AMA News

MINIMUM DUES INCREASE FOR '78 NOT APPLICABLE TO MOST MEMBERS

In a surprise decision at its August 10 meeting the AMA Executive Council elected to not approve a general dues increase for 1978. It had been assumed by many observers that a general dues increase was certain and that only the optional status of magazine subscription was in question.

The expectation of a general dues increase was based on a deficit budget for 1977 which was expected to get worse in 1978. In other words, since it was expected that 1977 operations would result in a deficit and that 1978 expenses would be even higher—due to inflation and the almost certainty of substantially higher insurance costs next year—a general dues increase would be required.

But the Council consensus seemed to be that AMA's healthy financial reserves of about $200,000—accumulated in recent years—should be used to absorb any deficits. This feeling prevailed even though it was pointed out that the reserve was only about 20% of a typical year's total budget.

The final decision concerning 1978 membership was that only one area of dues should be increased—the amount allocated to providing the AMA News publication. It was noted that the current allocation of $2 was inadequate to cover costs and that this basic means of communication should be budgeted on a more realistic basis. The net result of this decision is that the minimum Open member dues for 1978 will be $13, as compared with $12 for 1977. Similarly, those Juniors or Seniors who elect to receive the AMA News publication for 1978 will pay a total of $6 instead of $5 at present.

Those, however, who choose for 1978 to receive Model Aviation magazine (which includes the AMA News publication) will not pay any more than at present: $17 for Open members, $10 for Junior or Senior members.

Also Juniors or Seniors who do not choose to receive either the AMA News or Model Aviation publications will pay only $3 for 1978—the same as for 1977.

AUG. 10 EXEC. COUNCIL DECISIONS

1. 1978 Dues Increase. As explained above. The voting was 11 to 3 in favor.

1. By-Laws Change Proposal. A recommendation of AMA's legal counsel concerning the addition of provisions for membership termination into the AMA by-laws was approved unanimously. The by-laws proposal will be submitted to AMA Leader members for voting during the 1977 general AMA election period (Oct.-Nov.).

1. Overseas Member Voting. A proposal to let overseas members designate the district for which their votes will apply was approved by a vote of 9 to 4. It was also approved by unanimous vote to include the Panama Canal Zone as part of District 5.

1. Next Council Meeting. October 1 will be the date, with location to be determined by the AMA President.

1. Awards. These awards—one Superior Service and two Distinguished Service—were approved unanimously; names and details to be announced later.

1. RCWC Financial Report. The current tentative report of income and expenses for the 1977 RC World Championships at Springfield, Ohio was accepted, but discussion and further consideration was tabled until the next Council Meeting by a vote of 9 to 4, when a more complete report will be available.

MINUTES OF NOMINATING COMMITTEE MEETING

Meeting convened 8:00 p.m., August 10, Room Bi-15, University of California Dormitory, Riverside, CA.

Present: District I Cliff Piper; II John Byrne; III Dave Brown (proxy Don Lowe); IV represented; V Jim McNeill; VI Glenn Lee; VII Bill Rohring (proxy Hardy Brodersen); VIII Murry Frank; IX Stan Chilton; X Betty Stream (proxy Jim Scarborough); XI Homer Smith. Sec.-Treas. Earl Witt. President Johnny Clemens.

Meeting called to order 8:10 p.m. Sec.-Treas. in accordance with July 22, 1977 letter Executive Council AMA Headquarters. Homer Smith, District XI, moved District Vice President (District electing Vice President year elected nominating committee preside chairman nominating meeting). Motion seconded Murry Frank, District VIII. Discussion followed. Stan Chilton, District IX, recommended no change from prior year procedures. Dave Brown, District III, recommended procedure stated in 22 July letter from Executive Director and Executive Council be followed. Johnny Clemens, President, stated Executive Director intended National Officer office up election conduct meeting. Motion passed vote 7-2 against.

John Byrne, District II, nominated for chairmanship. Murry Frank, District VIII, motion seconded. Homer Smith, District XI, motion unanimously carried. John Byrne assumed chairmanship of meeting.

Murry Frank moved candidates for National Office leave room during discussions and candidates vote by Australian ballot. Motion seconded Homer Smith. Vote taken. Motion carried unanimously.

Chairman proposed deletion/review of nomination procedures; being no objection, opened meeting nominations. Dave Brown, District III, made motion nominations start National Office Districts numbered ... I inspected the provided scanned page. It is a "President's Corner '77" page (Johnny Clemens) and does not contain the continuation of the "AMA News" / Nominating Committee minutes you gave in the prior-page context. I cannot find any text on this image that continues the AMA News article where your prior page left off ("made motion nominations start National Office Districts num...").

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Tell me which option you want (and upload the correct page if you choose option 1). Leader member this date. Homer Smith, District XI, seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. (Note, it was noted on 11 August that Charles Thomas held a CD‑Leader Membership.) Meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm. Earl Witt, Recorder; John Byrne, Chairman.

AMA EFFORT WITH FCC CONTINUES STEADILY

The September '77 issue of AMA News included AMA's position paper concerning FCC proposal (docket) number 21116. There was also another FCC proposal, number 21117, that AMA responded to, as follows:

1. In the Matter of Amendment of Parts 2 and 97 of the Commission's Rules to require type acceptance of equipment marketed for use in the Amateur Radio Service. Submitted by AMA June 24, 1977.

Paragraphs 1, 2, and 3 are similar to those in AMA response to docket 21116.

1. The problems RC flyers are experiencing daily which prevent efficient use of 27 MHz RC frequencies are a direct result of two varieties of rules violations by CB operators. First, significant numbers of CB operators operate directly on the exclusive RC frequencies. The problem of illegal off‑frequency interference is addressed in this comment. The second major problem facing modelers is interference to RC operations from high power adjacent channel operation by voice users, which is discussed in the Academy's comments in Docket 21116, filed simultaneously herewith.

1. Thus the Academy seeks a solution to the interference plaguing its members who attempt to use 27 MHz RC equipment which at the same time imposes the smallest burden upon its radio amateur members. The Academy believes the solution the Commission has suggested—requiring type acceptance of amateur equipment—will not provide the benefits perceived by the Commission, although it will impose a heavy burden upon amateur operators in general, and those seeking to purchase RC equipment for amateur frequencies in particular.

1. The Academy agrees with the Commission that large quantities of high power, variable frequency amateur radio equipment are being sold to and used by CB operators. Use of this quasi‑CB equipment on frequencies not assigned to the CB service, such as the 27 MHz RC channels is a serious problem that plagues all RC modelers. To stem the use of illegal equipment by CB operators, the Commission proposes to regulate the manufacture and sale of equipment to amateurs. The Academy respectfully submits that the Commission's present rules already prohibit those described activities of CB operators and that vigorous enforcement of the present rules, coupled with meaningful penalties for flagrant rule violations by CB operators would curb illegal use of Amateur equipment by CB operators, without imposing a penalty on amateur operators. As discussed later, enforcement of the Commission's present rules should be coupled with a proof of license point‑of‑sale restriction.

1. It cannot be doubted that a major burden will be imposed upon radio amateurs who are RC modelers should the proposed rules be adopted. Presently, several manufacturers of RC equipment sell 50‑54 MHz versions of their equipment, in addition to the 27 and 72 MHz models, for use by radio amateur RC modelers. The sales of 50‑54 MHz equipment represent only a small percentage of total sales, however, and consequently the per‑unit manufacturing cost of amateur band units is higher than the more common 27 and 72 MHz versions. The higher per‑unit manufacturing cost has been at least partially offset by the manufacturer's ability to sell the units without going through the lengthy and expensive type acceptance process required for 27 and 72 MHz units. Thus, costs to the amateur buyer for 50‑54 MHz RC equipment have generally been equal to that of Class E equipment. The Academy is concerned that, rather than absorb the extra overhead involved in obtaining type acceptance of its amateur band RC transmitters, the manufacturers will increase costs. If the increased cost of the amateur band units reaches the point where sales drop, necessitating further price increases, the manufacturers may well decide to discontinue production of the amateur version and concentrate their energies upon their popular 27 and 72 MHz models. Thus, the radio amateur RC modeler may lose access to RC equipment, should the Commission adopt rules as proposed.

1. As an alternative to the Commission's proposals in this matter, the Academy urges it to adopt rules similar to those proposed in RM‑2839, which proposes a proof of license program. Under this program, before an amateur band transmitter that could be illegally used for voice operation by a CB operator may be sold to an individual, that person must produce proof he possesses a valid amateur radio operator's license. Such a system, if adopted and enforced, would prevent access to amateur equipment by those other than licensed amateurs, while at the same time imposing only the simplest of burdens upon the dealer and the individual amateur purchaser. No economic burden would be placed on the manufacturer and the Commission would, therefore, not be restricting the entry of new products into the market, both to the detriment of the amateur with RC interests and to radio amateurs in general.

1. If the Commission nevertheless determines that it is necessary to adopt rules similar to that proposed in the instant Notice, the Academy respectfully requests that the Commission exempt RC transmitters, operating with less than one watt RF output power, from such rules. The Commission has previously recognized the special problems of Amateur radio RC operations by adopting Section 97.99 of its Rules which relaxes, for the purpose of RC operations, other sections of the Amateur rules which would render RC operations on Amateur frequencies difficult or impossible. In the present matter, it should be noted that the interference potential of an exempted RC transmitter is minimal; output power is low—less than one watt—and the antenna is usually a built‑in telescoping whip. There would be no incentive for anyone to modify non‑voice RC equipment to operate on CB frequencies even if it were feasible, which it normally would not be, since it could not be used to communicate with CB stations; hence the potential for abuse is slight. The apparent motivating factor behind the Commission's proposals is not present. The Academy requests, therefore, that if the Commission adopts rules similar to those proposed in the instant matter, it amend Section 97.99 of its Rules to exempt from type acceptance those Amateur transmitters not having an output power in excess of one watt intended only for the remote control of a craft or vehicle.

1. The Academy, therefore, respectfully submits that the Commission should not adopt the rules proposed in its Notice of Proposed Rule Making in this matter but should instead formulate new proposed rules establishing a point‑of‑sale proof of license requirement to be published in a Second Notice of Proposed Rule Making in the instant proceeding, affording the Academy and other interested parties an opportunity to comment thereon, or, if rules similar to those proposed in the instant NPRM are adopted, exempt from the Commission's type acceptance program low power RC transmitters as proposed in Paragraph 9, supra.

WHY DO THEY DO IT?

Over a thousand model meets are sanctioned by AMA each year. All this activity happens because there are people willing to volunteer their efforts for jobs that they ordinarily would not do for pay. Some of the jobs are downright dirty—digging, cleaning, garbage collection, painting—and many involve more hours than the usual work day. There is little glamour and almost no reward involved. So why do they do it?

The universal answer is personal satisfaction. It's often a personal repayment in appreciation of an activity they are happy to be a part of—a giving back of some hours as a worker in thanks for the many more hours enjoyed as a flier. For many that's the case, at least initially.

For many others, however, the pat answer doesn't fit. Many of the volunteers hardly fly at all. They are forever working. Many haven't flown in years. But still they work, regularly offering to help do jobs that others wouldn't touch. We're very lucky to have so many of these people around—they're the backbone of model aviation.

But any activity that depends so heavily on volunteers is in danger of coming to a screeching halt. Especially if the volunteers get the feeling that they are taken for granted or are unappreciated.

More and more we hear of clubs that have died or traditional meets that have ceased operation because the key people who kept them going through the years have moved away or retired. And more and more we hear of veteran volunteers who have had enough of a "let George do it" attitude on the part of friends and club members.

The situation isn't critical yet but there do seem to be warning flags flying that suggest we need some new volunteers or some more recognition for the veterans we've depended upon for so many years. We hear more griping lately about prima donnas who take but don't give—lifers who will not work or club members who bask in the glory of credit given to a group without having contributed any effort themselves. It's a common theme that only about 10% of club members do 90% of the work.

AMA officers who have been involved in major aeromodeling events worry about whether we can keep going in this manner. How many times, they wonder, can we muster the more than 500 volunteers who staffed the huge '76 Nats in Dayton, the almost 300

John Spalding, AMA Dist. IV VP, also served as Contest Manager for the 1977 RC World Championships in Ohio. To do so required a week's vacation time and many prior nights of planning meetings. The responsibility was enormous, the reward only the satisfaction of a job well done. Without such people there would be no AMA.

Judging Chief Bill Northrop contributed many hours of work to the '77 RC World Championships in Ohio. Besides being a busy publisher of Model Builder magazine, Bill serves in many volunteer AMA jobs, including his long-time chairmanship of the RC Contest Board.

Clever score display board used at RC World Championships was designed by Tabulation Chief Phil Edwards. Board also served for TV score display and could be photocopied directly. Such ingenuity was donated as were many days (and nights) of effort during planning stages of the event.

At Springfield, Ohio, there were hundreds of fence stakes to pound, thousands of feet of wire to string, many tents to put up, dozens of menial chores to be taken care of by volunteers such as this joint AMA–Civil Air Patrol crew. They worked so others could enjoy flying.

Busy scene is typical at AMA major events. Volunteers supplement basic AMA HQ staff. Shown at RCWRC are Bob and Rae Underwood, in charge of hospitality for foreign visitors, also Lillian Worth (on phone). Underwood daughters, Cathy and Anna, helped as did Worth's son, Mark; total family commitments are not unusual. who made the '77 World Championships possible in Springfield, the more than 400 who served at the '77 Nats in Riverside.

The tangible rewards were small: free AMA membership for three days or more work, an official's pin, plaque, or hat, possibly dorm space in the local university on the basis of one night free for each day worked, an official's badge or bumper sticker, a cloth patch. The intangibles had to be more important: being part of a team of equally dedicated workers, rubbing shoulders with some famous names, a front row vantage point for seeing some of the best fliers perform, a feeling of sharing and making things happen.

But it's a potential house of cards that can come tumbling down overnight if the volunteers decide they've had enough, that others are ungrateful, that there's no longer any personal satisfaction in doing the job. In short, if our volunteers ever decide to go on strike we're out of business.

The danger signs are obvious. If a key worker drops out and nobody steps in to take his place—if recruiting groups of workers for large events is unsuccessful and not enough turn out to do the job properly—if the guys who did the tough jobs for years now suddenly say they've had enough—we're in trouble.

That's the negative view. It's needed to make sure that we don't get complacent. We need reminders to look up to, remember, and thank those who make our activities happen. And we need to encourage others to help those who have been doing the job alone.

We need to make it plainer that we're proud, happy, and grateful to those who serve. When considering trophies for contestants, add some for the workers. Recognize those who pitched in—don't let them think that nobody cared or was aware of their efforts. A handshake, a word of thanks, publication of names in the club newsletter, special awards, some fringe benefits or privileges not available to other club members—whatever the means, we need to show our gratitude to those who serve. They're our greatest resource. Let's not waste them.

From a national viewpoint AMA is grateful to the over 150 elected and appointed officers who serve on councils, committees, and contest boards. The same goes for those who work at the Nats, World Championships, Team Selection programs, Record Trials, Trade Shows, Shopping Center displays, Air Shows, etc; especially to the over one thousand Contest Directors, Leader Members and Judges who serve year after year.

It's a fantastic group of people we owe a lot to. They're the comparative few who make it possible for the rest of us to enjoy model aviation activity in all its forms. While we're enjoying, let's not forget who make it possible—they deserve our thanks.

AMA News

COUNCIL ACTION

Wednesday evening, August 10 at the Nats was marked by three official AMA meetings, to wit: (1) Annual Meeting of the General AMA Membership; (2) Meetings of the AMA Officer-Nominating Committee; and (3) Executive Council Meeting. As these proceedings and their results will doubtlessly be described elsewhere in this issue, I shall not dwell upon the subject beyond reminding our readers that the Executive Council Meetings held at the Nats have necessarily short agenda and reporting that this one was no exception, it having dealt with three specific matters. Next EC meeting was set for October 1 at a place yet to be determined.

A STUDY OF NUMBERS

At the Nominating Committee meeting two candidates were designated to be named on the ballots for each post to be involved in the voting later this year. Up for election will be candidates for Secretary-Treasurer of AMA and Vice Presidents for the odd-numbered districts. In 1978 we shall vote for President of AMA, and for VPs in the even-numbered districts (like District 2). That's the way it goes. As it has been explained to me, justification for limiting the candidates for each office to two per ballot, lies in a dread that allowing a greater number would prevent the arrival at a required majority when the count is made. If carried into the realm of our governmental elections, such thinking would amount to a two-party system, and the Democrats and/or the Republicans would be the only surviving political parties. Think about this and let me know, by mail or otherwise, whether you believe that the number of candidates for each office could be increased somewhat (perhaps to three) without doing violence to our majority requirements. I cite this problem only because it produces a question with which I am confronted wherever I go, and to which the official answer, as stated above, is not always readily accepted. What is your feeling in the matter?

M.A.D. III IN NEW YORK

This is our flying field!!!

As this issue of Model Aviation is scheduled to reach our readers between September 26 and October 3, I would like to issue this final reminder that District 2 will be able to prove its mettle for the third time at Rockefeller Center on October 15, 1977. Rain (or snow?) date will be October 29, 1977. See all of you there!!!

MINUTES OF NOMINATING COMMITTEE MEETING

Meeting convened 8:00 pm August 10 Room BI 15 University California Dormitory Riverside, CA

Present: District II Cliff Piper; III John Byrne; III Dave Brown proxy Don Lowe; IV represented V Jim McNeill; VI Glenn Lee; VII Bill Rohring proxy Hardy Brodersen; VIII Murry Frank; IX Stan Chilton; X Betty Stream proxy Jim Scarborough; XI Homer Smith Sec-Treas; Earl Witt; President Johnny Clemens.

Meeting called to order 8:10 pm Sec-Treas in accordance July 22, 1977 letter Executive Council AMA Headquarters. Homer Smith District XI moved District Vice President District electing Vice President year elected nominating committee preside chairman nominating meeting motion seconded Murry Frank District VIII discussion followed Stan Chilton District IX recommended no change prior year procedures Dave Brown District III recommended procedure stated 22 July letter Executive Director Executive Council followed Johnny Clemens president stated Executive Director intended National Officer office up election conduct meeting motion passed vote 7 2 against John Byrne District II nominated chairmanship Murry Frank District VIII motion seconded Homer Smith District XI motion unanimously carried John Byrne assumed chairmanship meeting Murry Frank moved candidates National Office leave room during discussions candidates vote Australian Ballot motion seconded Homer Smith vote taken motion carried unanimously chairman proposed deletion review nomination procedures being no objection opened meeting nominations Dave Brown District III made motion nominations start National Office Districts num Let's get the heavy stuff out of the way first. Remember two months ago when I ran the questionnaire asking you to vote on mandatory magazine subscriptions? Hundreds of you wrote to me. As a direct result of your letters I voted NO when the issue came up in the Council meeting. On a split vote the idea of compulsory subscription was DEFEATED. Your writing to me changed my mind on the issue. I was on the fence until you expressed yourselves. You members out there pay your cash money for dues—you’re entitled to have a say in how the Academy is being run. And don’t forget it either.

I saw some important people from our District who drove all the way to California and I want you to meet them.

Shown above, your new District 5 Scale Board member, the distinguished flier Mr. Dave Platt, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, one of America’s best Scale builders. We are lucky to have Dave in our District. Dave is protecting his Douglas Dauntless from evil. Everybody wanted to put their sticky hands on it. He replaces my good friend Lee Webster on the Board. Lee served faithfully and well for many years.

Do you know Shinichi Yoshida from Gumma, Japan? Well, I didn’t either till I met him today at this Nats. Shinichi entered Control Line Stunt and was so enamoured by this beautiful family from Florida that he gave the four daughters his model plane rather than fly it back to Japan. They captured me, too, and I want you to meet the Remel Cooper family of Jacksonville, FL. Top row, Sherridon, Remel, pretty wife Linda, Shinichi. Bottom row, Laura, Shannon, Christina. While daddy was flying, three daughters were official runners, one was a recorder for AMA. It is a long drive from Florida to California.

Here is Terry Rimert with his McCoy powered Playboy Sr. Terry drove all the way from Florida, too. He brought the young gentleman pictured below with him—16-year-old James Smead of Holly Hill, FL, who won 3rd in A-1 Jr., 2nd in Chuck Glider Jr. Good show, Jim.

More and more, it appears to me, the Nationals is shifting from Free Flight to Radio Control. Fliers are not any less, just RCers are increasing in numbers. One new phase growing faster than any other is RC Glider. We are lucky in District 5 to be blessed with the new president of the growing NSS (National Soaring Society).

Here above is Stan Pfost of Orlando, FL, president of the NSS, with his RC Glider at the flying field.

Here is a young man who needs no introduction to Free Flight buffs anywhere in the country. George Perryman with his pretty wife, Tina, and their granddaughter, Stephanie. George finally won the Mulvihill trophy after trying for 20 years and coming in second for 15 of them. The Mulvihill is awarded annually for first in Unlimited Rubber. Stephanie lives with George and Tina and does OK herself. She got 5th in Open Rubber herself, although she is only nine years old! A genetic phenomenon no doubt, through her heredity.

Free Flight or Radio Control flying near airports, or in any situation which might involve the possibility of models being in the vicinity of full-scale aircraft operations, must be avoided—or conducted so as to eliminate any dangerous situations. Models should not be flown in the proximity of full-scale aircraft unless the flyer has someone else with him for the sole purpose of watching for full-scale aircraft and supervising the flying so as to prevent accident possibilities.

VI DISTRICT REPORT

Glenn Lee District VI Vice-President 819 Mandrake Batavia, IL 60510

Associate Vice-Presidents Roger Geers, 729 N. 22nd St., Quincy, IL 62301 Robert Gill, 216 Stanley Lane, Springfield, IL 62704 John Mathias, 6034 Madrake Dr., Apt. C, Ft. Wayne, IN 46805 Sidney Miller, 524 Corinthia Ct., Elk Grove Vlg., IL 60007 Edwin Wynn Paul, 1640 Maywick Dr., Lexington, KY 40504 Robert E. Stoner, 1888 S. Rivert Dr., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 Philip Sullivan, 3021 Spring Valley Dr., Anderson, IN 46011

Indiana • Kentucky • Missouri

No report from District VI this month.

VII DISTRICT REPORT

Hardy Brodersen District VII Vice-President P. O. Box 1104 Birmingham, MI 48012

Associate Vice-Presidents James D. Clark, RR 3, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 Frank Morrissey, 14100 W. Park Ave., New Berlin, WI 53151 Wm. Robling, 4144 Tanglewood Trail, St. Joseph, MI 49085 Terry Taylor, 6308 Lombardy Lane, Crystal, MN 55428 Wayne Yeager, 38725 Castle, Romulus, MI 48174

Iowa • Michigan • Minnesota • Wisconsin

No report from District VII this month.

VIII DISTRICT REPORT

Murry Frank District VIII Vice-President 2933 Blakemore Wichita Falls, TX 76308

Associate Vice-Presidents Buzz Averill, 9117 La Encarnes NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111 Ned Barnes, 522 N. Leblanc, Sulphur, LA 70663 Frank Osborne, 18 Mohave Dr., N. Little Rock, AR 72116 Bob Tenny, 608 6th, Richardson, TX 75080

Arkansas • Louisiana • New Mexico • Oklahoma • Texas

This report is in two parts. This section is written at the Nats HQ and will cover my impressions of the California Nats. It was far from being the largest Nats—about 1/3 the size of Dayton. Dist. VIII was well-represented. I got to meet many of our district people at the event sites and in the hangar.

During the week I got to the event sites. March AFB was fine for the Pattern, Pylon and Control Line events. CL Combat was at March but its site was unbelievable: rocks, gopher holes and all kinds. The ground was so rock-hard that missing the rocks was no help.

I made it out to the Free Flight site and the Soaring site, and they made the Combat site look good. It was easy to see why they could not allow motor bikes in retrieving. It was so hot and dry that a hot argument would have started the whole dry lake burning. It was no longer possible to get the event settled because of the dust and not even get the ground wet! The dust lingered in the air to about 200 feet high. In the afternoon the dust devils (trash movers) replenished the dust that might have settled during the morning.

AMA News

From AMA HQ Executive Director: including reports AMA President, Vice-Presidents — surprise decision. At its August 10 meeting AMA Executive Council elected to approve a general dues increase for 1978. Assumed observers: general dues increase; certain optional status magazine subscription question. The expectation for the general dues increase was based on a deficit budget. 1977 was expected to get worse in 1978. In other words, since expected 1977 operations would result in a deficit, 1978 expenses would be higher due to inflation and, almost certainly, substantially higher insurance costs next year. A general dues increase would be required. Council consensus seemed to be that AMA's healthy financial reserves — about $200,000 accumulated in recent years — should be used to absorb deficits. That feeling prevailed, though it was pointed out the reserve is about 20% of a typical year's total budget.

Final decision concerning 1978 membership area dues: the amount allocated for providing AMA News publication was noted. The current allocation of $2 was inadequate to cover costs. As the basic means of communication, it should be budgeted on a realistic basis. Net result: decision — minimum Open member dues for 1978 will be $13 compared to $12 in 1977.

Similarly, Juniors and Senior elect members receiving AMA News publication in 1978 will pay a total of $6 instead of $5 at present. However, those who choose in 1978 to receive Model Aviation magazine (includes AMA News publication) will pay, as at present, $17 for Open members, $10 for Junior and Senior members. Also, Juniors and Seniors who choose to receive either AMA News or Model Aviation publications will pay $3 in 1978, the same as 1977.

AUG 10 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL DECISIONS

1. 1978 Dues Increase — As explained above, voting 11-3 in favor.

1. By-Laws Change Proposal — Recommendation of AMA's legal counsel concerning addition of provisions for membership termination in AMA by-laws approved unanimously. By-laws proposal will be submitted to AMA Leader members voting during the 1977 general AMA election period (Oct-Nov).

1. Overseas Member Voting — Proposal to let overseas members designate district votes they will apply was approved, vote 9-4. Also approved unanimously: vote to include Panama Canal Zone as part of District 5.

1. Next Council Meeting — October 1; date and location to be determined by AMA President.

1. Awards — Awards (one Superior Service, two Distinguished Service) were approved unanimously; names/details to be announced later.

1. RCWC Financial Report — Current tentative report of income and expenses for the 1977 RC World Championships, Springfield, Ohio, was accepted. After discussion, further consideration was tabled until next Council meeting (vote 9-4). Complete report will be available.

MINUTES OF NOMINATING COMMITTEE MEETING

Meeting convened 8:00 p.m., August 10, Room B-115, University of California Dormitory, Riverside, CA.

Present: District I — Cliff Piper II; John Byrne III; Dave Brown (proxy Don Lowe IV); represented V — Jim McNeill VI; Glenn Lee VII; Bill Rohring (proxy Hardy Brodersen) VIII; Murry Frank IX; Stan Chilton X; Betty Stream (proxy Jim Scarborough) XI; Homer Smith, Sec.-Treas.; Earl Witt, President; Johnny Clemens.

Meeting called to order 8:10 p.m. Sec.-Treas., in accordance with July 22, 1977 letter of Executive Council, AMA Headquarters. Homer Smith, District XI, moved District Vice President (district electing Vice President year elected) nominating committee preside chairman nominating meeting. Motion seconded Murry Frank, District VIII. Discussion followed. Stan Chilton, District IX, recommended no change from prior year procedures. Dave Brown, District III, recommended procedure stated in 22 July letter from Executive Director and Executive Council be followed. Johnny Clemens, President, stated Executive Director intended National Officer office up election conduct meeting. Motion passed, vote 7-2 against. John Byrne, District II, nominated chairmanship Murry Frank, District VIII. Motion seconded Homer Smith, District XI. Motion unanimously carried. John Byrne assumed chairmanship of meeting. Murry Frank moved candidates for National Office leave room during discussions and candidates vote by Australian ballot. Motion seconded Homer Smith. Vote taken; motion carried unanimously. Chairman proposed deletion/review of nomination procedures; being no objection, opened meeting nominations. Dave Brown, District III, made motion nominations start National Office Districts number...

AMA News

From AMA Headquarters Executive Director: including reports by the AMA President and Vice-Presidents, a surprise decision at its August 10 meeting — the AMA Executive Council elected to approve a general dues increase for 1978. Observers assumed a general dues increase was certain; the optional-status magazine subscription question was also considered. The expectation for the general dues increase was based on a deficit budget: 1977 was expected to show a deficit and 1978 was expected to be worse. In other words, since expected 1977 operations would result in a deficit, 1978 expenses would be higher due to inflation and the almost certain substantially higher insurance costs next year; a general dues increase would be required.

Council consensus was that the AMA's healthy financial reserves (about $200,000 accumulated in recent years) should not be used to absorb deficits. That feeling prevailed, though it was pointed out the reserve is about 20% of a typical year's total budget. Final decision concerning 1978 membership area dues noted the amount allocated for providing AMA News publication — the current allocation of $2 is inadequate to cover costs. As the basic means of communication, AMA News should be budgeted on a realistic basis.

Net result: the decision sets minimum Open member dues for 1978 at $13 compared with $12 in 1977. Similarly, Juniors and Seniors who elect to receive the AMA News publication in 1978 will pay a total of $6 instead of $5 at present. However, those who choose in 1978 to receive Model Aviation (which includes the AMA News publication) will pay, at present rates, $17 for Open members and $10 for Junior/Senior members. Also, Juniors and Seniors who choose to receive either AMA News or Model Aviation publications will pay $3 in 1978, the same as in 1977.

AUG. 10 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL DECISIONS

1. 1978 Dues Increase — As explained above; voting was 11-3 in favor.

1. By-Laws Change — A proposal recommended by the AMA's legal counsel concerning additional provisions for membership termination in the AMA by-laws was approved unanimously. The by-laws proposal will be submitted to AMA members voting during the 1977 general AMA election period (Oct.-Nov.).

1. Overseas Member Voting — A proposal to let overseas members designate the district whose votes will apply was approved by a vote of 9-4. Also approved unanimously was the inclusion of the Panama Canal Zone as part of District 5.

1. Next Council Meeting — October 1; date and location to be determined by the AMA President.

1. Awards — One Superior Service and two Distinguished Service awards were approved unanimously; names and details will be announced later.

1. RCWC Financial Report — The current tentative report of income and expenses for the 1977 RC World Championships (Springfield, Ohio) was accepted. Further consideration was tabled until the next Council meeting (vote 9-4). A complete report will be available.

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