tiger moth - Model Aviation

FLYING
SITE
Success Stories
AEROWORKS
ATLANTA HOBBY Extra 260 QB-L
Win Merchandise From
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August 2012 $5.95
4FQUFNCFSt7PMVNF/VNCFS
TIGER MOTH
XL-716
VOL. 38 NO. 9
September 2012
FEATURES
REVIEWS
21
31
Flying Site Success Stories
53
Aeroworks Freestyle Extra 260
ARF QB
39
47
Tiger Moth XL-716
59
65
HobbyZone Stratos
69
2
Learn how three clubs successfully found
new places to fly
SAE Design West
Annual competition for engineering colleges
to determine the best-designed model aircraft
by Bob Tarlau
Tips for building and flying this 1/5-scale
model by Gary Ritchie
Skin Cancer and the Aeromodeler
What you need to know to protect yourself
from the sun’s harmful rays
by Dr. Joseph Gadzia
About Us: Atlanta Hobby
Learn more about this Georgia-based company
with a chance to win free merchandise
by Jay Smith
Model Aviation
S EPTEMBER 2012 www.ModelAviation.com
An easily transportable aerobat that is a
pleasure to build and fly
by Tim Tworek and Jay Smith
Our first-time flier finds success with this
beginner-friendly airplane by Chris Savage
Heli-Max Novus 200 FP
A great machine for coaxial helicopter pilots
looking to take the next step by Mark Fadely
ON THE COVER: What pilot wouldn’t be thrilled to fly the Tiger Moth along
the coast and take in the fresh air and freedom that being airborne in an
open cockpit biplane provides?
The full-scale Tiger Moth G-AOIL, which crashed in 2011, bore
the colors of the Royal Navy as XL-716. It was built in 1940 and flew
approximately 2,188 hours. It was licensed to operate passenger flights
and was based at Compton Abbas Aerodrome in southern England.
Gary Ritchie crafted a beautiful 1/5-scale rendition with help from Bob
Holman plans and a set of laser-cut wood parts, vacuum-formed fairings,
and a fiberglass nose.
Photo by Gary Ritchie.
DEPARTMENTS
6
7
8
9
11
14
16
72
93
128
157
158
159
160
4
AMA NEWS
129
President’s Perspective
Bob Brown
COLUMNS
Click On!
75
79
85
89
The Inside Loop Jay Smith
Aero Mail
In the Air
AMA In Action
Product Spotlight
Focal Point
Plans Service Showcase
Donations
Classified Ads
Index of Advertisers
Viewfinder
I Am the AMA Jay Smith
Model Aviation
Born to Fly Jim T. Graham
Micro-Flying Joe Malinchak
Safety Comes First Dave Gee
The Battery Clinic
Red Scholefield
95
99
103
109
113
117
121
125
RC Aerobatics Mike Riggs
RC Helicopters Mark Fadely
RC Soaring Gordon Buckland
RC Combat Don Grissom
FF Scale Dennis Norman
FF Sport Gene Smith
CL Combat Rich Lopez
CL Aerobatics Bob Hunt
S EPTEMBER 2012 www.ModelAviation.com
View from HQ
Dave Mathewson
130
From the Copilot’s Seat
Gary Fitch
131
142
142
143
144
145
146
District News
AMA Guide to Membership
Services
MA’s Abbreviations and
Acronyms
AMA Membership
Application
AMA Safety Code
Full-Size Plans List
Education Through Aviation
Bill Pritchett
147
Contest Calendar
Bob Brown
bobb@modelaircraft.org
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
Thanking Senator Inhofe
F
AA issues continue to consume
a great deal of effort from the
Academy’s leadership. Rich Hanson,
Mitch Rose, and I met with four groups
in Congress. These individuals included
staff from the Senate Appropriations,
the Senate Aviation staff, the House
Aviation staff, and Senator James Inhofe
(R-Oklahoma).
The highlight of the meetings was
to present Senator Inhofe a plaque,
thanking him for his amendment to the
FAA Modernization and Reform Act
of 2012. His efforts certainly provided
attention and support for model aviation
in our endeavors with the FAA.
The congressional discussions
illustrated the impact of last year’s
letter-writing campaign. I heard several
people comment that they did not
realize the passion our members had in
support of our hobby. At no time during
the discussions were negative views
expressed. We certainly have friends in
Congress.
FAI Program
For the past several months, I have
been focused on my attempt to satisfy
the AMA Executive Council’s desire to
reduce the expense of our FAI program.
I attended the National Aeronautic
Association’s (NAA) board meeting and
a meeting of the various air sport groups
in the United States.
It became evident that the Academy
6
Model Aviation
… we are
attempting to
resolve this
situation in
a positive,
constructive
manner.
is not the only group dissatisfied with
the direction of the FAI. Monetary issues
were dominant, but also included
were a Eurocentric attitude, the lack
of desire to eliminate competition
classes of little interest, and failure
to recognize the need for activity
outside the world of competition.
NAA president, Jonathan Gaffney,
responded to the issues and will
produce a plan of action.
Those within the Academy should
realize that we are attempting to
resolve this situation in a positive,
constructive manner. I do not think
any council member wants the AMA
to isolate itself from the rest of the
aeromodeling world.
National Electric Fly-In
The National Electric Fly-In, held June
15-17, was a success and my thanks goes
to CD Jay Smith, AMA Headquarters
staff, and the many volunteers. More
than 100 pilots enjoyed the event.
Kevin Hines and Mark Murdock
provided an informative introduction to
first-person view (FPV) to everyone who
was interested. Dave Mathewson and I
enthusiastically flew their FPV models
with much enjoyment.
AMA has developed FPV guidelines,
which are available on our website at
www.modelaircraft.org/files/550.pdf.
Interest in this facet of model aviation
is growing at a fast rate. Why not give it
a try?
S EPTEMBER 2012 www.ModelAviation.com
Mission Statement
The Academy of Model
Aeronautics is a world-class
association of modelers
organized for the purpose
of promotion, development,
education, advancement, and
safeguarding of modeling
activities.
The Academy provides
leadership, organization,
competition, communication,
protection, representation,
recognition, education
and scientific/technical
development to modelers.
Find more features related to this issue including polls, downloadable PDFs, “Product
Spotlight,” Bob Brown’s “President’s Perspective,” Jay Smith’s “Inside Loop,” and more at
www.ModelAviation.com. You can comment on articles, view past issues, write a letter to the
editor, and manage your subscriptions.
Tiger Moth
Tiger Moth XL
www.ModelAviation.com/
scaletigermoth
Learn about the history of the
Royal Navy Tiger Month, watch
a video, and discover how you
can get your hands on your own
Tiger Moth model.
Watch video of this beautiful
Scale Royal Navy Tiger Moth
model aircraft.
Extra 260
Extra 260 Photos
Enjoy a bonus photo slideshow
of this electric-powered aircraft.
www.ModelAviation.com/
extra260
Skin Cancer and the
Aeromodeler
Enjoy bonus photos of this
electric-powered thrill ride.
Experience our interactive
app to help protect you
from skin cancer, discover
the difference between UVA
and UVB radiation, and read
about changes in the skin care
industry.
Flying Site Success Stories
www.ModelAviation.com/
flyingsitepreservation
Flip through dozens of other
great club flying site stories
compiled in the past two
decades.
Flying Site Success Stories
Watch a video from AMA’s
Flying Site Assistance
Coordinator and navigate
through dozens of club stories.
Join the
conversation!
Find us on:
John Spohr: Don’t see too many
covered P-47s and certainly not
the attractive color scheme that
this one is done up in—very nice.
I’d own it!
MA
.com
“About Us” Airborne Models
www.ModelAviation.com/
aboutusairbornemodels
rampanttricky17: “In the second
half of the interview, Jay Smith
did a nice job of drawing out
additional useful information.”
MRFIREMOUTH: “Gliders
are really taking off in the hobby!
They go really high and are super
stable. Good to see that it is fourchannel and CF [carbon-fiber]
reinforced!
The Digital Libraries
http://Library.ModelAviation.com
Thanks to @maradcliff,
@rctoyshed, @PhilsHobbyshop,
@NJRCC for retweeting our
updates on the library.
Jack Tossman: This is so cool! So
many old stories by folks like Bill
Winter available again! Wow!
www.ModelAviation.com
S EPTEMBER 2012
Model Aviation
7
Jay Smith, Editor-in-Chief
jays@modelaircraft.org
THE INSIDE LOOP
Biplanes are cool!
President Bob Brown
Executive Vice President Gary Fitch
Executive Director Dave Mathewson
STAFF
I
t is not uncommon for a modeler
to gravitate to a certain type or era
of model airplane. Although some
enjoy warbirds,
civilian aircraft, or
jets, it’s clear that
Gary Ritchie enjoys
biplanes.
In the May 2009
issue of Model
Aviation, we had
a story entitled
“Romancing the
S.E.5a” by Gary,
and his model even
graced the cover. If
you missed it, be
sure to visit The
Library, an AMA
Members Only
benefit, that will
allow you to pour
over the article
or entire issue
at your leisure
when it launches
September 15.
A link to The
Library is on www.
ModelAviation.
com.
This month,
Gary’s beautiful
Tiger Moth
provides us with yet
another cover with
a classic biplane,
and an informative article about his
experiences building and flying a 1/5-scale
version of the Tiger Moth XL-716.
I, too, have a fondness for biplanes,
whether it is the S.E.5a or the Tiger
Moth. I have both in my office, ready
to fly. An electric-powered, foam GWS
Pico Tiger Moth brought me back into
modeling roughly 10 years ago.
A couple of years later I would fly the
World Tour Tiger Moth with a few of
my flying buddies who also had Moths
in their hangars. Little did I know back
then that the Moth and I would be
reunited at the AMA in Muncie, Indiana.
I saw my first full-scale Tiger Moth
fly at one of the
coolest places on
earth: Cole Palin’s
Old Rhinebeck
Aerodrome
in Rhinebeck,
New York. The
pilot skillfully
maneuvered
the aircraft and
entertained us all
by dropping a roll
of toilet paper from
the cockpit and
then proceeded to
cut it a few times in
midair as it fell.
Virtually all of the
aircraft I saw that
day were biplanes—
primarily those
flown in World
War I. Not satisfied
to merely watch the
pilots having all the
fun, I bought a ride
in an open-cockpit
1929 New Standard
D-25 biplane.
If I wasn’t hooked
on biplanes before,
that flight certainly
carried me down
the path to a solid
appreciation of two-winged aircraft!
I’m still patiently waiting for the
opportunity to take a ride in a full-scale
Tiger Moth. I happen to know an RC
helicopter pilot in Canada who has
access to one; if only I had my passport!
If you are interested in reading more
about me, be sure to check out Jim
Graham’s “Born to Fly” column in
this issue as I go from interviewer to
interviewee.
I hope you enjoy this issue and take
time to visit The Library online.
I, too, have
a fondness
for biplanes,
whether it is
the S.E.5a or
the Tiger Moth.
8
Model Aviation
S EPTEMBER 2012 www.ModelAviation.com
Director of Publications Rob Kurek
EDITORIAL
Editor-In-Chief Jay Smith
Managing Editor Elizabeth Helms
Assistant Editor Jennifer Orebaugh
Copy Editor Rachelle Haughn
Communications Specialist Ashley Rauen
Technical Editor Bob Aberle
ART/DESIGN
Art Director & Production Manager
Vickie Wilson
Graphic Designer Chris Savage
MULTIMEDIA
Multimedia Editor Chad Budreau
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Stan Alexander
Bob Angel
Paul Bradley
Gordon Buckland
Sal Calvagna
Mark Fadely
Dave Garwood
Dave Gee
Greg Gimlick
John Glezellis
Jim T. Graham
Donald Grissom
Eric Henderson
Jim Hiller
Bob Hunt
Louis Joyner
John Kagan
Ted Kraver
Rich Lopez
Joe Malinchak
Dennis Norman
Richard L. Perry
Mike Riggs
Aaron “AJ” Seaholm
Red ScholeÀeld
Gene Smith
Scott Stoops
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
Phone: (765) 287-1256
Fax: (765) 289-4248
www.modelaircraft.org
Editorial offices
8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays
Phone: (765) 289-1256, extension 253
Fax: (765) 281-7907
ADVERTISING
Advertising Representative
Mark Lanterman, Airborne Media
mark@airbornemedia.com
(513) 755-7494
Advertising Account Executive
Yolanda Jones
Model Aviation is an official publication of The
Academy of Model Aeronautics Inc., an associate
member of the National Aeronautic Association
(NAA). NAA is the official U.S. representative of
the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI),
the world governing body for sport aviation, and
represents the U.S. at FAI meetings. NAA delegated
to the AMA supervision of FAI-related aeromodeling
activities such as record attempts, competition
sanctions, and selection of U.S. teams for World
Championships. (ISSN 0744-5059, USPS 087-930
Publications Agreement No. 40688541) is owned
exclusively by The Academy of Model Aeronautics
Inc., a nonprofit organization, and published monthly
at 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302.
Periodical rate postage paid at Muncie IN and at
additional mailing offices. Canadian return address:
Station A, PO Box 54, Windsor ON N9A 615
AeroMail
If you have a letter to the editor, please submit it to MA Editor-in-Chief Jay Smith at
5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302, or email to jays@modelaircraft.org.
have to be honest, when I opened
my mailbox and saw the Free Flight’s
Fabulous February cover issue for July
2012, I became disappointed and said to
myself, “The majority of readers are
R/Cers what are they thinking?”
I then opened the issue and began
reading your column, read down to
the paragraph where you mentioned
the fact that readers would appreciate
such an issue dedicated to our roots and
beginnings in flight. I felt out of touch
with my fellow hobbyists. I then found
myself engaged in reading the entire
issue dedicated to “Fabulous February,”
“Beginner’s Guide to Free Flight,” the
construction of the “Bestetti-Nardi
BN.1,” and the “Gravity Trigger” articles.
I have to admit I learned something
reading your articles, not only about
the hobby that started it all, but in fact
because I don’t do it doesn’t mean it’s
not enjoyable to rest of the population.
As an avid R/C model plane hobbyist,
it’s not about dividing lines across
different platforms [that] I found myself
crossing, it’s all about doing what we
love has individuals and organizations,
but we are doing them with the ones
we love and that’s what it’s all about. So,
Free Flighters, you have a new fan!
Great issue, Jay! Thanks for opening
my eyes.
—Joe McPhail
Page AZ
I
was thrilled to see how much Free
Flight coverage was in the latest issue
of Model Aviation, including the cover!
For the past 50 years I have flown and
competed in Control Line, outdoor Free
Flight, indoor FF, and Radio Control. I
am a life member of AMA and NFFS.
My true love is Free Flight.
I realize the vast majority of modelers
are interested in RC, but it is refreshing
to see a major magazine publish another
side of the hobby. I especially liked the
beginner’s guide to FF by Don DeLoach.
He is an excellent writer as well as
I
practicing what he preaches.
Thanks again for an excellent job.
—Harry Grogan
Weaverville NC
just wanted to drop you a short
note to say how much I appreciated
the Free Flight focus in the current
issue of Model Aviation. You and the
staff did a terrific job of capturing the
present happenings within the Free
Flight community. The issue also did
an excellent job of explaining things to
people who may not be familiar with
the world of Free Flight model aviation.
I especially appreciated the
contributions of Don DeLoach and
Louis Joyner. Both are solid contributors
to the world of Free Flight and their
individual contributions to the July 2012
issue were spot on.
The world of model aviation has
very deep roots thanks to Free Flight
aeromodeling. It is so nice to see our
national organization bring an occasional
focus to his important part of our
hobby’s heritage.
—Paul Bradley
MA’s “Small-Field Flying” author
I
www.ModelAviation.com
S EPTEMBER 2012
Model Aviation
9
inthe
Membership news and updates
from AMA Headquarters
Air
T
he Academy recently welcomed
Life Members Victor Wright
(Louisville KY); Greg Smith (Magnolia
TX); John Jakubowski (Baltimore MD);
Jay Farber (Tarzana CA); Mark Smith
(Hot Springs Village AR); Edward
Dolanski (Frisco TX); and Nichols
Dolanski (Frisco TX).
For information about becoming
a Life Member, contact AMA
Headquarters at (800) 435-9262.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University support
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
(ERAU) has campuses in Daytona
Beach, Florida, Prescott, Arizona, and,
through the Worldwide Campus, at
more than 150 locations in the United
States, Europe, Asia, Canada, the Middle
East, and through online learning. These
universities teach the science, practice,
and business of the world of aviation and
aerospace.
The Prescott, Arizona, campus offers
a Senior Design class that has received
the assistance of the Chino Valley Model
Aviators (CVMA) club for the past six
years. Professor Jim Helbling teaches the
Aircraft Detail Design class, in which
the students are presented with a set
of design requirements that must be
satisfied.
One of the challenges presented
to his students includes designing an
aircraft that must fit within the confines
of a 4-foot square box and have a twohour flight time while carrying a 10
to 15-pound payload. Another is to
design, build, and fly a jet version of the
venerable DC-3.
Students break into teams that
tackle different aspects of the project.
They perform trade studies and then
AMA thanks its
lifetime supporters!
—AMA Membership Department
present two alternative solutions to
Professor Helbling. He determines
which concept will be structurally
proof tested and flight tested based on
wind-tunnel results. The class must use
primarily full-scale building materials
and techniques.
The students then design and build an
RC model. CVMA provides them with
suggestions concerning how to safely
build an RC model, a flying field where
they can safely test their models, and
an experienced RC pilot is available if
needed for the project.
Student pilots must be AMA
members. Their models have ranged
from a 50-pound monster to the latest
one tested at 37 pounds. Some of the
tests have been less than successful,
while others flew beautifully. The design
process and working as a team are the
important lessons learned. The student’s
grade is not contingent on the model
flying successfully.
Our Chino Valley club is honored
to be helping the future leaders of
the aerospace community and their
instructors. Club members who have
provided guidance to the students
throughout the years are: Randy
Meathrell, aeronautical engineer, 29
years at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works;
Bob Shanks, retired Air Force colonel
and ERAU adjunct professor; John
Stewart, model test pilot, 30 years Point
Mugu Naval Air Station and China
Lake; Chuck Colwell, retired Hollywood
director of photography, IMAA
Member; and Tony Pacini, model test
pilot, Prescott Valley, Arizona.
—Randy Meathrell
rmeathrell@aol.com
CVMA
I am 15 years old, and have been
flying RC aircraft for about seven years.
I have not entered any competitions,
but I am hoping to compete later this
year or next year. My aircraft range
from ultramicros to a 27% gas-powered
Edge. I am currently sponsored by West
Michigan Park Flyers, a company that
designs and builds 3-D foam aircraft.
I will be a sophomore in high school
this fall, and I hope to make a career
in the RC aviation field. Last summer
I was able to meet Mike McConville,
John Redman, Seth Arnold, and Quique
Somenzini. They let me fly with them
for a day and have continued to inspire
me to do the best I can.
I learned about Camp AMA from
The EmbryRiddle
Aeronautical
University’s
2011 and 2012
Senior Design
classes.
2012 Camp AMA attendee
The second Camp AMA was held
at AMA’s International Aeromodeling
Center (IAC) in Muncie, Indiana, June
17-21, 2012. Seventeen kids, including
I, had the opportunity to fly with
professional RC pilots Nick Maxwell
and R.J. Gritter at the AMA flying field
each day. It was an experience I will
never forget.
www.ModelAviation.com
S EPTEMBER 2012
Model Aviation
11
Air
inthe
an advertisement in Model Aviation.
This camp seemed to be everything I
was looking for, and it turned out to be
better than advertised! Check-in was
during the XFC finals, which was held at
the IAC.
We watched the end of the finals, had
a brief meeting, met the other campers,
were assigned roommates, and then said
goodbye to our parents for the next four
days. We were taken to our hotel, to
dinner, and then called it a day.
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
were all about flying. The weather was
great all week except for the wind. It
made for some challenging flying, but
we were there to learn and train.
The flying was great, and we were
even given the controls of a Hangar 9
Sukhoi SU-26MM SE designed by Mike
McConville. We were also given a tour
of AMA Headquarters and the National
Model Aviation Museum.
The days typically started at 7 a.m.
with breakfast then loading up for the
ride to AMA. We would pick up our
aircraft, which were stored indoors, and
continue the ride out to the flying field.
We broke for lunch at 1 p.m.,
switched aircraft if desired, and then got
back to flying until 5 p.m. We put the
aircraft away, ride back to the hotel, get
cleaned up, and then head to dinner at
about 6 p.m.
Dinner every night was at Applebee’s,
where we could order anything we
wanted, and lunch was provided by
Texas Roadhouse every day! What kid
would not like that? After dinner, we
would head back to the hotel and do
some indoor flying with some of the
small electric airplanes.
There was never a shortage of
supplies, tools, or guidance. Everyone
pitched in to help each other, and we
formed some great friendships by the
end of the week.
I recommend this camp to anyone
who loves to fly RC aircraft, whatever
his or her skill level. The camp is broken
down into three groups: beginner,
12
Model Aviation
Camp AMA Class of 2012.
intermediate, and
advanced. I learned
a lot and will
continue practicing
the skills I was
taught at the camp.
Jessy Symmes
and Bill Pritchett were our camp
coordinators, and they were awesome!
They got us everywhere we needed to
be and made the experience the best it
could be.
This camp experience has been the
best time I have had flying. I learned
new flying skills, made new friendships,
and experienced selfless giving of
time, resources, and guidance by our
leaders and peers. A few of us put
together a YouTube channel where
we posted videos of our experience:
AMAtureRCSpinsider. This was an
experience I will never forget.
—Tristen Lobbezoo
Tristen Lobbezoo is on the left.
History preserved
Frank Zaic was a prolific figure in the
model aviation community. He began
building model airplanes in 1926 and
continued this hobby throughout his
life. He was one of the original founders
of the Academy of Model Aeronautics
in 1936. He was also the first American
to receive the Paul Tissandier Diploma,
which is awarded to individuals who
have served the cause of aviation by
their work, initiative, and devotion.
Frank’s passion for aviation resulted
in his induction into the Model Aviation
Hall of Fame in 1969, the National Free
Flight Society Hall of Fame in 1978, the
Kits and Plans Antique Modelers Hall
of Fame in 1987, and the Society of
Antique Modelers Hall of Fame in 1989.
He was granted the Southern California
Ignition Flyers (SCIF) Good Guy award
as the “original old-timer” along with the
AMA Pioneer award in 1998.
The National Model Aviation
Museum is privileged to have many of
S EPTEMBER 2012 www.ModelAviation.com
Frank’s important aviation documents
in our collection. Within the archives
resides an original New York City Parks
Department model aviation permit form
for Frank, which grants him permission
to fly model airplanes in Central Park.
We also have an original FAI/NAA
USA Class B gider license for Frank
Zaic dated June 9, 1933, with Orville
Wright’s signature. The museum also has
documents from his non-modeling life,
including his certificate of registration in
the American Immigrant Wall of Honor,
notes about his attachment to the Statue
of Liberty, personal correspondence and
photographs from fellow champions
of aviation, and his original scrapbook
articles.
Frank has also made donations to
the museum collection. He was well
known for his collection of balsa thermal
airplanes, one of which, a 1942 Thermic
100 glider, hangs in the museum’s main
gallery. The museum also has personal
Right: Frank, shy of his 21st birthday, poses
before a glider. Inset: A young Frank Zaic
holding a camera.
items such as his Ace R/C Pulse
Commander transmitter, his tool
kit, commemorative ribbons,
plaques, lapel pins, buttons, and
prize medals that he accumulated
throughout his modeling career.
These are available for viewing with
advance notice.
The Lee Renaud Memorial Library
houses the complete collection
of Frank’s Model Aeronautic Year
Books/Junior Aeronautics Year Books,
which are held in high esteem
within our community. We also have
The National Model Airplane Meet
in Pictures—A Pictorial Story (1939);
Model Glider Design; Circular Airflow
and Model Aircraft; Model Airplanes and
the American Boy 1927-1936; Model
Aeronautic Encyclopedia Volumes 1 and 2;
and his book of quotes, Frankly Speaking.
Because of this, we are no longer
accepting any more donations of these
Pioneer Valley RC Club honored
On March 31, 2012, members of
the Pioneer Valley RC Club (PVRCC)
in Westfield, Massachusetts, attended
a banquet dinner at the Springfield
Sheraton Hotel hosted by the Civil Air
Patrol (CAP). The event was the annual
CAP Massachusetts Wing Conference,
books. A special thank-you goes to all of
our members who have made donations
to complete our collection.
Frank once said, “All of the pleasures
and joys that we experience while we
build and fly model airplanes are being
handed to us by those who were here
before us.” (Frank Zaic, Frankly Speaking,
Northridge CA, 1991. p. 75.)
Our organization is pleased to have
these resources available to pass Frank’s
modeling joys and experiences on to
future generations.
—Kyle Huffman
Archives Intern
National Model Aviation Museum
which bestows awards on various
CAP groups throughout the state and
individual Cadet Honors.
Members of the club’s RC trainer
build project were invited and
recognized for their efforts in working
with the cadets from the Barnes Airport
104th Wing during the build activity, and
for constructing a Top-Flite Cessna 182
kit model that was on display.
The club’s project manager, Roy
Thompson, accepted the 2012 CAP
Frank G. Brewer Sr. Memorial Aerospace
Award plaque, a CAP United States
Air Force Auxiliary GA-8 Airvan desk
model, and CAP medallions from
Massachusetts Wing Commander Col.
William Meskill, 104th Wing Col. James
Pascitti, and Capt. Steve Pacitti.
Sharing in the awards ceremony were
fellow PVRCC build project members
Roger Dionne, Ron Milkay, and Gene
Paulson.
The Brewer award was established in
1959 to serve as a memorial to Frank
G. Brewer Sr. and his lifelong interest
in aviation, youth, and education.
Individuals and organizations that have
made outstanding contributions to the
advancement of youth in aerospace
activities receive recognition.
The awards were shared with other
build team members Bill Andras, Arnie
Paye, Andy Peters, and Dan Sears, and
were presented to the general club
membership during our regular April
meeting.
—Roy Thompson
PVRCC/ CAP Build Project Manager
roy_w_thompson@hawkerbeechcraft.com
Left: The PVRCC build members are (L-R) Gene
Paulson, project manager Roy Thompson, Rom
Milkay, and Roger Dionne. Below Left: 104th
Wing CAP officers, cadets, and PVRCC build
members. Below Right: The Frank G. Brewer
award and Airvan desk model.
www.ModelAviation.com
S EPTEMBER 2012
Model Aviation
13
AMA
in Action
Advocating for Members
Great relationships build
even better flying sites
A few years ago, AMA conducted its
most comprehensive member survey
ever. More than 8,100 responses were
tabulated. Members were asked to
rate the importance of AMA benefits
and issues facing aeromodelers.
Unquestionably, the number one issue
cited by members was “the availability of
suitable flying fields.”
Clearly, finding and keeping a place to
fly is our greatest challenge, followed by
protecting those privileges
from undue government
restrictions. Without flying
sites, model aviation as we
know it would not exist.
Sites are where members
gather to enjoy flight and
spend time with flying
buddies. That is what it is
all about!
My job as AMA’s
Flying Site Assistance
Coordinator is to help
clubs deal with flying site
loss, new site acquisition,
and site support. Whenever there is
a significant government issue, I rely
on the expertise of our Government
Relations and Regulatory Affairs
representative, Rich Hanson.
Ee are here to help clubs with a full
spectrum of issues, ranging from flying
site acquisition, design, construction,
community and government relations,
and a host of technical issues. For
community relations issues, I look for
help from AMA’s Chris Brooks, PR/
Development Director, and Ilona Maine,
Safety and Programs Director. We are
here to assist you.
There is a section on the AMA
website (www.modelaircraft.org/
membership/clubs/fsap.aspx) that deals
with flying site assistance. There you
will find help in the form of documents,
videos, and success stories to assist you
in obtaining a new flying site, or inform
you of ways you can protect the flying
site you currently enjoy.
The biggest challenge and one with
the most potential to address the
primary concern in the aforementioned
survey is for clubs to really formalize a
community-relations plan. It has to be
an ongoing effort. A club’s relationship
with its neighbors and surrounding
community requires constant care and
attention.
How do
you create
such a plan?
Begin by
objectively
assessing the
depth and
breadth of
your current
community
relationships.
Identify and
prioritize
who your
most important public contacts might
be.
Don’t ever assume that what may
appear to be all cozy today will be
so tomorrow. Neighbors move, city
officials are replaced, park departments
change budget priorities, new ordinances
advance with encroaching suburbia, and
other changes can occur.
Your club officers—indeed, all club
members—need to be vigilant for signs
of any change in the landscape, whether
it is physical or political. At least one
officer should be a point person for
community relations.
I can’t say enough about the value
of working with your community’s
children or seniors. When you stand
before city officials—and you probably
will at some point—having a history of
community service and partnerships
A club’s
relationship with
its neighbors
and surrounding
community
requires constant
care and attention.
14
Model Aviation
S EPTEMBER 2012 www.ModelAviation.com
with schools, retirement homes, and
other civic groups will bring you much
credibility.
Keeping your flying and site a secret—
unheard and unseen—may sound ideal
at first, but consider the consequences of
that when it comes time to prove your
value to your community.
The flying site success stories, featured
in this month’s first article, will illustrate
many of these strategies and tactics.
They are meant to inform and inspire
you and your club to find and keep a
flying site that you can enjoy for many
years.
You will read about how working
positively and proactively with city
officials, schools, neighbors, and others
before you need crisis assistance is
always a good idea. Throughout these
stories, you will find another common
thread: work! It takes hard work by
people who have a vision and are willing
to put out the effort to acquire a new
site as well as maintain possession of
your current one!
Please don’t hesitate to contact Rich,
Chris, Ilona, or me for help with any of
your issues. It doesn’t take a survey to
know what needs to be done or whom
to call. We’re here for you whenever
we’re needed.
—Tony Stillman
Flying Site Assistance Coordinator
Let us help you!
Tony Stillman
PUBLICRELATIONS
@modelaircraft.org
Flying Site Assistance
Coordinator
Rich Hanson
SAFETY
@modelaircrft.org
Government Relations
and Regulatory Affairs
Representative
Ilona Maine
SAFETY
@modelaircrft.org
Safety and Programs
Director
Chris Brooks
PUBLICRELATIONS
@modelaircraft.org
PR/Development
Director