AMA News

SYNOPSIS OF APRIL 27 COUNCIL MEETING DECISIONS

The AMA Executive Council met in Long Beach, California, for its regular Spring meeting. Following is a list of actions taken.

1. Membership

a. Approved appointing a committee to make recommendations by January concerning whether to leave membership choices as is or to offer various options. b. Approved a Senior Citizens discount for those 65 or over at $17 (to include the magazine) — beginning of offer to be clarified.

1. Employees

a. The Executive Director is to submit for Council approval a proposal regarding policy for advancing travel funds and repayment of unused balances. b. A 7% cost-of-living increase was approved for the Executive Director.

1. Magazine

a. A proposal to reinstate the previous optional choice concerning magazine receipt for adult members was not approved. b. The AMA magazine staff was asked to produce, by Nats time, a statement of preferred policies and guidelines for magazine development, including recommendations concerning content and distribution. c. Approved that the magazine will remain at its present size until the recommendations in b. are reviewed by the Council.

1. Films

a. Requested a review detailing the number of AMA films produced to date, costs involved, and the number of showings outside of AMA clubs. b. Approved that the No. 2 priority for a new film should be a short one to help get flying sites.

1. FAI Teams

a. Approved a HQ proposal to provide funds to enable U.S. teams to assemble for a practice session before World Championships. b. A FF Team Selection Committee proposal for AMA to provide additional funds for the same purpose for the ’79 FF team was not approved; noting there was ample money in the FF team fund for this purpose.

1. CD Certification

A proposal by H. Cain to require a written exam of Contest Director applicants was approved in principle but referred back for further development.

1. Insurance

a. The Executive Director was asked to seek legal advice concerning exclusion of commercial show teams from AMA insurance coverage. b. The Council clarified that the only chartered-club members who need not be AMA members are those designated as Associate members, who do not operate models.

1. By-Laws

a. Approved forming a committee to recommend changes, including approval of the committee composition. b. Approved that the committee should first make recommendations in time for the Nats Council meeting concerning NAA representation, duties and responsibilities of the Secretary-Treasurer, and proxy representation at Council meetings.

1. Museums

a. Approved making $1,000 available, at the President’s discretion, to the Russ Barrera Model Aviation Museum in California. b. Authorized the Executive Director to proceed with further investigation of providing an AMA model aviation museum in conjunction with Wings and Wheels of Orlando, Florida. c. Approved Frank Ehling as curator of AMA’s museum activities.

1. Safety

a. Beginning not later than January 1980, a full page of Model Aviation will be devoted each month to safety matters. b. A maximum weight limit of 40 lbs. for model aircraft, for insurance purposes, will be required upon publication of this information in Model Aviation (effective July 1). c. RC Pylon meets will be provided insurance coverage only if safety aspects of current rules are observed (effective July 1). The NMPRA was requested to consider more stringent safety proposals, with special emphasis on speed limitation.

1. VP Budgets

The allowance for district AMA expenses was increased from $750 to $1,000, to include phone expenses and to include the Secretary-Treasurer’s expenses.

1. Membership Lists

The Council reaffirmed the previous policy not to sell membership lists for commercial purposes.

1. Sanctions

Cain’s proposal regarding definitions for Demonstrations and Fun Flys was accepted for submission to a Council mail vote.

1. FCC

The Council voted to request legal counsel draft a letter of protest regarding high-power allocations on low-power frequencies used for RC.

1. Perpetual Trophies

Perpetual trophies on hand are to be considered AMA museum property; Frank Ehling is to produce a proposal on all aspects of such trophy handling, including future donations.

1. Hotline

A newsletter for AMA officer information exchange was approved.

1. Flying Site Aid

An addition to the HQ staff with responsibilities for flying site matters was approved in principle; a specific proposal was requested from HQ by Nats time.

1. Awards

Three Awards of Excellence were approved; specifics to be published after presentations; same for one Distinguished Service Award.

1. Next Council Meeting

At Nats, Lincoln, Nebraska — August 1, approximately 9 p.m.

Note: Many other items were discussed without action. Minutes of the meeting are available upon request.

40 LB. LIMIT FOR AMA INSURANCE

Effective July 1, the AMA Safety Code is amended to include a weight limit of 40 lbs. for model aircraft. Any model which weighs over 40 lbs. when launched will not be covered by AMA insurance.

The Executive Council unanimously voted on this change at its April 27 meeting to show that AMA is exercising self-regulation over the proliferation of large models. This action is intended to demonstrate to the FAA, the insurance company, and other safety-oriented groups that AMA can control activity to reduce the likelihood of outside intervention.

The Council noted input from the Quarter Scale Association of America (QSAA), which suggested limits of 4 horsepower and 40 pounds would be acceptable to most builders of large models. The Council deferred action on power limits because horsepower is difficult to measure and highly variable; further study is planned.

AMA INSURANCE FOR RC PYLON RACING

The Council approved amending the AMA Safety Code, effective July 1, to require all AMA-sanctioned RC Pylon Races to follow the safety aspects of the current AMA rule book. The effect is to void AMA insurance for meets not run in accordance with the rules on items such as safety distances.

Inputs from the National Miniature Pylon Racing Association (NMPRA) recommended emphasizing how races are set up and operated rather than attempting to control the absolute performance of racing models. Their point: races are safe if the current rules and safety procedures are followed.

APPLES AND ORANGES

Erroneous impressions continue to trouble understandings of AMA HQ operations, particularly in the area of salaries. Some members see the AMA budget showing about a half million dollars for salaries and, coupled with a major dues increase, suggest costs be reduced—especially concerning the number of employees and their pay.

At the same time there is constant pressure for more and better service. With dues costing more, it's natural that members expect more for their money.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

by the President of the Academy of Model Aeronautics Earl F. Witt 26 Warwick Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17201

MEMBERSHIP DUES

The Executive Council approved a lower senior citizen membership rate. Effective with publication of notice, members over 65 years will receive full membership in the AMA at family rates (subject to council verification of minutes). This amounts to a 32% reduction for older members. It will be necessary to submit some form of legal age certification with membership application.

TRANS-AM RELAY RACE

Bob and Doris Rich reported they will be traveling the Trans-Am Relay Race route during May and June and hope to meet many clubs and teams along the way. They say there is still a need for Contest Directors; interested persons should write to headquarters immediately.

Message from Bob & Doris Rich: We want to thank all of the teams for entering the Trans-Am Relay Race and all of the wonderful people that are helping to set up areas and the receptions for the teams. It is good to see the response and enthusiasm for this big undertaking that will do so much for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and promote modeling.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

There is concern about gas availability for persons driving to the Nats in Lincoln. The Lincoln Convention and Visitors Division of the Chamber of Commerce foresees no problem. Gas ranges between 80 to 90 cents per gallon depending on type, and they report no gas lines as of yet. Although 35% to 40% of gas stations are closed on weekends in some areas, this is apparently due more to low business than to shortages.

A note on Nebraska: it operates with one legislative body of 49 senators, elected on a non-partisan basis. Its state capital building was paid for on a pay-as-you-go basis.

ORGANIZATION CHART

(National Model Airplane Championships — organization chart not reproduced.)

SHOW TEAMS

With spring and summer weather, AMA Show Teams are beginning their schedules. These teams are sought as fill-ins or backups to full-scale air shows, fair features, and many public gatherings. They promote the hobby while entertaining the public. Contact the AMA PR Department for information.

FLYING SITES

One major item examined was AMA’s effort to assist in obtaining flying sites. The Executive Director proposed hiring a full-time person to work on flying sites. Some council members felt better utilization of existing Headquarters personnel could accomplish much without immediate hiring.

Chuck Foreman clarified his motion: he intended that someone be appointed (possibly an existing HQ employee) to pursue flying site opportunities—contacting penal institutions and other sources for potential free sites. The idea could be implemented as a pilot program using current staff.

Earl Witt concurs with Chuck Foreman and has directed the Executive Director to prepare a plan for how Headquarters would utilize additional staff in this area.

Carl Maroney, Assistant Executive Director, is assigned to Flying Sites and has been building a data bank on flying site negotiations across the country for over a year. AMA’s manual "Getting and Keeping Flying Sites" (developed under Carl Maroney's direction) is being mailed to AMA club secretaries as a free copy; clubs are invited to provide input for future editions.

AGENDA (Nats Council Meeting)

The next council meeting at the Nationals will be a short evening meeting. Special interest groups will be invited to address the council. The scheduled business agenda includes:

• Magazine: Review of policies and guidelines.
• Film: Review film budget, progress and use.
• By-Laws: Recommendations from committee.
• NMPRA: Response to council about more stringent safety rules.
• Flying sites: Plan proposal from the Executive Director.

SECRETARY-TREASURER'S REPORT

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

I view the job of AMA Treasurer as increasingly important. As Secretary/Treasurer I am unpaid and remain an unpaid volunteer, as are our District VPs, Associate VPs, and President. My role is to convey information between members and the Academy leadership.

I plan to listen to members’ suggestions by mail regarding AMA financing, spending, insurance, funding, and related matters, and will carry those messages to AMA. I also intend to visit AMA HQ regularly and report to members what I see. Having represented District V at four Council meetings previously, I begin my eighth year in leadership and will report candidly on financial matters.

Special Interest Groups — Continuation

Special interest groups are arising in all modeling phases. As they grow, they influence AMA on rules and competition within safety and common-sense limits. Those who fly particular special events should have primary say in competition rule-making for those events.

The Miami Indoor Aircraft Model Assn.

Address: MIAMA, 3227 Darwin St., Coconut Grove, Miami, FL 33133. For $5 per year you get their Indoor publication, sent monthly. For $10 you also get full membership and hangar privileges. Editor: John Martin. Officials include Dave Linstrum (Artist and Secretary), Dan Kilgore (Chief Scrutineer), Terry Rimert (Archivist), Jim Stewart (Properties), Carl Hedley (Peanuteer).

Adjacent photo note: Mike Arak displays his winning Peanut Scale, a Bristol M-1C, inside the Goodyear blimp hangar in Miami. The building has 60-ft. ceilings; when modelers are inside, they must park the blimp outside.

AMA'S NEW FLYING SITE BOOK

By the time you read this, 1,500 copies of AMA's new publication "Getting and Keeping Flying Sites" will be in the mail to over 1,300 AMA clubs and key officers. Clubs receive a copy at no charge as an extra benefit of being chartered.

The book compiles proven methods that help clubs keep existing sites and obtain new ones. Developed over two years, it reflects experiences from clubs nationwide. Additional copies are available at $2.00 each.

MAAC DUES INCREASE FOR 1980

The Canadian counterpart, MAAC, voted to raise adult dues from $15 to $20 beginning in 1980; this includes their monthly publication Model Aviation Canada (10 issues/year, currently about 24 pages each). A proposal to avoid the dues increase by dropping six issues was defeated.

Some U.S. modelers tried to join MAAC to avoid the AMA dues increase and were told MAAC and AMA have a reciprocal agreement: a U.S. modeler must first be an AMA member to join MAAC, and vice versa.

POTSHOTS & PUBLISHERS

Continued commentary on publishing competition: increased competition among model magazines benefits hobbyists by encouraging publishers to work harder to keep readers happy. AMA membership for 1979 is reported over 62,000 and still climbing.

II DISTRICT REPORT — New Jersey • New York

John C. Grigg District II Vice-President 6387 Badger Drive, Lockport, NY 14094

Associate Vice-Presidents: Pete Bianchini — 260 S. Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10705 John Byrne — 35-22 213th St., Bayside, NY 11361 Frank Dietsch — 49 Willow Ave., Piscataway, NJ 08854 Mark Lites — 46 Cory Dr., So. Toms River, NJ 08753 Adam Satter — 50 Rand Rd., Apt. A-2, Schenectady, NY 12309 Tom Stier — RD 3, Box 412, Massena, NY 13662 Hank Smith — 2 Lorraine Ave., Auburn, NY 13021

The flying season has arrived in Western New York. I met with the RC Aircrafters in Buffalo and the Flying Lines RC Club in East Bloomfield to explain AMA operations and answer questions. The film "Those Marvelous Miniatures" was shown at both meetings and continues in high demand.

The Rockland County RC Club plans a three-day show, June 21–23, at the Bergen Mall in Paramus, NJ, expecting over 150 planes, boats, and cars and a full-size A-4 Skyraider. The Western New York Free Flight Society will sponsor its 10th annual Free Flight contest on July 14–15 (AA meet, sanction No. 695) with expanded events and special high-point awards. Last year they had 82 entries from several states and Canada.

III DISTRICT REPORT — Ohio • Pennsylvania • West Virginia

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

Associate Vice-Presidents: Joe Eiben — 5192 Edenhurst, Lyndhurst, OH 44124 Francis Fluharty — 504 21st St., Vienna, WV 26101 Laird Jackson — 523 Meadowbrook, St. David, PA 19087 Edward Wisser — 1521 Summit St., McKeesport, PA 15131

I attended the April Council meeting in Long Beach. There was ample opportunity to meet with vocal AMA dissenters and hear their arguments. On the matter of flying sites, I moved that HQ proceed to hire an employee assigned to flying site acquisition as soon as AMA is financially able, subject to Council approval; the motion passed 12 for and 3 abstentions. This relates to financial solvency and establishing the necessary budget and job description. We expect final action at the next Council meeting at the Nats.

The Council took positive action to have a committee examine alternate memberships. A motion to reduce costs for senior citizens was approved. After much debate, the magazine will remain largely as it is, as it represents a significant communications asset.

A possibility exists for free AMA museum space in the new "Wings and Wheels" museum in Orlando, FL; low-cost HQ space may also be available at Orlando International Airport. This offer will be further investigated.

Events: the Limestone (PA) Crash Inc. Aeromodellers plan their third annual fun-fly and stand-off scale contest on July 22. Contact Paul Scuola, 116 Old Woods Rd., Dubois, PA 15801.

IV DISTRICT REPORT — Delaware • D.C. • Maryland • North Carolina • Virginia

Chuck Foreman District IV Vice-President 607 Pebble Drive, Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Associate Vice-Presidents: Wayne Abernethy — 5221 Marboro Pike, Hillside, MD 20027 Bob Champion — 205 Tipton Rd., Newport News, VA 23606 Howard Crispen — 611 Beechwood Dr., Charlotte, VA 22201 Ed Bill Henson — 3009 Tryon Road, Charlotte, NC 28210 Scotty Moore — 11 Orchard Lane, Wilmington, DE 19809 Joe Preston — 7012 Elm Court, Falls Church, VA 22042 Paul A. Yocum — 6403 Windward Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28301

The Council voted to keep the magazine as part of the membership package; this reflected the majority response from District IV members who wrote in. Regarding safety rules for 1/4-scale aircraft, the Council accepted the Quarter Scale Association's recommendations.

DISTRICT V — Club of the Month

The Gulf Coast Radio Control Club is this month's featured club. It has 30 members with 40 acres under lease from the Mobile County (Alabama) School Board and has recently added a $2,000 paved runway. They run an annual mall show and have been asked to hold an air show prior to the Greater Gulf State Fair.

VI DISTRICT REPORT — Illinois • Indiana • Kentucky • Missouri • Others

Horace Cain District VI Vice-President 525 Weidner Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60090

Associate Vice-Presidents: Dave Davis — c/o DA Enterprises, Box 335, Haubstadt, IN 47636 Chuck Delong — 7203A Twin Oaks Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46226 Roger Geers — RR 5, Quincy, IL 62301 Frank Hughes — 709 NE 4th St., Kansas City, MO 64116 Glenn Lee — 819 Mandrake, Batavia, IL 60510 Jim Sears — PO Box 320, Bunkey, KY 40310 Bob Underwood — 4109 Concord Oaks Dr., St. Louis, MO 63128

District VI news: mall shows, contests, and club activities are in full swing. Notable items:

• July 4: Freeport RC Modelers Airshow at Albertus Airport.
• July 8: Lansing, IL Pelicans Old-Timer Meet, Bong Field, WI.
• July 8: Hot Heads MAC CL Contest, St. Louis, MO.
• July 15: Chicago Aeronauts FF Meet, Bong Field, WI.
• July 21: 4th Annual SOAR Great Race, Lockport, IL.
• July 22: Indianapolis City-Wide Fun Fly Challenge.
• July 24–26: LSF National Tournament, Grand Champion Selection at Lewis University Airport, Romeoville, IL.
• Aug. 11–12: Spirits of St. Louis Pattern and Sport Scale Contest.
• Aug. 17–19: Quincy, IL Falcons and Chicago Pylon Club Pylon Races at Mt. Sterling, IL.

Notes and acknowledgments: Congratulations to Ft. Wayne Flying Circuits for selection for AMA’s Award of Excellence. Thanks to the Central Illinois Radio Society (SIRS) for hospitality at their flying site. District VI continues to produce strong competitive pilots in miniature aircraft combat rankings.

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THERMALS!

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