Come across this term in a lot of old kits, I think it was some type of multi-task competition for young folks. Does anyone know:
* What did AYSC stand for
* What exactly was it
* Did it ever really prosper and/or why did it die off?

THANKS in advance for your feedback!

I never figured out if the Navy sponsored it, or an industry association. But it was an event for teens, including speed, stunt and combat. State winners won trips to the NATs. They got lots of recognition from the Navy, trips onboard ships, and the like. The Navy was using it as a recruitment tool. I never saw a way to enter at our local level., and we had a very active CL club. I'll be interested to know more.

AYSC: American Youth State Championships was sponsored by HIAA; Hobby Industry Association of America. It was a competitive program where kids competed locally to become their state's represenative at a national competition, sort of like the old Plymouth Internatuionals.

Randy, was that a separate competition? There were always lots of the AYSC kids at the NATs. I had the feeling it was the HIAA, but had never had that confirmed before. Matty Sullivan and Ed Manulkin were big supporters of the AMA and HIAA during that time. Were they involved in the AYSC? FWIW, I remember it as thje Air Youth State Champs.

I think it was the Nats. I was never involved in the program though I'm of the right era. The AYSC paid all expenses for the kids that qualified. I really don't know any more about it that that.

Great feedback folks. THANKS.

Was hoping we could also run across someone who also participated - I am curious about the triple event (Speed/stunt/combat) aspects. We used to go to some contests in Ontario, Canada where they flew a "Jim Walker" event which I THINK consisted of beauty, speed, stunt and a "special stunt". Wonder if that had some of the same traits as AYSC?

Any MAAC folks out there???

This may not be fact, but from memory:

* The events had to be completed by one plane.

* Plane had to have external tank (perhaps specific size).

* I remember suggested modifications on the Junior Nobler plans for AYSC (I think it was Air Youth State Championships).

* I THINK Mackey's "Hummingbird" was designed for AYSC use.

* I believe it died out due to lack of participation.

George

Edit: Spelling

I believe I remember that the early ads for the Goldberg Buster noted that it was legal for AYSC. And the Flite Streak ad may have, too. I will look at some old ads tomorrow and see what I find.

Ok, these are just a few bits and pieces, all from MAN editions in 62, 63 and 64.

Feb 62 SIG advertisement lists Dave Fox of PA as the nat'l champ of AYSC. Lists events as Beauty, Endurance, Speed and Stunt.

Jan 64 Top Flite ad for Jr. Nobler as AYSC trophy winner, but no name given for flyer.
Round and Round column has phot of past AYSC winners: Bill Salisbury, Joe Melfin (sp?), Jim Ketterer, and John Davis with Art Laneau of Ambroid. Below that is a photo of Jr Stunt champ Garry Cipra with his Nobler.

Feb 65 article about the HIAA Jr Champs Cruise aboard the USS Lexington. Art Laneau is listed as Vice-chaiman of the Model Aeronautics Division of the Hobby Industries Association of America. No mention of the AYSC.

March 64 Top FLite as still shows Jr. Nobler as AYSC winner.

So, I'm drawing these inferences: that Laneau was a key figure in the AYSC and that it may have died after the 62 NATS, and certainly after 63. It had disappeared from coverage after the 63 NATS for sure.

Does anyone recognize any of the names from above? Sorry that my collection of mags is spotty during that time. Dennis, have you tried talking to Wynn Paul? If anyone should know something, he should.

A John Davis, from Indianapolis, I think, was active in Midwest stunt circles in the late 70's at least. Unfortunately, he passed away a couple of years ago. I think there was an obituary in Stunt News. He had a design called the Arrowplane. The two I saw were white with black trim. One had retracts powered by a battery on John's belt, through insulated lines. One folded a wing, at St Louis, I think; don't recall which one. I was impressed by the airplane with retracts.

I seem to recall an old Air Trails Hobbies for Young Men, or one of it's sucsessors pushing the event in the mid to late fifties maybe. They even had a couple sets of plans in their, I think Timely Plans service. I think I may still have a mag or two in a box in my attic. If I remember, they had four events to be flown with the same plane/engine/tank combination; speed, endurance, stunt, and either combat or baloon bust.
Almost forgot; the baloon bust I remember from that time period had baloons set in a row after an obstacle. You had to pass over the obstacle, the baloons closer to the obstacle were worth more than the ones farther away