Executive Council Meeting Highlights
Motions made at the April 24, 1999 Executive Council Meeting in Muncie, IN
The motions below are part of the unofficial minutes of the meeting. Minutes from a given meeting are not official until they are approved at the next quarterly Council meeting. Questions or comments on the motions should be addressed to your District Vice President.
Minutes of the January 30, 1999 Executive Council meeting were approved.
District X Vice President was not present at the meeting.
MOTION 1
Moved by W. DeCou (II), seconded by D. Holland (EVP), to grant the River City Radio Controllers the sum of $2,000 to assist them in completing their new runway. The MOTION passed: 10 yes, 1 no (IX), 1 abstain (VIII).
The following 2 mail votes are included:
1) Approve the Safety Committee's recommendation to replace item 7 in the Safety Regulations for Model Aircraft Gas Turbines effective October 24, 1998 with new item 7 as follows:
- Turbine fueling is to be handled in the following manner:
- A. Propane fueling must be accomplished in a remote area away from spectators, engine start areas, and ignition sources.
- B. Fueling of other than combustible liquefied gases may be accomplished in the start area.
- C. Starting personnel must assure that the tailpipe (exhaust) is pointed away from personnel and fragile or combustible items. Spectators and all personnel non-essential to the starting process must maintain a 25-foot spacing from the turbine start area.
(Ed McCollough would like it noted that the phrase "other than combustible liquefied gases" needs further refinement.)
The MOTION passed unanimously.
2) To allow the USA to submit a bid to host the Electric World Championship, to be held August 3–12, 2000 in San Diego, California.
The MOTION passed unanimously.
EC Meeting Minutes Available
A complete copy of the approved minutes of any quarterly Executive Council meeting is available to any AMA member on request.
- A copy of the most recently approved minutes will be provided at no charge.
- Additional copies, or minutes from other meetings, are $5 each (shipping and handling charge).
- There is a $10 minimum for credit card orders.
Requests may be submitted to AMA Administration by telephone, fax, or in writing.
- Telephone: (765) 287-1256, extension 201 or 210
- Fax: (765) 741-0057
Flying Site Assistance
Joe Beshar Coordinator 198 Merritt Dr. Oradell, NJ 07649 Fax: (201) 261-0223 Tel.: (201) 261-1281
Finding — Preserving — Maintaining
Landfills are proving to be ideal locations for use as flying sites. They are often idle and, in many cases, are already being used as model flying sites.
We are locating these sites so we can list them for clubs seeking landfill permits. If you are already flying on a landfill, please send the location so we can include it in the listing.
When you see this bumper sticker, say hello to the driver — you will probably find he or she is an FSA volunteer.
How about joining the other FSA volunteers in support of our flying sites? They are a high priority and the heartbeat of aeromodeling. If interested, contact me at the address above and I will be happy to send you a registration form.
Executive VP's Report
Doug Holland AMA Executive VP 3517 Fernwood Dr. Raleigh, NC 27612 Home: (919) 787-5163 Office: (919) 787-7454
The audit report for the past year is available upon request for a nominal fee. Below is the Schedule of Operating Expenses. Future columns will include different parts of the audit report; the entire report should be presented by October. If you have specific questions or concerns, please call me and I will be happy to discuss them.
The following statement is for your enjoyment: an alarm clock is a device for waking up people who do not have small children.
THE ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS, INC.
SCHEDULES OF OPERATING EXPENSES Years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997
- Salaries including contract services — 1998: $1,464,118 (20.2%) — 1997: $1,392,399 (19.7%)
- Fringe benefits and payroll taxes — 1998: $324,912 (4.5%) — 1997: $321,969 (4.5%)
- Membership processing including supplies — 1998: $394,265 (5.4%) — 1997: $398,747 (5.6%)
- Utilities — 1998: $40,197 (0.5%) — 1997: $39,184 (0.6%)
- Marketing division — 1998: $292,451 (4.0%) — 1997: $201,307 (2.8%)
- Office expense — 1998: $72,739 (1.0%) — 1997: $93,551 (1.3%)
- Postage and freight — 1998: $31,338 (0.4%) — 1997: $26,614 (0.4%)
- Telephone — 1998: $49,731 (0.7%) — 1997: $49,075 (0.7%)
- Bank charges and fees — 1998: $71,152 (1.0%) — 1997: $61,916 (0.9%)
- Staff travel — 1998: $36,084 (0.5%) — 1997: $32,639 (0.4%)
- Equipment maintenance — 1998: $105,599 (1.5%) — 1997: $66,005 (0.9%)
- Printing and duplicating — 1998: $337 (0.0%) — 1997: $20,585 (0.3%)
- Professional fees — corporate — 1998: $112,126 (1.6%) — 1997: $66,403 (0.9%)
- Professional fees — membership — 1998: $106,070 (1.5%) — 1997: $88,917 (1.3%)
- Insurance — general — 1998: $73,048 (1.1%) — 1997: $72,698 (1.0%)
- Insurance — membership — 1998: $603,529 (8.3%) — 1997: $607,431 (8.6%)
- Insurance — administration — 1998: $22,187 (0.3%) — 1997: $18,341 (0.3%)
- Taxes — other — 1998: $187 (0.0%) — 1997: $59 (0.0%)
- FAI programs — 1998: $161,555 (2.2%) — 1997: $133,060 (1.9%)
- NAA divisional fees — 1998: $41,758 (0.6%) — 1997: $43,187 (0.6%)
- Maintenance and grounds — 1998: $203,636 (2.8%) — 1997: $139,288 (2.0%)
- Miscellaneous — 1998: $63,901 (0.9%) — 1997: $43,070 (0.6%)
- Real estate taxes — 1998: $17,931 (0.2%) — 1997: $20,877 (0.3%)
- Mortgage interest — 1998: $69,525 (1.0%) — 1997: $70,408 (1.0%)
Total — 1998: $4,358,376 (60.2%) — 1997: $4,007,730 (56.6%)
Until later...
DISTRICT I REPORT
Connecticut / Maine / Massachusetts / New Hampshire / Rhode Island / Vermont
Don Krafft Vice President PO Box 1828 Duxbury, MA 02331-1828 Tel: (781) 934-6248
Associate Vice Presidents
- James M. Semonian, 166 Allen Road, Billerica, MA 01821-5240
- M.C. McGuffin, 8 Robinson Street, Houlton, ME 04730-2312
- Harry S. Newman, 36 Sherwood Drive, Hooksett, NH 03106-1077
- Richard Sherman, 30 High Street, Plymouth, NH 03264-1223
- Andrew Argenio, 3 Sheila Ave., Smithfield, RI 02917
- Bob Wallace, 91 Sylvan Street, Avon, CT 06001-2230
Frequency Coordinator: TBA
Fred Kruse
Once again I have to report the passing of a long-time modeler and friend. Fred passed away on February 19, 1999 after a long illness. He was active in the Salem Barnstormers Club and the Southern New Hampshire Radio Control Club.
I first met Fred many years ago when he was the CD of a Pattern contest. He was an active CD and a Leader Member in the AMA and was also active in state and local politics. He served as a State Representative for two terms and served on the local school board. He will be missed.
Henry Struck
Henry received an AMA Fellow Award in March. I spoke to Henry's wife on March 27 and he seems to be doing fine, considering he had a stroke last summer.
George Wilson
George received an AMA Distinguished Service Award in March. George has been the District I frequency coordinator for more than fifteen years and has done an excellent job. At the present time George is seriously ill and will no longer be the frequency coordinator.
Frequency Coordinator Vacancy
As noted above, George Wilson will not be continuing in this position. Until I find a person willing to do this job, please contact me if you have any radio problems or need to use one of the receivers to check for interference. If you are interested in this job and have some background in radio, contact me.
Vermont AVP
Bob Landry has advised me he is going to slow down on modeling for a while to restore some automobiles. Therefore he asked me to find another AVP for Vermont. If you are interested in this position, let me know.
Canadian Fun-Fly
Carl Layden of New Brunswick called to advise of a fun-fly in Amherst, Nova Scotia on July 3–4, 1999. It will be on a grass field. If you are interested, call Carl at (506) 832-1088.
Ellington, CT
A WW I Giant Scale Fly-in will be held July 11, 1999 at the NCRC field in Ellington. WW I and "Golden Age" aircraft are eligible. For more information call Paul Savastano at (860) 872-6303.
State of Maine Scale Shoot-Out
A premier Scale event will take place August 7–8, 1999 at Gray, Maine. There are two days of flying and a Saturday evening cookout. Call Ray Labonte at (207) 797-5196 for details.
Connecticut Model Airplane Club
Club president Carmen Luciano reports that Dolly Curtis Interviews, a weekly cable show, recently filmed a documentary on the CMAC of Stratford, CT.
The 30-minute show featured the scratch-built quarter-scale model of the 1915 Sikorsky S-16, built by Harry Hastedt and Morris Pittore from plans reduced and created from photos and measurements of the restored full-scale aircraft.
Highlights included a historical review of RC aviation by Morgan Kaolian, the 52-year history of the CMAC by President Carmen Luciano, and a segment starring the junior members Richard Luciano and Matt Pecoroni. The show received local newspaper coverage, raising recognition for the club.
Mount Washington Valley R/C Club
On February 13–14, 1999 the Mt. Washington Valley R/C Club held its annual model display at the Mountain Valley Mall in North Conway, NH. There were many visitors and 121 people signed the register showing interest in model aviation. Material and pictures were sent by Percy Hill, club secretary.
DISTRICT II REPORT
New Jersey / New York / Europe
Wes De Cou Vice President
A little catch-up from some winter activities, then on to some excellent news regarding model aviation in our school systems.
March 6–7 found me in Syracuse for the annual STARS/ARCS Forum on Saturday, followed by the STARS Sno-Fly on Sunday. The forum was informative, with sessions on batteries, covering, tips, tools, and techniques for building a good-looking aircraft that has a chance of getting airborne.
The Sno-Fly was unique this year due to the presence of snow. Three days prior to the event local pilots were frantically removing skis and reinstalling wheels. Mother Nature decided to dump snow on Phoenix, NY, so there was snow everywhere!
Hot coffee, hot dogs, hamburgers, and the friendly swapping of model aviation tales made for an enjoyable visit. It was very cold, but not too windy.
While at the WRAM show this year, I talked to Bernie Liquorman of the Mid-Hudson Modelmasters club. He mentioned that a team of students from Marlboro Middle School was competing in the New York Science Olympiad "Propeller Propulsion" event at Mount St. Mary College in Newburgh.
This is the second year that this event has been included in the Olympiad, and the Modelmasters used the opportunity to put model aviation center stage in the local school system.
After being asked by science teacher Laura Simons to coordinate all aspects of the competition at the middle and high school levels, the club organized building and test-flying sessions for the students and planned to run the competitions.
By competition time, seasoned pilots and well-tested aircraft were the rule.
- At the High School Regional competition held at Ulster Community College, Modelmaster Lauren Duffy took second place for Washingtonville with flights of about 30 seconds. More than a dozen teams participated.
- At the Middle School competition, Jessica Congemi and Stephanie Kulaga represented Marlboro and were the champions.
The students gained a great experience and a newfound appreciation for model aviation. The audience and school officials were impressed.
My hearty congratulations to the student participants, and a warm thank you to the Mid-Hudson Modelmasters for their involvement in this awareness-building activity.
Key club players included Bernie Liquorman, John Duffy, Vic Nippert, AVP Bill Poythress, Jesse Aronstein, Joe and Ellen Miller, Jim Catalano, John Warner, and high school student Kris Harms.
In New Jersey, the State Championship Olympiads were held at Middlesex County College on March 23. Gold Medalist Timothy Chava, a 4-H Club flyer with 18 months of stick-and-tissue experience, successfully defended his title with a flight of 57 seconds!
Local clubs could gain positive exposure by getting involved in model aviation at the school level. Adopt a team for the Millennium Olympiad — you could make a big difference!
Next month: a trip to a club in Westchester, a career event, and coverage of multiple events on Long Island. Get your activity covered — send me stuff!
AMA News
Education Committee — Charles Kelley
Can you recall experiencing a fascination with flight during your youth? Have you spent countless hours watching airplanes taxi, take off, and land at the local airport? Were you ever intrigued by a bird's graceful maneuvering? If so, you were likely captivated at first exposure to model aviation.
Model aviation provides varying degrees of satisfaction to those who become involved early. Unfortunately, youth who grow up distant from an airport or unaware of local modeling activities may have limited satisfaction. Gazing at an occasional airplane miles overhead, or flying a paper airplane or dime-store balsa glider, provided little satisfaction for those whose attraction to aviation grew deep within.
Motivated by such disappointments, some modeling buddies and I created a program that opened the door to model aviation for local youngsters. Over the past twelve years I have seen middle- and high-school students participate briefly and leave, while others continued to return and became active participants. The fun and excitement of model aviation and the strong attraction to flight encouraged many to keep coming back.
As a member of the AMA Education Committee, I visit AMA members whenever possible — usually at flying sites and monthly club meetings — to learn about activities used to introduce model aviation to local youth. During conversations I ask two questions:
- Is there an established activity within the club that introduces local youth to modeling?
- Does the activity allow continued training and guidance so they will return and demonstrate a willingness to learn?
Responses generally fall into three categories:
- Yes to question 1, no to question 2 — introductory flight only.
- Yes to both questions — introductory flights plus some training; club trainers/instructors available, but few show up for lessons.
- No to both questions — unwilling; no desire among members to establish the needed introductory activity.
I have concluded there is an abundance of the nation's youth willing to get involved in model aviation to some extent.
Club News and Announcements
Roy Holt, CD of "Jets over Whidbey," wrote: "We got the web site for the Jet contest up and running. The site URL is http://www.frugal.com/~royholt/whidbejets." Jet enthusiasts and other interested folks should go to Whidbey Island on August 28–29 and join in the fun.
Pete Melin writes: "I am having my 8th Annual Melon's Follies Fun Fly on June 27 at the Turner field, for fun, food, and flying." As photos show, it's a very nice place to fly and a great, low-key event.
Congratulations to Reeves Lippincott, who has been selected Manager of the '99 F3A team. Reeves wrote: "You may have heard that I have been appointed as F3A Team Manager for the 1999 USA Team. It is a great honor to be able to do this and Cat and I are both excited about going to the World Championships, September 10–19 in Pensacola, FL."
"I have been busy getting letters ready to send out to all AMA clubs asking for donations to support the USA Team. I am also working on getting souvenir shirts, hats, and jackets made. Profits will go to the team fund. Any requests for info should be addressed to me."
If you want to contribute, Reeves will accept donations for this cause.
Would a free, all-expenses-paid trip to the AMA Museum, Flying Site, and AMA HQ in Muncie — plus a side trip to the U.S. Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB near Dayton, OH — sound like a great prize? The Marymoor RC Club is offering a raffle at Puyallup. For $5.00, first prize includes airfare and four nights' accommodations for two, car rental, and $400 for expenses. The winner will have a full year to make the trip, so you could time it to attend the Nats!
If you can't make it to a MAR/C event like the Open House on June 27 and want a chance at this trip, call:
- Tom Berry: (425) 883-8269
- Ward Emigh: (425) 868-8000
- Gene Sartore: (425) 226-2295
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
