AMA News

AMA News

MINUTES OF NOV. 4 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING

Attendees:

• President Johnny Clemens, Dallas, TX
• Secretary/Treasurer Earl Witt, Chambersburg, PA
• Executive Director John Worth, Fairfax, VA
• Vice President District I Clifton Piper, Atkinson, NH
• VP-II John Byrne, Bayside, NY
• VP-III Don Lowe, Dayton, OH
• VP-IV John Spalding, Lanham, MD
• VP-V Jim McNeill, Birmingham, AL
• VP-VI Glenn Lee, Batavia, IL
• VP-VII Ken Morris, Muscatine, IA
• VP-VIII Murry Frank, Wichita Falls, TX
• VP-IX Vince Mankowski, Bellevue, NE
• VP-X Jim Scarborough, Redondo Beach, CA
• VP-XI Homer Smith, Seattle, WA
• National Aeronautic Association Executive Director Vic Powell, Arlington, VA

Guests (invited by District IX VP):

• Associate Vice President Jim Ricketts, Sioux Falls, SD
• Frank Trouba, Omaha, NE
• Dr. Glenn Lau, Lincoln, NE
• Robert Willey, Lincoln, NE

Representing EWH Specialties, Inc. (engine retailers):

• Robert Hutton, Arlington, TX

Present from AMA Headquarters executive staff:

• Micheline Madison, FAI/Contest Boards Administrator

Call to order:

• The regular meeting of the Academy of Model Aeronautics was called to order by President Clemens at 9:10 a.m. After noting that all vice presidents were present, guests were introduced and advised that they could speak through their vice presidents.

ITEM I. FINANCIAL REPORTS

A. AMA General

• Executive Director John Worth reviewed the Academy's budget as of September 30 and noted a major deficit for 1978. AMA's surplus was nearly depleted, down to approximately $16,000 from nearly $115,000 in January.
• Discussion covered many aspects of AMA's financial structure.

1. Insurance

• Worth advised that an AMA insurance prospectus has been created to provide documentation to the insurance industry for possible alternate offers.
• VP Spalding (IV) advocated creating a special reserve, when AMA regains a surplus, to establish future "self-insurance."
• Worth advised that creating an in-house insurance company or absorbing more risk would involve large investment and complex problems; he will prepare a report for Council review.

1. Membership renewal

• Worth reported 5,000 membership renewals had been received within two weeks of the mid-October mailing — a positive response but too early to determine a trend.
• Discussion emphasized the need to better inform members of benefits beyond insurance. VP Don Lowe (III) noted a lack of understanding of the full role of a national organization and suggested continuous explanation in Model Aviation.
• Vic Powell (E.D., NAA) suggested publicity in newspapers and magazines to educate and attract interest.

1. Credit cards

• Worth reported 13% of renewals had been by credit card; the credit card company imposed a 2% service charge because of large transaction volume.
• Council consensus: new memberships should also accept credit cards. Further extensions of credit card policy to be placed on the next Council agenda.

1. Senior citizens / handicapped dues

• Council consensus: at this time these groups should not be singled out for special treatment, though special cases could be reviewed as exceptions later.
• Motion: MOVED by J. Spalding (IV), seconded by M. Frank (VIII) to terminate discussion with no dues changes for 1979. Vote: 15 for — passed unanimously.

B. Interest Bearing Account Policy

• Worth explained the present policy is to deposit as much money as possible in long-term interest-bearing accounts. He asked approval to use short-term interest accounts for greater return on temporary cash surplus.
• Motion: MOVED by H. Smith (XI), seconded by V. Mankowski (IX) that the Executive Director have policy authority concerning interest bearing accounts provided Council is kept informed of any changes to policy and that no stock or bond accounts be included. Vote: 15 for — passed unanimously.

(Continued)

FOUR YEAR EFFORT PRODUCES SUPER FLYING SITE

The formal dedication ceremonies took place on October 28, 1978, but the dream began long before. When it started, nobody knew it would take four years and there were many times when it looked like the project wasn't going anywhere. Looking back, the long struggle and discouragements were well worth it.

The end result is that the Jefco Aeromodellers, one of many clubs in the Denver area, now have one of the best flying sites in the country. The site is impressive and there are already plans to improve it further.

Two features make Chatfield Aerodrome likely to endure:

• There is effectively a 25-year contract between the club and the state, assuring a lengthy minimum lifespan.
• The project was jointly funded by the Jefco club and government agencies. The club contributed $8,000, matched by government funds, and later invested another $2,000 in improvements. The club thus has about $10,000 invested, providing built-in protection for the site.

The Jefco club has about 100 members, so the club investment averages roughly $100 per member — about $25 per year over the four-year effort. Much of the investment came in the form of volunteer labor rather than cash.

Fundraising included raffles, bake sales, soliciting donations, model shows, and other efforts. Anonymous donors contributed several hundreds of dollars; even at the dedication someone turned in a check for another $100.

What made the Jefco effort successful was spirit: enthusiasm, persistence, cooperation, planning, determination and patience. While a few individuals handled most of the negotiations and meetings with government agencies, continuity of leadership was the real secret to success.

COUNCIL MINUTES (Cont. from pg. 69)

ITEM II. MODEL SIZE VS. SAFETY

A. "Big" Models

• The Council discussed safety concerns related to large models. Don Lowe (III) spoke against premature legislation, stating that "big" is not necessarily "bad" and that speed is often a more hazardous factor. Witt (S/T) supported emphasizing AMA's position to the FAA rather than immediate regulation.
• Lowe suggested establishing a Safety Committee to study and recommend policy, with priority on large models.
• Spalding (IV) recommended consulting special interest organizations for specialized input.

Three-part motion (voted separately):

• a. MOVED by J. Spalding (IV), seconded by K. Morris (VII) that the pylon (NMPRA) organization be requested to provide AMA HQ by March 31, 1979, with a safety program including positive speed-decreasing criteria for the 1979 contest season. Vote: 7 for; 6 against (E.D., NAA, S/T, II, VI, VIII); 2 abstained (Pres., I).
• b. MOVED by J. Spalding (IV), seconded by K. Morris (VII) that the quarter-scale organization (QSAA) be requested to provide AMA HQ with a positive internal safety program by March 31, 1979, with a special look at size, weight and speed limitations. Vote: 14 for; 1 abstained (E.D.).
• c. MOVED by J. Spalding (IV), seconded by K. Morris (VII) that the Council establish a Safety Committee to expand the AMA safety program; the Committee to make regular reports through Model Aviation. Vote: 15 for — passed unanimously.

• Homer Smith (XI) volunteered to serve as temporary chairman of the Safety Committee until operating guidelines are created and a permanent chairman is chosen. He asked Council members to submit possible committee member names promptly.
• Motion: MOVED by M. Frank (VIII), seconded by K. Morris (VII) that Homer Smith (XI) be authorized to establish an AMA Safety Committee, acting as temporary chairman, with the opportunity to withdraw upon appointment of a permanent chairman by the Committee. Vote: 15 for — passed unanimously.

• Discussion continued about containing model size for insurance and safety purposes. Worth raised a problem: a member wanted to install radio control equipment in a J-3 Cub (a full-size aircraft). The Academy did not have a definition of "model aircraft."
• Motion: MOVED by J. Worth (E.D.), seconded by G. Lee (VI) to add the following definition to AMA's Safety Code: "This safety code applies only to model aircraft; defined as a heavier-than-air craft, with or without engine, not able to carry a human being." Vote: 15 for — passed unanimously.

• Various means of making the membership aware of safety were discussed; M. Frank (VIII) suggested creating a safety film clip to accompany AMA films.

ITEM III. REDISTRICTING

• Several proposals asked for recalculation of district boundaries, primarily in districts III, VI and VII. Ken Morris (VII) reported the problem is essentially contest coordination and suggested referring it to Long Range Planning with no immediate boundary changes.
• Motion: MOVED by M. Frank (VIII), seconded by K. Morris (VII) to table discussion of redistricting to the Long Range Planning meeting scheduled for the next day. Vote: 15 for — passed unanimously.
• Spalding (IV) suggested Headquarters send appreciation letters to members who submitted excellent proposals on redistricting.

ITEM IV. MAIL BALLOT / SAFETY CODE

A. Procedures

• Confusion was noted concerning a mail ballot distributed to Council by a vice president via Headquarters. Worth requested guidelines for conducting official mail ballots when long-range basic policy is involved.
• Motion: MOVED by C. Piper (I), seconded by J. Scarborough (X) that a mail ballot may be originated by any Council member, subject to approval of the President, after which it may be distributed for vote; Headquarters to clear and prominently designate it an Official Ballot. Vote: 15 for — passed unanimously.

B. Reconsideration

• The original ballot had asked for wording to be inserted on AMA's Safety Code sticker concerning the use of drugs and intoxicants. Due to doubts about the ballot's nature, the subject was reconsidered. After discussion and legal consideration, and an apparent consensus that the current Safety Code wording is adequate, the original proposal was withdrawn.

C. Implementation

• Although the Safety Code wording will not be changed, the Council agreed to distribute the Code more widely. Worth noted that the adhesive sticker version is included in membership renewals on a rotation basis (1980 being the next time).
• Interim measures: print a paper version for trade shows and modeler gatherings; publish a cut-out version in Model Aviation, preferably in color.
• Council consensus: proceed with a printed paper version of the Safety Code and make it available to vice presidents.

ITEM V. 1979 NATIONALS

A. Review of site possibilities

• E. Witt (S/T) reported favorable meetings with airport and FAA authorities in Lincoln, NE; facilities are excellent. Next step is to obtain a written formal agreement.
• Other sites considered: Columbus/Springfield, Ohio and Lake Charles, LA.

B. Nats Executive Committee recommendations

• Witt presented the Nats Executive Committee report (Sept. 30, 1978), recommending Council budget for the Nationals due to the likelihood they will not be self-sustaining in current format and urging long-range site planning.
• The committee recommended working toward a new Nats format, possibly separate Nats for R/C and F/F, and proposed site rotation: Lincoln, NE (1979); central Ohio (1980); Lake Charles, LA (1981), with a fourth year devoted to the new format.
• Motion: MOVED by V. Mankowski (IX), seconded by K. Morris (VII) to approve Lincoln, NE as the 1979 Nats site. Vote: 14 for; 1 abstained (VI).

ITEM VI. CONTEST SANCTIONS

• The Council reviewed a proposal by Horace Cain to remove "demonstrations" from the Rule Book, making sanctioning necessary for such events, while keeping sanctioning structure as is.
• Motion: MOVED by M. Frank (VIII), seconded by V. Mankowski (IX) to deny action on the sanctioning changes proposed by Horace Cain. Vote: 14 for; 1 against (XI).

ITEM VII. FREE MEMBERSHIPS

A. For Contest Directors

• With Open membership at $25.00, the advisability of a more stringent free membership policy for Contest Directors (CDs) was debated.
• Council consensus: due to the dues increase, changing the policy would harm Contest Director morale.
• Motion: MOVED by McNeill (V), seconded by H. Smith (XI) to award free memberships to Contest Directors in accordance with current policy, but only when the contest is actually held — free membership not applicable for no-shows, weather cancellations, or if a contest report has not been filed. Vote: 15 for — passed unanimously.

B. Judges

• A proposal from Howard Crispin requested free memberships for RC Aerobatic Judges.
• Motion: MOVED by J. Spalding (IV), seconded by V. Mankowski (IX) to accept the proposal to provide free memberships for RC Aerobatic Judges. Vote: 13 against; 2 abstained (E.D., IV).
• The proposal was rejected, though it had valid points. Problems in defining "judge" and other officials made acceptance infeasible until further consideration.

ITEM VIII. WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

A. 1979 Free Flight

• Worth reported Yugoslavia withdrew its offer to host the 1979 Free Flight world championships due to political factors involving South Africa. The National Free Flight Society (NFFS) offered to host at Taft, CA if no other country was available.
• The Council reviewed NFFS's detailed offer, including costs, site location, manpower, logistics, and AMA obligations.
• Motion: MOVED by H. Smith (XI), seconded by J. Scarborough (X) that AMA be prepared to offer to host the 1979 Free Flight World Championships if no other offer is made, with financial limits imposed to remain within AMA's FAI budget. Vote: 13 for; 1 against (VI); 1 abstained (S/T).

B. 1980 Space Models

• The National Association of Rocketry requested AMA support for a U.S. offer to FAI to host the 1980 Space Models World Championships, at no expense to AMA.
• Motion: MOVED by M. Frank (VIII), seconded by J. Spalding (IV) to approve a U.S. offer to FAI, at no expense to AMA, for NAR to host the 1980 Space Models World Championships. Vote: 15 for — passed unanimously.

C. Combat

• The Council discussed a proposal to add three pit men to Control Line Combat teams so pit men could be funded like team members. Due to cost factors, the Council consensus was not to support the proposal.

D. Soaring

• Ray Marvin, Chair of the FAI Soaring Team Selection Committee, requested funding to add a fourth team member. Council noted adequate funds in the Soaring Team Fund could accommodate the extra cost if program participants agreed.
• Motion: MOVED by H. Smith (XI), seconded by V. Mankowski (IX) to deny the request for AMA funds to support a fourth Soaring team member. Vote: 15 for — passed unanimously.

ITEM IX. ADVERTISING

A. Discount ads

• Worth reported a letter of intent from a discount house about advertising in Model Aviation. Legally, AMA may be liable if such ads are refused without grounds.
• Motion: MOVED by M. Frank (VIII), seconded by V. Mankowski (IX) to not pursue a restrictive policy concerning discount ads, due to legal circumstances beyond our control. Vote: 15 for — passed unanimously.
• AMA will adhere to its present ad limit of 20% and will increase editorial pages if necessary. The possibility of offering lower prices to dealers to encourage dealer magazine sales will be explored.

B. Type of ads

• Question: should ads unrelated to modeling be accepted?
• Motion: MOVED by H. Smith (XI), seconded by C. Piper (I) to continue the policy of not accepting unrelated advertising. Vote: 15 for — passed unanimously.

ITEM X. AWARDS

A. Fellowships

• Two fellowships approved; to be announced upon presentation.

B. Distinguished Service Award

• Three approved unanimously.

C. Superior Service Award

• Three approved unanimously.

D. Award of Excellence

• Ken Morris (VII) requested three Excellence Awards for clubs in his district; Council approved without dissent.

E. Perpetual trophies

• Worth requested guidance on handling perpetual trophies. Council consensus: Headquarters should procure a display case to permanently display perpetual trophies; winners receive a certificate rather than the actual trophy. A specific AMA policy may be considered later.

F. Scholarship

• Bob Stalick, Scholarship Committee Chair, recommended three winners for 1978 scholarships with total awards to be divided up to $2,000.
• Motion: MOVED by M. Frank (VIII), seconded by G. Lee (VI) to accept the Scholarship Committee recommendation: first prize $1,000 — maximum total to be divided $2,000. Vote: 15 for — passed unanimously.

ITEM XI. MUSEUM

• Worth presented basic information on establishing an AMA Museum on a moderate cost basis as a follow-up to August Council discussions.
• Council approved initial steps: inventory current museum-quality articles, develop and document administrative procedures, and create forms for cataloging and acquisition.
• Motion: MOVED by E. Witt (S/T), seconded by M. Frank (VIII) that Frank Ehling be designated to catalog HQ museum material and visit Dick Sherman to determine AMA ownership of materials held by him. Vote: 15 for — passed unanimously.

ITEM XII. AMA PROPERTY

• Worth reported the specific offer from Springfield, Ohio of land and buildings had not materialized; a supposed offer lacked substance. Don Lowe (III) will attempt to reopen negotiations with the Springfield City Manager.
• A previous offer from Lake Charles, LA similarly had not materialized in writing.
• Council consensus: keep doors open to further negotiations.
• Motion: MOVED by E. Witt (S/T), seconded by M. Frank (VIII) to table discussion of property acquisition to the next day's Long Range Planning session. Vote: 15 for — passed unanimously.

ITEM XIII. FILM PROJECTS

• Cliff Piper (I), Council appointee to monitor film projects, reported visiting Jay Gerber's operation and viewing 40,000 feet of film. Some film is being matched with soundtracks for a Scale film expected to be completed by early 1979.
• Piper recommended the Council consider future subjects for Mr. Gerber after the Scale film.

ITEM XIV. FAI PROTESTS

• President Clemens reviewed events leading to his ruling in favor of contestant protests concerning Soaring team selection semifinals and subsequent actions by the National Soaring Society (NSS) president.
• Witt noted NSS often considers itself "AMA" in Soaring matters and does not easily concede AMA jurisdiction over team selection.
• Council consensus: if NSS wants recognition and delegation of authority, it must demonstrate better relationship and understanding of AMA policies and bylaws.

ITEM XV. ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTS

• Clemens emphasized stringent criteria for Associate Vice Presidents (AVPs) and replacing nonworkers.
• Consensus: VPs should work more closely with AVPs. McNeill (V) suggested AVPs be newsletter editors to encourage communication.

ITEM XVI. AMA / NAA AGREEMENT

• Worth reported legal issues requiring additional wording in the AMA/NAA agreement for clarity: "AMA agrees to issue a certificate of insurance or policy endorsement attesting to the fact that NAA and FAI are named as co-insured or otherwise protected by insurance for any liability arising from AMA sponsored activities."
• Motion: MOVED by J. McNeill (V), seconded by J. Byrne (II) to accept the proposed wording. Vote: 15 for — passed unanimously.

ITEM XVII. NEXT MEETING

• Motion: MOVED by V. Mankowski (IX), seconded by K. Morris (VII) to hold the next Council meeting in conjunction with the Hobby Industry of America Trade Show in January in St. Louis, Missouri. Vote: 15 for — passed unanimously.

ITEM XVIII. ADJOURNMENT

• By general consent, the meeting was adjourned at 10:10 p.m.

AMA News — President's Report

In my first report to the membership I wish to touch on future planning. Many Council actions are reactions to current events rather than part of sound long-range management for the Academy.

I believe the AMA Constitution and Bylaws need revising and updating — in some parts they are outdated for an organization of this size. Specifically, the position of Secretary-Treasurer should be abolished. With a full-time accountant and two assistants, the treasurer's job is minimal. Instead, I propose a nationally elected first (executive) Vice-President with duties relating to Council and Academy functions; this officer would be prepared to succeed to the presidency if needed and would be a true representative of the members. Responsibilities now assigned to the Secretary-Treasurer should be incorporated into the executive Vice-President's role.

We do not have good statistical data on our membership (modeling interests, ages, income, years of membership, etc.), and such information is essential for planning. I propose a statistical survey of Academy members to be updated annually. With today's computer technology this should be relatively simple.

Ken Morris, District VII Vice-President, noted (in the January 1979 issue of Model Aviation) that many Council decisions might lack sufficient input from the general membership. Members should communicate with their Vice-Presidents and Associate Vice-Presidents so their positions are better represented. I fully endorse this idea.

Nationals planning has progressed smoothly and earlier than normal. The planned location is Lincoln, Nebraska. By the time the next issue appears, the Nationals Executive Committee will have held initial planning and the site should be firm. Vince Mankowski, District IX Vice-President, and Dr. Glen Lau of Lincoln have been spearheading the Lincoln Nationals effort; Vince requests volunteers for the 1979 Nationals. Michael Freeman, who wrote the computer program for last year's Soaring event, has been seeking microcomputer owners and hobbyists to donate computers and services for civic activities such as the Nationals and search-and-rescue work. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who can assist early; we wish to computerize scoring and tabulation for the Nationals but need considerable lead time.

We will hold our first Council meeting of the year about the time you receive this issue; it will be primarily a planning and budget meeting. We will have a clearer picture of the Academy's financial posture and programs for the year after this meeting.

I hope to discuss matters of membership interest in future reports far enough in advance of Council meetings for you to express your opinions to your Council representative.

I am grateful for the confidence shown in electing me President of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, and thank those who supported my nomination and election.

Sincerely, Earl F. Witt

II DISTRICT REPORT

John C. Grigg — District II Vice-President 6327 Badger Drive, Lockport, NY 14094

Associate Vice-Presidents:

• Pete Diandini, 260 S. Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10705
• David Fifield, 11 Lace Lane, Elmsford, NY 10523
• Jack Sammaro, 2062 Emerson Ave., Union, NJ 07083
• James Setter, Chief, Craft, 8486, USAFE/EUROPE, Box 4052 APO, New York 09009
• Hank Smith, 2 Louise Ave., Auburn, NY 13021

A new administration

• We start the year with a new AMA President, Earl Witt, and a new District II Vice-President. Thanks to the 2,124 District II members who voted — your interest strengthens our ability to address FCC frequency needs, flying site problems, rising costs, and communication within AMA.

Contest coordinators and board changes

• Dick Sookino remains coordinator of all non-RC events.
• Dick Smith is the new coordinator for RC Pylon and Sailplane events.
• Larry Lundy assumes responsibility for other RC events.
• Brad Ball joins the Free Flight Contest Board, replacing Carroll Allen.
• Scale, RC, and Control Line Contest Board members remain unchanged.

Associate Vice-Presidents

• Hank Smith replaces Walt Throne as AVP in Central NY. Dave Fifield continues as AVP for Eastern New York, Jack Sammaro represents Central New Jersey, and Jim Slaughter continues as APO representative.
• AVP representation is needed in Northern and Southern New Jersey; clubs should nominate candidates.

Communication

• AVPs should communicate with clubs in person when possible, by phone or letter when not. They should report activities for inclusion in the VP monthly column.
• I am sharing my telephone numbers: office (716) 631-6134 (9 AM–4:30 PM); home (716) 434-3955 (6:30 PM–11 PM). AVPs should provide telephone numbers to clubs to strengthen communication.
• Newsletters are a valuable communication tool; clubs should exchange newsletters. I welcome copies for use as source material for the VP column.

District meetings

• First District II meeting of 1979: in conjunction with the Syracuse Area Symposium on February 3.
• Second district meeting: at the WRAMS Show.

COMMUNICATE.

III DISTRICT REPORT

Don Lowe — District III Vice-President 1101 E. Rahn Road, Dayton, OH 45429

Associate Vice-Presidents:

• Joe Eiben, 5192 Eidenhurst, Lyndhurst, OH 44124
• Francis Fluharty, 504 21st St., Vienna, WV 26101
• Laird Jackson, 523 Meadowbrook, St. David, PA 19087
• Edward Wisser, 1531 Summit St., McKeesport, PA 15131

District III membership meeting

• On March 10 we will hold a District III general membership meeting in Cleveland, Ohio, in conjunction with the annual Cleveland National Model Plane Show (March 9–11). Last year the show awarded over 210 awards in 75 categories to more than 600 entries. The meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn in the mall area and will start at 3:00 p.m. The new AMA President Earl Witt, Executive Director John Worth, Associate District VPs (including Joe Eiben), and I will be available to discuss AMA affairs and show the new AMA film, "Those Marvelous Miniatures." Members with questions about Nats, dues, FCC frequencies, or other issues are encouraged to attend.

Club highlights

• The Mountaineer R/C Club of Charleston, W. Va., organized monthly contests to teach newcomers competition judging and flying. They held a non-sanctioned stand-off scale contest on October 22 with seven entries. Top finishers included Bryce Petersen (quarter-scale Vagabond), Tony Schreiber (.40-size Royal Mini), Bill Drenberger (one-eighth scale Vagabond), and Dave Ellis (scale Spitfire). A scratch-built Miles 20 by Stan Hines won high static score points.

IV DISTRICT REPORT

(Section content not fully supplied in the scanned pages; continuing reports will appear in future issues.)

V DISTRICT REPORT

Jim McNeill — District V Vice-President 617 South 20 Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205

Associate Vice-Presidents:

• Jerome Hall, 4326 Baynard Dr., Huntsville, AL 35805
• Richard Jackson, 108 Thomas St., Charleston Hts., SC 29405
• Arthur Johnson, 303 N. Danzey Dr., Delray Beach, FL 33444
• Joseph Micalizzi, S.R. 00866, Box 1532, Fajardo, PR 00648
• Ed Moorman, P.O. Box 1643, Eglin AFB, FL 32542
• Tom Thacker, 2390 C Loweryville Hwy, Decatur, GA 30033

Recent visits and appointments

• I visited the Atlanta Drones and the Atlanta RC Club; both expressed concerns about the AMA dues increase. Inflation affects everyone.
• Tom Thacker is the new AVP for Georgia; he edits the Atlanta Drone Society newsletter and replaces Pat Koehler.
• Joseph Micalizzi is the new AVP for Puerto Rico; he edits a newsletter in Spanish and English and seeks exchanges with other newsletter editors.

VI DISTRICT REPORT

Horace Cain — District VI Vice-President 523 Weiden Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60090

Associate Vice-Presidents:

• Dave Davis, c/o DA Enterprises, Box 335, Rushville, IN 46173
• Roger Goss, Rt. 5, Quincy, IL 62301
• Frank Hughes, 709 NE 4th St., Kansas City, MO 64116
• Glenn Lee, 819 Mandan Ave., Batavia, IL 60510

Goals and organization

• I appreciate the opportunity to serve as District VI Vice President and will work toward our stated goals. Input is welcomed, but note I work odd schedules; please leave contact information and I will respond.
• A major objective is persuading the Executive Council that AMA needs multiple membership levels so members can choose services and pay accordingly. This will be a challenging proposal.

Contest boards and AVPs

• Mike Mueller is the District VI RC Contest Board member (Pattern pilot).
• Bob Underwood moves to Scale.
• Roger Geers (Quincy, IL) and Frank Hughes (Kansas City, MO) continue as AVPs.
• Dave Davis (DA Enterprises) is a new AVP. Glenn Lee will continue to assist with Control Line groups.
• I seek volunteers for a District Advisory Council and for contest assistance; interested parties should send contact information and event preferences.

Club information request

• Club officers: send names, meeting places, times, dates, mailing addresses, and Contest Director names. Clubs not chartered should also send this information.

Club history highlight

• The Radio Control Club of Chicago (RC3) celebrated its 25th anniversary on November 3. Organized in 1953 with six members, RC3 has had many notable achievements, including a World Championship by Ed Kazimirski in 1960 and strong Pattern competition presence. Recent successes include Mike Toolan winning Sr. Advanced Pattern at the Nats.

Local club note

• WHEATON BLACK SHEEP R/C CLUB held a successful Fun Fly last June with 22 active members.

VIII DISTRICT REPORT

John Embry — District VIII Vice-President 1500 Anita Street, Sulphur, LA 70663

Associate Vice-Presidents:

• Buzz Averill, 6117 La Barranca NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111
• Ned Barnes, 523 N. Lebanon, Sulphur, LA 70663
• Gene Hempel, 301 N. Yale Dr., Garland, TX 75042
• William Hurley III, 927 Commerce, Pleasanton, TX 78064
• Larry Sartor, 146 Manor Dr., Bartlesville, OK 74003

Introduction and requests

• Thank you to District VIII members for electing me. District VIII covers a huge area; I need your inputs on what you want from AMA, your activities, and any news. Photos are welcome (black-and-white reproduces best).

Appointed officers

• Associate Vice Presidents:
• Buzz Averill (Albuquerque, NM): long-serving AVP; active in Free Flight and RC Soaring.
• Gene Hempel (Garland, TX): known for Control Line Speed articles; an active modeler.
• Bill Hurley (Pleasanton, TX): RC Pattern flier active across Texas.
• Larry Sartor (Bartlesville, OK): RC competitor active across TX, OK, AR; involved in Pattern Judges Association.
• Ned Barnes (Sulphur, LA): local veteran who will assist; may step down if more AVPs are appointed elsewhere.

• Contest Board Members:
• Free Flight: Mark Valerius, Houston, TX.
• Control Line: Bill Lee, Missouri City, TX.
• Scale: Buddy Irwin, DeSoto, TX.
• Radio Control: Bill Thomas, Bartlesville, OK.

• Contest Coordinators:
• Control Line / Free Flight / General: John Deaton, Fort Worth, TX.
• Radio Control: Bob Talley, Nederland, TX.

• I welcome further input and will share more in future columns.

IX DISTRICT REPORT

Vince Mankowski — District IX Vice-President 105 Waldo Circle, Bellevue, NE 68005

Associate Vice-Presidents:

• Charles Brannon, 2220 Mahonia Blvd., Casper, WY 82601
• Paul Kegel, 910 North 12th, Fargo, ND 58102
• Jim O'Reilly, 4760 N. Battin, Wichita, KS 67202
• Jim Ricketts, 516 S. Douglas, Sioux Falls, SD 57103

Winter activity and Chatfield Aerodrome

• Winter is a time for building and correspondence; expect increased mail as modelers write about projects and ideas.
• The Chatfield Aerodrome dedication (October 28, 1978) honored D. J. McDonald. The 40,000-square-foot site includes two runways, pit and spectator areas, and represents four years' work by the Jefco Aeromodelers and the Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation.
• The Jefco Aeromodelers deserve congratulations and serve as an example of what is possible with vision and sustained effort.

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