AMA News
Summary of AMA Executive Council Meeting — July 25, 1992
The regular meeting of the Academy of Model Aeronautics Executive Council was called to order at 8:30 a.m., chaired by the president. All Council members were present except Mr. Keyawa; District 10 was represented by proxy.
Motions and actions:
- Revocation of Contest Director status — motion carried.
- Move AMA headquarters from Reston, Virginia, to Muncie, Indiana, targeting completion by mid‑1993 — passed unanimously.
- Contest Director enforcement: effective immediately, Contest Directors who do not enforce policies and rules within their responsibilities shall be sent a letter placing them on probation for the first offense; a second offense shall result in revocation of Contest Director status — motion carried (10 for, 1 against, 1 abstained).
- Headquarters will provide Council members with copies of all forms and instruction literature when changes are made — passed unanimously.
- 1993 Youth/Family membership to be offered at $7 (magazine not included). To qualify, the applicant must have the same last name and address as a current Open member — passed unanimously.
- 1993 Nats to be held in Lubbock, Texas, July 17–26 — carried (9 for, 1 against, 2 abstained).
- Motion to hold the 1994 Nats at Tri‑Cities (Richland) Airport, Washington — motion failed (8 against, 4 in favor).
- Require the Safety Code Compliance and Waiver/Release of Liability statement on everyone’s application as a one‑time sign-up while membership remains continuous — motion carried (11 for, 1 against).
- Accept Scholarship Committee recommendations for the 1992 Charles H. Grant Awards — motion carried (11 for, 1 against).
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. The next meeting will be at AMA Headquarters in Reston on November 14, 1992.
Model Aviation Hall of Fame
The Model Aviation Hall of Fame Council and AMA Past Presidents have approved the 1992 inductees:
- Col. Hurst G. Bowers — McLean, Virginia
- Charles Tracy — Cleveland, Ohio
- Earl Wilt — Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Congratulations.
President's Corner
Don Lowe, President, Academy of Model Aeronautics 902 Little Bend Rd., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
A few editorial points and observations:
- Headlines and statistics can mislead. Terms like median vs. average, real numbers vs. percentages, GNP, CPI, and inflation can confuse readers and lead to overreaction. Even well-intended statements may be misleading without context.
- AMA and its officers are not immune to misleading impressions. For example, a column once noted that the total number of suits filed against AMA exceeded AMA’s net worth. Although technically possible as a sum of "prayers for damages," this is misleading: the prayer amount is often substantially higher than eventual settlements.
- Example: a case with a prayer for $20 million was settled for $1,325,000. AMA carries excess insurance that covers amounts above the $1 million underlying self-funded policy for a policy year. In that instance, earlier settlements that year totaled roughly $180,000, so the excess carrier covered amounts above $820,000.
- The insurance settlement demonstrates the program worked: a major claim was handled, covering both the AMA member and AMA itself. While glitches occurred, the program functioned as intended.
- AMA is on solid financial ground as long as membership grows with safety of flight as a paramount objective. If membership becomes lax on safety, the activity could become an uninsurable risk. Don’t let avoidable accidents threaten our activity.
Headquarters and Membership News
- Early renewals: In the first two-and-a-half weeks of receiving renewals, about 1,800 members opted to renew for two years. Members renewing for two years this year will receive an identification card free (cards are heavy stock, similar to credit cards; producing them in large quantities reduces per‑unit cost). The cost of the cards this year is expected to be offset by interest income on members’ 1994 dues.
- Fundraising and site acquisition: In the first two weeks of receiving 1993 renewals, Headquarters received nearly $15,000 for the AMA site acquisition and development project. Many members included notes; about 1,500 names will appear in bold print in the new museum as recognition of support.
- Museum and facilities: Members will be treated to the opening of the new Frank V. Ething Complex museum in Indiana, improvements to the national flying site, and acquisition of the first regional site.
- Headquarters move and staffing: AMA has decided to move Headquarters from Reston, Virginia, to Muncie, Indiana, with the move expected around midyear 1993. The economy and recent legal matters may affect operations, and Headquarters may lose up to 38 of its current 48 employees during the move. Staff are working hard to ensure a successful year with membership growth, a great Nats, and the Free Flight World Championships to follow.
- Nats planning: As of this writing, final approvals for the 1993 National Championships at Lubbock, Texas, had not been received. Contingency plans include possible return to Lawrenceville or holding the Nats in Muncie over two weeks if multiple sites are not available concurrently. Ideas under discussion include grouping related events to spread traffic, improve accommodations, and reduce strain on equipment. Suggestions such as a separate Pattern Nats or separate Soaring events have been proposed and are open for member comment.
Waiver (NEWSFLASH)
- Beginning in 1993, members will no longer need to sign an additional waiver at an AMA‑sanctioned event if they have signed the application/renewal waiver. The 1993 application/renewal waiver was reviewed and found to be too wordy and too exclusive; AMA will accept either the 1992 waiver or the 1993 waiver printed on applications.
- Effective immediately, applications will include the following statement:
"I agree to comply with the AMA Safety Code applicable to model operations. I understand failure to comply with the Safety Code may result in denial of liability coverage for damages or claims caused. I further understand written notice must be provided within sixty days of the occurrence or incident. I am aware modeling may present hazards to participants and spectators and hereby exempt, waive and relieve the Academy of Model Aeronautics, Incorporated (AMA) of current and future liability for personal injury, property damage or wrongful death caused by negligence."
- This change eliminates waiver references to clubs, site owners, and Contest Directors for sanctioned events.
Free Flight at Muncie
Testimonials from the U.S. Outdoor Free Flight Championships at Muncie:
- Jim Boeckins: "The geography and physical size of the land rates it as the best free flight site that I have ever flown on."
- Jean Paillet: "Speaking for myself, I'd say it's the best field I've flown on in the past ten years."
- Bob Hatschek to Vince Mankowski: "Believe me, Vince, I'm delighted with the Muncie site."
Community and Club News
- Russ Ainbinder (District 2, Long Island) received recognition for community service and youth outreach. Russ and the Four Strokers R/C Club established a "Building With Kids" program at the Center Moriches Public Library based on Dave Haught’s book. The club provided kits and materials at no cost; participants formed a model aviation club, the Balsa Busters, with Russ as advisor. AMA awarded Russ a Superior Service Award.
- Miniature Aircraft Association of Westchester (Croton Point Park) held an air show on August 23, 1992, with over 100 club members participating and more than 500 attendees on the alternate date after a rainout. The event included static displays, flying demonstrations (pattern, electrics, gliders, helicopters, giant scale), a dogfight finale, and community exhibits. Proceeds benefited the club and friends of Croton Point Park.
Long Island Area Radio Society (LIARS) Air Show (Sunken Meadow State Park, May 3, 1992):
- 14th annual public air show with full cooperation of the State Parks Commission.
- Approximately 60 fliers and over 100 airplanes for flight and static display.
- Guests included Silent Electric Flyers of Long Island, Helicopter Enthusiasts of Long Island, and the Long Island Skyhawks (giant scale).
- Demonstration flying from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on a sunny, windy day; good spectator interaction.
District Reports
District 3 Report
Bob Brown, District 3 Vice President 1255 High Street, Bradford, PA 16701 — (814) 362‑7702
Associate Vice Presidents:
- Mike Barbee, Columbus, OH
- David H. Ellis, Cross Lanes, WV
- Nelson Gould, Allentown, PA
- John Hathaway, New Stanton, PA
- Jay Miley, Clearfield, PA
- Joseph S. Vislay, Maumee, OH
- Lawrence R. Weimer, Maple Heights, OH
- Gil Weiss, Bensalem, PA
- Mark Wilson, Dayton, OH
Frequency Coordinator:
- John Cottle, Forty Fort, PA — (717) 287‑8970
Highlights:
- Positive relationships continue with Pennsylvania state parks; a club in southwest Pennsylvania is using AMA procedures to pursue a new site.
- Tuscarora R/C Club plans an air show in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the state parks system.
- Maple Cave Fly-In (Cooperstown, PA) featured emergency helicopter models, home-built aircraft, and a full‑scale Pitts flown by Clancy Speal.
- KRC Electric Fly (Quakertown, PA) showcased rapid electric-model advances: 174 pilots, over 700 flights in two days, narrow-band radios enabling dense flight operations.
- Tri‑Club Picnic and Fly-In: Valley JFOs, Hillhoppers, and St. Clairsville R/C Flyers joined for the annual event in Marshall County, WV.
- Bob Evans Farm R/C Fly-In hosted by Jackson, OH, Flying Aces and Mountaineer and Hillbillies R/C clubs; positive participation.
District 5 Report
Jim McNeill, District 5 Vice President 617 South 20 Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205 — (205) 322‑2127
Highlights and anecdotes:
- New $7 junior dues option next year for Juniors who choose not to receive the magazine.
- Knoxville, TN: local club and Lions Club air show included parachute drops with souvenirs for children and strong community participation.
- Charleston RC Society Giant Scale Fly-In: well-attended, good field.
- Winamac field: a first-class, well-supported 13-acre municipal field with an 800-foot asphalt runway and clubhouse.
- X-Cell Team giant scale fly-in offered full‑size airplane raffle rides to winners — strong PR.
- Whitley County Barnstormers fun-fly at Columbia City, IN: grass strip operations with a friendly club atmosphere.
- Note: Building an RV-6A full‑size airplane consumes significant time and effort!
District 7 Report
Peter Waters, District 7 Vice President
Highlights:
- Swap Shop season and winter flying meet season underway.
- AMA has portable tabletop displays and videotapes available for clubs doing mall shows and public outreach.
- Request for club photos (people, not just models) for newsletters; please do not request originals back.
- Awards of Appreciation: forward nominations for members who deserve recognition; presentations can be arranged by the AVP.
Personal note:
- Family engagement in modeling continues; congratulations on a recent engagement in the modeling community.
- Winter travel schedule includes MARCS Sailplane Symposium, Grand Rapids, and other visits.
District 9 Report
Russ Miller, District 9 Vice President 980 N. 3rd Street, Carrington, ND 58421 — Days: (701) 652‑2739 / Evenings: (701) 652‑2321
Associate Vice Presidents:
- Tom Boyd, Lincoln, NE
- Nathan Lancaster, Denver, CO
- Travis McGinnis, Arvada, CO
- Loren Moen, Bottineau, ND
- Don Moden, Salina, KS
- Jim Ricketts, Sioux Falls, SD
- R.L. "Doc" Scarper, Overland Park, KS
- Chuck Smith, Casper, WY
Frequency Coordinator:
- Steve Mangles, Radio Service Center, Denver, CO
News and club reports:
- Aberdeen Area Modelers (South Dakota) held an Open House on May 31, 1992, with flying demonstrations, pit visits, and a potluck picnic; local media provided free advertising and Civil Air Patrol assisted with parking and water.
- Miniature Aero Sportsters (MAS, Denver area) history and challenges: founded ~20 years ago as a noncompetitive club, MAS has flown from a dirt runway at Fisher Field. Airport expansions and the new Denver International Airport development may require relocation or higher lease costs. MAS donates proceeds from its miniature air show to local charities (this year, Ronald McDonald House received about $150).
- District 9 meeting: Denver, Colorado, February 6th — clubs will receive information.
District 11 Report
Ed McCollough, District 11 Vice President P.O. Box 13677, Portland, OR 97213 — (503) 234‑4439
Events and notices:
- American Junior Aircraft Historical Society Modelers Swap Meet at Bagley Center, Vancouver, WA. All proceeds support the Northwest Model Museum. Contact Don Anderson at (503) 667‑2196 after 6 p.m. Pacific time.
- Bel‑Air Big Bird was successful: 65 large aircraft, ~300 spectator cars.
- Puyallup show is scheduled for Jan 30–31 with a District 11 meeting at 1 p.m. and scheduling meeting at 2 p.m.
- Keizer Big Bird drew large crowds (est. 2,000+ spectators) and featured a wide range of aircraft from Jennies to ducted-fan jets.
- Boeing Hawks Electric meet and electric helicopter (Revolver) indoor models reported from Japan (lightweight models with short flight times suitable for indoor flying).
- Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season.
PR Roundup
Geoffrey Styles, Director of Marketing
- Reston R/C Club provided a successful public event at Ida Lee Park (Leesburg, VA). Raffle airplane donated by Doug's Hobby Shop was assembled by club members, and the winning youngster received buddy-box stick time; the club gained significant positive community relations.
- Maxwell Bassett (AMA Hall of Fame) attended the 1992 National Championships and was warmly received by friends and fellow modelers.
- Rocky Mountain Modelers (Fort Collins, CO) produced a 30-minute cable TV program through a local cable company. The program mixed interviews, on-field footage, AMA videos, and coverage of club activities (sound issues, safety, school programs, permanent field acquisition). Clubs are encouraged to approach local cable companies for coverage; AMA videos may be broadcast with credit to the source.
- Northwest Florida Modelers, Inc. received favorable newspaper coverage for their charitable donations (e.g., $500 to the National Museum of Naval Aviation and $500 to the Navy Relief Fund).
- Seattle Radio Control Club (Plane Talk) is planning a scholarship for a Mountlake Terrace High School graduate; proceeds from the annual benefit model air show support the scholarship.
- Jack Albrecht of Airtronics, Inc., was presented with an AMA Distinguished Service Award for his contributions, notably developing the phase-in plan for 50 new radio channels in 1982, aiding a critical FCC transition for the hobby.
Miscellaneous Notices
- Several sections of this issue reiterated waiver and Executive Council meeting summaries to ensure members are fully informed.
- Members and clubs are encouraged to continue community outreach, promote safety, and support district and national events.
--- End of issue.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
