In the Air
Membership news and updates
from AMA Headquarters
FAI/CIAM Visit
Officials with the FAI and the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) visited AMA Headquarters in Muncie, Indiana, November 10-12, 2016. The purpose of the visit was to discuss regional issues that are affecting the organization of, and participation in, FAI events.
Those visiting AMA Headquarters included FAI Secretary General Susanne Schödel, FAI Aeromodelling Commission President Antonis Papadopoulos, NAA President and CEO Greg Principato, and new FAI President Frits Brink. These officials had an opportunity to meet with members of the AMA Executive Council and then-AMA President Bob Brown.
In addition, FAI officials presented the concept of the FAI World Air Games, which combines several air sports disciplines, and its potential for public interest. The manner in which the FAI is globally addressing the new air sport of drone racing (also called FPV racing) was also discussed.
“Most important for me was the frank exchange of our views,” Frits stated via email after returning to Switzerland. “No hidden agendas, but our main goal was how we can improve our corporation to be beneficial for the FAI family as a whole.”
Frits and Susanne made some complimentary statements about the AMA during the meetings.
“What [AMA is] doing is an example for the rest of the world,” Frits commented.
“It’s absolutely fascinating to see what [the US has] been doing for nearly 100 years,” Susanne stated, referring to model aviation activities.
Frits said he felt that visiting AMA and the US was a great opportunity for him.
“Since I met in Ukraine some months ago [with] one of the board members of AMA and met a very qualified US team at the occasion of the World Championships for Space Models, I heard quite a lot about the high standard of aeromodeling in your country. When Antonis Papadopoulos planned a visit to Muncie, it was a great chance for me and for our Secretary General Susanne Schödel to join him. Besides that, it was my intention to visit your country on one of my first trips abroad [after] being elected.”
“[The] main reason [is that], now and then, FAI seems a bit too much Eurocentric. For historic reasons, maybe understandable, but taking into account the major developments in your country in air sports, we have to learn much more about the achievements in the USA.”
Frits said his first trip to the US and AMA Headquarters was enjoyable. “I learned a lot about the achievements of our fantastic sport during my visit. I met a lot of very dedicated people with great ideas, and I learned a lot about the way we can [attract] young people to our sport.
“Showing us around the headquarters, I really appreciated the open way staff members showed us their activities. Some of the programs should have been shared already with a lot of [National Airsport Control organizations] within the FAI.
“What I enjoyed too was the meeting with the new elected president of NAA, Greg Principato. In a good dialogue between Bob Brown, Greg Principato, and my team, we shared our views on the necessary cooperation in the future.”
Frits concluded by stating that he found AMA Headquarters to be very professional and a good example for other countries to follow.
“The first visit of this new FAI president could not have been more valuable! Many thanks to Bob Brown and his friends in Muncie.”
AMA Thanks Its Lifetime Supporters!
The Academy of Model Aeronautics recently welcomed Life Members Brad Levine, Inglewood CA; Paul J. Rono, Ham Lake MN; Manuel Terranova, Redwood City CA; Scott Geller, Andover, NJ; Kirk Petty, Waco TX; Joshua Wenzel, Bakersfield CA; Francis Lestelle Jr., Metairie LA; Shane Orr, Old Hickory TN; Philip C. Davy II, Poway CA; Paul Pappas, Westport CT; Craig Eisentrout, Cincinnati OH; Robert L. Godfrey, Palmetto FL; Michael A. Dantonio, Las Vegas NV; Sihe Zhang, East Lansing MI; Gerald T. Ahigian, Denver NC; Philip Patrick, Suwanee GA; Charles R. Brittain, Fredericksburg VA; Robert P. Adams, Lakewood NJ; Oliver H. White, Saint Thomas VI; Michael Misinco, Macon GA; Stephen T. Kraack, Lithia FL; Brian D. Shaffer, Syracuse UT; Christopher Woodward, Antioch TN; Sean T. Gallagher, Union Springs AL; David G. Surace; Hawthorne NJ; and Greg D. Isringhaus, Cadet MO.
For information about becoming a Life Member, contact AMA Headquarters at (800) 435-9262.
—AMA Membership Department
John Glenn 1921-2016
A former astronaut and U.S. Senator, whose passion for flying began with model aircraft, has passed away. John Herschel Glenn Jr. served four terms as a U.S. senator for Ohio and was one of NASA’s original seven Mercury astronauts. He died December 8 at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, in Columbus, Ohio, at the age of 95.
Robert “Hoot” Gibson, an AMA ambassador and a retired astronaut, said he met John in 1978 when he entered the Astronaut Corps. “He came to Houston to speak with all of us who were the first 35 astronauts selected for the space shuttle program, so [I] met him in the context of the entire class met him,” Hoot stated.
“He had a most warm and outgoing personality, the kind of person everyone would love! He was, of course, a United States senator then and so very accomplished—both as an aviator and as a public servant.”
The late John Worth, who served as AMA president and executive director, mentioned John Glenn in his AMA History Project biography.
“I met John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, and Frank Borman. John Glenn went on to become the first man to orbit the earth in a spacecraft, Frank Borman was one of three to be the first men to go around the moon, and Neil Armstrong was to be the first man to set foot on the moon surface. In meeting with Armstrong, Glenn, and Borman in the early NASA days, I learned that they had been modelers and AMA members when they were younger.”
Hoot said he knew that John Glenn had been a modeler, but never had the opportunity to fly model aircraft with him. Hoot added, “He was very interested in my final spaceflight, which was the first docking performed by a space shuttle and it was with the Russians and the Mir Space Station. He came to several events we held in [Washington] D.C. and that was where I knew him the most.
“Our friendship led to his presenting me for induction into the Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2003, which was a tremendous honor for me!”
According to his NASA biography, John received several honors and awards in his lifetime. He received honorary doctoral degrees from nine colleges and universities, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on six occasions, held the Air Medal with 18 Clusters for his service during World War II and the Korean War, received the Navy Unit Commendation for service in Korea, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the China Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, the U.S. Navy’s Astronaut Wings, the Marine Corps’ Astronaut Medal, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, and in 2012, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama. He returned to space in 1998 aboard the STS-95 Discovery.
John is survived by his wife, Annie, two children, two grandchildren, and several friends. Burial was at Arlington National Cemetery.
“I have many fond memories of him and I will always treasure the friendship!” Hoot said.
The Northrop Files
AMA Plans Services 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 de Havilland D.H. 60 Gipsy Moth, designed by Bill Northrop, is an RC scale model. Its wingspan is 7 feet, 6 inches, and there are two sheets of plans.
You can order the Curtiss P-40, plans number 6811, for $33 by calling AMA Plans Service at (800) 435-9262, extension 507.
Darrell L. Bell 1968-2016
Darrell Bell, known as “Big D” or “Uncle D,” passed away on October 27, 2016. Darrell was well-known in the RC helicopter and 3-D airplane communities as an announcer and judge at events such as the Extreme Flight
Championships, the International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association Jamboree, and the Electric Tournament of Champions. He also worked for or was a field representative and sponsored pilot for several manufacturers, distributors, and retailers throughout his years of involvement in the hobby.
Darrell was born March 25, 1968, in Magnolia, Arkansas, and moved to Detroit when he was a child. In 1978, his family moved back to Arkansas, where he graduated from the historical Little Rock Central High School and was active in several organizations, including Future Business Leaders of America and Students for Black Culture, as well as the marching band and Spanish Club, among others. He was also listed in Who’s Who Among American High School Students, and a member of Top Teens of America and Jack and Jill of America.
After attending college in Arkansas, Darrell returned to Detroit and was employed with several businesses outside of the hobby, expanding his career opportunities in sales and management with companies such as Car Tunes Mobile Electronics, Bowers Real Estate company, Precision Tune Auto Care, and Detroit Customer Concepts. He also had his own disc jockey business, Reliable Entertainment. Most recently, Darrell was employed by HeliDirect, an online RC helicopter retailer, and Quicken Loans.
Darrell was full of big personality to everyone who knew him, and he enjoyed every minute of being with his hobby family and his RC “nephews.” The last weekend of May, Darrell annually hosted his Mid-America Fun Fly helicopter event on Grosse Ile, near Detroit, and RC helicopter pilots would come from across the country to participate. He had also cohosted the 2014 MegaHuckfest King 50 3-D airplane fun-fly in Monroe, Michigan. Darrell attended several RC heli and airplane events throughout the Midwest, eastern, and southeastern parts of the country, but he also enjoyed just showing up at the field to fly with his friends.
At Darrell’s passing, word was received and forwarded to others through social media, to the point that his name trended on Facebook. Numerous friends from around the world gave their condolences to his family and offered memories about Darrell. He had a knack for recognizing talent and pushing people to be their best. Many of the memories came back to how “Uncle D” motivated, inspired, and pumped up his “nephews,” no matter whether they were in competition or seeking advice about life in general.
Darrell is survived by his mother, Mary; sisters, Velda and Lashan; brother, Ryan; godsister, Elsa; daughters, Lalesa and Zhaneen; godson, D’ante; goddaughter, Adaija; special friend, Jeanine; and many friends, nephews, nieces, brothers, and sisters from his church, workplaces, and hobby families near and far.
Couple Honored
AMA’s outgoing president, Bob Brown, and his wife, JoAnne, were honored in November for their many years of service to the organization.
Following a meeting with FAI officials at AMA Headquarters in November 2016, Bob and JoAnne were presented the AMA Outstanding Service Award for Couples. This award is given in recognition and appreciation of two individuals who, as a team, have given of themselves to the AMA in a consistent, selfless, and untiring manner for many years, providing an unmatched example of volunteerism to all.
Bob served two terms as AMA president, beginning in January 2013. Before that, he served AMA in various capacities for more than 30 years. He was an FAI subcommittee chairman and was AMA District III vice president for 21 years.
JoAnne took minutes at AMA Executive Council meetings for several years, attended and helped at AMA trade shows and events for roughly 20 years, and was previously an AMA employee.
The FAI also presented Bob with the FAI Paul Tissandier Diploma on Friday, November 11, during a reception. This award is given to those who have served the cause of aviation in general, specifically sporting aviation, through their work, initiative, devotion, or in other ways.
New Event Manager Program
AMA sanctions nearly 2,500 events each year. Approximately ⅔ of these events are fly-ins or noncompetition events. Through discussions with several AMA officials, it became clear that there was a need to create a position that is similar to a contest director (CD), but one that focuses on the noncompetition events that are prevalent today.
The CD credentialing process focuses on Competition Regulations and how to make sure that contests are run fairly and by the rules. In noncompetition events, the need is more about overall safety of the sites and events. Creating an event manager (EM) position to focus on these types of events makes sense.
We believe that there are many AMA members out there who are already running non-competition events for their local clubs. Now they will be able to obtain an AMA-recognized official position so that they can sanction these events.
The process to obtain either CD or EM accreditation is completely online. There is a $25 administration fee to go through the process. Go to www.modelaircraft.org/credentials, or click on the Competitions and Events tab. Then select “Become a Contest Director or Event Manager.” The process is explained on the page and there is a short video about the advantages of this accreditation by Jim T. Graham of RC Groups fame and Model Aviation “Born to Fly” columnist. We hope that the video and documentation will simplify the process and encourage you to become a CD or EM for your club!
—Tony Stillman
Flying Site Assistance Coordinator/
Competitions Technical Director
Here is a brief overview of both positions:
Contest Director — Event Manager
Event Classes
Contest Director: Authorized to administer all event classes.
Event Manager: Authorized to only administer class C, C-Restricted, and D events (nonrule book).
Responsibilities/Authority
Contest Director: Acts as a representative of AMA and has full authority over the event.
Event Manager: Acts as a representative of AMA and has full authority over the event.
Liability Coverage
Contest Director: Primary, vicarious liability coverage while performing CD duties during the event.
Event Manager: Primary, vicarious liability coverage while performing EM duties during the event.
Requirements/Prerequisite
Contest Director: Successful completion of online test specific to CD duties/responsibilities. Three consecutive years of AMA membership.
Event Manager: Successful completion of online test specific to EM duties/responsibilities. One year of AMA membership.
Dues Credit
Contest Director: 50% discount on annual dues with qualifying event.
Event Manager: 25% discount on annual dues with qualifying event.
Recently added books and needed books
Practical Kites & Aeroplanes author Frederick Walker describes kites as “captive aeroplanes.” Published in 1903, it provides an overview of the aerodynamics of kites and a scientific view of their construction. In the final chapter, he briefly looks at the question of powered flight. It is a fascinating glimpse into the history of aerodynamics research.
W.G. Aston wrote Model Flying Machines: Their Design and Construction in roughly 1909. Published by The Aero magazine, it proved popular enough to warrant a second printing the next year. With detailed diagrams, it made the building of a model airplane seem easy.
So did Joseph S. Ott’s book, Model Airplanes Building and Flying, with its black and white photographs and detailed supply lists. Published in 1931, the author provides complete details on how to build approximately 15 models.
These books, as well as several other older volumes, were recently added to our library. The next time you visit, please ask to see them or email if you’re interested in specific information.
We are still looking for several aeromodeling books published early in the 20th century. Do you have any of them? Please let Maria know at mariav@modelaircraft.org.
- Modern Models; Including full instructions for making and using model aeroplanes, dirigibles, hydro-aeroplanes, mono-rail models, wireless telegraphy, X-ray apparatus etc. by V.E. Johnson, 1919.
- The Design of Model Aeroplanes by F.J. Camm (hardcover), 1919.
- Model Aeroplanes: The Building of Model Monoplanes, Biplanes, etc. by F.J. Camm, 1929.
- Model Aeroplanes and Airships: With special chapters on gliders, helicopters, wing-flapping models, kites, and full-size gliding (Newnes home mechanic books) by F.J. Camm, 1931.
- How to Build and Fly a Model Aeroplane by Fred O. Armstrong, 1927.
- The Model Aeroplane Manual—A Practical Handbook on the Building and Flying of Model Aeroplanes (Marshalls Practical Manuals No. 12) by R. Langley, 1929.
- The Boy Mechanic, Book 1—700 things for boys to do. How to construct model aeroplanes, boats, amusement novelties, homemade toys, winter and summer sport devices, camp equipment. Edited by H.H. Windsor (hardcover), 1929.
