AMA District X

The District X Website is Moving

2011-02-20T18:02:00.000-08:00

The website for all of the latest District X news will be www.ama10.org. Please update your bookmarks to direct you to our website.

Happy Landings,
Lawrence Tougas
AMA District X Vice President

SAM 21 Awards Banquet

2011-02-11T05:54:00.000-08:00

left to right Ed Hammler SAM International President, Brian Sargent SAM 21 President, myself, and Chip Bus SAM 27 President

The fine modelers of The Society of Antique Modelers Chapter 21 invited my daughters and myself to their annual awards banquet. SAM celebrates the early history of modeling by conducting old-time free flight and R/C events. Their awards banquet recognizes the modelers who have amassed the most amount of points at competitions throughout the flying season.

Steve Roselle is shown here accepting the Club Electric Trophy for best performance in Speed 400, Limited Motor Run, and Electric Texaco.

Jake Chichilitti snagged the Motor Trophy which has an Ohlsson side port ignition motor topping it. Jake also won the 1/2A Texaco Trophy. Texaco is a contest that is based on a fixed amount of fuel that is consumed during the climb then an endurance glide ensues.

The evening's presenter Dave Lewis on the right won a fair number of awards himself. here he's shown excepting the Limited Engine Run, Antique and Texaco Trophies. Dave is such a prolific modeler that his nickname is Saint Lewis.

Bill Copeland was given an recognition award for his service as past president of SAM 21.

I had a wonderful evening with this great group of modelers. If you live in the Southern San Francisco Bay area and are looking for a great group of people to fly with you can't go wrong with SAM 21.

FAA Regulations - Blue skies or storms ahead?

2011-02-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

The following article appeared last week in the AMA Today email. You are getting AMA today aren't you? It is a great new offering from the AMA to keep its members updated on the latest happenings in modeling. If you aren't receiving it click here. Then you'll be up to date on everything AMA.

It is becoming increasingly apparent that the FAA is going to issue restrictions on model aircraft through a proposed rule this summer. AMA has been very hard at work advocating on your behalf. It's time for all who love model aviation to learn about this serious issue. Go to the AMA's Government Relations web pages below for background information and share it with your friends. Read more...

A Scale Free Flight Guide

2011-02-06T13:37:00.000-08:00

The following article was forwarded to me by our Phoenix AVP Roger Willis. It was sent to him by Don DeLoach editor of the National Free Flight Digest, enjoy.

Lawrence Tougas

AMA District X Vice President

The Flying Aces Club (FAC) is a group of devotees of a traditional rubber-powered Free Flight—the kind your Dad and Granddad did back in the model aviation heyday of the 1930s-1940s. This was the era of mass marketing in model aviation, with kit brands like Comet, Peerless, Megow, and Burd as ubiquitous as video games are today. Virtually none of these old kits are made anymore and many of the local hobby shops have disappeared, but thanks to the FAC and WESTFAC this style of modeling has not disappeared.

Now you may be thinking, “I don’t want to build a super-detailed Free Flight scale model that’ll be scrutinized by judges.” Never fear! Here are four simple (non-judged) entry points into FAC Free Flight:

1. Embryo Endurance. This is a simple scale-like event for small stick-and-tissue models of about 16-18” wingspan. Embryos are typically a three-evening build and power requirements are minimal, yet the models fly 60-120 seconds on full winds. Two excellent kits are available: The Prairie Bird from Peck Polymers ($20.95) and the “Debut” from Easybuilt Models ($23.58).

2. Old Time Rubber/Old Time Stick. These are simple models of 1930s-40s designs in the 24-36” wingspan range. They typically fly 2-3 minutes on a full wind and can be built in about a week of evenings. Many of the top designs are available in kit form, such as the Crusader, Flying Aces Moth, Gollywock, Dynamoe, Sparky and Miss Canada Senior. The following websites sell the kits, which range from $25 to 45: http://www.jimoreillymodelplans.com , http://www.easybuiltmodels.com/, http://www.a2zcorp.us/store/, and http://www.campbellscustomkits.com/. Many of these kits show a folding prop; FAC competition rules require a freewheeling prop. Free wheelers are much simpler anyway and don’t hurt performance much at all.

3. Mass Launches. Flying Aces Club contests are probably best known for head-to-head flying in mass launches, which is also the most thrilling aspect of FAC flying. Nothing compares to the nail-biting drama of a dozen or more 18”-30” scale raceplanes or fighters dueling it out in three or more simultaneous wingtip-to-wingtip heats. The best part is none of the mass launches are judged events—they only require a basic scale examination for correct color and markings, the minimum scale details such as canopies and control surface outlines, and not-excessive dihedral or tail surface enlargements. In addition, the combat mass launches (WWI and WWII) require three-dimensional armament of some kind (at least one gun barrel or one bomb). IMPORTANT: Since these are scale models it is important to note that sleek low wing racers and fighters can be intimidating to adjust for flight. As a result I recommend mid- and shoulder-wing designs for first timers as they are much easier to trim for stable flight. Two of the best choices for the Greve Race Mass Launch (1930s inline-engined racers) are the Chambermaid and Mr. Smoothie, both available as laser cut kits from Easybuilt . If you feel up to the challenge of a WWI biplane try the Fokker D-VII or Albatros D.III from Rockytop Models; both are contest winners and excellent designs. For the experienced modeler who wishes to try a low wing WWII fighter, there are many kits available. Easybuilt has the Kharkov R-10 and MiG-3 in Laser kits, Ozark Model Aviation and Dare Engineering have a great selection of the larger (27-35” span) designs by master FACer Mike Midkiff. Diels Engineering offers an extensive line of mostly combat aircraft kits. Finally there is the classic (and inexpensive) Golden Age Reproductions kit line from Penn Valley Hobby Center, which includes the following great-flying subjects in the 23-26” wingspan range: Ki-61 “Tony” (a perennial contest winner), P-51 Mustang, P-47 Thunderbolt, Boulton Paul Defiant, and BF-109E, among others.

4. Dime and Pseudo Dime Scale. These are events for small (16” wingspan) semi-scale models built from the actual 1930s 10-cent kit plans (Dime)—or from approved modern plans designed in this “throwback” style (Pseudo Dime). Hundred of plans and kits are available and models are easily built in about a week. The only detailing required is the coloring, marking and details as shown on the plans. There is no scale judging there’s simply a requirement to submit the plan and model for a compliance check. Plans are available for a scant $1 each from Mike Nassise at mnceann@aol.com. Excellent kits are also readily available in the $12-25 range, from Easybuilt Models, Penn Valley Hobby Center and DPC models.

So there you have it, proof that Flying Aces Free Flight need not be intimidating or complex. Just grab a kit or two and start cutting balsa. You

For more information on the upcoming WESTFAC III contest visit: www.westernfac.com. For more on the international Flying Aces Club including the competition rules, visit: http://www.flyingacesclub.com.

--Don DeLoach

WESTFAC Committee

Editor, National Free Flight Society Free Flight Digest

www.freeflight.org

FAMOUS SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN IMAC

2011-01-31T13:08:00.000-08:00

Free-styling Bryant Mack 13 Aeroworks 260, DA 100 with friends trash talking

Our very capable District X Associate Vice President and Southwest Director for IMAC Tim Attaway has provided a report from the recent IMAC contest at Superstition Airpark. So take it away Tim;

IMAC Unlimited pilot Ryan Archer 17, first place with his Comp ARF 260

A very beautiful weekend, January 16 and 17th, was spent with the East Valley Aviators as they hosted an IMAC contest not too far from Phoenix. The club helped kick off the IMAC season with this contest attended by 42 pilots. Great food, friendly people, and perfect weather….well a nine out of ten anyway….it was a little chilly here and there. Some of the competitors came from out of town but generally speaking the contest was Arizonians, and especially pleasing was the fact that seven of the forty two were teen agers. I believe we might be the envy of all the SIGs with a dozen or more talented IMAC pilots under the age of 20 in the South West

The author in his natural habitat

These youthful pilots are characterized by outstanding attitudes, politeness, competitiveness and seven came to Superstition. Led by top pilot Ryan Archer, 17 years old and Matthew Stringer, 15 years old these two finished first and second in the unlimited class. Spencer Nordquist, at twelve the youngest, was flying Advanced and took fourth. Bryant Mack, at 13, and already the regional champion in Sportsman, wins in Intermediate in his first contest in that class. Victor Lysakowski, at 15 years old takes a third place in Sportsman. Brad Hartman, 16, makes his first contest and wins second place in Basic and last but not least Michael Triebe, 15, gets a fourth place. Check out the picture of the round up of the young fellows and their aircraft with Superstition Mountain in the background.

Superstition IMAC Jan 2011 Magnificent Seven Young Pilots
front left to rt. Ryan Archer 17, Matthew Stringer 15,
center Spencer Nordquist 12
back row left to rt: Victor Lysakowski 15, Brad Hartman 16, Michael Triebe 15, Bryan Mack 13

Five of the seven flew freestyle entertainment on both Saturday and Sunday for the spectators and other pilots and what a great throw-down that was with Spencer taking first place. Verlin Boeder and Mike Wyman organized the annual Superstition contest and their team did an outstanding job.

This Comp ARF Yak experienced a flutter incident

With the youngest pilot at 12 and the oldest pilot at sixty something and many more in the 20 to 35 year old range this contest and many others in the South West are emblematic of what AMA hopes to achieve and that is bringing youth to the world of model aeronautics. Much more about IMAC can be found at www.mini-iac.com and check out how it is attracting youth into the AMA.

Submitted by,
Tim Attaway
District X Associate Vice President

Southwest Regional Free Flight Championships

2011-01-20T08:31:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I had the opportunity to travel to Eloy Arizona with our Tucson AVP Kevin Houser to see the Southwest Regional Free Flight Championships. This was their 61st annual event. It is one of the oldest contests that the AMA sanctions. It was three contests in one, there was an FAI event, AMA Nostalgia Free Flight and Society of Antique Modelers (SAM) Radio Control Old Timers.

This is Blake Jensen launching his F1B rubber powered model. Now to give some folks not familiar with Free Flight an appreciation for the complexity of models such as Blake's, let me give you some details about his model. It is constructed with carbon fiber and has a five function timer. The timer delays the prop from spinning until about 0.2 seconds after release, at about 4.5 seconds it commands an elevator change, at about 15 seconds a rudder change, and after 35 seconds the outboard trailing edge is moved up to transition from powered to gliding flight and finally the dethermalizer is triggered at the end of the flight once the max time for the round is reached. Total cost for the set-up about $3,000. If everything is working right these models will get a 110 meter climb before pitching over.

This is Alexander Andriukov, he supplies about 1/3 of the field at this event with FAI modeling supplies through his company. Alexander was using four remote weather stations around the field that reported back to his laptop through a wireless connection helping him decide when to launch. He also was able to download an altitude verses time plot to his Palm Pilot after each flight to determine what the maximum possible flight time would have been without DT'ing. It's technology like that that made Alexander a three time World Champion.

Here's Blake again with Tiffany O'Dell. Blake can store 5 complete models in this airline carry-on box which helps him travel to competitions. Blake is the Team Manager for this year's United States World Team who will be competing in Argentina this spring.

The Southwest Regionals drew several international competitors. This is Mike Woodhouse who traveled from Great Britain. Mike runs a free flight company that supplies modelers world wide.

This gentleman is launching an F1C model. F1C models are powered by 2-stroke engines, and make a very impressive climb to altitude before bunting over and starting their glide.

Here I'm pictured with Lee Hines. Lee is a Costa Mesa native and has been modeling since 1952. This was by his count his 590th contest since he began modeling. Lee enjoys competing in F1A, which launches models from a tow line that the pilot runs with and pulls much like launching a kite. Lee is a Board Member of the Lost Hills Free Flight Model Field Association which is located in the southern end of the California Central Valley right here in District X.

Bob Angus is the gentleman on the right. He was the Contest Director for the old time radio control events. Rick Holman is on the left with his Lanzo Bomber.

The old time rc events typically have either a timed motor run or a limited amount of fuel. The goal is to climb to altitude, and then glide until the max time for the round is reached followed by a landing in a defined area. These models jumped off the ground and climbed practically out of sight. They looked like a lot of fun to fly.

This last picture is from left to myself, Bud Romak, and Carl Redlin. Bud is an AMA Hall of Fame member. In 1941 and 1942 Bud set two world records in the Rise-Off-Water category. He took first place at the Nationals in Class C gas in 1959. In 1976 he was Indoor World Champion at Cardington, England. In 1987 Bud claimed First place at the World Cup contest, and in 1997 he was Society of Antique Modelers Power Champion. Quite a resume.

Well I had a great time at the Southwest Regionals. I encourage modelers from other disciplines to check out a free flight contest, there is a lot of great people and a lot of fun to be had.

Southwest Regional Model Airplane Championships

2011-01-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

The Southwest Regional Model Airplane Championships are celebrating their 61st annual competition this weekend in Eloy Arizona. Eloy is half way between Phoenix and Tucson off of I-10. If you have never been to a free flight competition you owe it to yourself to attend if you possibly can. At this event you will see stick and tissue rubber powered models as well as state of the art carbon fiber models with folding wings and gear driven propellers.

So if you're in the area come out and enjoy the action and stop by to introduce yourself I'd love to meet you.

Lawrence Tougas
AMA District X Vice President

Whittier Narrows

2011-01-13T12:25:00.000-08:00

Last week I was fortunate enough to visit the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area. It is the home to two AMA chartered clubs, the Knights of the Round Circle (KOTRC), and the San Gabriel Valley RC League (SGVRCL).

The Thursday morning group of the KOTRC consisted of from left to right John Wright, Joel Chesler, Steve Harris,Andy Borgogna, and AMA Hall of Fame member Larry Renger.

Here's Joel helping Steve start up his Nobler.

Steve brings in the Nobler for a perfect landing.

Andy is getting set up to fly the pattern. The KOTRC's have a fantastic flying field. In addition to two paved aerobatic circles they have a caged speed circle, and two grass circles where they teach new control line pilots and hold combat competitions. Their field also has one of the last tether car tracks in the country. All in all a great club.

Now all of the AMA members who live in the area are lucky to have a second club side by side with the KOTC's. The San Gabriel Valley RC League has developed an outstanding field right in the heart of a community park.

The SGVRCL President Paul Timpano is shown here taxiing out his Spitfire. Paul told me he likes to fly at two speeds full power and idle. He really loves to go fast.
Ted Holdredge the club Secretary scratch built this beautiful yellow model of his own design. It looked like it was a lot of fun a real floater.

Here Ted brings it in for a nice slow landing.

Which nicely contrasted with Paul's Spitfire. I had a great day at both fields. In addition I stopped off at the Santa Fe Dam Modelers but we had such a nice visit and lunch I forgot to take any pictures. I'll have to make up for that next time I'm in the area.

Lawrence Tougas
AMA District X Vice President

AMA Expo First Day Photos

2011-01-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

The AMA Expo began yesterday and I took a couple of photos that I want to share with you.

Aeroworks had their usual array of top notch aircraft on display

Castle Creations displayed this electric ducted fan model of the German ME-262. Each motor put out 15 lbs. of thrust.

Joe Bock one of our featured speakers displayed his 50% scale Hughes H-1 racer. Joe will fly this aircraft at the AMA's 75th anniversary celebration in Muncie this July.

Great Planes had a full compliment of their wares on display.

As did Horizon Hobbies.

The following two photos are examples of Naval, Marine and Coast Guard aircraft that members brought to display in support of the Navy's 100th anniversary of flight.

I want to close by introducing Tim Johnson. Tim is our newest District X Associate Vice-President. Tim will cover the area south of Los Angeles and north of the San Diego area. Tim is a dedicated scale modeler and will bring a lot of enthusiasm and experience to the position. Please join me in welcoming him.

Lawrence Tougas
AMA District X Vice-President

AMA Expo Starts Today

2011-01-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

That's right the AMA Expo is starting at noon. I'll be there and I would love to meet you. So if you're at the Expo come by the AMA booth and say hello.

Check back here tomorrow for some photos from the first day.

Lawrence Tougas
AMA District X Vice-President

Get Togethers in Southern California

2011-01-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

On Thursday January 6th I will be at two locations in Southern California. The first will be the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area where the San Gabriel Valley RC League, and the Knights of the Round Circle fly. I'll be there from 8:00 A.M. until 11:30 A.M. if you're in the area please stop by and say hello.

Here's a map to the field;

View Larger Map

Just click on the, "view larger map" link to get a page you can put your starting point at and receive driving directions.

At noon I'll be at the Santa Fe Dam Radio Control Modelers. Again if you 're in the area or visiting for the AMA Expo please stop by I'd love to meet you. Here's a map to the field;

View Larger Map

Again click the, "view larger map" link to get directions. The gate must be kept locked so if you're there just call 707-480-2053 and we'll have someone let you in. Hope to see you there.

Pomona Valley Model Airplane Club Meeting

2011-01-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

This Wednesday January 5th the Pomona Valley Model Airplane Club will be hosting a special meeting for its members.

Horizon Hobby will be hosting a seminar. Speaking at this seminar will be

David Eichtedt - Aircraft Product Development
Pete Goldsmith - Team Horizon Air Team
Jeff Cash - Spektrum Radio DX8 New Products

I'll be there to enjoy the seminar and to announce our latest Associate Vice-President for District X. If you will be in the area you should make plans to attend.

The meeting will be held at the Chino Airport from 7-9 pm.

The Chino Airport is here;

View Larger Map

Click on the, "view larger map" link to insert your start point and receive driving directions. A map to the hanger on the airport property is here.

I look forward to seeing you there,
Lawrence Tougas
AMA District X Vice-President

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to 2011 and a new District X website! My goal with this website will be to deliver timely and interesting news to AMA members everywhere. It will be growing and developing over the next few weeks I hope you find it a resource you enjoy and benefit from.

I will be depending on all of you for the content for our website. The best way to promote events your club will be sponsoring is to make a write-up about it. Send it to me in advance of your big day and I will get the word out to the 23,000 modelers in our District. Then after the event send me another write-up describing all of the great things that happened to let the folks who couldn't make it know what they missed and get them thinking about attending the next event you will have.

We have a lot of excellent club newsletters in the District, if your club newsletter has a story that other modelers could benefit from send it to me and I will share it with our Brother and Sisters from Utah to Guam along with giving your club all of the credit it deserves.

This year is going to be a busy one. We will likely see the FAA's proposal for rules that will for the first time be binding on modelers. We will have to act in concert to achieve the best possible outcome in this area. AMA members are responsible safety conscious individuals and together we will prevail.

I am looking forward to our District sponsored fun-flys this year. These events will allow members from the four corners of our district to gather together for Friendship, Flying and Fun; those are goals I know we can all get behind.

I want to close by wishing you all the very best possible 2011. I hope you got out and flew today because if you fly on New Year's Day you'll have good luck all year long.

Happy New Year,
Lawrence Tougas
AMA District X Vice-President