In the Air
Membership news and updates
from AMA Headquarters
National Model Aviation Day
The 2015 National Model Aviation Day proved to be a great way to celebrate model aviation and introduce newcomers of all ages to the hobby.
Across the country, 226 AMA chartered clubs registered to hold 2015 National Model Aviation Day celebrations on or near August 15, which is 34 more clubs than in 2014. These gatherings ranged from small fly-ins to huge, well-publicized events attended by senators and retired military personnel.
As in the previous two years that the event was held, National Model Aviation Day collected money for Wounded Warrior Project. As of early September 2015, roughly 25 clubs had donated more than $30,000 to the charity. The 2014 total was $100,000, and this year’s goal is $125,000.
National Model Aviation Day events weren’t solely about raising money for charity. They were designed to introduce aeromodeling to the public and, more importantly, to have fun.
At AMA Headquarters, in Muncie, Indiana, people came out in droves to get a taste of full-scale aviation, models, warbirds, rockets, and FPV racing. In cooperation with the EAA, 92 youth ages 8 to 17 took Young Eagle flights in full-scale airplanes. The National Model Aviation Museum had 432 visitors—a huge increase compared with the 2014 celebration.
Youngsters also had the opportunity to build and fly model rockets, see warbirds in action, and enjoy action-packed FPV racing. For those old enough to drive, there was a motorcycle rally. Wounded Warrior Project Speaker Deven Schei also shared the inspirational story of his recovery from wounds received in Iraq.
At a flying site located in Ottumwa, Iowa, the Ottumwa Radio Control Flyers hosted three days of National Model Aviation Day celebrations that kicked off August 14 with guest speaker Cmdr. Kirk Lippold. While in charge of the USS Cole in 2000, his ship was attacked by al-Qaida.
This club did a great job of promoting its event, reaching out to its community, and honoring veterans. Other notable guests at the Ottumwa Radio Control Flyers’ celebration included Iowa Senator Mark Chelgren and Wounded Warrior Project Speaker Mary Tallouzi.
If your club has a National Model Aviation Day event recap that it would like to share, please send it to nmad@modelaircraft.org. Pictures of some of the 2015 celebrations can be seen at www.flickr.com/photos/modelaircraft/albums/72157657023091768.
The date for the 2016 National Model Aviation Day has been tentatively set for August 13. Watch AMA’s Facebook page, AMA’s website at www.modelaircraft.org and the event website at nationalmodelaviationday.org for updates.
AMA would like to thank its Platinum Sponsors Ready Made RC, HobbyKing, Hobbico, and Horizon Hobby; and Gold Sponsors, Hosteteler’s Plans, Volaré Products, Tower Hobbies, and RCGroups.com.
Earn free car rental and discounts with Enterprise and National
AMA is bringing you a new membership benefit. We have partnered with sister car rental companies Enterprise and National to give you lower rates and the opportunity to earn free car rental days. By being an AMA member and using a special account code and password, you can save up to 5% on car rentals at Enterprise and receive special rates with National.
To start earning free rental car days and enjoy other amenities, enroll in the Emerald Club. It costs you nothing to be an Emerald Club member. You can enroll by going to www.nationalcar.com/offer/XZ08A88.
You can still receive a 5% discount on car rentals at Enterprise and special rates at National without becoming an Emerald Club member; however, you will not be eligible for free rental car days.
Visit the companies’ websites to join the Emerald Club and save.
THE NORTHROP FILES
Stuntwagon
AMA Plans Service now houses all plans formerly sold through Model Builder magazine, Bill Northrop’s Plan Service, and the Scratch Builder’s Almanac. There are more than 1,000 plans in the collection.
The Stuntwagon, designed by Hal deBolt, is a classic Control Line Aerobatics model. It spans 58 inches and has a 667-square-inch area. The Stuntwagon appeared in the September 1985 issue of Model Builder magazine.
You can order the Stuntwagon plans (number 9852) for $13 by calling AMA Plans Service at (800) 435-9262, extension 507.
The Stuntwagon, by Hal deBolt, Model Builder, September 1985.
AMA Thanks Its Lifetime Supporters!
The Academy of Model Aeronautics recently welcomed Life Members Jean-Marc Sambrano, Miramar FL; Peter Monin, Wilton CT; Ted Davis, Canoga Park CA; Matt Bushore, Ann Arbor MI; Rodway Sterner, Cochranville PA; John Thurston, Brighton MI; Benjamin Reid, Universal City TX; Larsen Anderson, Bartlett TX; Mark Freeland, Keego Harbor MI; Brandon Gaither, Waldorf MD; Alfred Cuykendall, Savage MT; John Hopper, Logansport IN; Felix Rosario, Crofton MD; Ronald Mueller, West Bend WI; Leo Asnault, Walnut Creek CA; Brian Rotoli, Rochester NY; Billy Cunningham, Tulsa OK; Tad Young, Salem OR; Paul Ouellette, North Waterboro ME; Ronnie London, Du Bois, PA; David Baron, Trumball CT; Jose Ortiz, Savannah GA; John Ernest Smith, Miami FL; Albert Chuang, Bakersfield CA; Steven Karmy, Walla Walla WA; Stewart Robinson, San Jacinto CA; Rod Lee, Ontario CA; Hasani Steele, Chicago IL; Tomas Sandoval, Bryan TX; Robert Anderson, Garden City NY; Clinton Foster, Rogers MN; Stephan Lee, Sacramento CA; Sam Valadez, Libertyville IL; Peter Bisbal, Bernardsville NJ; Stephen Hastreiter, Marshfield WI; Joseph Martinez, Assonet MA; Robert Meador, Union SC; Robert Ignacio, Chantilly VA; Jerry Skipwith, Rancho Rio NM; Vern Bryant, Ocean Park WA; Dennis Bodary, Trenton MI; Hans Kahlert, West Palm Beach FL; Chris Hirose, Boise ID; Gordon Berg, Pawnee OK; Hector Herrero, Ocean NJ; Larry Karpenko, Loma Linda CA; Donald Halpin, Hilton NY; Bruce Phillips, Lakewood CA; Joshua Gilson, Castle Rock CO; John Bartlebaugh, Nashville TN; Marshall Shelly, Frenchtown NJ; John Kidnay, Lahaina HI; Stephen Davis, Enterprise AL; Michael Whiteley, Evanston IL; Oliver Krevet, San Jose CA; James Creed, South Amboy NJ; John Lombardozzi, Sheridan IL; C.A. Brandt, Marysville CA; Eric Bromagem, Winchester IN; Eric Van Norman, Rochester MN; Michael Bond, Morgantown WV; Bernard Roskovics, Ashtabula OH; Randall Bond, Ottawa IL; Charles Bradley, Oyster Bay NY; John Stevenson, Union MO; Kevin McCue, Tucson AZ; John Heinrich, Concord CA; Christopher White, Vista CA; Alexander Adams, Manchester NH; Steven Williams, Daleville AL; John Alblinger, Pflugerville TX; James O’Keane, Middletown WI; Charles Strang, San Antonio TX; Steven Akkala, Montauk NY; Mark Robey, Edgewood MD; and Chad South, Springfield OH.
For information about becoming a Life Member, contact AMA Headquarters at (800) 435-9262.
—AMA Membership Department
Joe Weathers’ Pacificcoaster
At first glance, Elbert “Joe” Weathers’ model, called the Pacificcoaster, appears to be a standard mid-1940s Cabin Gas model. Looking closer, it is anything but.
Bill Winters noted in the editor’s preface to the construction article (which appeared in his Winter 1946 Model Aircraft Plan Book), “The Pacificcoaster combines weight and high power in a small ship. The powerplant is a new powerful Orwick, which did well at the Nationals and the wing loading is 18 ounces per square foot. This combination of power and weight to achieve a controllable, high-performance, realistic airplane deserves attention.”
The powerful Orwick referenced was an Orwick .64 which, combined with the 5-foot wingspan and total weight of 5 pounds, 4 ounces, makes the Pacificcoaster unusual.
Joe explained the power and size combination in the construction article as, “a ship of this size versus power vitally needs such a wing and power loading, to be able to uncork all the soup a hot .60-class engine can pour out and still keep the airplane out of dangerous attitudes it might get into despite the careful force arrangements.”
Joe went on to brag that on a 15-second engine run, the model could climb to astounding heights, or with less throttle, enjoy slower airspeeds. The Pacificcoaster was also unusual because it was covered in nylon, not silk or tissue.
The original Pacificcoaster is now in the museum’s collection.
—National Model Aviation Museum staff
