AMA News
New Credit Card/Loan Programs
Since 1984, AMA members have been able to obtain credit cards and loans through a program administered by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) via Colonial National Bank of Delaware. Many members participated; the net result was roughly $40,000 of AMA general expenses offset by income from the program, at no extra cost to participating members.
As of June 30, 1988, Colonial National Bank discontinued participation and AMA no longer receives income from that program. NAA has arranged replacement programs with Maryland National Bank (MBNA) and Trans‑National Financial Services of Boston. The new programs are expected to become effective on or about September 1, with MBNA initiating the credit card program first and Trans‑National initiating the loan program shortly afterward. MBNA already operates similar programs for dozens of national organizations (for example, AOPA and ASAE).
What the programs offer to AMA members
- Improved and expanded financial services compared with the previous combination program.
- Both credit card and loan services, likely more features from a single source.
- MBNA’s credit card program is handled in a highly personalized manner; members can expect individual treatment rather than being treated as numbers.
- New MMC/MasterCard cards will carry the AMA and NAA logos and will include member benefits such as complimentary car rental insurance and other services to be explained in upcoming mailings.
What AMA gets out of the programs
- AMA receives income based on the business generated by members through the programs — in effect, AMA gets a "piece of the action."
- If sufficient members participate, this income can significantly offset annual operating costs, reduce pressure for dues increases, and help prevent service reductions caused by inflation.
- The programs allow AMA to offer member services that might otherwise be unavailable, more costly, or of lesser quality; as a large organization (over 100,000 members), AMA can secure benefits not available to smaller groups.
There is no cost to AMA: all advertising, addressing, mailing, printing, and other program-related expenses are borne by the companies offering the services. No AMA officers or employees personally profit from the programs.
Advantages
- Business is conducted by mail or phone; no in-person bank interviews are required.
- AMA can intercede in cases of special problems, misunderstandings, or communication difficulties — members are backed by the national organization.
Special message for those in the Colonial program
Members currently using Colonial accounts may switch to the new MBNA/Trans‑National programs by arranging new card and/or loan accounts and using those funds to pay off Colonial balances. Continuing with Colonial is possible on an individual basis, but AMA no longer participates after June 30, 1988.
Watch for special mailings
All AMA members will receive information about the new programs and how to enroll. These mailings describe the new services as a membership benefit; they are not generic solicitations and should be reviewed carefully.
RC Equipment Certified
History was made with the first listing of radio‑control equipment certified as meeting the technical requirements of the AMA Guidelines for 1991 narrow‑band operation.
- On March 12, 1988, the AMA Frequency Committee discussed reporting radio equipment performance and moved that AMA publish a list in Model Aviation indicating transmitters and receivers that meet AMA Guidelines.
- It was made clear that AMA will not perform testing; manufacturers must have equipment tested by independent, registered professional test laboratories and provide documentation.
- On June 10, 1988, AMA contacted manufacturers, importers, and distributors requesting submission of independent test documentation, at no cost to AMA.
- The certified systems (transmitters and receivers) that meet or exceed the AMA specifications for 20 kHz frequency spacing have been identified and are being published; testing and listing-related expenses are the responsibility of the companies providing the equipment.
(See the Model Aviation listing for the specific certified systems.)
Executive Council (E.C.) Meeting — Highlights
- Dues adjustment motion: A plan to reduce processing and align Senior dues with those established for the Junior category was unanimously approved. Competition status remains tied to birth date (Junior vs. Senior membership cards issued accordingly).
- Staff travel: Concern over frequent absences of department heads led to approval (13 for, 1 against) for Headquarters to prepare an external activities staffing plan to stagger and reduce travel absences.
- RC Frequency Phase‑In Plan: After discussion, the combined recommendations were approved (12 for, 2 against):
- Request the FCC to grandfather nonconforming transmitters until 1991, contingent on establishing gold‑stickered (narrow‑band) radios as legal after 1991.
- Require gold or silver stickers for sanctioned events effective January 1, 1989.
- Require a declaration signed by contest participants via Contest Directors stating that lower‑band transmitters not stickered or listed are, in fact, narrow band.
- Frequency Committee changes: Recommendations from the committee chairman were accepted (12 for, 1 against).
- Advertising program: Approved unanimously (EVP abstained) to proceed with negotiations with Chuck Smith to implement an advertising campaign emphasizing the need to purchase only narrow‑band equipment.
- Executive Director search: The Council established the position of Vice Executive Director to be accomplished by January 1, 1989. An Executive Director Search Committee was appointed: Travis McGinnis (Chair), Ed Langworthy, Ed McCollough, Jim Sears, John Byrne, Bill Mathews.
- EAA Air Academy support: The Academy will partner with the Experimental Aircraft Association to develop a 1989 program to acquaint youth with model and full‑scale aviation (approved unanimously).
- Miscellaneous approvals:
- Executive Director authorized to accept replacement for the joint AMA‑NAA credit card/loan program (Colonial canceled June 30, 1988; replacement via MBNA offered).
- Council authorized a second National Fun‑Fly for 1989 (Memorial Day weekend) at Wright‑Patterson AFB, Ohio.
- The Past Presidents Council was renamed Council of Presidents; the sitting president will also serve as a member. Hall of Fame members will review nominations for awards; normally up to five recipients annually unless increased by vote.
- Award: Jim McNeill was presented the AMA Fellowship Award.
- Meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m.
AMA Museum Patron's Program
Benefits: service, prestige, recognition.
Categories of patrons (tax deductible)
- Regular: $10 per year donation. Provides a Special Card with five‑digit number, special pin, bumper sticker, patch, and the Museum Newsletter (Hall of Famers).
- Charter: $100 first‑year donation; $10 per year thereafter. Includes Regular benefits with a three‑digit number and a Charter Member version of the pin, plus Honor Wall listing.
- Life: $1,000 one‑time donation. Includes Regular and Charter benefits, plus a special Life pin, patch, and two‑digit number.
The Museum Newsletter will feature correspondence and commentary among Hall of Famers and other prominent founders and contributors to model aviation history, preserving viewpoints and experiences for future modelers.
Events and Reports
National Fun‑Fly (Reno) and Future Plans
- The first AMA National Fun‑Fly and Convention was held June 24–26 in Reno. The event combined flying activities and Executive Council meetings and was well attended and successful.
- Indoor and outdoor demonstrations included a wide range of model aircraft types.
- Plans are under way for a 1989 National Fun‑Fly to be held at Wright‑Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH (Memorial Day weekend). The site is expected to support a large event with cooperation from WPAFB and the city of Dayton.
Cancellation of Outdoor Free Flight at the Nats
- Outdoor Free Flight events (except Scale) were canceled at this year's Nats due to loss of the arranged site and no viable backups. Farmers planted crops on the land, making it unavailable — a factor beyond organizers' control.
- The cancellation highlighted the challenges of relying on temporary sites and reinforced the advantage of owning or securing a permanent site.
Wings of Spring (Fairfield League of Radio Controllers)
- The Wings of Spring show was held at Danbury, CT Airport on May 22, 1988. Originally for club members, the event later invited other clubs.
- The show featured five categories, awards for top three plus Best of Show, and merchandise prizes donated by local hobby shops and manufacturers.
- Organizers Reed Kalisher and Bruce Devisser and the club were commended; attendees were encouraged to support such events to ensure their continuation.
District II Report
John Byrne District II Vice‑President 36‑29 213 Street, Bayside, NY 11361 (718) 225‑2319
Associate Vice Presidents:
- Pete Bianchini, 260 S. Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10705
- Tom Brown, P.O. Box 664, APO NY 09123
- Frank Costello, 27 Kenney St., Dover, NJ 07801
- Frank Dresch, 9 Willow Ave., Sparta, NJ 07871
- Ray Jackson, 7 Evergreen Ave., New Hyde Park, NY 11040
- Kenneth Koeppel, 184 N. Union Street, R.D. Box 217, Olean, NY 14760
- Robert Roane, 39 Monaco St., Keyport, NJ 07735
- Adam Saffer, 41 Perry Ave., Latham, NY 12110
- Tom Sauter, 2062 Rabat Lane, Phoenix, NY 13135
Frequency Coordinator:
- George Myers, 70 Froehlich Farm Rd., Hicksville, NY 11801
Second District Thoughts:
- The Executive Council meeting and the first National Fun‑Fly in Reno provided important opportunities to assess AMA accomplishments and plan future services for members.
- Many modelers flew for fun at the Reno event; indoor demonstrations of electric RC aircraft were notable.
- Plans for the 1989 National Fun‑Fly at Wright‑Patterson AFB promise expanded participation and events for a wide variety of model types.
- Club activities that introduce youth to modeling (for example, Adopt‑a‑School programs) are vital to the hobby’s growth; clubs and volunteers who work with schools and parks are encouraged and appreciated.
If you have District II news, photos, or club reports to share, send them to the District Vice‑President for possible publication.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
