AMA Will Bequests
Jeremiah Courtney AMA General Counsel
As a Columbia University College and Law School alumnus and regular reader of University Magazine, I was interested in a Spring 1981 interview with former Columbia trustee Lawrence A. Wien. Wien, a distinguished New York lawyer and real estate investor, has spent recent years encouraging public corporations to increase their philanthropic donations.
Wien’s method is simple and effective: he buys 100 shares in many public corporations, notifies the companies that he may present a proxy proposal recommending increased philanthropic giving, and asks for the corporations’ current giving figures. In most cases the companies reply with their figures; when they do not, he files a proposal and often gets a response. If a corporation agrees to increase its charitable giving, he withdraws the proposal. Wien’s objective is not to fight but to substantially increase corporate philanthropy. This approach led the New York Times to call him “the lone ranger of corporate philanthropy.”
Sample Form of Bequest
I give and bequeath (insert amount here; such as TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS) to the ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS, INC., a District of Columbia corporation with principal offices at 815 Fifteenth St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005; the amount to be used for its general purposes.
Wien’s personal philosophy is that excess money should first create security for beneficiaries, but excessive generosity can harm beneficiaries by depriving them of opportunities to develop independence. If you share this philosophy, you may wish to consider a measured bequest to the AMA after making appropriate provisions for your personal beneficiaries.
Another compelling reason to consider a charitable bequest is the federal estate tax. As of this writing, a single person may have a taxable estate up to $178,290 without federal estate tax. Above that, rates begin around 30.4% and rise steeply; for large estates (for example, around five million dollars), the federal tax can total over $2,112,200 and the marginal rate on the next dollar can be very high. A testamentary gift to an organization recognized under Section 501(c)(3) (the AMA is so recognized) is exempt from estate and gift taxation. Every dollar left to the AMA supports activities you may have enjoyed and furthers the AMA’s scientific, educational and public-interest programs.
The phrase “for its general purposes” in the sample bequest is intentionally broad. Restrictive gifts (for example, “to support the annual AMA blimp races”) can become impracticable or burdensome over time; unrestricted gifts give the AMA flexibility to use funds where they are most needed. That said, properly drafted gifts earmarked for specific continuing corporate purposes can also be acceptable.
While wills can be written without counsel in many states, to ensure your intentions are carried out and to minimize estate taxes, you should seek a lawyer experienced in wills, trusts and estate planning. A codicil can be used to add a simple bequest to an existing will. Lawyers’ fees for preparing or revising a will are generally reasonable, and estate specialists can help even other lawyers with complicated planning.
If you wish to have the good in your life live after you, a testamentary gift to the AMA is an excellent way to achieve that end.
Corporate philanthropic giving is also in a company’s interest. Wien notes that corporations benefit when local schools and hospitals thrive, and when colleges continue to produce engineers and technicians they need. The AMA similarly nurtures interest in aeronautics among youth; many modelers have gone on to aerospace careers, and the AMA provides the spark and discipline that lead young people into scientific and engineering fields.
Industry leaders such as Rockwell, LTV, McDonnell Douglas and Boeing should consider supporting the AMA as a breeding ground for future engineers, just as they support engineering schools. The AMA urgently needs financial support to replace its inadequate quarters and to construct a permanent National Headquarters, Visitor Center and Model Aeronautics Museum at Reston, VA.
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WHAT DID I MISS?
Somewhere I must have zigged when others zagged. Contests should be for fun and pleasure, not merely to prove how perfectly a meet can be managed. Many contestants travel long distances and expect opportunities to fly several times during an event. When management limits flying to a few rounds to accommodate working officials, contestants are understandably frustrated. More contestants mean more workers are needed; teams of workers can provide relief so officials aren’t exposed to sun or rain hour after hour. Contest management must balance worker rest with giving contestants every reasonable opportunity to fly.
1:3/1:4/1:5/1:? If you recognize this caption, you must be into scale building. There is a POSSIBILITY of the 1982 World Championships for Scale being sponsored by AMA at Reno. A proposal must be prepared, the Executive Council must approve it, and it must be presented to and accepted by the FAI in December. Should this proceed, Monty Groves will be the contest manager working with the National Association of Scale Aeromodellers (Bob Underwood). We’ll need plenty of skilled workers — contact Monty or Bob if you can help.
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NOT A COMMERCIAL — REALLY
I enjoyed attending the Sig meet in Montezuma, IA. About 120 entries kept the sky busy; four airplanes at a time flew while two were judged and two waited. Four rounds were completed despite drenching rains on Sunday—the enthusiasm and hospitality were superb. Sig Manufacturing sponsored the meet with no entry fee and donated merchandise and awards. Hazel Sigafoose and Maxey Hester deserve thanks for their hospitality.
The highlight was presenting the AMA Hall of Fame award to Claude McCullough, a dedicated scale and semi-scale builder whose kitted designs have been widely used. Congratulations, Claude.
“He is so nervous, he keeps coffee awake.”
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1981 HALL OF FAME
I’m pleased to announce the 1981 inductees to the AMA Hall of Fame:
- Mel Anderson
- Lou Andrews
- Leroy Cox
- Ed Lidgard
- Bob Palmer
These five gentlemen were selected by the Council of AMA Past Presidents and are well deserving of the honor. My heartfelt congratulations to each.
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BROKEN PROMISE
I promised last month to paraphrase an article written in 1975. Because this column is running long and I want to cover the World Soaring Championships, I will postpone that paraphrase one more month. It’s worth the wait.
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WORLD SOARING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Now history! Despite early mismanagement, dedicated people pulled the event together successfully. We learned important lessons that must be applied in the future.
The good news: Dwight Holley of the U.S. team placed first overall and is now the reigning FAI World Champion for Soaring (F3B). The German team placed first overall and the U.S. team was a close second. Congratulations to the winners and to all who worked and competed in the Third World Championships for FAI Soaring tasks.
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Secretary-Treasurer's Report
Jim McNeill AMA Secretary-Treasurer 617 South 20 Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205
Can you stand some good news? The Indoor portion of the 1981 Nats, held at West Baden, IN, in June, broke even financially — in fact, AMA cleared a few dollars. AMA sent three experienced people to run the affair and it was well administered. Attendees liked the site and accommodations and expressed a desire to return in 1982.
The 1981 Masters to pick a U.S. team for RC Pattern was held in Huntsville; Dave Brown, Steve Helms, and Mark Radcliff will represent the U.S. in the internationals in Mexico.
I’ve returned from a three-day visit to AMA Headquarters in Washington. Everyone is working hard to arrange funding and construction for a new AMA building so we won’t have to pay rent anymore. A new Administration Coordinator, Bob Vojslavik, has been hired to oversee the print shop, film library, shipping and receiving, warehousing, permanent storage, mail room, supply and service, building and grounds maintenance, and reception. Bob is familiar with shipping and trucking and has fit in well.
AMA Bequests
Jerry Courtney’s article in this issue supplies members with a model form of AMA will bequest and suggests that aerospace manufacturers may be willing to contribute to the AMA, particularly for our Building Fund. Jerry has also suggested establishing a committee to explore corporate financial support; publication of his article has initiated implementation of that suggestion. Many of us who got into model aviation as kids are now in a position to ensure the AMA will be around to help future youngsters.
The Good Old Days . . . ?
Seventeen years ago (1964) AMA was struggling and almost bankrupt. Membership was around 20,000 and the organization was largely competition-oriented. Adult dues were only $6; services were limited. Since then, RC growth, programs funded by a dues increase, a chartered club program (1966), improved publications, expanded HQ services, and better insurance coverage created dramatic growth. Today AMA is larger and stronger than ever, with membership around 80,000.
However, inflation has increased operating costs and we face another major dues increase within a few years. Some members call for retrenchment and reduced services; others want to build on the past 20 years. The Executive Council will decide on the dues structure for 1982 and beyond.
Wall of Fame . . .
As part of the Building Fund Drive, AMA has established a Wall of Fame for donations of $1,500 or more. Donors will be honored with a plaque in the new headquarters at Reston, VA. The first donor is Craft, Model and Hobby Industry magazine (Publisher Maurice Gherman). Gherman emphasized supporting AMA as an investment in youth and the future of the hobby industry.
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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, Yonkers, NY
- Frank Dreesen, Piscataway, NJ
- Hank Likes, Toms River, NJ
- Adam Santler, Schenectady, NY
- Walt Throne, Syracuse, NY
Second (District) Thoughts: I’m six months into my term on the AMA Executive Council and chair one committee charged with revising the "Contest Coordinator Guidebook." The Guidebook is an excellent manual for the often-unheralded Contest Coordinator; it needs only partial revision. I have consulted Bill Ross (author of the current Guidebook), and District II Contest Coordinators Bill Fluri and Dick Sobrino.
Three committee members (Dave Brown, Horace Cain, Hardy Brodersen) met at the Toledo Show to discuss contest coordination issues, including guidelines for "traditional" contests and approaches to "Protected Drawing Areas." Revision will take careful effort — many desirable summer weekends exist, and demand for sanction dates is increasing.
People, Places and Planes: The Floyd Bennett Field Anniversary celebration was well attended. AMA President John Griggs and HQ representative Geoffrey Styles were present. The National Park Service and Department of the Interior received AMA Certificates of Appreciation for their cooperation in allowing model flying at Floyd Bennett Field and Great Kills Park. Hopefully similar sites will open elsewhere on National Park Service properties.
We also had a strong AMA presence at the Morristown (NJ) Airport Air Show (June 13–14). The Roxbury Area Model Airplane Club planned and executed an excellent model aircraft demonstration, including a fine Control Line show by the Garden State Circle Burners.
The Rhinebeck Classic (June 27) and the Tri-County RC Club meet in Jamesburg (June 28) were enjoyable. The WRAMS WING-DING at West Paterson (June 13) was a real kick. Thanks to the New Jersey RC Helicopter Society for making me an Honorary Member.
GEAR UP AND LOCKED!
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III District Report — Ohio • Pennsylvania • West Virginia
Dave Brown District III Vice-President 8534 Huddleston Street, Cincinnati, OH 45236
Associate Vice-Presidents:
- Joe Eiben, Solon, OH
- Francis Huffman
- Corky Hewittson
- Earl Jackson, Philadelphia, PA
- Eugene Shelbey, Scottdale, PA
The last month involved travel to Huntsville for the RC team selection finals (Masters). District III did well: Mark Radcliff and I made the team, with Steve Helms from District V. Tony Frackovic is the first alternate. Team manager is Dean Koger.
I visited New England and flew a demonstration in Manchester Center, VT for Charles H. Grant, a founding father of model aviation. I also attended a 1/4 Scale fly-in in Concord, NH.
While babysitting a molding machine, I read Air Trails (November 1947). It’s striking how many debates—RC vs. FF, competitor classification, control line wire diameters—persist today. Prices and technology have changed, but many controversies remain.
Frank Ehling recently sent a poll to the Executive Council urging action on a beginner-to-junior program. I support a beginner program aimed at all ages that leads a newcomer to successfully build and fly a modern model within a year. The old “Baby ROG” approach is less effective today; modern newcomers are often young adults who have some money and want to fly the models they’ve seen. We must help clubs teach these individuals. Many clubs struggle to keep up with beginners and lose potential members. Enthusiasm for working with juniors tends to be strongest in a member’s first two to three years; if we can train more at that stage, we’ll gain more potential instructors. Film and videotape media could help educate club instructors.
Thanks to everyone who responded to my request for a program to compute distances between longitude and latitude points — the response was fantastic, with formulas and BASIC and FORTRAN programs offered. It’s good to know members care.
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Budget Note
A recent article used incorrect figures regarding AMA salaries and budgets. Using AMA Headquarters’ proposed 1982 budget, the total AMA/MA salary expense for 1981 is budgeted at 33% of the total AMA/MA operating budget (47% of AMA’s operating budget). The total proposed 1982 salary expense is $839,953, a 14.7% increase over 1981. This is an increase of 1.5% in the salary-to-AMA operating budget ratio for 1982 over 1981. A proposed 36.7% increase in unrelated business taxes makes the proposed 1982 budget difficult to accept as realistic.
Fall is here — fly now. Snow later.
Upcoming events (selected):
- Sept. 6 — Ashland, KY: Tri-State Model Fliers Pattern/Scale.
- Sept. 6 — Kansas City, MO: Smithville Dam Busters' Fun Fly.
- Sept. 7 — Kansas City, MO: KCRC Flying Circus, Jacomo Park.
- Sept. 12–13 — Louisville, KY: LRCC/BSS Ohio Valley Soaring Champs.
- Sept. 12–13 — Chicago, IL: SOAR Annual Contest.
- Sept. 13 — Terre Haute, IN: RC Fun Fly Scale.
- Sept. 13 — Harvey, IL: Midwest Championships CL Navy Carrier.
- Sept. 13 — Peoria, IL: Wryeflyers CL PAMPA Stunt.
- Sept. 19–20 — Lexington, KY: MAC Pattern/Sport Scale.
- Sept. 19–20 — St. Louis: Buder Park Eagles Soaring.
- Sept. 19–20 — St. Louis: Spirits Warbird Races, East Side RC Field.
- Sept. 20 — Kansas City: KCRC Bipe and Jumbo Scale, Jacomo Park.
- Sept. 20 — Rockford, IL: RVRC Sport Pylon.
- Sept. 20 — Kansas City: KCCL September Rally.
- Sept. 20 — Peoria, IL: RC Fun Fly Detwiller Park.
- Sept. 20 — Chicago Aeronuts Midwest FF Champs, Bong, WI.
- Sept. 20 — Central Indiana Aeromodelers Annual FF, Wright-Patterson, OH.
- Sept. 25–27 — Louisville, KY: RC Giant Scale Fly In.
- Sept. 25–27 — AMA District VI RC Club Team Fun Fly.
- Sept. 27 — Kansas City, MO: KCRC Fun Fly, Jacomo Park.
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IX District Report
Travis McGinnis District IX Vice-President 8027 W. 81st Circle, Arvada, CO 80005
Associate Vice-Presidents:
- Charles Brannon, Casper, WY
- Ed Cox, Prairie Village, KS
- Dick Crowley, Aurora, CO
- Glen Lau, Lincoln, NE
- Tim Mattern, Grafton, ND
- Jim Ricketts, Sioux Falls, SD
The District IX All Season Flyer patch program has been a huge success. Program details:
- Patches are free to qualifiers through September 1, 1981 (cost underwritten from the District IX VP budget).
- After September 1, 1981, patches will cost $2.50 each.
- The program will be evaluated prior to June 1982 to decide whether to continue.
All odd-numbered districts will soon participate in vice-president elections — please vote. A Secretary/Treasurer will also be elected.
Associate VP Jim Ricketts reports on a successful Scout‑O‑Rama: Troop 162 used Delta Darts and AMAzers to teach aviation and the Aviation Merit Badge. Scouts built and flew Darts and learned flight principles. Many thanks to AMA and Frank Ehling.
South Dakota has strong All Season Flyer activity; winter flying in December–March is common. Mall shows in Sioux Falls, Brookings, Watertown and Rapid City have been active. Rapid City Propbusters is a growing club with enthusiasm and a strong newsletter.
Keep your lines tight and your radios charged.
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X District Report
Jim Scarborough District X Vice-President 2501 Amour Lane, Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Associate Vice-Presidents:
- Glenn Carter, Walnut Creek, CA
- Alex Chidson, Fresno, CA
- Lonnie Krober, Las Vegas, NV
- John Pond, San Jose, CA
- Bob Reynolds, Tucson, AZ
- Steve Brown, Long Beach, CA
- Keith Whitney, Salt Lake City, UT
I visited the Ventura Comets RC Club; members were eager to support the AMA Building Fund. I sold two $25 patches and one lapel pin. My Free Flight club (about 25 members) has already bought three $50 gold patches; Roman Ramirez most recently purchased one. The club includes Ed Lidgard, newly elected to the AMA Hall of Fame — congratulations to Ed, a longtime free flighter and designer of the Sparky rubber model.
Vern Wallace (Tucson) reports a quadriplegic club member who learned to fly and recently competed — great progress. Blind flier Ralph Council (Cal-Poly) uses a safety pilot and engine sound to position his plane and has achieved successful dead-stick landings — an inspiring story.
In Nevada, some Formula 1 and Quickie 500 fliers are forming a racing club near Henderson. Plans for a large mall show in Las Vegas around Labor Day are underway.
Captain Tom McClain (USAF, Korea) borrowed Those Marvelous Miniatures for another showing; his OSAN Model Engineering Club enjoyed it. He also hosted a fun fly with about 20 airplanes and four RC cars.
Support the AMA Building Fund; see your local AVP for items available for tax-deductible donations. If you want the AMA display booth at a meeting, invite me and I’ll try to attend.
Thermals!
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XI District Report
Homer Smith District XI Vice-President 1417 N.W. 191st Street, Seattle, WA 98177
Associate Vice-Presidents:
- Al Culver, Pocatello, ID
- Simon Dreese, Broadview, MT
- Ed McCollough, Portland, OR
- Bruce Nelson, Spokane, WA
- Orlando “Oly” Rocio, Kent, WA
- Don Zigoy, Redmond, WA
The flying season is underway. A new Portland-area club, C.R.A.S.H., has formed (contact Linda Countryman for details). Sitka RC Flyers’ newsletter Jetstream described a creative “4 x 4 Grotesque Log” model built from a crashed Tri Star 40—ugly but fun.
A Portland paper ran a lighthearted item about Tom Davis’ remote-control lawn mower — an amusing example of RC ingenuity.
Barnstormers Bi-Plane Contest (June 21, Delta Park, Portland) results:
- 14 entries (most were scale).
- Outstanding quality: Ron Braught (Kirkland, WA) scored 94.666 static on a Waco and won High Static Score.
- Thanks to many volunteers and to the contest statistician Marshall Gardner.
Keep flying and support your local clubs.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
