Edition: Model Aviation - 1981/05
Page Numbers: 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85
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AMA News

Synopsis of January 31 Council Meeting

AMA's Board of Directors (Executive Council) met in Atlanta, GA. A detailed report will be published after the Executive Council reviews and approves the official minutes of the meeting.

  1. Run-off Election — John Grigg (President) and Horace Cain (District VI Vice‑President) were noted as the winners by AMA's accounting firm responsible for receiving and counting the ballots.
  2. 1981 Budget — A deficit budget was approved. Continuance of operations under this budget would probably require a dues increase the following year if existing services were to be maintained.
  3. Executive Director Contract — A new contract was approved for the next two years, replacing the one in effect since 1964.
  4. Membership Lists — A new basis for making membership lists available for promotion of model aviation activities (but not for commercial purposes) was reviewed and accepted.
  5. Youth Proposal — A concept by founder Charles H. Grant to renew youth participation in AMA programs with emphasis on scientific considerations was reviewed for possible future implementation.
  6. Pyrotechnics Guidelines — Guidelines under which AMA air show teams could be permitted to safely operate pyrotechnics were reviewed and approved.
  7. AMA Blazers — Purchase of jackets for AMA employee representatives to wear at public functions was approved: AMA to pay half if employees pay half. Jackets will also be available to officers without AMA subsidy.
  8. MAAC Magazine — Sale of AMA's magazine to Canadian Aeromodelling Association members at a reduced subscription rate ($16) was approved.
  9. NAA Magazine — It was approved to provide the AMA magazine to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of AMA's parent organization, the National Aeronautic Association.
  10. Member Expulsion Assistance — The assistance of AMA's legal counsel was approved to seek return of AMA property preliminary to considering revocation of membership privileges for a former air show team member.
  11. Nats HQ Personnel — It was agreed that the cost of additional HQ personnel brought to the Nats for general AMA PR purposes should not be charged to the Nats operation.
  12. 1980 Nats Planning — The Nats Executive Committee was left to decide on any expansion of RC Soaring competition "to the satisfaction of Helicopter and Soaring Interests."
  13. Nats Committee — Homer Smith (VP District XI) was appointed Nationals Executive Committee Chairman. Smith and Chuck Foreman (VP District IV) were to develop a Standard Operating Procedure document for Nats operations and committee structure/functions.
  14. Nats Communications — Up to $5,000 was approved to upgrade Nats electronic communications equipment.
  15. Nats Entry Fees — An increase in 1981 Nats entry fees was approved to help prevent deficit operations. (See Competition News for details.)
  16. 1982 Nats Sites — Dover, DE and Pine Bluff, NC were approved for further study as possible 1982 sites.
  17. Bylaws Committee — John Byrne (VP District II) was added to the basic committee consisting of the President, the Executive Director, Bill Mathews (VP‑V), Homer Smith (VP‑XI), and Micheline Madison (AMA HQ).
  18. Chapter Achievement Award — Establishment of a new award for AMA chapters (associations of chartered clubs) was approved; the first award will go to the Central New York Model Aircraft Association.
  19. Homeowners Insurance — The Executive Director was requested to research the legality of publishing a list of companies that will cover model aircraft activities.
  20. CD Phone Numbers — AMA HQ will revise the sanction form to obtain authorization to publish Contest Director phone numbers in the AMA Contest Calendar.
  21. Officer Columns — Approved that the Executive Director have a magazine column equivalent to that of VPs; it was not approved that the Secretary/Treasurer column should be less than the AMA President's column.
  22. Alaska Mini‑Nats — A three‑day 1981 Mini‑Nats in Anchorage, with AMA to provide 15 free trophies, was approved.
  23. CD Qualification — Effective March 15, previous endorsement requirements for new Contest Director applications were reinstated; a VP may approve without endorsements in special cases, but use of the current questionnaire is required.
  24. Safety Committee — A new committee was approved with authority to recommend suspending a Contest Director rating or a contest sanction for extreme safety hazard situations.
  25. 1981 Nomination Procedures — The procedures used for the 1980 election were approved again for 1981. The Bylaws Committee will consider changes for the future; current bylaws deadlines prevent implementation of changes for 1981.
  26. AMA Numbers — Because five‑digit numbers are not sufficient to continue reserving unrenewed numbers for previous holders, it was approved to begin reissuing such numbers effective March 31; a conversion to an alphanumeric system was also approved to minimize the need to reissue reserved numbers.
  27. Distinguished Service — One Distinguished Service award was approved; announcement of the recipient will be delayed until presentation.
  28. Next Meeting — April 4–5, 1981, in the Washington, DC area (April 5 primarily for reviewing bylaws revision proposals).

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Minutes — Executive Council Meeting November 15, 1980

Present: President Earl Witt; Secretary/Treasurer Jim McNeill; Executive Director John Worth; Vice‑Presidents John Grigg (II), Dave Brown (III), Chuck Foreman (IV), Bill Mathews (V), Hardy Brodersen (VII), John Embry (VIII), Travis McGinnis (IX), Jim Scarborough (X), Homer Smith (XI). Horace Cain (VI) and Cliff Piper (I) were absent; proxies appointed as noted. Ev Langworthy (NAA) attended.

AMA Executive Staff present included Vince Mankowski, Carl Wheeley, Gisele Jackson, Frank Ehling, Micheline Madison, Geoff Styles, Carol Merfeld, Carl Maroney, and Joyce Hager. Guests included Howard Crispin (USPJA), John Preston (Safety Advisor), and others.

I. Approval of August 9, 1980 Council Minutes — Approved by general consensus.

II. Secretary/Treasurer's Report — Items noted:

  • S/T signature will appear on the 1981 budget presentation and subsequent presentations.
  • Flying Site Representative Geoff Styles's performance was praised.
  • A review of FAI team expenses will be made and reported.

III. Review of the Agenda — Several items were reordered; additional items were added.

IV. Committee Reports

  • Headquarters Relocation Committee: Council had unanimously approved purchase of Reston property in a prior conference call. Executive Director noted concerns about cash flow and large investment given a projected loss year for 1981.
  • Scholarship Committee: Written report by B. Stalick recommended awards totaling $2,000 for 1980. MOVED and seconded to accept Scheme I of the Scholarship Committee Report for 1980 winners: Paul Munana — $1,000; Peter Campo — $500; Sean Tavares and Thomas Haar — $250 each. Motion passed (10 for; 3 abstained: District IX, NAA, President).
  • RC Frequency Committee: Government is accelerating consideration of AMA's frequency petition; a Notice of Proposed Rule Making was being drafted and new frequencies might be approved by the end of 1981.
  • Air Show Team Committee: A steering committee was being formed; recommendations expected for the next Council meeting.
  • Executive Director Contract Committee: Revision of the contract was nearly complete and could be ready for Council review by year end.

V. 1980 Election Procedure (for '81–'82 office)

  • Concern over candidates not receiving a majority as required by Bylaws and ballot mailing deadlines. MOVED and seconded that the voting deadline (November 25) not be extended. Motion passed (11 for; 1 against; 1 abstained).
  • Ballots were to be counted December 8, 1980.
  • MOVED and seconded that current officeholders remain in office until final election results are determined if a run‑off is needed. Motion passed (8 for; 5 against).
  • MOVED and seconded, unanimously passed, that any run‑off ballot include the two persons with the highest votes on the initial ballot and that run‑off ballots be sent to all eligible AMA members.

(Proceedings continued; full minutes to be published after review and approval.)

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Scholarships

1980 Scholarship Winners

  • First Prize — Paul Munana, $1,000

Paul Munana won the Ocie Randall Memorial Trophy in May 1980 at Taft by placing first in 1/2A Senior with a new AMA record time of 51 minutes, 29 seconds. He had also won trophies at the 1979 Nats in Riverside, CA, in four of seven events he entered. Paul was a founding member and executive officer of the Santa Barbara Indoor Aeromodelers Club and belongs to the Society of Antique Modelers and the National Free Flight Society. He works part‑time while attending college and is active in sports. Paul credits modeling with teaching perseverance, patience, self‑confidence, and competitive spirit.

  • Second Prize — Peter Campo, $500 (Houston, TX)

Peter graduated from Clear Lake High School in the top 5% with a 4.259 GPA (4.5 scale). He was a four‑year National Honor Society member, participated in the Junior Engineering Technical Society, and won honors at the Houston Science Engineering Fair. In 1979 he received an award from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics for "A Practical Model Engine Dynamometer." Peter builds and flies a wide variety of models, including slow and fast combat, sailplanes, and R/C pylon racers. He was a founding member of the Houston Area Pylon Racing Association.

  • Third Prize — Sean Tavares, $250

Sean Tavares (Theodore S. Tavares) graduated from Falmouth High School and ranked in the top decile of a class of 400. He was active in National Honor Society, Latin Club, and Math Club and won high placement in the High School Math Examination. Sean is interested in World War I aviation, built a Fokker DR-1 based on Smithsonian plans (placing fifth in Scale at Rhinebeck, NY in 1979), and has built seven R/C models in three years. He volunteers in his community and worked at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Sean plans to attend MIT to pursue engineering.

  • Fourth Prize — Thomas (Tom) Haar, $250 (Ventura, CA)

Tom graduated from Ventura High School in June 1980 and entered the University of Southern California to study Aeronautical Engineering. He is active in Ventura Aviation Explorers, plays piano and cello with the Ventura County Symphony Orchestra, edits a club newsletter, builds sailplanes and fiberglass fuselages, and aspires to become an airline pilot.

Since 1970, AMA scholarships have been awarded to applicants distinguished by high academic achievement, active involvement in model aviation, and community service. The program was initiated by Matty Sullivan of Pylon Brand Products. To date, AMA has awarded nearly $25,000 to deserving students. Scholarship Committee members: Bob Stalick (Chair), Cliff Telford, Bob Underwood, Betty Stream, and John Worth.

The 1981 Scholarship Program

  • How to Apply: Request a scholarship application by writing to AMA HQ, 515 Fifteenth St., N.W., Washington, DC 20005.
  • Eligibility: Applicants must be current AMA members, must have flown a model in an AMA‑sanctioned competition in 1980 or 1981 prior to submitting the application, and must be high school graduates in 1980 or 1981.
  • Deadline: Completed applications must be returned to AMA HQ by May 31, 1981.

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SIG Scholarship Awards

The Glen Sigafoose Memorial Scholarship Fund (established 1980) awards financial aid from applicants in the AMA Scholarship Program, emphasizing financial need and modeling performance.

  • Award Winners (each $1,000):
  • Jill Peck (San Diego, CA) — Entered UCLA in September 1980 to major in Graphic Arts. Active in modeling since age eight, Jill won numerous Peanut Scale trophies and was named Member of the Year in her clubs.
  • Tom Croft (Manchester, MO) — Plans to attend Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University. Tom holds a private pilot's license and has many model competition successes, including first place in Senior Modified RC Sailplane (Standard and Two Meter) at the 1979 Nats and new records in Indoor Handlaunch Glider events.

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II District Report (New Jersey • New York)

John Byrne — District II Vice‑President 36-29 213 Street, Bayside, NY 11361

Associate Vice‑Presidents: Pete Bianchini; Frank Dresch; Hank Ulan; Adam Settler; Walt Throne.

  • Congratulations to John Grigg on election as AMA President.
  • East Coast Nats: Byrne formally proposed Dover AFB, Dover, DE, as an East Coast location for the 1982 Nats. Dover offers large hangars, extensive grounds, dormitory facilities nearby, and possible indoor space. Chuck Foreman proposed Pine Bluff, NC, as an alternative. Byrne and Foreman plan to work together on site efforts.
  • Symposium: The Central New York Model Aircraft Association's fifth Annual Symposium at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse (February 7, 1981) was highly successful with seminars, an AMA film showing, static Scale contest, and helicopter demonstrations. More than 130 members attended Byrne's District II meeting there.
  • Free Flight: Bob Clemens and the Western New York Free Flight Society will hold their annual Free Flight Meet at Pike, NY on July 11–12, 1981 (nine events, trophies and merchandise to third place). Contact Dave Evans for details.

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III District Report

Dave Brown — District III Vice‑President 8534 Huddleston Street, Cincinnati, OH 45236

Associate Vice‑Presidents: Joe Ebener; Francis Fuhroly; Corky Heilman; Laird Jackson; Eugene Shakley.

  • Election Results: John Grigg elected President by a slim margin; Horace Cain overwhelmingly won District VI.
  • Atlanta Council: Pyrotechnics ban lifted with guidelines established for show teams. Contest Director (CD) qualification requirements were revised: endorsement signatures and questionnaires will be used; VPs are authorized to sign off CD applications. Applicants who have recently applied should expect questionnaires from VPs.
  • Events: Brown attended the Central New York Symposium and the WRAM Show in White Plains, NY, and will be visiting several clubs and shows.
  • In Memoriam: Warren Hitchcox (MAAC President) died February 15; condolences to his family and MAAC.

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IV District Report

Chuck Foreman — District IV Vice‑President 607 Pohite Drive, Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Associate Vice‑Presidents: Wayne Abernethy; Bob Chapin; Howard Critson; S. Bill Himes; Scott Mayes; John Preston; John Schaper.

  • Pyrotechnics: The pyrotechnics ban has been lifted; show teams must clear pyrotechnic use with local authorities and obtain permits. Larry Bolich (AMA Special Events Director) will distribute guideline packages.
  • Election: John Grigg elected AMA President; the Atlanta meeting marked a positive change in meeting conduct.
  • Nats Entry Fee: 1981 Nats entry fee increased to $35.00; some event fees also increased to help ensure better staffing and smoother operations.
  • Headquarters Building Fund: AMA owns land in Reston; building planned for late 1982/early 1983. A building fund program is underway; members can contribute $5.00 for a "Brick" pin as part of fundraising.
  • District 1982 Nats: Possible 1982 Nats sites in District IV include locations in Delaware and North Carolina; clubs may be asked to assist.
  • District Activities:
  • First State RC Club: AMA Scale Contest, June 20.
  • Greensboro Aeromodellers: Field renovation and new PA system.
  • Winston‑Salem RC Club: Second Annual Cross Country Rally, August 22–23.
  • Bowie contest (June 6–7): AMA events on June 6 and FAI on June 7.
  • Mid‑Virginia RC Soaring Championships: Ft. Lee, June 6–7.
  • TMSS Annual Beach Boomer: Fourth of July weekend at Fenrass Field.

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V District Report

Bill Mathews — District V Vice‑President 2712 SW 34th St., Apt. 8, Gainesville, FL 32608

Associate Vice‑Presidents: John Godfrey; Richard Jackson; Arthur Johnson; Phillip McDowell; Joseph McGinniss Sr.; Ed Moorman; Harry Shearon; Tom Thacker.

  • Atlanta Council: Mathews visited Atlanta clubs and confirmed Tom Thacker can continue as Associate VP. Discussions underway about forming AMA‑chartered chapters to improve club communications.
  • Club News: South Carolina Radio Aircraft Modelers (SCRAM) considering charter status. Several husband‑and‑wife newsletter editor teams active. Newsletter editors will be recognized with Top Flight Newsletter awards.
  • Flying Site Assistance: Geoffrey Sykes at AMA Headquarters is assisting clubs with flying site problems. A new flying site film (14 minutes) is available.
  • Mail Issues: Mathews reported receiving a backlog of mail delayed months.
  • International Mail: A copy of Modellistica (Firenze, Italy) arrived promptly and contains useful drawings and pictures.
  • Local Highlights: Photos and notes from Puerto Rico, West Orange Sunfliers, and Palm Beach Aeromodelers were shared.
  • In Memoriam: Ray Donovan (Rock Valley RC Flyers) and Paul Suwalski (Blue Max RC) recently passed away; condolences extended.
  • Calendar (selected events):
  • May 2–3: Rockford, IL — Cherryvale Model Fair.
  • May 16–17: Terre Haute, IN — Honey Creek Mall Show.
  • May 23–24: Ft. Wayne, IN — Flying Circuits Soaring meet.
  • May 24: Palatine, IL — TreeTown Modelaires CL meet.
  • May 31: Pekin, IL — RC Open Fun Fly.
  • Help Wanted: Fox Valley Aero Club (St. Charles, IL) needs donated model equipment for St. Charles Boys Home; contact Roger Bintz.
  • Soapbox: AMA growth requires more projects and employees; members should anticipate possible dues increases to support necessary staff and facilities.

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Additional AMA News Notes

  • Executive Council last month covered about 50 agenda items with cooperative and business‑like conduct. Full specifics to appear in this or the next issue of Model Aviation.
  • Headquarters fund raising ideas are requested; contact Vince Mankowski at AMA HQ.
  • Congratulations to the Rocky Mountain Soaring Association (RMSA) on receiving the AMA Award of Excellence.
  • New Associate VP Glen Lau (Lincoln, NE) introduced: a physician, long‑time modeler, past Contest Director, former Lincoln Sky Knights president, and Nats manpower director (1979). He is interested in helping the district and in potentially hosting a future Nats.
  • AMA Scholarship Study Committee: Members are considering increasing scholarship funding; input is requested from members.

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