Executive Council Meeting Highlights
Motions made at the November 16–17, 1996 Executive Council meeting
MOTION I
- Moved: J. McNeill (V)
- Seconded: E. McCollough (XI)
- Motion: That the Nats Executive Committee for 1997 be allowed to not run F3D Pylon racing, F3B Soaring, and all F5 Electric events at the Nats.
- Result: Passed — 9 yes, 2 no (VII, III)
MOTION II
- Moved: E. McCollough (XI)
- Seconded: C. Foreman (IV)
- Motion: To add an item to the agenda regarding the removal of the term "Acting" from the Executive Director.
- Result: Passed — 8 yes, 3 no (III, X, I)
MOTION III
- Moved: E. McCollough (XI)
- Seconded: C. Bauer (VI)
- Motion: To accept the 1997 budget as amended.
- Result: Passed unanimously
MOTION IV
- Moved: B. Brown (III)
- Seconded: C. Foreman (IV)
- Motion: To amend the budget by reducing each Officer’s budget item by $1,000 (line items 7103020 to 7103051).
- Result: Passed — 8 yes, 3 no (VIII, I, X)
MOTION V
- Moved: R. Hanson (X)
- Seconded: B. Brown (III)
- Motion: To amend the budget by reducing line item 7104070 (PADCOM) to the $5,000 1996 level.
- Result: Passed — 10 yes, 1 no (XI)
MOTION VI
- Moved: R. Hanson (X)
- Seconded: R. Miller (IX)
- Motion: To amend the budget by reducing line item 7104085 (Resource Development Committee) from $10,000 to $5,000.
- Result: Passed unanimously
MOTION VII
- Moved: E. McCollough (XI)
- Seconded: C. Bauer (VI)
- Motion: To amend the budget by reducing line items: 710405 (Finance Committee) by $2,000; SIG Committee by $500; Flying Site Committee by $1,000; and 7104087 (Publications Committee) by $1,000.
- Result: Passed unanimously
MOTION VIII
- Motion: Out of order.
MOTION IX
- Moved: R. Miller (IX)
- Seconded: R. Hanson (X)
- Motion: To amend the budget by reducing line item 7103090 (EC expenses at the Nats) from $5,000 to $0.
- Result: Passed — 10 yes, 1 no (VIII)
MOTION X
- Moved: R. Miller (IX)
- Seconded: J. Hass (VII)
- Motion: To amend the budget by reducing line item 7103080 (other officer expense) from $4,000 to $2,000.
- Result: Passed unanimously
MOTION XI
- Moved: E. McCollough (XI)
- Seconded: J. McNeill (V)
- Motion: To amend the budget by reducing the Insurance Committee amount by $2,000.
- Result: Passed — 10 yes, 1 no
MOTION XII
- Moved: C. Baner (VI)
- Seconded: J. Hass (VII)
- Motion: To amend the budget by reducing the Sound Committee amount by $1,000.
- Result: Passed — 9 yes, 2 no (XI, X)
MOTION XIII
- Moved: B. Brown (III)
- Seconded: J. McNeill (V)
- Motion: To amend the budget by reducing the Team Selection Committee amount by $500.
- Result: Passed — 8 yes, 3 no (VIII, XI, IX)
MOTION XIV
- Moved: B. Brown (III)
- Seconded: C. Foreman (IV)
- Motion: To spend up to $1,000 for an employee to obtain training to grow/maintain grass.
- Result: Passed — 7 yes, 3 no (IX, VIII)
MOTION XV
- Moved: R. Miller (IX)
- Seconded: G. Aldrich (VIII)
- Motion: To postpone indefinitely MOTION XIV.
- Result: Failed — 2 yes, 8 no (IX, VIII)
MOTION XVI
- Moved: R. Hanson (X)
- Seconded: C. Bauer (VI)
- Motion: To reinstate the budgeted amount of $10,000 for the Resource Development Committee.
- Result: Passed unanimously
MOTION XVII
- Moved: W. De Cou (II) AVP
- Seconded: J. Hass (VII)
- Motion: To accept proposed changes to the previously accepted Turbo Waiver document.
- Result: Passed unanimously
MOTION XVIII
- Moved: B. Brown (III)
- Seconded: J. Hass (VII)
- Motion: That Safety Code wording be changed so that in 1998 essential personnel involved in flying aircraft are allowed in front of the flight line.
- Result: Passed unanimously
MOTION XIX
- Moved: E. McCollough (XI)
- Seconded: G. Aldrich (VIII)
- Motion: To approve language previously approved in the Pylon Waiver.
- Result: Passed — 8 yes, 2 no (III, X)
MOTION XX
- Moved: C. Foreman (IV)
- Seconded: C. Aldrich (VIII)
- Motion: To approve funds to run AMA National Aeromodeling Expo ads in Model Aviation for up to six months.
- Result: Passed unanimously
MOTION XXI
- Moved: E. McCollough (XI)
- Seconded: J. Hass (VII)
- Motion: To allocate $1,000 to the Clubs' Legal Assistance Fund.
- Result: Passed unanimously
MOTION XXII
- Moved: B. McCollough (XI)
- Seconded: C. Aldrich (VIII)
- Motion: To approve the position of Merchandising Director.
- Result: Passed — 9 yes, 1 no (III)
MOTION XXIII
- Moved: E. McCollough (XI)
- Seconded: R. Miller (IX)
- Motion: To approve a $5,000 increase in Staff Travel to accommodate the new position.
- Result: Passed — 7 yes (no count unclear); recorded opposition: (III)
MOTION XXIV
- Moved: B. Brown (III)
- Seconded: E. McCollough (XI)
- Motion: To accept the funding proposal submitted by the Tucson International Modelplex Park Association and grant TIMPA $9,900, or the actual expenditures for the proposed site improvements, whichever is the lesser amount, from the AMA Flying Site Assistance Fund.
- Result: Passed — 7 yes, 1 no (IV)
MOTION XXV
- Moved: R. Hanson (X)
- Seconded: J. Hass (VII)
- Motion: To accept the proposal submitted by the Save Mile‑Square Park Committee and pledge the support and funding necessary to endorse this effort.
- Result: Passed — 7 yes, 1 no (IV)
MOTION XXVI
- Moved: R. Miller (IX)
- Seconded: J. Hass (VII)
- Motion: To charge all Galeville expenses to the Flying Assistance Fund rather than to the President's budget.
- Result: Passed unanimously
MOTION XXVII
- Moved: R. Hanson (X)
- Seconded: B. Brown (III)
- Motion: To approve the amended change to the Mail Balloting System (change item #3 to 10 days instead of 7).
- Result: Passed unanimously
MOTION XXVIII
- Moved: G. Aldrich (VIII)
- Seconded: C. Foreman (IV)
- Motion: Appointing the Acting Executive Director as Executive Director.
- Result: (No tally recorded)
MOTION XXIX
- Moved: E. McCollough (XI)
- Seconded: J. McNeill (V)
- Motion: To amend the previous motion to add a provision for a contract at the next Executive Council meeting.
- Result: Passed
MOTION XXX
- Moved: R. Miller (IX)
- Seconded: J. Hass (VII)
- Motion: To defer to committee (D. Brown, Pres., appointed R. Miller (IX), D. Holland (EDP) and J. Hager (ED)) to provide a job description and contract for the Executive Director at the next Executive Council meeting.
- Result: Passed — 5 yes, 4 no (IV, VIII, V, XI)
Next Executive Council Meeting: January 25–26, 1997 — Muncie, IN
President's Corner
By Dave Brown, President of the Academy of Model Aeronautics 4871 Trudy Lane, Hamilton, OH 45013
Although we all like to think that our hobby is about model aircraft, the reality is that most of us who have been involved for any length of time agree that it's the people who make the hobby/sport what it is. Our sport lost one of its real icons the day after Thanksgiving when a heart attack took Jimmy Grier from us.
I can't help but tell you the story of how Jimmy and I met back at my first R/C Nats in 1970. I had gone to the Nats in Chicago from Texas with a friend, Gary Pannell, and really didn't have much money. In fact, we pitched a tent outside one of the work hangars to sleep in, and I still remember sitting up half the night most nights with my model while it charged from a plug I "commandeered" on the outside of the building.
On the first day of the competition, Gary asked if I would be willing to lend my backup airplane to Jimmy Grier, who had suffered a radio failure in the first round. This backup model, a Kwik-Fli 3, had been wrecked a week before and had no radio or engine in it, but it was a pretty good airframe. Gary had just started to sell Pro-Line radios and wanted Jimmy to fly that radio at the Nats. I quickly agreed, feeling it was an honor to have someone of Jimmy's stature fly one of my models, and we installed Gary's radio and someone's engine into it. Jimmy flew that model for the rest of the Nats and, as I remember, finished well back in the pack. I flew reasonably well and ended up winning the class D Novice event (one class below the top class that Jimmy flew in). I was elated that I had won and further elated that Jimmy had flown my model (and it survived!). That year, the awards were to be given out at a banquet at the Dolphin Hotel, and I couldn't afford a banquet ticket. I had just enough money to buy gas to get home to Ft. Hood and had rationed my model fuel to the point that if I had to fly a flyoff I would have had to concede. I was a little embarrassed by my predicament, but I told no one.
When Jimmy returned the airplane to me, he asked if I would sell it to him for $125. I quickly accepted. Later I met Jimmy the following spring at a Chicago contest and asked where the model was; he replied, "I gave it to a kid down the street who is getting started in Pattern." When I asked why he had bought it just to give it away, Jimmy replied, "Dave, I had an idea you might be a little tight on money at the Nats, and I considered offering to give you some money, but I knew your pride would have prevented you from taking it, so I had to buy that awful airplane!" Such was Jimmy Grier. We got to know each other well over the next 26 years and had a lot of fun competing. He was phenomenal and one of the sharpest business people I ever met — extraordinarily street-smart.
One of the most difficult tasks any President faces is when members or clubs have disagreements and expect the AMA to make everything right. Both sides often expect the AMA to force the other to concede. Please understand that AMA has absolutely NO authority to regulate frequencies you use. An individual who flies in his backyard has as much right to use the frequencies as your club does.
Fifteen years ago, the AMA Frequency Committee negotiated with the FCC for 50 frequencies for R/C aircraft use and 20 for R/C car/boat use, replacing the seven frequencies everyone shared in the 72/75 MHz band. We sought enough frequencies so clubs could avoid those with interference and have adequate usable channels. The plan has generally worked well, but exceptions arise. We added to the safety code: "I will not knowingly operate an R/C system within 3 miles of an existing model club flying site without a frequency sharing arrangement with that club." This discourages flying within three miles of a pre-existing site without an agreement and can jeopardize insurance coverage.
We also give District VPs responsibility to arbitrate these situations; non-renewal of a club charter is one method used to force reasonableness. Issues are often emotional and not clear-cut. Sometimes the pre-existing club is full; sometimes the new club is spiteful; sometimes neither knows the other exists. The goal is to be reasonable and accommodate others in their quest to enjoy this great hobby.
I'm reminded of an old saying, "I have seen the enemy, and it are us."
Till next month.
Executive Director's View from HQ
Joyce Hager, AMA Executive Director 5151 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie, IN 47302
Even though I write this prior to the holidays, I know you will not be reading it until after that time. I hope everyone had a nice holiday and a prosperous New Year.
It is the time of year when there are many trade shows around the country. Lots of traveling and meetings put a strain on AMA manpower resources. If you need help and the individual you want is not in the office, be sure to leave your name and number. All staff members can access their e-mail and retrieve messages — we still continue to work, even when out on the road.
I recently attended a meeting held during the RCHTA show in Chicago. RCHTA spent approximately $250,000 on a marketing campaign to encourage people to get involved in all types of R/C hobbies. They ran four consecutive ads in USA Today and have more than 60 spots on ESPN. I am hoping for positive results from this campaign. Thanks to RCHTA for promoting the idea.
Another interesting program at RCHTA was the "Passport Program," designed especially for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Indian Guides and Princesses. If dressed in their uniforms, they were allowed free access to the show and could experience racing an R/C car/boat/slot-car, flying a Control Line airplane, operating a train, or playing a new game. They could also build rockets and airplanes, assemble plastic kits, and electric cars. The primary purpose was to introduce youth to what is available in the model and hobby world. The Passport required them to visit ten exhibiting manufacturers; passports were validated at each visit. When completed, limited commemorative patches were awarded and they were entered to win one of two complete ready-to-fly Aero‑Star 40 RC Blast Boats. Nearly 2,000 children ages 6–15 participated.
There is frequent member expectation that the national organization will provide immediate solutions to local problems. That perception is understandable — members join expecting assistance when needed. The difficulty arises when the help provided is not the exact solution members expected. We must manage those expectations while continuing to pursue practical solutions.
The Academy is fully aware of the almost daily loss of flying sites and is working to reverse this trend. Potential sources of sites include deactivated or less active military bases and capped landfills. To share ideas and success stories, it has been recommended that a flying site column be established in Model Aviation. This column could provide a forum for dissemination and exchange of information dealing with flying sites, including success and unsuccessful stories from clubs. What can we learn from clubs that have not had to relocate for 20+ years versus those that relocate frequently? I feel strongly about this concept and solicit input from the readership. Please send your comments to the AMA office and I will pass them along to Jay Mealy, whose primary job is flying sites and who will be responsible for the column's content.
DISTRICT I REPORT
Connecticut / Maine / Massachusetts / New Hampshire / Rhode Island / Vermont
Don Krafft — Vice President PO Box 1828, Duxbury, MA 02331‑1828 (617) 934‑6248
Associate Vice Presidents
- James M. Semonian, 166 Allen Road, Billerica, MA 01821‑5240
- Bob Landry, 80 Main Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452‑3146
- M.C. McGuffin, 8 Robinson Street, Houlton, ME 04730‑2312
- Harry S. Newman, 36 Sherwood Drive, Hooksett, NH 03106‑1077
- Richard Sherman, 28 High Street, Plymouth, NH 03264‑1223
- Ed Thompson, 27 E. Greenwich Ave., West Warwick, RI 02893‑5405
- Bob Wallace, 91 Sylvan Street, Avon, CT 06001‑2230
Frequency Coordinator
- George Wilson, 82 Frazier Way, Marstons Mills, MA 02648‑1866
November Council Meeting
There was a Council meeting in Muncie on November 16–17, 1996. The main issue was the budget; once again it is very tight, and there was much discussion on how to budget the available funds. It is apparent that there is a need for revenue other than dues. We need some sort of business venture to raise money, but most ventures require front money — where does the initial investment come from? If you have any ideas, I would like to hear them.
Berkshire Mall Show
A group of clubs (five in 1996) puts on a show at the Berkshire Mall north of Pittsfield each year. The dates for the 1997 show are March 22–23. If you are in the area, drop in.
Old Time Pattern
The Southern New Hampshire Radio Control Club held their first meet on June 30, 1996. The weather forecast predicted rain, but six pilots showed up and the contest was held. Judges were Dan Weir, Dave Muse and Bob Fregault. Tom Loose was CD. Aircraft used must have been kitted or published before 1970.
Indoor R/C Flying
There is a large gym available in Lebanon, NH for model flying. It may be suitable for indoor R/C flying and could be held on the 3rd Sunday of the month through early spring. Anyone interested should contact Patti Friedman at the Carter Community Building Association: 603‑448‑6477.
By the time you read this the holidays will be past. I hope you all enjoyed them and that the future brings health and happiness.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
