AMA NEWS
SHORT SUMMARY OF NOVEMBER 9–10 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL DECISIONS
- Nats tentatively approved for the former Clinton County Air Force Base, Wilmington, OH; dates to be determined. Final approval subject to Nats Executive Committee sign-off on details.
- Previous limits removed from Model Aviation regarding total number of pages and amount of advertising permitted.
- New RC Pattern points proposal rejected where it would have required a special Headquarters effort — council wished to avoid setting a precedent for similar efforts on other events.
- NMPRA safety requirements recommended to the RC Contest Board for inclusion in the 1980 rule book as the basis for insurance coverage of RC Pylon Racing events.
- $10,000 approved as a special escrow insurance reserve to cover property-damage claims within the $1,000 deductible.
- U.S. hosting of the 1980 Indoor World Championships at West Baden, IN, approved for submission to the FAI annual meeting (November 30).
- AAAA status approved for the June 1980 control-line meet at Winston‑Salem, NC.
- Grigg (District II VP) proposal for special-interest-group recognition approved; minimum requirements to be established.
- Travel expenses approved for a special AMA Frequency Committee meeting to expedite the current AMA proposal to the FCC on RC frequencies.
- Last-quarter 1979 cost-of-living increase for Headquarters' salary budget approved.
- Travel funding approved for the 1980 assistant control-line team manager to help the regular manager with a 14-competitor team.
- New procedure adopted for approval of council meeting minutes and agendas.
- Four 1979 scholarship awards approved totaling $3,000: two at $1,000, one at $750, one at $500.
- Deadline for proposals regarding a possible Headquarters relocation set for the next meeting.
- Next Council meeting scheduled for January 19, 1980, in Orlando, FL; will include review of the Wings & Wheels museum offer regarding a possible AMA museum.
NEW AMA MOVIE NOW AVAILABLE
AMA film producer Jay Gerber has followed up "Marvelous Miniatures" with another superb production, Modeling's Grand Illusions. The 36‑minute, full‑color film with professional narration showcases scale models of many types and sizes — from tiny peanut free flights to large RC models such as a 747 transport and a Lancaster bomber. Featured models include a control-line Dynajet-powered model, a six‑engined B‑36, Duane Johnson's RC dual-ducted‑fan F‑15 fighter, Bob Underwood's de Havilland Comet, Mick Reeves' RC 1978 World Championship model (Woodvale), and others.
- The film is available from AMA Headquarters; request the latest Film Library list.
- Deposit fees have been increased (now $50) to help assure safe return — too many films previously returned damaged. Basic rental fees remain unchanged. Handle films carefully and return them in good condition to receive a full deposit refund; repairs for damaged films will be charged against the deposit.
- The new film is expected to be in heavy demand during the winter season — order early. If an HQ copy is not available, check with your district AMA vice-president for copies for special showings.
SAFE FLYING IS NO ACCIDENT!
1979 AMA ELECTION RESULTS
Jim McNeill has been elected AMA Secretary‑Treasurer for 1980–81. Final tallies:
- McNeill*: 7,335
- Byrne: 5,757
- Write‑Ins: 27
- Total votes cast: 13,119 (roughly 25% of eligible members)
Notes:
- John Byrne received about 44% of the votes cast for the two main candidates and won his own district (District III).
- Voter turnout remains below the number of members who renewed during the voting period; at the voting deadline in November, more than 20,000 eligible voting members had signed up for 1980, so many eligible members did not vote.
Totals of Votes for Secretary‑Treasurer, by District
- McNeill*: I 425, II 518, III 1,020, IV 423, V 875, VI 759, VII 765, VIII 599, IX 264, X 934, XI 340, No Dist. 413. Total 7,335
- Byrne: I 323, II 1,162, III 831, IV 285, V 281, VI 501, VII 526, VIII 391, IX 177, X 649, XI 243, No Dist. 388. Total 5,757
Vice‑President Election Results (elected candidates marked *)
- District I: Cliff Piper* — 718; Write‑Ins — 14
- District II: Dave Brown* — 1,208; Write‑Ins — 5
- District III: Joe Eiben — 755; Write‑Ins — 5
- District IV: Bill Mathews* — 1,037; Write‑Ins — 20
- District VII: Geoff Styles* — 828; Hardy Brodersen — 539; Write‑Ins — 7
- District VIII: Vince Mankowski* — 434; Write‑Ins — 2
- District IX: Homer Smith* — 485; Don Connell (Write‑In) — 18; Other Write‑Ins — 20
(*Elected for 1980–81 term)
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President's OUTLOOK
By Earl F. Witt 26 Warwick Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17201
1980 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
At the November Council meeting a proposal was presented to change the basic management format of the 1980 Nationals. Chuck Shade and Dick Nutting, representing the Western Ohio RC Society and other Modelers of Southwest Ohio, proposed increased participation by local clubs and special-interest groups, with those local organizations sharing in any financial gains.
Key points of the proposal:
- Host clubs and local modelers would take a larger role in planning and setup, leveraging local contacts and facilities to run the event more efficiently than distant Headquarters staff.
- Local organizers would spearhead a new advertising and promotional concept, with AMA assisting (for example, via space in Model Aviation). Dick Nutting, a news editor for WLWT‑TV in Cincinnati, has met with media personnel.
- The proposal aims to make the Nats a family affair: schedule preliminary rounds in a block, allow a day or two off for families and practice/repairs, then run finals back‑to‑back — potentially creating opportunities for national TV coverage and increased spectator participation.
- Reduced Headquarters involvement and increased advertising could cut expenses and increase entries; host clubs could operate concessions as a revenue source; Special Interest Groups would be encouraged to manage their own events.
The Ohio Nats Committee plans to meet in December to finalize dates and promotional details.
HEADQUARTERS RELOCATION PROPOSAL
At the November Council meeting Martin Levine, President of the Springfield, OH Community Improvement Corporation, formally presented a financial proposal for a Headquarters facility located in a new industrial and office park on Springfield’s south edge. The site offers city utilities (including natural gas) and good proximity to Dayton (30 minutes), Columbus (55 minutes), and Cincinnati (90 minutes). Members are invited to suggest preferred locations and facility types as the search continues.
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FCC AND RC FREQUENCIES
A meeting with the FCC was held on October 26, attended by representatives from the FCC, the AMA Frequency Committee, AMA legal counsel, and the model industry. The meeting was encouraging: attendees generally expect approval of additional narrow‑band FM allocations in the 72 MHz region and the possibility of 20–40 radio channels to bypass high‑powered point‑to‑point channels in urban areas.
Projected timeline:
- Proposed rules expected to be released for public comment by late spring or early summer.
- Comment period estimated at 30–60 days, followed by a review; depending on comments, a final ruling could be issued within eight months to a year.
- AMA legal counsel Jack Smith noted that this timetable is relatively rapid compared with other FCC actions.
A request: please do not contact the FCC, members of Congress, or other officials individually to try to speed this process — unsolicited letters can slow administrative procedures.
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JUNIOR PROGRAMS
Successful junior programs are usually the result of local dedication. Example: Roger Wathen, a teacher at Forrest Manor Junior High School, has established a two‑year Delta Dart program for 7th and 8th graders. Students meet twice weekly, earn points for accomplishments, and winners receive trophies. This year’s winner (from 60 students) was 13‑year‑old LaVonne Jones. The program includes rocket and plastic models, rubber‑powered stick models, paper and balsa gliders, and Delta Darts. For details contact:
- Roger L. Wathen, 3242 N. DeQuincy, Indianapolis, IN 46218.
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HOBBY SHOWS
- October: the 7th Annual Greater Chicago R/C Show at the DuPage County Fairgrounds featured many manufacturers and daily flying demonstrations at the adjacent field.
- November: the Indian City Radio Control Club held the first three‑day Greater Michigan Hobby Show and Exposition at an armory site with 290,000 sq. ft. of floor area (81,000 sq. ft. used this year). The static display covered 14,000 sq. ft. of table space; outdoor demonstrations included Dean Copeland flying a Byron Maj Jet. The Expo also featured indoor RC demonstrations (boats, electric motorcycles, cars) and hourly door prizes. Plans are underway for a second annual Expo next October.
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AGENDA FOR JANUARY COUNCIL MEETING
As of November 24, the listed items include:
- Finalization of the 1980 budget.
- Consideration of the proposed Headquarters move.
- Approval of a Nationals championship plan.
- Consideration of a museum at Wings & Wheels in Orlando, FL.
Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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SECRETARY‑TREASURER'S REPORT
Jim McNeill 617 South 20th Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205
Anecdote and introduction:
- Hilda, an AMA Headquarters employee, recalled early barnstorming days while traveling; this provides a hook to introduce the Membership Department staff.
Membership Department (Kip Smythe, Director):
- Kip Smythe’s department (about 14 people, including Hilda) handles the largest employee contingent at AMA Headquarters.
- Membership operations have been modernized: what once was done by hand is now computerized. Tasks that once took days or weeks (for example, counting ballots) can now be completed in minutes or hours. Ballot counting that used to take two weeks can now be processed in about three hours.
- Data processing improvements include personalized ballots and faster renewals (from 10 days in the past to minutes today). Systems used include optical scanners and electronic memory banks. Kip’s work has been featured in Association Management magazine (American Society of Association Executives).
- The Membership Department also processes applications, renewals, charter-club paperwork, and payments more efficiently thanks to automation.
A note for next month: continuation of the Membership Department feature and other departmental highlights.
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DISTRICT NEWS & REPORTS (HIGHLIGHTS)
- Sacramento Red Barons: recent visit recorded a 660‑mile trip. Club discussed a new leased flying site and issues with neighboring tenants at the present site. A projector bulb failed during a planned film showing; lesson: always have a spare bulb when screening films.
- AMA portable display booth: in frequent circulation — recent stops included Sacramento (108 models on display, 85,000 mall visitors), Bakersfield (Southern San Joaquin Soaring Society), and Camarillo (Camarillo Flying Circus). Clubs that want to schedule the booth should request it early.
- San Gabriel Valley Radio Control League: Whittier Narrows site currently open to the public; the club is exploring sole possession to better regulate use.
- Education outreach: Those Marvelous Miniatures film shown at John Muir Junior High in Los Angeles to support a basic aeronautics class and the AMA Delta Dart project. Teacher Jim Lillis is running the class and AMA is assisting.
- Denver area: FAI (Pattern) team practice provided local PR opportunities; Metro Denver Modeling Council clubs supported the team with practices and by covering out‑of‑pocket expenses. Memorial contests continue to honor longtime members who passed away.
- District booth/patches: clubs are encouraged to send club patches for the district display; some patches are sewn onto a jacket for travel.
- All‑season flying: Alaska modelers fly year‑round with contests even in January; other clubs report active schedules despite weather.
- Junior successes: local juniors continue to excel in open contests (examples include Frank Metzger, Chad Stewart, Jimmy Faith).
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If you have news, corrections, or items for district pages, please send them to your district vice‑president or associate vice‑president so they can be included in future reports.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
