Edition: Model Aviation - 1992/03
Page Numbers: 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118
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AMA News

Beshar, Crispin, Sears, Hempel, and Keyawa Victors in 1991 Election

Joe Beshar and Russ Miller were elected AMA Vice Presidents for Districts II and IX, respectively. Incumbents Howard Crispin, Jim Sears, Gene Hempel, and Reginald Keyawa were re-elected as Vice Presidents of Districts IV, VI, VIII, and X, respectively. Elections are for three-year terms except for Russ Miller, who won a special election to fill the unexpired term of Travis McGinnis, who resigned from the Executive Council. All terms begin January 1, 1992.

Vote counts (provided by Auditor Raymond McGivern):

  • District 2
  • Joe Beshar — 918
  • John Grigg — 898
  • George Myers — 903
  • Write-in candidates — 9
  • Total — 2,728
  • District 4
  • Howard Crispin — 903
  • Brad Booth — 796
  • Write-in candidates — 2
  • Total — 1,701
  • District 6
  • Jim Sears — 1,348
  • Write-in candidates — 80
  • Total — 1,428
  • District 8
  • Gene Hempel — 1,841
  • Charles Stevens — 1,205
  • Write-in candidates — 12
  • Total — 3,031
  • District 9
  • Russ Miller — 287
  • Tom Boyd — 273
  • Write-in candidates — 4
  • Total — 564
  • District 10
  • Reginald Keyawa — 2,439
  • Bev Wisniewski — 1,979
  • Write-in candidates — 20
  • Total — 4,438

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Minutes — Executive Council Meeting, November 9, 1991

All members of the Executive Council were present except R. Keyawa, who was represented by H. Baldwin as proxy. The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by the President.

I. Approval of Minutes

  • The minutes of the July 22, 1991 Executive Council meeting were unanimously approved as written.

II. President’s Comments

  • President Lowe reported briefly on his experience as a judge at the Australian RC Combined World Championships.
  • Plaques were presented to outgoing vice presidents John Byrne and Travis McGinnis.

III. Executive Vice‑President’s Report

  • The current balance sheet shows the Academy is doing better than expected; reported growth rate for 1991 was 1.5%.
  • Suggested accounting adjustments related to the Muncie property acquisition/development; adjustments to appear in the next budget layout.
  • The negative pledge against the Reston building has been removed.
  • Recommended Council seriously consider purchasing property in Visalia, California.
  • AMA receivables over 90 days reduced from 49% to 28%.
  • District Ten VP has not yet divested himself of the patch program as agreed; further discussion held in executive session. HQ will offer to market District Ten patches through its Supply and Service catalog.

IV. Executive Director’s Report

  • Scale World Championships: draft Invitation sent to Paris; CIAM Bureau to review.
  • Requested consideration of placing the Nationals on the FAI Sporting Calendar.
  • Renew-for-Two program: initial 15% return now down to 2%; program may not be repeated.
  • Muncie grand opening: initial idea of a black-tie affair revised to an informal picnic/barbecue. Moved, seconded, and passed unanimously that the Muncie grand opening/fly-in occur June 13–14, 1992, as a picnic/barbecue; Council attendance to be funded.
  • A standardized operating plan for Muncie facility will be drafted by the Executive Director for review at the next Council meeting.
  • Club expulsion authority: the Council considered adding language to the Membership Manual to authorize Contest Directors to disqualify or exclude participants for infractions or unsportsmanlike conduct. Initial motion failed (6 against, 5 for, 1 abstention); motion was revised and, after amendment (inserting bracketed clarification), the amendment and the main motion as amended passed unanimously.
  • Free Flight items:
  • Moved, seconded, and passed unanimously that AMA pay for entry/lodging package for 1992 Junior Free Flight World Championship team members.
  • Moved, seconded, and passed unanimously to send $500 (one-time) to the treasurer of the Brooklyn Skyscrapers to establish the Galeville Mowing Fund.
  • Motion to issue 4-A status in 1992 to two Free Flight contests passed (7 for, 5 against).
  • Moved, seconded, and passed unanimously to give 4-A status to the U.S. Indoor Championship in 1992.
  • Revocation of Contest Director (CD) status: after attempts to obtain satisfactory accounting from a CD failed, the Council moved, seconded, and passed unanimously to remove CD status for noncompliance with CD duties.

V. Committee Reports

A. Finance

  • Chair Ed McCollough reviewed the finance committee meeting and line items in the 1992 budget. Additional provision will be made for two sound meters and a signal generator. Moved, seconded, and passed unanimously to accept the 1992 budget.

B. Special Interest Groups (SIG)

  • The SIG committee and Executive Director are to review and make changes to the SIG questionnaire.

C. PADCOM (Property and Development Committee)

  • Chair Waters expanded on Muncie site report and ED explained site development activities.
  • Opportunity to purchase land in Visalia, California; concept accepted in principle.

D. Bylaws

  • Chair Crispin recommended adoption of two amendments: (a) prohibition on payment for columns written by elected officials; (b) requiring that all statements in official AMA publications relating to Executive Council decisions be under the president’s signature. Motion (b) did not receive a second.
  • Moved and seconded to add standing rule to Nominations & Elections (Article IX): no person serving as an active member of the Executive Council shall be paid for any regular column or article in Model Aviation magazine, with exceptions for special-event coverage if prior arrangements were made; articles in AMA News are not paid contributions; no paid columns may be submitted after an individual is placed on the ballot. Motion passed (6 for, 5 against, 1 abstained).

E. Sound

  • Agreed to attempt a noise symposium at the 1992 Toledo Show.

F. Insurance

  • Page 26 of the meeting agenda included a "Waiver of All Claims Release of Liabilities and Indemnity Agreement." There was no objection to the wording.

G. Safety

  • Chair Hempel explained committee recommendations and background. Key actions:
  • The 1992 Top Gun event at Palm Beach Polo Club was granted a sanction only after proof of underwritten liability coverage of $3 million primary and AMA named as an additional insured. Motion passed as amended (6 for, 5 against, 2 abstained).
  • Amendment required contest management to make best effort to insure overfly area cleared of people. Amendment passed.
  • Motion to establish a general safety fund to match club donations for safety purposes failed (10 against, 2 for).
  • Council declined to support the World Flight project.
  • Control Line safety net requirement: original motion to remove netting requirement failed (6 for, 6 against). On reconsideration, substitute motion unanimously carried to remove the emergency requirement for safety nets for Control Line Speed upon passage by the Control Line Contest Board of emergency proposals addressing wire line sizes and lengths.
  • Approved changes in wire line size judged to provide adequate safety factor.

VI. Officer Expenses

  • Moved and seconded to approve ad hoc committee rewrite on reimbursement rules for President, Executive Vice-President, and vice-presidents. Motion passed (9 for, 1 against, 2 abstentions).

VII. Scholarship

  • Moved, seconded, and unanimously carried: scholarship applicants must apply within one year of high school graduation and are eligible for one grant only.
  • Moved and seconded: Charles H. Grant Scholarship budget to be based on $.15 per full open member using prior year membership totals; unawarded funds to be carried over. Motion passed (8 for, 1 against, 3 abstentions).

VIII. Pennsylvania Case

  • Bob Brown reported the case concluded with costs $18,187.50, under the allocated $27,000 budget.

IX. AMA Leader Club Awards

  • Moved and seconded to approve and implement the new Leader Club Recognition Awards program. Motion passed (8 for, 3 against, 1 abstained).

X. Leader Members and CDs

  • Discussion of instituting an active Leader Member program independent of CD status deferred to next meeting pending a working proposal.

XI. Contest Coordination Review

  • HQ contest coordination experiment (FF and CL events) in Districts 3, 6, and 7: Districts 3 and 7 VPs satisfied and wish to continue; District 6 VP may revert to appointing local coordinators.

XII. Nomination Procedures

  • Moved, seconded, and unanimously carried to amend standing rule relating to the Nominating Committee to require candidate resumes of professional qualifications and model aviation experience; added sentence that an incumbent must be properly nominated and accept to be placed on the ballot.

XIII. Junior/Family Dues

  • Moved and seconded that beginning in 1993 there be a Youth Family membership for households with more than one Junior to eliminate duplicate magazines. Motion passed (11 for, 1 against).

XIV. NAA License for Team Selection

  • Motion that FAI stamps (NAA membership) not be required for entry into AMA team selection programs failed (11 against). Subject to be revisited at spring meeting.

XV. Awards

  • Superior Service award presented to Bill Plunkett (motion carried unanimously).

XVI. Next Meetings

  • Moved and seconded that next Executive Council meeting be held in Pasadena, California, January 10, 1992. Motion passed (7 for, 5 against).
  • Summer Executive Council meeting and nominating committee meeting set for July 25, 1992.
  • Chairman of the 1992 nominating committee selected: Ed McCollough.

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PR Roundup

Geoffrey Styles, Director of Marketing

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the current name for radio-controlled drones (formerly Remotely Piloted Vehicles—RPVs), have seen many recent developments on both commercial and military sides. Examples during the Gulf War included the Pioneer aircraft used as target spotters. UAVs raise significant airspace-use issues: some have wingspans up to 200 feet, weigh up to 10 tons, and may operate at very high altitudes, creating potential conflicts with private, commercial, and military aviation during ascent and landing.

The FAA has formed a Task Force to consider UAV airspace use and regulatory proposals that may lead to a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM). The Task Force includes armed services, AOPA, EAA, ATCA, HAI, AMA, and others. Meetings are being hosted by Task Force members around the DC area; the first convened November 13, 1991 at the National Center for Aeronautics (AMA Headquarters). James L. Crook (ATCA) chairs the Task Force; Joseph C. White (FAA) is FAA representative. The Task Force’s assignment must be completed by December 1992. AMA’s participation is in recognition of its membership size and its relationship with the FAA; AMA representation will continue throughout the process.

Geoff Styles invites suggestions from AMA members interested in UAV issues; for now, concerns should be sent to AMA Headquarters so they can be carried to the Task Force. The FAA will solicit public comments once an NPRM is published.

Other PR notes:

  • Yellow Cab Company (Tucson) donated funds for a Best of Show cash prize at the Cholla Choppers MAC fall contest; Ed Southwick won Best of Show with his self-designed Skylark CL stunt model.
  • The Forest Preserve District of Cook County, IL, provides nine flying sites to Chicago-area clubs. AMA plaque program awarded recognition to site providers—photos by Michel Dilibove show presentations to Maintenance Superintendent Herb Johnson and Acting General Superintendent Joseph Neville.
  • Statesville Fliers R/C Club (Statesville, NC) ran a newspaper ad “Is There a Model Airplane in Your Christmas Plans?” offering free, no-obligation flight instruction and inviting new owners and spectators to visit.
  • RCHTA show at Rosemont Expo Center (Chicago): AMA had a booth and staff; attendance exceeded 1990. Upcoming 1992 trade shows include Toledo, Pasadena, New York, Dayton, and others where AMA staff will be present.

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EC Minutes (continued)

Additional editorial/financial insurance details (from meeting materials and Executive Vice‑President/Insurance discussion):

  • Historical insurance statistics (periods and claim counts) including liability, medical, and fire/theft/vandalism claims were reviewed to clarify AMA’s insurance budgeting and reserves. The 1992 membership insurance budgeted amount was noted (figures described in meeting materials).

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Executive Director’s View from HQ

Vince Mankowski — AMA Executive Director 1810 Samuel Morse Dr., Reston, VA 22090

  • Renewal process: As of December 13, 1991, 90,950 AMA members had renewed for 1992; nearly 6,000 of these were new members since October 1, 1991 (who will receive remainder of 1991 plus 1992).
  • Membership processing: HQ expanded staff overtime to maintain rapid turnaround; renewals received by December 15 should appear on club rosters and receive the March 1992 Model Aviation issue.
  • Charter Club renewal: HQ is updating forms and information; the Leader Club Award is included in the club packet to encourage site-saving and community engagement activities.
  • FAA Task Force meeting: First meeting (November 18) was held at AMA Headquarters; the Task Force will explore UAV litigation and guidelines. AMA’s hosting is intended to protect model aircraft interests.
  • FCC “refarming” meetings: AMA was represented in November; these meetings will affect allocation of frequencies below 470 MHz.
  • State-level legal work: AMA’s advocacy continued to yield successes for aeromodelers (e.g., a favorable Nebraska Supreme Court ruling noted by phone).
  • Membership benefits: New programs introduced in 1991 include a vision-wear discount program and a discounted subscription to Model Airplane News; additional magazine discounts, long-distance phone discounts, and possibly a travel/airfare service are in development.
  • Grand Opening/Muncie: The first national flying site grand opening will be June 13–14, 1992; membership kits will include an admission ticket. The event is intended to be historic and precede additional sites around the country.
  • Competition License proposal: Council to consider a Competition License for 1993, allowing entry into A/AA/AAA contests and supporting competition expenses.
  • Personal notes: Mankowski thanked outgoing Executive Council members Travis McGinnis and John Byrne for service.

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AMA News — Short Items

Massachusetts AVP

  • Jim Semonian appointed AVP for Massachusetts effective immediately.

Club Patches

  • Ted Denner is collecting model-hobby-related patches. Send patches to: 304 W. North Street, #188, Waukesha, WI 53188.

Ashuelot Valley Flyers Banquet

  • Attended November 2, 1991 in Keene, NH. Fay Wood award presented to Al Bergeron (club treasurer); Tom Kosewski was Guest of Honor.

Black Sheep Squadron

  • Club booth at Durham, CT Fair (Nov 27–29, 1991) was a success with large attendance; booth support provided by AMA HQ.

Noise / Sound Reduction

  • Example: using a three-bladed prop, an air cleaner, and a Davis Soundmaster muffler on an .61 Goldhead reduced sound from ~98 dB to ~88 dB. Work continues on quieter solutions for larger engines.

Soapbox

  • Criticism of AMA in some press noted; readers cautioned to check facts with AMA Headquarters before believing negative reports.

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District Reports

District II — Joe Beshar (first column as VP)

  • Thanks to voters; close election results (20-vote spreads).
  • District II meeting planned at WRAM Show, White Plains, NY on February 22, 1992 at 1:00 p.m.
  • Galeville site improvements: Brooklyn Skyscrapers and volunteers worked with the FBI and West Point to clear access paths and a northeast launch site. A Galeville Maintenance Fund was established; contributions payable to Brooklyn Skyscrapers, sent to Tom Waddington, Treasurer, 3504 Carol Court, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598.

District III — Bob Brown

  • Toledo Show (April 3–5) to be at Seagate Center; District III meeting planned on Saturday.
  • Muncie site opening June 13–14; Nationals at Westover AFB (June 20–28).
  • FAC Nationals at Geneseo Warplane Museum July 10–12.
  • Example club activities: Adopt-A-Highway program participation by Model Aircraft Recreation Society (Mars, PA); Wingmasters of Dayton logged 540 instructional flights over 27 weeks, adding 40 members.
  • Encouraged clubs to adopt similar community-minded programs.

District IV — Howard Crispin

  • Membership growth and increased club activity noted.
  • New club: Prince William Radio Control Club (northern Virginia), formed by members from Fauquier Aero-Recreation Modelers after site loss.
  • Flea markets/swap meets scheduled at various clubs; caution urged when buying used radio equipment.
  • Leader Member program: proposal to revitalize Leader Membership as a distinct category separate from Contest Director; three Leader Member categories proposed—Administration, Scientific, Industrial—with application/resume to be used.
  • Obituary: Herbert J. Clukey, Jr. (founder of Flying Models) passed away Nov 20; tribute to his contributions.

District VII — Peter Waters

  • Busy travel schedule for early 1992. Encouraged club involvement, banquet attendance, and volunteerism.
  • Noted possible cancellation/sale of Byron show; emphasized importance of traditional events for visibility.
  • Working on AMA assistance program to help clubs purchase fields; announcement to follow January Council meeting.
  • Frequency Committee: petitioning the FCC to waive certain emission regulations on RC receivers.
  • Announcements on pylon racing and use of fax for newsletter submissions.

District VIII — Gene Hempel

  • Thanked District 8 voters for re-election support.
  • Attended Albuquerque Radio Control Club 36th Annual Fun Fly and Air Show; event gathered Toys for Tots and raised funds for George J. Maloof Airpark Maintenance Fund.

District IX — Russ Miller

  • Thanked supporters; urged members to forward district concerns to AVPs.
  • Appointments: Damon Moon appointed AVP for North Dakota; Travis McGinnis appointed AVP for Colorado.
  • New club chartered: Dakota Sky Masters (Casselton, ND).
  • Local contest and club activity reports from South Dakota and Kansas included.

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Sound & Model Aeronautics

Howard Crispin, Jr.

  • Migrating Combustion Chamber engine: those seeking more information should contact Engine Research Associates, Inc., 2610 Bosworth Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46805; include stamped, self-addressed business-size envelope.
  • Quiet flight (Electric, Soaring, rubber-powered Free Flight): these topics are well-covered in other publications; AMA and Model Aviation provide forums for education, research, and sound mitigation discussions.
  • Mandated sound levels: editorials urging AMA to mandate sound levels are premature until economical, effective sound-suppression solutions are widely available.
  • Hearing protection: recommended soft, self-adjusting foam earplugs (Noise Reduction Rating ~29); readily available at pharmacies and very affordable. Keep them in field boxes and first-aid kits.

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Additional Notes

  • 1992 AMA rule books are available; District Five residents may write in to request a free copy; HQ sells rule books for $2.50.
  • Junior membership family plan: beginning in 1993, a Youth Family membership will be available to avoid multiple magazines to a single household.
  • Trade shows and club fly-ins: numerous events and shows planned for 1992; members encouraged to attend and meet AMA staff.

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