AMA News

AMA News

WHERE YOUR DUES MONEY GOES...

Every year AMA publishes a financial statement. The last one (covering 1977 income and expenses, plus the 1978 budget) was published as part of the August 1978 issue of AMA News. Most years there is no response. This year, however, we got reaction after news of the 1979 dues increase was announced.

From the questions that developed it became clear that the financial information, as published, left a lot to be desired. The information was the same as is normally used by AMA officers in monitoring organizational operations—adequate to those who understand the details and background, but possibly misleading for those unfamiliar with what some of the figures really mean.

The first and perhaps most important background point is that magazine figures must be looked at separately. The magazine has its own budget, distinct from the overall AMA budget. Thus, the magazine has its own income and expenses and does not add to or take away from the general picture.

Columns of figures—except to accountants—are boring and hard to put into perspective. A pie chart gives a clearer picture. To better present the August figures, a pie chart was developed based on the same published numbers but with the magazine information removed and salaries distributed to various operations. The magazine budget information is provided separately in the usual income vs. expense format.

With the magazine separated and salaries allocated to departments and activities, a better understanding of the general AMA budget is possible. It is still not the whole story, however, as the pie-chart divisions can't fully take into account overlapping conditions.

For example, to understand the Public Relations part of AMA operations you would have to lump together all PR‑related activities. This would include Film Projects, parts of the Supply and Service department, parts of Membership Services (answering questions about insurance, flying sites, contests, etc.). The slice labeled Public Relations refers only to the PR office (two people in the Special Events department) and its direct expenses. Not included are time spent by many other AMA employees—including the Executive Director—in promoting programs with the FAA, FCC, FAI, Nats, Air Show Teams, etc.

So you can't look at any one slice of the pie to get the whole picture—there are many overlapping areas of activity. But the pie chart gives a better general look at how the AMA budget is divided than columns of figures. It could be improved with further breakdowns, such as how much of Membership Services is related to clubs versus individuals and by listing the many services involved.

Attention is being given to developing a better chart for reporting the 1978 financial picture and the 1979 budget. But it won't be easy because AMA's operations and services are extensive and complex.

For many members AMA is simply a means of providing insurance. But AMA is far more than that. It caters to many interests and tries to serve all modelers. Daily phone calls to AMA HQ cover a broad variety of subjects: competition problems, flying sites, RC frequencies, the National Championships, world and national records, selection of teams to world championships, air shows, trade shows, legal problems, insurance questions and claims, contest boards, and many other subjects.

AMA's basic business is to promote and protect model aviation as an activity. We're constantly involved with PR efforts—through films, articles in non‑AMA magazines, news stories, air show team programs, displays at trade shows, talks, and answering questions from other organizations and government agencies.

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1978 AMA ELECTION RESULTS

Earl Witt has won the election for AMA President for 1979–80; John Byrne came close. Witt received 8,195 votes to Byrne's 6,528. Almost 16,000 votes were cast overall—about 25.7% of eligible members. For the presidential race, total votes cast were 14,793.

Byrne received 44% of the votes cast for the two main candidates but won only his own district (III).

Again this year, the number who voted was far less than those who renewed membership during the voting period. By the voting deadline in November we had 24,258 members signed up for 1979, so many thousands who could have voted did not. There were 274 ballots received too late when this was written.

Totals of Votes for President, by District:

• Witt*:
• I: 425
• II: 579
• III: 1,251
• IV: 617
• V: 758
• VI: 977
• VII: 738
• VIII: 718
• IX: 305
• X: 1,428
• XI: 373
• No District: 26
• Total: 8,195
• Byrne:
• I: 378
• II: 1,594
• III: 541
• IV: 399
• V: 445
• VI: 766
• VII: 490
• VIII: 496
• IX: 200
• X: 1,020
• XI: 186
• No District: 13
• Total: 6,528
• Write-Ins:
• I: 63
• II: 3
• III: 9
• IV: 7
• V: 7
• VI: 12
• VII: 4
• VIII: 2
• IX: 9
• X: 4
• XI: 0
• No District: 0
• Total: 70

Total votes cast (presidential): 14,793

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Vice‑President Election Results

• District I
• John Grigg* — 1,400
• District II
• Lou Hollwitz — 718
• Write‑Ins — 6
• District IV
• Chuck Foreman — 627
• District V
• John Spalding — 418
• Write‑Ins — 8
• District VI
• Horace Cain* — 963
• District VII
• Glenn Lee — 808
• Write‑Ins — 4
• District VIII
• John L. Embry* — 695
• District IX
• Bill Lee — 498
• Write‑Ins — 5
• District X
• James Scarborough* — 1,321
• Betty Stream — 1,232
• Write‑Ins — 4

*Elected for 1979–80 term.

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AMA employs 21 full‑time and six to 12 part‑time employees (depending on workload); nine are on the Executive Staff, others in various departments. AMA does far more than handle insurance; it is a national service center for model aviation.

About 160 volunteer officers serve AMA on committees covering subjects such as RC Frequencies, Mufflers, Safety, Contest Boards, Team Selection, and more. The activity involves many people—paid and unpaid—yet most AMA members are unaware of the breadth of services provided.

When inflation eroded a $200,000 reserve that had built up in previous years, and the organization waited too long to approve a dues increase, AMA officers chose not to cut services. Instead, they voted to seek a bigger budget. A bigger budget meant a major dues increase. A smaller increase could cover inflation but would not enable AMA to do more or restore depleted reserves needed for emergencies (such as the sudden major insurance increase in 1978, which required paying over $100,000 more than the previous year).

The Executive Council voted to pursue an increase to enable AMA to continue and expand services, acknowledging the risk of losing some members who are interested only in insurance. They are confident the majority will rejoin and support the organization’s total effort. They note that 50,000 members at the 1979 dues rate will provide income about equal to 70,000 at the 1978 rate — a situation seen as preferable.

Basic to the Council decision is discontinuance of the magazine option for voting (adult) members. The option was available during 1974–1978; prior to that, automatic receipt of the technical journal was taken for granted. The by‑laws include purposes that specifically mention publication of scientific journals and bulletins and dissemination of scientific news and views.

Model Aviation proved itself as a magazine, living within its own budget for almost four years and growing steadily in circulation, with close to seven out of 10 of AMA’s 72,000 members subscribing in 1978 (when the magazine cost extra). The Executive Council voted to return automatic receipt of the magazine to all adult (except Family) members, feeling the format had proven itself and was a financial success. Economies of production by eliminating the separate AMA News publication would likely increase magazine copies and improve the publication through the independent magazine budget.

As 1978 closed, outlook for 1979 was good. By the end of November about 20,000 had already signed up for 1979—the rate was about 83% of the previous year at the same time, projecting to a potential of about 60,000 members for 1979.

If you are not signed up for 1979, consider the full scope of AMA operations. The $25 dues break down to just under 50¢ a week—less than the cost of a prop or a tube of Ambroid. You can spread the cost by using Visa or Master Charge on the membership application.

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President's Corner '78

by the President of the Academy of Model Aeronautics Johnny Clemens P.O. Box 64573, Dallas, Texas 75206

SUDDEN SURGERY!!

Last summer a little lightning bug who accidentally backed into the propeller of a model airplane screamed—"DE‑LITED—NO END!"

SIGN AT NORTHERN FLYING SITE

"FLYING FIELD CLOSED—Nice weather has gone South for the winter."

CONSOLATION PRIZE!

At the Nationals in Lake Charles a young modeler came up to me with an autograph book and asked, "Are you Carl Goldberg?" (Carl and I are the same size.) I said, "No, son, I'm Johnny Clemens, President of AMA." Disappointed, the boy said, "Well, here, sign it anyway!"

HALL OF FAME

At the Tournament of Champions banquet in Las Vegas five aeromodelling personalities were inducted into the Model Aviation Hall of Fame: Phil Kraft, Duke Fox, Leon Shulman, Ed Packard, and John Worth. The Hall of Fame names are chosen by the Council of Past AMA Presidents. Nominations may be made by any AMA member—forms are available from AMA Headquarters.

Past inductees:

• 1969: Walt Billett, Willis Brown, Carl Goldberg, Walt Good, Jim Walker, Frank Zaic, Charles H. Grant
• 1970: Dick Korda, Al Lewis, Bill Winter
• 1972: Howard McEntee
• 1973: O. C. Randal
• 1974: W. L. Bill Brown, W. R. Enyart, Irwin and Nat Polk, Sal Taibi
• 1975: C. O. Wright, Irwin G. Ohlsson, Walt Schroder, Jim Kirkland, Harold W. "John" Alden
• 1976: Merrill Hamburg, Henry Struck, Frank Ehlers, Harold Delnot, Chester Lanza
• 1977: John Brodbeck, Maynard Hill, Bert Pond, Pete Soich, Ken Willard

Duke Fox was briefly taken ill at the ceremony but was later diagnosed with deep fatigue and is recovering.

HOW TO WIN FRIENDS

Never miss an opportunity to make others happy—even if you have to leave them alone to do it!

DUES? BE REASONABLE!!

Thanks to thousands who paid the new higher dues without unpleasant protest. The Executive Council would not have raised dues if there was any viable alternative. The 15‑member Council (13 unpaid volunteers) works to make the best deal for the membership. If you disagree with a product or service, you can refuse to join; otherwise, help run the organization.

A THOUGHT FOR YEAR'S END

The Academy of Model Aeronautics has 71,227 members for 1978!

75TH ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST FLIGHT OF MAN

As President of AMA, Johnny Clemens provided a comment for the National Aeronautic Association on the 75th anniversary of powered flight. He declared that aeromodelling should be recognized as "the seedbed of all aviation," noting the historical role of models in developing aircraft and spaceflight technology.

PROTECTION—GIRLS!

A story about a woman planning to carry spray paint for self‑defense. Clemens suggests spray paint as a thoughtful safety gift idea.

WORLD'S BIGGEST "MODEL PLANE"

Dr. Paul MacCready's Gossamer Condor and subsequent man‑powered aircraft are described as "model airplanes" in spirit—large machines using the same aerodynamic engineering as model planes. Reference: December 1973 Popular Science.

FOR SAFETY'S SAKE

Before your first flight ask how big your part of the sky is—check regulations with the FAA if necessary.

MORE FREQUENT FREQUENCIES

AMA is pursuing additional radio frequencies with the FCC. A petition requests 10 additional frequencies in the 72–76 MHz area and 11 in the 30–42 MHz area. If granted, some 27 MHz equipment could be converted to the 30–42 MHz bands. AMA attorney Jerry Courtney and the Frequency Committee are working on this.

SECRET OF SUCCESS??

Communication: AMA clubs and newsletters provide communication and multiply benefits. Club newsletters and joint discussions are encouraged.

EXPERIENCE ON THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

The combined age of the 14 AMA members on the Executive Council represents over 700 years of experience. They bring diverse professional backgrounds and are supported by a professional staff of 25 at AMA Headquarters.

IN AN EMERGENCY

Model paints and cements are flammable—store safely. If your house catches fire, turn off irons, gather valuables if safe, call the fire department, and rescue family first if possible.

AUSTRALIAN MODELING

Reports from Western Australia and Hong Kong indicate strong hobby activity overseas. Contact: T. Merrifield, 10 Bridge St., South Guildford, West Australia. Thanks to Earl Van Gorder for forwarding materials.

TOOTHPASTE IMPROVISATION

A humorous anecdote about buying toothpaste and learning to make do.

IN AMA—WHO'S GOT THE POWER?

AMA is a membership organization, owned and directed by the members. The U.S. is divided into 11 districts, each represented on the Executive Council by a District Vice‑President elected by members of that district. The Executive Council consists of the 11 district VPs, the AMA President, the Secretary‑Treasurer, the Executive Director, and the Executive Director of the National Aeronautic Association—15 members total. Council decisions are carried out by the professional HQ staff, led by the Executive Director.

PROTECT YOUR SITE!

Radio Control Club of Rochester (NY) requires both AMA and FCC licenses at its field. Members should ask strangers whether they have AMA and FCC licenses—"THE FIELD YOU SAVE MAY BE YOUR OWN!"

WHO'S FLYING THIS MACHINE?

A profile of John Worth, AMA Executive Director:

• Born Feb 20, 1924, New York City; one of nine children.
• Served in U.S. Army Air Force 1943–1946; gunner on a B‑29 out of Okinawa.
• Worked at Langley Field (NACA/NASA) as research technician and flight engineer; NASA research shop supervisor (RC test models).
• Joined AMA in 1938 (AMA license #6554); elected AMA President in 1963 (AMA‑13).
• Contest Director since 1948; active in free flight and radio control pioneer periods.
• Married Lillian in 1950; four children: Chris, Barbara, Monica, Mark.
• Took over as AMA Executive Director in 1964 when AMA had fewer than 20,000 members and was in financial difficulty. Under his leadership AMA grew to over 71,000 members.
• Active in association executive circles and international aeromodelling organizations.

MY FINAL ARTICLE!!!

As Johnny Clemens' eight‑year term as AMA President ends Dec 31, this is his last "President's Corner." He thanks clubs, members, and volunteers for their support and encourages members to stay involved.

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MODEL AVIATION MAGAZINE — Income and Expense Budget 1978

INCOME

• Membership Subscriptions: MA (41,300 @ $7) — $289,100.00
• Reprint (19,600 @ $3) — $58,800.00
• Advertising Income — net — $66,000.00
• Hobby Shop Sales — $22,900.00
• Other Subscriptions — $1,500.00
• Plans Income — net — $5,400.00
• Subtotal — Income other than member subscriptions — $95,800.00
• Allocation for Free Distributions (officers, CD's, etc.) — $9,900.00
• Subtotal — $105,700.00

Total Income — $453,600.00

EXPENSES

• Editorial Expenses (monthly columnists; drafting; articles; plans; pictures) — $49,920.00

Production Costs:

• Composition, typesetting, etc. — $22,000.00
• Art and photo — $3,500.00
• Color separation — $5,400.00
• Printing — $180,050.00
• Misc. supplies — $200.00
• Subtotal production — $211,150.00
• Reprints (printing) — $16,300.00

Circulation Expenses:

• Postage: Magazine — $23,280.00
• Postage: Reprint — $4,650.00
• Subtotal postage — $27,930.00
• Labels & sorting (magazine & reprint) — $6,600.00
• Subtotal circulation — $34,530.00

Administrative Costs:

• Telephone — $2,400.00
• Insurance — $400.00
• Travel — $1,000.00
• Circulation promotion — $7,000.00
• Miscellaneous — $500.00
• Subtotal administrative — $11,300.00

Allocated Expenses:

• Salaries & taxes — $119,200.00
• Rent — $3,600.00
• Miscellaneous office — $3,600.00
• Postage — $3,600.00
• Subtotal (allocated) — $130,000.00

Total Expenses — $453,200.00

NET INCOME — $400.00

Note: Model Aviation figures are not included in the overall AMA budget because the magazine is budgeted separately.

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District and Regional Reports / Notices

Portable AMA Booth

Contact Frank Costello (27 Kearney St., Dover, NJ 07801; 201‑361‑1809) to borrow the District II booth for mall or other shows. His group, the Roxbury Area M.A. Club, recently presented an exposition and turned over hundreds of dollars in proceeds to charity.

Public Relations and Press Coverage

Clubs should prepare press releases and photos and send them to local papers to build a positive public image. Examples: Chesapeake Bay Appreciation Day at Sandy Point State Park (reported in the Baltimore Evening Sun) and Meade Modelers’ public shows.

VI District Report

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

Associate Vice‑Presidents:

• David S. Ahlberg, Valparaiso, IN
• Roger Geers, Quincy, IL
• Robert Gill, Springfield, IL
• Frank L. Hughes, Kansas City, MO
• Edwin Wynn Paul, Lexington, KY
• Robert E. Stagner, Poplar Bluff, MO
• Phillip Sullivan, Anderson, IN

No report this month from District VI.

VII District Report

Kenneth F. Morris, District VII Vice‑President 1023 Iowa Avenue, Muscatine, IA 52761

Associate Vice‑Presidents:

• James D. Clark, Cedar Rapids, IA
• Tim Price, Sterling Heights, MI
• Wm. Rohling, St. Joseph, MI
• Terry Taylor, Crystal, MN
• Howard Wayne, Rochester, MN
• Wayne Yeager, Romulus, MI

Key Council actions from the November meeting in Omaha:

• The Nats Committee recommended the 1979 Nats be held in Lincoln, NE; facilities look very good. Other offer was Lake Charles.
• A safety committee will be formed to address safety problems. Bill Ransom (Muscatine) appointed to this committee.
• Redistricting of Lower Michigan was not proposed due to inconclusive club responses.
• More emphasis will be placed on public relations and on setting up a department to handle flying site problems.
• AMA should consider acquiring property for future use (flying sites, headquarters, museum).
• Award of Excellence given to: Cedar Rapids Skyhawks, Milwaukee Flying Electrons, Muscatine Miniature Aircraft Association.
• Cedar Rapids Air Show Team (sanctioned Class A) did 10 shows this year.

VIII District Report

Murry Frank, District VIII Vice‑President 2933 Blackburn, Wichita Falls, TX 76308

Associate Vice‑Presidents:

• Buzz Averill, Albuquerque, NM
• Ned Barnes, Sulphur, LA
• Frank Osborne, North Little Rock, AR
• Bud Tenny, Rhome, TX

This is the final District VIII note from the current VP. The 1979 Nats will be in Lincoln, NE if dormitories are available. RC Pattern and Pylon and CL events will be at the Lincoln Municipal Airport; FF and Soaring will be on a missile launch site at Mead (45 minutes from the airport). Indoor will be at Pershing Auditorium. Host club: Lincoln Skyknights.

District VIII notes:

• Be active in AMA and support your elected officers.
• Thanks for eight years of service; the author will continue to help where possible.

Other notes:

• Nats dates: July 29 to August 5 (subject to final confirmation).
• Nats Executive Committee goals: Ohio for 1980, Lake Charles in 1981; in 1982 a format change for the Nats is under consideration (possible separation by discipline).
• Springfield, OH, submitted a bid offering fairgrounds for future Nats; improvements and runway use would be required.

Additional regional news:

• District X has a new AVP, Keith Whitney, expanding District X coverage to include Utah.
• Tucson RC Club has an attendance‑prize idea: each meeting attendee puts up 25¢ and is entered into a merchandise drawing.
• Phoenix regional meet dates: January 20–21, 1979.
• Utah State Aeromodelers will host the 1979 Society of Antique Models Nationals in Salt Lake City.

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Closing Notes

• AMA continues to encourage clubs to send press releases and photos to local media to build community support and help secure flying sites.
• Keep your club scrapbook of press coverage to show authorities when negotiating for sites or support.
• If you need the portable display, contact your district VP or the coordinator listed in district notices.
• For AMA business, membership, or further information, contact AMA Headquarters.

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