The Scale Masters Program exists for the purpose of developing and growing the sport of scale aircraft modeling across the country. It is structured around 22 regional qualifier contests and one grand championship contest usually held the 3rd week in September. The U.S. Scale Masters Association is a non-profit organization located in Aurora, Oregon consisting of a Chairman, Board of Directors, and a Advisory Board with members all across the United States. Modelers with an interest in scale can compete at regional qualifier contests. The top 30% are then "qualified" to fly in the annual championship contest with the ultimate goal of becoming the Grand Champion. The regional qualifier competitions provide a great avenue for modelers to form friendships and exchange techniques in both flying and building.
(Picture ~ Eugene Job's SeaFury taken by Gary Norton)
The seasoned veteran competes in "Expert Scale" and vies for a position to compete at the Championships. "Team scale" is also provided for the modeler with expert building skills, but incorporates the flying skills of a fellow modeler to compete together as a team.
First you need a passion for scale radio control modeling. Second you need a scale model of a fixed wing aircraft that actually flew with documentation to prove color and markings. And thirdly you need the ability to fly it in a prototypical manner.
(Picture ~ Shailesh and Nil Patel Father and Son Team taken by Earl Aune)
Probably the best place to start is in your local R/C club. You need to be a current member of the AMA. Many clubs put on a scale contest of some kind. The AMA rule book describes an event called "fun scale". These low key contests are a great way to get started in scale radio control modeling. If your club doesn't have a scale contest of some kind, start one yourself! Contact your local AMA representative for information.
(Picture ~ Greg and Suzie Hahn Team taken by Earl Aune)
The U.S. Scale Masters Association is committed to the development and growth of Scale Aircraft Modeling by bringing people together to learn about the fascinating aspects of Aviation, Scale Realism, Competition, and Sportsmanship.
USSMA is a qualified, non-profit organization under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, which means all or a part of your donations qualify as a tax deduction.
