In the Air
Build Your Own Yin-Yang
IF TERRY DUNN’S brightly colored Yin-Yang on the cover of the February 2021 issue of Model Aviation caught your eye, you can now purchase printed plans at a 10% discount.
The 30-inch foamie is 29.5 inches long and uses two brushless motors for power. It has an asymmetric layout and is easy to build.
You can purchase printed plans for the Yin-Yang, plans number MA1124, at https://plans.modelaircraft.org. You can save 10% at checkout using coupon code AMA10.
AMA Plans Service houses all plans formerly sold through Model Builder magazine, Bill Northrop’s Plan Service, and the Scratch Builder’s Almanac. There are more than 18,000 plans in the collection.
AMA Thanks Its Lifetime Supporters!
The Academy of Model Aeronautics recently welcomed Life Members Vito M. Rossini, New Market MN; Nathan R. Baxter, Ogden UT; Brian M. Pacelli, New York NY; James T. Stanton, Lake Arrowhead CA; Benny Harwell, Yelm WA; James D. Prochaska, East Bernard TX; Jeffrey A. Tomaga, Rochester IN; Mitchell Mahoney, Mineral VA; Kenneth W. Killgo, Fort Worth TX; Donald R. Desandre, Putnam Valley NY; and Christopher Read, Malibu CA.
For information about becoming a Life Member, contact AMA Headquarters at (800) 435-9262.
—AMA Membership Department
See Toledo Artifacts Online
IN THIS ISSUE of Model Aviation, you will find an article about the history and demise of The Toledo Show: R/C Model Expo. If you would like to learn more about the event, you can view artifacts from the show’s 65-year-history from the comfort of your home.
You can find these items by visiting the National Model Aviation Museum’s Digital Collections, which are only a click of a mouse away at https://modelaircraft.pastperfectonline.com. If you go to the website, click on Keyword Search, type in Toledo, and you will see more than 40 artifacts!
The museum’s digital collections website, launched in 2019, contains more than 6,500 artifacts, including books, photographs, catalogs, event programs, pins, patches, and more. Items can be viewed for free and no password or AMA membership is required.
AMA National Fun Fly
THE SECOND ANNUAL AMA National Fun Fly is set to take place July 30 to August 1, 2021. The event is scheduled to be held at the International Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana. There is a $40 landing fee for adult pilots and a $20 fee for youth (ages 19 and younger). This fee includes flying and a dinner. The first 100 pilots to register by June 30 will receive a free T-shirt.
The dinner will take place on the night of July 31. An AMA membership meeting will also be held that day.
There will be a swap shop at the event. Vendors can purchase table space for $25 per table. To register or for more information, visit www.modelaircraft.org/funfly.
Author, Hall of Fame Member Passes
A MAN WHO was an aeromodeling competitor, author, member of the AMA Model Aviation Hall of Fame, and a decorated U.S. Navy commander has passed away.
Cdr. Aaron W.S. “Sam” Snyder, 88, of Tyler, Texas, died January 18, 2021. Born in Hutchison, Kansas, he graduated from Wichita University with dual majors in chemistry and physics and a minor in physical science engineering. After graduation, he entered the U.S. Navy as an officer and later became a Navy carrier pilot. He served as a combat veteran during the Vietnam War, doing exchange duty with the U.S. Army. He retired from the Navy in 1972. His military honors included a Bronze Star with Combat V, two Navy Commendation medals with Combat V, three air medals, and a Combat Action Ribbon.
Sam began flying model aircraft at age 5. Two years later, he started flying in full-scale aircraft. As an adult, he worked for the Beechcraft Aircraft Company, Cessna, and Ocean Air Airlines. He also wrote articles for magazines, including Model Aviation, Contrails, Radio Control Jet International, Jet Power, and Model Airplane News.
As a modeler, Sam attended his first contest in 1951. In the 2000s, he began competing at Florida Jets, Top Gun, and other events. He was an AMA contest director and a Leader Member. He was inducted into the hall of fame in 2014.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Dr. Ann M. Snyder.
Nats Registration Is Open
ONLINE REGISTRATION for the 2021 Indoor and Outdoor Nats is now open. You can register at https://nats.modelaircraft.org.
This year, the Indoor Free Flight (FF) Nats will take place at a new location. It is set to be held July 20-23 at the Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, Michigan. The Outdoor Nats, planned to take place at the International Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana, is scheduled as follows:
June 16-19: RC and Control Line (CL) Scale
June 16-19: RC Scale Aerobatics
June 20-25: RC Pylon Racing
June 20-26: CL (Navy Carrier, Precision Aerobatics, Racing, Combat, and Speed)
June 20-22: RC Combat
July 20-24: RC Aerobatics (Pattern)
July 25-29: Outdoor FF
August 1-4: RC Helicopter
August 21-29: RC Soaring
This year, the basic registration fee for all pilots attending the Nats for the first time will be waived.
