RE: field separation
Well thats one idea there Jim...a pretty bad one but I understand the feeling that goes into it. Ira had the best solution..someone or everyone chip in and buy a club scanner, see if you even have a problem. Then when you know if you actually do have a problem, proceed to bunch your panties. This is one place that Kid Epoxy and I disagree. I hate the idea of an established club having to cow tow to a group of guys that just show up and decide to fly. I know all the "It's their right to do so" garbage, but that does not mitigate all the effort that goes into a club.
Posted on: 11/19/2008 10:27 PM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8164602

RE: BAD CLUB JUJU?
Wow, that whole mess was written in such a convoluted fashion that my head hurts. Spell check please is all I can add. [&o][&o][&o]
Posted on: 10/28/2008 2:30 PM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8092896

RE: Is it okeydokey to choose not to vote in AMA election
[/quote]Attempting to assign a moral value to participating in AMA elections is absurd. Some of you seem to equate it with voting at the civic level, which is equally absurd. [/quote] Sorry that confused me. Are you saying that assigning a moral value to voting at the civic level is absurd? This is still a hobby that we do where we play with toy airplanes. Vote or don't vote, just don't spout off you don't like the way things are done. As far as voting for your next President of the United States...I think its reprehensible if you don't vote. It's still your choice, free country and all, but I think that people that don't vote lack moral fiber.
Posted on: 10/17/2008 8:36 AM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8057044

RE: Sky Bench Aerotech Lil Bird 2
Wow Ray must have really done a dirty to have that type of response. I guess I have been lucky. I have had occasion to talk to Ray quite a bit and each time (even during an argument unrelated to his planes) he was a pretty decent guy. Sorry your experience was bad.
Posted on: 10/12/2008 6:52 PM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8042682

RE: Magazine ad rates
Well to be honest rates fluctuating is certainly not a new thing. It is very common to have them ebb and flow based on the time of year, new expenses, new editors etc. What makes things hard in advertising is to go backward and then try to go forward in terms of rate increases. WHen you slide a bit and give a deal then it is pretty hard to go back to full rate out of the blue. Often you will see a "holiday" deal or a"customer appreciation" program which should read, (we are trying to drive up revenue this month for whatever reason and this will give a quick infusion). Typically the customer will appreciate the temporary dip and not complain when it goes back to full rate next month.
Posted on: 10/12/2008 6:47 PM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8042675

RE: Magazine ad rates
So that what YOU have to offer? You could have stayed home for that gem...[;)]
Posted on: 10/12/2008 6:06 PM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8042562

RE: Magazine ad rates
In order to best respond, let me use your post so we don't get lost on the way. [quote]ORIGINAL: combatpigg Completely over thinking it and using gross assumptions to arrive at your conclusions. [b]Please understand, this isn't me overthinking anything, this is years and years of research at the cost of millions of dollars to try and understand how to get end users the biggest bang for their buck. There were no gross assumptions made, it is how through research we have learned folks buy advertised products.[/b] Saying that ad space in MA has less value than any other magazine is at the extreme end of the reality spectrum. [b]Actually that is very much based in fact. Let me ask you a question. If you purchase something how do you care for it? Depending on the cost of the product you will tend to take better care than if you were simply given a like product. The end user feels more of a sense of ownership if they put hard dollars on the line.[/b] With all the technology and marketing science known to man, huge and disasterous mistakes get made every day in the business world. [b]I completely agree with you on that point, but that does not make what I posted incorrect.[/b] Trying to make this sound like rocket science instead of the very in-exact science that it really is adds no credence to your argument. [b]I really don't want to offend you, but if you can't understand how these concepts are arrived at, I can't help you. Suffice it to say that advertising works, because it is not a shot in the dark like you suggest. Ad concepts are very accurately aimed at the very target market they want to sell to. Years of study and research backs that up and because of that companies spend millions on that process. Would they spend the money if it didn't work?[/b] A magazine like MA is in a unique position to test the waters to see what their ad space is really worth. Yes indeed, you can name your own price if you control the bulk of the market. The mega advertisers already have ads in all the other magazines and if one of them was to vacate MA over a rate sqabble, that will serve to create a vaccuum that opportunistic competitors will fill. If MA ran their mag like they either had to make a profit or close the doors, I'm pretty sure that the numbers in the auditor's report would do a 180. The magazine should be looked upon as an asset that the AMA can profit from, instead of the magazine looking at the AMA as an asset that they take profits from. [/quote] I personally think that the MA should bring a profit, all I am saying is that in order to do so through the raising of rates, whomever is in charge needs to be careful that they can back up the increase with an equal amount of results. If they can't, then the increase will lead to a mass exodus that will trigger a sharp decline in revenue which usually is followed by a drastic cut in ad rates to get the advertisers back. So what started as a perceived step forward, ends up as a slide down the slippery slope. Two words...Geico Caveman Love it or hate it, it was advertising genius that has paid off in the millions. That was no accident.
Posted on: 10/12/2008 4:46 PM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8042377

RE: Sky Bench Aerotech Lil Bird 2
Thats not fair, Ray has always been very good about getting back to me regardless of whether I am buying stuff or not.
Posted on: 10/12/2008 2:08 PM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8042033

RE: Magazine ad rates
Pigg to whom were you saying that to?
Posted on: 10/12/2008 1:53 PM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8041986

RE: Magazine ad rates
Hoss and I have gone back and forth about what is essentially and arbritary rate increase on ad space in the MA and I can't seem to make this understood, but here goes. And for the record, this is just my opinion backed by 8 years in the magazine production, ad sales, and distribution business. One simply can not raise rates because "you" think they should be higher. You have to provide a value proposition to the end user to substantiate why the increase is justified. In fact you need to be able to show why you charge what you do in the first place. In this discussion too often folks get hung up on the fact that MA is sent to a "controlled" group of folks and this is somehow a good thing. In fact, it is the Achilles heal of the magazine. Copies sent to folks as part of a package, regardless of what it is, will always have LESS value to the advertising community than copies purchased at the news stand. The reason is that if folks purchase from the news stand they are making a conscious choice to buy that product, and as such will be more likely to buy product from that magazine by virtue of the fact that they have made a present outlay of dollars. When you spend money you tend to take better care of something, keep it around longer, and read through it more carefully. Getting a copy as part of a package means that the dollars you would normally spend are spent ahead of time and as such, the urgency to look through that product goes down or away completely. So to say that we have a group of folks getting this product each month and look how neat this is, we need to say, we need to get more voluntary purchases of the magazine in order to show how popular it is and why we can raise rates. At the end of the day if I were purchasing for this type of product (rc models, accessories, radios, whatever) I would use an online product called Whoscalling.com. This enables you to tack a different 800 number in each ad that will piggy back on to your incoming phone line. You can then run about 40 different reports that will show which ad produced the call, when it came in, what the call duration was, which part of which city it came from (great for sending out bulk mail later if you find a good hot spot) ETC. Then you can do a real world comparison to see which magazine actually produces for you. Only then will anyone be able to know which ad venue is effective and which one's need to be flushed.
Posted on: 10/12/2008 11:35 AM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8041642

RE: Horrace Cain vs Mark Smith
Wow you know what I would like? I would like to actually get a ballot this year. I have only been back in the AMA for the last 5 years, but Ihave yet to receive a ballot yet. I call, I am told it will come out, and then it never gets here. So to be honest, I guess if I get a ballot, I will use it, I am just not sure how I will use it yet. Here's hoping I get one this year. Edited because I forgot to place a word.
Posted on: 9/11/2008 11:58 AM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7943342

RE: Bird of tme as a begginer sailplane?
Get the Bird of time. Learning to thermal is MUCH easier on a larger sailplane and from Tower this ARF is I think $139.00. Simply can't be beat. If you like it (glider flying) then you can go try out all the other stuff that these guys suggest, but if not, then you don't have a ton of time or money invested. But you will like it. Catching your first thermal will seal the deal. The only thing I would caution you on is launching. This plane will handle a good highstart, but if you winch it, I would be a little careful and sort of feel the plane out to see how much it can take. Winching is always hard on any plane, and with an ARF built up like this, unless you strip the covering and really stiffen the wingjoint up in the center, you just can't be sure how much it will take. The great part of this plane though is as long as you are high starting it, and use good sense, this plane can be flown for years and will give you a ton of fun and valuable experience. Good Luck Tom
Posted on: 8/19/2008 1:42 PM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7863000

RE: UCANDO 3D 46.. What Four Stroke for it?
I flew mine with a Magnum .91 and it was a great combination. Not sure what the general thinking on Magnum is, but mine is a honey. Starts easy, idles so slow you can count the pops and has plenty of beef for this plane. A really fun combo and very affordable as well. Tom
Posted on: 8/19/2008 1:33 PM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7862965

RE: Determining altitude
http://www.silentflight.org/ spiral_72, Go to the link I pasted above. This is one of things that makes flying a glider so much fun. It's free to join, and only $2.00 to send in an update. Read through the site, I think you will find some things that will make your time soaring a little more fun. Tom
Posted on: 8/13/2008 2:50 PM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7841842

RE: Determining altitude
I bought a howhigh Altimeter for $39.00 and thus far my highest recorded flight was 2219 feet AGL. That flight was an hour and 6 minutes on my Skybird from Ray Hayes and at that elevation the 132" wingspan was a quarter of a postage stamp. I had my LSF envelope in my pocket so at the peak I held it up just for giggles to see what to compare it to. It's a fun little thing to have, takes up almost no room and is very very light. Worth doing imo. Tom
Posted on: 8/10/2008 10:23 PM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7831527

RE: August MA
[quote]ORIGINAL: Red Scholefield [quote]ORIGINAL: KW_Counter I've loved their technical articles such as the Battery Clinic, the Engine Clinic, the Q&A and especially the Safety articles. KW_Counter [/quote] Now that IS a warm fuzzy - much appreciated. [/quote] Red don't get confused...we still don't like you...LOL just kidding man, I had to tease you a little. [;)] The MA I think is doing a much better job overall. There are always good things in it and to be honest, as a complete noob to the battery side of the coin, Red's articles have taught me a lot. One of the things I have always done is use the MA (past issue's) to give to people that come and watch us fly on Sunday's when we fly our gliders. We call it the Church of the Sunday Morning Thermal and when people have questions, I am happy to hand them an old issue and say read through this and here is my number, call me if I can help with any questions. The biggest reason I can tell I like the magazine more is that it is getting harder and harder to give away old copies. Not because people won't take them, but because it's harder to get myself to part with them. Keep it rolling folks!!
Posted on: 8/10/2008 8:47 PM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7831189

RE: first person video piloting... anybody else heard of it?
We are on the same page. The only caveat I would add is that the government WILL do something if 1. Someone does something stupid with an RC plane that brings a lot of attention to the situation or 2. Someone brings a lot of attention to a potential situation that piques the interest of some bureaucrat that makes it his mission to mess with the status quo. Other than that spot on old chap...
Posted on: 8/10/2008 7:32 PM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7830919

RE: first person video piloting... anybody else heard of it?
I didnt read the whole 4 pages, but the bottomline is this. I was involved in model rocketry for a time and everyone at the BATF was up in arms that these (rockets) could be used for a terrorist device. The same could be said for ANY type of radio controlled airplane. But if a terrorist really wanted to do serious damage to a city, they could do MORE damage by riding a bicycle around a big city with a box full of "name your lethal poison here" sitting on the back of the bike and dispersing it as the rider drove along. So there is no reason to freak out over this type of flying, and there sure as hell is no reason to bring it up to try and get it approved or renounced by the AMA. When they start with one type of flying the rest is sure to follow. The government will do what its going to do but at the end of the day, if somone truly wants to do harm to another, they will. There is no way to stop it. Look at that poor American couple attacked in China this week. That one attack was able to undermine literally billions of dollars of security measures and give a black eye to all of China. You gonna outlaw knives?
Posted on: 8/10/2008 11:58 AM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7829683

RE: congradulations for Jeff Weiss
Congratulations, you spelled it wrong. :) Sorry I couldn''t help it.
Posted on: 4/14/2008 5:17 PM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7373025

RE: Discussion of My Response to Greg Hahn's recent "The Inside Loop" column
Marc, You are absolutely right. The temptation to sling a barb back when one has been delivered is a powerful thing and I always have a hard time not tossing the grenade back when it lands near me. I will be more mindful going forward. Tom
Posted on: 4/11/2008 11:04 AM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7365583

RE: Discussion of My Response to Greg Hahn's recent "The Inside Loop" column
Ahhh same old STL....more then willing to dish it out, [size=7]NEVER[/size] willing to take it. I love the lets take some moral high road now that I feel I can use it against a moderator. Simply pathetic.
Posted on: 4/11/2008 9:52 AM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7365315

RE: Discussion of My Response to Greg Hahn's recent "The Inside Loop" column
Stpilot, I am going to stay on the high road here but frankly thats a load of Hoo Haw. You need to decide which is the truth. Are the people in Muncie the AMA or aren't they? I have seen you say it both ways so frankly I am a little confused. The people in Muncie, that we elect ARE the AMA in terms of representation to the membership and the public. As AMA members we all bear a responsibility to conduct ourselves in a proper fashion. This goes for everyone including the editor of MA and anyone he invites to present an article. The upshot of all this was although Greg has a great point, it has been utterly lost due to a very poor presentation. My Dad taught me a little saying. He said "Son, it's important that you know how to tell people to go to Hell so they will enjoy the trip". Had the article been written at all effectively, the message would have come across and perhaps a few folks would have learned something, but sadly, this is what happens when you let emotion type for you. I recognize mistakes happen, it is simply too bad that given what I consider to be an important message has been lost in the shuffle. As far as a statue being erected, wow that is frankly such a silly thing to say I will refrain on commenting more than I have. It would just sound derisive.
Posted on: 4/9/2008 2:05 PM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7356602

RE: Discussion of My Response to Greg Hahn's recent "The Inside Loop" column
I have been away and just read the article in question. I think my favorite part, (other then being lumped in with all you bottom feeders :) ) was where Greg starts out saying that he was taught that "If you have nothing good to say, then say nothing at all" then proceeds to say nothing good about pretty much anyone that either looks at the web, or has an opinion. Thanks Greg, your my new literary hero. I guess if you say it in a printed medium (meaning actual ink and paper) then it's ok to slam, blast or other wise degrade your readership. The only thing I am sending to Munchie is a big bottle of tenderizer, they have some serious feet to eat.
Posted on: 4/8/2008 10:44 AM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7350892

RE: Soar Utah 2008
Bump
Posted on: 2/17/2008 1:21 AM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7088043

Soar Utah 2008
News - Soar Utah 2008 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The InterMountain Silent Flyers (IMSF) invite you to the 7th Soar Utah event on August 29th - September 1st, 2008... Labor Day weekend, at the Point of the Mountain slope soaring site, located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Soar Utah is an AMA Sanctioned event. AMA cards are required Here's the schedule, details will follow: Day 0, August 29, 2008 - Early Arrivers - Thursday evening Welcome reception at somebody's house (hey, it's only January!) Will throw some brats and burgers on the grill and keep the beverages on ice. Day 1, August 29, 2008 (Friday) Aero Tow. Bring those big Scale ships! We'll have a couple of tugs ready to haul up even the biggest models at a yet-to be determined site. With our tugs we can tow anything from a hand-launch to 1/3 scale. (maps will be provided to all registered pilots) Friday afternoon/evening registration at Point of the Mountain. Steve Reed and Clarence Ashcraft will be frying up a couple of turkey's to munch on. Day 2, August 30 (Saturday) We are very fortunate that the State of Utah designated the South side of Point of the Mountain as a new State AeroSport Park last year. Hang gliders as well as R/C pilots come from around the world to experience the smooth air, predictable weather, and consistent ridge soaring conditions. The morning wind normally blows from the South, so most of the activities will be on the South side. In the afternoon, the winds normally switch and blow from the North, and we fly on the North launch. Both sites offer drive up convenience (no hiking the hill for each flight). Evening Awards BBQ and raffle at Falcon Park. Only a 15 minute drive from the Point, Falcon Park is an excellent place to fly electrics and other ‘park-flyers.’ A frequency board will be available. Day 3 - August 31, 2008 (Sunday) Slope flying at the Point of the Mountain. Food will be on-site for lunch. Mandatory radio impound for all pilots. Day 4, September 1, 2008 (Monday) Alpine Soaring...Francis Peak is located directly East of the Kaysville I-15 exit and is a popular flying destination for every Soar Utah. The rewards are not only the birds-eye panoramic view of the Great Salt Lake and Morgan County but with an elevation of 9,600 feet it allows for many types of flying.
Posted on: 2/2/2008 10:46 AM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7011951

RE: Airplane on a Treadmill
LOL no kidding. And to all that still have doubts, the Easter Bunny isn't real either. You heard it here first.
Posted on: 1/31/2008 1:04 PM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "Aerodynamics"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7001896

RE: Airplane on a Treadmill
I thought it was hysterical that the pilot didn't get it. He was suprised? I guess they skip the part now about flight dynamics when you go get your Private Ticket. Bottom line, If you took their same rig (full size) and were able to safely hook up an F-16 to pull the tarp, there is no amount of speed the tarp could go that the plane won't take off. "You could plainly see that the plane was still rolling forward past the cones in the picture. It was just rolling faster than they was pulling the tarp. The real deal would have been for the plane to lift off while it was sitting dead still in one place (while the tarp was moving) with the wheels turning an the engine turning at takeoff speed. " Well of course it was moving, how can it not? The plane will fly as long as the wheels are not impeded. But it was fun to watch.
Posted on: 1/31/2008 12:37 PM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "Aerodynamics"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7001794

RE: GETTING PAID
Cardencap, The bottom line is your hearing the correct story, you just don't want to listen to it and accept it as reality. Sorry for the reality check, but it is what it is. Saying that it is only a couple of times and only for a small amount of money is like getting "a little bit pregnant." The rule cuts a clear and defined line between what they cover and why. The best thing you can do is find out how much it will cost for a year of insurance for this activity, divide that by the number of demos you do and pass the cost along. It's an expense just like any job you bid. You are required to figure out your materials, your expenses (read insurance) and your time, slide in a comfortable profit and bid the job. Good luck
Posted on: 12/7/2007 4:05 PM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6726765

RE: Extra-AMA Modeling
Kid, TO be honest I always wondered that myself. I never did bother to find out simply because at $40.00 per engine the thought of burning up that type of dough in 6 seconds goes against my grain. I did see where a guy succesfully launched a 23 foot rocker with a little over 225 D engines. They used a flash pan ignition where they pour powder into a container that covers all of the engines and is really the only way to reliably get the engines to fires at approx the same time. TO be honest the launch was pretty lackluster and in all honesty the only one it would endanger would be the guy lighting the pan. As far as I can tell though it looks like what you said was correct.
Posted on: 10/10/2007 6:02 PM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6474394

RE: Extra-AMA Modeling
Well "FREE" is a relative term. I held a level one tickeet on the rocket side which allowed me to purchase and fly up to an I engine. The stuff you see in rocketry starts at a 1/2 A engine and goes up to a G engine. No certificate needed to buy these engines. Then if you want to go bigger you have to join NAR and succesfully build and fly a rocket that houses an H or an I motor. The rocket simply has to land safely and be ready to go back into the air with no repairs and you have your ticket. These launches cost about $30.00 up to about $40.00 per flight and thats the main reason I got out of it. Then if you want to go bigger then that you have to take a test and succesfully fly a rocket that will hold a J, K or L engine. These launches can cost upwards of $80.00 per launch. Then you have the big daddys or a level 3 Certificate. On this one you have to build the rocket, document the build with pictures and have a successful flight and pass the test to get your level 3 cert. THis will take engines up to an O I believe and can cost as much as $300.00 per launch. WHen you join NAR you get insurance that is similar to AMA and there are rules you have to follow, like not launching live animals and other types of things. They do inhibit what you can build the rocket out of and where you can launch to a degree, but its not that bad. One thing that I noticed is the group of guys doing this sport are far more dedicated to their sport than the RC guys tend to be. We used to have to ravel about 3 times as far to get to a spot where we could launch, it took about 2 hours to set up just to launch, and we had a good group of guys worjing thier butts off doring the whole thing. Not to mention you had to stand up at the table as a launch master and a safety officer for 2 or 3 hours at a time do process all the guys wanting to fly. Honestly if the clubs I have belonged to had to work that hard to have a day of flying nothing would ever get into the air.
Posted on: 10/9/2007 1:27 PM by Author "Liberator" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6469172