AMA News

Sound & Model Aeronautics

Howard Crispin, Jr.

I receive letters, with increasing frequency, asking for assistance relating to noise complaints. At times these inquiries are not entirely questions of sound levels but relate to construction, complaints of animal disturbance, and other matters that cannot be readily answered without a more complete understanding of the complaint. Many such matters are best handled locally, but there are pieces of information on hand at Headquarters which may be of help.

Answering all letters is not an easy task. An attempt is made to reply to each as fully as possible, but one person, two fingers, and a shortage of hours in a day can create time lag. Critical problems are considered first. One procedure that will help tremendously — and often resolve the question with a single reply — is for you to submit a detailed description of your site and the operation of flying activities.

Please include the following:

• A layout of the field, including the overflight area and extending at least 1,000 feet outside these areas.
• A drawing, map, or photograph showing distances with a reasonable scale so distances from the flight line (pilot positions) and the flight envelope can be determined.
• An accurate definition of the flight envelope — do not base this on visual estimates from the pilot position; the eye becomes inaccurate beyond about 50 feet.
• The method used to measure sound levels and the levels permitted at your flying site.
• Any special rules in force at the site such as hours of operation, day-of-week restrictions, the number of aircraft permitted in flight at one time, and particular areas around the field boundary where flying may or may not be allowed.

Given these bits of information, Headquarters will have a reasonable chance of offering useful answers for your particular situation. Every site is different, though dB units are the same everywhere. When using your sound meter (preferably calibrated on occasion) make certain it is set to the "A" scale and "Slow" response.

One important point: begin the process of meeting challenges before they get into the hands of local authorities. Once the police or courts start action against your operation, you are already in deep difficulty. Please take note when conditions are changing around you — not everyone shares our love for aviation.

New Muffler

New mufflers now available on the U.S. market are manufactured by Bisson Custom Mufflers, RR #1, Taits Island, Parry Sound, Ontario, P2A 2W7. Bisson makes several designs for a large number of engines and has been known in the Canadian modeling community for years; they are becoming better known in the U.S.

I first saw some of their work a few years ago when they were quieting ducted fans. Since then the product line has greatly expanded. I have not had extensive long-term experience with their mufflers, but samples I have seen give good expectation of quiet operation. The mufflers are constructed of aluminum bar stock and tubing with welded parts; adapter plates are sometimes provided to match particular engines. Specimens seen at Toledo and at the MARC Show appeared well made.

For example, a muffler made for the Super Tigre 3000 reportedly has baffling volume about twenty times the engine displacement, which should be quite effective. Photo examples included a Bisson Pitts-style muffler for larger engines and a conventional baffled muffler.

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AMA Executive Council meeting minutes

January 22, 1994 — Muncie, Indiana

Attendees

• President: Don Lowe, Altamonte Springs, FL
• Executive Vice President: Dave Brown, Hamilton, OH
• District I VP: Don Krafft, Duxbury, MA
• VP-II: Joe Beshar, Oradell, NJ
• VP-III: Bob Brown, Bradford, PA
• VP-IV: Howard Crispin, Charlottesville, VA
• VP-V: Jim McNeill, Birmingham, AL
• VP-VI: Jim Sears, Burgin, KY
• VP-VII: Peter Waters, Northville, MI
• VP-VIII: Gene Hempel, Garland, TX
• VP-IX: Russ Miller, Carrington, ND
• VP-X: Rich Hansen, Scottsdale, AZ
• VP-XI: Ed McCullough, Portland, OR
• NAA Representative: Lance Zellers
• AMA Executive Director: Robert Underwood

Present from the Academy staff: Joyce Hager, Geoffrey Styles, Jane Ames, Jay Mealy, Rick Craig, Curtiss May, Dave Norris, Jim Haught, Judy Hollandsworth, Carl Maroney. Others: Felix Gora (attorney), Joe Gelwicks (attorney), Dave McDonald (National C/L Racing Assoc).

The meeting was brought to order at 8:10 a.m. by President Don Lowe.

I. President's Report

• Don Lowe reviewed the Ad Hoc Pylon Committee meeting of December 5, 1993 (Indianapolis).
• He reported a club frequency dispute in District XI had been resolved; Ed McCullough (XI) objected to how it was handled given his district responsibilities.
• Bob Underwood (ED) suggested recording the Council meeting to ensure accurate minutes.

• MOVED: R. Miller (IX), seconded by Gene Hempel (VIII) — make a single recording, no copies, entrusted to the Executive Director and destroyed after minutes are approved.
• Motion passed. Recorded votes: 2 against (IV); 11 for (VI, II, VII, NAA, IX, V, VIII, III, XI, X, EVP).

II. Minutes of the Previous Meeting

• MOVED: Bob Brown (III), seconded Joe Beshar (II) — accept minutes of Oct 30–31, 1993 Council Meeting with change on page 12 indicating Travis McGinnis is from District IX.
• Motion carried by consensus.

III. Executive Vice President's Report

• EVP Dave Brown met with Legg Mason; they recommended an investment policy be established. D. Brown will present guidelines at the next meeting.
• Restron property leased; proceeds small the first year, increasing in later years; lease includes option to buy. Suggestion to earmark some proceeds for further development of the Muncie flying site with potential to host Nationals.
• D. Brown and Jane Ames met with a local auditor to accelerate completion of the audit.
• Dissatisfaction reported with Crestair's investment management; plan to move liquid accounts to a local bank; a proposal forthcoming.
• Accounting computer system: Curt May indicated Accounting must pick a system. System could be functional in 60–90 days; tying in other departments will take about one year. Plan to eliminate "Prime" by July 1, 1995; target date for new system completion July 1995.
• Missing batches of checks: about 40% replaced by members. By consensus, further investigation was not expected to yield new information; staff should implement a batch tracking process (manual or computer). OCR scanning of checks is a future consideration.
• Condo in Reston sold and settlement completed.

IV. Executive Director's Report

• JoAnne Spannapiano is leaving and returning to Virginia.
• Rules books are due in shortly; about 10,000 requests to process.
• Office closed for two days due to inclement weather.
• Membership office had delays due to second renewal notices and brief office closure.
• Museum engine collection refurbishment credited to Mike Fulmer and Ira Keeler; Bill Hirschberger to help identify radio systems for display. "Hobby Shop" structure in place; on target for June opening.
• For RC clubs operating at less than 3-mile separation, HQ requests a letter from each club confirming no operational problems at that separation.
• Don Lowe cautioned on spending even when a budget has been previously approved; no large purchases to date.
• Curt May reported elimination of Unix and migration to network; EC members can access Prime from home. Judy Hollandsworth reported production-side magazine changes to save time and expense.

V. Committee Reports

#### A. PADCOM

• Bob Brown met with Vicki Keach regarding the Balloon Fest; project unlikely to happen as originally planned.
• Discussed establishing a policy for changing fees for using the field and rental of buildings/equipment.
• B. Underwood expressed concern about site overuse; suggested charging fees for organized sanctioned events and developing a policy for Muncie site usage and HQ personnel expectations.
• Padcom tasked to propose a system to prioritize events, keeping in mind site promotion of model aviation. Proposal due at next Council meeting.
• D. Brown expressed concern about contests at the Nationals that might reflect on AMA HQ; suggested site not be used for regularly scheduled contests.
• Letter to be sent to those who scheduled 1994 events about new fee structure and non-exclusivity; B. Underwood authorized to send.
• Fee structure discussed; Special Interest Groups (SIGs) proposed to reserve site at 50% of normal cost on a one-time-per-year basis.
• MOVED: Russ Miller, seconded by Howard Crispin — establish fee system recommended by Padcom and SIGs receive a reduced rate of 50% one time per year.
• Motion passed: 10 for (IX, III, IV, NAA, EVP, VII, X, VIII, II), 3 against (V, VI, I).

#### B. Frequency

• B. Underwood spoke with Ray Kowalski; no further action on NRR-92-235. New FCC chairman expected to hold further discussions.

#### C. Safety

• Gene Hempel reported on the Pylon Ad Hoc Committee (Dec. 5) and mailed minutes/recommendations to EC members. Recommendations included adding verbiage for a two-pylon race course to the Membership Manual and requiring non-rule-book events to submit complete rules including safety considerations.
• Lee Webster prepared to study types of cages used in pylon events; Joe Gelwick requested to review Lee's proposal before implementation.

• MOVED: G. Hempel, seconded by B. Brown — authorize Lee Webster to perform the cage study for $5,500.
• Motion passed: 12 for (II, NAA, X, VII, IX, VI, IV, EVP, III, V, VIII, I); XI abstained.

• D. Lowe directed B. Underwood to ensure Lee refers the study to legal counsel; H. Crispin suggested Lee consult others with cage development experience (Rick Moreland suggested).

• Turbine safety: Don Lowe asked for updates. G. Hempel reported contacts about funding an R&D study and ongoing R&D efforts; cautioned about propane use. Safety Committee funds may be used for seed money at Hempel's discretion.

#### D. Employee Manual

• R. Miller requested input directed to Gene Hempel, Bob Underwood, or himself. A meeting will be held; new draft to be presented at next Council meeting.

#### E. Executive Search

• Lance Zellers presented the ad for the Executive Director position and distribution plans (magazines, National Newsletter, Model Aviation if practical). A draft position description was distributed; input requested by Feb 4th.
• ASAE will supply a list of possible candidates (4–6) by March 15; interviews in Muncie on March 25. ASAE will provide resumes, interview overviews, preliminary investigations, credit checks, sample questions, and scoring sheets.

Lunch break at 12:00 noon. Meeting resumed at 1:00 pm.

#### F. Fund Raising

• Geoff Styles expressed caution: fund raising takes time and must be done properly. He recommended hiring a professional fundraiser and serving as liaison between EC and the fundraiser. Don Lowe agreed and noted $50,000 available to begin.
• Fund raising videotape script in rough form; Geoff will continue work.
• Goals include completing HQ office building and the National site; suggestions to contact corporate sponsors (e.g., McDonald's, Domino's).

#### G. VP Expenses

• D. Brown researched VP expenses policy; Appendix to Nov. 1991 EC meeting covered the item and needs redistribution to EC for review.

#### H. Insurance

• C. Maroney reported the Phoenix accident investigation is progressing; meeting Jan 27 to inspect model; meeting to be videotaped. Royal Ins. may or may not have their attorneys act on their behalf. No suit filed yet.
• SFA suit moved to Federal Court; preliminary work underway; trial expected late this year.
• Foreign member coverage renewed at current rate.
• A & D coverage renewal: C & A offer of $0.15 per member accepted, increasing overall cost by ~$15,000. Crime coverage renewed. D & O coverage renewed Jan 1 at current rate. Member liability coverage expires March 31; no anticipated increase. Excess coverage up for renewal March 31 with no anticipated premium increase. Fiduciary liability coverage up for renewal March 31. Aetna suggested museum supplemental coverage. Flood policy on Reston property terminated.

#### I. Finance

• E. McCullough requested everyone review the budget copy provided.

#### J. Special Interest Groups

• E. McCullough expressed concern that a certain SIG might not be requiring AMA membership. H. Crispin will contact the SIG to clarify.

VI. Old Business

#### A. Council Function

• E. McCullough indicated the Council is getting too involved in day-to-day operations and should focus more on policy. Item tabled until next meeting. Don Lowe agreed a review of HQ versus Council responsibilities is needed.

#### B. Roberts Rules

• Tabled until next meeting.

#### C. Conflict of Interest

• H. Crispin presented a proposal for conflict-of-interest policy; attorneys to review implications for employees. Tabled to next meeting.
• Issue whether EC members should be allowed to serve on Contest Boards (current bylaws Article XII, Section 2: no club member may chair a board). H. Crispin felt there could be a conflict when an individual could have two votes.
• MOVED: H. Crispin, seconded by Peter Waters — no EC member should serve on any Contest Board.
• Bob Underwood reminded the Council this would be a bylaw change; motion needed different wording. Motion failed: 6 for (VIII, I, VII, IX, IV, NAA); 7 against (EVP, III, II, V, X, XI, IV).
• Nomination of candidates: tabled to next meeting. Discussion included whether EC members may nominate another EC member for President or EVP.
• MOVED: H. Crispin, seconded G. Hempel — change Standing Rules to add: "No member of the Executive Council may nominate another member of the Executive Council for the office of President, or Executive Vice President."
• Motion failed: 4 for, 8 against.

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EC meeting minutes — continued

E. Text Review

• B. Underwood (ED) requested HQ staff be authorized to withhold submitted text for officers' columns that, in their judgment, contains safety and/or legal concerns until it can be reviewed by appropriate authoritative sources.
• MOVED: J. Beshar (II), seconded D. Brown (EVP) — grant HQ authority to withhold such text until reviewed.
• Discussion: H. Crispin suggested guidelines be developed; D. Krafft asked whether the author would be notified. G. Hempel noted pre-review of safety/legal items is common.
• Motion passed: 9 for (VII, II, EVP, VIII, V, IX, I, III), 1 against (IV), 3 abstained (NAA, X, V).

F. Museum Steering Committee

• D. Brown (EVP) proposed establishing a Museum Steering Committee to guide museum development and assist in acquiring artifacts.
• MOVED: D. Brown, seconded L. Zellers (NAA) — establish a Museum Steering Committee (standing committee); President to appoint members.
• Motion passed unanimously.
• Names suggested for the committee; B. Underwood suggested naming the committee at the next Council meeting.

G. Business Opportunity Committee

• D. Brown reported many organizations derive 30–60% of income from sources other than dues; a Business Opportunity Committee could develop recommendations to generate such income for AMA.
• MOVED: D. Brown (EVP), seconded L. Zellers (NAA) — establish a Business Opportunity Committee; President to appoint members.
• Motion passed unanimously. Dave Brown named chairman.

H. Industry Associate Program

• B. Underwood reported many complaints about the Industry Associate program, particularly mailings (Tower Hobbies cited).
• An Ad Hoc committee will review past mailings to create a viable program. Suggested members included Eric Meyers, Wall Thomas, J. Mealy, Russ Miller, Frank Garcher, Rick Fitzer.
• J. Mealy named chairman and will set up a meeting at the Toledo show. Program put on hold pending review; current commitments honored.

I. Team Selection

• B. Underwood reviewed current jury selection policy and noted inconsistencies with Standing Rules. H. Crispin requested to change Standing Rules text for presentation at next meeting.

J. Intro Pilot Program

• C. Maroney reported the Intro Pilot Program allows three intro pilots per club; HQ can approve additional intro pilots if needed. Original program limited instruction to brand-new persons.
• MOVED: E. McCullough, seconded G. Hempel — strike "must never have been an AMA member" and allow HQ to approve additional intro pilots on an individual basis.
• Motion passed unanimously.

K. Rules for Non-Rule-Book Events

• Referred to Legal Council for review and presentation at the next meeting.

L. Two-Pylon Course

• Tabled until next meeting.

M. Pressurized Vessels

• B. Underwood noted a contradiction with legal counsel's letter regarding pressurized vessels for mufflers. D. Lowe asked counsel to verify applicability to AMA.

N. Bob Curtin Donation / China Trip

• Discussion of Control Team's trip to China: AMA policy limits reimbursement for transportation and per diem to $1,000. Concern expressed about high travel costs. L. Zellers to check NAA assistance. Competition Dept. to ensure expense coverage statements are inserted in program materials. By consensus, FAI committee to propose equitable arrangements for the China trip.

O. Awards

• Superior Service Awards approved for Doc Scraper, Ron Sears, and Bob Nix.
• Distinguished Service Award approved for Paul Walker.
• J. Beshar reported lack of response to a mail vote attempt concerning publishing an editorial by St. Citizen about dues; President and EVP volunteered space in their columns.

The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

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President's Corner

By Don Lowe, President, Academy of Model Aeronautics 902 Little Bend Rd., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

Jerry Rouillard (new Executive Director) and I recently attended a symposium for chief elected officials and staff executives hosted by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). The symposium focused on the relationship between association leaders and staff and how they can best work together, and on defining the role of associations in meeting members' needs.

A common problem is focusing on mechanisms rather than on the benefits or results desired. Our Council occasionally holds planning sessions to look ahead; our July meeting will include a two-day planning session (28–29 July in Indianapolis), followed by a one-day meeting to address current issues.

Ascertaining members' felt needs is difficult; we rely on District offices, the magazine, computer networks, telephone, and occasional surveys. If you haven't responded to the recent magazine survey, please take the time — otherwise our feedback can be skewed by only hearing from disgruntled members.

Costa Rica: Clara and I attended the Costa Rica aeromodeling Fly-In. Julio Pastora organizes the event with support from LACSA and others. News of Ron Echandi's death in a private plane crash after our return saddened us; he will be remembered as a gentleman who loved both model and full-scale aviation.

D‑Day reflections: As a young man (June 1945) I felt the patriotic fever that drove many into service. I deeply appreciate those who sacrificed for freedom — their efforts allow us to enjoy the liberties we have today. Aeromodeling has given me a career in aviation and a sense of belonging.

Personal notes: Recently our house was struck by lightning. Fortunately, no one was hurt. The strike reinforced my respect for the dangers of flying (full-scale or models) near thunderstorms. Be careful — the rewards are not worth the risk.

Museum: I will miss the Homecoming and the museum Grand Opening due to travel, but encourage members to visit the museum — the "hobby shop" exhibit alone is worth a long look.

Finances: I reviewed AMA's finances and am relieved we are better off than feared. Membership numbers are down about 5%, roughly a $300K drop in income. Last year we borrowed about $700K for cash flow; this year we may need about half that amount depending on variables such as insurance settlements. We're looking forward to the new accounting system to reduce uncertainty.

Till next month.

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Inside View — Headquarters

Howard Crispin Jr.

Attendees (summary): President Don Lowe; EVP Dave Brown; District VP Don Krafft; VPs Joe Beshar, Bob Brown, Howard Crispin, Jim McNeill, Jim Sears, Peter Waters, Gene Hempel, Russ Miller, Rich Hansen, Ed McCullough; NAA Rep Lance Zellers; Executive Director Robert Underwood.

Academy staff present included Joyce Hager, Geoffrey Styles, Jane Ames, Jay Mealy, Rick Craig, Curtiss May, Dave Norris, Jim Haught, Judy Hollandsworth, Carl Maroney. Others included attorneys Felix Gora and Joe Gelwicks, and Dave McDonald (National C/L Racing Assoc).

The Executive Council meeting was called to order at 8:10 a.m. by President Don Lowe.

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DISTRICT IV REPORT

(Delaware / District of Columbia / Maryland / North Carolina / Virginia)

Howard Crispin, Vice President 611 Beechwood Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901

Associate Vice Presidents:

• Robert E. Babura, 117 Otis Drive, Severn, MD 21144-1130 — Phone: (410) 969-9356
• Bob Champine, 205 Tipton Road, Newport News, VA 23606-3663
• Chuck Foreman, 5811 Rinker Drive, Mechanicsville, VA 23111
• Doug Holland, 3517 Fernwood Drive, Raleigh, NC 27612-6215
• Scotty Moyer, 11 Orchard Lane, Wilmington, DE 19809-1719
• Richard (Dick) Smith, 761 Gwynne Avenue, Waynesboro, VA 22980-3346
• Charles Spear, 106 Cressview Drive, Mocksville, NC 27028-2644

Frequency Coordinator:

• Paul Yacoubacci, 6408 Winthrop Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28311-1007 — Evening: (919) 488-5986

Highlights:

• Hall of Fame: Robert Champine received the Academy of Model Aeronautics Hall of Fame award on June 3, 1994, at the reception prior to the Mid Atlantic Radio Control (MARC) Show. Maynard Hill and John Patton attended; John Patton is a Past President and Chairman of the Council of Past Presidents.

• Youth Activity: Attended the Free Flight contest hosted by the Brainbusters at Dinwiddie–Petersburg (VA) Airport. Also attended the first Pattern contest of the year at Winston‑Salem Radio Control Club. Thirteen-year-old David Clark flew in his first competition and took first place in his class — an encouraging example for youth involvement.

• New Site: Attended the dedication of the new field for the Chesapeake Bay Radio Control Club; the field was relocated and improved with a new pavilion after long efforts working with public officials and the Department of Natural Resources.

• Mid Atlantic Radio Control Show (MARC Show): The show provides an opportunity to meet members face to face. Associate VP Bob Babura and Howard's wife Caroline assisted at the AMA booth. A display area for Delta Dart construction by youngsters was included, and the show continues to grow.

• Industry: Horizon Models from Nova Scotia exhibited and may participate further in 1995.

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If you have specific questions or need a copy of any motion, vote tally, or committee recommendation in full, please let me know.

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