AMA News

Edition: Model Aviation - 1977/02
Page Numbers: 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68

AMA and Air Force Association Plan for '77 California Nats

As a result of a special two-day meeting in mid-November the likelihood of a 1977 Nats in California was strongly advanced. AMA President Johnny Clemens, Secretary-Treasurer Earl Witt, Executive Director John Worth and AMA District X Vice-President Alex Chisolm met with local AMA members, Air Force, and community officials to pursue plans for a Nats at March Air Force Base near Riverside, CA (about 50 miles east of Los Angeles).

The meeting was a followup to earlier visits to Southern California last September by Witt and also by John Embry (John was the local leader who helped arrange for the '74 and '75 Nats in Lake Charles, Louisiana — he was also a key official at the '76 Nats in Ohio).

Witt and Embry checked out one potential California Nats site at the former Oxnard Air Force Base near Camarillo and Witt also looked at March Air Force Base near Riverside. Following reports to the AMA Executive Council last September the Council urged the Nats Executive Committee (of which Witt is the Chairman) to try to finalize arrangements for March Air Force Base, as first choice, or Oxnard as a second choice.

In the meantime, various AMA leaders in California worked to develop both possibilities. Guy Kirkwood, who had previously pursued the possibility of a San Diego Nats, came up with the Oxnard possibility when the San Diego effort bogged down due to problems with the aircraft operators in that area. During the same period, AMA'er Gene Sidwell was pursuing the March Air Force Base effort. Gene, also a former president of the Los Angeles chapter of the Air Force Association, was able to get help from the Riverside chapter of the same organization. Through Air Force friends the March possibility developed very quickly at about the same time that Kirkwood's Oxnard efforts came to a head.

Following the Executive Council directive, the emphasis focused on the March Air Force Base effort, due to the promise of more room, better facilities, more local support and a superior lodging situation regarding motels and college dormitories. Through the efforts of Betty Stream, AMA Associate V.P., who had also been designated by V.P. Chisolm as California Nats Coordinator, recruiting of Nats officials was begun in October. By the time of the November meeting in the Riverside area, many contacts had been made for potential Nats officials from the Southern California area.

Immediately prior to the November meetings, Nats Executive Committee member for Free Flight, Homer Smith, who is also AMA District XI V.P., visited the March Air Force Base area and produced a favorable report regarding FF site possibilities and recommendations. Smith was helped by several LA area AMA free fliers, including Associate V-P Jim Scarborough and Joe Norcross of the FF Assn. of Southern California.

On the morning of November 10 AMA officers Clemens, Witt, Worth, Chisolm and Scarborough met with others at March Air Force Base. Representing the Air Force Association were Gene Sidwell and James Austin. Representing the Air Force were Wing Com- mander Col. Brown and Commanding Officer Col. Funderburk. Representing the Riverside Chamber of Commerce and the Air Force Military Affairs Committee was David Goldware. Others in attendance as AMA observers were Joe Norcross for FF and Dick Sherman for RC.

The meeting was very positive with tentative dates selected: August 7-14, 1977. It was agreed that the Nats project would need to be endorsed by the Air Force Association and that AMA would work with and through the AFA for all arrangements. Letters between all parties are currently being exchanged and if all the paperwork clears favorably the 1977 Nats will be formally approved. At press time, it was expected that such approval might be forthcoming by the end of 1976 so that an official announcement might be made by January 1.

As currently developed, all Control Line events, RC Pylon and Pattern events, and all Scale events (except Indoor) would be held on March Air Force Base. Nearby, within two or three miles, the Outdoor Free Flight events would be held. Several FF site choices were possible at press time, with the best one providing a one mile square area with even further space beyond for retrieving in the prevailing wind direction. RC Soaring is expected to be at a site between five and ten miles away (to minimize RC interference problems) in the Riverside area.

Being considered for Indoor were an excellent low ceiling site in Riverside, and a higher ceiling site at Norton Air Force Base about 20 miles away. At this time it appears that the previously used California Indoor site at Santa Ana will not be available (that possibility is, however, being further explored).

Both motel and college dormitory lodging are close together in Riverside, about eight miles (10 minutes via interstate freeway) from March Air Force Base. There are many motels near to each other and to the college dorms. The dorms can accommodate at least a thousand contestants and officials. Tentative arrangements for use of the dorms were made during the November meetings in Riverside.

Also initiated was help by the Riverside Radio Control Club, headed by President Denny Hackthorne. The group has offered to serve in a general support capacity, as a trouble-shooting task force group to handle logistics problems in connection with the Nats. Primarily composed of sport fliers, the club has enthusiastically volunteered to help make it possible for others to enjoy the competition.

Meanwhile, through Betty Stream's efforts, the recruitment of key competition officials is proceeding rapidly, with the goal of having these people named in time for a Nats planning conference in late January. It will be at that meeting that details of event scheduling, budgets, and many other factors will be developed.

Thus, all is jelling rapidly for a 1977 Nats in California. If it goes as well as current efforts indicate, the next Nats should be a happy one for all interests, with minimum separation of categories so that the old tradition of togetherness will be enhanced. The preliminary planning to date promises a great event in California, after ten years since the last one on the West Coast. All efforts are aimed toward making this a bigger and better one than the 1967 event, even though the Navy support, which made that one great, is no longer available. Instead we have a new combination which may prove superior: AMA, the Air Force Association, and the Air Force. It's looking good!

WORLD CHAMPS FOR U.S. IN 1977?

At press time there was a good possibility that the U.S. might be approved as the location of the 1977 RC Aerobatic World Championships. This development came very quickly following the news in mid-November that Austria had withdrawn its previous offer to host the event in '77, due to site problems.

As a result of discussions between AMA and NSRCA officials, and many top RC aerobatic fliers, at the International RC Tournament in Las Vegas in November, the desirability of the U.S.—via AMA—making an offer to host the event was noted. AMA President Johnny Clemens, Secretary-Treasurer Earl Witt, and Executive Director John Worth got together and considered the problem.

Worth noted that many of the preparations which had gone into the possibility of a 1977 Nationals at Springfield, OH, could be transferred to a World Champs type of operation. It was also noted that many problems peculiar to a Nats (mainly due to size) would not be involved since a single World Championship event would be a much simpler affair.

Further exploration indicated that a break-even financial operation should be possible. It was also developed that a July 4th weekend time period would be helpful — far enough away from the Nats dates of mid-August to avoid serious interference problems yet late enough in the season for good weather.

The holiday weekend would also enable more AMA people to participate, would make air conditioned dormitory accommodations available at nearby Wittenberg University, would take advantage of a relatively quiet period of full-scale aircraft activity at the Springfield Airport.

Following general agreement that if all the above would check out to be true, an offer should be submitted at the annual FAI meeting in Paris. It was agreed to pursue the details in the last half of November. AMA HQ discussed all details with Springfield officials, got approval for airfield and college dorm use, worked out cost factors for entry fees and transportation of officials. The net result was a "go" situation—no serious financial, logistic, or other problems.

An offer was then drawn up for presentation to the FAI meeting as follows:

1977 RC Aerobatics World Championships Springfield, Ohio, USA, 29 June - 4 July

The location is 600 miles west of New York City, near Dayton where the Wright Brothers lived and near the world-famous Air Force Museum. Springfield is a medium size city in a beautiful farm land setting.

Competition Site: Springfield Airport, two miles west of the city, used by private and business aircraft; also a military command of air defense aircraft. The main runway is 5,000 feet long and 150 feet wide; it is intersected by two other runways. It is a very modern airport but without airline activity and the military activity is minimal. This was the site of the Free Flight and RC Soaring events of the 1976 National Championships. It is superior to the site of the 1971 RC World Championships (Doylestown).

Accommodations: Wittenberg University, located 8 miles north of the airport. Each room is air conditioned with two single beds, also two closets and desks; a typical American college arrangement. Both men and women may be accommodated. An excellent cafeteria is available for breakfast and dinner meals (lunch will be provided on the airfield).

Entry Fee: $90.00 per person; same for competitors and supporters, based on two

AMA News

AMA-Air Force Association Plan '77 California Nats — As a result of a special two-day meeting in mid-November, the likelihood of the 1977 Nats being in California was strongly advanced. AMA President Johnny Clemens, Secretary-Treasurer Earl Witt, Executive Director John Worth and AMA District X Vice-President Alex Chisolm met local AMA members and Air Force community officials to pursue plans for the Nats at March Air Force Base near Riverside, CA, about 50 miles east of Los Angeles. The meeting was a follow-up to earlier visits to Southern California last September. Witt and John Embry, a local leader who helped arrange the 1974–75 Nats at Lake Charles, Louisiana, were also key officials in connection with the 1976 Nats in Ohio.

Witt inspected a potential California Nats site at the former Oxnard Air Force Base near Camarillo. Witt also looked at March Air Force Base near Riverside. Following reports to the AMA Executive Council last September, the Council urged the Nats Executive Committee, with Witt as chairman, to try to finalize arrangements. March Air Force Base was the first choice, Oxnard the second choice. In the meantime various AMA leaders in California worked to develop both possibilities. Guy Kirkwood previously pursued the possibility of San Diego Nats; the Oxnard possibility and the San Diego effort bogged down due to problems with aircraft operators in the area.

During the same period AMAer Gene Sidwell pursued the March Air Force Base effort. Gene, a former president of the Los Angeles chapter of the Air Force Association, was able to get help from the Riverside chapter of the same organization. Through Air Force friends the March possibility developed very quickly about the same time Kirkwood's Oxnard efforts came to a head. Following the Executive Council directive, emphasis focused on March Air Force Base because of the promise of roomier and better facilities, local support and superior lodging situation regarding motels and college dormitories.

Through the efforts of Betty Stream, AMA Associate Vice‑President (also designated Vice‑President Chisolm — California Nats Coordinator), recruiting of key Nats officials began in October. By the time of the November meeting, Riverside area contacts had produced potential Nats officials for the Southern California area.

Immediately prior to the November meetings Nats Executive Committee member Free Flight Homer Smith, also AMA District XI Vice‑President, visited the March Air Force Base area and produced a favorable report regarding free‑flight site possibilities and recommendations. Smith helped several Los Angeles area AMA free‑flighters, including Associate Vice‑President Jim Scarborough and Joe Norcross, representing the Free Flight Association of Southern California.

On the morning of November 10 AMA officers Clemens, Witt, Worth and Chisolm met with others at March Air Force Base. Representing the Air Force Association were Gene Sidwell and James Austin. Representing the Air Force wing command were county and local officials who expressed support for the proposed arrangements.

1976 AMA Election Results — Johnny Clemens continues in office as president for 1977–78. Clemens received 5,278 votes; Earl Witt received 3,469. Almost 9,000 votes were cast, about 75% of the total members eligible to vote. In 1974, the last time the president's office was up for election, just over 8,000 votes were cast (about 19% of the membership). In 1972 about 5,000 voted (about 16%). The trend is toward a higher number voting and an increased percentage of eligible voters. There were 1,334 invalid ballots: 893 blank (no choice indicated), 127 received too late, and 314 signed but with no AMA number.

Totals — Votes

President: Clemens* 5,278; Witt 3,469; Write‑Ins 30; Total 8,777

Vice‑President Election Results

District II candidates: John Byrne* 601; John Grigg 213; [others listed on ballot]
District III, IV, V, etc. — (district vote totals and candidates were tabulated; Clemens won his own district, though other districts were closely contested)

HAVING BREAKFAST WITH DENNIS WILSON — World Engines in one of Toledo's plush hotels during the 1976 NAA signals AC conference—we waited an age to get our order taken. John looked at me and said, "Before we can get served here McDonalds will be open!"

PROGRESS REPORT ON HOLSTON FLYING SITE — In two previous columns I have given reports of the search and proposed development of a 5,600 acre model airport in the middle of a 5,500 acre recreational area by the Harris County Commissioners (Houston, Texas area). I am offering these reports in hopes that such pursuit of flying sites can be repeated for the modelers in other parts of the country.

It was an honor for me to speak before the Harris County Commissioners on behalf of the model airplane interests. Other speakers spoke in behalf of the recreation and interests that are to be involved, and there were also speakers representing those opposed to the retention or development. No final decision has been made, but the Commissioners voted to see the project through. The project will be started with private funds against which can be generated County and Federal funds.

Next step: The County Commissioners decision will be passed on to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a final appraisal of the environmental impact. Funds for use of the property are being sought as a county project and will be presented to the Corps of Engineers for approval. If the Corps approves, the County will proceed with plans to develop the facility.

It is interesting to note that since the 5,500 acre proposed recreational site is a flood control basin, all bulk materials brought into the area, such as lumber, concrete, steel and so forth, must be balanced by having a like amount of bulk earth removed completely from the basin area. This is so that the original purpose of the area as a flood control basin not be changed in its ability to hold the originally planned volume of flood waters. The area will be part of the lease agreement.

Since there are flood-control areas in the natural question is, "How often will the area be flooded?" This particular area has been in existence for 21 years and so far has never suffered a flood. A pretty good gamble!

When it is considered, flood control tends to not really lend themselves to very many uses, but they can certainly be ideal for aeromodeling. And these areas exist in far more places than you might imagine. Some of our clubs are already pursuing this idea, and I'd like to suggest that your group might do likewise. Don't just sit and gripe and wait for someone to "bring you a flying site." It might just be waiting for YOU to make it possible!

DID — JA — EVER NOTICE — For too many people are anxious to give you advice, when what you really need is help!

OVERHEARD AT THE "NATS" — "Well, here goes for my last official flight!" I guess you'd call this my "mail and fly" flight!

JOHN WORTH, AMA EXEC. DIRECTOR, SAYS — "The democracy depends upon the time available for argument."

WHILE SPEAKING OF JOHN WORTH — After attending an FAA meeting at Frankfurt, Germany, Municipal Airport, to the Rhein‑Main Military Airport for return by military transport to the U.S., we were stopped at the gate by U.S. MPs for our "DOD ID" cards. John WORTH, WASHINGTON D.C., leaned in the car window and...

AMA News

said "You guys in Washington ought to do something about letting us wear our hair the way we want to!"

I don't know if John has ever attended to this or not!

NATIONAL AMNESIA WEEK ---

With so many "old timers" in the AMA ranks I thought it would be very appropriate if we celebrated NATIONAL AMNESIA WEEK together, --- but I can't find anyone who can remember when it is!

WILL SUNSPOTS BOTHER US?

Scientists are predicting that during the next several years there will be a peak to the 11 year cycle of sunspot displays. The peak should be in 1980, which interference to line-of-sight radio broadcasts becoming increasingly evident as that time is approached. A "bounce" effect of radio signals off of the ionosphere will be the problem. The ionosphere is a layer of ions surrounding the earth from about 80 to 1000 miles up. Sunspots are nuclear explosions on the face of the sun, sending out clouds of radiation which add to and fortify the ionosphere layer; the more sunspots, the more reflection of radio signals.

Strange, but these broadcast reflections "speak" transmission and reception more in "up-close" broadcast (one to several miles) than in longer distance cross-country broadcast. This means that fliers who want to talk across town will probably have lots of troubles. I am predicting that the phenomena will have such less effect on our model radio control devices than on CB equipment and use. My reasoning for this prediction is because we must operate our radio devices "up-close" because of the need to see the plane, car, or boat at all times. Since the triangle formed by a "bounced" signal off the ionosphere to our close-up models will cause much less "double-image" (the triangle will be shallower, or narrower) the effect will be much less. Hopefully the effect will not be severe enough to bother us. To the CBers, well, Good Luck folks!

During this sunspot period there will be a lot of "freak" broadcast happenings. I recall at one of these strange affairs during the last sunspot peak eight or nine years ago, all sorts of sudden the Dallas Police Department being sent on "wild-goose chases", often to non-existent addresses. The result was "chaos". Finally it was found that the Dallas Police Cars were receiving calls from the dispatchers manning the police radio station in Newark, N.J.! They were on the same frequency, and their signal was bouncing off the ionosphere to the 1500 miles to the Dallas antennas! Maybe we'd better eat MOTHER NATURE'S better after all!

WORLD CHAMPS FOR FF & RC SOARING

About the same time (mid-November) that news came through of Austria's withdrawal concerning the 1977 RC Aerobatics World Championships, good news was received by AMA regarding the 1977 events for Free Flight and also RC Soaring.

The agenda for the December FAI meeting to be held in Paris contained firm information as follows:

a. Denmark has offered to host the FF event in July. b. South Africa has reaffirmed its previous offer to host the RC Soaring event in April, with an added note that the political unrest in that part of the world would not be an interfering factor.

Meanwhile it was expected that the current controversy regarding a possible new three-year cycle of World Championships would not affect the above events.

More will be known shortly when AMA delegates return from the annual FAI meeting. A report of the meeting results will be provided in next month's Model Aviation.

FAI STAMPS: $1 OR $5?

Some confusion has been noted as a result of new information on 1977 AMA membership applications. Where previously there was only an option to buy or not buy a $1 FAI stamp, there is now a choice of $1 or $5 stamps.

The $5 stamp fee was authorized by the AMA Executive Council at its February 1976 meeting, to become effective in 1977. This resulted from a concern that FAI team selection activities were becoming increasingly expensive and that those who benefited most should help to pay a larger share of the cost.

The cost was noted to be primarily due to a major escalation of AMA's franchise fee—the amount required of AMA to participate in FAI activities. This amount has been based on a fee per adult AMA member. It was 15¢ in 1975, went to 25¢ in 1976, and will be 50¢ in 1977 and 1978. The increase in dollars paid by AMA went from about $7,000 in 1975 to about $12,000 in 1976, and is expected to be more than $25,000 each for 1977 and '78.

As a result of this situation the AMA Executive Council studied the situation and decided that those AMA members who were most involved in FAI activities should be made aware of the new cost factors by helping to share in the payment of them. An excerpt from the February Council minutes explains:

"Further discussion produced a motion by McNeill, seconded by Byrne, to increase the price of FAI stamps to $5 for Open members participating in team selection programs, beginning in 1977; the price to remain at $1 for Juniors, Seniors, and Open members (classed as FAI Team Boosters) not participating in programs. The purpose of the motion was noted to be a means of having those who stand to benefit most from AMA's funding of FAI team support accept a greater share of the increasing costs. The motion was passed unanimously."

Unfortunately, the minutes of the February meeting did not get published as usual in the AMA publication. Only a general report got published and it did not include a reference to the FAI stamp action. So the first that many members knew of the new stamp fee was from their reading of the brief description on the 1977 membership application (also known as the "Bill for Dues" sent for membership renewal purposes).

THE AMA—FAI EFFORT

There are three major aspects to FAI costs. One is the NAA/FAI annual fee, another is an allocation of HQ overhead (approximately 10% of salaries, rent, postage, telephones, supplies, etc.), another is travel for teams and representatives to FAI events. The highest cost always has been, and probably will continue to be that of HQ overhead. The amount of HQ effort involved is not generally appreciated. Most of it has to do with team programs and travel, so perhaps it should be considered as part of those factors. Otherwise the amount involving teams and meetings would appear to be the smallest part of the AMA/FAI effort.

Actually, the amount spent for actual travel is comparatively small, which means that the overall FAI effort involves considerably more than simply picking and sending teams overseas. A major part of the effort involves monitoring, certifying, verifying, recording, accounting, representing, and otherwise being responsible for administering the highly intricate details of FAI activities, aside from all travel arrangements.

It means keeping elaborate records and being involved with much liaison between NAA and FAI, special interest groups, and many FAI committees (within AMA and FAI). It all adds up to a lot of time by HQ people. A logical question, therefore, is whether this very large and expensive effort can be reduced. The answer depends upon how much responsibility for the paperwork and handling of large sums of money AMA is willing to delegate to volunteers rather than to employees who are accountable.

There are many dangers involved in not maintaining tight control over funds: dangers involving loose accounting, possibilities for fraud and waste, loss of protection regarding AMA members' money. On the other hand, to avoid such dangers costs a lot of money.

We now service FAI team selection committees that didn't exist a couple of years ago and a considerable amount of typing, postage, photocopying, telephoning, and accounting is involved. And this effort will expand as additional team selection committees are established with the help of special interest organizations. Furthermore, we have been handling more travel arrangements for teams, especially this year when we had to substitute commercial for military travel.

We have also expanded our HQ workload in connection with FAI meetings—many more people are now in the communications pipeline regarding FAI proposals, U.S. voting, subcommittee representatives, etc. We have also found that there is more work in monitoring volunteer program administrators—it's quicker and easier to do it ourselves. There has also been a lot of special effort needed to "educate" our special interest organizations about team selection programs—the more "democratic" our programs become, by delegation of details to volunteers, the more complex and costly is our HQ effort in connection with the programs. In short, it was a lot cheaper for AMA when HQ made the decisions.

For many reasons, therefore, the HQ FAI effort has grown to be steadily more demanding. The financial accounting effort alone, for so many funds now, as compared with a few years ago, is an expensive proposition. It, as well as most other FAI efforts, requires high level talent—the use of clerks is not adequate. Thus, we are requiring a lot of time from higher paid people.

New FAI activities have also added to the workload. We are now involved with RC Soaring, CL Combat, and RC Helicopters—all relatively new on the FAI scene. The first Soaring Team Selection Program operated this year, and we are currently developing, with the help of MACA, a combat program.

The increased HQ effort, however, is not really a matter of spending more money (except for phone calls and postage). It is more a matter of time devoted to FAI by HQ personnel. Thus, the increased cost factor for this effort is somewhat artificial. But the escalation of the HQ factor in FAI costs is quite apparent and the definition of real dollar value is somewhat uncertain. But aside from that, the fact is that the HQ FAI effort is great and has been steadily increasing.

Involved in all this is an important ingredient. It has always been assumed that there are

AMA News

ROCKEFELLER CENTER SHOW GETS NATIONAL PUBLICITY

The second annual Model Aviation Day show was held at the famed Rockefeller Center in New York City on October 16. This major effort by a combination of New York and New Jersey modelers got lots of attention from New Yorkers and visitors to the great tourist center. John Byrne, AMA VP for the area, described the event in his column last month.

The show also got on the Associated Press national news service network. The result was publicity all across the country, with words and pictures. The news clipping service that AMA subscribes to for such events showed that the event got into the following newspapers:

Arkansas Gazette, Little Rock, AR
Reno Gazette, Reno, NV
Evening Chronicle, Allentown, PA
Evening Times, Trenton, NJ
Owensboro Messenger and Inquirer, Owensboro, KY
Beaumont Enterprise, Beaumont, TX
Herald Dispatch, Huntington, WV

One photo from the event also got on NBC-TV's national "Saturday Night" show.

AMA-HIA AIR SHOW TEAM PROGRAM UNDER WAY

The AMA-HIA Air Show Team Program for local flight demonstration teams throughout the U.S. will begin the 1977 season with seven teams organized, qualified and ready for action.

Included so far for 1977 are: Alpha Squadron (formerly Pennsylvania AMA Show Team in Pennsylvania), Col. Betkey's Flying Circus (Ohio and Michigan), DC/RC Show Team (D.C., Maryland & Virginia), M.A.R.K.S. Air Show Team (Eastern shore of Delaware, Maryland & Virginia), Team Aerodrome Show Squadron (Texas), Screaming Eagle Barnstormers (Indiana) and the W.O.R.K.S. Show Team (Ohio).

Chartered by AMA and supported by AMA, HIA and the hobby industry, these teams will introduce thousands to the sport of aeromodelling during the coming year. Teams are rated according to the number of shows performed during the preceding year and receive items of uniform and other support according to their rating.

It is hoped that additional teams will soon be formed to join those already sanctioned. For more information on the AST Program, contact AMA HQ.

SUPER MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL RESPONSE

Over 20,000 AMA members had signed up for 1977 before Thanksgiving. The actual total was 21,762 as of November 19. This was one and a half times greater than the total shown at the same time a year ago; the highest total for the period in the past five years. In other words, almost 7,000 more members were signed up for the new year than had signed up at the same time a year ago.

Furthermore, almost three out of four had signed up for the magazine option; about 7% more than the year before. During all this, the membership renewal process was going on the smoothest in many years, with less lag time (typically less than a week) between dues receipt and license mailing. The improvement is basically due to a new system for renewal processing, with a new computer service company giving very rapid turnaround service and eliminating much of the handwork that had previously been required.

FCC LICENSES GAINING FOR RC

At the end of April it was reported that the total number of Class C (RC) licenses issued by the FCC was 62,362. A more recent check shows that the total as of the end of October was 80,863; a gain of 18,501. This indicates there has been a significant increase in the number of licenses issued for RC purposes, although the total is still only a drop in the bucket compared to the CB license total.

But the RC total will probably never be anywhere near the total for CB. That's only natural. What is important, however, is that there should be a continuing increase in the number of RC licenses—that this will give evidence that the activity is strong and growing, therefore deserving of help from the FCC.

There are two areas of help needed. One is the transfer of modelers from use of a club license to use of their own individual licenses. The other is the licensing of those who have not yet applied. There should be many of the latter since the amount of RC equipment sold far exceeds the amount which can be attributed to licensed RC'ers.

During the past summer's FCC campaign many RC'ers indicated a willingness to donate money, if necessary, to the effort to protect and expand the RC frequencies. As it turned out such donations have not been necessary. AMA dues have provided the means to finance our efforts with the FCC.

But there is a donation of sorts which can be made toward the same end. Instead of sending money to the AMA, it should be "donated" to the FCC in the form of individual license fees, with the idea that if every individual RC'er is licensed the numbers will be significant to the FCC and more favorable treatment can be expected.

Does this mean that the club license should be abandoned? No. The club license serves a very useful purpose—it makes it easy for newcomers to try RC and it covers the waiting period while an individual license application is processed. Many clubs are now encouraging the transition to individual license by limiting club license use to the first year for new club members. That's a good idea which AMA recommends to all clubs.

COURT TEST OF MODEL INSURANCE

A court test case was scheduled at press time to determine whether homeowner-type liability insurance coverage will apply to model aircraft accidents. There has been confusion on the question for several years, with various interpretations applied, pro and con. The result of the court case is expected to clear up the confusion, with significant effect on future accident claims.

The confusion was described in the February 1976 issue of Model Aviation magazine, page 44. Briefly, the situation has been that some insurance companies have considered model aircraft as toys and, therefore, have covered claims, while others have regarded models the same as full-scale aircraft and refused claims under the aircraft exclusion clause of their policies.

A typical homeowner's policy says that "...coverage does not apply to the ownership, maintenance or use of any aircraft..." Companies which have refused coverage because of this clause have indicated that there is a legal definition of an aircraft as "any contrivance used or designed for flight in the air."

This type of denial has apparently become increasingly common as the dollar value of claims has risen. It also has been more commonly applied where personal injury claims have been involved—with greater potential for expensive settlement as compared with simpler property damage claims. A key factor here is that personal injury claims can be long drawn out legal affairs with years of uncertainty, whereas property damage claims are more easily determined and of limited dollar value. Thus, as model flying in close proximity to spectator crowds has become more common, such as is involved with RC flying, the trend toward personal injury claims has increased, as compared with the old days of flying away from concentrations of people.

The current court case is intended to settle the question of whether a model airplane is legally considered to be the equivalent of a full-scale aircraft. The case involves an AMA member's homeowner's insurance company which is denying coverage under the aircraft exclusion clause of its policy. If this company wins, the AMA liability protection will come into effect to pay for the accident claims. Meanwhile the company providing liability protection to the AMA members is claiming that the homeowner's coverage should apply because models are not "aircraft" in the current legal terminology.

There are no clearcut definitions of model aircraft in the official documents of AMA, FAI, and FAA, so there is uncertainty as to how the court case will come out. Either way, however, the results are expected to be far reaching. If the homeowner insurance company wins, then AMA's coverage will effectively become primary. If this happens, the cost can be expected to go up considerably. The situation is similar to that seen in some medical malpractice insurance cases—premiums are going sky high.

But if the AMA company wins, homeowners rates can be expected to be increased for coverage applying to model aircraft, or else such coverage will be excluded altogether. In any case, we can expect to pay more for liability protection whether through AMA or homeowner's coverage.

Whatever the end result, AMA liability coverage is now and will continue to be the only sure protection involved. Even if the homeowner coverage applies to model aircraft accidents, the dollar limit is usually far less, typically only 10 to 25 thousand dollars as compared to the million dollars of AMA protection (1/2 million outside the U.S. and Canada). And these days the dollar limit is important, especially in personal injury situations—courts have become increasingly generous in awarding damages so that anything less than $100,000 coverage may not be adequate.

TRESPASSING WITH MODELS

AMA has noted problems with overflying and trespassing on property adjoining our flying sites in the past and a memorandum on the subject by AMA general counsel, Jeremiah Courtney, is available from HQ by request. Additional light has been shed on the subject of trespass by an article in the October 1976 Parachutist magazine.

Despite our usual accuracy in staying within the confines of our flying sites and landing on the field, just about every modeler has, at one time or another, flown over or landed on neighboring property. When this occurs the word "trespass" may be brought up by an outraged landowner. So what is trespass?

Webster's New World Dictionary says that "to go on another's land or property without permission or right" is trespass. The law divides trespass into two types, criminal and civil.

Criminal trespass usually requires advance notice to the person who is to be charged that trespassing is forbidden, either in person or by conspicuous signs around the property. It is a misdemeanor, usually punishable by a fine. The exact requirements and penalties differ from state to state.

Criminal trespass must be an intentional act. However, participating in an extra-hazardous activity (such as skydiving but not likely applicable to aeromodeling) has been held to supply an implied intent to trespass. Further, Appellate Courts have said that the intent to actually trespass need not be present, if the individual intended to do the act which inadvertently led to the trespass.

A civil suit for damages arising from a trespass can be brought by the owner of property or anyone who is legally in possession of the property, such as a lessee or tenant. "Property," for purposes of this article, includes not only real estate, buildings and crops, but also personal property such as vehicles and aircraft. The owner or possessor of such property can seek to recover for any damages caused, either directly or indirectly, by such a trespass.

On the other side of the coin, the property owner or possessor cannot legally arrest you himself, nor can he seize your property (airplane) and hold it until you pay his alleged damages. An arrest for a misdemeanor can be made only by a law enforcement officer, while seizure of property can only be done with an appropriate court order. A private citizen who attempts either can expose himself to liability.

The legal axioms and theories aren't much help, however, to a modeler facing a farmer with a shotgun. Informing the farmer of one's legal rights is likely to enrage him even further. If the landowner to whom you have just paid an unexpected visit is threatening you or wants to get physical, insist on the police being called. It's possible that you may wind up being charged with the misdemeanor of trespass, but that's a lot better than getting into a fight with the farmer and being charged with assault and battery. As an additional advantage, the police report will contain a description of just what was actually damaged, which will help to hold any later claim for money down to an amount that approximates the truth.

By far and away the best way to deal with trespass accusations and claims is by establishing good relations with surrounding landowners. Many clubs have used various means—invitations to neighbors to club picnics, and the like—to insure cooperation with neighboring landowners. A friendly relationship with flying site neighbors prevents problems.

When you do land in a farmer's field, try to minimize the damage. Don't walk across crop rows and try to extricate your plane with a minimum of damage. Close gates and don't damage fences on your way out. If you can, stop by the house and apologize for the incident, rather than letting him hear about it from some other source. And, for heaven's sake, don't down a tree to get your plane out!

Lastly, it's often worthwhile to establish good relations with the local law enforcement agencies in advance. Then, when someone calls to complain, the responding sheriff's deputy or police officer will at least be neutral, rather than anti-modeler.

To summarize, try to heed the following recommendations:

Don't talk law to an irate landowner. Be apologetic and super cool.
Don't make the damage worse on your way out.
If he continues to be threatening, gets violent, or won't let you remove your plane, insist on calling the police.
Make friends with your neighbors in advance, so that they will call the club with a complaint, rather than the sheriff.

It should be kept in mind that the law in this field is extremely complex and this article is not intended as a complete treatment of this subject or as legal advice in any particular situation. Further, individual states may vary considerably from the positions taken here. It is strongly suggested that local clubs contact their own lawyers for advice on local law with specific problems or questions.

The preceding was adapted and edited by AMA staff member, Hobie Steele, from an article in Parachutist by Stephen T. Carmick, Attorney at Law. By this time, our AMA presidential election should be over. I am forced to guess that our incumbent was re-elected, and I must appreciate his desire to continue to lead us onward. By the same token, I am sure that Earl Witt fought a good, clean campaign battle, and can only hope that his was a good showing for our truly democratic organization. Earl is one of my best friends, and his interest in our AMA is one of the most genuine and sincere, as well as unselfish. If he didn't make it this time, I hope he'll run again in two more years. Soooo—Congratulations, Johnny, and please try again, Earl.

**********

New Jersey • New York

II DISTRICT REPORT

John Byrne Dist. II Vice-President 36-29 213 Street Bayside, NY 11361

Associate Vice Presidents Bill Ross, 77-06 67th St., New Hyde Park, NY 11040 David Fishell, 11 Lace Lane, Elms, NY 12906 John Grigg, 638? Badger Dr., Lockport, NY 14094 Cliff Montclair, 17 Rotary Dr., Summit, NJ 07901 Jack Sammons, 2002 Germar Ave., Union, NJ 07083 James Slaughter, Chief, Crafts & Hobbies, USA/EUROPE, Box 4067, APO, New York 09009 Walter Throne, 208 Windsor Ave. Rd., Syracuse, NY 13210

SECOND (DISTRICT) THOUGHTS

It is time that model aviation should stand and be counted as a boon to the community rather than as a demon, to be cast out as an undesirable facet of society. We can best establish our worthiness by participating in every public service program which is available to us. An interesting example occurred in our area recently when the City of New York sought the assistance of a local modeler in scattering hordes of sea-gulls which were making a nuisance of themselves in a certain area of municipally-owned property. According to my modeler-informant, his approach to the area of dispersal was like a scene from the Hitchcock flick "The Birds," what with clouds of the feathered creatures surrounding the car as if to protest its invasion of what had thus far been their exclusive domain. Undaunted, as it were, our friend and accompanying city officials girded for something and prepared for the unknown. You guessed it!!! As soon as that unmuffled .60 went into action, so did the birds. They were fast to do a fast pattern; they went O.O.S. If they subsequently returned to the site, it was not on that day! As it turned out, harm was done to no creature—including our friendly "Pied-Piper-in-Reverse." To the credit of all concerned, there was not even a "near miss." In reality, Bird and Man had merely exchanged "flying sites." Next step, if our planning efforts are successful, will consist of helping the New York Port Authority to rid JFK International Airport of these "wee beasties" which actually can pose a threat to full-scale aircraft and, consequently, to life and limb, upon occasion. S-a-a-a-y! I wonder whose property those vacated gulls are using as their new flying site? M-m-m-m-m!!!

"BOOB-TUBE" BALLYHOO

After two successful "Model Aviation Days" at Rockefeller Center, we felt prepared to "take on" the P.R. Goliath: "Studio" TV, i.e., the actual indoor flight operations of an RC helicopter and the remotely-controlled ground-handling of a .050-powered Pattern ship, all within the limited confines of a television studio. We would use these machines as a foot-in-the-door to get the whole model airplane story across to all of its aspects, i.e., Control Line, Outdoor and Indoor Free Flight—the WORKS! We planned for weeks with the producer of a "kiddie-show" (for all things) to establish this "beachhead," and were assured that a wide variety of models would not only be permissible but also highly desirable.

Accordingly, I boxed and transported my Free Flight original to the studio via railroad, subway, bus and taxicab, and our friend, the venerable indoor expert, Frank Haynes, answered our urgent call for assistance by bringing to the same site a condenser-paper-covered Indoor Duration job, and a dandy Peanut-Scale creation. Unfortunately, however, time did not permit any demonstrations nor discussions beyond those involving the Helicopter and Pattern performances. Though the show proved to be a disappointing and frustrating experience, we did garner a degree of exposure and once again, demonstrated the safety and reliability of at least two types of model aircraft. Horace Hagen repeated his brilliant Rockefeller Center helicopter flying style, as did Joe Friend with his taxi demonstration. Both Joe and Horace are members of the Monmouth (NJ) Model Airplane Club. Like Frank Haynes, these two gentlemen are a credit to all modelers, responding enthusiastically and unselfishly to every appeal, whenever the need for help is sounded—sometimes upon woefully short notice, as was the case with Frank Haynes. Let's all heart it for these fine gentlemen!!! Frank and I lament our lack of opportunity to have shown the juvenile viewers, to whom this show was directed, forms of model aircraft which are most available to them from the standpoints of cost and ease of construction or flight than the more sophisticated RC craft, but it must be realized that the TV people are concerned primarily with ENTERTAINMENT, and secondarily, with EDUCATION. We are, thus, at the mercy of their problems, and anything but unappreciative of the fine work, however brief, which they found it possible to allot to us. The name of the show is "Wonderama," and it can be viewed on Metromedia television stations in the following cities upon the dates respectively indicated: New York—November 28; Washington, D.C.—December 5; Los Angeles—December 12; Minneapolis—January 2; Cincinnati—January 9; and Kansas City—January 16. Hope this reaches at least some of you in time to catch the show.

BIG BASH A-BREWING

By this we mean that the Central New York Model Aircraft Association is planning a big "do" in Syracuse on Saturday, February 12, 1977. Featured on that auspicious occasion will be a day-long symposium devoted to RC subjects and involving such notables as John Worth, Ed Izzo, Adam Sattler, Bill Zautner, Bob Noll, et al. The symposium, which will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on that date will be followed by a dinner, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Syracuse Hilton Inn. The highlight of the evening will honor the induction of Harold DeBolt into the Academy of Model Aeronautics Hall of Fame. We are informed that the dinner will follow a "Roast Harold DeBolt" format with some of the "top names" of model aviation participating in the "roast." Tickets for this symposium will be $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for anyone under 15 and can be purchased in advance or at the door. Tickets for those who wish to attend the dinner will be $8.00 per person, including tax and gratuities, and must be purchased in advance no later than February 5, 1977. This can be accomplished by sending a check or money order and a self-addressed envelope to: C.N.Y.M.A.A., 2104 West Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13219. Information on room reservations at the Syracuse Hilton Inn can also be obtained by sending a self-addressed and stamped envelope to the above address. I hope to be present on that date and shall look forward to seeing you there. It goes without saying that the C.N.Y.M.A.A. represents a huge plus factor for District 2 and it behooves all of us to give the organization our complete and active support. Please join the cause!

GEAR UP AND LOCKED!!!

Ohio • Pennsylvania • West Virginia

III DISTRICT REPORT

Don Lowe Dist. III Vice-President 2710 N. Kings Arms Circle Centerville, OH 45440

Associate Vice Presidents Francis Fluharty, . . . (addresses omitted)

No District III report this month.

Delaware • District of Columbia • Maryland • North Carolina • Virginia

IV DISTRICT REPORT

John Spalding Dist. IV Vice-President 5023 Elsinore Street Lanham, MD 20801

Associate Vice-Presidents Charles Foreman, 600 Pointe Rd., Mechanicsville, VA 23111 R. Bill Hellis, 800 Taylor Rd., Charlotte, NC 28210 Robert Karlsson, 2624 Marsh Rd., Wilmington, DE 19810 Ronald Souders, 14313 Wood Haven Rd., Centerville, VA 22020 Paul A. Yocettacci, 6408 Winthrop Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28301

No District IV report this month.

V DISTRICT REPORT

Alabama • Florida • Georgia • Mississippi • Puerto Rico • South Carolina • Tennessee

Jim McNeill Dist. V Vice President 617 South 20 Avenue Birmingham, AL 35205

Associate Vice-Presidents Richard E. Jackson, 107 White Blvd., Summerville, SC 29483 Chris Joiner, 5941 Warner Road, Columbus, GA 31904 Bill Kite, 550 West Stone Dr., Kingsport, TN 37660 Tom McLaughlin, 4140 Fern Ct., Pine Glades, Pensacola, FL 32503 Luis Rodriguez, E-10, 5th St. Ext., Villa Rica, Bayamon, Puerto Rico 00919 Jim Whitley, 1605 Woodland St., SE, Decatur, AL 35601 Julie Woods, PO Box 127, Scooba, MS 39358

When you get this magazine it will be Christmastime and New Years. Looking back over 1976, I want to officially thank, on behalf of all of you, all of our unpaid District servants who contributed their time to help you and me enjoy our sport. First to thank, Jim Whitley, Luis Rodriguez, Julie Woods, Tom McLaughlin, Richard Jackson, Bill Kite and my good friend, Chris Joiner, for accepting the role of Associate VP for their home state. Thanks to Bonnie Jenkins, Dick Hall, Dave Hemspright, Jim Perdue, Rhett Miller, Sr., Lee Webster for their Contest Board and Coordinator responsibilities. Our deep appreciation to Dr. John Martin and Tom McLaughlin again for their Indoor and Outdoor FF Committee jobs standing up for us. My thanks to ALL of the IMPORTANT Newsletter Editors in District 5 who served their clubs faithfully and well. Thanks to all of the active Contest Directors and JUDGES who worked the District in 1976. (Have you ever tried being a judge? The most thankless, lousiest job of all!)

Our thanks also to all you wives who helped your husbands by folding, writing, mailing all those newsletters, and to everyone who helped in contests, at club meetings, and at your fields to make this wonderful hobby possible.

I've got somebody I want you to say good-bye to. Editor of the important statewide Florida Modelers Assoc. Newsletter and a long time friend of mine, Jim Kioth, shown here.

Jim died the other day on the way home from a Pensacola Contest put on by Tom McLaughlin and Jack Bolton. In bad health for a long time, his dying wish was to bring the World Championship Flyoffs to Pensacola some day. Goodbye, Jim, and may flights of angels riding the most favorable thermals carry you to Heaven above where I know you will be most graciously accepted.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone in the District and elsewhere...

DISTRICT 5 "CLUB-OF-THE-MONTH"

This month meet a splendid group of fun-oriented people in the Tennessee Tri-Cities area of Kingsport, Bristol, and Johnson City, The Tri-Cities Aeromodelers. For starters I want to show you the little lady who sent me all the information and photos. Meet Mrs. Murrell (Robert's wife) Cording. This pretty girl sent everything in to make the article possible.

Begun many years ago on reed transmitters in a cow pasture, the club today boasts 64-plus members, is still growing. Most are RC; some FF'ers as far away as NC belong.

Currently, the organization has an abandoned 1/4 mile dragstrip, insured and posted for their exclusive use.

Two club groups shown. Top, L-R standing, Gene Adkins, Tom Dennison, Jim Morelock, Lyle Sams; kneeling, Brant Lording, Ray Bingham, Bob Cording. Bottom, L-R, standing, Bill Ramey, Roy Stephens, Bill Kite. Kneeling, Sid Norris, David Norris, Dennis Sams. Bill Kite, as you know, is an AMA Associate VP for Tennessee. No less than FIVE father and son teams favor the club. This is always a healthy sign when the fathers bring their kids out to the flying field and teach them to fly.

Roy Stephens is the club photographer and each month Roy includes a picture in each newsletter sent out to members. Many of these photos have ended up in top hobby magazines and shown nationwide. His pictures are all top-quality.

AMA News

AMA — Air Force Association plan '77 California Nats. As a result of a special two-day meeting mid‑November, the likelihood of 1977 Nats in California was strongly advanced. AMA President Johnny Clemens, Secretary‑Treasurer Earl Witt, Executive Director John Worth and AMA District X Vice‑President Alex Chisholm met local AMA members and Air Force community officials to pursue plans for Nats at March Air Force Base near Riverside, CA, about 50 miles east of Los Angeles. The meeting followed up earlier visits to Southern California last September. Witt and John Embry, local leader, helped arrange the '74 and '75 Nats at Lake Charles, Louisiana; he was also a key official at the '76 Nats in Ohio.

1976 AMA Election Results

Johnny Clemens continues in office as president for 1977–78. Earl Witt came close — Clemens got 5,278 votes; Witt 3,469. Almost 9,000 votes were cast, about 75% of the total members eligible to vote. In 1974, the last time the president's office was up for election, just over 8,000 votes were cast, about 19% of the total; in 1972 about 5,000 voted, about 16%. So the trend the last two years shows the number voting up in terms of percent of eligible voters. Witt got 40% of the votes cast either for himself. Clemens won his own district, Ill., though he came very close in districts II and IV. In 1976 Clemens got a little over 4,800 votes boosted by the total this time, though Witt got 1,974; challenger Al Rabe in 1974 got just over 2,800. Again this year the number voted far less than the renewed membership during the voting period. By the voting deadline in November about 16,000 adult members were signed up; thousands could have voted but did not. Note: 1,334 invalid ballots — 893 blank (no choice indicated), 127 received too late, 314 signed with no AMA number.

Witt and Embry checked out the potential California Nats site at the former Oxnard Air Force Base near Camarillo. Witt also looked at March Air Force Base near Riverside. Following reports to the AMA Executive Council last September, the Council urged the Nats Executive Committee, with Witt as chairman, to try to finalize arrangements. March Air Force Base was the first choice, Oxnard the second choice. In the meantime various AMA leaders in California worked to develop both possibilities. Guy Kirkwood previously pursued the possibility of San Diego Nats; the Oxnard possibility surfaced when the San Diego effort bogged down due to problems with aircraft operators in that area.

During the same period AMAer Gene Sidwell pursued the March Air Force Base effort. Gene, also a former president of the Los Angeles chapter of the Air Force Association, was able to get help from the Riverside chapter of the same organization. Through Air Force friends the March possibility developed very quickly, about the same time Kirkwood's Oxnard efforts came to a head. Following the Executive Council directive, emphasis focused on March Air Force Base because of room, better facilities and local support, and a superior lodging situation regarding motels and college dormitories.

Through the efforts of Betty Stream, AMA Associate V‑P, also designated V‑P Chisholm California Nats Coordinator, recruiting of key Nats officials began in October. By the time of the November meeting Riverside area contacts had produced potential Nats officials for the Southern California area. Immediately prior to the November meetings Nats Executive Committee member Free Flight Homer Smith, also AMA District XI V‑P, visited the March Air Force Base area and produced a favorable report regarding free flight site possibilities and recommendations. Smith helped several Los Angeles area AMA free flighters, including Associate V‑P Jim Scarborough and Joe Norcross of the Free Flight Association, Southern California, in morning November 10 contacts.

AMA officers Clemens, Witt, Worth, Chisholm and Scarborough met others at March Air Force Base representing the Air Force Association — Gene Sidwell and James Austin — and representing the Air Force Wing. This didn't turn out so short after all. See you next month.

AMA News

Witt and Embry checked out a potential California Nats site — the former Oxnard Air Force Base near Camarillo. Witt also looked at March Air Force Base near Riverside. Following reports to the AMA Executive Council last September, the Council urged the Nats Executive Committee, with Witt as chairman, to try to finalize arrangements — March Air Force Base first choice, Oxnard second choice. In the meantime various AMA leaders in California worked to develop both possibilities. Guy Kirkwood previously had pursued the possibility of San Diego Nats; when the Oxnard possibility came up the San Diego effort bogged down due to problems with aircraft operators in the area.

During the same period AMAer Gene Sidwell pursued the March Air Force Base effort. Gene, also a former president of the Los Angeles chapter of the Air Force Association, was able to get help from the Riverside chapter of the same organization. Through Air Force friends the March possibility developed very quickly, about the same time Kirkwood’s Oxnard efforts came to a head. Following the Executive Council directive, emphasis focused on March Air Force Base because of room, better facilities and local support, and a superior lodging situation regarding motels and college dormitories.

Through the efforts of Betty Stream, AMA Associate V‑P, and Alex Chisholm, designated V‑P California Nats Coordinator, recruiting of key Nats officials began in October. By the time of the November meeting Riverside area contacts had produced potential Nats officials for the Southern California area. Immediately prior to the November meetings, Nats Executive Committee member and Free Flight Homer Smith, also AMA District XI V‑P, visited the March Air Force Base area and produced a favorable report regarding free flight site possibilities and recommendations. Smith helped several Los Angeles-area AMA free flighters, including Associate V‑P Jim Scarborough and Joe Norcross of the Free Flight Association, Southern California.

On the morning of November 10 AMA officers Clemens, Witt, Worth, Chisholm and Scarborough met others at March Air Force Base representing the Air Force Association — Gene Sidwell and James Austin — and representing the Air Force Wing. Witt and Embry checked out potential California Nats sites — the former Oxnard Air Force Base near Camarillo and March Air Force Base near Riverside. Following reports to the AMA Executive Council last September, the Council urged the Nats Executive Committee, with Witt chairman, to try to finalize arrangements — March Air Force Base first choice, Oxnard second choice. Meanwhile, various AMA leaders in California worked to develop both possibilities. Guy Kirkwood previously pursued the possibility of San Diego Nats; the Oxnard possibility came up when the San Diego effort bogged down due to problems with aircraft operators in the area. During the same period AMA'er Gene Sidwell was pursuing the March Air Force Base effort. Gene, a former president of the Los Angeles chapter of the Air Force Association, was able to get help from the Riverside chapter of the same organization. Through Air Force friends the March possibility developed very quickly, about the same time Kirkwood's Oxnard efforts came to a head. Following the Executive Council directive, emphasis focused on March Air Force Base because of the promise of room, better facilities, local support and a superior lodging situation regarding motels and college dormitories.

Through the efforts of Betty Stream, AMA Associate V‑P, and Alex Chisholm, designated V‑P California Nats Coordinator, recruiting of key Nats officials began in October. By the time of the November meeting Riverside area contacts had produced potential Nats officials for the Southern California area. Immediately prior to the November meetings, Nats Executive Committee member and Free Flight Homer Smith, also AMA District XI V‑P, visited the March Air Force Base area and produced a favorable report regarding free flight site possibilities and recommendations. Smith helped several Los Angeles‑area AMA free flighters, including Associate V‑P Jim Scarborough and Joe Norcross of the Free Flight Association, Southern California.

1976 AMA Election Results

Johnny Clemens continues in office as president 1977–78. Clemens got 5,278 votes; Earl Witt came close with 3,469. Almost 9,000 votes were cast, all right at 75% of total members eligible to vote. In 1974, the last time the president's office was up for election, just over 8,000 voted — about 19% of the total. In 1972 about 5,000 voted — 16%. So the trend is the number voting is up, as is the percentage of eligible voters. Witt got 40% of the votes cast in his own district; Clemens won his own district, Ill, though he came very close in districts II and IV. In 1976 Clemens got a little over 4,800 votes boosted from the last time, though Witt got more than the 1974 challenger Al Rabe, who got just over 2,800. Again this year the number who voted was far less than the renewed membership during the voting period. By the voting deadline in November about 16,000 adult members were signed up; in 1977 thousands could have voted but did not.

Note: 1,334 invalid ballots — 893 blank (no choice indicated), 127 received too late, 314 signed but no AMA number.

Totals — Votes President Clemens* 5,278 Witt 3,469 Write‑Ins 30

Vice‑President Election Results

District II Candidate: John Byrne* 601, John Grigg 213, John Spalding* 191, Fred Gregg 166, George Hill Peck 109, Write‑Ins 4

District VI, VIII, X Candidate: Glenn Lee* 524, Gary Frost 370, Murray Frank* 309, Riley Wooten 48, Jim Scarborough* 345, Betty Stream 277

(Note: * denotes incumbent)

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