AMA News
Synopsis — Executive Council Meeting, October 20, 1984 (Toronto, Canada)
The following summarizes actions of the AMA Executive Council meeting in Toronto. A copy of the official minutes may be obtained from AMA HQ (available approximately February 1). Minutes become official after Council review at their next meeting in January.
Attendance
- President: John Grigg, Lockport, NY
- Executive Vice President: Jim McNeill, Birmingham, AL
- Executive Director: John Worth, Fairfax, VA
- District I VP: Ed Izzo, Holliston, MA
- VP II: John Byrne, Bayside, NY
- VP III: Dave Brown, Hamilton, OH
- VP IV: Howard Crispin, Charlottesville, VA
- VP V: Bill Mathews, Birmingham, AL
- VP VI: Bob Underwood, St. Louis, MO
- VP VII: Hardy Brodersen, Birmingham, MI
- VP IX: Travis McGinnis, Arvada, CO
- VP X: Jim Scarborough, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
- VP XI: Ed McCollough, Portland, OR
Present from AMA executive staff: Vince Mankowski, Assistant Executive Director; Micheline Madison, Competition Department Director.
Guests: Nick Meckas, Vice President, MAAC (Model Aeronautics Association of Canada); Frank Anderson, past president, MAAC.
Announcements by the President
- AMA's 1984 membership closed at 94,419.
- Ron Morgan was appointed chairman of the Nats Executive Committee beginning 1985.
- Nats dates for 1985: July 27 – August 4.
- President John Grigg was elected to the Board of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Grigg noted that recent NAA bylaw changes have been amended to restore divisional (AMA) representation, removing AMA's principal concern.
- Johnny Clemens thanked those who expressed concern for him during his illness and presented a watercolor he executed of a dreamed future AMA headquarters; it will be placed in the AMA museum.
- Bob Underwood recommended subscribing to RC Video Magazine (quarterly, $90). The President directed HQ to subscribe and make it available for visitors.
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I. Previous Meeting Minutes
- The minutes of the May 5, 1984 Executive Council meeting were unanimously approved as amended by written Council input.
- It was noted that minutes of the Nats Nominating Committee had also been approved.
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II. Executive Vice President Report
- McNeill noted continued growth of the magazine; editor Carl Wheeley was praised for his management.
- A compilation of membership statistics was distributed.
- McNeill proposed a plan to eliminate the mortgage by AMA's 50th anniversary in 1986. The Council directed that a detailed plan be developed for review at the next meeting.
- Vince Mankowski described several mortgage-reduction projects to be developed:
- Fund Fly Day.
- Providing clubs with a sanction/contest kit and advertising to recruit participants.
- Producing a brochure to solicit donations.
- Issuing a 50th-anniversary commemorative member license card.
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Recruit New Members — Earn $5 Credit for One Year
A membership recruitment program was approved for 1985:
- Any adult member (Open, Leader, Senior Citizen member, or Contest Director) who signs up a new full-service Open member will receive a $5 credit toward 1986 membership renewal.
- If a member signs up six new Open members, that member's 1986 membership will be free.
- Credits are available to clubs that sign up new members and to Contest Directors who sign up members at sanctioned meets.
- No special membership forms are required. The program is approved through the current membership recruitment year (until the end of August 1985); continuation will depend on program success and Council review at the summer meeting (usually at the National Championships).
How the program works — examples:
- Example No. 1
- A previous Open member renews and at the same time sends in a new Open membership for someone else (sends $60, name, address, previous AMA number). A $5 credit voucher is then sent by AMA HQ to the member who submitted the payment and information.
- Example No. 2
- A current Open, Leader, Senior Citizen member, or Contest Director sends in $30 plus the name and address of someone who has never been a member or has not been a member for at least one year. A $5 credit voucher is then sent by AMA HQ to the recruiting member.
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III. Committee Reports
A. Special Interest Groups
- Ed McCollough explained the committee reviews new applications and makes recommendations for initial certification. Annual renewal administration is the responsibility of AMA Headquarters.
B. Films
- John Byrne reported that John Worth recently examined extensive film footage by Jay Gerber. Two new RC films will be premiered (part one a documentary, part two a general interest film). HQ will plan production and distribution logistics for club and mall show use.
C. Safety Committee
- McNeill reported on a suggestion from Al Schaefer to dedicate a month to safety; the Council approved a Safety Month with extensive promotional coverage.
D. Noise
- Ed Izzo emphasized loss of flying sites is a major concern and noted the propeller is the main noise-producing agent. The committee will prepare materials to present the problem to the membership.
- Hardy Brodersen reported the National Free Flight Society (NFFS) has a committee addressing noise from the Free Flight viewpoint and will present a paper in early 1985.
- Dave Brown noted active AMA involvement with the FAA on noise issues and noted that noise testing at the Nats had been planned twice but not conducted; the committee recommends ensuring testing occurs.
E. Executive Director Contract
- Bill Mathews reported minor changes would be made to the Executive Director contract; revised language will be presented to the Council.
F. 1984 Scholarship Committee — Awards
- The chairman's award recommendations were reviewed and accepted (12 for, 2 against — Districts 3 and 9). The two negative votes reflected disagreement over award amounts (preference to spend more on awards), not opposition to the scholarship program.
- The President reactivated the Council Scholarship Committee for oversight of all scholarship programs and appointed: Travis McGinnis (chairman), Bob Underwood, Hardy Brodersen, and Ed McCollough.
G. Nats Committee
- John Worth reported on the September Nats Executive Committee meeting (Chicopee, MA). Attendees included R. Sonnein, B. Wisniewski, R. Morgan, B. Thompson, J. Izzo, R. Polaski, J. Grigg, and J. Worth. Nats dates were approved; future sites reviewed included Lake Charles, LA (1986) and Muskogee, OK (possibility for 1987).
- Discussion on the 1984 Nats included reports of dissatisfaction from members. It was noted that many factors beyond HQ control contribute to problems, but HQ often receives the blame. Ideas to improve Nats included:
- Funding the district VP where the Nats will be held to attend planning meetings.
- Establishing a permanent RC director.
- Better frequency allocation.
- Developing a convention-style Nats.
- Creating a complete file of Nats worker forms and job descriptions for performance review.
- Hardy Brodersen suggested assigning a single strong chief with absolute authority (answerable to the Council) and funding subordinate support people to attend the Nats as paid workers. Worth supported making a Headquarters person a full-time Nats general manager.
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IV. Headquarters Realignment Status
- The Executive Director reported partial implementation of the Council's wishes regarding Headquarters realignment. Changes include organizational chart revisions: removal of an "External Communication" box (not applicable), removal of the Special Projects Department (staffed by Doug Pratt) from PR (Flying Sites) jurisdiction. The main thrust of PR is acquisition and retention of flying sites and related media liaison.
- The Executive Director was requested to provide a complete proposal for a new organizational chart at the next meeting.
- The Director asked for guidance regarding eventual Executive Director replacement; the Council agreed to observe HQ personnel performance and consider staff for future replacement when necessary.
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V. Corporate Grants and Funds
- Discussion focused on the desirability of hiring or appointing a person with business experience to solicit corporate grants and funds for Academy and FAI needs. No action was taken at the meeting; the President had candidates in mind. Ed Langworthy noted that NAA corporate members may be solicited for funds; the gentlemen's agreement formerly prohibiting this activity has been dissolved.
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VI. HQ Computerization
- A formal study on computerization was undertaken; bids and advice were compiled. The recommended approach from that study was expensive. Meanwhile, microcomputers had been successfully used in HQ accounting and other areas. Worth requested delaying a final decision until a detailed presentation on the microcomputer approach could be made at the January Council meeting. The Council concurred.
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VII. Frequency Flag Status
- The "red flag" concept rule for switchable transmitters in the 1984–85 Rule Book was identified as controversial. Its inclusion had been directed by the Frequency Committee chair without indication of committee majority support. The Council left resolution to the Frequency Committee.
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VIII. Judging School Report
- Travis McGinnis distributed a written report on his participation at the F3A (RC Aerobatics) judging school in Genk, Belgium (attendance authorized by the Council). McGinnis will disseminate lessons learned via an article for Model Aviation and other periodicals.
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IX. AMA Travel Agency
- The Executive Director proposed establishing an AMA travel agency to provide services to the membership and officials (including FAI teams). After clarifications and discussion, the Council unanimously approved proceeding with a travel-agency phase (EVP and 7 abstaining). Final implementation will be considered at the next Council meeting pending HQ legal advice, cost analysis, and a detailed plan. Lessons from prior 1984 travel efforts will guide the new arrangement.
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President's Corner
John C. Grigg 6387 Badger Drive, Lockport, NY 14094 Home: (716) 434-3955 — Work: (716) 631-6314
A Personal Thank You
- Grigg thanked manufacturers and individuals who support AMA. He offered special thanks to Barbara Renaud of Airtronics for providing facilities for a West Coast FAI team meeting and for accommodating AMA during a holiday weekend.
Plans Dropped
- Canadian organizers declined to host a combined World Championship and Helicopter World Championship due to lack of financial guarantees. Grigg expressed disappointment but respect for their decision to avoid an underfunded event.
Nats Soaring 1985
- Many contestants criticized the 1984 Nats Soaring event. For 1985 the event returns to the Winchester plant grounds in Chicopee, MA. Grigg quoted Jeff Troy (1985 event director) emphasizing the need for experienced local support (winchmasters), cooperation with AMA for non-key worker roles, and support from Eastern Soaring League (ESL). Troy emphasized AMA is the Nats and urged cooperative improvement.
Indoor WC — Japan
- The FAI indoor team did exceptionally well at the 1984 World Championship for Indoor models: first, second, and third in individual places and first-place team honors. Team manager Larry Caillau was commended.
VP Profiles
- Grigg praised Johnny Clemens (VP District 8) and Ed McCollough (VP District XI) for long service, dedication, and contributions to AMA.
Closing
- Grigg wished members a happy holiday season and prosperous new year.
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Executive VP's Report (Jim McNeill)
- As of September 30, 1984, AMA cash assets totaled $786,405; accounts receivable totaled $279,611. Total assets (including building, fixed assets, museum contents) exceeded three million dollars. Liabilities included an $883,066 mortgage on AMA land and building.
- McNeill thanked members, HQ staff, Council, and officers for financial stability. He reiterated the need to retire the mortgage and invited suggestions.
- McNeill noted continued interest in regional activities and member involvement (examples of letters and club reports were mentioned).
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IV–XI District Reports (Selected Highlights)
III District Report — Dave Brown
- Salt Fork III annual District III meeting scheduled for January 12–13, 1985 at Salt Fork State Park lodge (S.E. Ohio). The program emphasizes beginner and intermediate seminars and activities for spouses.
- Tournament of Champions results: Steve Rojekic (winner) and other District III competitors placed well.
- Dave plans to attend the CIAM meeting in Paris as an observer. He thanked volunteer district officers and encouraged continued service.
IV District Report — Howard Crispin
- Crispin reflected on his first year as District IV VP and visited many clubs. He noted upcoming trade shows (WRAM) and recommended contacting local club contacts for group trips.
- He reported the loss of Walter Williamson (AMA 902), a long-time Norfolk Aeromodellers member and instructor; Walter helped many learn to fly.
VI District Report — Bob Underwood
- Underwood expressed optimism for 1985 and noted AMA goals: approaching 100,000 members, increased mall shows, a fun-fly day, HQ computerization, new films, a safety month, and membership-credit recruitment.
- He reported on regional fun-fly events and contests and encouraged support for the AMA Building Fund.
VII District Report — Hardy Brodersen
- Brodersen’s column noted election timing and initial remarks; district associate listings were provided.
XI District Report — Ed McCollough (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington)
- Puyallup show (Feb 2–3, 1985) highlighted as a premier District XI event. The District XI meeting and scheduling meeting will be held at the show.
- McCollough urged members to participate in Nats discussions, cited the need to stabilize volunteer experience at Reno, and thanked members for supporting the Reno Nats despite issues outside AMA control (e.g., weather).
- He highlighted junior outreach efforts (school demonstrations) and noted promising junior competitor Scott Dunphy (Medford, OR).
- Local schedules noted: Drizzle Circuit dates, indoor flying dates, Nor-Western events, and other regional meets. The Washington Scale Squadron and Big Bird gatherings were mentioned.
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XII. Other Columns and Reports
"Sixer" and FAI Involvement (District VI notes)
- Recognition of volunteers at the Control Line World Championships (Chicopee) and how District VI members contributed.
- Club reports (e.g., Skywinders Fall Classic) and encouragement for club officer participation were highlighted.
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Junior Flight — Ed Whitten
Box 176, Wall St. Sta., New York, NY 10005
Explain to Bystanders What You Are Flying — Invite Them to Join
Visitors to your flying field are curious; invite them to participate. Hand out a one-page welcome/info sheet to each visitor that explains the activity and how to get started. The Columbia Indoor Miniature Aircraft Society (CIMAS) example flyer includes:
6 STEPS TO INDOOR FLYING
- The CIMAS welcomes newcomers to indoor model airplane flying — absorbing, instructive, enjoyable, inexpensive, and fun. This memorandum answers questions about getting started.
Types of Models:
- Two basic kinds of indoor models: Flying Scale (replicas) and Duration models (designed for maximum air time). Duration depends on power, design efficiency, light weight, propeller design, and rubber motor choice.
Six Steps (recommended):
- Sign up immediately with a local contact to receive notices of flying dates.
- Sign up for the local indoor newsletter (example: The New York Indoor Times; subscriptions $5 for 10 issues).
- Purchase Building & Flying Indoor Model Airplanes by Ron Williams (includes a free plan); recommended supplier: Indoor Model Supply.
- Order catalogs from indoor materials suppliers (examples and addresses provided).
- Obtain model storage boxes (dress-shop boxes recommended) for safe transport and storage.
- Acquire basic tools: razor blades (carbon steel, double-edged), a cutting board, pine or composition building board, metal straightedge, pins, needle-nosed pliers, building weights, a good winder, and a rubber slicer.
What to Buy?
- Start with a simple rubber-powered stick model. CIMAS recommends two 14-inch-span Slow Poke kits from Indoor Model Supply: build two — the first to learn, the second to refine skills.
- After kits, progress to Micro-X Easy B and Indoor Model Supply Novice Penny Plane for advanced duration.
- For Flying Scale, start with Peanut Scale kits or beginner-friendly kits; outdoor-style kits may be built and flown indoor under appropriate conditions.
Bring completed or partial models to the flying site for help with building pointers and flight adjustments. Clubs should adapt CIMAS-style handouts to their own needs and encourage visitors to join.
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End of reformatted AMA News content.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
