AMA News

New Safety Ruling Effective Immediately

Limits Insurance Coverage To Models Not Over 55 Pounds

Requires Spectator Separation From Flight Line To Be At Least 65 Feet When Flying Models Over 20 Pounds

The AMA Executive Council, on June 26, 1982, after considering many possible actions in connection with membership concerns over an expanding potential danger involving large and heavy models flown in close proximity to spectator crowds, voted to clarify the AMA Safety Code in regard to the situations noted above.

Reflecting a growing negative membership reaction to publicity about large models and expressing the need for a line to be drawn concerning AMA accommodation of activities that include such models, the Council adopted the limit already in effect by the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada (MAAC).

The AMA Safety Code currently provides that for models weighing over 20 pounds, a single straight line must be established to separate spectators from "those persons essential to the flight operations…". The Council has defined the amount of separation to be at least 65 feet between the spectator line and flight operations.

The Council further defined that, when flying models over 20 lbs., the weight limit of permissible models to be flown in accordance with paragraph 4 of the General section of AMA's Safety Code shall be 55 lbs (25 kilograms).

These actions are effective immediately upon receipt of this information by anyone involved with the flying of models over 20 pounds.

In taking these actions the Council noted the general principle that governs most AMA insurance coverage: it matters less what is flown than how and where it is flown. Thus, flying models heavier than 55 pounds in a large unpopulated area (such as a desert or uninhabited lake area) might be very safe and therefore not in need of insurance coverage. But flying such models at contests, model demonstrations, or club activities where the public might be expected to congregate presents unacceptable risk and exposure.

Meanwhile, AMA's new Safety Committee is to study further the subject of large and heavy models with a view toward possible further modification or clarification of the official AMA Safety Code. Until the Safety Committee produces any recommendations, the above requirements have the same effect as changes to the Code.

The Council noted that the previous lifting of a former 40-lb Safety Code weight limit had been in response to many membership requests citing a good safety record for models in the 40–50 pound weight range. However, in establishing a higher limit the Council indicated that too many models at weights double or more than the previous limit have been involved in crashes; although injuries have not been involved in most cases, the potential remains unacceptable.

In summary: a line has been drawn again, a minimum separation between spectator and flying activities has been provided for, and the AMA Safety Committee will consider whether any further safety provisions should be recommended.

President's Corner

By the President of the Academy of Model Aeronautics John C. Grigg 6387 Badger Drive, Lockport, NY 14094

Dateline: Reno, NV

Time flashes by and it is time to write another column, this time from Reno. I’ll highlight a few of the many happenings at the seventh RC Scale World Championships.

So many people are involved in this effort it becomes difficult to list them all, but let's start with the "Bosses." Patty Groves, affectionately known as "WWW," was the Contest Manager, assigned the myriad details required to tie everything together. Her husband, Monty, was Contest Director—sweat, worry, work, run, and more sweat. A very good job, well done, and the full thanks of AMA and FAI to these two for all their efforts. Without them the meet could have been a disaster— with them, a total success.

Bob and Rae Underwood handled hospitality, escorted tour groups for the ladies, welcomed foreign teams, and even retrieved model boxes lost in transit. Ken Vardip and the Hill Country Flyers Club supported flight line activities and helped move fliers from the hangar to the flight line. Yeoman duties were performed by Phil Abbinanti and the Reno RC Club, who pitched in to do the bulk of the work. These folk are a credit to the Reno area.

To all who made the contest work, too numerous to mention individually, my thanks—and that of AMA and FAI—go out to each of you.

The Contest

Forty-three competitors representing 14 countries converged at Reno on Sunday for registration and orientation. Our personnel—judges, jury, contestants, supporters, and AMA staff—were housed and fed at the Circus Circus Hotel/Casino thanks to the cooperation of Bill Bennett and Bill Pennington. Facilities were excellent, and the people of the hotel were warm and cheerful.

Out at the field contestants were assembling and checking their aircraft, renewing old friendships, meeting people, and getting the lay of the land. Bob Wischer attempted to fly a sport ship to check out the new area allowed for flying but crashed (minor damage) on takeoff due to a broken wing-aeriel servo. Bob Underwood stepped in with his Hiper Bipe and flew successfully. Thin air at 5,000 feet altitude was verified when an attempted axial roll turned into a barrel roll with significant loss of altitude.

It Begins

Monday commenced with Bob Underwood flying a sample flight to "train" the judges, although these judges needed little training. Field limits, due to parked full-scale craft and planes on takeoff from the active runway, proved tight but manageable if pilots exercised care. Static judging began after flight judge training.

All activities ceased at noon for the Grand Opening Ceremonies. Brief speeches of welcome from Tony Aarts (FAI) and myself (AMA) were followed by the raising of individual flags for each participating country accompanied by their national anthems. Monty Groves declared the contest officially open—timed with an unexpectedly loud blast from an adjoining field.

Static judging continued after opening. Stand-off Scale judges worked late into the night and completed all 25 aircraft. F4C judging (Precision Scale) is more meticulous, requiring nearly an hour per aircraft. By the end of Monday they had completed five aircraft, including a museum-quality reproduction of a Swedish Tiger Moth. A team manager's meeting at 7 p.m. clarified rules and field limits.

And We Continue

Flying started Tuesday morning with F4 (Stand-off) as the first event. The Australians took the first flight and soon learned the realities of density altitude. Weather turned from very warm Tuesday morning to rain and high winds Wednesday afternoon, halting F4 flying. The FAI jury, chief judge, and the Contest Director decided to suspend further F4 flying until after completion of F4C.

F4C

F4C is a tough contest—on aircraft, competitors, judges, organizers, and workers. Weather made it harder. Thursday afternoon we were rained out; Friday nearly so. With a hard-working flight line crew, headed by Betty Stream, the last F4C flight finished by mid-afternoon on Friday.

The U.S. team suffered losses. Bob Wischer destroyed his new aircraft on the first competition flight. George Rose had significant problems but managed some good flights and returned home with only minor damage. Earl Thompson’s recently rebuilt Focke-Wulf was damaged beyond likely repair. All in all, not a good showing but nothing to be ashamed of.

The Rest of It

I won't give a blow-by-blow of the entire contest or list the winners—see Bob Wischer’s special report for that. A few memorable moments:

• I ran to lower an umbrella during a dust-devil and ended up holding an inside-out umbrella while watching the dust-devil carry the chief judge's new hat 300 yards down the ramp.
• Charlie Chambers broke his ducted fan Stand-off model on its first attempted flight, rebuilt it overnight at Jerry Nelson's house, flew a creditable second round, then destroyed it in the third round due to loss of power.
• Bob and Rae Underwood searched Reno and located a lost model box belonging to the Finnish team at the airport.
• The Lear Fan full-scale aircraft taxied by, and everyone grabbed cameras; its maiden flight was awe-inspiring.
• The awards ceremony backdrop of antique and home-built full-scale aircraft was truly memorable.

It's Over

Once again the AMA successfully hosted a World Championship event, thanks to the many people who donated their time and effort. The contestants enjoyed the meet and felt well treated. Thank you, everyone—especially Patty and Monty Groves.

Two years from now the World Championship Scale meet will be held at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France.

Our Building

It is started! On June 27 the official groundbreaking ceremony took place on the site of our new home. The impact this structure will have on the future of model aviation cannot be measured in dollars alone. This will be the first time a national model aeronautic organization will own its home. Each contributor can take pride in this achievement.

This completes step one. The formal opening should take place early next year. From that day on we will be a fully discernable entity, a true force in the world of aviation. Stand proud, all of you.

Executive Director's View from HQ

John Worth, AMA Executive Director 315 Fifteenth Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20005

A Big Milestone

June 28, 1982 is a major date in AMA history. That day AMA was granted a loan of $940,000 to build its new Headquarters, Visitors Center, and Model Aviation Museum. AMA President John Grigg, Assistant Executive Director Vince Mankowski, and I met on the morning of June 28 to settle the final paperwork.

There were lawyers, bankers, the contractor, and others present. Vince had prepared the necessary documentation over the previous months. At least four sets of lawyers took part—to represent the bank, the county, the Industrial Revenue Bond agency, and AMA. AMA paid for all of their services out of the Building Fund, as required by the system. Previously we had engaged another set of lawyers to find a bank willing to lend the money.

All that is behind us now. The contractor is already well into the building schedule, which calls for December 1982 completion. In fact, he had already started—on a handshake—as soon as we had the building permit. Vince’s advance work was so thorough that the AMA Executive Council assembled on June 27 for the official groundbreaking ceremony.

Synopsis — Executive Council Meeting 6/26–27 (continued)

The following summarizes actions of the summer AMA Executive Council meeting, Arlington, VA. A copy of the official minutes may be obtained upon request from AMA Headquarters. Minutes will become official after Council review at the next Council meeting in August. Unless indicated otherwise, the President either abstained from voting or voted to break a tie. Some Council member votes are shown for particular items where the member was present at the time of voting. Items are not necessarily in chronological order.

Highlights

• (Reno—June 13–19) The RC Scale World Championships indicated no AMA subsidy was needed; the event was expected to show a profit.
• An unusually heavy amount of recent AMA correspondence concerned the safety aspects of large models; some positive Council action was needed.
• Recent "incidents" involving full-scale aircraft and models would be detailed.
• Groundbreaking for AMA’s new building took place Sunday, June 27, with construction loan settlement the next day.
• Agenda material submission deadline for Council meetings was clarified—six weeks prior to each meeting.
• Clarification of Contest Calendar format was needed to dispel current confusion.

Actions and Reports

A. Minutes of the last (April) meeting were approved with clarifications and corrections submitted by Council members.

B. Reports heard included those of the Executive Vice-President and committees: Scholarship, Building Fund, Film Projects, RC Frequency, Contest Director Qualifications, Bylaws, Noise, Nats Procedures, Nats Sites, Safety, Special Interest Groups, Museum, Contest Coordination, Key Man Compensation. There were also reports by the NAA President and a request by John Grigg for recommendations to replace the retiring Scale Contest Board Chairman.

C. Agenda actions taken:

1. Building Fund Continuance

• Although the Building Fund campaign had reached its basic goal of $160,000 (with over $190,000 donated), it was approved unanimously to continue fundraising indefinitely to help offset building construction loan expenses. Original fund incentives (patches, plaques, etc.) will not be continued beyond 1982 so that recognition funds retain the special benefits of the 1982 campaign.

1. Film Projects

• A proposal to produce videotape versions of AMA’s approved films project was approved unanimously. Ted White was appointed chairman of a committee to oversee the project.

1. Bylaws

• Several changes were agreed to clarify intent in sections of the new AMA bylaws. Bill Mathews’ committee will draft recommendations for the next meeting.

1. Frequency Committee

• Bob Aberle briefed the Council and received unanimous approval of two documents: "Phase-In Plan for New Radio Control Frequencies" and "New RC Frequency Identification and Control System." The "Phase-In Plan" was mandated for AMA-sanctioned competitions effective with FCC approval of new frequencies. The Council established a position in each district, with ranking equivalent to Associate Vice-President called Frequency Coordinator; names will be listed regularly along with AVPs on the masthead in Model Aviation.

1. Noise Committee

• The committee is accumulating data and constructing a plane utilizing known noise suppression techniques.

1. 1982 Nats Procedures Document

• Procedures will be assembled into book form. The Indoor Nats will be a two-day event at Pershing Auditorium in Lincoln, NE. Outdoor FF site will be at the University of Nebraska Field Laboratory near Mead.

1. Safety Committee

• Don Lowe will accept chairmanship after November 1982. The Council approved his appointment so the committee could begin operations in 1983.

1. AMA Museum

• By recommendation of Museum Curator Frank Ehling, Dr. Walt Good, John Ponds, and George Aldrich were appointed to the Museum Committee.

1. Special Membership For Disabled

• A trial one-year membership based on the senior citizen rate was developed; the proposal will be distributed to the Council for voting at the next meeting.

1. District Youth/Beginners Coordinator

• A proposal for a district representative to specialize in helping youth and newcomers was presented. The motion did not receive a second; the President directed a formal proposal and job description be prepared for the next meeting if further consideration is desired.

1. Contest Board Procedures

• The President will ask the Contest Board Coordinator to explain that listed concerns are not necessarily in priority order.

1. Magazine Editorial Policies

• The Executive Director and Publisher will develop basic editorial guidelines.

1. Special Events Director Replacement

• The Public Relations Department now consists of Geoff Styles (PR Director), Doug Pratt (Special Events Manager), and Lou Ward (PR Secretary).

14–16. Plan For Membership Sales At Hobby Shops; Mailing Service For Industry; Cost of WATS Line Study

• These items were deferred until the next Council meeting and will be reported on by the Executive Director.

1. Publishers Meeting

• Discussion considered whether a meeting of editors and publishers of the modeling press would improve rapport; no definitive action was taken.

1. Surplus Magazine Shipment Policy

• Under the contract with AMA’s new magazine printer, surplus should accumulate; this is no longer a problem concerning how or whether to charge for surplus magazines.

1. Headquarters Authority Concerning Sanctions

• It was approved to issue all sanctions approved by coordinators for meets scheduled prior to May, holding sanctions for meets scheduled after May 1 until coordinators resolve traditional meet conflicts.

1. Membership Status After Losing CD Rating

• If an individual loses CD status due to non-renewal of membership, upon rejoining he shall be allowed to reenter membership with Leader Member status (9 for, 3 against).

1. Airworthiness/Giant Models (Safety)

• Concern over unusual flying model structures and giant models was expressed. After debate, a 55-pound weight limit (25 kilos—the same as the Canadian limit) was imposed on all model aircraft effective immediately (motion passed: 12 for; 1 against).
• As a further safety measure, a minimum of 65 feet distance between spectators and the flight line shall be imposed for all models over 20 pounds in connection with paragraph five of the general section of the AMA Safety Code. Headquarters was directed to issue an emergency notice announcing these mandates effective immediately upon receipt of notice.

1. Agenda Items

• A six-weeks-in-advance deadline for agenda submission was reaffirmed; urgent or emergency items may be admitted by Council approval.

1. Traditional Meets

• VPs have authority to shift dates of traditional meets, but changes affecting adjacent districts will be made only after consultation with affected vice-presidents. Identification of traditional meets in the Contest Calendar by the capital letter "T" was approved unanimously.

1. Telephone Number Publication

• The desirability of publishing elected and appointed AMA officers’ phone numbers was discussed; Council cannot mandate volunteer officials to allow public listing.

1. Officer Responsibility/Authority/Liability

• Elected officials witnessing unsafe flying must at minimum warn offenders. The President directed that elected officials’ license cards include the appropriate title. The Bylaws Committee was requested to draft a disciplinary action proposal for possible inclusion as a Standing Rule.

1. Scholarship Criteria

• The Scholarship Committee was directed to draft a proposal defining how to add "need" to current scholarship criteria.

1. More Space For VP Columns

• A proposal to increase space to one page per VP was not approved.

1. NAA Mailing

• Approval was given for the NAA to mail a major medical insurance offer to AMA members at no cost to AMA. The opening message will be on AMA letterhead and a note will state that no AMA officer benefits directly.

1. Trans Am Raffle

• The raffle was cancelled. A refund will be offered to ticket holders upon proof of purchase; unclaimed money after the deadline will go to the Building Fund.

1. Awards

• Two Fellowships, two Superior Service awards, and one Distinguished Service award were approved; publicity will follow presentation.

1. Next Meeting

• The next Council meeting will be held at the Nats on August 4, from 9 to 11 p.m., or 10 minutes past the Nominating Committee meeting adjournment.

Attendance

• President John Grigg, Lockport, NY
• Executive Vice‑President 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
• AVP‑IX (proxy) Dick Crowley substituting for VP Travis McGinnis, Arvada, CO
• VP‑X Jim Scarborough, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
• VP‑XI Ed McCollough, Portland, OR
• NAA President Clifton Von Kann (initially)
• NAA Executive Director Ev Langworthy (initially)

Guests: Howard Crispin, Mike Mass, John Preston, Frank Garcher, Bob Aberle (attended various lengths). Present from HQ executive staff: Micheline Madison; FAI/Contest Boards Director Carl Wheeley; Publications Director Vince Mankowski; Assistant Executive Director.

The regular meeting of the Executive Council was brought to order at 9:00 a.m. The President chaired the meeting, made several announcements, and presented a preliminary financial report, including a report on the just-concluded RC Scale World Championships.

VII District Report

Hardy Brodersen, District VII Vice President P.O. Box 1104, Birmingham, MI 48012

Assistant Vice‑President:

• Jack Finn, 368 Hampden Dr. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

Associate Vice‑Presidents:

• Arthur A. Arno, 1014 Woodbridge Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103
• Russell Knetzger, 2625 E. Shorewood Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53211
• Robert D. Lundberg, 4928 Tioga St., Duluth, MN 55804
• William Rohling, 4444 Tanglewood Tr., St. Joseph, MI 49085
• Al Seldomridge, 5031 Dorset Dr., Madison, WI 53711
• Ron Sears, 132 S. Roxon, Pontiac, MI 48054
• Terry Taylor, 6308 Lombardy Lane, Crystal, MN 55428

Take a look at the masthead: newly appointed are Art Arno (Ann Arbor) and Russ Knetzger (Milwaukee). To make room for these assignments required some sacrifices—Jim Clark steps down after several years in Iowa, with thanks, and John Lorberick in Milwaukee also steps down. Art Arno agreed to the post last December and has been waiting for this shuffle. We now have good geographic placement and people with the right specialties to do a proper communications job.

There have been some dramatic and threatening events in the district and neighboring areas; Headquarters action is in motion, including staff involvement. Appropriate notice will be given when matters are in hand.

A personal note: while traveling in Southern Indiana I took a wrong detour and ended up on a one-lane gravel road, rolled my car, and was assisted by sheriff deputies from two counties. The United States Indoor Championships at West Baden, IN, was a resounding success. Dr. Paul MacCready was our guest, participated, and gave an inspired talk emphasizing a direct, open-minded approach—an approach modelers often use. Eugene Verbitsky, the Russian Power flier, noted regarding new electronic timers: "It doesn't add anything to the capability of the airplane to compete."

VIII District Report

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

Associate Vice‑Presidents:

• Bob Friedl, 5512 Southwood, Little Rock, AR 72205
• William Hurley III, 927 Commerce, Pleasanton, TX 78064
• Don Parsons, 11609 Turner NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111
• Ed Perez, 1102 W. Tarrant Rd., Grand Prairie, TX 75050
• Al Rahe, 1904 Valley Oak Cir., Irving, TX 75061
• Larry Sartor, 1415 Manor Dr., Bartlesville, OK 74003
• Ed Shores, 3416 Dawes Dr., Metairie, LA 70003

With heavy rains some RC fields are under water, so finding places to fly has been hard. Mesquite and North Lake, public parks that were free, are now charging fees. The upside may be better field maintenance by the city.

I nearly have my Bucker Jungmeister ready again. Why does it always happen to new airplanes and not the older ones? I have two airplanes that are 15 years old—an Aeromaster and a Gringo—and they keep flying.

We flew the Dallas meet this month. Tom Street beat me in Pattern (I was second; Joe Gross third). Larry Jenson beat me in Scale with his Bonanza; I was second with the MB-5. I won Giant Scale with my Minnow (two entries).

Report from Ed Perez on the Dallas meet (May 22–23): Several younger fliers competed. Four teenagers—Mike Gross (13), Robert Elliott (14), Jeff Turner (15), and Steve Hill (14)—participated, some moving up in class. The intent is to feature younger fliers to encourage others.

AMA News (closing note)

The Executive Council’s rulings on safety and other actions reflect the Academy’s ongoing effort to balance the growth of the hobby with public safety and organizational responsibilities. For official minutes or further details, contact AMA Headquarters.

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