AMA News

AMA NEWS

Executive Council Meeting Minutes — Continued

Due to the length of the minutes of the May 5, 1984 AMA Executive Council meeting, the remainder of the minutes follows, including Appendices I and II.

XIV. OMAHAWKS

Worth reported that after the Omahawks' legal counsel advised that the "friend of the court" brief proposed by AMA's legal counsel was not desired, the ex‑president of the Omahawks wrote an open letter to all AMA members criticizing AMA on several subjects. It was suggested that a rebuttal to Mr. Olson's criticism be published in Model Aviation. Worth distributed a draft response for Council review. The Council approved authorizing Worth to send a response letter to Mr. Olson and to publish it in Model Aviation. (Vote: 9 for; 3 against; 1 abstained — EVP.)

XV. CONTEST DIRECTOR APPLICATIONS

McGinnis asked Vice Presidents to ascertain in their districts the recent volume of Contest Director (CD) applications. He indicated possible abuse of the CD system (excessive free memberships) and suggested research to determine whether deterrence measures are desirable.

XVI. LEADERSHIP MAGAZINE

Noting the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) offers a magazine titled Leadership at a reasonable cost, it was decided that interested VPs may request subscriptions from HQ with the cost deducted from their budgets.

XVII. AWARDS

Two Superior Service Awards and one Fellowship Award were approved. Publicity will follow after presentations.

XVIII. FALL MEETING

The Fall Executive Council meeting was approved to be held in Toronto, Canada (probably October 20–21) as part of a joint meeting with officers of the MAAC (Model Aeronautic Association of Canada).

XIX. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 1:05 a.m., May 6. Several non–time-critical items were carried over to the Summer meeting of August 13.

Geoffrey Styles Director, Public Relations

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Executive VP's Report

Jim McNeill AMA Executive VP 617 South 20th Avenue Birmingham, AL 35205

When I began serving on the AMA Council in 1972, AMA had about 39,000 members. By 1984 we will easily top 90,000. I remember the old HQ office at 806 15th Street, N.W., Washington, DC — worn furniture, low ceiling, but top-notch service by a few dedicated employees under John Worth. Today we have about 40 employees, modern equipment, and our own building.

A financial note: the AMA building is not yet paid for. We still owe approximately $895,000 on the mortgage. Our Assistant Executive Director, Vince Mankowski, is organizing a campaign to pay off the note — a program dubbed "Mop Up the Mortgage." The AMA is paying about $10,000 a month on a 3% prime note; a small portion applies to principal and a $500,000 balloon is due at the end of 10 years. The goal is to accelerate repayment now.

Vince hinted that donors of $25 or more will have their names enshrined in the building; $100 contributors will receive a commemorative item.

Member mail:

• Vernon Wallace (Kingman, AZ): requested extra membership cards for CD and Open members. HQ is responding.
• Gene Wielms (Clearwater, FL): requested a list of chartered clubs in Tampa; HQ is sending lists.
• Charlie Spear (Mocksville, NC): sent excellent plastic‑encased Safety Regulations checklists; these will be distributed to Council.
• Donald Weigt (Madison, WI): urged continued AMA support of American Control Line (CL) racing teams in international competition. McNeill concurs and will continue support for CL and Free Flight (FF) teams.

Newsletter editors: to have local newsletters considered for publication in the AMA Newsletter, mail them to the Executive VP's office in Birmingham.

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AMA Homeowners Insurance Coverage Program

Geoffrey Styles Director of Public Relations

Public relations includes serving AMA members. Insurance is a sound reason to belong to AMA. Because AMA is a large organization, we can offer optional homeowners insurance through our insurer that in many cases provides better coverage or lower cost than individual policies. Such participation may also reduce AMA's exposure and help keep overall membership costs down.

Highlights of the AMA Homeowners Insurance Program:

• Policies written by Fireman's Fund Insurance Company.
• Toll-free number for quotations (AMA members): 1-800-652-4829.
• Local Fireman's Fund offices handle claims for close, immediate service.
• Replacement cost on dwelling (no depreciation).
• Replacement cost on contents (no depreciation).
• $300,000 comprehensive personal liability coverage (many standard policies exclude aircraft accidents and group models).
• $2,000 medical payments for third-party injuries (may avoid legal action).
• $5,000 ALL RISK on models, parts and equipment (exclusions: wear and tear, nuclear damage, vermin, flying crashes).

Members may request a quotation to see whether they can save money or obtain better coverage. AMA members can increase ALL RISK coverage beyond the $5,000 level if desired. The program's success depends on member participation; increased participation helps hold down overall costs and enhances member benefits.

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Executive Director's View From HQ

John Worth AMA Executive Director 1810 Samuel Morse Dr. Reston, VA 22090

The Way We Were…

As AMA approaches its 50th anniversary in 1986, it's instructive to look back. In 1940 AMA income was just under $11,000 and the organization ended slightly in the red. Membership dues were 50¢ or $1.00 (50¢ for rubber‑powered model fliers; $1.00 for gas powered to cover extra insurance cost). HQ salaries totaled about $4,000 for an Executive Director, Secretary, Technical Director, secretary‑stenographer, and clerical help.

Post‑World War II growth was dramatic. By mid‑1946 membership income jumped to $33,053 (for half a year) with administrative expenses just over $15,000.

In 1984, with nearly 90,000 members, 40 employees, an annual budget around $3 million, and our own building valued at over $1 million, the change is remarkable. For the 50th anniversary we expect over 100,000 members. If the "burn‑the‑mortgage" campaign is successful, the building could be debt‑free. We borrowed nearly $1 million to build the headquarters/museum; average donations of $10 per member and $100 per club would allow quick payoff.

AMA's Olympics…

A major Control Line World Championships will be held at Westover Air Force Base, Chicopee, MA, September 17–21. Twenty‑one countries, including the People's Republic of China, have sent entry information. Events: Speed, Team Race, Precision Aerobatics, and Combat. It is the first Control Line World Championships in the U.S. and the Western Hemisphere. There is no admission charge for spectators.

FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) is the international body analogous to the Olympic organization; AMA funding for teams comes mainly from the FAI budget, supported by a $1 allocation from each adult AMA member. Teams and competitions occur frequently worldwide; for 1984 and 1985 AMA will send teams to multiple international events.

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Sig Memorial Scholarships Awarded — Five Students

The Sig Memorial Fund was created in memory of Glen Sigafoose, co‑founder and president of Sig Manufacturing Company (Montezuma, IA). Glen was killed in 1980 in a crash of a Pitts Special biplane at an air show. Contributions to the fund have come from Sig Manufacturing, friends, and supporters. Administration is handled by AMA and the scholarships supplement AMA's basic scholarship programs. Any student AMA member with financial need may apply; past AMA scholarship winners are automatically eligible. No set number of winners is chosen each year.

Recipients (1983/1984):

• SUSAN BROWN — Stone Mountain, GA

Very active in model aviation; member of Thermal Thumbs (Atlanta). Susan has flown at the Nats since 1980, earning first, second and third place trophies at the King George Contest (1980, 1982, 1983). AMA member since 1976. Girl Scout for 11 years; active in high school marching and concert bands. Member of the National Honor Society and Math Honor Club. Student at DeKalb Community College (Clarkston, GA), studying Business Administration; named to the Dean's List.

• KENNETH PURZYCKI — Parsippany, NJ

Graduated from Parsippany Hills High School; student at Old Dominion University (Norfolk, VA), majoring in Computer Science. Interests: model aviation, competitive swimming and computers. Won local, regional and national swimming awards; 1983 high school swim team won the New Jersey State Championships. Control Line flier with the Garden State Circle Burners; competed since 1979. Finished second in Precision Aerobatics at the AMA Nats; competed in 1980 and 1982 Nats. Began in modeling at age four with family encouragement.

• ROBERT BALDUS — Des Moines, IA

Flying in serious competition since 1980; won first place in both Fast and Slow Combat at Minneapolis. Enjoys modeling as a family sport; father and twin brother are active. Active in high school cross‑country and Boy Scouts for 10 years. Worked in local restaurants to finance education. Graduated 12th of 336 students; engineering student at Iowa State (Ames).

• PATRICK BALDUS — (Des Moines, IA)

Ranked in the upper 5% of his graduating class. Member of Talented and Gifted (TAG) Club and achieved Eagle Scout rank. For relaxation enjoys collecting postage stamps.

• FABIO CAMPAO — Newburgh, NY

Following a course in Aeronautical Engineering at Syracuse University. Graduated Valley Central High School in the top 5% (18th of 337). Member of National Honor Society, Spanish and Beta Tau Honor Societies. Varsity award for the ski team. Active in marching band, chess club, and photography (yearbook photography editor). Earned Eagle Scout rank. Active in RC contests with several trophies. Member of the SOURS club.

We wish all recipients success in their college careers. Sig Manufacturing and AMA are proud to assist these deserving students.

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The White House Recognizes AMA's Adopt‑A‑School Program

The White House (James K. Coyne, Special Assistant to President Reagan on Private Sector Initiatives) has requested details of AMA's Adopt‑A‑School Program. The program — announced in Model Aviation (August 1983) — encourages AMA chartered clubs to assist local schools and educators.

Proposal:

• AMA Public Relations suggests that chartered clubs "Adopt‑A‑School" by purchasing a $30 full AMA membership (from club funds) for a teacher (math, science, industrial arts). Club members assist the teacher with model aviation programs for students.

Activities clubs could provide:

• Model flying demonstrations (if space permits).
• Show‑and‑tell sessions to demonstrate skills and fun.
• Help founding a school Model Aviation Club (only three people required).

Benefits:

• Good community recognition for clubs.
• Local governments are more receptive to flying site requests if they know clubs are helping schools.
• Noise or other complaints are better received when clubs have a positive community role.

Requirements:

• Club members agree on a support schedule to minimize individual burden.
• Many clubs have members with flexible schedules (shift workers, Saturday volunteers).

Public Relations (P.R.) values:

• Local media seek community involvement stories. Helping students improve in math or science brings positive recognition.
• Clubs may find additional community sponsors or help securing flying sites.

National impact:

• The program helps improve youngsters' math and science skills and can raise national recognition for model aviation.

Club recognition:

• AMA will present a Certificate to participating clubs.
• Special patches will be available at low cost; certification by a club officer will ensure only active participants receive patches.

Summary:

• The program is a public‑spirited opportunity to support education and promote model aviation.

How to sign up:

• Write to the AMA Public Relations Department with the school name and program plan. PR will provide brochures and sample letters. Submit the teacher's AMA application and the teacher's AMA number for recognition certification.

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"The Aviator" Contest Is On!

See the June 1984 issue of Model Aviation (page 101) for full details or write to AMA.

Details:

• Competing models: scale flying or non‑flying models most representative of full‑size airplanes built and flown between 1915 and 1935.
• Judging criteria: appearance, accuracy and detail.
• Entry postmark window: August 16 through September 6.

Participating malls (partial listing; more to follow):

• Alabama: Eastwood Mall, Suite 220, Eastwood Mall, Birmingham, AL 35210.
• California:
• Anaheim Plaza, 500 N. Euclid St., Anaheim, CA 92801.
• The Courtyard Mall, 550 Deep Valley Dr., Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274.
• Puente Hills Mall, 449 Puente Hills Mall, City of Industry, CA 91748.
• Florin Center, 6117 Florin Rd., Sacramento, CA 95823.
• Santa Rosa Plaza, 235 Santa Rosa Plaza, Santa Rosa, CA 95401.
• Colorado: Mall of the Bluffs, 3650 Austin Bluffs Pkwy., Colorado Springs, CO 80907.
• Illinois: Park Forest Mall (partial listing continues).

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Minutes of May 5, 1984 Executive Council Meeting — Appendices I and II

APPENDIX I — AMA/FAI Program Operating Funds

Sources of funds:

1. Membership allocation: $1.00 from each open membership.
2. FAI stamp sales: net profit through sale of FAI stamps.
3. Donations: specifically earmarked for the FAI Operating Fund.
4. AMA general funds: allocated by Council action as follows:

• The Executive Director will prepare an annual FAI Operating Fund budget showing projected income and expense. Additional funding needs will be authorized by Executive Council action and taken from AMA general funds. The budget is to be presented and approved at the last Council meeting preceding the budget year.
• Adjustments required during the budget year will be subject to Council action and taken from AMA general funds.
• The AMA President may designate a Contingency Fund amount as part of each annual operating budget.
• Surplus from U.S.-hosted World Championships.
• An AMA FAI fund‑raising program will be inaugurated, administered by an HQ staff person designated by the Executive Director. A fund‑raising chairman will be designated by the AMA President to raise funds for budget shortfalls. Any remaining shortfall will be provided from general funds unless the Executive Council acts otherwise.

Application of funds:

1. NAA franchise fee and related World Championship hosting fees.
2. U.S. team expense. AMA funding of U.S. teams requires Council authorization:

• Team composition defined by the FAI Sporting Code for the event.
• Modifications may be made by Council action but shall not be less than FAI requirements.

1. U.S. team expenses covered:

• Entry fees, including lodging and meals for the duration of the meet.
• Airfare from the principal airport nearest the competitor's home to the principal airport nearest the World Championships site.
• Team practice for up to three days at the World Championships site.
• Model box transportation, up to 80% of actual cost.

1. Other expenses:

• U.S. World Champions (when AMA members).
• AMA‑hosted World Championships in the continental U.S.: offers to host must be based on a break‑even business plan using conservative participant projections plus a 10% contingency. Only special expenses incurred by HQ (staff travel, per diem, printing, patches, memorabilia, local transportation, etc.) shall be charged to the event; normal staff salaries and office expenses shall not be charged. HQ personnel participation is subject to Presidential approval upon the Executive Director's request.

1. FAI meeting expense:

• Three categories: AMA national officer participation; CIAM elected officials/subcommittee chairs or members; AMA staff/observers/guests as designated by the AMA President (not to exceed three people per year).
• Funding sources:
• AMA national officers: AMA general funds.
• CIAM elected officials/subcommittee chairs or members: AMA general funds.
• AMA staff/others: by presidential determination with Council approval, or by Council request with simple majority approval from general funds.

1. FAI Contingency Fund: disposition at the AMA President's discretion.

Other considerations:

• Program participant funds (entry fees, donations) are controlled by the appropriate team selection committee; HQ staff manages receipts, deposits, disbursement, banking, accounting and periodic reports. Balances in excess of $2,500 will be transferred as determined by the AMA Comptroller.
• One Council member will be designated to monitor the FAI Operating Fund and report at each Council meeting.
• Fund management is a routine AMA general function under the Executive Director.
• Any fund surplus will carry forward to the next year; deficits will be carried to the following year.

APPENDIX II — Rule Change Cycle (1984–1985)

• January 1, 1984: Start of cycle.
• January 1–September 1: Basic proposals accepted. HQ assigns numbers and sends copies to Chairman/Coordinator for review and breakdown into subparts. Returned to HQ for distribution to Contest Board (CB) members. Continuous during this period.
• September 1, 1984: Postmark cutoff for new proposals.
• September 1–15: Review and approval of proposals by the CB Chairman/Coordinator. Basic proposals submitted for publication in Model Aviation.
• September 15, 1984: Deadline for submitting basic proposals for publication in Model Aviation.
• October 1984: HQ and Chairman/Coordinator prepare for Initial Vote.
• November 1, 1984: Model Aviation mailed to membership; December issue contains Basic Proposals. Membership comments accepted and reviewed.
• December 1, 1984: HQ sends Initial Vote to CB members. Complete initial vote by the December 15 postmark deadline.
• January 15, 1985: Deadline to submit refined proposals for publication. Tabulate and distribute Initial Vote results and proposals that passed to CB members. These are then passed with constitutional items to CB members.
• February 1985: Chairman/Coordinator determines final wording of all proposals.
• March 1985: April issue of Model Aviation, containing refined proposals, mailed to membership.
• April 1985: Comments on revised proposals accepted from membership.
• May 1, 1985: HQ sends final vote to CB members.
• May 15, 1985: Postmark deadline — complete final vote. HQ and Chairman/Coordinator tabulate final vote and publish a synopsis of new rules.
• July 1985: Manuscript for new rule book submitted.
• August 1985: Nats.
• October 1985: Review, typeset and proofread galleys.
• November 1985: Paste‑up and print.
• December 1985: Issue new rule book.

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District Reports

DISTRICT I — New England

Ed Izzo District I Vice‑President 483 Fiske St., Holliston, MA 01746

Associate Vice‑Presidents:

• Chris Balling — Portsmouth, RI
• Robert C. Borsott — Nashua, NH
• Dennis Borden — Gardiner, ME
• Don Kraft — Duxbury, MA
• Al Novotnik — Norwalk, CT

Frequency Coordinator:

• George Wilson — Walpole, MA

Highlights:

• Control Line World Championships (Westover AFB, Chicopee, MA) planning is underway for September 17–21 with 21 countries attending. Volunteers are needed; contact Roman Polaski.
• Westover is an excellent indoor site; Yankee Indoor Championships (June 18) was successful with 34 contestants and over $750 in prizes. A national record for Junior Category III Helicopter was set by Jon Harlan (6 min., 18 sec).
• Staten Island Armed Forces Day Airshow (May 19) — Richmond Model Flying Club and Staten Island Modelers presented a successful static and flying demonstration.

DISTRICT II — New Jersey / New York

John Byrne District II Vice‑President 36‑29 213 Street, Bayside, NY 11361 — (212) 225‑8319

Associate Vice‑Presidents:

• Pete Bianchi — Yonkers, NY
• Tom Brown — c/o Effel Aeromodelers
• Frank Costello — Dover, NJ
• Frank DeSena — Piscataway, NJ
• Ray Juschkus — New Hyde Park, NY
• Hank Liskes — Toms River, NJ
• Alan Satter — Latham, NY
• Don Sauter — Phenix, NY

Frequency Coordinator:

• George Myers — Hicksville, NY

Notes:

• Encouragement to attend the Nats in Reno and to overcome fear of competing — the Nats are open to all qualified AMA members.
• Local events: Jersey Coast Sport Fliers (Jamesburg, NJ) and the Rhinebeck Classic (Cole Palen Aerodrome, Rhinebeck, NY).

DISTRICT III — Ohio / Pennsylvania / West Virginia

Dave Brown District III Vice‑President 4560 Layhigh Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013

Associate Vice‑Presidents:

• Joe Elder — Solon, OH
• Frankie Shumley — Vienna, WV
• Corky Heitman — Holgate, OH
• Laird Jackson — Philadelphia, PA
• Eugene Schoby — Scottdale, PA

Frequency Coordinator:

• James Beardor — Cincinnati, OH — (513) 842‑4406

Issues discussed:

• Flying site conflicts: clubs breaking up and establishing new sites too close to existing fields. These situations are complex (closed/reopened fields, non‑chartered groups, individuals flying on private property). AMA can advise and guide, but formal remedies are limited; Council may need to develop guidelines.
• Recruiting youth: decline in hobby shops, less media coverage, and fewer entry points to the hobby. Clubs must be visible and active in recruiting new members across all modeling disciplines.
• Noise concerns: mufflers and quiet sport engines are an increasing issue. Clubs and AMA should explore noise mitigation solutions and work with manufacturers where appropriate.

Local activity:

• Memphis Model Market was successful with strong vendor participation and bargains.
• Clubs continue public outreach and demonstrations.

DISTRICT IX — Plains / Mountain States

Travis McGinnis District IX Vice‑President 8027 W. 81st Circle, Arvada, CO 80005

Associate Vice‑Presidents:

• Bill Binda — Omaha, NE
• Gene Corman — Casper, WY
• Ed Cook — Prairie Village, KS
• Bob Crowley — Aurora, CO
• Jim Etten — Garden City, KS
• Jan Rattan — Scottsbluff, NE

Frequency Coordinator:

• Steve Manglos — Denver, CO — Day (303) 922‑8107; Evening (303) 936‑3266

Highlights:

• Grand Junction RC Modelers featured in "The Senior Voice" — good PR for model aviation.
• Denver Mile‑Hi RC Club and other area clubs raised $500 in April for a medical fund for a child in need.
• Clubs are encouraged to adopt schools (contact Geoff Styles at AMA HQ for details).
• Reminder: Nats (August 5–12, 1984; Reno, NV).

DISTRICT X — Western States

Jim Scarborough District X Vice‑President 30717 Rue Langlois, Rancho P.V., CA 90274

Associate Vice‑Presidents:

• Darrin B. Barr — Scottsdale, AZ
• Tom Bunker — Las Vegas, NV
• Glenn Carter — Walnut Creek, CA
• Bob Kranpman — Orangevale, CA
• Bob Reynolds — Tucson, AZ
• Betty Stelm — Long Beach, CA
• Al Tuttle — Pukalani, Maui, HI
• Al Williamson — Chula Vista, CA

Frequency Coordinator:

• Hal Jackson — Fair Oaks, CA — (916) 961‑9603

Notes:

• Executive Council joint meeting with Contest Board chairmen addressed rulebook timing; cross proposals were dropped. Proposals are due by September 1.
• Visited Las Vegas Radio Control Club and other local clubs; encouraged clubs to invite VP for visits.
• AMA booth is available for mall shows at no cost — clubs may schedule through District VP.
• Building fund drive continues; many clubs have donated and have recognition at HQ.

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Additional Notes from AMA HQ / Public Relations

• Students with financial need who are AMA members may apply for scholarships; AMA scholarship winners are automatically eligible. There is no set number of winners each year; 1983 winners received $500 awards.
• Welcome to Charles Reed III (KCRC) as Contest Board member for Radio Control Aerobatics.
• Many clubs continue to host successful public demonstrations, mall shows, and recruit new modelers through buddy systems and indoor events.

Geoffrey Styles Director, Public Relations

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Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.