We’ve Come a Long Way!

From the Publisher:

By Carl Wheeley, Publisher

As seen in the July 1975 issue of Model Aviation.

Not many may know that Model Aviation, as the Academy of Model Aeronautics official publication, was started way back in 1936 (almost 40 years ago!) and has been going in one form or another ever since. For a long while its distribution was limited to AMA Leaders and subscribers, but in 1954 circulation was increased to include all members as a benefit of dues payment. 

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The next milestone was the incorporation of Model Aviation as a distinct section of American Aircraft Modeler in 1966, thereby providing members not only with AMA news but also with interesting modeling features of all types. This arrangement continued until this past February when word came of the AAM publisher's bankruptcy. During this era the number of AMA members increased from about 16,000 to more than 52,000! 

Here We Are Today. Wisely, we think, AMA officers saw most members preferring to receive a magazine with well­rounded features at reasonable cost instead of a small newsletter-and authorized the revival of Model Aviation with the number of pages (80) that cost studies indicated could be paid for within the existing funds already allocated to AMA publications. And while this first issue did not have the benefit of a continuing operation—there was barely more than two months from the word "go" to getting this issue to the printer—in this short time span we have enlisted the aid of very capable contributing editors and sought out top designers for construction articles. Of course we expect to fine-tune contents in the months to come, continually with readers in mind. Your comments are welcomed (as are submitted articles—construction and other top grade features—which within 30 days of receipt will either be accepted and paid for or sent back).

Thanks, Advertisers! We are especially appreciative of the firms that have advertised in this inaugural issue. The revenue thus generated assures publication within budgeted costs and without touching any but the publications portion of AMA dues money. We'd also like to encourage others to advertise so that Model Aviation can be made bigger and better for you, the reader. Unlike other magazines in the field, none of the MA income goes to any owner or stockholder—it all goes to AMA members in the form of improvements and/or cost reduction. So, since the advertisers are benefitting AMA members as well as themselves, we would like members to acknowledge and thank them for their presence in MA whenever the opportunity presents itself. 

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Help for Columnists. MA has a fine array of contributing editors who will be reporting on happenings, ideas, news, hints/kinks and other items of interest in their respective categories. These are knowledgeable people who know their fields well, but they'll soon run "dry" if readers fail to replenish their store of ideas. Addresses are in the columns. Wanted are interesting photos, ideas, sketches, news, hints, etc. For each photo or idea printed, Model Aviation will pay $5.00 to the contributor. 

Substitution of MA for AAM. Many members signed up to receive American Aircraft Modeler with 1975 AMA membership, but owing to the publisher's bankruptcy, only one issue was printed in 1975 (the March issue). Even though Model Aviation started to fill AAM's place, some members (depending on joining date) will have missed up to three magazines, but they will receive credit of 58 cents toward 1976 AMA dues for each issue so missed.

It is possible that some members will not approve of substituting Model Aviation for AAM. While we hope that all members will be understanding and tolerant concerning the circumstances, anyone who is opposed to the substitution may obtain a refund on a prorated basis upon individual request in writing. 

The Last Word. Those of us on the Model Aviation staff fully realize that printing a magazine of this nature each month is a big undertaking, but especially with the many words of encouragement already received, we know that we are up to the task. And we are most appreciative of those kind words and for those likely to be received after this inaugural issue is in the hands of AMA members.

                                                                                                            —Carl Wheeley

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What Issue Is This? 

The cover says July, but this issue of the magazine was mailed to AMA members in May. Confused? Well, it's just part of the magazine game when sales are made outside of the basic mailing group—in order to provide extra lead time for distribution to outside sources. 

Since Model Aviation is to be sold at hobby shops to non­member subscribers, it's necessary to build in the advance date situation. Particularly with circulation companies is this necessary—they go by cover dates in their delivery and recall schedules. 

This arrangement is nothing unusual, since all the model magazines on the market are dated the same way. In fact, American Aircraft Modeler, which AMA members used to receive, was dated the same way. Thus the March 1975 issue of AAM was the first one for the year—mailed in January.

Since this first issue of Model Aviation for 1975 is dated July, the last issue to be received in connection with 1975 AMA membership will be the February 1976 issue, mailed in December 1975. In the meantime you can expect a little more than a month between this July issue and the next one dated August. This will be to readjust our printing/mailing schedule to more normal dates—we didn't want to delay getting this initial 1975 issue of Model Aviation any more than necessary, so we rushed it into print on a crash basis. But after the August issue you can expect regular monthly appearance.

Hopefully by now you're not confused any more. On the other hand maybe it's more confusing than ever, since the Post Office may play tricks with delivery so as to upset all planning. Whatever happens, Model Aviation is born again and in your hands. We hope you're happy with it.