AMA News

AMA News — Summary: Nats Executive Council Meeting (Aug. 9, 1980)

Following is a brief account of actions taken at the August 9 AMA Council meeting held at the National Championships, Wilmington, OH. Minutes of this meeting will be published upon final approval after the November 15, 1980 Council meeting.

1. District VII Vice‑President

• Hardy Brodersen, Birmingham, MI, was elected to fill the unexpired term vacated by Geoffrey Styles of Milwaukee, WI.

1. May 1980 Meeting

• The minutes, with changes submitted previously by mail, were approved for publication (see elsewhere in this issue).

1. Headquarters Relocation

• Authorization to purchase property in the D.C. area for up to $200,000 was approved, together with a three‑year fund‑raising campaign for building construction; rental to continue during the campaign period.

1. Key‑Man Insurance

• $75,000 each approved for the AMA Executive Director and Assistant, with AMA to be beneficiary, via Northwestern Insurance Company.

1. 1982 Scale Team Selection

• Those trying for the team at the 1981 Nats must enter models meeting FAI rules; flying will be by AMA rules.

1. Free Flight Committee Meeting

• An in‑person meeting, with travel and lodging costs to be paid from the AMA‑FAI Fund, was approved.

1. Rule Book Effectivity

• March 1 (instead of the traditional January 1) is recommended to the AMA Contest Boards for the next publication.

1. RC Soaring World Championships

• Offer from California for the 1981 meet approved for submission to the December 1980 annual FAI meeting.

1. Two‑Meter World Cup

• Use of the words “world champion” and “world championships” for this event was not approved for sanctioning the event.

1. Air Show Pyrotechnics Ban

• Teams will be asked to submit local licensing and legal requirements as a basis for possible lifting of the ban.

1. Preliminary 1981 Budget

• Requested for presentation at the November 1980 meeting.

1. Magazine Option (for 1981)

• Open membership with magazine: $25.00.
• Open membership without magazine (but with the AMA News section of the magazine mailed separately): $21.00.

1. FAI Team Expenses

• AMA to pay 80% of shipping costs, and fuel and model boxes for World Championship teams from AMA‑FAI funds.

1. Team Fund Donations

• Unless designated for specific purposes, use of such funds shall be decided by vote of program participants; the same applies to funds from program entry fees.

1. Nats Planning

• The National Free Flight Society and other special interest groups will be invited to the next Nats planning meeting.

1. Distinguished Service Award

• One award approved; announcement to be made at time of presentation.

1. Smithsonian Project

• Headquarters to assess costs of a February 1981 project and offer a proposal for Council consideration at the next meeting.

1. Next Meeting

• Approved for Washington, D.C., November 15, 1980, with a special FAI briefing on November 16.

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New Dues Structure for 1981 Members

• See the new membership application (page 122) and the synopsis of the August 9 Executive Council actions.
• Difference in membership cost between those who choose to receive the magazine and those who will receive only the AMA News section: $4.00 — Open membership with magazine $25.00; without magazine (AMA News mailed separately) $21.00.

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No Extra Competition Fee for 1981

• At its August 9 Nats meeting, the AMA Executive Council rescinded its previous action that would have required an extra fee for competitors under the upcoming membership dues restructuring.

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New Flying Site Representative on Duty at AMA Headquarters

• As of August 1, 1980, the newly created staff position of Flying Site Representative came to life in the person of Geoffrey Styles.
• Geoff moved to Washington from Milwaukee, WI, where he previously served as an Associate Vice‑President and later as Vice‑President for District VII.
• A modeler and keen proponent of model aviation since 1937, Styles has experience in Free Flight, Control Line and Radio Control. He is expected to understand the needs of local clubs and to help with flying‑site issues.
• The flying‑site situation is simple: no sites — no flying. In the past, HQ staff handled flying‑site assignments part‑time. In response to members' pressure, the Executive Council created this dedicated position to strengthen AMA’s commitment to flying fields.
• Much has been done, but more remains. The USA has an official Outdoor Recreation Program, so there is work to be done with government departments involved in land use and development. Clubs that have had success locating sites should have their information compiled and made available to other clubs.
• AMA’s booklet Getting and Keeping Flying Sites needs updating and revision. Communications between chartered clubs and HQ should be strengthened to improve the flow of information.
• Styles says that after 42 years of building and flying models he still gets the big thrill of seeing his handiwork take to the sky. He wants to give service to model aviation and be of help to clubs and fliers everywhere.

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GOOD NEWS / BAD NEWS (Editorial Summary)

• The Good News: The Council has taken action toward obtaining an AMA‑owned office site outside the District of Columbia. The proposal echoed ideas previously advocated (including fund‑raising by promoting building donations).
• The Bad News: Delay in taking this action is costly. With little time to construct an office before the current lease expires, AMA will likely enter another costly lease period and delay construction. The lapse in timeliness could cost the AMA an estimated half million dollars.

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Minutes — Executive Council Meeting (May 3–4, 1980)

Attendees included: President Earl Witt (Chambersburg, PA); Secretary/Treasurer Jim McNeill (Birmingham, AL); Executive Director John Worth (Fairfax, VA); Vice‑Presidents: Clifton Piper (I), John Grigg (II), Dave Brown (III), Chuck Foreman (IV), Bill Mathews (V), Horace Cain (VI), Geoffrey Styles (VII), John Embry (VIII), Vince Mankowski (IX), Jim Scarborough (X), Homer Smith (XI); General Brooke Allen (NAA representative).

Also attending: Associate Vice‑Presidents John Preston and Howard Crispin (District IV), Richard Gerling (District VI), Al Nowak? (General Manager, Model Airplane News); Randy Vlahos; Penny Witt.

From AMA Executive Staff: Carl Wheeley (Model Aviation Publisher); Micheline Madison (FAI/Contest Boards Director).

The regular meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m., presided over by the President.

Note: Maximum number of votes was 15: 11 Vice‑Presidents + President + Secretary/Treasurer + Executive Director + NAA Representative.

I. Approval of Jan. 19, 1980 Council Meeting Minutes

• MOVED, seconded and passed unanimously that the January 19, 1980 minutes be officially approved.

II. Secretary/Treasurer's Report

• A. Officers owed expense reimbursement must request reimbursement no later than February 15 of the following year.
• B. Reviewed financial status (expenses) of the P.R. Department.
• C. Recommended a $20.00 food allowance for officers at Council meetings.
• D. Recommended revision of the Executive Director's contract to provide for regular review.
• E. Reviewed details of the Executive Director's expense account.

III. Committee Reports — Dues Structure Committee

• Report by Chairman John Grigg. Committee meeting held May 2 at AMA HQ (Grigg, Cain, McNeill, Jackson‑Comptroller, Witt ex officio).
• Committee function: research and recommend possible different classes of membership with varying benefits (not set dues rates).
• Motion to adopt Committee recommendations A and B (effective Jan. 1, 1981):
• A. Existing dues structure (Junior, Senior, Open, Senior Citizen) to remain.
• B. Imposition of a competition license fee for full members desiring to enter sanctioned competition (proceeds to offset costs associated with competitive administration).
• Initial motion failed: 7 for; 7 against (ED, VII, XI, IX, IV, V, I); 1 abstained (NAA).
• Subsequently moved and passed (as amended) that the Dues Structure Committee recommendations be implemented with the next general dues restructuring: 12 for; 2 against (ED, V); 1 abstained (NAA).
• Amendment passed unanimously to strike parenthetical information in recommendation B.
• Editor's note: This action was later rescinded at the August 9 Council meeting.

Additional Committee/Business Items

• Business advisory committee: MOVED and seconded to establish a business advisory committee to advise the Council; passed 9 for; 4 against (Pres., V, II, VI); 2 abstained (S/T, VIII). The President will appoint a committee to select business advisers.

XI. Show Team Districts

• Problem of show team coordination when teams operate outside their district discussed. President directed Chuck Foreman to refer subject to the Show Team Committee.

XII. Redistricting III and VII

• Suggested eastern Michigan might be better affiliated with District II due to separation by Lake Michigan. Vice‑Presidents of Districts III and VII to develop questionnaires for District members.

XIV. Sanctions for Non‑Flying Events

• MOVED and seconded that separate sanctioning procedures be developed for mall shows and static displays; passed 13 for; 1 against (VIII); 1 abstained (XI).
• MOVED, seconded and passed (as amended) that participants in static model display events be exempt from the AMA membership requirement.
• Amendment to exempt totally static events from requiring a Contest Director (CD) passed unanimously.

XV. Review of 1979 Financial Statement

• MOVED, seconded and passed unanimously to approve the 1979 financial statement as submitted.

XVI. Update of 1980 Budget

• MOVED, seconded and passed unanimously that the 1980 budget update be accepted (incorporating January changes).

Additional budget items: A. Executive Director Cost‑of‑Living Increase

• MOVED and seconded to authorize a 3% COL increase for the Executive Director, retroactive to Jan. 1, 1980; passed 14 for; 1 against (VI).

B. Per Diem for Officers

• MOVED and seconded to allow a $20.00 per diem food allowance for Council officers at meetings (based on each night's lodging plus one), effective July 1, 1980; passed 7 for; 5 against; 3 abstained.

C. Increase for Officers' Travel Budget

• MOVED and seconded to authorize a 20% increase for officers' travel budget, retroactive to Jan. 1, 1980; passed 8 for; 2 against; 5 abstained.

D. Salary Item for Assistant Executive Director

• MOVED and seconded to reinstate $15,000 into the 1980 budget to be applied as salary for an assistant executive director; passed 8 for; 5 against; 2 abstained.
• After the vote, Executive Director announced Carl Maroney employed at HQ as administrative assistant (insurance, FCC and flying‑site duties) and Vince Mankowski had been asked to accept the position of Assistant Executive Director.
• MOVED and seconded that prior to employment, and upon resignation as District IX VP, Mankowski will appoint Travis McGinnis as successor; passed 14 for; 1 abstained (VI).

E. Funding for Rockefeller Model Show

• MOVED to authorize funding up to $1,500 on a 50/50 sharing basis for the spring 1980 Rockefeller Center Model Show; failed 5 for; 6 against; 3 abstained.

F. Equipment for HQ Accounting Dept.

• MOVED and seconded to budget $10,000 in 1980 for purchase of a mini‑computer for HQ accounting; passed 13 for; 1 abstained (Pres.). Homer Smith (XI) to be consulted prior to purchase.

G. Flying Site Representative Salary

• MOVED and seconded to establish a salary range of $20,000–$25,000 for the Flying Site Representative; passed 10 for; 2 against; 2 abstained.

XVII. Surplus Fund Investment Policy

• Discussion favored continuing present policy of secured surplus money investments. MOVED and seconded to continue present policy; passed 13 for; 1 abstained (XI).

XVIII. Florida Real Estate Project Review

• Executive Director briefed the Council on a land development project recruiting thirty modelers to invest $5,000 each. Legal counsel determined no conflict of interest for Council members who may join, provided they do not vote on future contracting with investors.

XIX. Executive Insurance

• Follow‑up on "key man" insurance; President directed Chuck Foreman to further investigate and report to Council.

XX. Open Meeting Date Approval

• MOVED, seconded and passed unanimously to schedule an open membership meeting for August 13 at Wilmington Airfield in Ohio.

XXI. Nats Lodging Policy (for Council officers)

• MOVED and seconded that dorm lodging be provided at AMA expense for Council officers attending the August 13 meeting, from Friday, August 8 through August 13; passed 12 for; 2 abstained (VI, XI).

XXII. Transfer of Deceased AMA President's License Number

• Request to transfer a deceased past president's number to his son was denied. Motion passed 9 for; 4 against; 1 abstained.

XXIII. Criteria for FAI Logos

• MOVED, seconded, and passed unanimously that any modeling world championship hosted by the U.S. under AMA auspices will have both FAI and AMA identification on any logos developed.

XXIV. Documentation Requirements for Officer Expenses

• MOVED and passed unanimously that the Executive Director contact proper authorities concerning documentation requirements for officers and employees.
• MOVED and passed unanimously that cutoff date for reimbursement of officer expenses will be Feb. 15, 1981 for 1980 expenses and Feb. 15 in succeeding years for future reimbursements.

Minutes to be concluded next month.

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Summary — Nats Executive Council Actions (Condensed)

(Condensed recap of major actions taken August 9 at the National Championships, Wilmington, OH, with the November 15, 1980 meeting to finalize minutes.)

1. District VII Vice‑President — Hardy Brodersen elected to fill unexpired term vacated by Geoffrey Styles.
2. May 1980 minutes — approved for publication with previously submitted changes.
3. Headquarters relocation — authorized purchase up to $200,000; three‑year fund‑raising campaign approved.
4. Key‑man insurance — $75,000 each for Executive Director and Assistant (beneficiary: AMA).
5. 1982 Scale Team selection — 1981 Nats entrants must meet FAI model rules and fly under AMA rules.
6. Free Flight Committee meeting — in‑person meeting; costs to be paid from AMA‑FAI Fund.
7. Rule book effectivity — recommend March 1 effective date for next publication.
8. RC Soaring World Championships — California offer for 1981 approved for FAI submission.
9. Two‑Meter World Cup — use of “world champion/world championships” not approved for sanctioning.
10. Air show pyrotechnics — teams to submit local licensing/legal requirements for possible lifting.
11. Preliminary 1981 budget — requested for November meeting.
12. Magazine option — 1981 dues: open with magazine $25.00; open without magazine (AMA News mailed separately) $21.00.
13. FAI team expenses — AMA to pay 80% of shipping costs, fuel and model boxes from AMA‑FAI funds.
14. Team fund donations — use decided by program participants unless designated otherwise.
15. Nats planning — invite NFSS and other interest groups to planning meeting.
16. Distinguished Service Award — approved.
17. Smithsonian project — HQ to assess costs; proposal for Feb. 1981 to be presented to Council.
18. Next meeting — Washington, D.C., Nov. 15, 1980; special FAI briefing Nov. 16.

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VII District Report

Hardy Brodersen District VII Vice‑President P. O. Box 1104 Birmingham, MI 48012

Associate Vice‑Presidents:

• James Clark, 4444 Woodview Dr. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
• John E. Larbicek, 6847 N. 67th St., Milwaukee, WI 53218
• Robert D. Lundberg, 4328 Tioga St., Duluth, MN 55804
• William Rohring, 4944 Tanglewood Dr., St. Joseph, MI 49085
• Al Scidmore, 5013 Dorsett Dr., Madison, WI 53711
• Ron Sears, 132 S. River, Pontiac, MI 48054
• Terry Taylor, 6308 Lombardy Lane, Crystal, MN 55428

• Hardy Brodersen was installed to complete Geoff Styles' term as District VII VP after a Council vote. He plans to contact appointed officers and continue momentum established by previous VPs.
• Re‑districting of southeastern Michigan remains under consideration; Brodersen will conduct a population study and opinion poll before making recommendations.
• Positive moves at recent Council meeting included authorization to invest in property for HQ, preliminary planning for next Nats site possibilities (Lake Charles, San Antonio, Lakehurst), and approval for an in‑person meeting for the Free Flight FAI Team Selection Committee.
• Nominating Committee results and District ballot details noted; members are urged to vote in upcoming elections.
• Reports from district contests and incidents: fun fly in Thibodaux, LA; Baton Rouge contest; a crash of a full‑scale Cessna 150 on Aug. 14 injured two club members — readers encouraged to visit and support them.

Good luck and happy flying!

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VIII District Report

John Embry District VIII Vice‑President 509 So. Lebanon Street Sulphur, LA 70663

Associate Vice‑Presidents:

• Buzz Averill, 9117 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, 1415 Manor Dr., Bartlesville, OK 74003

• Embry reported that input from District VIII on the magazine option was limited; with low response, no strong mandate was evident. The Council’s compromise made Model Aviation optional with a small dues difference ($4).
• Nominating Committee actions noted; members encouraged to vote and review candidate positions.
• Clubs and events in the Southwest and Mountain regions were highlighted: new ukie club in Phoenix, Southwest Regionals, K‑Scaler demonstrations in Nevada, and the Pterodactyl Derby in Utah.
• Embry emphasizes that AMA is a business handling substantial funds and urges member participation and oversight.

Good luck and happy flying!

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JUNIOR FLIGHT! — Square One is a Paper Glider

Ed Whitten Box 176, Wall St. Sta., New York, NY 10005

Patty, the Paper Parrot (Paper Glider)

What is the first step in aeromodeling? For many, it starts with a paper glider. Here is a simple design called "Patty, the Paper Parrot."

Materials:

• One piece of fairly stiff paper about 7" x 4½" (size can vary slightly).
• One ordinary paper clip (~1¼").

Construction and setup:

1. Fold the paper in half and trace Patty’s outline with the fold as indicated (use a pattern until comfortable).
2. Cut out the outline with sharp shears. Make a small cut at point (B) — not too deep — and cut off the corner at (C).
3. Open Patty and slip the paper clip on the nose to achieve the correct center of gravity and dihedral.
4. Fold up the twin fins at (B). Bend the elevators (between B and C) up slightly (about half a "trifle") for stability.
5. Test glide, and move the paper clip forward or backward to correct stalls or dives.

Notes:

• Experiment with wing and body sizes, but do not make wings too narrow (they need strength to resist twisting).
• You can try canards (tail‑first) by placing the clip on the tail.
• Once comfortable, try variations and embellishments with tape, staples, or light reinforcements.

Patty is a great, simple project to spark a beginner’s interest in aeromodeling.

A. Nonny Moose — "The Novice" (Poem)

The Novice — A. Nonny Moose

I'm sure I can build a plane, I really think I could... If only someone's showed me How to cut the wood.

I can make it fly real high, I really think I can... If only someone's showed me How to read the plan.

I can make the wing, I think, The tail and body, too... If only someone's showed me How to spread the glue.

I can, too, be a modeler, And fly out with the best... Just show me how to do it And I will meet the test.

Please show me, show me, show me, I really want to know... How to build a plane, fly a plane, And really make it go.

All I need's a little push, Just a start will do... I really think this hobby's great! Can someone help... will you?

• By and large, young newcomers to aeromodeling progress when older modelers encourage and help them. Consider mentoring youngsters and offering simple starter projects like Patty, the Paper Parrot.

No CL Postal This Fall

• Control Line fliers: no postal contest has been scheduled for this fall. Postals have been successful, but a pause is planned to catch up before continuing.

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