AMA News
Academy of Model Aeronautics 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302
Flying Site Assistance
FLYING SITE Support: We are always in pursuit of testimonial letters and documents from notables and influences which we make available to clubs to serve as support in obtaining flying fields.
These prove to be helpful for presentation when meetings are held to obtain permission for the use of property for a flying site and help to convince property owners of the value of model aviation. They serve as an important promotional aid.
Below is the text of a recently received letter from the Naval Department at Annapolis MD. This has been added to our file of support materials and is available for the asking.
If any member has contacts with notables—private or military—we encourage you to obtain letters of similar content for addition to our support materials.
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY 121 BLAKE ROAD ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND 21402-5000
"Dear Mr. Beshar:
Thank you for the opportunity to express support for the work done by the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Like AMA, the United States Naval Academy is deeply committed to teaching our future leaders the mechanics, fundamentals and the joys of flight. Our Midshipmen often go on to become Naval Aviators, Naval Flight Officers, and even NASA Astronauts; and many of these bright young men and women were aviation modelers at one time.
"Our aerospace engineering majors study aerodynamics, astrodynamics, flight structures and mechanics, satellite design and control and more. As seniors, these students design and build an aero or space flight vehicle. In August of 2001, some of them will launch our first student-built satellite into space from the Kodiak, Alaska spaceport.
"There are many parallels between your organization's fine work and ours. I commend AMA on its commitment to aviation and to the character development values it instills in young people.
"Keep flying and keep up the great work of the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
Sincerely,
J. R. RYAN Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy Superintendent
Flying Site Development/Improvement Grant: The Academy of Model Aeronautics has approved the formation of a committee to administer the distribution of funds in the form of grants to clubs in support of their flying site development and improvement projects.
The limited funds will be dispersed on a yearly basis, with applications being submitted no later than April 1 of each year and grants being awarded May 1 of each year.
Grant application forms and instructions, downloadable in PDF format, are available for completion by the club president. The completed forms, approved by the District Vice President, and all other required materials should then be mailed to the Programs Department at AMA Headquarters for consideration.
The purpose of this program is to provide up to 10% of the total cost of a valid flying site development and/or improvement project.
For more information regarding the AMA Flying Site Development/Improvement Grant Program, visit our Web site or call the AMA Programs Department at (765) 287-1256, extension 270.
AMA News
Is this the best way to teach newcomers? Who knows? The Black Sheep seem to make it work, but for any number of reasons this same program may not work in your club.
Is this the only way to teach newcomers? No, because other clubs with different programs are successful too.
Then what is it that makes a good education program? What crosses the boundaries of Free Flight, Control Line, and Radio Control? What transcends geographic locations, aircraft types, age groups, and almost everything else?
It's desire and involvement.
If you or your club have the desire to help educate newcomers in model aviation, and you are willing to get involved to accomplish this goal, then you already have an excellent chance of succeeding.
This is what the Black Sheep have done, and this is what you can do as well.
You need not possess exactly the same program as anyone else. There is no magical silver bullet program to end all programs. We educate our newcomers, young and old, in many ways. We also acquire new members in as many ways.
I like to think of it as the trickle up theory. There is no Special Interest Group, no educational program, no club, and no individual who mysteriously makes newcomers appear. It is simply a matter of time and effort that grows our hobby/sport, one or two members at a time.
If you decide to become involved, contact me at (765) 287-1256, ext. 274. That's why I'm here. I'm sure together we can find a way to help ourselves help someone else learn.
Oh, by the way, Black Sheep—good job!
AMA News
I PROMISED you a column without figures and here it is. It's a collection of items that would be the last paragraph of my column. Hope you enjoy them!
You have heard that a good mother is one who watches intently her middle-aged son for signs of improvement. Here's another twist to that saying:
After giving his mother a piece of unsolicited advice, a 30-something man cracked, "Isn't it terrible when your kids grow up and are just as smart as you?"
"I wouldn't know," the mother retorted.
I'm not into working out. My philosophy: No pain, no pain.
I'm desperately trying to figure out why kamikaze pilots wore helmets.
I always wanted to be somebody, but I should have been more specific.
Have you ever noticed that anybody going slower than you is an idiot and anyone going faster is a maniac?
I have six locks on my door, all in a row. When I go out, I lock every other one. I figure that no matter how long somebody stands there picking the locks, they are always always going to get in.
ELECTIONS: I expect everyone knows the results of the elections by now. There were two very close races in the District V and IX elections. The point is that your vote does count.
Thanks to everyone who voted for taking the time to do so.
Toys for Tots: The following information was sent to me by Joe Marrone.
"On Sunday October 14, 2001, the Southern New Hampshire Flying Eagles Radio Control (RC) Club hosted their second annual Toys for Tots Fly-in at their flying field in Merrimack. The purpose was to bring in donations of toys for this wonderful program sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps so needy kids can enjoy a happier Christmas season.
"Each RC pilot who flew at the field was required to donate a toy as the 'landing fee' for the day. Through the efforts of the Event Director Mark Versprille, a total of 130 toys were donated as well as $435 in cash.
"Lance Corporal Young, Lance Corporal Thornton, and PFC Norton represented the U.S. Marine Corps to accept the gifts, and said they were very pleased with this outpouring of public spirit for the kids they serve in this program.
"This event also marked the naming and dedication of the field by Merrimack town officials. Fran L'Heureux, Merrimack Selectwoman, presided at the ceremony naming it the Drobysz-Patterson Field, in honor of two distinguished Merrimack residents.
"Stanley Drobysz was honored for his role in WW II as a pilot who flew mercy missions to bring more than 500 wounded GIs back from the battlefield.
"Dana Patterson, deceased, was the original benefactor who allowed the field to be used as an RC flying site and who enjoyed watching RC airplanes fly. Together, the two men represent a role model for model aviation enthusiasts, and the naming of the field in their honor was a fitting tribute.
"Flying Eagles president Frank Phillips thanked all the pilots and all who came to spectate for their generosity in making this a successful event. He expressed gratitude to the town for naming the field and recognizing it as a place for adult recreation.
"Mark Versprille made a point to thank the late Dana Patterson for his role in making the field available as a flying site, and for laying down the basic requirement that 'we must have fun!'
"In keeping with his admonition, all the RC pilots who attended had a great time flying despite the rather damp and foggy conditions. To give non-fliers a chance to try it out, demonstration flights were given by one of the club's flying instructors.
"Student pilots were given a transmitter buddy-box wired to the instructor's transmitter, enabling them to take over the flying chores under the watchful eye of the instructor. If or when the student got the airplane off course, the instructor took back control and righted the aircraft to keep it flying safely, then turning it back to the student for another try.
"Dave Beach, a flight instructor, took several dozen people up in the air, and from the looks on their faces, they seemed to really enjoy the experience.
"The Flying Eagles announced that they plan to hold the third annual Toys for Tots Fly-in on October 6, 2002. If you missed it this year, put it on your calendar now."
IT IS THE first part of December and today we got our real first snowfall of the season here in New York. It's quite a change from last year when we had nearly 50 inches of snow by this time.
As we get deeper and deeper into the winter season, some of us begin to have withdrawal symptoms from lack of flying. Here's an idea from our District II Webmaster, Jack Sugameli, on how we can get our flying fix while helping some of the younger generation hone their skills hopefully to become future modelers.
Jack writes, "I got involved with the Science Olympiad last year here in New Jersey as an official. The Science Olympiad is a national program that involves teams of junior high and high school children in various science-related events.
"One of the events is called the Wright Stuff. The kids in this event must design and build a Free Flight duration model with limitations to weight, dimensions, and rubber motor. Last year, as an official, I was very impressed with the kids' enthusiasm and commitment.
"Anyone who has some knowledge of model building and flight trimming can volunteer to be a coach. Generally, the teachers were seriously lacking in any knowledge, and the kids did not have much success finding information on their own.
"To teach a kid how to build a plane beginning at the design stage is great fun. A person may volunteer to be a coach by contacting local school districts until you find one involved in the Science Olympiad. One can also volunteer to be an official by contacting the state Science Olympiad representative."
If you'd like more information on the Science Olympiad program or would like to become involved, go to our District II Web site at http://www.amadistrictii.org and send an E-mail to the Webmaster.
While you're there, look around. Jack has put in a lot of effort and has made some nice improvements to the site. If you don't have Email you can contact Jack at the address listed on the column header.
We have many clubs in District II that organize and run youth-oriented programs in their hometowns and I always enjoy hearing about the results of those activities. One of our clubs that puts an emphasis on youth programs is the Garden State Circle Burners.
The Circle Burners, led by Carl Holzwarth and others, have been instrumental in beginning what may be that nation's first aeromodeling club within the 4-H. In addition, they have been helping our District Education Coordinator, George Yatsko, in his efforts with the Hillsdale Flyers, an all-Electric Control Line youth program organized by George in Hillsdale NJ. The club has granted the Flyers full field privileges at their facility.
An activity that the Circle Burners run that really got my attention is the flying day they put on every summer for a group of children from Dover NJ. Mary Knight told me that this year the club gave 65 kids from low-income families a chance to get their hands on a model airplane.
For some of these kids, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Club president Rich Peabody told me that in 2002 the Circle Burners will place an even greater emphasis on their youth programs.
District II Associate Vice President Gary Fitch sent the following from his visit to the Wellsville Area Small Plane Society's annual inter-club fun-fly. The report contains an interesting twist that made the day a bit unusual for a fun-fly.
The SHARKS of Elrod PA, together with the STARS of Olean NY, ventured out to fly with the WASPS on August 19, 2001. The day started with very strong crosswinds and the threat of badly needed showers.
"The first four flights resulted in three crashes due to the weather. The rain hit around noon and lasted until about 2:30 p.m. When the sun broke out and the winds calmed for two hours of great flying.
"Precisely at 4:30 p.m. the flying ceased and the marriage of former WASPS president Rick Fitch (no relation to Gary) to his sweetheart of 15 years, Priscilla, took place. That's right, a marriage at a fun-fly, with the service being performed by RC pilot, Reverend Ken Jordan.
"As soon as the ceremony ended, the sky opened up, and everyone took cover, being served fun-fly hot dogs and hamburgers. It was an unusual and fun day."
I want to add my congratulations to Rick and Priscilla. Makes me wonder what the WASPS have planned for next year to top this!
See you at the field ... ✈
AMA News
AS WE BEGIN the New Year, I am very happy to see various clubs experimenting with the idea of Indoor Electric flying. In my own club, Indoor flying has created club activity seldom seen during the winter months.
The enjoyment the activity has created is certainly worth the investment. The National Indoor Remote-Controlled Aircraft Council (NIRAC) is attempting to offer its assistance with specific guidelines for safety and contests.
Check out NIRAC's Web site at http://www.nirac.org/home.htm or contact president Bob Wilder, 1006 Hidden Oaks Court, Colleyville TX 76034, or E-mail him at rjwilder@home.com. Bob is very helpful and interested in creating worthwhile Electric events.
I sometimes wonder what creates the negative attitudes we have. All too often we contend with tunnel vision that obscures the total picture of model aviation.
If a modeler happens to fly a model or compete in an event that you do not, does that make him a lesser individual? Does a modeler belong to a club that you do not?
We each involve ourselves in specific facets of model aviation for enjoyment. Please don't condemn someone for his or her form of model aviation.
Relax and have fun!
The Queen City U-Control Club in Cincinnati OH hosted the FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) F2A Team Selection Trials for the pilots who will represent the United States in Germany this year. This is the FAI class of Control Line Speed.
Ken Barthel was the Contest Director and club members helped with the timing. Other Speed fliers from around the country played significant roles in the judging. Bill Lee was Jurist, Barry Tippett was Chief Timer, and Bob Tittlaje was Recorder.
Engines are limited to 2.5cc and the airplanes are timed during a one-kilometer flight. Fuel is restricted to straight methanol/castor. The piped engines rev up to more than 50,000 rpm and maximum speeds exceed 180 mph.
Our team members include Will Naemura, Tom Brown, and Bill Hughes, with Jim Booker as alternate.
In FAI competition a Junior competitor is also included and Krystal King earned that slot. She set a new AMA Senior record during the trials, and was only about one mph slower than the Open team members.
Thanks to Chuck Snyder for all the information.
The St. Clairsville RC Flyers and SAM 79 held their first 1/2A Texaco contest at the Belmont County Fair Ground near St. Clairsville OH. Hospitality and help are offered to anyone interested in the club.
"Sure, I will print it." That is what I told Jerry Dearmond of Lucasville OH when he asked about publishing a club event picture.
The SORCFA (Southern Ohio Radio Control Flyers Association) of Lucasville OH held its semiannual get together in honor of Tom Williams.
Great flying and food provided by Al Werner created a terrific time!
The Capital Area Flyers from Mechanicsburg PA have a group that calls itself the Anonymous Airmen. Their semimonthly morning flying sessions include coffee, donuts, and lots of banter. The following picture clearly illustrates why they are anonymous!
The Weak Signals Toledo Show is coming on April 5-7, 2002. See its Web page at http://www.toledoshow.com for additional information.
I hope to see all of you there!
More than 100 members and guests attended the fly-in. HobbyTown USA, Larch Lane Hobbies, and Barn Speed Hobbies donated airplanes and Radio Control equipment for door prizes.
Fun-fly committee members Lou Costlow, Doug Mills, Tom Sawyers, and Paul Morrison were instrumental in making the day a success.
The article and photos are courtesy of Doug Mills.
Go take a kid flying.
AMA News
The fly-in was well attended and more than 86 pilots registered to fly. Spectators for the three days totaled more than 1,000.
JOSEPH MICALIZZI, Associate Vice President (AVP) for Puerto Rico, wants you to know about the new Fajardo flying site. The pavilions are 45 x 16 feet with a taxiway to the black top runway.
The club had the builders put a ladder to the top of the sheds so fliers can climb up and look down over the sugar cane fields to spot their downed models.
Here is a snap of Frankie Mirandes and son, along with Hector Armaiz, kneeling behind one of their turbine-powered jet aircraft. Jesus Jiminez is standing on the right. The Criollos Cloud Busters Club hosted a helicopter contest that day and Frankie and Hector entertained them at the break flying their jets.
I attended the RC World Flyers Fall Festival XVIII in Orlando FL. The RC World Flyers club is a prestigious organization and quite famous.
ST. LOUIS MO: Club #396, the Spirits of St. Louis RC Flying Club, hosted Cub Scout Pack #593. The Cub Scouts and their leaders asked many questions and were eager to learn.
Walt Wilson sent in the pictures and information.
DELAVAN IL: Hobby Hideaway sponsored a "Celebration of Flight." Airplanes of all sizes were present. The first picture shows a one-to-one Cessna departing the field. There were RC, Free Flight Rubber, and Control Line airplanes shown.
Thanks to Dave Shupton for sharing this information.
Jacksonville IL: Club #1328, the Jacksonville Propkickers, has Roger Russell as an Introductory Pilot instructor. Roger sent in the following information with pictures of the Howe family.
Both sons, Tyler and Ryan, learned how to fly very quickly. Dad Chris saw how much fun they were having and got himself a trainer.
District VII Report
It seems that I just finished writing the February column, and I'm already writing for this issue.
Hopefully all your winter projects are either finished or at least nearly so.
For me, the beginning of the flying season really isn't until after the annual visit to Toledo—which by the way runs April 5 through 7, 2002. It will be interesting to see what new products will be offered.
I hope to be able to visit more clubs and may even get a chance to fly. I am thinking of getting back into Control Line.
Meanwhile, here are some reports.
Jim Vanderlarker from the Shawano RC Flying Club in Wisconsin submitted the following from their Big Bird fly-in.
Jim says there were 30 registered pilots with 40 airplanes in attendance. The weather really cooperated with hot temperatures and breezes right down the runway.
Jeanne Tubman sends this information from Sault Ste. Marie MI. Jeanne was the event coordinator for the Rosedale International RC Flyers fly-in.
The event is held right on the border between the US and Canada and allows some of our flying friends in Canada to attend. Jeanne also included some shots of the Northern Air fly-in that she attended.
Dan Roob sent this in from the Coulee Region Modelers' Mini Air Fest in La Crosse WI. Dan explained that the name Coulee stems from the geographical formations and means "valleys" that surround the La Crosse area.
The Mini Fest was so successful that the club has been invited to participate in the Ecke Slayton Air Fest in 2002. Ecke Slayton was one of the original Mercury Seven astronauts and was born in nearby Sparta.
Recently, I have received comments that most of the events used in my columns are of Radio Control and some felt there should be other events included.
I would be happy to include other events in this column—which, by the way, is for your information—but I cannot cover every event. I must rely on the clubs to submit pictures and information about what they are doing.
You name it—Control Line, Combat, Free Flight, whatever—but you have to send it in. When you do, please do not write on the back of the pictures. Use a Post-it® note and please identify the airplanes and people in the pictures.
Until next time, fly smart and fly safely. C.A.V.U.
DISTRICT VIII REPORT
Dr. Sandy Frank Vice President
105 N. Brazos St., Weatherford TX 76086-3207 Tel/Fax: (817) 599-7131 E-mail: sfrank69@airmail.net www.AMA-Dist-8.org
Notice: For listing of all district volunteer workers consult the previous magazine issue or the above Web address.
I WISH you one and all Happy New Year! May the year 2002 bring more joyous times to our nation with lots of modeling for all of us!
A short reminder: All newsletter editors for AMA chartered clubs within District VIII, please include me at the above address on your mailing list. I do read all newsletters sent and can assist you as needed with organizational concerns!
Recently, the North Dallas Radio Control (RC) Club, #1238, sponsored an IMAC (International Miniature Aerobatic Club) Season Wrap-up for events 411, 412, 413, and 414. Jack Zimmranck, jzimmranck@cs.com, was the Contest Director.
Shown below is the hardware presented to the champions of this event. IMAC flying is impressive as was this grouping of awards.
Shown above at the North Dallas IMAC event is Eric C. Strickland, a member of the Metro East RC Club, with his 32.5% Godfrey 330. His pride of ownership and flying should be noted by the large smile on his face!
In November 2001, the AMA Programs Department hosted the first Invitational Conference of model aircraft trade show/convention program directors.
Shown in the photo are the AMA staff members who hosted this tremendous conference.
Left-center is April Hathaway, the administrative assistant to Jay Mealy (right-center), AMA Programs Director.
The overlapping problems and coordination needed by all trade show/modeling conventions were among the topics addressed during this weekend at AMA Headquarters in Muncie IN.
I represented the Southwestern Aeromodeling Conference—to be held next on May 1, 2, and 3, 2003—and I sincerely appreciate the attendance and information shared by all of the other conference directors.
Seen above is a working session at this conference. Representatives of several aeromodeling events were in attendance.
The Northwest Model Expo was represented by Bob Ford and Dave Turner of the Mt. Rainier RC Society.
The Eastern States RC Jamboree (WRAM Show) had Stan Kukles representing the Westchester Radio Aero Modelers, Inc.
Wayne Yeager, coordinator of the Toledo RC Expo, represented the Weak Signals RC Club. AMA staff members in attendance included Jay Mealy, Carl Maroney, and April Hathaway who coordinate the annual AMA/IMS Convention in Pasadena CA.
AMA, the glue that bonds modelers together!
Richard Lee (RLEE@TOTACC.COM) is the new chairman of the AMA District VIII Dirty Dozen Committee. Richard has asked me to remind everyone that The Dirty Dozen Program is a great way for club members to say thanks to a fellow club member for all he or she does for the club.
In every club there are a few members who work on projects, events, maintenance, training students, and all sorts of different chores that many are not even aware of. This is your chance to say thank you.
Go to the District VIII Web site page at http://www.ama-dist8.org/DirtyDozen/index.html and follow the instructions.
Big models and little models were the topics of discussion during a visit to a NIRAC (National Indoor Remote-Control Aircraft Council) gathering within AMA District VIII. In attendance was Paul B. MacCready, Ph.D., designer and builder of the Gossamer Condor, the first successful man-powered flight on display at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.
Bob Wilder (L) is president of the AMA Special Interest Group, NIRAC. On Bob’s right is the honored guest and Chairman of the Board of AeroVironment, Inc.®, Paul B. MacCready Ph.D., at a recent NIRAC Fly-In.
Dr. MacCready is inspecting some of the newest models at a NIRAC gathering on November 29, 2001 in Bedford TX. Above is a prototype Bear Cat—an Indoor, A-powered, Pylon racer with a GWS system. At the bottom is a prototype MiG-15 ducted-fan Electric with a GWS fan drive. To the left is Don Downing, the builder, and designer Jerry Small is in the center. Jerry can be contacted at (817) 379-4648.
Above left is Ben Kristy, collection curator of the American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum that sponsored Dr. MacCready’s attendance at the NIRAC event. In the center of this photo is Bob Wilder with his world record-holding Indoor Electric RC duration model.
Flying, Fun, & Fellowship!
Sandy Frank
AMA News
NEWS FROM South Dakota: I recently received the following letter and photos from Bill Beck, editor of Sioux Falls RCers newsletter, The Glitch. Bill writes of a club member, Wayne Oprobeck, who uses a chair designed by fellow club member Bill Larsen to fly one-handed.
"I have enclosed a copy of our last newsletter plus some photos of Wayne Oprobeck using his 'flite chair.' Wayne is a member of the Sioux Falls RCers and was in the process of learning to fly a radio-controlled trainer when he lost his right hand in a work-related accident.
"Wayne is not one to sit at home and feel sorry for himself, and he still wanted to learn how to fly RC. Another member of our club, Bill Larsen, took up the challenge and built a 'flite chair' for Wayne.
"The chair has rudder pedals, a control stick for ailerons and elevator, and a throttle lever. The throttle lever can be mounted on either side of the chair. Wayne's trainer is three channel, so he doesn't use the rudder pedals.
"The chair breaks down into three pieces, and since it is all made of aluminum, Wayne can easily carry it and load it into his station wagon.
"Now that he has soloed, Wayne is completely independent and can come to the field and fly along with the rest of the club members whenever he feels the urge without any restrictions.
"The Sioux Falls RCers are proud of Wayne and Bill for having the will and the ability to overcome a very serious obstacle."
The chair is a marvel of design and engineering that allows Wayne to fly.
News from Nebraska: The following was submitted by Jack Sibert. The Don Neill Memorial Scale contest was sponsored by the Lincoln Sky Knights and CDed by Glen Lau.
"The Don Neill Memorial Scale Contest was held on August 18-19 at our Waverly flying field. The weather was almost perfect this year with clear skies but with a breeze of 15 mph down the runway on Saturday. Sunday was clear with no wind at all.
"The bad news is that there were only seven entries. Three airplanes were damaged very early in the contest which only left three airplanes to fly on Saturday and four on Sunday. A total of six flights were accomplished and we finished before noon on Sunday.
"The winners were as follows:
Sportsman First place Ron Pacona (Omahawks) Second place Bob Cooper
Team Scale First place Don Svoboda Second place Lawrence Sparks
Fun Scale First place Tom Hefley Second place Jason Reger Third place Craig Sparks
"Special thanks go to David Greathouse, Tom Wild, Paul Cooper, Tom Boyd, and Elba Lau for their help in making this contest happen. The judges also should come into our thanks as well. They were Phil Holman, Mel Faas, Brian Johnson, Bob Schwab, Allan Worster, and Mike Yearly. If I missed someone it was unintentional.
"As it should be, everyone seemed ready and willing to help the other contestants. I think that most of the contestants enjoyed themselves.
"That brings up the question, why were there only seven participants? Too many other things going on, poor weather (not), concern about flying in front of a 'crowd,' or maybe just don't give a damn. The club will have to answer the question of whether to have another Scale contest or not. Think about it."
Glen Lau, CD
AMA News
On October 27, Mike Harrington (above), Chairman of the Show Team Advisory Committee and former District X Associate Vice President (AVP), briefs the AMA Executive Council (EC) on the current status and activities of the AMA Show Teams, offering an insight to the Show Teams' program objectives of providing community relations and aeromodelling education for the general public.
AMA president Dave Brown presents Mike with the Academy's Distinguished Service Award for his years of service as the District X AVP for Hawaii, Guam, and the Pacific Rim, as well as his ongoing efforts as Chairman of the Show Team Advisory Committee.
'Till next time ... Keep 'em safe and Keep 'em fly'n.
You might notice that there are no mountains in the background of the above photos. That's because they are from Eastern Montana. They used up all the mountains in Western Montana and didn't have any left over.
From Northwestern Montana (see the mountains), the Glacier R/Cers of Kalispell had their first Fly In/Swap Meet on September 30 and it was a resounding success. The event attracted fliers from Washington, Idaho, and Montana, as well as 150 spectators who saw a show they will not forget.
Roughly 50 aircraft and helicopters put on demonstration flights, much to the crowd's delight. Many members brought their old junk and traded it for new old junk.
The folks had so much fun doing this that they are going to do it again the last weekend of September 2002.
I am pleased to introduce a new AVP for District XI. He is Gene LaFond and will need little introduction to many of you.
Gene is an active flier, and recently flew in the Scale Masters finals. Besides being interested in Scale, Gene is also involved in IMAC (International Miniature Aerobatics Club). I am very pleased that he has accepted this position and I know he will be a valuable asset to the district.
Thanks, Gene!
Keep your airspeed up, Bruce
Museum Donations
THE NATIONAL Model Aviation Museum and Lee Renaud Memorial Library are constantly striving to improve their collections in order to further document and display the history and evolution of aeromodeling.
We encourage and actively solicit the donation of archival materials, books, magazines, and artifacts that depict the history and ongoing development of aeromodeling.
If you wish to make a donation, please contact the Museum or Library staff prior to delivering or mailing the items. Items such as aircraft and prepared displays must be reviewed for acceptance by the Museum Acquisition Committee. The Committee requires that the following form be completed in its entirety and sent to us prior to acceptance of any artifact.
Information for Submission of Artifacts to Acquisition Committee
- Name: _______________________________________________________________
- Address: _____________________________________________________________
- Tel.: (____)______________________ E-mail: ____________________________
- Object to be donated: Aircraft ____ Radio____ (skip to item 12) Engine____ (skip to item 11) Other____ (skip to item 12)
- Type: Free Flight _______ Radio Control _______ Control Line _______
- The model is built of: Wood _____ Metal _____ Other ___________
- Name of model: ________________________________ Date model last flown: ____________
- Length: _______________________ Wingspan: ________________________________
- Year the model was built: _________________________________________________
- Who built the model: ____________________________________________________
- Engine specifications: __________________________________________________
- Significance of item: ___________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
- Additional comments: ___________________________________________________
- Recent color pictures required.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
