AMA News

AMA News

Synopsis — August 1 Executive Council Meeting

Council members were in attendance except the NAA representative; there were no proxies. Unless indicated otherwise, the President either abstained or voted yes in unanimous situations.

1. Previous Minutes

The minutes of the April 4–5, 1981 Executive Council meeting were approved as amended (12 for, 1 against).

1. Reports

• a. Secretary/Treasurer. Jim McNeill reported on internal affairs at Headquarters, citing improved morale and excellent cooperation between the Executive Director, the S/T and employees. He clarified the present working arrangement of newly hired Bob Vojslavek as Administrative Assistant.
• b. Nominations. Names accepted for the 1981 election ballot:
• Secretary/Treasurer — H. Cain, H. Crispin
• District I — E. Izzo, J. Smith
• District II — D. Brown, E. Witt
• District V — B. Mathews
• District VII — H. Brodersen
• District IX — T. McGinnis
• District XI — H. Smith, E. McCullough
• c. Nomination Procedures. A revamped nomination-procedure document, approved by the committee, will be sent to all Council members for review and approval.
• d. Business Advisors. The Executive Director is to prepare a status report for the next Council meeting with recommendations for the selection of advisors.
• e. Contest Coordinator's Guidebook Revision. Most of the guidebook is satisfactory except Section III dealing with (a) traditional contests and (b) protected areas; no specific recommendation was advanced. The President suggested the committee meet during lunch to develop recommendations. (See Item 8.)
• f. Scholarship. Work is in process but a formal report is not yet ready for presentation. The President requested a report for the next Council meeting if possible.

1. Dues — 1982

It was reported that three of five committee members were in favor of a dues increase for 1982, but the amount had not been agreed upon.

Following extensive discussion a series of motions were considered:

• a. Increase 1982 Open membership dues $5.00 — motion failed (10 against; 3 for).
• b. Increase 1982 Open membership dues $2.00 — amended motion failed (7 against; 6 for).
• c. Amendment to b.: require that all projects and special events, including Nats and World Championships, be operated on a breakeven or profit basis or not be undertaken — amendment passed (9 for; 4 against).
• d. Increase 1982 dues $4.00 for all age categories — amended motion failed (10 against; 3 for).
• e. Increase 1982 membership dues $3.00 for Opens, $2.00 for Seniors and $1.00 for Juniors — motion failed (8 against; 4 for; 1 abstained).
• f. Increase $2.00 for Open membership with Junior and Senior membership rates to remain as is — motion failed (7 against; 5 for; 1 abstained).
• g. Increase 1982 dues $4.00 for Opens only — motion failed (9 against; 4 for).
• h. Increase $2.00 for Opens, $1.00 for Seniors, $1.00 for Juniors with a mandate for a breakeven budget in 1982 — motion failed (7 against; 6 for; 1 abstained).
• i. Increase $3.00 for Opens, $2.00 for Seniors, $1.00 for Juniors less breakeven budget 1982 — motion failed (7 against; 6 for).
• j. Increase 1982 dues as follows: renewals by Open members before December 15 — $3.00 increase; renewals by Open members after the postmark deadline of December 15 — $5.00 increase; new Open memberships for 1982 to be $30.00 (with magazine; $26.00 without); no change to Juniors and Seniors — motion passed (7 for; 6 against).

By general consensus and direction of the President, it was approved to allocate $9.00 of membership dues to the magazine and $5.00 to AMA News.

1. Bylaws

Committee Chairman Bill Mathews advised a formal report was not yet ready for presentation. Several items for committee consideration emerged:

• a. three-year election cycle
• b. Secretary/Treasurer and President also members of the Nominating Committee
• c. Executive Director as non-voting participant on Council
• d. national offices — should positions be filled by Council election or by national election?

1. Awards

Three Superior Service awards were approved unanimously; names will be released after presentations are made.

1. Next Council Meeting

• a. Fall Executive Council meeting to be a two-day session — passed unanimously (6 abstained).
• b. Meeting location: Washington, D.C. — passed unanimously (1, 7, 8 abstained).
• c. Dates: November 7 and November 8 — passed unanimously.

The President advised Saturday will be an all-day meeting and Sunday a half-day meeting adjourning approximately at noon.

1. Safety Code

Reference Item XLII, motion 26 of April 4–5, 1981 minutes: Identification of Models (implementation of the requirement that all models be identified as to owner) is to become effective January 1, 1982 — motion passed (10 for; 2 against; 1 abstained).

1. Guidelines (Contest Coordination)

Carried over from the morning session (see Item 2.c). The following was approved unanimously (4, 10, S/T, ED abstained):

• a. Contest sanction applications are required to be filed before January 1 of each year by those wishing to protect a traditional date.
• b. All other contest sanction applications should be filed prior to that date insofar as possible.
• c. Contest coordinators will be allowed until February 1 of a given year to do necessary coordination before any contest sanctions are approved. An exception can be made for a contest scheduled for the first quarter of the year.
• d. In the original contest application, the submission of an alternate date or dates acceptable to the applicant must be set forth.
• e. The "protected area" distances between contest sites shall be:
• AA — 450 miles (reduced from 600 miles)
• A — 300 miles (reduced from 400 miles)
• B — 100 miles (no change)
• f. A and AA contests may attain a higher "A" level status by having had more than 65 contestants in two out of three preceding years.
• g. Beginning March 1 of each year, all sanctioned contests will be listed, and during November of each year, the entire list of sanctioned contests held that year will be mailed to all Contest Directors who request it.

1. 1982 Scale World Championships

A comprehensive proposal prepared by Monty Groves was submitted for approval to host a USA (Reno, NV) Scale World Championships subject to FAI approval. The Council approved the '82 Scale World Championships proposal with an entry fee higher than suggested in the proposal's budget projection — vote: 11 for; 1 against; 1 abstained.

1. 1982 Nats

A resolution by John Byrne was adopted: subject to recommendation and close scrutiny by the Nats Executive Committee, the 1982 National Model Airplane Championships be held at the Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Center, Lakehurst, NJ (officially declared available by the U.S. Navy), and the AMA Nats Executive Planning Committee is requested to take immediate and effective action to accomplish this objective and keep the Council fully informed — passed: 12 for; 1 against.

1. RC Pattern Winter Nats

A request for Quadrupole A status for the Tucson RC Club yearly winter contest was considered but not approved for 1981.

1. Vice-President Account Balance

Due to difficulty some vice-presidents have remaining within their $1,200 budgets (in part because of large districts), it was moved that each vice-president who anticipates exceeding his $1,200 budget prepare an expense budget for the coming calendar year for presentation at the fall meeting for Council consideration — passed (7 for; 4 against; 2 abstained).

1. Museum Report

It was moved that the Council authorize spending whatever is necessary, within the $10,000 existing museum budget, to obtain possession, move and store the Barrere museum materials; and that the balance of the budget be turned over to the Building Fund for a museum project in our new building — passed unanimously.

1. Additional Agenda Items

Bylaws-change recommendations and other items were approved for consideration at the Fall 1981 Council meeting. Note: minutes of the August 1 meeting will be up for final approval at the November 7 meeting. After approval, copies of official minutes may be obtained by any member who requests them.

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Sidney (Sid) Axelrod

On August 21, life ended for a much-admired and loved fellow, Sidney (Sid) Axelrod. A member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, Sid leaves a legacy of important technical improvements in modeling and a lasting image of a "model" man with an always cheerful manner and disarmingly happy smile.

Photo caption: Sid Axelrod (left), snapped by Dan Pruss at this year's Nats in Texas. Sid, shown with Scott Christensen, is holding his latest RC sailplane, the Metrick.

Sid's smile reflected a satisfying life he engineered and enjoyed. Modeling had been his primary hobby since boyhood, and he rose to become a leading innovator and manufacturer in model aeronautics as head of Top Flite Models, Inc. He was part of a group of aeromodeling experts employed by Comet Model Airplane Company in the late '30s and early '40s — a group that included Mike Schlessinger (later Sid's partner in Top Flite), Carl Goldberg, Johnny Clemens, Vito Garofalo, Bob Reeder, and Jack Besser.

Sid married Carolyn in 1941, and they became a remarkable husband-and-wife team. Both Sid and Carrie became Life Members of AMA in 1976. At this difficult time, our sympathies go out to Carrie and Sid's family. Modelers will long enjoy Sid's contributions: an early practical machine for mass-producing model propellers, the popular Mylar covering MonoKote, and the many Top Flite kits.

Sid was recently inducted into the Model Aviation Hall of Fame. A report and more on his life appeared in the September 1981 issue of Model Aviation magazine.

John E. Clemens

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Flying Sites and the Big Thank You

One of the nicest gestures is a heartfelt "thank you." Many clubs use property that belongs to a public organization, industry, or an individual. Clubs often show appreciation at year-end with a ham, turkey, or flowers for the contact who grants permission to use the flying field — a great practice.

Another suggestion: present your site provider with an AMA Award of Appreciation mounted on a walnut plaque, suitably inscribed with the site donor's name, your club name, and the reason for the award. It makes an attractive wall display and can generate positive press coverage for your club. The cost to a club for a mounted, custom-lettered certificate is only $10 each. If you arrange it well, local press coverage can increase the award's value far beyond the cost.

To order, send a check for $10 with the desired inscription and mailing address. Allow six weeks for delivery.

Geoff Styles

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AMA Film Library

AMA chartered clubs and adult AMA members have access to the AMA Film Library, presently consisting of 14 16mm films — most with color and sound. They are a great way to add interest to a club meeting and increase attendance.

Rental fees:

• Chartered Clubs: $5 (except Those Marvelous Miniatures — $8)
• Others: $10 ($15 for Those Marvelous Miniatures)

In all cases, a refundable deposit of $50 more than the rental fee is required. Chartered Clubs have priority for film rental and pay the least.

For a complete list of films, information, and an order form, write to: AMA Headquarters, Film Library 815 Fifteenth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20005 Please enclose a preaddressed and stamped envelope.

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Synopsis (continued)

The Council approved the '82 Scale World Championships proposal (see Item 9) with a higher entry fee than suggested in the proposal budget (11 for; 1 against; 1 abstained).

1982 Nats Resolution

The Council adopted the resolution (see Item 10) requesting that the 1982 National Model Airplane Championships be held at the Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Center, Lakehurst, NJ, and asked the Nats Executive Planning Committee to take immediate action and keep the Council informed — passed 12 for; 1 against.

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Secretary-Treasurer's Report

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

When I took the Secretary/Treasurer job three years ago, the office was almost unheard of in public view. I have worked to bring the office into national prominence: quarterly visits to AMA Headquarters, written summaries to Council and Associate Vice-Presidents, and a regular column in this magazine.

I have reported on staff and activities at Headquarters, including:

1. Executive Assistant Carl Maroney — progress with AMA insurance and FCC matters.
2. Geoff Styles — Flying Sites Department and progress acquiring flying fields for clubs.
3. Assistant Executive Director Vince Manikowski.
4. Technical Director Frank Ehling and Micheline Madison.
5. Public relations expert Larry Bolich and his assistant.
6. Comptroller Gisele Jackson and her staff.
7. U.S. delegations to CIAM in Paris and our NAA affiliation.

I go to Headquarters four times a year and use this column to inform members. I believe members' everyday problems (e.g., membership renewals, lost magazines, membership card problems) are important and deserve attention. When members write, I try to help — dozens of cases have been corrected that otherwise might have been ignored.

I have also run pictures of members and families because people make up AMA. Although some Council members advised against using magazine space for such items, I disagree: members who pay dues are equally important.

If you want me to continue in this role, support me on the 1981 ballot. Remember: you do not have to send your dues in to vote; you can vote first and send payment later.

Thank you.

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III District Report

Dave Brown District III Vice-President 4560 Layhigh Rd. Hamilton, OH 45013

Associate Vice-Presidents:

• Joe Eiben, Solon, OH
• Francis Fichman, Vienna, WV
• Corky Hartman, Holgate, OH
• Laird Jackson, Philadelphia, PA
• Eugene Shockey, Scottdale, PA

I attended the Nats in Seguin, TX and lost the Pattern title to Tony Bonnetti. The site was excellent though hot, and the dorms were not ideal. The Executive Council recommended that the Nats Executive Committee focus on Lakehurst, NJ for 1982, which should benefit eastern members.

District III had many strong finishes: Mike McConville won Expert Pattern; I placed third in Masters Pattern; Tony Frockowiak finished third in Expert Helicopter and sixth in Masters Pattern; Bill Werwage and Dennis Harkie did well in CL Precision Aerobatics.

The Nominating Committee met at the Nats. The nominees for Secretary/Treasurer are Horace Cain and Howard Crispin; incumbent Jim McNeill did not make the ballot. Earl Witt has been nominated to oppose me in District III.

I am developing an "Interfering Source" computer program for FCC frequency coordination and hope to test it soon using real data. I also plan an RC training film (and later video) to help clubs establish flight-training programs; a design competition may select an AMA-standard trainer.

Upcoming events in my area include the GCRCC flying circus in Cincinnati, NSRCA district championships in Celina, OH, and preparations for the World Championships in Acapulco.

1982 Officer Nominations

The AMA Nominating Committee (the 11 elected district Vice-Presidents) met August 1, 1981, and approved names to be listed on the 1981 election ballot to be mailed in October:

• District Vice-Presidents:
• District I — Ed Izzo, John Smith
• District III — Dave Brown, Earl Witt
• District V — Bill Mathews
• District VII — Hardy Brodersen
• District IX — Travis McGinnis
• District XI — Ed McCullough, Homer Smith
• Secretary/Treasurer — Horace Cain, Howard Crispin

$3.00 Dues Increase

Open members who renew for 1982 by December 15 will pay $3.00 more; renewals after that date will pay $5.00 more. No change for Junior and Senior memberships except Senior Citizen membership increased $1.00 to $18.00 to cover increased magazine costs.

Regular Open membership fees for 1982 will be $30.00 (with Model Aviation magazine) or $26.00 (AMA News portion only). Family memberships remain $17.00.

These changes result from decisions by the AMA Executive Council at the August 1 meeting.

New Membership Record

Over 80,000 people are now AMA members, an all-time record; totals are expected to reach or exceed 82,000 before the end of 1981.

AMA Needs Your Help — Building Fund

Rising rents and cramped quarters have forced multiple relocations. To improve services and avoid dues increases merely to meet rent, AMA needs to own property for Headquarters, a museum, a Hall of Fame, and a visitors' center. The Executive Council approved purchase of property and construction of a building by 1983. Members are urged to support the Building Fund drive.

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VI District Report

Horace Cain District VI Vice-President 525 Weidner Road Buffalo Grove, IL 60090

Associate Vice-Presidents:

• Loren Holm, Quincy, IL
• Frank Hughes, Plattsburg, MO
• William Kerr, Bedford, IN
• Glenn Lee, Batavia, IL
• Helen Olssen, University City, MO
• Jim Sears, Burgin, KY
• Bill Zimmer, Varna, IL

HEADLINES: AMA Open and M/A membership increased to $30 for 1982.

After long debate, a straight increase of $3.00 (for those renewing by Dec. 15) passed by one vote. I would not support a dues increase without increased member services or tight budget limits, but I am working on alternative membership and funding plans.

Traditional-date protection is now January 1 — submit contest sanction applications prior to January 1 to protect a date. Contest Directors can sign; list alternates.

Events in 1981 (selected):

• Oct 3 — Rockford, IL — RVRC Novice Pattern
• Oct 4 — Chicago — Frank Ortman 50 Mi. CL Sport Race
• Oct 4 — Indianapolis, IN — Indy RC So. Fun Fly
• Oct 4 — Kansas City, MO — KCRC Q-500, Jacomo Park
• Oct 11 — St. Louis, MO — Lafayette Esquadrille CL
• Oct 24–25 — Palos, IL — MAA Leisure Expo, Orland Mall

Around the District:

• New IMAA chapter in Elgin/Hanover Park area for K-Scale; contact Dave Gauer.
• Flying Cardinals (Burlington, KY) had an incident during a July 16 moon eclipse; reminder: do not fly at night.

I plan to continue working for improved communication, documentation, and services for vice-presidents and clubs.

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X District Report

Jim Scarborough District X Vice-President 30717 Rue Langlois Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90274

Associate Vice-Presidents:

• Glenn Carter, Walnut Creek, CA
• Alex Chismon, Fresno, CA
• Lonnie Kroeber, Las Vegas, NV
• John Pond, San Jose, CA
• Bob Reynolds, Tucson, AZ
• Barry Sevram, Long Beach, CA
• Keith Whitney, Salt Lake City, UT

I recently judged the FAI Soaring Championship in Sacramento and visited several clubs. The Canyon Crosswinds club held a successful barbeque and outdoor showing of the film Those Marvelous Miniatures.

I attended the Executive Council and Nominating Committee meetings in San Antonio. The dues increase for 1982 was approved; I voted to hold the increase to $2 but final action resulted in the $3/$5 structure described above.

District news:

• Channel Islands Soaring Society's Oxnard Sports Festival Sailplane Contest drew 31 entrants.
• AVP Betty Stream raised over $1,200 for the Building Fund selling pins and patches. Contact your local AVP for Building Fund supplies.

Volunteers: A reminder that club projects succeed thanks to the same committed volunteers; clubs need more doers, not just gripers.

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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, Boise, ID
• Simon O'Neal, Broadview, MT
• Dale McCollough, Portland, OR
• Bruce Nelsen, Spokane, WA
• Orlando "Oly" Riche, Kent, WA
• Don Zippy, Redmond, WA

Lots of activity in the district. The Tri‑City RC Modelers staged a fun fly with Water Follies 1981 on July 25 with 13 fliers and excellent local support. Thanks to many volunteers who coordinated, judged, timed, cleared the field, provided chairs, and set up booths.

(The remainder of this district report continues in the next issue.)

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Closing Notes

No continuation of "AMA News" appears on the scanned pages beyond the club listings and district reports. For further details or copies of official minutes, contact AMA Headquarters.

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