouragement of Congressman Benjamin Gilman, we are asking Congressman Hinchey to support our effort to reinstate model airplane flying as a permitted activity at Galeville. We already have the unanimous support of the local Shawangunk Township Board and the Town Supervisor.
Congressman Gilman has a complete file of information, including environmental impact studies, attesting to model aviation's benign effect on what is now the Galeville wildlife site. He has shared this information with Congressman Hinchey, who is reviewing it. Please discuss this matter with Congressman Gilman and then speak to Congressman Hinchey on our behalf.
As a model airplane hobbyist, and as a constituent, I ask that you support the effort to return model airplane flying to Galeville, and that you ask Congressman Hinchey to do likewise.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
(your name)
District VI Report
Illinois / Indiana / Kentucky / Missouri
Charlie Bauer Vice President
4944 N. Orange Ave. Norridge IL 60706-3224 Home: (708) 457-0565 Fax: (708) 457-2177 sysbauer@charlie.cns.iit.edu
District VI Web page: http://www.csam.iit.edu/~amadist6/index.htm
Associate Vice Presidents
- Illinois
- John Kallend, 1935A Hickory Rd, Homewood IL 60430 (708) 798-7242
- Hal Parent, 1920 Buckingham, Westchester IL 60154 (708) 562-5752
- Jerry Worden, 940 Alden Dr., Normal IL 61761-1202 (309) 454-3905
- Indiana
- Ron Ballard, 6302 N. 700 E., Decatur IN 46733 (219) 724-8934
- Gary Bussell, 5000 W. Connie Dr., Muncie IN 47304 (765) 288-3548
- William Kern, 1808 12th St., Bedford IN 47421-3102 (812) 275-2189
- Kentucky
- Jim Sears, Box 308, Burgin KY 40310 (606) 748-5834
- Missouri
- Bob Underwood, 32 Hollandbush Ct, St. Charles MO 63304 (636) 939-3934
- Ken Booher, 1016 North East Barnes Dr., Lee's Summit MO 64086 (816) 524-7307
Frequency Coordinator: Carl Orr, R.R. 1 Box 123B, Higginsville MO 64037 (660) 584-6284, Fax (660) 584-6285
Webmaster: Gary Parent, 11001 Martindale Dr., Westchester IL 60154 Eve. (708) 531-9556
JACKSONVILLE IL: John Althoff of the Jacksonville Propkickers Model Club, club #1328, sent in photographs taken at the SAM Texaco.
The event was held in Jacksonville as part of the St. Louis SAM NXXII participation in a postal event. It was a great day for flying, as one-third of the official flights went for the 15-minute max.
In the first photo, standing (L to R), we have John Shifko, Merle Menezes, Bob Klipp, and Ralph Waser. Kneeling is Frank Mehrtens.
District VII Report
THE SMITHSONIAN Institute and AMA's Traveling Display, On Miniature Wings, will be at the Detroit Historical Museum, Woodward Avenue at Warren, in Detroit MI April 8 through June 24, 2000.
I am listing this again because you will receive this issue of Model Aviation before the exhibit closes. You still have time to make plans to see it. After the show in Detroit, the exhibit will travel to Muncie.
Since the April issue appeared, I have received invitations to visit clubs in the Michigan area. I am hoping to receive invitations from clubs in the rest of District VII. My plans are to visit as many functions as possible in order to meet as many members as I can.
I recently attended the annual AMRCC meeting chaired by Wayne Yeager. The annual meeting is an attempt to coordinate all the area club functions, from swap meets to competitions and fun-flys, for the current year.
There were approximately 35 representatives, including two gentlemen from Windsor, Canada.
I also attended the Chessaning R/C Club's swap meet at Baker College in Owosso MI for a meeting. This gave me an opportunity to meet and speak with members of other clubs. The swap meet was well attended to the point of being wall-to-wall modelers.
By now the flying season is in full swing, and hopefully you are all enjoying the fruits of your winter labors. There are quite a few functions scheduled, with some sharing the same day, but in looking over the schedule, I see that most are in different venues so there should not be too many conflicts. And who knows, I may even get a chance to fly one of my projects!
As a side note, I'm trying to finish a Control Line Ringmaster kit that I have had since 1953. I haven't decided on what engine to use though, a McCoy Redhead or Forster. I may even use my Jim Walker U-Reely handle as a starter. That ought to be fun.
In the January 2000 column for District VII, there were two pictures that had misinformation. One had two fellows sitting next to a District VIII banner. Their names are Ivan Mensinger and Frank Samples. The other picture was of an airplane burial ground. Both of these pictures pertained to the River District Eagles Club, which is this month's spotlight club.
Here is another example of what can be done when club members pull together.
After losing their old field to progress, Frank Samples had an idea. Frank was an employee of Consumer Power Company, and knew of some property that had been used as a marshalling yard for heavy equipment when Consumer was building their plant.
Frank approached the plant manager and explained the club's predicament. His approach must have been very convincing, because after forty hours of work, the River District Eagles had a signed lease agreement and a new 12-acre field with a 440 x 800-foot strip and 60 acres of overflow space.
Just recently the club also acquired the rights to use a quarry for their float-flys.
None of this was easy and wouldn't have happened if the membership had given up. Another contributing factor was the fact that the River District Eagles are deeply involved with civic and charitable functions in the county. That certainly didn't hurt.
Congratulations, River District Eagles, and the beat goes on.
While surfing the Net the other day, I saw where a modeler had an unfortunate experience of having the plane he was flying lose part of its wing. Not to make light of his predicament, this reminded me of a poem written after another such incident.
Pilot's Lament Here I sit; broken hearted, Flew my plane, the wing departed. It spun straight in, a thunderous crash, Nothing left but a pile of trash. A plastic bag to remain, Sometimes I think this is all insane. To spend all that time, for a few minutes of fun, And in a split second, it's over, it's done. Back to the shop, build another kit, Can't give up, too easy to quit. The box is now open, time to get started, And try to forget the wing that departed.
— Washout Willie
It is with regret that I have accepted the resignation of AVP Andy Low. Andy cites increased business pressures as his reason for resigning. He feels he can no longer be as effective an AVP as he would like.
Andy has done a fine job for District VII. Our best wishes to Andy.
CAVU = clear air, visibility unlimited.
District VIII Report
ALMOST EVERYTHING is falling exactly into place! May 19–20, 2000, at the Convention Center in Arlington TX, there will be the largest gathering of model aircraft enthusiasts, participants, and spectators (regionally) within the past 25 years!
What a great way to begin the new decade, century, and millennium!
The AMA has designated this conference as the venue of the annual Open Membership Meeting. This meeting will be held on Friday, March 19 from noon until 2 p.m. and will be chaired by AMA president Dave Brown and AMA Executive Director Joyce Hager.
The vendors and manufacturers’ tradeshow is nearly a complete sellout at this time (written in March).
Some of the world’s best-known modelers will be keynote speakers at the event. On Friday, March 19, from 8 a.m. until noon in the Ballroom, Salon A, we will feature speakers including Hall of Fame member George Aldrich, the father of Aerobatics flying and a professional model engine specialist; Riley Wooten of Scat Cat, Quicker, Voodoo, and Lone Star Balsa fame; and AnnMarie Cross, customer services manager for Great Planes, one of the world’s largest manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors for the modeling industry. These people will speak and answer questions from those in attendance.
The convention will also include a major static display of models, two commission-free auction sales on Friday and Saturday evenings, hundreds of swap shop tables; displays by AMA Special Interest Groups and AMA chartered clubs, continuous Indoor CL, FF, and RC flying, symposia, technical presentations, round table discussions, and workshops!
We will have a world-class manufacturers’, distributors’, and vendors’ trade show, as well as coverage by major modeling publications.
Additionally, you will have the chance to meet and interface with modelers from throughout the region and the United States!
What else might be missing from this grand gathering of modeling? Only—you!
Yes, the final piece of this puzzle and the absolute key to the success and continuation of this event is your attendance and participation!
The District VIII volunteer staff has been working diligently for more than a year to ensure that this event will be spectacular! And it will be! But if you do not attend—and participate—all of the preparation in the world, keynote speakers, annual membership meetings, displays, and trade shows will have been done for nothing! You, the membership, are what this event was created for! Consider this your personal invitation to attend.
Pre-registration for AMA members and swap shop tables will be available until May 15, 2000. No standing in lines!
Send a stamped, self-addressed envelope with a $5 check for each pre-registration, made payable to the Southwestern Aeromodelling Conference, and $10/day swap table registration to me, Dr. Sandy Frank, AMA District VIII Vice President. My address is 105 North Brazos, Weatherford TX 76086.
As of this date, a very few vendors’ display booths, a decorated 10 x 10 space at $99 each, are available!
AMA—the glue that bonds modelers together!
If you only attend one aeromodelling event during 2000, this is it. It is a must-see, do-not-miss happening!
Flying, Fun, and Fellowship! Sandy Frank
District IX Report
Colorado / Kansas / Nebraska / North Dakota / South Dakota / Wyoming
Russ Miller Vice President
980 N. 3rd St. Carrington ND 58421 Phone: (701) 652-2321 Fax: (701) 652-2994 e-mail: rumiller@dakotel.com
Associate Vice Presidents
- Max Hansen, 1909 Wisconsin SW, Huron SD 57350
- Nathan Lancaster, 3597 S. Kendall Street, Denver CO 80235
- Troy Lapp, 1619 Wichita Dr., Bismarck ND 58504
- Travis McGinnis, 8027 W. 81st Circle, Arvada CO 80005
- Don Moden, 410 Hart St., Salina KS 67401
- Jim Ricketts, 4921 Fernwood Drive, Sioux Falls SD 57103-5573
- Jack L. Sibert, 3611 Kimberly Circle, Lincoln NE 68506-4524
- Chuck Smith, 1091 Cheshire Street, Casper WY 82609-3214
- Mike Weidner, 6535 Foxdale Circle, Colorado Springs CO 80919-1788
Frequency Coordinator: Steve Mangles, c/o Radio Service Center, 918 S. Sheridan, Denver CO 80226
A NOTE from Russ Miller: There is always a shortage of news articles along with pictures for this monthly column. Your help and input are needed and appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Here is a neat article I wanted to share, written by a club president about their last meeting agenda.
A word from the Prez: Another month has passed us by and we're on the eve of the real flying season. I trust that everyone has had the opportunity over the long, harsh, cold winter to spruce up some of their airplanes or perhaps build something new.
At the last membership meeting we were going to spend a little time talking about field rules, courtesy, and little things we can all do to ensure that everyone has a good time while at the field.
Kevin Hyde has submitted an excellent article about a closed-system fueling procedure. We all would benefit if everyone thought about things like this when they pitted.
Under the same broad system of "courtesies" is how we, as a collective, treat our guests and new members. When you see someone at the field whom you do not know, make sure that you make them feel welcome. If a spectator is standing at the fence and looks like he or she has a question, offer your opinion. When someone has just joined and they do something that appears to violate one of our rules, make an effort to find out if they are even aware of what they've done before deciding that this person is going to be a problem.
I have always tried to live by the age-old adage that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Be friendly to everyone. Today's spectator could be tomorrow's club leader. You never know what someone has to offer until you give them a chance to show it.
— President of the Omahawks
News from Nebraska: The second Don Neill Scale Fly-In is now one for the books. This year's fly-in was a two-day event with great weather on both days.
We had 18 registered pilots this year and 17 of them were L.S.K. members. Great going, guys! This indicates a real interest in not only Scale flying, but in Scale competition. I think this member's desire to turn this meet into a top-notch Scale competition.
Saturday started with static judging and the flying portion starting about 10:30 a.m. Due to a lack of judges, we could not operate the static and flightline at the same time. With the assistance of Neal Rohrke, we managed to do the static judging and get in two rounds of flying.
Sunday we judged some late-arriving contestants and had one more round of flying available to the pilots. We then scored the best two rounds for each pilot and threw out the lowest of the three rounds flown.
The Don Neill award, which was a combination of static score and flying score, went to Bob Cooper for most accumulated points, flying his OV-10 Bronco. Bob did a fantastic job with his flying presentation. His OV-10 was equipped with brakes, so his taxi to the runway with an engine run up against the brakes before takeoff was superb.
I would like to thank the Coopers, Paul and Wanda, for their usual fine job at the concession. Also Dave Greathouse for running the impound, Helen Rohrke for helping as assistant CD and scoring tabulations, Neil Rohrke for judging, Ron Vogel for running the flightline, and thanks to the following for cleanup at the field: Larry Sparks, Rick Kuenning, Deimer Dormer, Ron Vogel, and Tom Hefley. Thanks to Teri Kuenning for concession help and a trophy to Lincoln and all the other Sky Knights' members who helped or participated.
— Craig Sparks
Don Neill Scale Fly Results
Military Pre-1935
- Frank Rall 44.5
- Glen Lau 29.5
Military Post-1935
- Bob Cooper 42.70
- Frank Rall 42.15
- Joe Mock 42.10
Civilian Pre-1935
- Gary Neill 44.2
- Mat Teity 37.25
- Dave Reiber 23.0
Civilian Post-1935
- John Salstrand 46.7
- Bob Cooper 41.25
- Bob Cooper 39.2
In the Scale flight category scoring was as follows:
- Bob Cooper, 94.75 points, OV-10 Bronco
- Rich Kuenning, 89.73 points, Giant Laser
- Tom Wild, 85.63 points, P-51 Mustang
LSK member Bob Cooper was the Don Neill Scale Fly Award winner.
News from South Dakota: Cool would be one way to describe the annual BARF (Beresford Area Radio Flyers) Frozen Finger Fun Fly. The temperatures were in the 20s and there was a definite lack of snow; however, a stiff east breeze brought on shivers and made the day seem colder than it was.
Was anyone complaining? Not a bit — Mother Nature had provided a decent day for the first fun fly event of 2000—compared to the snow and wind of a year ago.
Warm friendships and kind words were the order of the day as 18 pilots gathered to watch or fly in the New Year. All were served up a delicious meal of spicy sausage, chili, hot chocolate, hot French bread, two kinds of dessert, and cold beverages.
The tarps were installed but the picnic tables had to be moved outside of the shelter and put on the lee side of the tarps. It was great to have the flying bunch from Sioux Center, Alcester, Beresford, Hudson, Centerville, and Sioux Falls together.
Seven pilots made first flights of the new year. Mark Glaenmerer even put the first flight on a new model. Mark's electric-powered Mini S ARF was hand-launched and did a credible job in the breeze. Electrics have definitely come a long way.
In addition to Mark, the brave souls who tested the winds on January 1 were Brad Jensen, Dan Van Voorst, Don Hughes, Dave Larsen, Darrell Moget, Bill Beck, and Roger Lang.
Thanks go to the lunch providers: Brad and Shanna Jensen, Roger and Maxine Lang, Dave and Christi Larsen, Don and Doris Hughes, Gary and Diane Jobe, Zach, Duane and Connie Holoch. There was plenty of good, hot food for everyone.
AMA News
The year 2000 Southwest Regionals (SWR) were held January 15–17 in Eloy AZ.
The SWR is really three major contests in one. Old-Timer RC spanned three days while two days were dedicated to an FAI America’s Cup competition and an AMA/Nostalgia/Old-Timer Free Flight contest.
The millennium event drew more contestants and spectators than had been seen in years. The Free Flight flightline alone was more than a 1/4-mile long and Bob Angus’ Old-Timer RC group in the southwest corner of the field added another 35 to 50 cars.
At least nine different states were represented with the long distance award going to Ed Keck from New York.
As with previous years, the designation of an FAI America’s Cup event attracted some of the top fliers in the country. New this year was the parallel designation as a National Free Flight Society (NFFS) National Cup contest. In fact, the SWR is the first-ever contest to be granted this distinction.
Bill Bickel’s Model Engine Collector’s Association Collecto was again well-attended with some 90 attendees pouring over 23 displays and approximately 50 people attending the Saturday night banquet.
Reintroduced this year were the “Rise-Off-Water” (ROW) events. The last time those events were held in Arizona was 1976. The pond attracted some very interesting entries. Henry Smith (CA) set a new national record with his Mulvihill ROW ship. Henry’s model was highlighted in the April issue of Model Aviation.
Particularly competitive this year were F1C and F1G. Former world champion Randy Archer (AZ) and perennial U.S. national team member Ed Keck (NY) flew into the third round before Randy finally won in F1C.
In F1G, Phil Klintworth (TN) edged out Peter Brocks (AZ) by only seconds in the third fly-off round.
In the AMA/Nostalgia/Old-Timer Free Flight events, the Arizona fliers once again demonstrated their metal by taking six first place titles and seven second and third place positions. Additionally, Arch Harlan of Phoenix garnered “high time” in gas.
All in all, the SWR was a huge success! Many thanks to the principal organizers who worked very hard to put on a great contest: Al Lidberg, John Nystedt, Steve Riley, Randy Archer, Herman Andresen, Bill Bickel, and Bob Angus.
Free Flight is alive and well in Arizona. The Eloy flying site is a great area for flying Free Flight with a beautiful clear one-mile square field. The SWR is traditionally held over the Martin Luther King Holiday weekend, so mark your calendars and see you next year.
— Elmer Nelson, Phoenix Model Airplane Club
Many thanks, Elmer, for a great report and congratulations to the PMAC for another terrific contest.
Till next time… Keep ’em safe and Keep ’em flyin’.
AMA News
District XI Report
Alaska / Idaho / Montana / Oregon / Washington
Bruce Nelson Vice President
807 E. Vicksburg St. Spokane WA 99208 nelson807@cs.com (509) 326-4828 Office Fax (509) 467-1852 Home Ph./Fax
Associate Vice Presidents
- Rick Allison, 15618 NE 56th Way, Renton WA 98052
- Al Culver, Box 86, Wilder ID 83676 E-mail: alc@polioht.com
- Jerry Holcomb, 1010 NE 122nd Ave., Vancouver WA 98684
- Reeves Lippincott, 4400 Gray Wolf Dr., Wasilla AK 99654 E-mail: reeves@matnet.com
- Mike Hazel, 1073 Windemere Dr. NW, Salem OR 97304 E-mail: ZZC1speed@aol.com
- Richard Snare, 781 Lillooet Ct., LaConner WA 98257
- Chick Young, 7411 154 Ave. E. #14, Sumner WA 98390
Frequency Coordinator: Al Watson 130 145th N.E., Bellevue WA 98007
AVP Reeves Lippincott forwarded the following information. Fred Keller, an Alaska Radio Control Society member in Anchorage AK, is a volunteer coach for students at Colony Middle School for the Science Olympiad in the rubber-powered airplane competition.
Last spring, this two-girl team placed seventh out of 52 teams in the event at the national Science Olympiad competition in Chicago, with a design that Fred modified from plans he found in a book.
The proud coach was present in person to encourage and cheer them to victory.
Earlier in the year, the eight teams from Colony that Fred had coached took the top eight positions in that division at the Alaska State competition in Anchorage, with modified kit planes.
This year, the dedicated students will spend extra time with Fred building, modifying, and test flying at every chance.
Last year's returning students are more excited than ever about the competition.
Fred's dedication to helping with the rubber-powered airplanes as well as the "battery buggy" and assorted other mechanical-type events has resulted in the school gym being made available to him and anyone else interested in indoor flying, adults as well as students, during the winter.
One adult who flies regularly believes that the winter indoor flying helps him maintain his proficiency for the summer season.
For more information, Fred can be contacted at (907) 746-0991 or E-mailed at keller@matnet.com
The 2000 Science Olympiad Nationals will be held at Eastern Washington University in Cheney WA on May 19–20.
Tom Sanders is looking for volunteers to help in the Propeller Propulsion event, which will be on Saturday, May 20. For further information contact Tom at: tom@midwestproducts.com.
Doug Wendt of Whitefish MT sent the following picture attesting to the fact that Control Line flying is alive and well in his part of the country. In fact, I believe it is enjoying growth all around the country.
Their event had entrants from Whitefish, West Glacier, and Spokane. Some of the fliers were RCers who dusted off some of their old ships for this get-together.
There are high hopes of making this an annual event. A trip to this area is great even if you are not a flier, as it is one of the country's top vacation destinations.
The same group will be hosting their second annual CL fly-in and collectors meet at Whitefish on April 29–30, 2000. Contact Doug Wendt at (406) 755-1820 or Terry Mitchell at (406) 226-4321.
A couple of months ago I mentioned a complaint of possible radio interference as a result of cellular telephone use at a flying field. As a result of this information, I contacted Al Watson, our frequency coordinator, and several other people who have expertise in both RC and cellular telephones. The consensus is that it is highly unlikely that there is a problem using your cell phone at the flying field.
The Barons Model Club of Spokane hosted their annual show and swap meet on March 4. Each year the number of airplanes, boats, and cars, as well as attendees, has grown significantly.
There were 56 swap meet tables, more than 45 display models in various categories, and an AMA District mini meeting, actually more of a round table session to kick around some ideas.
Juan Fernandez, juanf@ol.wa.net, has graciously offered to be the District XI Webmaster.
Juan has been in touch with Sandy Frank, District VIII Vice President, who has been a great help in getting me up to speed on this new job. Sandy has also offered to assist in setting up a site similar to the one their district uses.
Keep smiling!
AMA News
Steve Kaluf's Technical Director's column will resume next month
National Records Update
FEBRUARY 2000
INDOOR AMA CEILING CATEGORY III
- Limited Pennyplane — Op. Walter VanGorder 13:27, 01-02-00
INDOOR AMA CEILING CATEGORY IV
- Limited Pennyplane — Op. Lawrence Cailliau 18:34, 08-17-97
OUTDOOR FREE FLIGHT
- Wakefield — Sr. David Ellis 28:01, 12-29-99
OUTDOOR FREE FLIGHT CATEGORY II
- Mulvihill Rubber ROG — Op. Henry Smith 16:15, 01-15-00
CONTROL LINE
- D Speed — Op. Team Fogg/Brown 199.92, 12-04-99
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