Jim Adams Memorial

 SPIRIT of SAM CONCOURS

A just-for-fun event for SAM era models in which the flyers themselves decide which of the models entered best represents that spirit of imagination, experimentation and craftsmanship that characterized the early days of aeromodeling.

It is an event for those old time models, while not necessarily competitive under current duration based rules, nevertheless reward flyer and spectator alike with the pleasure of seeing them take gracefully to the air.

1. Any model which qualifies as a SAM approved design for gas, rubber, electric, hand launch or towline gliders and SAM era scale models shall be eligible for entry. There are no restrictions on engine size or type used. (This includes electric motors). There are no wing area or power loading requirements.

2. Foreign contestants are welcomed to display their locale's models that fall within the SAM era rules

3. No documentation, formal judging, or timed flights are required. The models entered in this event are expected to fly at least once during the general contest. The flight shall consist of take-off or hand-launch, climb for altitude, power cutoff, and glide to a landing. It is recommended that this one flight be kept under five minutes and that one or more of the other flyers entered in this event, or the Contest Director, be invited to observe the qualifying flight. Other flights may be made, as time permits, if the contestant wishes to demonstrate the flight qualities of his model.

4. A model that is also entered in one of the duration based competitive SAM events need not make a special flight to qualify for the Spirit of SAM Concours event.

5. Models entered in the Spirit of SAM Concours event will be identified with a number assigned by the Contest Director while they are on display to assist in the voting process.

6. All participants in the general contest, whether entered in the Spirit of SAM Concours event or not, will be invited to cast a vote, using special ballots provided by the Contest Director for their choice. In making the choice, such factors as use of appropriate materials, (construction techniques, uniqueness and special interest) of the design, complexity, general workmanship and graceful flight characteristics should be taken into account. Criteria for selection are deliberately vague. Each participant should choose the model which best represents their concept of fitting within the "Spirit of SAM."

7. The Contest Director shall count the ballots, verify that each model has performed its required flight, and announce the winners. There will be five Concours awards presented at the SAM Champs, first through fifth place. The Jim Adams Memorial Spirit of SAM Concours Perpetual Trophy award shall also be presented to the first place model. The Perpetual Trophy will reside on permanent display at the AMA museum. All Concours winners will have their name and winning date engraved on the trophy's plate