AMA News

Synopsis — Executive Council Meeting, October 22, 1988

The regular fall meeting of the Academy of Model Aeronautics Executive Council was held at AMA Headquarters, Reston, VA. The meeting was brought to order at 9:00 a.m. by President Don Lowe, who chaired the meeting. Guests and assembly members introduced themselves, followed by several announcements.

Attendance:

• President: Don Lowe, Altamonte Springs, FL
• Executive Vice‑President: Dave Brown, Hamilton, OH
• Executive Director: John Worth, Fairfax, VA
• District I Vice‑President: Don Krafft, Duxbury, MA
• VP‑II: John Byrne, Bayside, NY
• VP‑III: Bob Brown, Bradford, PA
• VP‑IV: Howard Crispin, Charlottesville, VA
• VP‑V: Lee Webster, Manchester, TN
• VP‑VI: Jim Sears, Burgin, KY
• VP‑VII: Pete Waters, Northville, MI
• VP‑VIII: John Clemens, Dallas, TX
• VP‑IX: Trav (Travis) McGinnis, Arvada, CO
• VP‑XI: Ed McCollough, Portland, OR
• NAA Executive Vice‑President: Ev Langworthy

Guests included Earl Witt (past president); Jack Finn (AVP District 7); Robert Landry and Dick Sherman (AVPs District 1); Doug Holland (AVP District 4); Robert Jackson (AMA legal counsel); John Baker (president, AOPA); Frequency Committee members Fred Marks, Bill Hershberger, Chuck Ahern, Howard Kuhn, Pat Miller, Ed Pearson, Mark Bundick; NAR representatives Howard Kuhn, Pat Miller, Ed Pearson, Mark Bundick; NAR representatives Lillian Worth and Molly Webster; and others.

A copy of the official minutes may be obtained upon request from AMA Headquarters. Minutes will be available approximately February 1, 1989 and are not official until reviewed for suggested changes or corrections at the next Council meeting (scheduled January 13, 1989).

Announcements by the President:

• Thanks to Howard Kuhn (AMA model rocketry representative to FAI) for helping to organize a successful U.S.A.–U.S.S.R. Spacemodels competition.
• Intention to pursue similar international tournaments with the Russians and possibly the Chinese, and to explore a combined South and North American international competition.
• The first Junior World Championships in Poland this past summer was a huge success.

I. Approval of Minutes

• Moved, seconded, and approved to accept the July 22, 1988 minutes, as amended by written Council input.

II. Executive Vice‑President's Report

• Dave Brown noted that the new Comptroller, Lynne Collins, has done an excellent job since the retirement of Gisele Jackson; there is no longer concern regarding the transition.

IV. Model Box Allowance

• The Executive Director and AMA travel agent related recent FAI team travel experiences; discussion continued.

XI–XIV (Selected EC Items)

• FAI: The Council discussed World Championship sponsorship, Combat team funding policy, and Pylon team funding for 1989 (nine people: three pilots, three callers/mechanics, one team manager, one World Champion, one champion's caller/mechanic).
• Council Members at the Nats: When a Council member is present at the Nats, travel and/or lodging expenses shall be covered for each day of attendance.
• National Aeronautic Association: Ev Langworthy briefed the Council on NAA internal affairs and requested AMA support for management changes.
• Committee Reports: Sound (90 dB at 9 feet adopted as Nationals limit); Large Aircraft (six licensed inspectors; certification changes to go through IMAA Safety Committee).

Executive Vice‑President's Report — Dave Brown

Dave Brown, Executive Vice‑President, provided reports and commentary on recent events, budget decisions, and AMA operations.

Budget and Headquarters:

• The 1989 budget was passed ($5.9 million).
• The Executive Council decided not to proceed with the proposed AMA Headquarters expansion; instead, the Council will look into relocating space nearby for the magazine and using current magazine space to expand other departments while decisions on a national flying site/headquarters location continue.

National Flying Site:

• The property acquisition committee recommended an engineering study on an east‑coast site; the Council rejected that recommendation, preferring consideration of Midwest locations.

Frequency Phase‑in Plan:

• As 1991 approaches, the frequency transition remains a concern for many fliers.
• The Council voted to delay the previously passed requirement for gold‑ or silver‑stickered transmitters at contests until December 20, 1990.
• Clubs should review their own transition plans and may need special rules to permit older equipment to operate safely during the phase‑in. Model Aviation will publish clarifications to help modelers understand the plan and its implications.

Flying Site Issues:

• Flying site acquisition and retention (noise, safety, insurance) remain major challenges for the hobby.
• Examples and local solutions were discussed, including policies for flying on public property requiring proof of insurance and designation of club responsibility for safety rules.

Closing:

• Dave encourages constructive suggestions from members and attendance at club functions and contests.

HOW I LOST MY TAIL IN LAS VEGAS!

(By Dave Brown)

A first-person account of problems at the Circus Circus International Tournament of Champions in Las Vegas, where a model airplane experienced repeated tail failures due to rudder flutter exacerbated by a propeller change that increased speed. Field repairs, modifications, and eventual use of a different prop fixed the problem. The TOC was praised for organization and attendance. Final placement: 13th. Thanks given to contest organizers and helpers. The author also recounts shipping difficulties due to the permanently epoxied tail and expresses gratitude to Dean Koger for transporting the plane home.

RC Equipment Certified

The following radio systems (transmitters and receivers) have been independently certified by a registered professional test laboratory retained by the manufacturer, U.S. importer, or distributor as meeting or exceeding Radio Control equipment specifications detailed in the Academy Guidelines for operation (20 kHz frequency spacing). This listing is informational and is not to be construed as an endorsement.

• Airtronics Spectra PCM 7P, 7H Receiver — Part No. 92985
• Airtronics Quantum PCM 8P, 8H Receiver — Part No. 92985
• Airtronics Module Series FM MD7P, 75P Receiver — Part No. 92785
• Airtronics Vanguard FM/PCM 4, 6 Receiver — Part No. 92965
• Airtronics Vanguard FM 4/6 Ch Receiver — Part No. 92765

Future issues of Model Aviation will contain an expanded listing and additional information received by AMA.

AMA HQ Services Staff

• Executive Director: John Worth
• Executive Coordinator: Joyce Hager
• Administrative Services Director: Robert Vojslavek
• Technical Director: Bob Underwood
• Comptroller: Lynne Collins
• Competition Services Director: Micheline Madison
• Special Services Director: Carl Maroney
• Membership Director: Mike Woodfolk
• Public Relations Director: Geoff Styles
• Field Projects Director: Doug Preit
• Publications Director: Ceri R. Wheeley
• Nats General Manager: Wyman Masnkowski
• Museum Curator: Hurst Bowe

AMA News — 1988 Vice‑President Election Results

Byrne, Crispin, Sears, Hempel, Keyawa Victors — Incumbents John Byrne, Howard Crispin, and Jim Sears were reelected AMA Vice‑Presidents. Gene Hempel and Reginald Keyawa were elected in Districts 8 and 10. Terms commence January 1, 1989. Vote counts provided by Auditor Raymond McGivern:

• District 2
• John Byrne: 959
• Write‑in candidates: 23
• Total: 982

• District 4
• Howard Crispin: 549
• Write‑in candidates: 33
• Total: 582

• District 6
• Gary Frost: 712
• Jim Sears: 853
• Write‑in candidates: 1
• Total: 1,566

• District 8
• Dannie Ball: 335
• Gene Hempel: 830
• Bert Striegler: 532
• Write‑in candidates: 4
• Total: 1,701

• District 10
• Reginald Keyawa: 1,286
• Bryant Thompson: 610
• Bev Wisniewski: 1,060
• Write‑in candidates: 17
• Total: 2,973

E.C. Meeting — Insurance and Legal Actions

Actions and decisions related to insurance and legal matters included:

• Extending automatic insurance coverage to the student member (details discussed).
• Rescinding the National Association of Rocketry's (NAR) liability coverage as of March 31, 1989, due to legal complications (Council to seek accommodation with NAR through the AMA Insurance Committee).
• Approving a cash payment to the estate of the AMA volunteer who died at the 1988 Nats (unanimous).
• Purchasing a foreign liability policy to protect AMA members participating in modeling activities in other countries (unanimous).
• Approving legal expenses to defend a property owner in an Omaha noise nuisance case (approved: 12 for; 1 against; 4 abstentions).
• Amending a July 1988 motion regarding withholding certificates of insurance pending primary club approval to include authority to rescind certificates.

The AMA Insurance Committee will meet with NAR representatives to attempt to work out accommodations regarding insurance decisions.

District I Report — Don Krafft

Don Krafft, District I Vice‑President P.O. Box 1828, Duxbury, MA 02331 (617) 934‑6248

Connecticut Copter Club

• Chartered about four years; membership approximately 46. Likely the only chartered Connecticut club composed entirely of helicopter fliers.
• Meetings: first Monday of each month at the Hobby Center in Wallingford, CT; summer meetings at the flying site in North Haven.
• Fun‑fly: August 27–28 at Neubig Farm (Contest Director: Art Fessola). 62 contestants, ~200 spectators. Raffle prizes included a Shuttle Helicopter and a PCM radio. Factory reps from GMP and Schuttler‑Robbe attended.
• Contact for membership/info: Walter Doehr, president, 18 Ticonderoga Dr., Meriden, CT 06450.

Pattern Contest (Westover AFB)

• October 2–3 Pattern contest at Westover AFB; nearly perfect weather and 24 contestants.
• First Pattern contest at Westover; Contest Director Dave Elsner (first CD) did well.
• Results:
• Novice: Stan Kulesa, Don Mistretta (first contest)
• Sportsman: Jerry Weigeman, "Buzz" Conlon, Walt Friedrich
• Advanced: Ken Carpenter, Terry Tressler
• Expert: Jon Gerber, Richard Fletcher, Scott Smith
• Masters: Bill Macartney, Joe Valvo, Ken Kuenher
• FAI: Steve LeLito, Perry Rose, Grant Beaver (drove from Nova Scotia)

Westover AFB

• Base access has been available on a limited basis; personnel cooperative but scheduling is a challenge.
• Don Krafft acts as liaison between modelers and Westover; clubs should contact him before requesting base activities.
• Planning a national fun‑fly for 1990 (similar to Reno). The 1989 fun‑fly to be held in Dayton, OH. Nats possibly returning in 1991 with new radio frequencies and on-base events.
• Volunteer manpower is needed for large events.

Rhode Island Balloon Festival

• Held July 30–31. Flight demonstrations by area modelers coordinated by South County RC Club. Sponsored by the Rotary Club; proceeds for charity. Held at the University of Rhode Island.

District II Report — John Byrne

John Byrne, District II Vice‑President 36‑29 213 Street, Bayside, NY 11361 (718) 229‑8319

Associate Vice Presidents:

• Pete Dacks, Yonkers, NY
• Tom Brown, APO NY
• Frank Cooley, Dover, NJ
• Frank Doherty, Piscataway, NJ
• Ray Jackson, New Hyde Park, NY
• Kenneth Keppel, Olean, NY
• Robert Boone, Keyport, NJ
• Adam Satter, Latham, NY
• Lon Sautter, Phoenix, NY

Frequency Coordinator:

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

Second (District) Thoughts

• Anticipation that the AMA Nats Management Committee will soon select the time and place for the 1989 Nats.
• District 2 will host AMA meetings at area model aircraft expositions, including the Syracuse Symposium and Model Show (February 4, 1989) and the WRAM Show (February 25–26, 1989). Check the AMA booth at each show for meeting details.

1988 United States Scale Masters Championships

• Held at Godman Army Air Field, Fort Knox, KY. John Byrne served as a flight judge (September 14–17). Sanctioned and jointly sponsored by the Southern Indiana RC Modelers and the Fort Knox Model Airplane Club. Contest Director: Dale Drew; Contest Manager: Dave Voglund.

Sky Rover Flying Club, Phelps, NY

• The club received an "In Appreciation" certificate from the Boy Scouts for providing campsite and air show for the 1988 Keesee District Scout Fall Camporee. The club shared property with nine Scout troops and staged an air show.

Mid‑Hudson Modelmasters

• Recognized as an exemplary club in District 2. Noted for its president Jim Kaman and newsletter editor Scott Smith (Wing Tips).

Whirlybirds at West Windsor

• West Windsor Flying Club (AMA #449) hosted its first helicopter contest on October 1–2. Only three of the 60 members fly helicopters, but the contest—held to promote modeling—attracted 62 competitors and is expected to grow next year.

Designated Contact Persons

• Clubs should designate an AMA point of contact (club officer) for AMA correspondence. This person receives materials from AMA and serves as the conduit for information to club members. Clubs must notify AMA, their VP, and AVP promptly when the designated contact person changes.

E.C. Meeting — Other Notable Items

• Frequency phase‑in and pager interference: The Council discussed the increasing legal use of pagers on frequencies adjacent to model aircraft frequencies and emphasized the need for narrow‑band receivers and careful local monitoring to avoid interference.
• Site acquisition examples: Cited successes such as the Cobb County Radio Control Modelers Club new field dedication (large member turnout and runway lined with aircraft) and the need to handle site issues with attention to noise, safety, and insurance.
• Communication and club reporting: Emphasized the importance of providing correct contact information to AMA and ensuring that club members receive timely information from AMA and elected officers.

Closing Notes

• The minutes of the October 22, 1988 Executive Council meeting will be available upon request from AMA Headquarters around February 1, 1989 and will be official following review at the next Council meeting (January 13, 1989).

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