NATS MEETING OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
The meeting was held at McNeese State University, Lake Charles, Louisiana on August 2, 1978.
Attendees:
- John Clemens, President — Dallas, TX
- Earl Witt, Secretary/Treasurer — Chambersburg, PA
- John Worth, Executive Director — Fairfax, VA
- Clifton Piper, Vice President District I — Atkinson, NH
- John Byrne, Vice President District II — Bayside, NY
- James McNeill, Vice President District V — Birmingham, AL
- Glenn Lee, Vice President District VI — Batavia, IL
- Ken Morris, Vice President District VII — Muscatine, IA
- Murry Frank, Vice President District VIII — Wichita Falls, TX
- Vince Mankowski, Vice President District IX — Bellevue, NE
- James Scarborough, Vice President District X — Redondo Beach, CA
- Homer Smith, Vice President District XI — Seattle, WA
Also in attendance:
- Associate Vice Presidents Joe Eiben (District III) and John Preston (District IV), acting as proxies for absent Vice Presidents Don Lowe (III) and John Spalding (IV).
- Guests: James Davis (District V — Contest Coordinator); Bill Rohring (District VII — AVP); Ned Barnes (District VIII — AVP); John Embry; Bill Lee; Betty Stream (District X — AVP); Steve Geraghty.
- AMA Headquarters staff: Micheline Madison, FAI/Contest Boards Administrator.
I. 1978 ELECTION
A. Ballot Deadline
- The November 25 ballot deadline (adopted in 1977 in lieu of the traditional Nov. 15 cut-off) was approved to allow additional postal handling time.
B. Ballot Validation
- It was approved to discontinue the requirement of a signature on election ballots. Headquarters' new computer handling system makes signatures unnecessary.
II. FINANCIAL REPORT / REVIEW
A. Mid-Year Financial Statement (as of June 30)
- The half-year statement was reviewed. The budget approved earlier in the year forecasted a major deficit by year end; the mid-year report verified this and indicated a loss of $62,000 at mid-year compared with a budgeted $80,000 loss for the year. It was agreed that reserve funds from past surplus years would likely be severely eroded by January.
- It was noted that mid-year reports can be misleading because some expenses are budgeted on a full-year basis though most of the costs occur in the first half (e.g., FAI teams and film projects).
B. IRS
- The Executive Director reported no new developments regarding AMA's appeal to the Internal Revenue Service concerning tax-exempt status. The IRS action is general, affecting many tax-exempt organizations; AMA's position is supported by similar and larger membership associations.
C. Preliminary Financial Condition of the 1978 Nats
- Fewer entries were recorded than at the 1977 California Nats. Despite higher entry fees for 1978, only slightly more income than last year was expected; the outlook favored losing less than in California due to lower expenses rather than higher income. Conclusive figures were not yet available.
III. 1979 MEMBERSHIP / CREDIT CARD PAYMENT
- The experience of similar organizations in the National Aeronautic Association family regarding credit-card payments was favorably noted.
- Approved: AMA will adopt credit-card payments (Visa and Master Charge) to ease payment problems related to the upcoming dues increase.
- Handling fees are not to exceed 5%. A review with actual figures is to be made by the Council prior to any full credit-card commitment for 1980.
IV. INSURANCE
- Steve Geraghty (CA), an AMA member and insurance agent, offered opinions on AMA's insurance program and suggested putting insurance needs out to bid among AMA insurance agents, separating bids for liability and life insurance. He also suggested creating an Insurance Committee comprised of AMA officers to coordinate this effort.
- Council members noted AMA already seeks lower-rate insurers through brokers and members. Consensus: invite bids and presentations from any interested insurance providers, whether AMA members or not.
V. FILM REVIEW
- A film produced by Jay Gerber, comprised of short "commercials" of varying lengths, was shown. Versions would be made available to clubs for local TV, with options for the AMA address to appear or a blank for local messages.
- The films could be made available anytime, but the Council needs to budget for the project; this may be considered at the next Council meeting.
- Clifton Piper reported being impressed with the sophisticated equipment at the film operation and noted that a Scale film is now being produced.
VI. AWARDS
A. Excellence Awards for Clubs
- Approved: confer Awards of Excellence to written requests received to date. Headquarters will develop a mail form for future award requests.
- Awards approved:
- Orange Coast RC Club, California
- Atlanta RC Club, Georgia
- Mid-Hudson RC Society, New York
- Westchester Radio Aeromodelers, New York
- Twin City Radio Controllers, Minnesota
B. Superior Service Award
- One individual Superior Service Award was approved; recipient to be announced after presentation.
VII. NEXT MEETING
- Approved: Long Range Planning will be a major agenda item at the next meeting, to be held the day following the regular Council meeting. Combined meeting dates: November 4–5 in Omaha, Nebraska.
VIII. AMA MUSEUM
A. Status of Lake Charles and Springfield Offers
- The City of Lake Charles offered AMA a parcel of land, up to 25 acres, at Chenault Airbase adjacent to the runway used for RC and FF at the Nats. The City of Springfield, Ohio previously offered land and a building at the municipal airport on attractive terms.
- Officials from both cities will follow up with written confirmations before the next Council meeting. AMA President and Executive Director will prepare a statement for Model Aviation to inform members. No commitments or obligations have been made.
B. Interim Museum
- The Executive Director noted difficulties accepting donations without adequate storage space. Headquarters is saturated and not suitable for housing valuable memorabilia. Donations have diminished due to lack of a definite acceptance. Various solutions were discussed but no action was taken; the matter was tabled.
IX. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
- Discussion on establishing an executive committee to act on behalf of the Council between meetings was tabled due to lack of time.
X. ADJOURNMENT
- The Council deferred non-time-critical items to the Fall Council Meeting.
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AMA News (President's Column and Related Items)
The following items are excerpts from the AMA President's column and general news from the Nats and related correspondence.
Club Work — A Thought
- Bill Cufflin says about club work: "It's just more fun when we all work and play together and we can look back on it all and say 'THAT WAS FUN.'"
Sloppy Building Champ
- Anecdote: A very sloppy model builder was noted; amusingly, he had a pair of twins aged five and seven.
Attention — Newsletter Editors!
- Newsletter editors were praised as vital to AMA's communications network and instrumental in growing AMA's membership. A special jacket patch identifying newsletter editors is being developed as recognition.
- The president suggested the IRS consider club newsletters when evaluating AMA's non-profit status, as they demonstrate scientific study and advancement of aeronautics in addition to recreation.
- A personal request: the president will step down at year's end but intends to remain active and asks to stay on newsletter mailing lists.
Heard at the Flying Site
- "Hey, fellows, I'm sorry I'm late. There are seven in my family, and the alarm was only set for six!"
Weather
- The Dallas–Fort Worth area experienced one of its hottest summers. The president joked about cooking people in Texas and writing a cookbook.
Today's Youngster
- A little boy ends his nightly prayers with "10-4" — a humorous sign of CB radio influence.
Popular Mechanics Mentions
- Daniel Coleman (Popular Mechanics advertising director) noted a feature on getting started in RC in the August 1978 issue (page 110) and an upcoming September feature on solar-powered planes (page 77), mentioning AMA member Bob Boucher of Astro Flight, Inc., a pioneer in electric-powered model flying.
Heard from the Birds
- Bill Simpson sent the B.I.R.D. Club newsletter, which highlighted Betty Stream’s report on the Nats: significant female involvement in RC Pattern events — directors, judges, and participants. "We salute the ladies!"
Promise 'Em Anything
- Quotation from an ad: "Satisfaction is guaranteed or double your trash back." (Moore Industrial Disposal, Inc., Dallas)
State Parks as Modeling Sites
- Leroy Cordes (Chicago) sent an Illinois Department of Conservation bulletin promoting aeromodeling and the Annual Fall Remote Control Sailplane Championships at Frank Holden State Park near East St. Louis. Many states recognize aeromodeling positively.
Gas Fumes (Juneau, Alaska)
- Gary Fuller (Gastineau Aeromodeller Society) quipped: "Scratch building does not mean cutting out balsa spars with your fingernails."
New AMA Life Member
- George W. Dickinson of Somerville, N.J., became AMA Life Member No. L-50, paying the $1,000 fee in $250 quarterly payments. He wrote, "THE ONLY THING I EVER WON AT A CONTEST WAS F-U-N!!"
From the Sky Knights, Lincoln, Nebraska
- Terry Majewski sent a 24-page promotional program for the Sky Knights' 19th Annual Pattern Contest; copies available for postage ($0.60). Address: Terry Majewski, 2955 South Street, Lincoln, NE 68502.
- The Sky Knights are studying a possible bid to host the 1979 National Championships in the Lincoln area.
It's Been a Long Time
- The president noted he has had little time for model building during eight years in office and joked about putting "training wheels" back on his transmitter.
Final Thought
- "Don't ever forget — model airplaneing is far better (and far cheaper) than a nervous breakdown!"
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REPORT OF AMA NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The nominating committee meeting was held at McNeese State University, Lake Charles, Louisiana, beginning at 8:10 p.m., chaired by Cliff Piper (District I VP) for this meeting in accordance with AMA by-laws and recent Executive Council decisions.
Attendees:
- Cliff Piper (Chair)
- John Byrne (II)
- James McNeill (V)
- Glenn Lee (VI)
- Murry Frank (VIII)
- Vince Mankowski (IX)
- James Scarborough (X)
- Homer Smith (XI)
- Joe Eiben (proxy for District III)
- Ken Morris (VII) arrived after the meeting began
Actions:
- Murry Frank moved, seconded by James McNeill, that the ballot show an asterisk beside the names of incumbents; passed unanimously.
- Richard Brooks, nominee for District II VP, had withdrawn by letter.
- Nominations were read and closed (motion by Frank, seconded by Mankowski; passed unanimously).
- For President, two names were placed on the ballot (Piper had withdrawn): Earl Witt and John Byrne. Motion passed unanimously by acclamation.
- John Byrne then withdrew as a nominee for Vice President.
- Remaining vice-presidential nominees (even-numbered districts only for the 1978 election):
- District 2 (NY, NJ): John Grigg; Lou Hollwitz
- District 4 (DE, DC, MD, NC, VA): Chuck Foreman; John Spalding
- District 6 (IL, IN, KY, MO): Horace Cain; Glenn Lee*
- District 8 (AR, LA, NM, OK, TX): John Embry; W. R. Lee
- District 10 (AZ, CA, HI, NV, UT): Jim Scarborough*; Betty Stream
* = incumbent
- Motion by Vince Mankowski, seconded by James McNeill, that these names appear on the ballot; passed unanimously.
- Nominees and nominators were verified using AMA membership microfiche.
- The meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m.
(Report excerpted from minutes provided by C. Piper.)
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INSURANCE / SAFETY
Every AMA member receives the following information with the membership card:
- The AMA Safety Code is published in the rule book. If the Safety Code is observed, it is not necessary to be concerned with the difference between competition and fun flying. "It's not what is flown but how that counts." Larger engines and larger planes can be flown provided the Safety Code is adhered to, especially avoiding flying near or over groups of people.
- About Liability Protection: AMA’s liability coverage (but not the accident insurance) is "excess" to other insurance (e.g., homeowner’s). This means AMA’s liability protection applies only if there is no other coverage or if other coverage is insufficient. This feature helps hold AMA dues down; otherwise dues would be much higher.
- For property damage claims (not personal injury), there is a $250 deductible that must be paid first by the AMA member before AMA insurance applies.
- Despite provisions, the AMA coverage has paid hundreds of claims over the years and represents a real bargain. However, insurance costs have increased, reflecting an increase in claims. Adherence to the AMA Safety Code is more important than ever. Failure to do so is expensive.
SAFE FLYING IS NO ACCIDENT
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HIGHER DUES? (continued)
- Insurance premiums are a major factor in the proposed 1979 dues increase. Some homeowners’ policies have excluded model-plane incidents as "aircraft," a troubling trend if consistently applied by courts.
- The Academy’s professional staff and Executive Council have advocated for a dues increase to cover rising costs, including insurance and public-relations efforts.
- The in-house film program, while criticized by some as costly, produces high-quality industrial films often at a bargain compared with commercial rates.
- Improved public relations and professional staff efforts have likely helped prevent restrictive regulations from agencies such as the FAA and EPA.
- The writer supports the proposed dues increase and suggests Open dues could be set around $35 to provide necessary resources. The writer urges transparency and careful oversight of how the money is spent.
Comment by Dick Nutting, AMA 93846:
- He supports the dues increase as a beginning and would be in favor of a larger one; stresses the need to keep a sharp eye on expenditures.
Additional district commentary:
- The election for AMA President was highlighted; nominees John F. Byrne Jr. (District II) and Earl Witt (Secretary-Treasurer) will be on the ballot.
- The author supports the Council’s vote for the dues increase despite some dissent and urges members to communicate views to their representatives.
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DISTRICT REPORTS
District II (excerpted commentary)
- Several contributors and volunteers were praised for their service (Joe Friend, Al Lobaito, Frank Dresch appointed Associate Vice President for Central and Southern New Jersey).
- M.A.D. IV at Rockefeller Center scheduled for October 14 (rain date October 28); public display and RC/Control Line flying planned.
- Rockland County Radio Control Club's 7th Annual Flying Circus Show and Auction planned for October 15 at Orangetown High School, Orangeburg, NY.
District III
Don Lowe, District III Vice-President
- Address and contact info listed for Don Lowe and Associate Vice-Presidents.
- Many letters were received concerning the 1979 dues structure and inclusion of Model Aviation in membership; most complaints focused on removal of the magazine option rather than the dues increase itself.
- Reasons supporting magazine inclusion: majority already receiving the magazine; prior Council vote that all Open members would receive it by 1980; cost savings by eliminating duplicate publications; financial stability of the magazine.
- The author urged members to get informed and vote thoughtfully in elections.
District VII
Kenneth F. Morris, District VII Vice-President
- Thanks to many clubs for newsletters and support at the Nats.
- Concern over small turnout at the general membership meeting at the Nats; urged better participation next year.
- Noted presentations to host the 1979 Nats in Lincoln, Nebraska; next Council meeting in Omaha, November 4–5.
- Encouraged members to contact their Associate Vice Presidents.
District VIII
Murry Frank, District VIII Vice-President
- Reported a successful Nats at Lake Charles; indoor site measured 107 ft 7 in; combat fields were grassy; Free Flight had fine weather with a Senior Unlimited Rubber (Mulvihill) record set.
- Praised the many volunteers, including increasing female participation in race events and judging.
- Nominations for District VIII VP: Bill Lee and John Embry. Nominations for AMA President: Earl Witt and John Byrne.
- Expressed gratitude for serving four terms as District VP and intent to remain active as a member.
District IX
Vince Mankowski, District IX Vice-President
- Announced last calls for district meetings (Fargo Oct. 14; Denver Oct. 28).
- Award of Excellence: Flying Eagles Model Club of Sioux Falls, SD (mostly junior and senior members).
- Winter meetings at local YMCA with programs by the Air National Guard.
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ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES
- The Nats Executive Council handled only immediate, time-critical items at this meeting; remaining business deferred to the Fall Council Meeting.
- The next Council meeting and the long-range planning session will be held November 4–5 in Omaha, Nebraska.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
