AMA News

AMA NEWS

BASICS OF DECISIONS—WINTER COUNCIL MEETING

AMA's Board of Directors (Executive Council) met in Houston on January 29 and took the following actions:

1. Approved the AMA operating budget for 1977, estimating a 5% increase in membership (to 65,600 from the 1976 total of 62,494). It was noted that 1976 ended well in the black with an operating surplus, but that increased expenses in 1977 will cause a loss situation by the end of the year.

1. Approved the initiation of a professional study of HQ operations to guide future management structure, office procedures and policies, for the purpose of insuring that AMA utilizes the best techniques and is in compliance with current regulations and trends in regard to employer obligations and liabilities.

1. Examined current planning for 1977 PR projects, including film production, trade show participation, fund raising, air show team programs, new brochure for promotion of general public appreciation of model aviation. The probability of an AMA club program was noted in connection with the annual Jerry Lewis telethon for Muscular Dystrophy.

1. Approved an expense allowance increase for Council members in connection with AMA district travels and meetings, to help officers expand their contacts with constituents and promote local activities. It was also noted that improved computer services from HQ might be available by September to help district communications officers.

1. Reviewed Model Aviation magazine operations and finances. A proposal to provide the magazine to all members in 1978 was tabled pending further consideration later in the year; the specifics of a possible dues increase were noted. It was noted that the magazine had a slight operating surplus in 1976 but could be expected to show a loss situation for 1977 due to increased costs for printing, paper and postage. On the question of whether "Competition News" should be an optional choice, no change to the current arrangement was made.

1. Approved details of the 1977 Nats, as presented elsewhere in this issue. Entry fees will be the same as for 1976; there will be no Individual, Category, or Club Championship awards. The Nats operation is budgeted to break even based on maximum utilization of West Coast officials.

1. Reviewed AMA insurance programs. It was noted that AMA's 1976 underwriter of club

1977 Nats Planning Conference

• Jan. 22 meeting established basics of daily event schedule, management structure, budget . . .
• Many groups combine to produce a super effort . . .

Thirty-six representatives of many different organizations and interests met at Riverside, California to plan the details of AMA's return to the West Coast—after an absence of 10 years—for the National Model Airplane Championships. The meeting, which lasted from 9 am to 10:30 pm, established a competition schedule beginning Saturday August 6 and continuing through Sunday August 14. Riverside, about 40 miles (straight line) east of downtown Los Angeles and about 20 miles northeast of Disneyland, is the host city and center of activity which will take place at nearby March Air Force Base and other flying site locations.

Many details needed final approval after the meeting, with the expectation that they will be resolved by the end of February, but the general picture shapes up as follows:

Indoor Flight Events on Sat. & Sun., Aug. 6-7, at Norton Air Force Base, about 10 miles northeast of Riverside.

Control Line Events from Tues., Aug. 9 through Sat., Aug. 13 at March Air Force Base, about 8 miles southeast of Riverside.

Radio Control Events (except Soaring) from Mon., Aug. 8 through Sun., Aug. 14 at March Air Force Base.

Outdoor Free Flight Events and Radio Control Soaring from Tues., Aug. 9 through Sat., Aug. 13 near Moreno, about 12 miles east of March Air Force Base.

Scale Events, according to category, are included in the above.

Entry fees will be the same as for 1976 and entry forms (the Nats is open to all AMA members) will be available about mid-March. Low-cost air-conditioned college dormitories will be available to contestants, officials and their families at the University of California—Riverside, within one mile of the motel row in Riverside, which includes most of the chain names and many independents. Camping will be available within a few miles of, and possibly on, March Air Force Base.

Full details of all aspects of the Nats will be published in Model Aviation magazine during the months of March and April (May and June if needed). Those who desire entry forms should send a self-addressed envelope with return postage to AMA HQ in Washington, D.C.

Also approved at the meeting was a basic officials' expense reimbursement budget of $9,000: Control Line—$1,600; Radio Control—$3,000; Free Flight—$1,500; Scale and general Nats support—$2,900. Officials will also be entitled to one night's free lodging at the college dorms (or the equivalent cost to AMA) for each day worked at the Nats and so certified by the appropriate category or event director. Those who work three days or more will receive a free full (with magazine) membership for 1978.

It was also recommended that all championships—Individual or Category—be dropped at the Nats due to excess effort for comparatively few people who are involved, and also that there be much inequity in the nature and category of championships, plus the fact that the daily event scheduling necessary to accommodate most contestants' needs are generally incompatible with the championships events.

The Nats planning meeting featured participation by several major groups and many AMA special interests. The meeting was organized by AMA's Nationals Executive Committee, in conjunction with co-sponsoring organizations: March Air Force Base, the Air Force Association (Riverside Chapter), the Military Affairs Committee of the Riverside Chamber of Commerce, and the Riverside Visitor and Convention Bureau. AMA groups represented were the Riverside RC Club (local Nats support group), the National Miniature Pylon Racing Association (NMPRA), the National Society for Radio Control Aerobatics (NSRCA), the U.S. Pattern Judges Assn., the National Soaring Society (NSS), the Precision Aerobatic Model Pilots Assn. (PAMPA), the Miniature Aircraft Combat Assn. (MACA), the National Free Flight Society (NFFS), the Southern Calif. Control Line Assn. (SCCLA), the Free Flight Model Airplane Assn. of So. Calif. (FFMAASC).

The proposed daily event schedule is shown elsewhere in this section. Essentially, the number and types of events for 1977 will be the same as for 1976, with some variations for RC Soaring and a day of qualifications for the Open (adult) class of CL Precision Aerobatics.

Late entries at the Nats will be permitted.

AMA News

as last year except that the entry deadlines for most events will be earlier—typically such entry will need to be accomplished at least a full day in advance of event operation, in order that all paperwork and model or equipment processing can be completed on a schedule to minimize last minute problems.

On the day before the Nats planning meeting AMA officials were hosted by the Riverside Chamber of Commerce at a luncheon and inspection of March Air Force Base facilities. Everyone present, including the air base Commanding Officer, was enthusiastic and cooperative with a very positive attitude about accommodating all needs and solving problems. As a result a greater degree of local area support is anticipated than has been typical of recent Nats—a very strong "can do" spirit was evident the entire weekend in Riverside.

California modeler support to date has also been outstanding. All of those involved are determined to do the maximum to make this Nats the best yet. Many different groups have joined the effort to help insure that each category of modeling interest will have the best management and facilities possible. With the kind of cooperation between interests shown at the Riverside meeting, the details of Nats planning is well advanced and many key volunteer positions are already staffed. The next step will be to recruit many more volunteer officials to help those already assigned.

The variety and depth of representation at the meetings is indication of how many are involved already. The list of who was there is impressive: Gen. (ret.) William F. Pitts, Pres. Riverside AFA; Col. Elmer Funderburk, Commanding Officer, March AFB; David Goldsware, Riverside C of C Military Affairs Committee; Catherine R. Dawson, Riverside Visitor and Convention Bureau; Gene and Mrs. Sidwell, AFA State Director of Model Aviation; John F. Clemens, AMA Pres., Nationals Executive Committee; Earl F. Witt, AMA Sec.-Treas., Nats Exec. Comm.; John Worth, AMA Exec. Dir., Nats Exec. Comm.; Ron Morgan, Nats Contest Mgr., Nats Exec. Comm.; Kemp Bunting, RC Cat. Mgr., Nats Exec. Comm.; Homer Smith, FF Cat. Mgr., Nats Exec. Comm.; Bob Vojslavek, CL Cat. Mgr., Nats Exec. Comm.; Ian Sakert, RC Cat. Asst., Nats Exec. Comm.; Dick Sonheim, RC Cat. Dir.; Sandy Norton, FF Cat. Dir.; Patty Sak, CL Cat. Dir.; MACA rep; Granger Williams, SC Cat. Dir.; Betty Stream, AMA Assoc. VP, RC Aerobatics Dir.; Bev Wisniewski, CL Speed Dir.; Ben Sasnett, Asst. CL Cat. Dir., Pres. SCCLA; Guy Kirkwood, Asst. FF Cat. Dir., Pres. FFMAASC; Arlie Preszler, CL Precision Aerobatics Dir., PAMPA rep; Jim Scarborough, AMA VP, District X; Alex Chisolm, AMA Assoc. VP, District X; Denny Hackthore, Nats Facilities, Pres. Riverside RC Club; Nick Nichols, Nats Facilities Asst., Riverside RC Club; Bob Randolph, Indoor FF Site Recruiter; Bill Northrop, Chief RC Judge, Pres. USPJA; Larry Fogel, Pres. NSS; Ron Schorr, Pres. NMPRA; John Targos, NSRCA rep; Col. Jerry Reese, March AFB; Capt. John D. Fuqua, March AFB; Vess L. Taylor, March AFB; Russ Jenkins, Air Force Assoc., Riverside; Dick Smith, Military Affairs Comm., Riverside C of C; Fred Roever, Military Affairs Comm., Riverside C of C; Carl Maroney, AMA HQ, Asst. Exec. Dir.; Larry Bolich, AMA HQ, Special Events Director. Thirty-six representatives of different organizations and interests met in Riverside, California, to plan details of AMA's return to the West Coast after an absence of 10 years for the National Model Airplane Championships. The meeting lasted 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and established the competition schedule beginning Saturday, August 6, continuing through Sunday, August 14. Riverside, about 40 miles (straight line) east of downtown Los Angeles and about 20 miles northeast of Disneyland, is the host city. Center activity will take place nearby at March Air Force Base. Other flying site locations and details need final approval; it was expected these would be resolved by the end of February. The general picture shapes up as follows:

• Indoor Flight Events: Sat. & Sun., Aug. 6-7 — Norton Air Force Base, about 10 miles northeast of Riverside
• Control Line Events: Tues., Aug. 9 through Sat., Aug. 13 — March Air Force Base, about 8 miles southeast of Riverside
• Radio Control Events (except Soaring): Mon., Aug. 8 through Sun., Aug. 14 — March Air Force Base
• Outdoor Free Flight Events; Radio Control Soaring: Tues., Aug. 9 through Sat., Aug. 13 — near Moreno, about 12 miles east of March Air Force Base
• Scale Events: according to category included above

Entry fees will be the same as 1976. Entry forms (Nats open to AMA members) will be available about mid-March.

Low-cost air-conditioned college dormitories will be available to contestants, officials and families at the University of California–Riverside within a mile. Motel row in Riverside includes chain names and independents. Camping will be available within a few miles, possibly at March Air Force Base. Full details and all aspects of the Nats will be published in Model Aviation magazine during the March, April, May and June issues. Those desiring entry forms should send a self-addressed envelope with return postage to AMA HQ, Washington, D.C.

Also approved at the meeting was the basic officials' expense reimbursement budget totaling $9,000: Control Line $1,600; Radio Control $3,000; Free Flight $1,500; Scale/general Nats support $2,900. Officials will also be entitled to nights' free lodging in college dorms equivalent to the cost per AMA day worked. A Nats-certified appropriate category event director who works three days will receive a free full magazine membership for 1978.

AMA News

my side and the back window. Circling on around the car he came to Bill's window, but Bill couldn't see him because of the frost. The TIMING WAS PERFECT! Bill HURRIEDLY ROLLED HIS WINDOW DOWN to get the man's attention just as the man THREW A DIPPER OF WATER WHERE THE WINDOW HAD JUST BEEN! As we drove away we saw the attendant back inside telling fellow employees how he had just thrown a dipper of water in a customer's face!

You will probably NOT read of this in Bill Northrop's magazine, "MODEL BUILDER," but I must compliment him on his "watered-down" composure. He thought it was funny, too!

A MODELER'S WIFE REPORTED — that her husband had been at home with a bad case of "flu" for nearly three weeks, and had gotten "GET WELL" cards from every hobby shop in town!

AND I CAN TELL YOU FIRST HAND — having a hobby shop is a heck of a HARD way to make an EASY buck!!!

AN AMA MEMBER IN UPPER NEW YORK — says that the winter has been so darned cold where he lives that the little light in his refrigerator is the only thing that is keeping everything in it from freezing!

TAKE ENOUGH TIME TO BE CAREFUL!! — If speed was all that counted, rabbits would rule the world! — Dr. Herb True

AMA YOUTH PROGRAM — WHERE FROM HERE?

ED ABRAMS "signed off" from the Youth Committee Report he was writing, simply because there was no input and Ed himself couldn't dream up an entire program. In fact, our youth program has not been active simply because no one as yet has been able to come up with where we should go after AMA Cubs or Delta Darts. This is certainly no reflection against those who were on Ed's Youth Committee. We just have not yet had that magic idea that will make it all work. But the young folks are still around and still need practical and proper and fun things to do, so WE'LL KEEP THINKING! I'd like for YOU to help too!

Our problem is how to introduce youngsters to model aviation, how to hold their interest beyond that first little taste, and how to make this fascinating hobby/science available to them. Please put your mind to it, because you might be giving the youngster something to do besides burning down his school or your garage, or stealing your car. You might even be encouraging a future mayor of your town, a future scientist or school teacher, or even a future President, airline pilot, or astronaut. REMEMBER, we are all going to live our lives out in a world run by these kids, AND IT IS DARNED IMPORTANT!

I HAVE STUCK MY NECK OUT! I have been re-appointed chairman of a world-level committee for EDUCATION and INFORMATION in the FAI. I am going to do my best to see if we can't better this old world through helping our kids, and educating ourselves at the same time. I can sure use your help and ideas. I already have some young experts like Ed Abrams, Bob Sargent, Ed Whitten, and some others trying to come up with a "plan" but we all need YOUR help!

The biggest contribution in a starter idea for model aviation is Frank Ehling's ingenious AMA Cub or Delta Dart, but we have let Frank down with no follow-up. Let's keep the kids building and flying!

A THOUGHT ABOUT KID PRODUCTS — Have you noticed that nearly everything offered to kids offers no chance for an expression of inventiveness or creativeness. AEROMODELING DOES!

GET SOMEONE TO HELP YOU! — Asking dumb questions is far less costly than repairing dumb mistakes!

A BORN MODELER — BOBBY JONES is co-editor of "Snoop Scoop" the newsletter of the Columbus, GA Balsa Aerodynes, and Bobby is one of the really nice guys to exchange notes with. His latest one to me said, "My wife had a baby a week after the last letter. It was a boy, and came through delivery with his hand on top of his head. The doctor didn't understand when I said the boy was signaling for an official flight!"

Bobby Jones is also one of the organizers of a new state-wide council of clubs known as GAMA, which we hope can become a pattern for other states and regions. Congratulations and best wishes to Bobby and his wife and the new little modeler!

IT JUST OCCURRED TO ME — that Lindbergh was probably the first and last overseas air passenger whose luggage got there at the same time he did.

A VALUABLE RC LICENSE THOUGHT — The dropping of all fees for an FCC license should by now be known by all interested parties. Don't let the dropping of the fees make you feel it is any less important. In fact, it is more important that you hold a valid license because all other classes (CBers in particular) will find it that much easier to obtain a license, and we need the "show of strength" of making sure we are all licensed. This will go a long way toward obtaining more frequencies! Apply now, and operate legally.

EVERY CLUB NEEDS A CONTEST DIRECTOR — Each and every model club or group should have an available contest director. Forms for a C/D application are as close as your mailbox. Just let AMA Headquarters know you want them. ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS, 815 Fifteenth St., Washington, D.C. 20005.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A CONTEST DIRECTOR — Sanctioned responsibilities are given to an AMA Contest Director to see that competitions are conducted "by the book." This means by the AMA RULE BOOK. The "CD" has a dual responsibility actually. The first is to see that the meet is "by the book" but the second is to see that contestants have been offered every possible chance to fly and compete as the rules and time will allow. His role is primarily to help the contestant rather than to restrict him.

HELPFUL (?) HINT ON EPOXY PAINT — If after mixing the two compounds of your epoxy paint it should appear that you have lumps or shreds in it, strain the paint immediately through some nylon hose or panty hose. Of course, you may find them a bit hard to walk in after that!

AMA MEMBERSHIP STILL CLIMBING!! — From AMA Headquarters I have learned that as of about the 10th of January memberships were about 2,600 ahead of last year, — which was a record year! YOU are part of this!!

NEED AMA LICENSE APPLICATION BLANKS? — AMA Membership and License Application blanks are available to any club, to any hobby dealer, or any other interested party by simply sending a request to the ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS, 815 Fifteenth St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005.

COUNTING A MODELER'S BLESSINGS — Among things a modeler can count as blessings are our cars — so that we have something to hook our glasses on in order to see to build models. We should give thanks, too, that the Good Lord gave us thumbs to twiddle while the glue dries! Amen!

THE SOUTHWEST MODELERS ASSOCIATION — In putting on really big contests, such as the annual Southwest Model Airplane Championships on Labor Day weekend and shows like the Southwest Modelers Show mentioned earlier in this column, it would be impossible for a single club to handle it. Realizing this, AMA leaders in the Dallas-Fort Worth area have put together a Council of Clubs of all modeling interests.

At present 18 clubs are represented with a total membership of about 2,000 modelers. With a spirit of cooperation and that many organizations representing that many "bodies" miracles can begin to happen. At the Southwest Modelers Show other groups from as far away as Oklahoma City, Shreveport, and Little Rock asked about joining, so it looks like the group might expand to represent a greater AMA District VIII. Perhaps a unity-like action like this would benefit your area. For any information contact BUDDY IRWIN (SWMA President), 922 Sundown Ln., Desoto, TX 75115.

A NECESSARY INGREDIENT IN THE "NATS" — Our annual "NATIONALS" cannot be put on without the back-up effort of a local model club or group of clubs. We are lucky this year to have the enthusiastic work of the RIVERSIDE (Calif.) RADIO CONTROL CLUB. Denny Hackthorne is club president and described the club as having a membership of about 80, out of which he could promise about 40 "stake-pounders and ditch-diggers, some of whom can even read and write." Denny, who has already deeply involved himself, says their club has a good cross-section of businessmen to help locate materials and services. They are basically sport fliers so can devote more of their time to helping with the meet. This club is also handsome in that about 1/3 of the membership is under 16 years of age, under the guidance of concerned adult members. The RIVERSIDE R/C CLUB is a reminder of the above-average quality of folks we have in AMA!

***** all for now *****

AMA News

BASICS OF DECISIONS — WINTER COUNCIL MEETING

AMA's Board of Directors Executive Council met in Houston January 29 and took the following actions:

1. Approved AMA operating budget for 1977, estimating a 5% increase in membership to 65,600 (1976 total 62,494). Noted 1976 ended with an operating surplus; increased expenses in 1977 will cause a loss situation at year end.

1. Approved initiation of a professional study of HQ operations — a guide for future management structure, office procedures and policies — the purpose being to insure AMA utilizes best techniques in compliance with current regulations and trends regarding employer obligations and liabilities.

1. Examined current planning for 1977 PR projects including film production, trade show participation, fund raising, air show team programs, and a new brochure promoting general public appreciation of model aviation. Possibility of an AMA club program was noted, with a connection to the annual Jerry Lewis telethon for Muscular Dystrophy.

1. Approved an increase in expense allowance for Council members in connection with AMA district travels and meetings to help officers expand contacts with constituents and promote local activities. Also noted improved computer services at HQ might be available in September to help district communications officers.

1. Reviewed Model Aviation magazine operations and finances. A proposal to provide the magazine to all members in 1978 was tabled until the Council considers later-year specifics. A possible dues increase was noted. The magazine had a slight operating surplus in 1976; a loss situation could be expected in 1977 due to increased costs for printing, paper and postage. The question whether Competition News should be an optional choice was discussed; no change in the current arrangement was made.

1. Approved details of the 1977 NATS as presented elsewhere in this issue. Entry fees will be the same as 1976. Individual category and Club Championship awards were discussed. The NATS operation is budgeted on a break-even basis with maximum utilization of West Coast officials.

1. Reviewed AMA insurance programs and noted AMA's 1976 underwriter for club ... (discussion continued).

Jan. 22 meeting — established basics: daily event schedule, management structure and budget groups to combine to produce a super effort. Thirty-six representatives of different organizations and interests met in Riverside, California, to plan details of AMA's return to the West Coast after an absence of 10 years for the National Model Airplane Championships. The meeting lasted from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and established a competition schedule beginning Saturday, August 6 and continuing through Sunday, August 14.

Riverside is about 40 miles, straight line, east of downtown Los Angeles and about 20 miles northeast of Disneyland. The host city center activity will take place near March Air Force Base; other flying site locations and details need final approval. After the meeting it was expected these matters would be resolved by the end of February. The general picture shapes up as follows:

• Indoor Flight Events: Sat. & Sun., Aug. 6-7 — Norton Air Force Base, about 10 miles northeast of Riverside.
• Control Line Events: Tues., Aug. 9 through Sat., Aug. 13 — March Air Force Base, about 8 miles southeast of Riverside.
• Radio Control Events (except Soaring): Mon., Aug. 8 through Sun., Aug. 14 — March Air Force Base.
• Outdoor Free Flight Events, Radio Control Soaring: Tues., Aug. 9 through Sat., Aug. 13 — near Moreno, about 12 miles east of March Air Force Base.
• Scale Events: according to category, included above.

Entry fees will be the same as 1976. Entry forms for the NATS (open to AMA members) will be available about mid-March. Low-cost, air-conditioned college dormitories will be available to contestants, officials and families at the University of California, Riverside within about a mile of the motel row in Riverside, which includes both chain names and independents. Camping will be available within a few miles, possibly at March Air Force Base.

Full details of all aspects of the NATS will be published in Model Aviation magazine during the months March, April, May and June. Those desiring entry forms should send a self-addressed envelope with return postage to AMA HQ, Washington, D.C.

Also approved at the meeting was a basic officials' expense reimbursement budget of $9,000, allocated approximately as follows: Control Line $1,600; Radio Control $3,000; Free Flight $1,500; Scale and general NATS support $2,900. Officials will also be entitled to nights of free lodging in college dorms equivalent to the AMA day worked. NATS-certified appropriate category event directors who work three days will receive a free full magazine membership for 1978.

AMA News

WHAT'S BEHIND THE FREE FCC LICENSES?

As a result of four simultaneous adverse court decisions released on December 16, 1976, the Federal Communications Commission has suspended its entire filing fee program effective January 1, 1977.

This means that until some indefinite future date no fee needs to be submitted with any type of application. Pointing to the continuing failure of Congress to respond to Commission requests for "remedial or clarifying legislation," the Commission states that although it was "still studying" the matter, the questions raised were "sufficiently serious" to warrant suspension of all fee collections.

In the same decisions, the Court imposed on the Commission the obligation to refund a portion of the fees it had collected since adoption of its 1970 fee schedule. The Commission, in response, has pointed to the "enormity of the administrative burden" and announced that it was initiating a "staff study" to provide us with proposals as to the legal and "administrative implications" of the Court's refund decisions. The Commission stated it would act in an "expeditious manner" and made the observation that "inquiries will not speed the process."

The court decisions which produced the above FCC actions resulted from numerous lawsuits instituted by various parties all of which, however, were consolidated into four proceedings resulting in the four court decisions. In general, two of these decisions dealt with challenges to the validity of the FCC's 1975 fee schedule while the other two were concerned with the FCC's refusal to refund fees collected under the FCC's 1970 fee schedule which the appealing parties deemed to have been improperly collected.

With respect to the 1975 fee schedule, the Court held it to be invalid and directed the Commission to review and revise it in the light of certain standards specified by the Court. The Court said this action was "necessary" although it recognized "the extreme difficulty of this task—which resembles unscrambling eggs."

(a) There must be a clear public statement of the particular service or benefit justifying the fee, i.e., identification of the specific application processing activities or the specific individual benefit for which the fee is imposed.

(b) There must be a clear public explanation of how the cost basis for each fee was calculated, explaining the allocation of specific direct or indirect expenses and the criteria used to determine exclusion or inclusion of various expense items.

(c) The amount of the fee must be set at a rate which reflects the cost of the services performed and "value conferred upon the payor." The Court explained the latter phrase as meaning that "the fee assessed cannot exceed the cost of the service rendered, thus preventing fees—such as the tariff filing fees here—which increase with the revenues or profits of the payor."

With respect to the 1970 fee schedule, the Court invalidated the entire schedule on the basis, in effect, of the Commission's failure to meet the standards stated immediately above. It, therefore, concluded that the fees paid under the 1970 schedule were illegally assessed and remanded the matter to the FCC to recalculate the proper fees in accordance with the above criteria and "refund that portion of the money which was collected in excess thereof."

The difficulties faced by the Commission in carrying out its responsibilities under these decisions are such that we anticipate no refund action for a substantial length of time. Similarly, it is not likely that the Commission will reinstitute a fee program in the absence of enabling legislation spelling out the Commission's powers to impose fees and specifying the criteria for such fee schedules.

AMA Legal Counsel Jeremiah Courtney

1) National Cable Television Ass'n, Inc., et al. v. FCC, Nos. 75-1053, et al.; National Ass'n of Broadcasters, et al. v. FCC, Nos. 75-1087, et al.; Electronics Industries Ass'n, et al. v. FCC, Nos. 75-1120, et al.; Capital Cities Communications, Inc., et al. v. FCC, Nos. 75-1503, et al. U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. 2) FCC Order, FCC 76-1197, 43659, In the Matter of Suspension of Subpart G of Part 1 of the Commission's Rules relating to the schedule of fees. Adopted 12/22/76; Released 12/23/76.

TREAT STRANGERS KINDLY

Some time ago, a stranger showed up at a DC/RC flying site and asked DC/RC member Harry Gratton to tell him a little about RC aeromodeling. Harry and other DC/RC members briefly put their immediate interests aside in order to answer the stranger's questions and to provide a glimpse of aeromodeling only an aeromodeler can present. It was a good and positive glimpse.

At first Harry and the other DC/RC'ers didn't know who the stranger was. He could have been a policeman or a member of the county council or the recreation board, a millionaire or a blue collar worker—it didn't matter to them. He was interested in aeromodeling and that was all that mattered. They treated him well because he was there and they were the kind of AMA members they are—unselfishly giving up some flying time to introduce a newcomer to their favorite sport.

Eventually they learned that the stranger was Charles Schaeffer, Associate Editor of Changing Times (The Kiplinger Magazine). Unselfishly putting the national PR effort before his individual local interest, they referred Schaeffer to AMA Headquarters where he met with John Worth and Hobie Steele (another member of DC/RC) to get a glimpse of aeromodeling nationally.

The combination of the efforts begun by local club members taking time to cordially introduce a stranger to aeromodeling was a major article in the December 1976 Changing Times about RC modeling and modelers. Money cannot buy such positive national publicity. Indeed Changing Times does not contain advertising. A small kindness right at the local flying site can offer more positive national publicity for aeromodeling than many expensive advertising programs.

Who's that stranger at your flying site?

(If you're not a subscriber, the December 1976 Changing Times containing "Pilot Your Own Plane—From the Ground" by Charles Schaeffer should be available at your local library.)

FCC LICENSES FOR CLUBS

Recently AMA Headquarters was contacted by a few chartered clubs which had their applications for club FCC licenses returned by the FCC for further information. The following suggestions may help prevent problems with club FCC license applications and renewals.

In the meantime, AMA encourages each modeler interested in RC to apply for his or her individual FCC Class C license (especially now that individual licenses—as well as club licenses—are free). But clubs still find group licenses helpful where newcomers are concerned, so there is still a need for a club license to help beginners to get in the air quickly (and legally) while the individual license is being processed.

The Federal Communications Commission does not demand a very strong showing in regard to club control, but they do require now that some evidence of control by the club be stated in regard to club member use of the group license. The FCC will accept a variety of methods of demonstrating it. The club would be held responsible, however, for any violations committed by the member when operating under the club's license.

Club minutes or some other written record should be maintained showing the date, time and place that the club has authorized the member to operate under its license. Although it would be desirable to have a club official physically present at the time of the member's operation, this is not an absolute requirement. The FCC will also accept a written agreement between the member and the club whereby the member acknowledges that his use of the club license is under the control of the club. The Commission will also accept a delegation of the responsibility by the club (officers) to another member who might be present at the time of the operation.

All in all, the Commission has not taken a very strict attitude toward this requirement and so long as there is some indication of a control relationship between the club and the member, the Commission will accept such a showing.

This information is provided by AMA's legal counsel who suggests a standard statement to the FCC with each new club license application as follows:

"The Club's control over the facilities under application will be maintained by requiring each member to acknowledge, prior to any use of the station, that he does so subject to the orders and instructions of the Club and that the Club or its representative shall at all times have such access and control over the equipment as will enable the Club to carry out its responsibilities as the station licensee."

Remember that if every individual RC'er is licensed, the numbers will be significant to the FCC and more favorable treatment can be expected. This does not mean that clubs should be abandoned. 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 licenses by limiting club license use to the first year for new club members. That's a good idea which AMA recommends to all clubs.

FCC RC license applications available from AMA HQ. Clubs and hobby shops should state how many are wanted when requesting.

Council Meeting (cont. from page 55)

and membership liability coverage was discontinuing as of March 1, but that there were two possibilities for other companies to continue coverage without interruption, with the expectation of a decision for one or the other by mid-March. A 25% increase (approximately $10,000) in costs was noted to be likely.

1. Studied FAI programs and procedures. A change in the majority vote percentage for team selection decisions was approved: where 200 participants or more are involved in a program, the minimum percentage is now 60%; where there are at least 100 but not more than 199, the percentage is 55%; where there are 99 or less, the percentage is 51% (simple majority).

It was also decided to allow the Free Flight Nordic Glider finalists until March 10 to resolve their current voting stalemate, using the new voting percentage above; otherwise the AMA President will decide where and when the 1977 team will be selected. Final revision of new team selection committee operating guidelines was noted to be likely by mid-March with approval by the President and effective by April 1.

1. Approved the requirement for world record seekers to have the S5 FAI stamp when applying for sanction, but previous $20 record processing fee has been eliminated.

1. Deferred the consideration of expense payments for contest board meetings, pending information from the results of a telephone conference call experiment conducted in February. It is hoped that such calls might be a more practical cost compromise which would be equitable and cost effective without the $10,000 expense (estimated) which would be involved with in-person meetings.

1. Approved AMA officer nomination procedures for 1977; to be the same as for 1976 (copies available upon request from AMA HQ).

Those to receive ballots will be all Open members of record as of September 30, with the election postmark deadline to be extended 10 days beyond what has been typical, to November 25 instead of November 15.

1. Approved a proposal to have AMA's counsel propose a draft of a by-laws revision proposal which would provide specific membership termination procedures, in accordance with legal necessities for member and organization protection.

1. Approved 14 AMA Distinguished Service awards to various AMA clubs and individuals, in recognition of outstanding service to AMA and model aviation.

1. Approved an increase, effective in 1978, to $25 for the AAAA contest sanction fee. Deferred action on a request for AAAA rating to the Golden Triad Control Line meet of June 18-19 in South Carolina, pending receipt of endorsement of the request from the various CL special interest organizations involved, PAMPA, MACA, FAI-CLS, etc. It was noted that there is a need for a single CL organization to represent the many interested individuals and that for a meet involving different CL interests the various specialty groups must all combine endorsements.

1. Declined to approve a change in contest board rules making procedures from the current two-year cycle to a proposed three-year cycle.

1. Approved the date and place of the next Council Meeting: April 16, Dallas, Texas.

Note: Other matters were also discussed and tabled or not acted upon. A more detailed report will be published as soon as possible, probably in the next issue of Model Aviation. Copies of the actual meeting minutes, following approval by the Council, will be available upon request if not published; probably about March 15. from HQ, and will send it to all clubs from whom I receive mail upon arrival.

Still no solid decisions on elections for AVPs. This will make a good subject for the District 1 meeting to be held in Westford, MA at the Nashoba Valley Tech. HS on Saturday evening, March 26, 1977. This will be a great display of models, and a good meeting with good speakers and some AMA representation. Host club, the 495th RC Squadron, will again hold a raffle (two sets of RC gear this year) and will be expecting over 300 people. This annual affair is well managed by coordinator Tom Dimilla, Jr., and the new president Paul Penney (also our contest coordinator) will surely add even more dignity to the affair.

Recently heard from old friend Norm Goyer who is now in California, and owns a few full scale airports out there. I will hopefully visit him soon. Norm was one of the real "pioneers" in RC in western Massachusetts many years ago. He had one of the first ideas on Pylon Racing, and we ran a meet, racing around a two-pylon course as in "anything goes" race back about 1961 or '62. Norm used to fly a Scale J-3 on floats, and one of the first multi-rigs I ever saw (reeds) and really did a lot to build our sport through shows at a local amusement park, and other types of publicity. I still recall the SPCA who questioned our launching of a mouse in a single-channel Nomad and then shouted commands to "Herman" on which way to fly. In actuality, Norm palmed the little creature, and after I had landed the Nomad from a concealed position, he again unpalmed the mouse, to make it appear that he had really been up and flying the rig. The transmitter used was a ground-based gyro. I still have it. Any offers?

Have already received an offer from old friend Al Bachand to help out at the Nats. Al helped out in the Hobby Shop and in Tabulation two years ago at Lake Charles, and is once more available. Anyone else out there interested in coming to the Nats to help run the show? This year will be a good one with the West Coast firmly behind the effort, and thankful to once more get the Nats to the West Coast. Sure hope that I can make it, too. It'll be pleasurable to see all the old friends out there, and to go down to the Sand Castle at Huntington Beach for a crab dinner, and then maybe stop over at the Sugar Shack in Los Alamitos for dessert, or for an after-dinner drink.

Recent correspondence has disclosed that a real good friend of the AMA and the Nats has passed on. L. C. Worthington, down in Fort Worth, Texas, left us last June. He will be sorely missed by all of us who knew him for the unselfish and dedicated modeler that he was. Those of us who have worked with him at the Nats over these past 12 or 15 years are truly sorry to hear of his loss.

Lots of club meetings are on my schedule for the coming months. My schedule is packed through May. If you would like a visit, please let me know, and I'll try to come to your club meetings to answer any questions you might have on AMA-related matters.

AMA News

BASICS OF DECISIONS — WINTER COUNCIL MEETING

1. Approved AMA operating budget for 1977, estimating a 5% increase; membership 65,600. 1976 total 62,494. Noted 1976 ended with a small operating surplus; increased expenses in 1977 will cause a loss situation at year end.

1. Approved initiation of a professional study of HQ operations — to guide future management structure, office procedures and policies; purpose: insuring AMA utilizes best techniques and complies with current regulations and trends regarding employer obligations and liabilities.

1. Examined current planning for 1977 PR projects including film production, trade show participation, fund raising, air show team programs, a new brochure promoting general public appreciation, Model Aviation, and—probably—an AMA club program; noted connection with the annual Jerry Lewis telethon for Muscular Dystrophy.

1. Approved an increase in expense allowances for Council members in connection with AMA district travels and meetings to help officers expand contacts with constituents and promote local activities; also noted improved computer services at HQ might be available in September to help district communications officers.

1. Reviewed Model Aviation magazine operations and finances. A proposal to provide the magazine to members in 1978 was tabled until the Council considers later-year specifics. A possible dues increase was noted. The magazine had a slight operating surplus in 1976 but could be expected to show a loss in 1977 due to increased costs of printing, paper and postage. The question of whether Competition News should be optional was discussed; no change to the current arrangement was made.

1. Approved details of the 1977 Nats (presented elsewhere in this issue). Entry fees will be the same as 1976. There will be no individual category club championship awards. The Nats operation is budgeted to break even based on maximum utilization; West Coast officials...

1. Reviewed AMA insurance programs; noted AMA's 1976 underwriter for club ... (discussion continued).

A January 22 meeting established the basics of the daily event schedule, management structure and budget groups to combine and produce a super effort. Thirty-six representatives of different organizations and interests met in Riverside, California to plan details of AMA's return to the West Coast after an absence of 10 years for the National Model Airplane Championships. The meeting lasted from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and established the competition schedule beginning Saturday, August 6 and continuing through Sunday, August 14.

Riverside is about 40 miles (straight line) east of downtown Los Angeles and about 20 miles northeast of Disneyland. As host city center, activity will take place nearby March Air Force Base; other flying site locations and details need final approval after which remaining expectations should be resolved by the end of February. The general picture shapes up as follows:

• Indoor Flight Events: Sat & Sun Aug 6-7 — Norton Air Force Base, about 10 miles northeast of Riverside.
• Control Line Events: Tues Aug 9 through Sat Aug 13 — March Air Force Base, about 8 miles southeast of Riverside.
• Radio Control Events (except Soaring): Mon Aug 8 through Sun Aug 14 — March Air Force Base.
• Outdoor Free Flight Events; Radio Control Soaring: Tues Aug 9 through Sat Aug 13 — near Moreno, about 12 miles east of March Air Force Base.
• Scale Events (according to category) included above.

Entry fees will be the same as 1976. Entry forms for the Nats (open to AMA members) will be available about mid‑March. Low-cost air‑conditioned college dormitories will be available to contestants, officials and families at the University of California — Riverside within a mile of motel row. Riverside includes chain motels and independents. Camping will be available within a few miles, possibly at March Air Force Base. Full details and aspects of the Nats will be published in Model Aviation magazine during the March, April, May and June issues. Those desiring entry forms should send a self-addressed envelope with return postage to AMA HQ, Washington, D.C.

Also approved at the meeting was the basic officials' expense reimbursement budget: $9,000 total — Control Line $1,600; Radio Control $3,000; Free Flight $1,500; Scale and general Nats support $2,900. Officials will also be entitled to nights of free lodging in college dorms equal to the cost per day worked. Nats-certified appropriate category event directors who work three days will receive a free full magazine membership for 1978. Recommendations concerning championships (individual or category) were discussed. The AMA Board of Directors' Executive Council met in Houston January 29 and took the following actions:

1. Approved AMA operating budget for 1977 estimating a 5% increase in membership to 65,600 (1976 total 62,494). Noted 1976 ended with a small operating surplus; increased expenses in 1977 will cause a loss situation at year end.

1. Approved initiation of a professional study of HQ operations — a guide to future management structure, office procedures and policies — the purpose being to insure AMA utilizes best techniques and complies with current regulations and trends regarding employer obligations and liabilities.

1. Examined current planning for 1977 PR projects including film production, trade show participation, fund‑raising, air show team programs, a new brochure, promotion of general public appreciation and Model Aviation publicity; noted connection of the AMA club program with the annual Jerry Lewis telethon for Muscular Dystrophy.

1. Approved an increase in expense allowances for Council members in connection with AMA district travel and meetings to help officers expand contacts with constituents and promote local activities. Also noted improved computer services at HQ might be available in September to help district communications officers.

1. Reviewed Model Aviation magazine operations and finances. A proposal to provide the magazine to all members in 1978 was tabled until the Council considers later-year specifics; a possible dues increase was noted. The magazine showed a slight operating surplus in 1976 but could be expected to show a loss in 1977 because of increased costs for printing, paper and postage. The question whether Competition News should be an optional choice was discussed; no change in the current arrangement was made.

1. Approved details of the 1977 Nats presented elsewhere in this issue. Entry fees will be the same as in 1976. There will be no individual Category Club Championship awards. Nats operations are budgeted to break even based on maximum utilization; West Coast officials were named.

1. Reviewed AMA insurance programs and noted AMA's 1976 underwriter arrangements will continue.

A January 22 meeting established the basics — daily event schedule, management structure and budget groups — to combine and produce a super effort. Thirty‑six representatives of different organizations and interests met in Riverside, California to plan details of AMA's return to the West Coast after an absence of 10 years for the National Model Airplane Championships. The meeting lasted 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and established a competition schedule beginning Saturday, August 6 and continuing through Sunday, August 14.

Riverside, about 40 miles straight‑line east of downtown Los Angeles and about 20 miles northeast of Disneyland, will be the host city. Center activity will take place near March Air Force Base; other flying site locations and details need final approval following the meeting. The general picture shapes up as follows:

• Indoor Flight Events: Sat & Sun, Aug 6-7 — Norton Air Force Base (about 10 miles northeast of Riverside)
• Control Line Events: Tues, Aug 9 through Sat, Aug 13 — March Air Force Base (about 8 miles southeast of Riverside)
• Radio Control Events (except Soaring): Mon, Aug 8 through Sun, Aug 14 — March Air Force Base
• Outdoor Free Flight Events and Radio Control Soaring: Tues, Aug 9 through Sat, Aug 13 — near Moreno (about 12 miles east of March Air Force Base)

Entry fees will be the same as in 1976. Entry forms for the Nats (open to AMA members) will be available about mid‑March. Low‑cost air‑conditioned college dormitories will be available to contestants, officials and families at the University of California — Riverside within a mile of motel row. Riverside includes chain motels and independents. Camping will be available within a few miles, possibly at March Air Force Base. Full details and aspects of the Nats will be published in Model Aviation magazine during the March, April, May and June issues. Those desiring entry forms should send a self‑addressed envelope with return postage to AMA HQ, Washington, D.C.

Also approved at the meeting was the basic officials' expense reimbursement budget: $9,000 total — Control Line $1,600; Radio Control $3,000; Free Flight $1,500; Scale and general Nats support $2,900. Officials will also be entitled to nights of free lodging in college dorms equal to the cost per day worked. Nats‑certified appropriate category event directors who work three days will receive a free full magazine membership for 1978. Recommendations concerning championships (individual or category) were discussed.

AMA News

The manpower at the California Nats will be handled by Betty Stream. Betty was a candidate for VP, but lost out to Jim Scarborough in the election. If you plan to go to the '77 Nats and would like to help, get in touch with Betty. I am sure that the regular workers from District VIII will pitch in as usual.

Will have to miss the Dallas Rounders banquet this year. They planned for the day of the Council Meeting. My best to this active group of Control-Liners.

Once again let me remind you to contact our Contest Coordinators if you are planning a contest for 1977. Larry Stanfield for RC and John Deaton for all others and combined contests. Sending them to me just delays them. I have to send your letters to them. They do the coordinating. These guys would like to help you. In order for them to do anything for you, contacting them early gives them the chance to do their job properly. Last minute sanctions bring only disappointments. Check with them early so they can help you plan the dates of your contest. Both of them are Contest Directors and can be very helpful to you.

Latest newsletter arriving to me is from the Acadian RC Club, Crawfish Tales, edited by Bob Guynn. Also noted that the LARKS have a new editor, Larry Thompson. Keep the newsletters coming this way.

I hope that both the Dallas Hobby Fair and the Houston HIA show came off well. I did not get notice for either of them early enough to give them any space. Maybe I can next year.

My thanks to the 548 members of the district who voted in the last election for District VIII — the 524 who voted for me and the 24 who voted for Riley. Now you can help me to serve you by letting me know what you want for your AMA. Let me know what it is that you would like your AMA to do and what not to do. Don't be bashful, drop me a note and let me know what you think your AMA should be and should do.

If you have a gripe about the contest rules, please do let your representatives on the various contest boards know about it. They represent you on these boards. They vote on the rules in your behalf. Write directly to them. If you send me your letter concerning contest rules, I just have to forward it to them.

If you want anything included in this column, let me know what it is and I'll try to put it in. Any of our district officers have a standing offer to write all or part of this column.

AMA News

BASICS OF DECISIONS WINTER COUNCIL MEETING

1. Approved initiation of a professional study — an operations guide for future management structure, office procedures and policies — the purpose being to insure AMA utilizes best techniques and is in compliance with current regulations and trends regarding employer obligations and liabilities.

1. Examined current planning for 1977 PR projects including film production, trade show participation, fund raising, air show team programs, a new brochure promoting general public appreciation of model aviation and the AMA club program. Noted the connection with the annual Jerry Lewis telethon for Muscular Dystrophy.

1. Reviewed Model Aviation magazine operations and finances and a proposal concerning magazine distribution to members in 1978. Tabled the proposal until the Council considers specifics at a later date; a possible dues increase was noted. The magazine had a slight operating surplus in 1976 but could be expected to show a loss in 1977 due to increased costs for printing, paper and postage. The question of whether Competition News should be an optional choice was discussed; no change in the current arrangement was made.

1. Approved details of the 1977 Nats as presented elsewhere in this issue. Entry fees will be the same as 1976. The Nats operation is budgeted to break even based on maximum utilization.

Thirty-six representatives of different organizations and interests met in Riverside, California to plan details of AMA's return to the West Coast after an absence of 10 years for the National Model Airplane Championships. The meeting lasted from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and established a competition schedule beginning Saturday, August 6 and continuing through Sunday, August 14. Riverside is about 40 miles (straight line) east of downtown Los Angeles and about 20 miles northeast of Disneyland. Host city center activities will take place nearby; March Air Force Base and other flying site locations were considered. Final approval of site details will be made after additional meeting work; expectations were that remaining items would be resolved by the end of February. The general picture shapes up as follows:

• Indoor Flight Events: Sat. & Sun., Aug. 6-7 — Norton Air Force Base (about 10 miles northeast of Riverside)
• Control Line Events: Tues., Aug. 9 through Sat., Aug. 13 — March Air Force Base (about 8 miles southeast of Riverside)
• Outdoor Free Flight Events and Radio Control Soaring: Tues., Aug. 9 through Sat., Aug. 13 — near Moreno (about 12 miles east of March Air Force Base)

Entry fees will be the same as 1976. Entry forms for the Nats (open to AMA members) will be available about mid-March. Low-cost, air-conditioned college dormitories will be available to contestants, officials and families at the University of California, Riverside within a mile; motel row in Riverside includes chain and independent motels. Camping will be available within a few miles, possibly at March Air Force Base. Full details of all aspects of the Nats will be published in Model Aviation in the March, April, May and June issues. Those desiring entry forms should send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to AMA Headquarters, Washington, D.C.

Also approved at the meeting was a basic officials expense reimbursement budget of $9,000 allocated approximately as follows: Control Line $1,600; Radio Control $3,000; Free Flight $1,500; Scale and general Nats support $2,900. Officials will also be entitled to free nights lodging in college dorms equivalent to the cost per day worked. A Nats-certified appropriate category event director who works three days will receive a free full magazine membership for 1978.

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