AMA News

AMA NEWS

Synopsis — Executive Council Meeting, April 1–2 (Toledo, OH)

The following summarizes actions of the spring AMA Executive Council meeting in Toledo, OH. A copy of the official minutes may be obtained upon request from AMA Headquarters; minutes will be available approximately July 15 and will become official after Council review at the next Council meeting in June.

Note: Unless indicated otherwise the President either abstained from voting or voted yes in unanimous situations. Where some Council member votes are not shown on a particular item, the member was not present at the time of voting. Items are not necessarily in chronological order.

• Attendance:
• President: John Grigg (Lockport, NY)
• Executive Vice‑President (CFO): Jim McNeill (Birmingham, AL)
• Executive Director: John Worth (Fairfax, VA)
• Vice‑President District I: Ed Izzo (Holliston, MA)
• VP II: John Byrne (Bayside, NY)
• VP III: Dave Brown (Hamilton, OH)
• VP IV: Chuck Foreman (Mechanicsville, VA)
• VP V: Bill Mathews (Birmingham, AL)
• VP VI: Jim Sears (Burgin, KY)
• VP VII: Hardy Brodersen (Birmingham, MI)
• VP VIII: Ted White (Bedford, TX)
• VP IX: Travis McGinnis (Arvada, CO)
• VP X: Jim Scarborough (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA)
• VP XI: Ed McCollough (Portland, OR)
• NAA Executive Director: Ev Langworthy

• Guests:
• Paul Crowley, Chairman, Free Flight Team Selection Committee
• Dwayne Renken, financial consultant
• Guest of Hardy Brodersen

• Present from Headquarters executive staff:
• Gisele Jackson, Comptroller
• Micheline Madison, FAI/Contest Boards Director
• Joyce Hager, Executive Secretary

The meeting was brought to order at 9:00 a.m. by the President. Announcements:

a. Two‑part ballot results: the motion to change the previously agreed location/date of the Spring Council meeting failed (12 voted: 5 no, 7 yes — needed a two‑thirds majority). The second part—concerning conversion to three‑year officer terms—passed (12 yes, 1 no).

b. Agenda items: Proposals for Council meeting agenda items must include brief descriptions and, if possible, intended motion(s). Cut‑off for agenda submissions is six weeks prior to a meeting. Items proposed after that may be accepted for discussion but will not be allowed to be brought to a vote.

c. Information item: A letter from AMA's legal counsel clarifying Article II, Section 4 of the AMA Bylaws (quorums at Council meetings) was referred to the Bylaws Committee for study and possible amendment.

I. Previous Minutes

• Passed unanimously to approve the January 30, 1982 Council meeting minutes as amended by earlier mail inputs from Council members.

II. Executive VP Report (Chief Financial Officer)

• Jim McNeill summarized a three‑part report (dated April 1, 1982) distributed to Council members regarding:
• AMA's interest‑bearing investments
• Intercommunication between AMA Headquarters departments
• Observations and conclusions about AMA's Supply and Service department

• Discussion:
• A suggestion that reinvestments be made on a day‑to‑day basis to maximize returns. The Executive Director was advised to seek input from the Business Advisors Committee.
• Headquarters executive staff hold regular meetings; minutes of those proceedings will be sent to the Council.

III. Committee Reports

A. Scholarships

• Hardy Brodersen gave an interim report; a detailed loan program report is expected at the summer meeting.

B. Frequencies

• John Worth was awaiting the outcome of an FCC Commission meeting in Washington, D.C., concerning AMA’s petition for spectrum relief in the 72–76 MHz band.
• An evening meeting of AMA’s Frequency Committee with modeling industry manufacturers was scheduled; the Council was invited to attend.
• Subsequently, the FCC voted to release the NPRM.

C. Building Fund

• Three of four executors of the Howard McEntee Fund approved transference to the Building Fund; awaiting the fourth.
• The hobby industry planned to present AMA with a check in excess of $40,000 at the Toledo Show.
• Vince Mankowski was in final negotiations related to the building project; groundbreaking expected sometime in May.
• A raffle project will not be conducted on legal advice.

D. Films

• Chairman John Byrne reported two Committee meetings and development of a new two‑year film project to produce an "RC Building and Flight Training" film. The project was approved unanimously to proceed.

E. Contest Director Qualification

• Jim Sears reported no significant opposition to the questionnaire aspiring Contest Directors (CDs) must pass, but much opposition to revoking CD status solely for inactivity.
• A motion passed unanimously to continue the CD rating policy so long as membership is continuous; CD status will be removed if AMA membership lapses.

VP Nominations

• Under the revised Bylaws and the Executive Council’s implementation plan, elections this year will be held for Districts 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10.
• Now is the time to submit letters of nomination for these districts. No one is automatically nominated, including incumbents.
• Ballots may list up to three candidates per office; write‑ins are allowed. No runoffs — plurality elects.
• There must be more than one candidate in each district; avoid unopposed candidacies.

Good Things Are Happening (Geoff Styles)

How to obtain a flying field (new clubs or clubs that have lost a field):

• Identify local resources and build public image: hobby shops, full‑scale airplane groups, media, service clubs, youth groups.
• For clubs that lost a field, determine cause (development, noise complaints, landowner decisions) and take corrective actions such as enforcing stricter field rules and adhering to the AMA Safety Code (e.g., no flying over pits, spectators, or parking areas).

Examples of successful field efforts:

• Marietta, GA
• Dan Dougherty (Complete Hobby Supply) started a Control Line group, used AMA public relations materials to obtain permission to fly on a public school site, and is pursuing additional sites.

• Milwaukee, WI
• Milwaukee Flying Electrons secured permission to use a donated Miller Brewing Company property (now Village of Menomonee Falls nature preserve) after a Q&A presentation to the Village Board.

• Sibley, IA
• Bob Godfredson organized a club and secured permission to fly at the local airport, using AMA information to address FAA concerns.

• Westminster, MD
• Ray Miles and the Westminster Aero Modelers obtained County property after three years of correspondence and hard work; they built a fine field with pilot trees discouraging overflying.

• Anderson, CA
• Shasta Flying Eagles developed "Anderson International Miniature Airport" with a paved strip, shade trees, picnic facilities and parking. Key factors included pledging no city financial assistance, securing site owner insurance, and public outreach via mall displays and the county fair.

• Clubs with successful fields are encouraged to send photos and experiences to Headquarters to serve as a clearinghouse of information.

— Geoff Styles

Synopsis (continued from page 90)

F. Bylaws

• Bill Mathews distributed recommended Bylaws amendments and a draft of Standing Rules. The Bylaws Amendment recommendations were approved: 11 for, 2 against (districts 4 and 11), 1 abstained (EVP); however, amendments will not be sent to Leader Member vote until after the summer Executive Council meeting (10 for, 3 against — NAA, 11, 1; 1 abstained EVP).

G. Noise

• Ed Izzo reported that Committee makeup and long‑range plans will be presented at the next Council meeting.
• He believes FAI Pattern must pass noise qualification at the Nats and team finals and proposed that noise tests be introduced at local meets as a familiarity tool (not qualification).

H. Nats Procedures

• A tentative April committee meeting in Washington, D.C., at Headquarters was scheduled.
• Concerns for the '82 Nats:
• Unexpected indoor site rental cost (previously no charge to AMA)
• Free Flight site confirmation temporarily suspended due to severe weather — to be decided by the Nats Executive Committee after inspection
• Controversy over RC transmitter frequency checking

• Indoor site decision:
• A motion to hold the '82 Indoor Nats at Lakehurst, NJ, was withdrawn.
• Instead, the Council imposed a $1,000 ceiling on the cost of obtaining the Indoor flying site in Lincoln; if cost exceeds $1,000, the Indoor Nats shall be canceled. Motion passed: 12 for; 2 against (EVP, district 10).

• Frequency checking:
• Although the Nats Executive Committee had decided to eliminate transmitter checking, the Council voted unanimously to reinstate transmitter checking at the Nats to protect RC competitors. Manufacturers at the frequency meeting supported this, and a spectrum analyzer was loaned by Airtronics.

I. Safety

• Don Lowe was being approached for committee chairmanship; an announcement will be made at the next meeting.

J. Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

• Dave Brown distributed a "Special Interest Group Recognition Program Document," unanimously approved.
• President appointed a Recognition Committee: Ed McCollough (Chair), Ed Izzo, John Byrne.

K. Bylaws Committee Member Election

• A tie vote was broken by the President in favor of Jim Sears.

L. CD Dues/Qualification

• President appointed a study committee: Hardy Brodersen (Chair), Jim McNeill, Jim Sears.

M. Sargent Petitions — Committee recommendations and follow‑up:

1. Non‑AMA members insured to fly a single non‑AMA event by payment of a one‑time special insurance fee — Committee recommended action; President appointed Dave Brown (Chair), Ed Izzo, Hardy Brodersen and Carl Maroney (associate) to advise on insurance.
2. Schedule of license classifications — Committee recommended no action; separate license classifications not feasible at this time.
3. Adopt five‑year rules change cycle — Committee recommended no action; impractical and detrimental to new events.
4. Publish at least a twelve‑month contest calendar — Committee noted this is already implemented on a test basis in the "Competition News" section of Model Aviation (May issue).

IV. Special Interest Groups Rights and Privileges

• Discussion: SIGs should have a valued advisory role; contest board members should consider SIG inputs but cannot be compelled to accept them automatically.

V. Museum Curator

• A museum advisory committee will be appointed by the President after consultation with Frank Ehling to define AMA’s museum concept.

VI. Surplus Trophies

• Frank Ehling was directed to provide a list of available trophies to all Council members.

VII. PR Department Reorganization

• John Worth presented the new PR department budget and a revised HQ organizational chart.
• Larry Boich has left AMA; a replacement is being sought.

VIII. Standing Rules

• Standing Rules will include a section on Standing Committees; Standing Committees will be treated separately in the draft.

IX. Membership Sales at Hobby Shops

• Action postponed until the summer meeting. The Executive Director was asked to redefine the proposal incorporating suggestions: single contest membership for $10; full V5 temporary membership; and a standard method for determining when insurance becomes effective.

X. Special Membership for Disabled

• Bill Mathews planned to submit a proposal by mid‑year aiming for 1983 implementation.

XI. Business Advisors Committee

• Dwayne Renken volunteered to complete the five‑member committee. Further discussions planned on money management ideas.

XII. Budget Review

• Balance Sheet and Income & Expense statements for year ending December 31, 1981 reviewed.
• A projected deficit for FAI expenses was detailed (higher travel costs for FAI team and other team travel). No changes proposed to the 1982 budget.

XIII. Youth/Beginners A. Travis McGinnis suggested district youth/beginner coordinators; Council asked for inputs. B. "Bringing Model Airplanes to the Public: A Coordinated Program Proposal" by Larry Miles was distributed to Council, with Worth's response. C. Dr. Sandy Frank's "pilot seed project" — supply three‑month Model Aviation subscriptions to junior high school libraries in Fort Worth/Dallas — approved unanimously. D. The President directed that Geoff Styles' memo "Adopt‑A‑School" be sent to Council for review.

XIV. District Displays

• District displays may be returned to Headquarters anytime for repair or replacement. Contact: Geoff Styles.

XV. AMA Stationery

• HQ to send three‑part note/letter forms to all Council members.
• Develop a standard numbered catalog of available forms for Council reference; obtain a better quality president letterhead.

XVI. Indoor Records

• Free Flight Contest Board determination on Indoor records and ceiling heights to be turned over to the new Indoor Contest Board for further consideration.
• Indoor Contest Board confirmed (District assignments listed).

XVII. Primary RC Categories

• A motion to create separate RC Contest Boards (defining RC Aerobatics, RC Soaring and RC Racing as primary categories) failed: 7 against; 3 for (districts 2, 3, 11); 4 abstained (NAA, 4, 7, 10).
• The advisory board concept used for Control Line has yet to be used fully for RC.

XVIII. AAAA Indoor Meet

• The NFFS and NIMAS are jointly sponsoring a 25‑event, three‑day Indoor meet at West Baden in June. The Council passed unanimously to grant 4‑A contest status to this meet.

XIX. Executive Compensation

• Bill Bieda proposed a "key‑man" insurance program to provide extra retirement income without expense to AMA. A committee was appointed to review: Bill Mathews (Chair), Dave Brown, Chuck Foreman.

XX. Member Lists/Directories

• Council approved investigating the feasibility of providing a mailing service to the modeling industry using AMA lists, with use subject to AMA approval. Headquarters to submit a specific proposal.

XXI. Use of Blazers and Patches

• Motion to limit use of AMA blazers and blazer patches to the Executive Council and Headquarters staff members involved in public transactions passed: 13 for; 1 against.
• Amendment to allow sale of blazer patches at AMA cost to authorized persons, including AVPs through their VPs, passed: 12 for; 2 against (districts 7 and 10).

XXII. AMA Telephone Costs

• Study showed reduced outgoing call costs but high incoming call costs due mostly to collect calls by officers.
• A motion authorizing the Executive Director to investigate costs of an independent study comparing incoming WATS line costs vs. savings from reduced correspondence passed: 9 for; 3 against (district 3, ED, EVP); 2 abstained (districts 6 and 7).

XXIII. Free Flight Finals Site

• After discussion, motion passed recommending that the next FAI Free Flight team selection finals be held east of the Mississippi; semifinals‑capable sites acceptable for finals. Vote: 6 for; 4 against (districts 3, 7, 9, 11); 4 abstained (districts 6, 8, 10, NAA).

XXIV. National Election/VP

• Simultaneous running for national and district offices was discussed. Two motions were attempted and withdrawn regarding holding an existing office while running for another and automatic resignation if elected to two offices.
• Topic placed on the agenda for the next meeting.

XXV. Optional Insurance

• Problems with a previous program discussed. Any future program must be presented to Council in advance and detailed in Model Aviation to avoid confusion. Executive Director to present any future solicitation program for Council approval.

XXVI. Magazine Policies

• The President stated restrictions on the editor had been removed; the primary criterion is financial (not to lose money), though the editor is subject to Council criticism.
• Motion recommending the editor exercise more care in selection of cover material (to promote model aviation to schools and youth) passed: 9 for; 3 against (district 1, 7, ED); 2 abstained (EVP, district 10).

XXVII. VP Allowances

• Motion to increase per diem allowance for Council members to $25 passed: 8 for; 3 against (districts 2, 5, 10); 3 abstained (NAA, district 1, district 6).

XXVIII. Headquarters Policies

• Employees instructed to treat members politely and respectfully, viewing them as customers.

XXIX. Alcohol/Drugs at Contests

• As an addition to the Rule Book, the Council granted irrevocable authority to a Contest Director at an AMA‑sanctioned contest to disqualify or prevent any competitor from flying if, in the CD's opinion, the competitor's ability is impaired by alcohol or drugs. Vote: 12 for; 1 against (district 10); 1 abstained (district 4).

XXX. Model Aviation Day

• Unused $600 authorized for New York City's Model Aviation Day in 1981 to be carried over for use in 1982.

XXXI. Awards

• Several awards approved unanimously: one Superior Service and two Distinguished Service awards. Identification to be published after awards are made.

XXXII. Next Meeting

• Saturday, June 26 in Washington, D.C. Motion passed: 13 for; 1 against (district 10).
• Nominating Committee meeting to be held at the Nats on August 4 at 9:00 p.m.

FAI Rule Proposal

• The new FAI Pattern rules (complete turn‑around pattern) have sparked controversy; many letters voicing objections were received.
• Concerns:
• Requires a different type of airplane and new equipment — costly and time consuming.
• Difficulty in judging the new pattern.
• Recommendation: FAI representative should obtain broader input from U.S. fliers, not just a few leading fliers.
• Suggested solution: incorporate the Masters Class into the Expert Class and have a separate class for FAI alone. Care must be taken not to let minority preferences dominate U.S. modelers' interests.

Building Fund

• Substantial contributions have been made to the new AMA "home" in Reston, VA, including donations from Somers RC Club (Somers, NY) and The Blue Angels Club (New York City).
• Many donations reported; the Building Fund drive remains active.

Film Project Committee

• The committee expects significant developments.
• Committee member Dave Brown proposed a training film program expected to pay for itself and produce better fliers in less time.
• The flight training film is scheduled to premiere January 1985; subsequent work planned on "THE AMA AND YOU."

Newsletter Note

• AMA has been added to mailing lists for two District 2 newsletters:
• Dope Sheet — Pine Barons Model Airplane Club (Vineland, NJ), Editor Joe DiCara
• LIFTS News — Long Island Fly Together Society, Editor Bob Brassell
• Editors are encouraged to add AMA to their mailing lists so clubs' activities can be shared with readers.

Lakehurst Air Show

• NAEC Lakehurst, NJ, presented a Navy Air Show on Memorial Day weekend featuring the F‑18 Hornet, F‑14 Tomcat, Blue Angels, and other performers.
• Giant model aircraft demonstrations scheduled for 11 a.m. on both days; gates open at 10 a.m.

Errata

• A Contest Calendar error in the last column: the meet listed for June 5–6, 1982 by the Radio Control Club of Rochester, NY should have been listed as a SCALE Rally (not a Fun Fly). AMA will correct the error.

Fundraising Note

• Westchester Radio Aeromodeler Society (WRAM) voted a $1,500 contribution to the AMA Building Fund.

A LAKEHURST NATS IN '83!

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IV DISTRICT REPORT

Delaware • District of Columbia • Maryland • North Carolina • Virginia

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

Associate Vice‑Presidents:

• Wayne Abernethy — Upper Marlboro, MD
• Bob Crispin — Newcomer, MD
• Howard Crispin — Charlottesville, VA
• V. Bell Haims — Charlotte, NC
• Scotty Moyer — Wilmington, DE
• John Posner — Falls Church, VA
• Charles Spear — Mocksville, NC

• Motion passed recommending the FAI Free Flight team selection finals be held east of the Mississippi in 1984; vote: 6 for, 4 against, 4 abstentions.

FCC Releases Notice of Proposed Rule Making

• AMA RC Frequency Committee meeting (April 1, Toledo) chaired by Bob Aberle. The FCC released the long‑awaited NPRM the same day.
• Copies of the NPRM to be mailed to chartered clubs and newsletter editors; clubs urged to circulate copies to members.

North Carolina Flying Field Directory

• Vern Helms (AVP, NC) is preparing a directory of North Carolina flying fields and requests maps/directions and field rules (note "Members Only" if applicable). Send information to Vern W. Helms, 2000 Tyvola Road, Charlotte, NC 28210.

Scale World Championships

• Stead Airport, Reno, NV — June 13–19, 1982. Expecting more than 20 countries.

District IV Fun Fly

• Clubs interested in hosting a District IV Fun Fly should provide field facility information and desired event features.

What's Happening in District IV (selected events)

• DCRC Bealeton Contest — September 18–19. CD: Mike DeMuth.
• Tri‑County Annual Fun Fly — four meets each year hosted by rotating clubs.
• Brainbusters Spring Free Flight Contest — May 16, Petersburg, VA Airport.
• District IV Control Line Championships — May 15–16, Petersburg, VA. Contact Abram Van Dover.
• Meade Modelers Independence Day Model Air Show — July 3, Ft. Meade Range 3 (registration and parking free).
• Mid‑Virginia RC Club events:
• June 5–6: Third Annual MVRC Spring Soar‑In
• June 26–27: National Soaring Society Soar‑In

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V DISTRICT REPORT

Alabama • Florida • Georgia • Mississippi • Puerto Rico • South Carolina • Tennessee

Bill Mathews, District V Vice‑President 311 Poinciana Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209 — (205) 879‑5550

Associate Vice‑Presidents:

• John Coniglio — Jackson, MS
• Richard Jackson — Charleston Heights, SC
• Arthur Johnson — Derry Beach, FL
• Philip McDonald — Nashville, TN
• Joseph McDaniel — Mt. Juliet, TN
• Ed Mozerman — Shemira, FL
• Sam Shanklin — Birmingham, AL
• Tom Thacker — Decatur, GA

• The Glen Sig Memorial Pattern Meet (Jacksonville, FL) drew 52 contestants (including one from Canada); four junior members (age 14) participated, with Patti Violett placing fourth in Novice. The banquet hosted 102 attendees.

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VIII DISTRICT REPORT

Arkansas • Louisiana • New Mexico • Oklahoma • Texas

Ted White, District VIII Vice‑President 1109 Greendale, Bedford, TX 76021

Associate Vice‑Presidents:

• Boo Freed — Little Rock, AR
• William Hurley III — Pleasanton, TX
• Dan Parson — Albuquerque, NM
• Ed Perez — Grand Prairie, TX
• Al Rebb — Irving, TX
• Larry Saroil — Bartlesville, OK
• Ed Shearer — Metairie, LA

• Attended the Council meeting in Toledo; large RC industry presence.
• Frequency Committee meeting held; some reservations about proposed spectrum allocation approaches were expressed.
• Local news:
• Seaplane Fun Fly — August 22 (contact Tom Blakeney).
• Metroplex Fun Fly returning.
• Elections approaching; Ted White will run again for District VIII VP.

Personal note:

• Participated in recovery of hadrosaur tracks at Lake Grapevine after floods — helicopter removal; good photos and interest from the scientific community.

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IX DISTRICT REPORT

Colorado • Kansas • Nebraska • North Dakota • South Dakota • Wyoming

Travis McGinnis, District IX Vice‑President 8027 W. 81st Circle, Arvada, CO 80005

Associate Vice‑Presidents:

• Robert Ball — Casper, WY
• Ed Cost — Prairie Village, KS
• Dick Crowley — Aurora, CO
• Glen Low — Lincoln, NE
• Tim Mattson — Crofton, ND
• Jim Ricketts — Sioux Falls, SD

Selected reports and items:

• Minot, ND — Minot Aircraft Modeler Club organized an Indoor AMA Cub meet for fifth and sixth graders as part of the Annual Winter Fest; 40 Cubs participated. Club plans to expand next year.

• All Season Flyers program — Miniature Aero Sportsters (Thornton‑Northglenn, CO) implemented a wallet‑size card tracking system for the All Season Flyers patch program (August–July cycle).

• Casper, WY — Casper Airmodelers held their Second Annual Model Show at Sunrise Shopping Mall with over 60 airplanes and support from local merchants and Civil Air Patrol.

• Rocky Mountain Jumbo Fly‑In — May 29–30 (Memorial Day weekend), Casper Airmodelers.

• Award presentation — Sky Corral RC Club, Pueblo, CO received an "Award of Excellence"; presentation included an auction event.

• FCC frequencies: good prospects for new RC frequencies being available by the end of the year. Stay tuned for more information from Headquarters.

• Building Fund: approximately $120,000 of $160,000 needed for transition costs reported by April 1 at the Toledo Show.

• District IX newsletter editors and AVPs are recognized for their efforts; stay in contact with AVPs.

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AMA NEWS (closing notes)

• If all goes well with the FCC NPRM, AMA should have new RC frequencies by late fall, which could be a milestone for RC survival into the next decade.
• Continued emphasis on Building Fund contributions.
• Next Executive Council meeting: Saturday, June 26 in Washington, D.C.; Nominating Committee meeting at the Nats on August 4 (9:00 p.m.).

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