AMA News

AMA News

1979 Financial Report

It was a good year financially. Income far exceeded our budget prediction. The budget showed $1,402,390 in total membership income but we actually received $1,508,699 — a gain of $106,309. "Other" income totaled $116,080 vs. the budgeted $96,500 — a gain of $19,580. Our actual total income of $1,624,780 (before magazine allocation) vs. our budgeted total of $1,498,890 therefore produced $125,890 more income than forecast. This resulted in a net income (after expenses) of $198,541 plus $20,697 for the magazine.

We not only wiped out last year's beginning deficit of $58,135; we ended up with a total year-end surplus (including the magazine "profit") of $161,104. Our budget had been conservative — we expected only to wipe out the previous deficit — but a stronger-than-expected membership year produced a much larger net income. Instead of losing about 9,000 members (1978 total of 71,230 vs. the 1979 budget of 63,579), we netted only about 3,000 fewer (68,376), a surprisingly small dip given a major dues increase.

The 1980 budget is also proving conservative. We budgeted for approximately a 7% increase in members; we are currently running a little over 10% with over 70,000 already signed up for 1980. Instead of the 74,489 members previously budgeted for 1980, we should expect about two to three thousand more. The end result should be a surplus of about $100,000 instead of the $77,000 previously budgeted.

With back-to-back surpluses, no dues increase for 1981 seems necessary, despite ongoing inflation. If membership growth continues we should be able to match inflation — current trends suggest we should top 80,000 members in 1981. By holding the dues line through next year we will provide better value than when the dues increase went into effect. It appears we have survived the worst part of the current dues period with an excellent outlook for 1981.

John Worth Executive Director

Annual Open Meeting

As required by AMA bylaws, the Annual Meeting, open to AMA members, will take place at the site of the 1980 National Model Airplane Championships on Wednesday, August 13 at 8:00 p.m., Wilmington Airfield. Exact building and room location will be posted on the official Nats bulletin board at the airfield.

Balance Sheet — December 31, 1979 (Summary)

Assets

• Current assets: cash, petty cash, savings (including earned interest).
• Accounts receivable: various items including advertising receivables and Nats sponsor pledges.
• Employees' loans and deferred charges (Model Aviation future issue costs).
• Prepaid insurance and miscellaneous prepaid expenses (1980 membership).
• Supplies, inventory (Nats souvenirs, paper), printing and duplication.
• Fixed assets: furniture and equipment; contest/Nats equipment; automotive equipment.

Total assets less reserve for depreciation: $12,183,096

Liabilities & Fund Balances

• Current liabilities: accounts payable, employees' escrow, reserves for unrelated business tax (Model Aviation), deferred income — membership dues 1980, club charters 1980, FAI stamps and amounts held on behalf of AMA teams.
• Restricted fund balances: Scholarship Fund; Howard McEntee Fund; AMA Property Fund; Eight‑Ball Fund; AMA‑FAI Fund; Russ Barrera Museum Fund; Reserve Insurance Claim, etc.
• Unrestricted: beginning deficit 1‑1‑79 ($58,135); net income — AMA General $198,541; net income — Model Aviation $20,697.

Total fund balances and liabilities: $12,628,734

(For complete line-by-line detail see the printed balance sheet in this issue.)

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Synopsis of May 3, 1980 Executive Council Meeting

1. Competition License

• Competitors will be required to pay a special fee at the time of the next dues restructuring to obtain a stamp applied to the AMA membership card to be eligible to enter sanctioned competition.

1. Headquarters Relocation

• Authorization to obtain a specific written proposal concerning a potential Reston, VA site (suburb of Washington, DC) for possible council vote during or before the next meeting.

1. Flying Site Representative

• Hiring of a full-time HQ employee to work on flying site problems was authorized.

1. Contest Director Qualification

• Approval of a program to evaluate Contest Directors based on a special questionnaire to be used by district vice-presidents; questionnaire to be developed as soon as possible.

1. Show Team Managers

• Approved one free membership per show team per year for the show team manager, similar to free memberships for qualified Contest Directors.

1. CD Free Memberships

• Return to the previous policy for free Contest Director memberships was approved, retroactive to January 1, 1980.

1. Contest Sanctions

• Beginning January 1, 1981, all sanctions will cost the same — $5 — and free sanctions will be discontinued.

1. Optional Magazine

• Approved to make the magazine optional effective January 1, 1981.

1. Executive Director Contract

• Only elected council members plus the NAA representative are required to vote on changes to the Executive Director's contract. The current contract will terminate at the end of the first council meeting in 1981 in favor of a new contract to be drafted by a committee of three council members with AMA legal counsel. If a new contract is not approved, the current contract will continue in force.

1. 30-Day Trial Memberships

• Modified policy to make the membership effective on the day following the postmark date of mailing.

1. Special Interest Group Recognition

• Previously proposed policy approved except the requirement for annual dues payment was deleted; requirement that all "citizens" of the U.S. be AMA members was changed to "residents."

1. Headquarters Insurance

• Executive Director and the AMA comptroller are bonded for $100,000 each; all other HQ employees are bonded for $50,000.

1. Business Advisory Committee

• Approved establishment of a committee to provide expert financial guidance to HQ and the Executive Council.

1. Show Team Districts

• Agreed that the new Show Team Policy Committee should be asked to recommend how show teams should operate within and across districts to avoid conflicts.

1. Redistricting (III and VII)

• A poll will be taken of these districts to determine if boundaries should be changed between them.

1. AMA No. 2 Model

• The Sig Cub was tentatively approved, pending the manufacturer's acceptance of suggested changes such as a prefabricated nose hook and bulk kit packs for HQ to offer.

1. Non-Flying Sanctions

• Procedure approved to sanction shopping mall shows and similar static model display events, including exemption of AMA membership and CD requirements for such events.

1. 1979 Financial Statement

• The 1979 financial statement was unanimously approved as previously submitted.

1. 1980 Budget

• Updated version incorporating changes voted at the January 1980 meeting was approved. The Executive Director is to receive a 3% cost-of-living increase as per other employees; this amount was included in the previously approved budget.

1. Surplus Fund Investments

• Continued policy: guaranteed and insured investments only.

1. "Key Man" Insurance

• Agreed to solicit additional offers for coverage to protect AMA's interest in case of Executive Director incapacity.

1. Annual Open Meeting

• Approved for Wednesday, August 13th at the Nats (Wilmington).

1. Nats Council Lodging

• Council members participating in both the Nats council meeting (November 9) and the Annual Open Meeting will be provided dormitory lodging from Saturday through Wednesday.

1. W. C. Logos

• For AMA-hosted "world" championships the names "AMA" and "FAI" will be required to be part of the logo design.

1. Expense Documentation

• Approved that the Executive Director should present required financial reporting procedures for both AMA employees and volunteer officers. Secretary/Treasurer noted February 15th deadline for submitting requests for reimbursement of prior-year expenses.

1. Pyrotechnics Ban

• Immediate ban on show teams' use of pyrotechnics (ground and aerial) was approved; model rocket operation remains allowed per the National Association of Rocketry Safety Code.

1. Show Team Competition

• Ban on competition between show teams was approved to prevent unsafe showmanship escalation.

1. Awards

• Several awards were approved; details to be published after presentations.

1. 1981 RC Soaring World Championship

• Tentative approval for a U.S.-hosted event, pending details from the proposer and possible offering to the FAI later in the year.

1. Nats-Type Meets Outside the U.S.

• Approved in principle for Nats-type events in Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, with the district VP empowered to authorize one such event per year. AMA to provide 15 trophies for a mini-Nats in Puerto Rico in 1980.

1. Delta Dart Contest Directors

• Free membership approved for those who direct a Delta Dart contest upon submission to HQ of a written report and pictures suitable for publication.

Further details will follow after council approval of the official meeting minutes.

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Minutes — 1/19/80 (continued)

• The President's proposed message to the membership concerning the New York accident and additional notes by the Executive Director were carefully reviewed. The combined message was accepted by the Council and submitted for review by AMA's attorney representing the organization in the New York accident.

• The third paragraph of the President's message was amended to be less specific, and assurance that insurance coverage continues for AMA members was added.

• Excluding "Professionals" from Insurance Coverage: The Council discussed excluding paid performers at air shows or model flying demonstrations from AMA liability protection. AMA legal counsel noted that the definition of "professional" and the conditions under which coverage would or would not apply must be stated by AMA. Rather than attempting to define "professional," it was suggested to adopt regulations to the Safety Code covering acceptable operations.

• Adopted Safety Code language: At air shows or model flying demonstrations a single straight line must be established; one side is for flying, the other for spectators. Only persons essential to flight operations are permitted on the flying side; all others must be on the spectator side. Flying over the spectator side of the line is prohibited unless beyond the pilot's control. Exceptions under special circumstances may be jointly approved by the AMA President and the Executive Director.
• An amendment to strike the phrase "and will void AMA insurance protection for the pilot(s)" passed.

• Banning of Nitromethane: The Council concluded by consensus that this is a Contest Board issue and no Council ruling was necessary at present.

• Awards: The Council voted to issue two Distinguished Service Awards, two Superior Service Awards, and one Award of Excellence.

• Nats Awards: A more economical trophy design for the 1980 Nats was approved to realize savings.

• Absentee Voting: AMA legal counsel concluded that a written vote from an absent Executive Council member is permissible if a quorum is physically present. By general consensus, the Council will allow a written and signed yes or no vote from an absent Council member on a specific agenda item published in advance of the meeting.

• Insurance Coverage for Professional/Commercial Fliers and Manufacturer Category: The insurance company is willing to find coverage if AMA defines the categories. The Council referred the issue back to the original proposer for clarification and a more specific proposal.

Minutes to be concluded next month.

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President's OUTLOOK

Earl F. Witt 26 Warwick Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17201

May Council Meeting

Highlights reported:

• Approval of a full-time Flying Site Assistant/Coordinator.
• Rescission of free Contest Director membership restrictions instituted in January.
• Elimination of mandatory magazine subscription with membership in 1981.

Rule Change Cycle

• The 1980–81 rule books were printed and distributed more than four months into the rule year. Ideally, rules should reach the membership four months before the new rule year to allow competition modelers time to adapt.
• Current rule-making is handled by appointed volunteers working in their spare time. To ensure earlier distribution, the President proposes a three-year rule cycle while retaining the two-year rule change procedures, aiming to place rule books in members' hands at least six months prior to their effective date.
• Membership opinion is requested on this proposal.

National Control Line Society

• Laird Jackson has circulated proposals for creating a National Control Line Society to consolidate control line interests under an umbrella organization, similar to the National Free Flight Society.
• The President endorses this proposal, noting it would strengthen control line representation and support for a specialized control line publication.

Conflict of Interest

• Mr. Hurst G. Bowers raised concerns about cliquism and political infighting, suggesting elected officials might use their positions to seek employment with AMA staff (a conflict of interest).
• The President agrees that the prospect of elected officers later seeking employment with AMA can cast suspicion on votes and actions and should not exist.
• The Council's only hiring authority is for the Executive Director; historically, special circumstances led to appointments like John Worth's in 1963.
• To provide leadership and eliminate doubt, the President pledges not to seek nor accept employment with the AMA. He urges other elected or prospective officers to consider making similar pledges in accord with their consciences.
• (Since writing, the Executive Director informed the President that District VII Vice‑President Geoff Styles has been employed as Flying Site Coordinator.)

Membership Meeting

• Annual membership meetings historically held at the National Championships have suffered low general-member attendance, largely due to a lack of publicity and the dispersed nature of Nats events.
• The Council has asked HQ to publicize the annual meeting more effectively.
• The Annual Meeting will be at the National Model Airplane Championships in Wilmington, OH on Wednesday, August 13. Exact time and place will be posted on the Nats bulletin board.

John Worth Executive Director

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AMA Annual Open Meeting

As called by AMA bylaws, the Annual Meeting open to AMA members is announced for the 1980 National Model Airplane Championships on Wednesday, August 13 at 8:00 p.m., Wilmington Airfield. Exact building and room location will be posted on the official Nats bulletin board at the airfield.

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Secretary-Treasurer's Report

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

A letter from Harvey C. Neel (York Area RC Club, York, PA) raised questions about staff borrowing of AMA funds, the Retirement Fund, salary and retirement breakdowns, the scholarship program, free magazines to officers and CDs, staff travel, investment income, and FAI/NAA/Nats expenses. Responses:

• Staff borrowing of AMA money: This practice has stopped. HQ maintains a policy of small advances against salary for hourly employees; such advances have the Secretary/Treasurer's approval.

• Retirement Fund ($18,885): AMA contributes on a matching basis penny-for‑penny with employees up to 5%. This is a competitive benefit to retain good employees and is administered by an insurance company that invests the funds.

• Breakdown of salaries and retirement contributions: Personal salary and contribution details will not be published in the magazine, but salaries are on par or lower than comparable wages in the DC area.

• Scholarship program: AMA supports scholarship aid as part of its mission to help Juniors. Eliminating a small scholarship program to save $1,000 would be short-sighted.

• Free magazines to officers and CDs: The Council voted to restore optional magazine status. Consideration is being given to requiring Contest Directors who earn free memberships to pay extra for the magazine.

• Staff travel: Includes travel to the Nats (clerical and operational), trade shows, and public relations events. Travel expenses are monitored.

• Investments and projected interest income: Investments are handled conservatively and watched by HQ. Projected interest income seems modest but acceptable.

• NAA affiliation ($28,893 last year): AMA is an affiliate of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA), which is the officially designated organization from the FAI in Paris. AMA's affiliation supports international representation, flying teams, and participation in world championships. AMA does not send money directly to FAI.

On the Nationals: The Secretary/Treasurer urged Nats officials to find ways to reduce or eliminate the Nats' financial losses.

Invitation: Members of the York, PA RC Club are invited to visit the home office; the Secretary/Treasurer will arrange to meet visitors.

Photograph note: Miss Lulie E. Baugh, age 2, pictured holding two ignition antique engines — two similar engines will be given away in October at Tommy MacLaughlin's annual Old Timer Contest in Pensacola, FL, with SAM rules applying.

Correspondence and Responses

• Executive Director John Worth responded to criticisms about AMA representation at the Toledo RC Conference: top staff were there for PR, answering questions, selling sponsorships and advertising, and conducting business that clerks alone could not handle. Their presence likely saved money (clerks would require overtime) and provided effective higher-level assistance. AMA officers in attendance praised the HQ effort.

• William K. Smythe (Membership Director, AMA HQ) suggested that published problem letters could be used to teach members how to avoid similar pitfalls (for example, always providing an effective date for an address change) and recommended that routine membership problems be sent directly to HQ for prompt handling, with a copy sent to the Secretary/Treasurer when desired.

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Minutes Excerpts — Further Council Actions and Approvals

• The motion to hire an assistant to the Executive Director and a new Flying Site Representative was approved.

• Council member expense allowances increased by 20%; a $15 per diem for meals while attending council meetings was added.

• Approved allocation of $10,000 for a HQ mini-computer for accounting.

• Approved continued policy of guaranteed and insured investments only for surplus funds.

• Approved seeking additional offers for "key man" insurance to protect AMA's interests.

• Approved dormitory lodging for council members attending both the Nats council meeting and the Annual Open Meeting.

• Approved logo requirements for AMA-hosted world championships to include "AMA" and "FAI".

• Approved immediate ban on pyrotechnics for show teams and a ban on show-team competition to prevent unsafe escalation.

• Approved providing free membership to Delta Dart contest directors upon proper reporting to HQ.

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Headquarters and Operational Notes

• An Assistant Executive Director has been hired; the individual is described as well-qualified.

• Special Interest Group recognition was accepted with minor modifications. This may lead to a revision of Contest Board procedures where specialized groups establish rules for their interest areas — but such change could be several years away.

• A proposal for MODEL AVIATION DAY in New York seeking up to $1,500 in matching funds from the general treasury was denied; support came only from Districts I, II, VI, the Secretary/Treasurer, and the Executive Director. The Greater NY Association will carry forward the effort.

• Reston, VA remains the most viable relocation option for Headquarters due to its proximity to Dulles Airport and federal agencies; potential for AMA to be its own landlord and for NAA to rent from AMA may offset rent increases elsewhere.

• The Youth Program: The Sig Cub was accepted as a follow-on to the Delta Dart for beginner program use, with recommended minor modifications (formed landing gear, improved nose bearing, and die-cutting).

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What's Happening in District IV

• Northern Virginia Radio Control Club and Woodbridge RC Club are teaming up for the Un-Contest at Quantico Marine Base on June 28–29.

• First State RC Club has a new field reportedly large enough to add a control line circle.

• Central Virginia Radio Control Association plans a fun fly at G.E.'s Chandler Mountain Road Plant picnic in September.

• Tidewater Model Soaring Society reports Woody Blanchard attempting to break indoor RC endurance records with high-capacity batteries.

• District column recommendation: Read Vince Mankowski's District IX column in Model Aviation (July 1980).

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District V Report

Bill Mathews District V Vice-President 311 Poinciana Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209

Associate Vice-Presidents

• John Cordray — Jackson, MS
• Richard Jackson — Charleston Heights, SC
• Artur Johnson — Delray Beach, FL
• Phillip McDowell — Nashville, TN
• Joseph Mancini — Fajardo, PR
• Ed Moorman — Shalimar, FL
• Harry Shearer — Birmingham, AL
• Tom Thacker — Decatur, GA

District notes:

• The Junior Program is slowly coming together. Ed Whitten and others have been contributing to program development and promotion.
• Several Juniors and youth successes are highlighted, along with club activities supporting Juniors.
• Frequency conflicts (e.g., Coca-Cola plant robots) have been addressed cooperatively with companies in some cases.
• AVPs are actively working to support control line and free-flight initiatives in the district.
• Clubs continue community outreach and fundraising for charitable causes (e.g., muscular dystrophy).
• Calendar highlights and contest listings for July were provided for the district.

Anecdotes and club news:

• Club member spotlights, successful contest results, field developments, and mall displays are noted for various clubs across the district.
• Model Aviation movie resources are available from the VP for club use; clubs pay only return shipping.

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District X Report

Jim Scarborough District X Vice‑President 2501 Armour Lane, Redondo Beach, CA 90278

Associate Vice‑Presidents

• Glenn Carter — Walnut Creek, CA
• Alex Chisholm — Fresno, CA
• Lonnie Kroeber — Las Vegas, NV
• John Pond — San Jose, CA
• Bob Reynolds — Tucson, AZ
• Betty Stream — Long Beach, CA
• Keith Whitmyre — Salt Lake City, UT

District X highlights:

• The Headquarters Relocation Committee reported a promising offer from Reston, VA near Dulles Airport.
• The Council voted to make the magazine optional in 1981; the vote was close (8–7).
• The current Executive Director's contract will be reviewed and rewritten by a committee.
• Contest Director free-membership rule changes from January were rescinded; the system reverted to the longstanding policy with a study to address abuse.
• Council travel allowances increased (20%) and $15 per diem for meals added to help VPs visit outlying clubs.
• The Council approved hiring an Assistant Executive Director and a Flying Site Representative.
• Local club news includes dedication of "Dennis Turner Memorial Field" and celebration of club milestones.

Invitations:

• The VP is available to show AMA films at club meetings and to send the AMA display booth for mall shows.

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Miscellaneous Items of Interest

• Modeling and teaching initiatives in New York City schools incorporate aeromodeling into curricula; inexpensive materials like styrofoam plates are used effectively for beginner model construction (example: Cloud Hopper, 17" span R.O.G., with simple balsa and foam components).

• New publications: John Kaufmann's Fly It! (Doubleday) includes elementary projects and a foam-built beginner hand-launched glider. Recommended as companion material to Flying Hand-Launched Gliders.

• West Baden indoor events: Northwood Institute events include Junior and Senior competition, Indoor World Championships, and the Peanut Grand Prix proxy contest with varying minimum weights. Feedback on minimum weight suggests returning toward 10 g.

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