AMA News
Synopsis of Special AMA Meeting — Executive Council and Nats Executive Committee — December 11, 1982
Following attendance:
- President: John Grigg, Lockport, NY
- Executive Vice‑President: Jim McNeill, Birmingham, AL
- Executive Director: John Worth, Fairfax, VA
- District I Vice‑President: 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 (Dan Parsons proxy for absent)
- VP‑IX: Travis McGinnis, Arvada, CO
- VP‑X: Jim Scarborough (Joe Norcross proxy for absent)
- VP‑XI: Ed McCollough, Portland, OR
Also present:
- Nats Executive Committee members: Homer Smith (Chairman), Richard Sonheim, Bev Wisniewski, Ron Morgan, Bob Underwood
- AMA executive staff: Vince Mankowski (Assistant Executive Director), Micheline Madison (FAI/CB Director), Geoff Styles (PR Director)
- Guests: Earl Witt (past President), Don Krafft (AVP District I), John Preston (AVP District IV)
- Nats Future Structure
- Discussed ideas raised during the two‑minute statement period: buying a permanent site, introducing a trade‑show aspect to the Nats, and developing manufacturer and special interest group symposia.
- Approved unanimously: Headquarters will distribute a Special Interest Groups survey/questionnaire to solicit interest and information about topics and support equipment for staging seminars at the Nats (1983 or future).
- Approved unanimously: Headquarters will distribute a similar questionnaire to industry; the industry version will specify particular seminar topic(s).
- No Nationals for 1983?
- Pros and cons of not staging a Nationals in 1983 were debated, including the idea of holding the Nats every other year.
- After discussion, there was general agreement (except District VIII) to proceed with developing plans for a 1983 Nats.
- 1983 Nats Site Selection
- Ed Izzo briefed the assembly on Westover Air Force Base, MA, as a viable site for the 1983 Nats. Concerns were raised about possible inadequate free‑flight (FF) indoor and outdoor sites at Westover and the need to consider separating those events elsewhere.
- The Nats Executive Committee's choice of Lake Charles, LA, for the 1983 Nats (either for the whole Nats or for FF events only) was reviewed.
- Motion approved: Stage a combined Nats at Westover AFB with the FF site within 30 miles.
- Approved dates: August 7–14; alternatively the week beginning July 24 if August dates are unavailable.
(Continued — items 4–18)
- Nats Procedure Manual
- Foreman reported progress toward completion, but no presentation was ready for this meeting.
- Re‑establish Junior and Senior Nats Champions
- Noted that current computer access makes generating champion standings easier, but the task is complicated and affects scheduling for relatively few people.
- The Council charged the Nats Committee to investigate re‑establishing Junior and Senior champions, the possibility of instituting event or category champions, and to report back with recommendations.
- Agreed that a first‑place trophy plaque should be inscribed "champion."
- Increase Nats Per Diem
- Discussed; no action taken.
- Replacement Policy for AMA Radios
- Foreman reported the Academy owns 24 walkie‑talkie radios (five new) and recommended replacing old units gradually (two or three per year). Old radios would be cannibalized for parts.
- Council unanimously approved purchasing four new radios per year.
- Council authorized budgeting up to $5,000 per year for electronic equipment maintenance.
- Shipping Crates for Nats Electronic Equipment
- Current cardboard cartons are inadequate for travel. Foreman was directed to research costs and sources for fiberglass, foam‑lined cases and to report at the January Council meeting.
- Restructure of the Nats Executive Committee
- Approved unanimously: restructure into two groups — the Nats Executive Committee and the Nats Operations Subcommittee.
- The Nats Executive Committee shall consist of: Free Flight category manager, Control Line category manager, Radio Control category manager, the AMA Executive Director, and the Nats Contest Director (chosen annually by the first named members).
- The Nats Operations Subcommittee reports to the Nats Executive Committee and shall consist of up to five other members holding functional positions at subsequent Nats, selected by the Nats Executive Committee at their fall meeting.
- Category managers established for 1983–1984: Homer Smith (FF; Chairman), Dick Sonheim (RC), Bev Wisniewski (CL).
- Nats Announcement Policy
- General agreement that January 1 should be the latest announcement time for the following year's Nats; suggested that a two‑thirds vote may be required to deviate from this policy.
- A committee will study the feasibility of a central permanent Nats site: Hardy Brodersen and Bill Mathews to report in January.
- Addition/Deletion of Competition Events
- Noted proliferation of Nats events; additions occur regularly but deletions are rare.
- President directed the Nats Executive Committee to review the events list for possible deletions and report at the next Council meeting.
- Frequency Division for Pattern
- Proposal discussed to allocate radio frequencies by skill‑level class and to fly each class together, preferably on one flight line.
- President directed the Nats Executive Committee to review the proposal with implementation, if recommended, in 1984. Referred to the Frequency Committee to include new frequencies; Dave Brown to approve initial frequency decisions.
- West Baden Purchase
- Brodersen reported the Northwood Institute (West Baden, IN), an important indoor site, is up for sale and suggested the Council consider purchase. A straw vote indicated interest in investigating further; Brodersen to advise in January.
- Winner Recognition at the Nats
- Discussed ways to increase recognition/publicity for Nats winners. The Nats Executive Committee was tasked to recommend procedures to accomplish this.
- Nats Fees / "Open House" Concept
- As follow‑up to prior motions, discussion continued on an "open house" concept for the 1983 Nats. A cost analysis of all facets was requested from the Nats Executive Committee for the January meeting.
- Nats Executive Director Policy
- Worth requested HQ executive personnel be retained in Headquarters administration rather than field management. The Nats Executive Committee was directed to review and revise as necessary.
- Nats General
- Ed McCollough advocated a comprehensive study of the Nats concept, which may result in changing the character/format of the Nats as currently known.
- Nats Trophies
- Dave Brown reiterated concerns about trophy quality. No definitive action was taken, but there was general support for upgrading the plaque‑type trophies used in 1982.
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President's Corner
By the President of the Academy of Model Aeronautics
JOHN C. GRIGG 6387 Badger Drive, Lockport, NY 14094 Home: (716) 434‑3955 — Work: (716) 631‑6314
Goodbye
Farewell, see ya later—terms we all use in leaving a friend. A very dear friend, Lee Renaud, bid farewell to all of us earlier this year to soar forever with modelers who have gone before. Lee was the founder and driving force behind Airtronics, Inc. of Downey, CA, and the designer of the popular Aquila and Sagitta sailplanes, among many others. In recent years he marketed the Airtronics radio control system.
He was a staunch supporter of AMA, the FAI soaring team, and our hobby. His efforts helped gain substantial support for the new AMA building. He will be greatly missed. I know you join me in expressing our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Electrifying
Electric‑powered models continue to show promise for the future of modeling. Noise complaints contribute to the loss of flying fields; electric power can help solve that. New developments are increasing power and reliability to levels comparable with other sources. Rumor has it Emil Giezendanner intends to fly an electric‑powered Pattern airplane at the 1983 World Aerobatic Championships in Pensacola; electric power may soon have its own world championships.
I have asked each AMA VP to appoint a delegate to an electric flight team selection committee. We may set up qualification meets and a final team selection meet. If time permits (for example, a 1986 world championship instead of 1984) we can run quarter finals, semis, and finals.
Several AMA groups are pushing to establish classes of electric flight for AMA meets. I attended a meeting at the IMS Show in Pasadena; a second meeting will be held at the Toledo Show (check the AMA booth for time and location). Everyone is encouraged to attend and voice opinions.
Education and Articles Needed
A major barrier to electric power growth is the perception they are only toys and the need for education. The magazine could carry a series on electric power if someone knowledgeable volunteers to write. Topics include matching motor to airplane and prop, battery choices, charging, speed reduction versus direct drive, servo‑actuated on/off switches, wire sizing, and fusing.
FF–FAI
One of our FAI team members headed for Australia this fall is Jim Bradley of Orlando, FL. My best wishes and those of all AMA members go to the FAI World Champ fliers.
Distaff
More women are becoming involved in model aircraft. Katie Martin, President of the Sierra Madre Radio Control Modelers for 1982 and reelected for 1983, spearheaded her club's effort to obtain its first flying field with two runways exceeding 1,000 ft. She is an accomplished flier and a teacher. Congratulations, Katie — may many other women follow your lead.
NAA–FAI
I directed an increase in the cost of the FAI stamp from $5 to $10 and the supporter fee from $1 to $3. The FAI stamp will now include membership in NAA, which benefits the buyer and AMA. Increased stamp revenue will help AMA gain needed voting power within the NAA to protect divisional interests and maintain our relationship with NAA and its divisions.
S.T.A.R.S.
I attended the annual meeting of the Southern Tier Aero Radio Society — a club bound by friendship and mutual help. Their annual meeting includes gag trophies (e.g., "crash‑point" and "bonehead" awards). Their camaraderie is infectious; I appreciated their hospitality, even if they "won" the Bonehead Club of 1982 for buying dinner for my wife and me.
Nats Volunteers Needed
Now that we will have an East Coast Nats, it is imperative that AMA members in District II support the event not only as contestants but as volunteer workers during July 24–31. Please write to me or to Ed Izzo, District II VP, to volunteer. The Nats Committee will assign work. Volunteering as a Pattern or Scale flight judge is fun and rewarding.
GEAR UP AND LOCKED!
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IT MUST BE TOLD
Internal conflict and strife occurred recently within AMA. This is presented not to raise controversy but to assure members that we remain an organization of individuals working toward common goals. The Executive Director, John Worth, serves under a two‑year contract with a one‑time option to renew for an additional two years.
Complaints were received alleging Worth breached his contract on two counts. His contract provides that the AMA President appoint a five‑man committee to study such allegations and report. I appointed Earl Witt, Horace Cain, Don Lowe, Murry Frank, and Cliff Piper (Chairman). After full investigation, each member of the committee voted against termination. The Executive Council supported the committee's recommendation, and John Worth's contract was automatically renewed for another two years.
There is nothing more to be told. The key point is that we have a responsibility to investigate complaints, and we have done so.
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Executive Director's View from HQ
John Worth AMA Executive Director 1810 Samuel Morse Dr., Reston, VA 22090
AMA's Big Year
1982/1983 began well with a substantial allocation of new RC frequencies from the FCC — a tangible result of AMA's long‑term efforts. For those asking "What has AMA done for me?" the new frequencies are a clear answer. We have also secured additional frequencies for the future.
We completed construction of the new AMA building — not just offices but a model museum, library, visitor center, and repository for aeromodelling archives: the National Center for Aeromodelling. Membership figures for 1983 show over 50,000 members already, on track to top last year's high of over 83,000. It looks to be a big year.
The Place to Be in 1983: Chicopee/Westover
The 1983 Nats is coming together as a spectacular event — the first Nats in New England and the first of a new breed combining a model meet and national convention. There will be displays, demos, talks, seminars, and activity day and night. Headquarters will be a large hotel about five miles from the airfield. The Air Force, lending Westover AFB, will help produce a grand finale with static displays and flight demonstrations — effectively an AMA‑Air Force Open House.
Dates are July 24–31 with extra emphasis on the last three days. Food and lodging arrangements are good; dorm space and many hotels are nearby. Expect more details as plans develop — plan now to be there.
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Nats / Westover and Local Planning Notes
- Westover AFB (Chicopee/Springfield, MA area) is centrally located in New England with good highway and air access (Bradley International Airport). Major colleges within 45 minutes provide dorm accommodations if needed.
- RC and CL events will be at the main site. Glider and Helicopter events can be held at local club fields. Free Flight may be held at Westover or at a nearby abandoned airport (Bowles Airport at Agawam, MA). Indoor venues under consideration include a Worcester civic center and Glastonbury, CT.
- The Quality Inn and Conference Center in Chicopee has offered group rates; it has 180 rooms and a 6,000 sq ft ballroom.
- The Nats will include seminars for contest directors and newsletter editors, demonstrations, and educational exhibits. Industry groups will be encouraged to present seminars.
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District IV and Other News
- R/C World (Florida): Preliminary construction has begun. One runway (300 ft x 30 ft) with lime rock base and smooth paving is complete. Taxiways and pit area are in place; a temporary road and field office are planned. For details contact Mario Yederlinic at 305/994‑0461.
- Radio Control League of North Carolina (RCNC): Organized in 1954 to coordinate and promote RC flying in North Carolina. Membership includes modelers from NC and neighboring states. RCNC hosts two meets annually and coordinates club schedules via Steering Committee meetings. RCNC formed the North Carolina Model Hall of Fame in 1980. All AMA members are welcome; contact Bill Helms, AVP, for applications.
What's happening in District IV (selected items):
- Roanoke Valley RC Club: 5th Annual Winter Time Auction and Swap Shop with RC Static Contest — March 5, 1983, Northside High School, Roanoke, VA. Contact D. A. Cosmano.
- Hornet Aeromodellers Society (Charlotte, NC): New field construction underway; runway graded to 600 ft x 100 ft; park shelter and safety barrier to be built; county approved use of a closed landfill for the model park.
- Wilson RC Modelers Association: Soaring Contest May 21–22, 1983 (Two‑meter and Open classes). Contact Ted Dietrich.
- District of Columbia RC Club: Bealtor Scale Contest — September 17–18; Scale Pattern Contest in July. DCRRC Auction — March 18, 1983.
- DC Maxecuters: 9th Annual Capitol Indoor Scale Aircraft Contest — March 12, 1983, Andrews AFB Navy Reserve Hangar. Contact Dan Driscoll.
- National Capitol Radio Control Helicopter Association: New newsletter; contact Joe Lawrence for information.
Local club notes:
- Miniature Aero Sportsters (Denver) run a training program that produced a 10‑year‑old solo pilot, Eric Lopez, who soloed June 23, 1982 and received a trophy. The club awards "solo" trophies to encourage new pilots.
- Paradyne (Largo, FL) offered meeting and flying facilities to employees who form a chartered club and adhere to safety rules.
- Birmingham Aeromodelers are forming liaison meetings with other local clubs to encourage cooperation and camaraderie.
Memorials:
- Arlie Kline (Gateway RC Club) collapsed while at a contest and died a few days later.
- Dr. Wade Baggs and his wife (Tampa RC Aircraft Club) were killed in an automobile accident.
- In memory of James G. Enos, the Memphis Radio Control Club donated $725 to the AMA Building Fund.
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Closing Notes
Effective communication is a two‑way street. AMA's volunteer officers are working hard to make AMA the organization members wish it to be. If you want to be known and heard, write to your AMA vice‑president or associate vice‑president. Complete the communications link — write.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
