AMA News

AMA News

Council Approves Model Size Limiting

At the January 27 AMA Executive Council meeting the Council approved that a line should be drawn concerning model size. It was agreed some limit should be defined to govern whether insurance coverage should be provided. The Council also agreed to allow further time to obtain input from AMA members and various special interest organizations that might be affected.

• Recommendations were requested from the Quarter Scale Association and the National Miniature Pylon Racing Association concerning size and safety; responses were requested by March 31.
• Interested parties are invited to submit comments, constructive suggestions or proposals to AMA HQ between now and the next Council meeting (April 27–28) so copies can be circulated to individual Executive Council members.

President's Report

Earl F. Witt 26 Warwick Drive Chambersburg, PA 17201

Executive Council Meeting

My first Executive Council meeting as AMA president is now history. The Council covered the agenda effectively without the midnight hours that have sometimes occurred. Major accomplishments will be reported in other columns and subsequent issues of Model Aviation.

• Jim McNeill was elected Secretary-Treasurer and produced a draft of the minutes promptly.
• A budget of $1,523,234 was reviewed and approved for AMA HQ guidance; the budget and fiscal performance will be subject to follow‑up reviews at Executive Council meetings.
• A reception hosted by Horace Cain (District VI VP) the evening before the Council meeting provided an opportunity to meet many District VI and St. Louis–area AMA members and to preview motion picture material gathered for a new AMA film on Scale models (to be distributed this fall).

Hobby Industry Convention and Trade Show

The AMA is an associate member of the Hobby Industry Association. Several Executive Council members participated in the Aeronautics and Radio Control Division meetings of the HIA. The proliferation of radio‑controlled hobby gear (aircraft, cars, boats, even robots) was a major topic.

A notable exhibit item was a 28" wingspan, .020 cu. in., proportional, rudder‑only, ready‑to‑fly Radio Control Cub by Cox. At an anticipated low price and on 49 MHz with about a 1,000‑foot range, it may give many newcomers an inexpensive entry into RC flying. While concerns about frequency congestion were voiced, the model itself can be seen as an opportunity to expand the hobby. I recommend making AMA known to the stores and dealers selling these ready‑to‑fly RC models and offering assistance to buyers to learn to fly safely.

Secretary‑Treasurer's Report

Jim McNeill AMA Secretary‑Treasurer 617 South 20th Avenue Birmingham, AL 35205

AMA Insurance — Good News!

Our insurance has become competitive. We have offers at a little more than half the per‑member rate budgeted by the Council, contingent on AMA picking up a larger portion of the deductible. If we maintain a good claims/safety record, substantial savings will help offset future inflationary increases.

Free Flight World Championships

Plans for the Free Flight World Championships at Taft, CA, are progressing for early October. Current reports indicate direct operations costs should be covered by fees, avoiding the losses sustained at the last two World Championships held in the USA.

Trans‑Am RC Relay Race

Plans continue for a Trans‑America RC Relay Race from Washington, DC, to Whittier Narrows, CA, scheduled for September 1979. The elapsed‑flying‑time race is planned for several "Leg Teams" organized into "Total Teams," each Leg Team flying a two‑day section. Teams must have a minimum of five and maximum of seven members. For information, contact Public Relations Department, AMA HQ: (202) 347‑2751.

Agenda for Next Executive Council Meeting (April 27, 1979)

As of February 20, 1979, items submitted for consideration include:

• Proposals for alternate membership forms (90‑day limited/temporary memberships, competition memberships, etc.).
• Contest director training and examination prior to initial licensing and for relicensing if inactive over two years.
• Review of AMA film production, costs and inventory.
• Consideration of returning Model Aviation to optional status or other compromise.
• Review of Model Aviation content and operating costs.
• Consideration of arranging FAI teams meeting and training as a team prior to World Championships.
• Report on insuring non‑AMA show teams and other demonstrations.
• Report on status of Delta Dart I and Delta Dart II programs.
• Budget review.
• Review of possible by‑laws revisions.

Model Size (continued)

Responses should be made to AMA HQ, preferably by mid‑April, so copies can be circulated to Executive Council members. Correspondence received in the past six months need not be repeated — previous letters will be used.

Note: The Model Aeronautics Association of Canada recently adopted a limit of 55 lbs. (25 kilos) for insurance purposes. In many European countries the limit mirrors FAI competition limits: about 11 lbs. (5 kilos).

'79 Budget (continued)

A tentative AMA budget prepared by HQ staff and presented at the January 27 Executive Council meeting provided detailed departmental breakdowns. The budget is tentative pending final review at the April Council meeting and the availability of the final 1978 financial statement.

Key points:

• Most expense increases are inflationary — approximately 7% applied to most areas.
• The budget assumes signing up 90% of 1978 members: 63,579 estimated for 1979 vs. 71,227 actual paid members in 1978. Current figures (mid‑February) are about 94% of last year, trending upward.
• The tentative budget including special projects projects a surplus of about $45,000 to rebuild reserves (reserves had fallen to zero in 1978).
• With over 50,000 members already signed for 1979 (as of mid‑February), and improving renewal rates, the Council expects to revisit the budget at the spring meeting for final modification when the balance of budgeted income is assured.

Model Aviation (the magazine):

• The small surplus shown in the magazine budget is intentional — the aim is to use available funds to produce the best magazine possible while minimizing taxable profits.
• The magazine budget is controlled monthly to stay within income; this should translate to more pages, more color, and more coverage for 1979.
• The magazine budget includes an allocation to distribute copies to free AMA members (officers and certain Contest Directors who receive free memberships as a token reward). AMA reimburses the magazine budget for the printing and mailing cost of these additional copies.

Special projects:

• The Executive Council approved a total of $47,000 for special events/programs (amounts earmarked may or may not be used depending on circumstances).
• $10,000 was set aside to offset a possible deficit at the 1979 Nats (may not be required if the event breaks even).
• $10,000 earmarked for Junior Programs indicates commitment but requires Council approval of specific programs.
• The Trans‑Am Relay Race is a likely major PR expense unless substantial industry sponsorship is secured.

Public Relations and film:

• PR is the one area slated for major expansion in 1979: the PR Department operating expenses were increased to $35,700 (typical past budgets were around $20,000).
• An additional $10,000 has been added to the film production budget.
• Although not all PR‑related line items appear under PR, the overall PR effort (including films, Nats, Junior programs, etc.) is expected to total at least $200,000 and probably closer to $250,000.

Budget presentation improvements:

• The '79 expense budget includes allocations by department and major divisions, including percentages of salaries and support effort allocations (e.g., under Public Relations the $60,577 includes staff plus allocated percentages of salaries, rent, telephones, postage, etc.). This gives a clearer picture of actual departmental costs.

Credit Cards OK for New Members and Nats

As an experiment, last fall the Executive Council approved the use of Visa and Master Charge credit cards for renewal of 1979 memberships. Results to the end of January:

• About 8% (≈3,800 of 47,500 renewals) were paid by credit card.
• The volume kept the service cost to about 3% of the income processed.

As a result, the experiment has been extended:

• Visa and Master Charge can now be used for new memberships and for Nats entry fees in 1979.
• These cards may also be used for AMA Supply and Service section purchases of $10 or more.

Another Denver Success Story

The Metro Denver Modeling Council, composed of seven AMA‑chartered clubs, demonstrates effective joint promotion and leadership:

• The Council supplies handout sheets to area hobby shops listing all local clubs, meeting places and contacts, helping newcomers find local activity.
• A member of any one club can become an associate member of other member clubs (for a small additional fee) and use their flying sites without affecting the club's internal voting rights.
• The Council is self‑funded through an annual model expo (trade‑show equivalent), so member clubs pay no direct funding into the Council.
• The Council organized an AMA District meeting in Denver with talks, movies and a forum that brought key AMA officers and about 150 leaders from the region together — a model of constructive cooperation other areas could replicate.

VIII District Report

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

Associate Vice‑Presidents:

• Buzz Averill, 9117 La Barranca NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111
• Ned Barnet, 523 N. Leabon, Sulphur, LA 70663
• Gene Hensel, 301 N. Yale Dr., Garland, TX 75042
• William Hurley III, 927 Commerce, Pleasanton, TX 78064
• Larry Sartor, 1415 Manor Dr., Bartlesville, OK 74003

A staffing note and apologies:

• An erroneous assumption on my part caused a communications lapse: many district officers’ appointments (Associate VPs, Contest Board members, Contest Coordinators) expire with the term of the elected Vice‑President. Some who were not reappointed did not receive personal notification, and for that I apologize.
• This led to confusion in RC contest sanction processing; both the outgoing and incoming Contest Coordinators granted sanctions until the issue was reconciled. A cursory check showed no conflicts, and any remaining problems are being addressed.

Contest activity and appointments:

• It looks to be a busy year in District VIII with many contests planned across Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Abilene, Lafayette, New Orleans, San Antonio and Lake Charles.
• I intend to fill gaps in Associate Vice‑President coverage (notably Arkansas and central Texas/Houston). If you are interested in serving and can provide background information, please contact me.

Miscellaneous:

• Watch this column for updates on district meetings, trade shows and contests. The LARKS club will host a Pattern and Sport Scale contest June 30–July 1.
• Thought for the month: "Be sure brains is in gear before starting the engine."

District IX Report

District IX updates and highlights:

• Indoor flying has kept clubs active through winter; Peanut Scale is increasing in popularity in Lincoln, Denver and Omaha.
• Contest Coordinators:
• CL & FF — Bill Bieda, 411 Barker Blvd., Omaha, NE 68132
• RC — George Hunter, 6962 S. Lamar, Littleton, CO 80123

Early Bird Awards:

• The Orbiting Eagles of Omaha (Nebraska) and the Louisville Radio Control Club (Kansas) receive this year's early bird awards for early contest sanction submissions.

District services and resources:

• The tabletop district display booth is available for club promotion, static displays, trophy presentations, etc. — free for the asking.
• Television commercials for AMA events are available from HQ (long and short versions, with or without sound). Write Janet Clifton, Film Clerk, AMA HQ for details.
• The Denver and Fargo district meetings in 1978 were successful; suggestions for a fall District Meeting location are welcome.

Air Capitol Eagles Show Team:

• District IX’s only AMA Show Team has completed its first year and is planning new maneuvers and models (including a four‑formation 60‑powered version of Ken Willard’s Blue Birds called the "Jayhawks"). For information: Jerry Shumaker, 10810 West Maple, Wichita, KS 67209.

KCCL (Kansas City Control Line revival):

• Former clubs and members are re‑organizing under KCCL; Larry Laird (AMA 27761), 2641 Esperanza Lane, Kansas City, KS 66106, is coordinating contacts.

Membership and HQ contact:

• Due to confusion over family membership dues, future applications will be more explicit. If you have problems receiving magazines, membership cards, or services, contact AMA HQ first; district officers can assist if needed.

Trans‑Am and PR updates:

• Trans‑Am teams will be notified by April of selection, arrival/departure dates and route maps.
• Nats planning is progressing; the Nats logo is in final stages.
• The Muscular Dystrophy Association program "Flying for Jerry and His Kids" is underway; club information packets will be distributed.

AMA film program priority list (requested input):

1. Documentary on the 1979 Nats
2. 30‑minute film on show teams
3. Aeromodelling from first experience to first flight
4. Local club story — trials, successes, personalities
5. Personalized story of one competitor and his flying
6. Special film on Free Flight and Control Line
7. History of the hobby
8. Film on celebrity fliers

Nats and volunteers:

• Volunteer Nats worker application forms are available from district officers. The goal is broad participation; many workers will be needed to make the Nats successful.
• The AMA Show Teams are organizing the air show for the Nats; show date currently August 5.
• Dorm and entry fees at the Nats can be charged to Visa or Master Charge.

THINKIN' LINCOLN — Council highlights:

• The Council approved a 1979 budget allowing roughly 7% increases in most categories. Public Relations and film budgets were exceptions — each increased about 50%.
• Three companies are offering insurance packages, possibly resulting in better rates.
• President Witt plans a sample poll of 10% of the membership; suggestions for poll topics are invited.
• Due to successful credit‑card renewals, the program is being expanded to new memberships and Nats.
• Discussion continued on two classes of licenses (sportsman/sunday flier vs. competition license); no resolution yet but the issue remains under consideration.
• Nick Johnnen (Flying Circus, Camarillo) was nominated and approved for the Superior Service award for obtaining a flying site for his club.
• Next Council meeting: Friday, April 27, in Long Beach (in conjunction with the MACS Show).

District appointments and contests:

• Lonnie Kroeker appointed Associate VP for Nevada (leaving only Hawaii without an AVP).
• Frank Capon resigned from the Scale Contest Board and was replaced by Bill Stroman, adding Free Flight perspective to the Board.
• .045 engines are being used in a model sport called tractor pulls.

Regional contests and clubs:

• The Southwestern Regionals suffered low attendance due to preceding bad weather but had good flying conditions.
• The Utah State Aeromodelers continue to flourish with all hobby phases represented; they will host the Old Timer Annual on the Salt Lake salt flats (Old Time Nats: July 24–26).
• The Silent Wings Soaring Association (West Covina) is active in supporting FAI Soaring team funds and club activities.

Miscellaneous:

• The AMA display (tabletop) is available for club use at mall shows and displays.
• FAI Free Flight World Championships planning: Bill Hartill is overall Contest Director and Bill Bogart is business manager. Proposed dates and arrangements are being finalized; AMA will handle paperwork and provide seed money as needed.

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