AMA: News

AMA news

From AMA HQ, By the Executive Director: NO. 107

1975 RESULTS--AMA ELECTION

The voting is tabulated below. It shows that we will have two new Vice-Presidents for the 1976-77 term. Officers: Don Lowe for District III, Hardy Brodersen for District VII. Lowe won out over the incumbent Ron Morgan. For District VIII, however, there was no incumbent—1975 Vice-President Jack Josaitis declined to run again after eight years of service on the AMA Executive Council.

Interesting point: Don Lowe is an officer in the National Society for RC Aerobatics (NSRCA) and Hardy Brodersen is the Executive Director of the National Soaring Society. Thus, these two organizations now, indirectly, are represented on the AMA Executive Council. Food for thought: while debate goes on concerning whether special interest organizations should be represented on the council, the fact is that the door is open for such representation through the simple mechanics of the normal AMA election process.

One of the discouraging things about the 1975 election is the number of candidates who ran unopposed (5). This happened simply because no other nominations were made for those positions. Thus, while complaints are heard in some quarters concerning lack of this or that kind of representation on the council, opportunities for changing representation have gone begging. For those who care about such things, the time is now to start thinking about the 1976 elections. Up for election will be the positions of the AMA President and Vice-Presidents for the even numbered districts (II, IV, VI, VIII, X). Suggestion: look at the VP columns in this issue, see who is representing these positions, decide whether you want the incumbent to continue or be replaced. If your sentiment is toward the latter, start thinking about who to nominate instead.

What happens in the 1976 election can depend upon whether you get involved or let someone do it. Either way, it's YOUR choice!

THE VOTING

• Candidate Dist. Vote
• Cliff Piper I 403
• Ron Morgan III 338
• Don Lowe III 557
• Jim McNeill V 492
• H. Brodersen VII 349
• W. Rohring VIII 292
• Stan Chilton IX 177
• Homer Smith XI 191

Total number of votes for listed Vice-Presidents: 2,799

Secretary-Treasurer: Earl Witt Only candidate:

• District totals:
• I 310
• II 505
• III 630
• IV 346
• V 352
• VI 491
• VII 440
• VIII 338
• IX 96
• X 571
• XI 14
• Total 4,093

Write-Ins for VPs: 19 nominees, 31 votes. Write-Ins for ST: 49 nominees, 86 votes. Total eligible voters, adult AMA members: 49,599; total valid ballots: 4,210 (8.5% of those eligible).

DEPENDING ON HOMEOWNERS WHEN FLYING MODELS? Read On—You May Be Surprised!

Many modelers who have comprehensive liability coverage as part of their Homeowners Insurance may believe AMA liability protection to be redundant. As an old fellow said, "...'tain't necessarily so."

Indeed, in dealing with insurance companies, most anything "taint necessarily so." A policy can give coverage in one paragraph and take it away in the next, especially where the liability coverage is involved. The only final decision a given insurance coverage may be a ruling from the courts, but according to the Fire, Casualty and Surety Bulletins, no court of last resort has ever been asked to rule on the miniature aircraft aspect of Homeowners Insurance liability exclusion. This means that accidents resulting from the operation of models may not be covered by the personal liability insurance included in Homeowners' Insurance policies.

It's possible that even if the courts had ruled on such an exclusion, subtle differences in another case might require a new ruling so that each case may be handled separately—and differently!

It is a fact, however, that many Homeowners Insurance policies exclude liabilities arising out of model aircraft operation which is provided under separate insurance policies for automobiles, boats, or aircraft. And such an exclusion may be used by an insurance company in trying to convince a court that an aircraft exclusion includes model aircraft. The question arose when an Ohio insurance agency addressed the following question to F. C. & S. Bulletins under the title: "Are Model Planes 'Aircraft'?"

"Interpretation of the word 'aircraft' as it is used in Homeowners' forms—not to mention other Dwelling forms and comprehensive Personal Liability policy—is presenting difficulties with respect to the power driven model planes and model rockets owned by some youngsters (and their fathers)."

"After assuring one Homeowners insured that the policy's liability exclusion of claims arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or operation, use, loading or unloading of aircraft does not apply to his son's model plane and after also assuring him that there is coverage under the aircraft peril for

AMA BANKRUPTCY NOTICE ON P. 72

Many AMA members ordered subscriptions for American Aircraft Modeler and associated publications through AMA's Supply and Service Section (mostly prior to 1975). AMA will be filing a claim on behalf of all such members, in accordance with the notice on page 72 of this issue of Model Aviation. The notice, incidentally, is a paid ad, purchased by the district court which has jurisdiction over the bankruptcy proceedings.

AMA's group claim may or may not be accepted by the court. If not, we will try to give notice to this effect in time so that individual claims may be filed if desired.

Our legal counsel advises, however, that members should not be optimistic regarding payment of these claims. He indicates that past experience shows a very low probability of any recovery. This is based on the fact that many others with much larger claims are involved.

Note: the notice on page 72 has nothing to do with the subscriptions obtained as part of AMA membership— it involves only those magazines separately subscribed to through AMA's Supply and Service Section.

AMA: News

RESULTS — AMA ELECTION. Voting tabulated below shows we will have two new Vice Presidents for the 1976-77 term in office: Don Lowe, District III; Hardy Brodersen, District VII.

Lowe won out over incumbent Ron Morgan. 1975 Vice President Jack Josaitis declined to run again after eight years' service on the AMA Executive Council.

Interesting point: Don Lowe is an officer of the National Society of Radio Control Aerobatics (NSRCA); Hardy Brodersen is Executive Director of the National Soaring Society. Thus two organizations are now indirectly represented on the AMA Executive Council. Food for thought in the debate concerning whether special interest organizations should be represented on the council. In fact the door is open to such representation through the simple mechanics of the normal AMA election process.

Discouraging things about the 1975 election: a number of candidates ran unopposed — five happened simply because no other nominations were made for the positions. Thus complaints heard in some quarters concerning lack of representation and opportunities for changing representation have gone begging. If you care about such things, it is time now to start thinking about the 1976 elections. Up for election will be positions: AMA President, Vice Presidents for numbered districts II, IV, VI, VIII, X. Suggestion: look at the VP columns in this issue, see who is representing the positions, decide whether you want the incumbent to continue or be replaced. If the sentiment is toward the latter, start thinking about whom to nominate instead. What happens in the 1976 election can depend upon whether you get involved or let someone else decide. Either way, it's YOUR choice.

THE VOTING

• Candidate — District — Votes
• Cliff Piper — (President) — 1,338
• Ron Morgan — III — 338
• Don Lowe — (District III) — 557
• Jim O'Neill — V — 492
• H. Brodersen — VII — 349
• W. Rohring — — 292
• Stan Chilton — IX — 177
• Homer Smith — XI — 191

Total number votes for President — 2,799 (listed)

Vice Presidents / Secretary-Treasurer Earl Witt — only candidate

District totals: I 310 II 505 III 630 IV 346 V 352 VI 491 VII 440 VIII 338 IX 96 X 571 XI 14

Total ballots cast for VPs — 4,093

Write-ins for VPs — 19 nominees, 31 votes State nominations — 49 nominees, 86 votes

Total eligible voters (adult AMA members) — 49,599 Total valid ballots — 4,210 (8.5% eligible) apply only to Homeowners Insurance comprehensive liability coverage and not to AMA liability protection. AMA liability protection specifically covers all modeling activity when miniature aircraft, cars, boats, or even rockets are operated in accordance with the AMA safety code — with limits to one million dollars!

In regard to Homeowners Insurance personal liability coverage, it would seem that the exclusion based on the distinctions made between various types of motor vehicles (including aircraft) and of various types of watercraft, that "toys" should not enter into consideration. As reported in F. C. & S. Bulletins:

"This was also the conclusion of a Texas court of civil appeals in Travelers Insurance Co. vs. Elkins, 1971 C.C.H. (Fire and Casualty) 1054. Though the case involved not an aircraft but a 'motor vehicle,' a First Party coverage under Homeowners Section I, the court's ruling seems pertinent to the problem under discussion. There was a theft of a 'mini-car' (a half-scale model of a 1910 Model T Ford) and the insured claimed protection under his Homeowners policy and its provision for theft coverage of unscheduled personal property. The insured contended that the model car was not a 'motor vehicle' within the ordinary meaning of that term, but rather a toy which the manufacturer advertised as not for highway use—and the court agreed. The court said, 'We feel that the intent of the parties was to exclude from a Homeowners policy those vehicles used upon the streets and highways which should be covered by an automobile insurance policy.'"

"Probably only a really freak accident in which a model aircraft would get out of control and do some serious bodily injury to a bystander would involve the kind of claim which might go to court. Even then, an insurer would likely give more than passing thought to the prospects of trying to convince a judge and jury that this particular exclusion refers to a model aircraft, thereby absolving the company of paying for injury or damage resulting from the accident."

"What this all boils down to is that with the comprehensive personal liability aspects of your Homeowners Insurance policy seen, to both you and your agent, to cover aeromodeling, model car, or boating accidents, when it comes down to the actual paying of the claim, your homeowners coverage may not be all it's thought to be."

"Fortunately, this is of no consequence to AMA members. Over $16,000 in claims was paid by AMA's insurance carrier in 1974 for modeling accidents—none of which were covered by individual insurance. Consider, therefore, that a modeler who doesn't belong to AMA may be taking an unnecessary risk and missing one of the biggest bargains in America today."

FROM YOUR FREQUENCY COMMITTEE

John Strong, Chairman

Club Officers: Your club charter renewal kit will contain a questionnaire from the Frequency Committee. We hope you will fill out and return to HQ. The information requested is to determine how many Amateur Radio Operators and how many class C (CC) license holders are in AMA. Just query members—now—even if your club is CL or FF—and return each questionnaire with names and call letters of members who are Hams (regardless of class of license) and the total number (without names) of Class C (CC) license holders.

Club officers will receive the questionnaire at the end of January. Knowing AMA's "Ham" and class C population will greatly assist our standing with both FCC and ARRL (Amateur Radio Relay League).

Notes From the FCC

Citizens Band license applications to FCC have increased from 100,000 per month in early 1975 to more than 200,000 per month at year's end. This means 12 to 15 weeks for processing applications so get that renewal or new application in early!

Any Ham who wishes to communicate with his FCC regarding amateur problems should write: FCC, P.O. Box 1020, Gettysburg, PA.

Questions regarding Citizens Band applications (4 months after original application has been sent to allow for normal processing) may be addressed to: Charles A. Higginbotham, Chief, Safety and Special Radio Services Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, Washington, D.C. 20554

1975 REPORTS SHOW A GOOD FINANCIAL YEAR FOR AMA

According to the third quarter (through Sept. 30) financial report, AMA will end 1975 well in the black. Largely responsible is the continued membership growth — the increase in income from more members has exceeded the increase in expenses due to inflation.

Had the membership growth in '75 merely met budget estimates made early in the year, it could have been another very bad year. This was because actual cost figures were above budget estimates. However, the surge to over 60,000 members in '75 was about 6,000 more than the modest increase of about 2,000 that had been estimated.

The net result of all this was that an operating expense cutback which might have been necessary in the last part of '75 was avoided. In fact, it has been possible to unfreeze some projects which had been held back since mid-year.

One particularly gratifying aspect of the financial report concerns the Nats. The '74 Nats had about a $20,000 loss, but the '75 Nats has apparently (pending final bills) broken even. The difference was due to about $9,000 more in income (higher entry fees) and about $11,000 less in expenses (reduced travel expenses for officials).

Another happy situation concerns AMA's magazine, with about a $17,000 surplus in the publications budget at the end of the third quarter. This is proof that AMA's venture into this field was financially sound and that earlier cost estimates were conservative.

The success of 1975 has made a dues increase unnecessary for '76. But expectations for 1976 are clouded by problems which suggest that '77 may be a different story. We already know that membership insurance will cost much more in '76, as will rent, postage, telephone. And for 1977 other costs are expected to increase considerably. It will probably take another great membership growth year in 1976 to avoid a dues increase in 1977. But that remains to be seen. For now, we had a great year in '75 so we've got 1976 off to a good start, without the pressure of a previous year deficit to make up.

FAN MAIL

November 20, 1975

Gentlemen of the AMA,

We are writing to you as members of the Butler Aircraft Modelers Society, (583) and of the Silent Majority. We of the Silent Majority are so called probably because the confusion in reading the many problems voiced in the old Monthly Mailing have been expressed in the Model Aviation magazine. We realize you must bring these problems to the attention of the membership in the hopes of some solution, and we feel the best way to do it would be to have our own little problems to deal with, such as fencing in our flying site to be built and maintained for us. We feel the AMA should have a space for our members in each issue to discuss such things as runway areas. This year we are having a lot of new members join in a high school group. Members are each building a rubber powered under 18-inch type plane for our ROG takeoff contest. Most of us are in favor of the way the AMA is being operated and are satisfied with Model Aviation Magazine.

We are enclosing $20 toward the purchase of the Hutchinson Air Base facilities, as we feel this is a step in the right direction for the AMA.

A recent article from the Pittsburg Press (which was enclosed to me) told about the man who formed our society, Ralph Brunner, AMA 76407. Ralph has recruited about 90% of our membership. He has spent many hours on the telephone and in taking trips to locate our present flying site (102 acres). He is always very patient with information on how to build a glider, an airplane, a boat, or a building. At the flying field in training new pilots he can go from Radio Control two-stroke to single-stroke to Control Line with not much more than a phone call or line check and a "Let's fire her up."

Because of Ralph and others we are a varied group of enthusiasts, flying the usual trainers, gliders, scale and stunt, off-scale in Control Line, Free Flight, and Radio Control. We have also had a Model Builder Octagon, a hovercraft and an airship to mention some self-propelled buzzards, crows and hawks.

Our membership is about 50/50, Adults and Juniors. Each year we lose a few members but we gain that many back plus some. We are proud of our organization, and of the AMA, and of the men who run the AMA. We haven't a thing to complain about and feel you should rest assured the Silent Majority have spoken.

Sincerely,

Warren E. Peffer Butler Aircraft Modelers Society 494 Sunset Drive Butler, PA 16001

AMA: News

1975 RESULTS — AMA ELECTION

Voting tabulated below shows AMA will have two new Vice Presidents for the 1976–77 term of office: Don Lowe, District III, and Hardy Brodersen, District VII. Lowe won out over incumbent Ron Morgan. Incumbent 1975 Vice President Jack Josaitis declined to run again after eight years' service on the AMA Executive Council.

Interesting point: Don Lowe is an officer of the National Society of Radio Control Aerobatics (NSRCA); Hardy Brodersen is Executive Director of the National Soaring Society. Thus two organizations are now indirectly represented on the AMA Executive Council. Food for thought: debate goes on concerning whether special-interest organizations should be represented on the council. In fact, the door is open to such representation through the simple mechanics of the normal AMA election process.

Discouraging things about the 1975 election: a number of candidates ran unopposed — five happened simply because no other nominations were made for those positions. Thus complaints have been heard in some quarters concerning lack of representation on the council. Opportunities for changing representation have gone begging. If you care about such things, now is the time to start thinking about the 1976 elections. Upcoming election will be for the positions of AMA President, Vice Presidents numbered districts II, IV, VI, VIII, X. Suggestion: look over the VP columns in this issue; see which positions are being represented and decide whether you want the incumbent to continue or be replaced. If sentiment is toward the latter, start thinking about whom to nominate instead. What happens in the 1976 election can depend upon whether you get involved or let someone else decide. Either way, it's YOUR choice.

THE VOTING

Candidates (Presidential/Executive offices)

• Cliff Piper
• Ron Morgan (Dist. III) — 338
• Don Lowe — 557
• Jim O'Neill (Dist. V) — 492
• H. Brodersen (Dist. VII) — 349
• W. Rohring — 292
• Stan Chilton (Dist. IX) — 177
• Homer Smith (Dist. XI) — 191

Total number of votes for President listed: 2,799

Vice / Secretary-Treasurer

• Earl Witt — only candidate for Secretary-Treasurer

District totals:

• I 310
• II 505
• III 630
• IV 346
• V 352
• VI 491
• VII 440
• VIII 338
• IX 96
• X 571
• XI 14

Total 4,093

Write-Ins:

• VPs: 19 nominees, 31 votes
• ST: 49 nominees, 86 votes

Total eligible voters (adult AMA members): 49,599 Total valid ballots: 4,210 (≈85% of eligible)

DEPENDING ON HOMEOWNERS WHEN FLYING MODELS — Read On — You May Be Surprised

Modelers may have comprehensive liability coverage as part of Homeowners Insurance and may believe AMA liability protection is redundant. As the old fellow said, "taint necessarily so." Indeed, dealing with insurance companies, anything "taint necessarily" — a policy can give coverage in one paragraph and take it away in the next, especially where liability coverage is involved. Final decision on insurance coverage may rest with ruling courts.

According to Fire, Casualty & Surety (FC&S) Bulletins (an insurance publication), no court of last resort has ever ruled on the miniature aircraft aspect. Homeowners Insurance liability exclusions mean accidents resulting from the operation of models may be excluded from personal liability insurance included in Homeowners Insurance policies. It's possible a court could rule such an exclusion invalid in a particular case; another case might be handled separately and differently. In fact, Homeowners Insurance policies commonly exclude liability coverage provided under insurance policies for automobiles, boats, and aircraft. Such an exclusion may be used by an insurance company trying to convince a court that the aircraft exclusion includes model aircraft. The question has arisen; FC&S Bulletins have addressed it under the title "Are Model Planes Aircraft?"

BANKRUPTCY NOTICE ON P. 72

AMA members who ordered subscriptions to American Aircraft Modeler and associated publications through AMA's Supply Service Section (mostly prior to 1975) should note that AMA will file a claim on behalf of such members in accordance with the notice on page 72 in this issue of Model Aviation. (The notice is, incidentally, a paid ad purchased by the district court that has jurisdiction over the bankruptcy proceedings.) AMA's group claim may be accepted; the court will try to give the group notice the same effect as when individual claims are filed. Legal counsel advises, however, that members should be cautious regarding expectations of payment. Past experience indicates a very low probability of recovery based on the fact that many much larger claims are involved. Note: the notice on page 72 has nothing to do with subscriptions obtained as part of AMA membership. and Dave Skillings was very much in the running, through the return on the votes.

I have on hand, a supply of Club Charter forms, and some newly received documentation from headquarters on FIELD PROCUREMENT. This thing on holding onto your flying site, and getting one if you need it is getting to be more and more of a problem. Please write if you need some guidance. Your neighboring club can most probably be of some guidance, too. Noise pollution, and people's feelings are both ugly things. I surely hate my neighbor who mows his lawn with the power mower, even during normal waking hours, and he would be even more upset to hear a well-muffled .60 start up in my back yard in the height of the day. Most owners of power mowers aren't model flyers, and do not have any sympathy for our cause, or sport. All they hear is an angry noise, which grates on their nerves, and they do not understand the beauty, the skill, and the mechanical abilities involved in putting up a model and keeping it up there.

Dick Sherman has a museum in his cellar that should be visited if you are in the Lowell, Mass. area. Call ahead for an appointment, and plan to bring some sort of model aviation history with you as your admission fee. Dick would like any modeling memorabilia which dates back prior to 1950. Earlier is better, but if your Dad left you something, bring it along to be properly credited and added to the great display. Dick will usually be available to receive it, and you can visit 408 River Road, in Tewksbury, Mass., but first — call him at 617-851-6355.

Still not much coming in on Field Location and availability. Without a bit more input, I am afraid that my directory will never be made available. Please send me your news by mail. I only have received three from all New England, and this added to what I already know of, is only adding up to about ten fields which include mostly RC strips.

March will be another great District One meeting, in Chelmsford, MA, and will be hosted once more by the big 495th RC club. This one will be a little longer and is planned to utilize the afternoon hours to display, and perhaps some side-strip flying demonstrations.

More and more club papers are in the mailbox. I'll list them all once again in the near future. I appreciate receiving them from all over the USA, even from California! Patty's Pinkie is one of the newer papers, and they seem to be in the mail every two weeks or sooner.

I would much appreciate receiving even more club publications, and would like to hear more from YOU — THE INDIVIDUAL. I am now making a promise that I will answer or otherwise acknowledge any mail, received from anyone concerned with our sport, the administration of it, or the interest expressed in any manner whatever.

I'll be going up to Maine during these coming months, to visit one or more of the clubs up there. Will bring along a collection of R/C Scale from the Nats over the past twelve years to show, too.

The Southern Vermont R/C'ers have written and offered to host a meeting. THANKS, guys. Hope to be out there sometime, Sam. Saturday, November 8, a District III meeting was held in Dayton, Ohio. Many interested AMA Members held a 2 1/2-hour question and answer session with those AMA officers in attendance. It was pleasing for me to see the positive manner in which those in attendance pursued the discussion. Those I talked to after the meeting were well pleased.

Most areas of Ohio were represented. Cleveland, Columbus, Akron, and Cincinnati had attendees. From West Virginia Associate Vice President Frank Victhary among others were present.

The meeting concluded with new awards being presented to Dave Brown, Don Lowe, and Mark Radcliff (presented in absentia) for their effort in representing the United States at the recent RC Championships in Bern, Switzerland. This award will recognize all future competitors and team managers who participate in international competition while representing our Country.

The officers were elected and an executive board appointed to write a constitution and submit a set of by-laws for approval by the membership. The officers are as follows: President — Tom Walker; Vice President — Wayne Latta; Treasurer — Sid Voris; Secretary — Bill Duemmel. Special thanks is owed to Bob Colgrove who was the prime mover in getting Columbus' Glider Pilots together, obtaining a field, and providing our meeting location.

The main emphasis of Moss will be sport flying, but the group plans to offer two major thermal duration contests per year.

**************

DELTA DARTS GO TO SCHOOL

Recently received a copy of an article printed in the "Butler Eagle."

The article told how several members of the Butler Area Radio Flying Society (BARFS) devised a week-long program on model building for fifth and sixth grades.

The course was taught by Dave Hilliard and Ron Jordan. The last two days of the course saw several demonstrations of RC flying by Dave Hilliard and Harry Seth.

This fine article was written by Cora J. Stevick. Her husband, Steve, is also a member of the BARFS.

Perhaps more of us should become more involved with the youngsters.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy flying in 1976.

Ron and Clyde

AMA: News

AMA ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS 1806 FIFTEENTH ST. NW., WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005 news AMA HQ Executive Director

NO. 107 1975 RESULTS -- AMA ELECTION

Voting tabulated below shows we will have two new Vice Presidents for the 1976-77 term of office: Don Lowe, District III; Hardy Brodersen, District VII. Lowe won out over incumbent Ron Morgan, District III. Incumbent 1975 Vice President Jack Josaitis declined to run again after eight years' service on the AMA Executive Council.

Interesting point: Don Lowe is an officer of the National Society of RC Aerobatics (NSRCA); Hardy Brodersen is Executive Director of the National Soaring Society. Thus two organizations are now indirectly represented on the AMA Executive Council. Food for thought: debate goes on concerning whether special interest organizations should be represented on the council. In fact the door is open to such representation through the simple mechanics of the normal AMA election process.

Discouraging things about the 1975 election: a number of candidates ran unopposed — 5 — which happened simply because no other nominations were made for those positions. Thus complaints heard in some quarters concerning lack of representation and opportunities for changing representation have gone begging. If you care about such things, it's time now to start thinking about the 1976 elections. Up for election will be positions: AMA President, Vice-Presidents numbered districts II, IV, VI, VIII, X. Suggestion: look the VP columns in this issue, see which persons are representing positions, decide whether you want the incumbent to continue or be replaced. If sentiment is toward the latter, start thinking about nominating a stead. What happens in the 1976 election can depend upon whether you get involved or let someone else do it. Either way, it's YOUR choice.

THE VOTING Candidate Cliff Piper Dist. I Ron Morgan III 338 Don Lowe 557 Jim O'Neill V 492 H. Brodersen VII 349 W. Rohring 292 Stan Chilton IX 177 Homer Smith XI 191

Total number votes Presidents 2799 listed

Vice, Secretary-Treasurer Earl Witt — Only candidate

District I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI Total 310 505 630 346 352 491 440 338 96 571 14 = 4093

Write-Ins VPs 19 nominees 31 votes ST 49 nominees 86 votes

Total eligible voters, adult AMA members: 49,599 Total valid ballots: 4,210 — 85% eligible

Modelers who have comprehensive liability coverage as part of their Homeowners Insurance may believe AMA liability protection redundant. As the old fellow said, "that ain't necessarily so." Indeed, in dealing with insurance companies anything ain't necessarily so. A policy can give coverage in one paragraph and take it away in the next, especially when liability coverage is involved. Final decisions on insurance coverage may be made by ruling courts. According to Fire, Casualty & Surety bulletins inside insurance publications, no court of last resort has ever been asked to rule on the miniature aircraft aspect. Homeowners Insurance liability exclusions mean accidents resulting from operation of models may not be covered by the personal liability insurance included in Homeowners Insurance policies. It's possible courts might rule such exclusion not applicable in some cases; another case might require a new ruling or the case may be handled separately and differently. The fact, however, is that many Homeowners Insurance policies exclude liability coverage provided under other insurance policies for automobiles, boats and aircraft. Such exclusion may be used by an insurance company trying to convince a court that an aircraft exclusion includes model aircraft. The question arose; Ohio insurance agency addressed the following question in FC&S Bulletins under the title "Are Model Planes Aircraft?"

BANKRUPTCY NOTICE ON P. 72

AMA members ordered subscriptions to American Aircraft Modeler and associated publications through AMA's Supply Service Section, mostly prior to 1975. AMA will be filing a claim on behalf of such members in accordance with the notice on page 72 of this issue of Model Aviation. The notice, incidentally, is a paid ad. The district court has jurisdiction over bankruptcy proceedings. AMA's group claim may be accepted by the court; the court will try to give the notice effect at the time individual claims are filed. Desired legal counsel advises, however, members should not be optimistic regarding payment of claims. Past experience shows a very low probability of recovery based on the fact that others have much larger claims involved. Note: the notice on page 72 has nothing to do with subscriptions obtained as part of AMA membership.

AMA: News

I received several letters and new newsletters from clubs in our district. The first was from the Elgin Academy of Model Aeronautics, Elgin, Illinois. As far as we know, this is the first model club ever organized in Elgin. Their newsletter, the Transmitter Gazette, is put out by two young club members, Stewart Prince and Tim Conner.

A nice letter came from Ray Telican, President of the Belleville R/C Fliers, Belleville, Illinois. Their club field is rented from a farmer, and the only hazards is from tall corn adjoining the landing area. They have about fifty club members, most of them sport fliers. A nice article with pictures of club members and models at the field appeared in the Mascoutah, Illinois Herald-News paper.

Another letter came from Randy Johnson, editor and treasurer for the Indianapolis R/C Fliers Club. They are the oldest club in the Indianapolis area, have been in existence for over eighty years, and the membership totals about sixty-four. The club has a very successful Flight Training Program where members advance to Levels I, II and III. This is an excellent way to encourage members to do more flying, better flying, and safer flying.

Dave Mullins, President of the Derby City Soaring Society, also wrote. This group is a branch of the Louisville Radio Control Club dedicated to soaring. They held their first contest November 2, had twelve fliers and many spectators. Their goal for 1976 is to hold a regional contest for thermal soaring at Rough River Park next May. Sounds like fun.

We agreed at the last Executive Council meeting to limit our report to a certain length, so I will report on other letters next month.

As this is being written, the results of the AMA election are being tabulated at AMA Headquarters, and it occurs to me that this could very well be my last column for the magazine. By the time you read this, District VII will have a new Vice‑President. The election results are published in this issue. The past eight years as Vice‑President of District VIII have been most rewarding in many respects. I have seen the membership more than double itself during this period and the long anticipated creation of our own publication. I've had the privilege of serving with some of our hobby's best—Weinrick, Worth, Clemens, Patton, Stalick, Boss, Chilton, Witt, Piper, Byrne, Morgan, Spalding, McNeill, Lee, Frank, Chisolm, Smith—to name just a few.

While I shall miss all these fine folk, I am happy to see the new thinking and vigor that our new vice‑president will bring with him to this office, and I offer all the help and support that I can give him. One of the best sources of information as to what is going on in the district has been from your newsletter editors who have gone through the effort and cost of sending me a copy of your newsletters. I'm sure our new VP can benefit as I have if you will place him on your mailing list.

I received a note from Leo Gettsfried, secretary of the Valley Aero Modelers (Appleton, Wisc.) in which he mentioned the success of their "Valley Special Pattern" event. This consists of A‑B‑C‑D patterns combined in two classes, expert and novice. Flight scores in takeoffs, five best maneuvers, landing precision and spot. Best of two rounds was used for the final scores. The events were run this past season with contestants from Milwaukee, Chicago, and Madison, and the club has voted to have two again in 1976. For further details, drop Leo a note at 948 E. Lindberg St., Appleton, Wisc. 54911.

Congratulations to Gwen McClure, the daughter of District VII Associate VP Keith McClure (Des Moines, Iowa) for earning her instrument rating—it took 100 hours of hard work and Gwen says that she and KK can get back to modeling!

What happens when another R/C club decides to locate its flying site a shade over a mile away from an already previously established club? With sites becoming more and more scarce, I understand this situation is becoming more prevalent. It happened right here in the Detroit area between a soaring club and a power club. The soaring site had been established in its site for about five years, and had spent considerable effort and expense during that time to keep the field in condition, and were more than happy when they discovered that another club was moving onto a site not much more than a mile away. The power group, it turned out, had lost their field some time previously, and had heard that the soaring group had all but discontinued their activities. This was based on a report by one of their members that the soaring group had ceased activity during the winter months. Because of the competitive nature of the soaring club, a good number of their members were attending contests throughout the summer and the field did take on the appearance of not much use. The power group had been using the power club flying field in the past, and this fact, along with the apparent non‑use of the soaring field, seemed to indicate some justification for moving in. The two clubs arranged a meeting of club officers and discussed the situation. I was invited to attend as an observer. Tempers could have flared, heated arguments could have ensued—but didn't. The name of the game was negotiate, and this they did on the basis of time sharing. The glider guys get to use their field on Sundays until 1 p.m. with no interference from the power people who then begin flying on their site while the soaring group shuts down for the day. During the week, Tuesdays and Thursdays belong to the soarers completely, while Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are left for the others. I'm very proud to be associated with a group of people who can sit down together and work out a solution to a very "thorny" problem. The situation could have deteriorated to the point where neither field would have been useable had these gentlemen been ruled by their emotions rather than their good sense.

ARRIVEDERCI

THE VOTING Candidate totals (as tabulated)

Cliff Piper Ron Morgan III 338 Don Lowe 557 Jim O'Neill V 492 H. Brodersen VII 349 W. Rohring 292 Stan Chilton IX 177 Homer Smith XI 191

Total number votes Presidents 2799

Only candidate District I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI Total 310 505 630 346 352 491 440 338 96 571 14 4093

Write‑Ins VPs 19 nominees 31 votes ST 49 nominees 86 votes

Total eligible voters (adult AMA members) 49,599 Total valid ballots 4,210 = 85% eligible

AMA: News

Modelers who have comprehensive liability coverage as part of their Homeowners Insurance may believe AMA liability protection redundant. As the old fellow said, "taint necessarily so." Indeed, dealing with insurance companies, anything "taint necessarily" — a policy can give coverage in one paragraph and take it away in the next, especially where liability coverage is involved. The final decision regarding insurance coverage may be left to a ruling of the courts.

According to Fire, Casualty & Surety (FC&S) Bulletins — an insurance publication — no court of last resort has ever been asked to rule on the miniature aircraft aspect. Homeowners Insurance liability exclusions mean accidents resulting from the operation of models may be excluded from personal liability insurance included in Homeowners Insurance policies. It is possible courts could rule such exclusion applies in one case and not in another; the case might be handled separately and differently. The fact, however, is that Homeowners Insurance policies exclude liability coverage provided under insurance policies for automobiles, boats and aircraft. Such exclusion may be used by an insurance company attempting to convince a court that the aircraft exclusion includes model aircraft. The question arose in Ohio and the insurance agency addressed the following question. (FC&S Bulletins under the title "Are Model Planes Aircraft?")

BANKRUPTCY NOTICE ON P. 72

AMA members ordered subscriptions to American Aircraft Modeler and associated publications through AMA's Supply Service Section, mostly prior to 1975. AMA will be filing claims on behalf of such members in accordance with the notice on page 72 of this issue of Model Aviation. The notice (incidentally a paid ad) states the district court has jurisdiction over bankruptcy proceedings. AMA's group claim may or may not be accepted by the court, which will try to give group notice the same effect as time individual claims are filed. Desired legal counsel advises, however, members should not be optimistic regarding payment of claims. Past experience shows a very low probability of recovery based on the fact many other, much larger claims are involved. Note: the notice on page 72 has nothing to do with subscriptions obtained as part of AMA membership.

AMA: News

RESULTS — AMA ELECTION. Voting tabulated below shows we will have two new Vice Presidents for the 1976-77 term of office: Don Lowe, District III; Hardy Brodersen, District VII. Lowe won out over incumbent Ron Morgan (District III). 1975 Vice President Jack Josaitis declined to run again after eight years' service on the AMA Executive Council.

Interesting point: Don Lowe is an officer of the National Society of R/C Aerobatics (NSRCA). Hardy Brodersen is Executive Director, National Soaring Society. Thus two organizations are now indirectly represented on the AMA Executive Council.

Food for thought — debate goes on concerning whether special-interest organizations should be represented on the council. In fact the door is open to such representation through the simple mechanics of the normal AMA election process.

Discouraging things about the 1975 election: the number of candidates who ran unopposed — 5 — happened simply because no other nominations were made for those positions. Thus complaints heard in some quarters concerning lack of representation on the council; opportunities for changing representation have gone begging. If you care about such things, it's time now to start thinking about the 1976 elections. Up for election will be the positions of AMA President and Vice Presidents for districts II, IV, VI, VIII and X. Suggestion: look at the VP columns in this issue, see who is representing the positions, decide whether you want the incumbent to continue or be replaced. If sentiment is toward the latter, start thinking about whom to nominate instead. What happens in the 1976 election can depend upon whether you get involved or let someone else. Either way, it's YOUR choice.

THE VOTING

• Candidate: Cliff Piper
• Ron Morgan (III) — 338
• Don Lowe — 557
• Jim O'Neill (V) — 492
• H. Brodersen (VII) — 349
• W. Rohring — 292
• Stan Chilton (IX) — 177
• Homer Smith (XI) — 191

Total number votes (Presidents) — 2,799 listed

Secretary-Treasurer: Earl Witt — only candidate

District totals:

• District I — 310
• District II — 505
• District III — 630
• District IV — 346
• District V — 352
• District VI — 491
• District VII — 440
• District VIII — 338
• District IX — 96
• District X — 571
• District XI — 14

Total — 4,093

Write-ins — VPs: 19 nominees, 31 votes Write-ins — ST: 49 nominees, 86 votes

Total eligible voters (adult AMA members) — 49,599 Total valid ballots — 4,210 (8.5% of eligible)

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