AMA News

AMA NEWS

1986 Nominating Procedure

The AMA Bylaws include standing rules that supplement the Bylaws concerning details of organization and operation. Among these standing rules are those governing the AMA Nominating Committee and the procedures for making nominations for AMA officers. In 1986 the officers to be elected are: AMA President; Executive Vice President; and Vice Presidents for Districts 1, 5, and 9 — each to serve three-year terms beginning in 1986. The procedures for nomination are:

1. Nominating Committee — Composition

• All 11 Vice Presidents and the Executive Vice President shall sit on the Nominating Committee and will constitute the Committee in total (12 members).
• Members of the Nominating Committee shall not be barred from becoming nominees for office themselves.
• Voting by proxy is permitted only if the proxy is from the same district as the absent Vice President and the absentee has given written permission to the proxy to vote. An open member designated by the absent Executive Vice President may act as proxy for the EVP. A telegram from the absentee will suffice as written permission.
• The President may not appoint any member of this Committee nor be an ex officio member; neither may the Executive Director be a member of this Committee.

1. Chairman

• The chairman of the Nominating Committee shall be elected from among the committee members by majority vote.
• The current AMA President, or in his absence the Executive Director, will call the meeting to order. Once the chairman is elected, the President (or Executive Director) will relinquish the chair and leave the meeting.

1. Recording Secretary

• The Recording Secretary shall:
• keep full, accurate, and detailed written minutes of the proceedings;
• assist the Teller in the distribution, collection, and tabulation of ballots;
• submit to the President, Executive Vice President, meeting chairman and Executive Director a full written report of the meeting and the results of all voting procedures within 48 hours after adjournment.

1. Meeting Conduct

• The President (or Executive Director) shall open the meeting and preside while the committee elects a chairman.
• The newly elected chairman shall dismiss the President (or Executive Director) and appoint a Recording Secretary and a Teller. The Teller shall not be a candidate for office.

1. Candidate Nominations

• All nomination letters must be received at AMA Headquarters fifteen (15) days prior to the convening of the Nominating Committee annual meeting. A letter of acceptance by the candidate must be on file at AMA Headquarters prior to the meeting.
• Because the Nominating Committee is scheduled to meet on July 25, the deadline for receipt of nominations by AMA Headquarters is close of business Thursday, July 10.

1. Selection of Nominees

• A maximum of three (3) names shall be placed upon the ballot for each elective office.
• The assembly shall examine, evaluate and discuss all written proposals for candidacy. Nomination letters shall be read aloud by the Recording Secretary.
• Discussion shall be limited to ten (10) minutes per candidate.
• An incumbent is automatically placed on the ballot, except that a vote by three‑quarters (3/4) of the committee against placement may withhold the incumbent's name from the ballot (see Bylaws, Article IX, Section 2).

1. Voting

• One vote per person per ballot.
• Oral voting shall be by district, starting with District I and progressing numerically through District XI. If desired, voting may be by secret written ballot.
• If the question of placing an incumbent's name on the ballot arises, that question shall precede voting on other nominees. Voting for placing nominees on the ballot shall follow the sequence: President, Executive Vice President, then Vice Presidents.
• When three names are nominated, elimination will be by simple majority vote. A simple majority prevails except as noted in 6.d.
• If only three names are submitted for a district or national office, the chairman may move for a nomination by acclamation.

1. Finalization of Proceedings

• The Recording Secretary's written report shall be submitted to all Vice Presidents and the EVP within 15 days of the meeting for comments, corrections, and approval.
• The report must be approved by three‑quarters (3/4) of all attendees at the meeting (Vice Presidents and EVP or their proxies).

1. Adjournment

• An affirmative vote on an adjournment motion, duly made and seconded, will adjourn the meeting.

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Sound and Model Aeronautics

Howard Crispin

Reactions to sound vary, but complaints about noise can arise anywhere — even at well-established flying sites. I have seen many reports that say “It will not happen here.” The truth is it can happen anywhere. A site that has been fine for years can suddenly draw complaints if neighbors change or if new development occurs nearby.

I recently read an article about population growth in Kenya where one consequence was a ban on drums at night because they disturbed the populace. If drums can be banned in areas without electricity and telephones, you can see how sensitive communities can become.

Sound at any level and from any source can be an annoyance. Our best defense is to be proactive: lower noise output where possible, monitor sound levels, be considerate of neighbors, and work to resolve complaints before they escalate.

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President's Corner

By John C. Grigg, President, Academy of Model Aeronautics

Happy Birthday AMA!

This month we celebrate our 50th anniversary. We have come a long way since 1936 — from rubber power to powerful engines, from primitive radios to hand-held sets offering near-perfect control, and from a handful of members to over 105,000 today. Our growth surged after World War II and again in the early 1970s and mid-1980s. Who can predict our size in the 1990s and beyond?

Captured Commentary — “Damned If You Do” (Adapted from John L. Baker’s AOPA column.)

Occasionally we get contradictory complaints: some say “You have no interest in the little guy,” others “You do too much for sophisticated users.” The facts show AMA attempts to protect the rights and privileges of all members. When decisions are made we consider the impact on all modelers. If a proposed action helps one group but harms another, we generally oppose it or seek modifications to reduce adverse effects. The aim is to find balance and do what is best for the majority while protecting the right to build and fly model aircraft for everyone.

Our Prime Concern Flying fields are our prime concern — but equally critical is providing insurance coverage to owners of sanctioned clubs’ flying sites. Without insurance, most clubs would lose their flying sites. Insurance availability has declined; we have already lost half our coverage enjoyed in 1985 and cannot guarantee coverage for 1987. One solution, followed by organizations like AOPA, is forming a wholly-owned insurance subsidiary to self-insure. That path will take time and money and may require temporary cutbacks in other services. The Executive Council’s goal is to avoid increasing dues while protecting services and ensuring the hobby’s future.

Change the Magazine The Executive Council has resolved to increase the column size for officers to a full page starting July 1986. This will require adjustments elsewhere — possibly reducing other features slightly. Beginning with July 1986 each Vice President will fill a page of the AMA News section. If you have opinions about these changes, write your VP and send a copy to AMA. It’s your magazine — let us know what you think.

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Executive VP's Report

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

• Club flags: All chartered clubs will be mailed a red, white, and blue AMA flag in the 1986 club renewal package. Use it at your field, meetings, or in club publications.
• Membership processing: We are switching to a new in‑building computer system. This changeover has caused some delays early in the year; the system should run smoothly by next year.
• Permanent Nats site: A committee has been exploring the idea of a permanent site for the Nationals. Opinions are mixed. Please share your views — use the informal poll below and write if you have comments.

POLL I think AMA should have its own permanent Nationals flying field somewhere. YES □ NO □ (Please include your name and any comments or suggestions.)

• Mortgage fund — Secretary/Treasurer’s Fund: We’re launching a voluntary contribution program to retire the building mortgage. Each month we will publish the names of contributors to the Secretary/Treasurer Mortgage Fund. Adults contributing $5 will be listed; juniors and seniors contributing $1 or more will be listed. Contributions will be kept in a separate fund; as it builds to increments of $100, each thousand will be sent to the mortgage holders and reported in the magazine.

Initial Honor Roll:

• Dolphus Spivey — Birmingham, AL — $5.00
• Lillie Ebaugh — Mountain Brook, AL — $2.00

If everyone participates, we hope to pay off the $860,000 mortgage in about two years. Mail donations to the Executive VP or to Lynne Grindeland, AMA HQ.

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Executive Director's View From HQ

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

Model Aviation's 50th Birthday The first Model Aviation issue was June 1936 (5½ x 8½ in., 16 pages). Over the years the size and format changed; by the mid-1960s it was 8 x 10¾ in. In June 1966 Model Aviation became part of the newsstand magazine American Modeler until AM ceased publication in March 1975. After a brief gap, Bill Winter and Carl Wheeley relaunched Model Aviation in July 1975 as a full-size magazine (80 pages). That reborn magazine contributed to substantial membership growth.

F3B Participation A previous report listed F3B team selection program participants by district: 1‑5, 2‑12, 3‑2, 4‑6, 5‑1, 6‑8, 7‑17, 8‑16, 9‑12, 10‑82, 11‑1; total: 172.

75 Years Young W.L. “Bill” Brown, who began his engine business in the early 1930s, turns 75 on May 30. He now produces CO2-powered engines. Many of his older Brown Junior engines are still flown in Old Timer and Vintage events — a great tribute to his work. Congratulations, Bill!

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Flying Sites and the Fiftieth Anniversary

Geoffrey Styles, Director of Public Relations

One of the biggest problems facing AMA members this 50th anniversary year is flying fields — retaining existing fields, obtaining new ones, or replacing lost sites. Problems include noise complaints, safety, and encroachment by development. The National Center works with chartered clubs every day to counsel, advise, provide documentation, and share expertise on getting sites or countering opposition.

Clubs can improve their image and local support through mall shows, Adopt‑A‑School projects, youth activities, and other community outreach. At the national level, AMA is a member of the American Recreation Coalition (ARC) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). Through ARC we made a presentation to President Reagan's Commission on American Outdoors in November 1985; our input will be part of the final report to the President in Fall 1986. Through NRPA we maintain contact with parks and recreation professionals — the people clubs often deal with when seeking public land flying sites.

What you can do NRPA is asking for input to state governors as part of statewide recreation assessments. Now is a great opportunity for AMA-chartered clubs to make the sport and its needs known to top elected officials. Write your governor: tell what you do, your needs, where the sport is going, and what it means to you and the community. Contact national headquarters if you need help preparing a statement.

Awards and Raffle (example items and winners from a recent event)

• Raffle winner (Gregg Colby, Georgetown, MA) — Trainaire 20, Royal 25 engine, Futaba Conquest radio, one‑year club membership.
• Awards:
• Mary Hebert — Best Trainer
• Charlie Frothingham — Best Non‑Scale; Best Covering
• Charlie Eaton — Best Military Scale
• George Donahue — Best Civilian Scale
• Herb Cotterly — Best Expert Scale; Best Paint
• Brad Oliver — Best Cart
• Peggy Farrington — Best Reader
• Ed Rogers — People's Choice

Club activities like constructing a Trainaire 20 during a show are excellent public outreach and give the public a firsthand look at RC modeling.

1986 Nationals and 50th Anniversary Fun‑Fly Planning is progressing well. Entry forms are available — send them in early and make hotel reservations. There is no reason the Fun‑Fly should detract from the Nationals; both events can coexist.

Frequency Conflicts Between Cars and Aircraft There has been an increase in frequency conflicts between car and aircraft groups. Remember that each group has its own frequency block. The shared frequencies (72.16, 72.32, 72.96) remain legal only until January 1, 1988, when additional frequencies will no longer be legal for R/C use. Dealers should ensure the equipment they sell uses the correct frequencies. Contact AMA HQ with questions.

Fifteen Ways to Kill a Radio Control Club (from Ponderosa Hawks R/C Club)

1. Don't attend meetings, but if you do, arrive late.
2. Be sure to leave before the meeting is over.
3. Never have anything to say at meetings; wait until you are outside.
4. The next day, find fault with your officers and fellow members.
5. Take no part in club affairs.
6. Sit in the back so you can talk things over with another member; nobody will notice.
7. Get all the organization will give, but give nothing in return.
8. Never ask anyone to join members in promoting good fellowship.
9. Talk cooperation, but never cooperate.
10. Threaten to leave the club if everything is not the way you want it.
11. If asked to help, always say you haven't the time.
12. Never read the bulletin; you might find out what's going on.
13. Never accept an office or serve on a committee. It is much easier to criticize than to do things.
14. If appointed to a committee, never give any time to it; let the chairman do it all.
15. Don't do anything more than you have to, and when others willingly and unselfishly use their ability to help the cause, howl because the club is being run by a clique.

Remember — Flying Should Be Fun!

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II DISTRICT REPORT

John Byrne, District II Vice‑President 36‑29 213 Street, Bayside, NY 11361 — (718) 275‑3819

Associate Vice Presidents

• Pete Bianchini, 260 S. Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10705
• Tom Brown, P.O. Box 861, APO NY 09123
• Frank Costello, 27 Kearney St., Dover, NJ 07801
• Frank Dresch, 9 Willow Ave., Piscataway, NJ 08854
• Ray Jablonski, 7 Evergreen Ave., New Hyde Park, NY 11040
• Hank Lukes, 46 Cory Dr., Toms River, NJ 08753
• Adam Satter, 41 Perry Ave., Latham, NY 12110
• Jon Satter, 2026 Rabbit Lane, Phoenix, NY 13135

Frequency Coordinator

• George Myers, 70 Froelich Farm Rd., Hicksville, NY 11801

Second (District) Thoughts Recent Executive Council meetings have included long‑range planning sessions using brainstorming techniques to solicit and prioritize goals for AMA. The sessions emphasize that one of the greatest present needs is acquisition and retention of flying sites. Short-range planning is also needed and desirable.

Ceiling‑Talk / Indoor Flying The International Convention Center Arena in Niagara Falls, NY, is becoming a hub for US/Canadian indoor flying. Contact Jack Brown (1446 Red Jacket Road, Grand Island, NY — Tel: 716‑773‑5674) for CAN‑AM Indoor Championships details (May 11, 1986), or Jack McGillivray in Toronto (416‑421‑1108). The Fifth U.S. Indoor Championships are planned for June 17–19; contact Tony Italiano (1655 Revere Drive, Brookfield, WI — after 7 p.m.: 414‑782‑6256).

Erratum Correction: The Richmond Model Flying Club of Staten Island, NY is holding its Annual Air Show at Al Lobato Field on Sunday, May 25, 1986 (not May 26).

18th Annual WRAM Show The Westchester Radio Aero Modelers show featured 112 exhibitor booths, an AMA booth with Headquarters staff present, a District II meeting, film showings, and indoor transient R/C flying under safety supervision. Delta Dart demonstrations were held each day.

RC Pulsers of Western New York The RC Pulsers sent a petition opposing a permanent Nationals site and donated $1 per member to AMA's building fund. Many thanks to that club for both the expression of opinion and the donation.

George Myers received the WRAM McEntee Award for 1986 for outstanding contributions to RC frequency compatibility.

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VI DISTRICT REPORT

Jim Sears, District VI Vice‑President P.O. Box 308, Burgin, KY 40310

• I spoke at North Point Training Center (a correctional facility) where a new club, the Corsairs, is forming for control-line flying. They have about 20 members and a well-organized meeting.
• Les Adams (Chicago area) reports a new electric club forming (call (312) 364‑0660).
• Warrenville Model Aircraft Flyers held a successful mall show with flying lessons.
• RC3 (Radio Control Club of Chicago) held a successful cold-weather fun-fly with great turnout.

Good News! The AMA Film Librarian now has Beta videotapes for sale at $25 each (prepaid shipping). Titles include:

• Those Marvelous Miniatures — 46 mins.
• Grand Illusions — 36 mins.
• Wired for Excitement — 30 mins.
• Adrift on the Air — 30 mins.
• The Choppers — 30 mins.

Order from: AMA Film Librarian, 1810 Samuel Morse Drive, Reston, VA 22090. Specify "Beta" and include $25 per tape.

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VIII DISTRICT REPORT

Johnny Clemens, District VIII Vice‑President P.O. Box 645735, Dallas, TX 75236

Associate Vice Presidents

• Daniele Bell, Dallas, TX
• Bob Friend, Little Rock, AR
• Charles Harmon, Hot Springs, AR
• Gene Harlson, San Angelo, TX
• William Hurley III, Pleasanton, TX
• Alan Rowe, Irving, TX
• Larry Saylor, Bartlesville, OK
• Ed Shearer, Metairie, LA

District VIII Meeting A general District VIII meeting is scheduled for June 1, with mini‑meetings for special interests (Free Flight, newsletters, soaring, R/C, Control Line, Pylon Racing, club organizing, etc.). The meeting will likely be at a Dallas Park and Recreation center. Contact Randy Randolph, P.O. Box 271048, Dallas, TX 75227 — (214) 381‑7624 — or Johnny Clemens for details.

Contests and Fun‑Flies

• Hot Springs Scale Rally (Fun‑Fly) with $500 in prizes — June 1.
• Arkansas Jumbo Fun‑Fly at Petit Jean State Park — May 31–June 1.

(Contest plugs should also appear in the national Contest Calendar.)

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IX DISTRICT REPORT

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

Associate Vice Presidents

• Frank Clarke, Beatrice, NE
• Gene Condon, Casper, WY
• Ed Cox, Prairie Village, KS
• Dick Croner, Aurora, CO
• Russ Miller, Laramie, WY
• Jim Rickel, Sioux Falls, SD

Frequency Coordinator

• Steve Mangeles, Radio Service Center, 918 S. Sheridan, Denver, CO 80226 — Day (303) 922‑8107; Evenings (303) 936‑3266

Nebraska Legislative Victory Nebraska Bill 786, which would have effectively banned model plane flying in the state, died in committee by a vote of 7 to 1. Much credit to Bob Willey of Lincoln and to local clubs. Hiring professional lobbyists helped — costs are real; donations and moral support are requested. Contact Bob Willey, 620 Dale Drive, Lincoln, NE 68510.

Appointments and Activities

• Frank Clarke appointed as Associate Vice President for Nebraska.
• North Dakota held a state calendar-planning meeting in Bismarck; results were positive.
• Jefferson Aeromodelers (Denver area) held an auction raising over $23,000 — a major fundraiser.

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X DISTRICT REPORT

David L. Peltz, District X Vice‑President 20450 Ciel St., Chatsworth, CA 91311

What do you expect from your AMA Vice President? I’ve received a case from a District 10 member who feels he was wronged in competition and has substantial documentation. The Executive Council prefers not to revisit the matter further. As your elected representative, should I pursue the case even if it is unpopular with the Council? I welcome your input on whether you expect your Vice President to advocate for individual members even when politically difficult.

Around the District

• Recent contests attended include a Pattern contest at Moffett Field, a San Diego meet at the Rose Bowl, and a Formula 1 event at Sepulveda Basin.
• Many well-run meets and strong participation continue across the District.

AMA Sound Committee / Electric Model When appointed to the AMA Sound Committee I built a Goldberg J-3 Cub kit and installed an Astro 40 geared Cobalt electric motor. The result: a 9.5 lb. model that flies beautifully and produces virtually no noise. I sent photos and data to Bill Winter for an article and to Goldberg for a possible electric data sheet.

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Competition & Events (Selections from across districts)

• Check the national Contest Calendar for full event listings and dates.
• The 1986 Nationals will include a National Fly-In at the end of the regular contest schedule — many non-competitive activities planned for the Golden Anniversary.

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Miscellaneous Club News & Anecdotes

• Dismal swamp story: James Waltman's Sportster was lost in a swamp and unlikely to be recovered.
• Amory RC Modelers use empty gelatin capsules (No. 000) as containers for members' names for drawings; capsules are audited yearly.
• Knox County RC Club (KCRC) reported an incident where an individual fired shots near a flying site after his mother complained about noise — a reminder that safety and relations with neighbors can be volatile.
• Lake Aircraft Radio Kontrol Squadron (FL) is considering a “prop clock” as a gift to their landowner to help preserve the flying site; the club also supports local Boy Scout aviation merit badge efforts.
• R/C Helicopter events are growing; the Mississippi Aces hosted an all-R/C helicopter fun‑fly, and Tangerine had about 50 helicopter entries this year.

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Notices and Resources

• Frequency issues: Dealers and clubs should ensure equipment operates on the correct frequencies for its intended use. The shared frequencies for certain uses are being phased out — check AMA HQ for current rules and effective dates.
• Beta tapes (see VI District): AMA Film Librarian — 1810 Samuel Morse Drive, Reston, VA 22090 — $25 each (specify Beta).

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If you have corrections, submissions, or reports for AMA News, contact AMA Headquarters or the appropriate district Vice President. Your input keeps the communications link functioning — write to your district VP or associate VP and help shape the future of model aviation.

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