Financial Report
by John Worth, Executive Director
1980 was a great year. We rebounded strongly from the effects of a major dues increase the year before, which had caused a slight membership loss, to surge ahead in 1980 to the highest total ever — we ended the year with almost 75,000 members. We also showed a combined total surplus from 1979 and 1980 operations of just over $300,000. We were sitting pretty at the end of 1980 — or so it seemed — until we made a preliminary budget for 1981.
The budget showed that if we simply rolled along in 1981 as we had in 1980, inflation would catch up and turn our surplus into a deficit. The projections indicated that even if we increased our membership total in 1981 to 81,000, we would show a loss by year end of about $185,000.
So began considerations of a dues increase for 1982, reinforced by past experience. We had a similar situation in 1977 when we had a surplus of about $200,000 and the AMA Executive Council opted not to increase the dues for 1978. By the end of that year the surplus was gone and a drastic dues increase was put into effect for 1979. We lost members for the first time in 15 years.
Furthermore, with our 1980 property purchase and the need to construct a Headquarters building during the next two years, we knew that in order to obtain a construction loan we would have to show evidence of fiscal responsibility. That meant we must be able to show corrective measures taken in 1981 to avoid another deficit in 1982.
The obvious means to solve the problem was a dues increase, so the Council voted one in for 1982, to take effect three years after the last one.
That's where we are now, looking to see what the 1982 membership year will bring. We have just completed another all-time record year (with 82,000 signed up at the September closing of membership accounting for 1982), but it wasn't quite enough to keep inflation from eliminating our surplus.
The 1980 financial statements show where we were at the end of last year. If we end 1981 without going too far in the red, the 1982 dues increase should improve our position. We have also eliminated or delayed some special projects from the 1981 budget for reconsideration in 1982 depending upon how membership and other income develop next year.
AMA INCOME STATEMENT FOR 12 MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1980
- Total Memberships: 74,578
- Total Membership Income: $1,624,998.25
(Magazine for Members deducted: $517,728.00)
- Subtotal (membership net of magazine): $1,107,270.25
Other Income (selected items)
- Life Memberships: $3,408.00
- Contributions Received (Toledo Weak Signals and other): $1,380.06
(less Nats Trophy $250.00; subtotal $1,130.06)
- Restricted Donations: $902.31
- Unrestricted Donations: $227.75
- NAR Services & Affiliation Fees: $2,351.85
- Club Charter Fees: $32,723.25
- Sanction Insurance: $1,011.00
- Sanction Fees: $5,910.50
- FAI Stamps: $7,747.00
- Supply & Souvenir Sales — Net: $7,855.22
- Film Rental: $3,798.25
- Interest Income: $72,029.35
- Misc. Membership Service Fees: $1,324.92
- MA Advertising + Other Magazine Income: $243,656.21
- Total Other Income: $138,387.09 (magazine-related column shown as $243,656.21)
- Gross Income: $1,245,657.34 (magazine column shown as $761,384.21)
Deductions
- Operating Expenses: $1,808,133.43
- Expense Allocation to Magazine: ($751,226.28)
- Total Deductions: $1,056,907.15 (magazine column shown as $751,226.28)
- Operating Income: $188,750.19
Special Projects 1980 (selected)
- Computer Conversion Fund Allocation: $10,000.00
- Museum Fund Allocation: $10,000.00
- 1980 Indoor World Championships — Net Cost: $3,977.36
- 1980 Run-off Election: $18,673.29
- 1980 Nationals — Net Costs: $12,051.20
- Net Income (after special projects and allocations): $54,701.85
(additional columns show $134,048.34 and $10,157.93 in the magazine-related column)
(Note: The original table on the page contains detailed per-category member dues breakdowns and itemized figures. Above are the corrected textual amounts and key totals as presented.)
AMA is a business. The Executive Council needs detailed and objective financial information when making decisions concerning AMA policies and direction. Since several new members join the Council each year, the EC needs more detailed information for review of previous discussions than a formal set of minutes can provide. As your AMA Secretary/Treasurer I will provide this needed information to assist the Executive Council in saving their time and your money.
AMA has many responsibilities: providing the entire membership with an organized national effort toward obtaining new FCC frequencies, promoting flying sites, and advancing recognition of the sport of aeromodeling, while also meeting the needs of our national and international competition programs. I will always pursue these objectives.
Candidates for Secretary/Treasurer (1982–83)
Horace D. Cain — Buffalo Grove, IL
Mr. AMA Member — have you ever really considered just what AMA is? As a modeler—whether you fly free flight, control line, radio control, compete, build, belong to a club, or fly solo—you enjoy a great hobby because AMA is involved in that endeavor. AMA is ours; we each have both rights and responsibilities as part of the decisions that shape AMA's future.
During 30 years in aeromodeling I've been fortunate to participate in almost every phase of the sport: CL, FF, RC (sport and competition), Air Force teams, worked Nats, and owned a hobby shop for 20 years. I have been close to AMA Contest Direction and RC contest coordination.
If elected Secretary/Treasurer, I pledge to serve the entire membership above regional considerations. I will work to provide continued steady growth of the Academy, which is essential to enhance our position with governmental agencies, to obtain flying sites, develop operating relationships, and work for new radio frequencies. Increased membership gives the Academy the ability to serve members at reasonable cost, an important factor as we move through the inflationary 1980s.
Working with other Council members, I would be a critical overseer of the Academy's finances. Services cost money and must meet membership requirements while ensuring the Academy operates without deficit. A careful watch will be kept on excesses leading to wasted effort and cost. Each member should be satisfied that elected officials care about the monies paid into the Academy.
Another area needing action is stabilizing the beginning aeromodeler. We need a clear definition of "beginner" and programs that address beginners of all ages. Programs developed only for juniors or only for adults will alienate other beginners. Programs for all beginners are urgently needed.
We also must re-involve the local hobby shop owner, historically the Academy's best recruiter. We should find ways to make the hobby shop comfortable recommending AMA membership and local clubs.
As an Associate Vice-President I have attended a number of Council meetings, including filling in for absent Vice-Presidents, and am knowledgeable about Council operations. I live within a two-hour drive of Headquarters, enabling frequent visits to develop superior working relationships with Headquarters staff. This would improve the flow of information and serve the membership well. I ask for your support — vote for Horace D. Cain for Secretary/Treasurer.
Howard Crispin, Jr. — Charlottesville, VA (AMA 568)
I am seeking election to the office of Secretary/Treasurer of the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
The Executive Council comprises 13 elected officers: 11 district Vice-Presidents, plus the President and the Secretary/Treasurer, who are elected by national vote. The Secretary/Treasurer must serve the entire membership above regional considerations. If elected, I pledge to consider all matters before the Council in a way that serves the best interests of all members, regardless of their modeling interests.
I would focus on several areas:
- Continued steady growth of the Academy to strengthen our position with government agencies and to obtain flying sites and frequencies.
- Critical oversight of Academy finances to ensure services meet membership needs while avoiding deficit budgets.
- Development of programs to stabilize and support beginners of all ages.
- Re-establishing the hobby shop owner as a key recruiter and supporter of AMA and local clubs.
As an Associate Vice-President I have had the privilege of attending Council meetings and filling in as needed. My administrative background in clubs and associations adds to my qualifications. My proximity to Headquarters would allow frequent visits and better coordination with staff, benefiting all members. A vote for me would help provide a good cooperative interface between members and Headquarters.
Jim McNeill (incumbent) — Birmingham, AL (AMA L-9)
I am the current AMA Secretary/Treasurer. To re-elect me you will have to print or write my name in Section 3 of your ballot (the write-in section).
When I was elected in January 1979 the office of Secretary/Treasurer lacked definition in our bylaws beyond the statement: "The S/T shall monitor the fiscal affairs of the Academy and shall have the cooperation of the Executive Director." Soon after my election I initiated quarterly visits to Washington — checking, auditing, analyzing our operation and reporting back to Council. I engaged an outside CPA for a complete fresh audit to protect you. Now I regularly drive to Headquarters four times a year and stay three days each time, and I report these activities in my column.
In the past three years I have introduced members to the faces and duties of at least 10 different AMA departments at Headquarters, showcased our NAA delegation and our delegations to Paris for FAI and CIAM. I've taken national polls, featured pictures of Sunday fliers and contest goers to foster member involvement, and used my magazine space each January and February to help members with renewals, magazine issues, license numbers, and so forth.
All this national exposure has increased interest in the S/T position. I took a little of the sting when I was left off the nominating committee's ballot, but I am committed to serving. I enjoy working with others to improve AMA and I also enjoy sharing members' stories and pictures.
Among other initiatives: with Larry Bolich I created the "Award of Excellence" for deserving clubs; with John Worth I helped create the Life Member concept and the Meritorious Service Award for retiring Council members; we reworked the "Superior Service Award" and, with Glenn Lee, established licensing of judges for Pattern and Scale notations on AMA cards.
We on the Council serve without pay. It is voluntary and rewarding. I've done my job; now it is your turn — vote in the election and, if you wish me to continue, write my name in on the ballot.
Note: As approved by the AMA President, campaign space was offered to all those who were nominated, whether or not they were accepted by the Nominating Committee for listing on the ballot.
President's Corner
By the President of the Academy of Model Aeronautics John C. Grigg — 6387 Badger Drive, Lockport, NY 14094
IT WORKS
Cooperation, a friendly attitude, the desire to do a good job, organization, and a lot of hard work can make any event a resounding success.
In my October column I discussed a situation where one person's declination to work an event could have seriously affected the meet. That individual did change his mind and did attend and work the event. The real issue is that a dedicated and intelligent group working together toward a common goal is needed to make any venture successful. When a poor policy or decision is made, it must be rectified by working together and getting all facts before those concerned. Simply picking up your toys and going home only worsens the situation.
ANOTHER RECORD
We ended last year with over 76,000 members. As of September 14, 1981, we are 82,056 members strong! By September 30 we should reach 82,500. That is fantastic growth.
Who gets credit? The Executive Council? Headquarters? Our AVPs and front-line volunteers? Mostly you — the average modeler who encourages newcomers to join AMA. A membership increase of nearly 8% in one year is remarkable. If we could compound that annually we could reach 100,000 members by 1984, which would mean a lot of clout with the FCC, FAA, and other agencies. Congratulations and welcome to new members.
FAI 1982
We selected the Indoor team at West Baden, IN, and teams for Control Line Speed, Team Race, and Scale at the Nats in Seguin, TX. Control Line Aerobatics and Control Line Combat selections were completed later.
Control Line Precision Aerobatics finals at Dayton, OH were hotly contested. The level of skill was outstanding; our team should continue to be internationally dominant. Combat team selection in Nashville drew 25 competitors; the top three who will represent the U.S. are Tom Fluker (1st), Dick Stubblefield (2nd), and Gary Arnold (3rd), with alternates Gary Frost, Jordan Segal, and Max Meears.
To all 1982 FAI teams — carry the flags of the U.S. and AMA with pride. Best wishes for success.
ELECTION TIME
Your membership renewal form and the election ballot for Secretary/Treasurer and Vice-Presidents for odd-numbered districts will arrive soon. Please return your ballot (it costs 18¢ postage) — and VOTE! You may also send your 1982 renewal at the same time (ballots go to the AMA auditor; dues go to AMA HQ), but it is not necessary.
Adult members can save $2 by renewing before December 15, 1981. Your vote is the best way to tell your representative whether you approve or disapprove of past actions. So grab your pen and postage stamp and vote.
GOOD WORDS
From Bill Fitzgerald, Garland, TX: After participating in this year's Pattern event at the Nats, he praised the organization and judged the event well run and organized due to the efforts of Jerry Jackson and his assistants. Thanks for the positive feedback.
BAD WORDS
An Aviation Safety Reporting System publication quoted a report of a pilot sighting a radio-controlled airplane at 3,000 feet in a terminal control area. This is alarming. Two questions arise: could someone really control a model at that altitude, and how did the pilot identify it as radio-controlled? Sightings in congested TCAs are dangerous and unacceptable. Be careful and responsible.
AMA News
Secretary-Treasurer's Report — Jim McNeill
Jim McNeill, AMA Secretary/Treasurer 617 South 20th Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205
Some of the world's best control-line Combat fliers gathered in Nashville last week to pick a U.S. team for international competition. I attended the banquet by invitation of Mack Henry. Team winners are:
- Tom Fluker
- Dick Stubblefield
- Gary Arnold
Alternate: Gary Frost
Tom is only 19, and he and Dick are from Texas. President John Grigg, FAI Director Micheline Madison, and District V Vice-President Bill Mathews were all present.
Our U.S. Combat teams have been going to international competition without mechanics. I will bring this issue before the next AMA Council meeting in November to seek correction.
News flash: RC Pattern World Championship winners — 1. Hanno Prettner; 2. Dave Brown (the “kid from Ohio” mentioned earlier); 3. Wolfgang Matt. The United States team finished first.
A reminder: to re-elect me you must write my name in the write-in box on the ballot.
From AMA HQ — Election, Deadlines, Building Fund
- Election ballots (for adult members) and bills for 1982 AMA dues were sent by First Class Mail in early October. Two return envelopes were provided: the ballot should be returned directly to AMA's auditor in one envelope; the dues payment should be returned to AMA HQ in the other.
- Critical deadlines:
- November 25: postmark deadline for return of election ballots. Ballots postmarked after this date will not be counted.
- December 15: renewals must be RECEIVED at AMA HQ by this date to avoid missing publications. Mail at least a week earlier to be safe. Renewals received after December 15 will miss at least one issue of Model Aviation or AMA News, depending on publication choice.
- Nats site search: a visit to Lakehurst, NJ, is planned to evaluate a possible east-coast Nats site for 1982. Backup sites include Lincoln, NE and Reno, NV.
- Nats format: the Nats has become expensive and difficult to site; consideration is being given to breaking up the Nats into separate events for different categories, with more assistance from special interest groups.
- AMA Building Fund: ground will be broken in January 1982 for our new Headquarters building. Donations are still needed. Clubs and individuals are encouraged to contribute (gold bricks, lapel pins, patches, etc.). Many clubs have sent contributions or raised funds for the Building Fund.
District IV Highlights (selected items)
- District IV members will vote for national Secretary/Treasurer this year. Support is urged for Howard Crispin for Secretary/Treasurer.
- New AMA patch: the Richmond Area Radio Control Club developed a "Field Marshal" patch for club officers responsible for field operations and control.
What's happening in District IV (selected)
- Brainbusters Free Flight Club: Fall Free Flight Contest — contact Bob Charpine, (804) 595-0997.
- Chesapeake Bay Radio Control Club: reports strong support for the AMA Building Fund.
- Tidewater Model Soaring Society: loss of member Pete Morrow, who died of a heart attack while RC soaring.
District V Report
Bill Mathews — District V Vice-President 311 Poinciana Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209
Associate Vice-Presidents
- John Gowdy, Jackson, MS
- Richard Jackson, Charleston Heights, SC
- Arthur Johnson, Delray Beach, FL
- Phillip McDowell, Nashville, TN
- Joseph Micalizzi, Fajardo, PR
- Ed Moorman, Shalimar, FL
- Harry Sherren, Birmingham, AL
- Tom Thacker, Decatur, GA
Notes from the district:
- When the Conley Flyers of South Atlanta temporarily lost their field, Mark Murdock continued flying from Lake Sinclair after building a Drake II from Model Aviation plans — "a real change of pace to fly off water."
- Club editors sometimes need a rest — John Cox of Martin County Modelers' Slipstream announced a temporary retirement from editing; Chris Joiner has restarted Take-Off.
- Plane Talk (Capitol City RC Club, Jackson, MS) featured Rachel Byrd, the club's first woman member, who flies a QBA Trainer and is building a Midwest Sweet Stick.
- The Florida Air Show Team flew model demonstrations at the South Florida Hobby Show in West Palm Beach.
District VI Report
Horace Cain — District VI Vice-President 525 Weidner Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60090
Associate Vice-Presidents
- Loren Holm, Quincy, IL
- Frank Hughes, Pittsburg, MO
- William Kern, Bedford, IN
- Glenn Lea, Batesville, IN
- Helen Olson, University City, MO
- Jim Sears, Burbank, KY
- Bill Zimmer, Yuma, IL
Some work — Some fly — Some win.
News from Cedar Rapids
From Jim Clark, AVP:
- Jack Finn, 53, of the Cedar Rapids Skyhawks RC Club piloted a piston-engine-powered model to a new world FAI endurance record of 16 hours, 43 minutes, and 3 seconds (August 29 start at 7:20 a.m., ending after midnight). The flight was the result of over four years of club effort, coordinated and funded by Dr. Plenny Bates. The airplane was a high-wing stick model powered by an OS Max .60 CI engine modified by Glen Dic, using a custom capacitor discharge ignition system. Fuel was lead-free blended with a research-grade lube oil. Night flying required on-board markers and ground lights.
Frequency Committee / Local Contest Notes
Pete Waters (District VII RC Contest Board) reports:
- Queries about proposed new frequencies: due to government budget constraints, sanctions for new frequencies are unlikely before 1982–83. The Frequency Committee modified requirements to allow current equipment to be used with frequency changes, providing about 10 new spots at 40 kHz spacing, which requires closer frequency control.
- Local contest season has been poor in Pattern at Flint, Brighton, and Ann Arbor; Pontiac attendance about half of last year. Pylon entries similar to last year. Scale events attract spectators but entries remain light. Monster Scale is improving. Several clubs ran "Fly for Jerry" events with success. The Livonia Ribcrackers are running an evening RC class at Schoolcraft College.
Additional AMA News and Field Reports
- The Casper (Wyoming) Aeromodelers, with city cooperation, completed a two- to five-year planning and implementation process and dedicated a large model-airport site in September — ahead of schedule. Look for a full article and future major meets from this group.
- Kansas City area indoor meet schedule (Westport Roanoke Community Center):
- Nov 28: Fun Fly, 3–5 p.m.
- Dec 12: Fun Fly, 3–5 p.m.
- Jan 16: Fun Fly, 3–5 p.m.
- Feb 20: AMA Scale and Peanut Scale, 3–7 p.m.
- Mar 20: Easy B and Duration, 3–7 p.m.
Contact: Roger Schroeder (913-648-4265) or Bill Waite (913-537-6663).
- Boost the AMA Building Fund — contact your Associate Vice-President for information on how your club or you can contribute.
Executive Director's View from HQ
John Worth — AMA Executive Director 815 Fifteenth Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20005
Another Record Year
We broke all previous membership records with over 82,000 members for the year. Early renewal incentives: adult members who sign up for 1982 by December 15 will pay $2 less than those who wait; by signing up early the effective dues increase will be $3 instead of $5. At $3, the increase is 12% over what it was three years ago (about 4% per year), still below overall cost-of-living increases.
Youth members (18 and under) will have basic dues unchanged for 1982, though those who want AMA News or Model Aviation will pay $1 more, as will Senior Citizens (65 or over).
Even with the dues increase, some paring of current budgets will be necessary — the dues increase alone won't fully offset inflation unless about 85,000 members sign up for 1982. Historically, we've averaged about 20,000 new members per year, which factors into budgeting assumptions for dues.
Films and Things
Ten years ago there was no AMA Film Library. Since 1972 the Library has grown to more than a dozen professional films available for clubs and groups. Many were produced by AMA member-volunteer Jay Gerber; others were purchased (e.g., Wings & Things, I Fly ’Em I Break ’Em I Fix ’Em, 180 is Max).
New acquisitions include The Worldly Flights of Indoor by Dick and Nikki Hardcastle (1980 Indoor World Championships at West Baden, IN). AMA previewed a new Control Line film produced by Jay Gerber and David Morcum; an AMA film on Free Flight is planned for 1982 and an RC film for 1983.
The film effort costs AMA about $20,000 a year — roughly 25¢ per member — a valuable membership service. Much of the library is also being transferred to ½" VHS tape for wider circulation. Clubs will receive Film Library information in the 1982 charter renewal package; anyone may request a copy of the list and rental costs from AMA HQ.
Field Visits and Member Support
- Modesto RC Club: John Worth reports a well-received visit, a club meeting, film screening, and generous donations to the AMA Building Fund. Travel anecdotes included airline delays and hospitality by club members.
- Nevada: SODA club held a large local swap meet; RC car racing popularity is growing with banked dirt tracks and enthusiastic participants.
- Thunderbugs club: continued local support and donations to the Building Fund.
Reminder: AMA has a display booth available to support mall shows or club displays — contact Headquarters to request it (no cost).
Thermals!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
