AMA News

AMA News

Synopsis — Executive Council Meeting, January 29, 1983

The following summarizes actions of the AMA Executive Council meeting in Anaheim, CA. A copy of the official minutes may be obtained upon request from AMA HQ, available approximately May 15 (the minutes will become official after Council review at the next Council meeting in April).

It should be noted that unless indicated otherwise the President either abstained from voting or voted to break a tie. Where some Council member votes are not shown on a particular item, the member was not present at the time of voting. Note also that the items are not necessarily in the chronological order they were acted upon.

Those in attendance were:

• President: John Grigg, Lockport, NY
• Executive Vice‑President: Jim McNeill, Birmingham, AL
• Executive Director: John Worth, Fairfax, VA
• Vice‑Presidents:
• District I: Ed Izzo, Holliston, MA
• II: John Byrne, Bayside, NY
• III: Dave Brown, Hamilton, OH
• IV: Chuck Foreman, Mechanicsville, VA
• V: Bill Mathews, Birmingham, AL
• VI: Bob Underwood, St. Louis, MO
• VII: Hardy Brodersen, Birmingham, MI
• VIII: John Clemens, Dallas, TX
• IX: Travis McGinnis, Arvada, CO
• X: Jim Scarborough, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
• XI: Ed McCollough, Portland, OR

Present from HQ executive staff:

• Vince Mankowski, Assistant Executive Director
• Micheline Madison, FAI/Contest Boards Director
• Gisele Jackson, Comptroller

Guests included Dan and Mrs. Krafft (District I AVP); Bev Wisniewski (Nats Executive Committee); Betty Stream (District X AVP); Richard Odle (F3B team manager); Alex Bower (F3B team member); Jerry Kranock (S.F.V.S.F.); Frank Heacox (Society of Electric Aircraft Modelers); John Elliot (IMAC); Louise Izzo; Barbara McGinnis; JoAnn Foreman.

The regular meeting of the AMA Executive Council was brought to order at 9:00 a.m. by the President who chaired the meeting.

President’s preliminary comments:

• Salary confidentiality — due to legal advice, Council's previous action on this subject is null and void.
• The Executive Director was asked to respond to a letter from J. Barr, declining AMA sponsorship of a local event.
• Acceptance of a $250 donation to start a Lee Renaud Memorial Fund for the new AMA building (see item 21).
• Future distribution of a new form by Travis McGinnis for submittal of agenda items.
• Ev Langworthy, Executive Director of NAA, was noted to be the official voting member on AMA's Executive Council; any others from NAA will be considered proxies.

1. Previous Meetings

The minutes of October 23–24 and December 11, 1982 council meetings were approved as amended, including a note concerning action taken in regard to the Executive Director's salary.

BYLAWS CHANGES

Recently ballots were sent to all Leader Members for voting on specified changes previously approved by the Executive Council. Two significant amendments were approved:

• The Executive Council now has the right to appoint, on recommendation of the President, the voting delegate to the FAI/CIAM. This provides continuity of representation rather than automatically making the President the delegate each term.
• The Executive Council has authority to establish an area of modeling as a primary category. This allows the Council to create groupings that may require dedicated contest boards (examples: Soaring, Pylon Racing, Aerobatics, including Helicopters). This opens the door for separate contest boards for specialized areas like Helicopters, Giant Scale, and Sport Aerobatics.

The Club Flying Field

Two things help keep a club functioning as a unit — the newsletter and the flying field. A club can operate without a newsletter, but no club will stay vibrant and grow without a suitable place where members can fly. This can be an indoor gymnasium for indoor fliers, a paved parking lot for Control Line enthusiasts, or a piece of farm field for an RC group. Some clubs use multiple sites to serve varied interests or to ensure backup if one site is lost.

Clubs frequently contact HQ seeking help to obtain or retain a field. AMA can assist with ideas and documentation, which serve as persuasive tools when negotiating with landowners or agencies. Having a listing of similar site owners who have granted permission helps convince a new prospect that no new ground is being broken.

Often the primary concern of a site provider is liability. AMA can help by providing a “Fact Sheet On AMA Insurance,” detailing personal insurance coverage for members, chartered club coverage, and extension of liability coverage to the site provider. A Certificate of Insurance can be issued in the site owner's name after application approval. This privilege is essential to many clubs retaining their fields and is a central part of the “sales pitch” to landowners.

AMA can also supply letters of support from prominent figures (e.g., Dr. Paul MacCready, Frank Borman, Neil Armstrong), Congressmen, industry leaders, and others to lend weight to a club’s presentation. Sample field rules, successful lease examples, and training program suggestions are also available.

Safety and training impress aviation‑oriented prospects. Demonstrating operation according to the AMA Safety Code and having a training program for beginners significantly advances the club’s case. Clubs should develop systematic approaches to training even if they already have a field.

Public image is critical. Static shows at shopping centers, flying demonstrations for charities (in accordance with the AMA Safety Code), model building sessions for schools, and regular PR campaigns help build goodwill. Media coverage, even in weekly newspapers, enhances perception and support for field needs.

If you need help finding or negotiating for a site, request samples of leases, field rules, and templates from AMA. We can’t solve every problem but can share proven materials to improve your chances. — Geoffrey Styles

Executive Council Actions (continued)

1. Executive Director's Contract

The contract was automatically renewed for an additional two years following deliberation regarding compliance with Council approval requirements.

1. Film Report

Jay Gerber, AMA's film producer, recommended starting a new RC training film and producing shortened versions of existing films. The Council authorized Mr. Gerber to produce two short versions of Marvelous Miniatures and Modeling's Grand Illusions and to begin planning and script writing for the RC Training film with three technical advisors. Vote: For — 1, 9, 10, 6, 11, EVP, 3, 2, ED, 8, 7, 5; Against — 4.

Note: Bob Underwood replaced Jim Sears on the Film Committee chaired by John Byrne.

1. Executive Vice‑President's Report

Included an in‑depth study of AMA's affiliation with the National Aeronautic Association. McNeill will occasionally write for NAA's publication to promote model aviation; NAA will have access to Model Aviation space.

1. Committee Reports

A. Frequency Committee

• Analyzing methods to determine usable frequencies locally.
• Considering purchase of scanner monitors for each frequency coordinator.
• Exploring ways to ensure compliance with the implementation plan.
• May recommend stickers on RC equipment to identify legal use (boats, cars, planes).
• George Myers to be the new committee chairman.

B. Building Fund

• First stage of the fund campaign very successful: over $200,000 received.
• A plan and patch developed as part of a continuing effort to reduce the mortgage.

C. Film Projects Committee

• Three technical advisors requested by Mr. Gerber to be recommended by the next Council meeting.
• Discussion on whether to retain the training film committee.

D. Nats Committee

• 1983 Nats entry form revised; recommended no revision to entry fees (same as 1982).
• Recommended 1984 Nats be held in Reno, NV, August 4–11.
• Council unanimously approved 1983 Nats event schedules, with Junior and Senior trophies awarded in combined age events; proceed with 1984 Reno plans.

E. Special Interest Group Committee

• Council unanimously accepted the International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC) as an AMA recognized Special Interest Group.

F. Safety Committee

• A document entitled “Safety Committee Guidelines” will be distributed to the Council for discussion at the next meeting.

G. Awards and Presentations

• The President made two Hall of Fame presentations: to William Atwood (accepted by Mrs. Atwood) and to Dale Kirn. (A Hall of Fame presentation was also made to Wally Rimmer at the Hobby Industry Association meeting two days later.)

1. Budget Review

Extensive discussion of the proposed 1983 budget. Key topics: Model Aviation ad‑rep arrangement, salaries, rent and maintenance for the new building, and possible trimming. Motion approved to accept an amended budget of $2,550,000; Executive Director to amend the budget as necessary. Vote: For — ED, 6, 10, 1, 7, 8; Against — 3, 11, 5, 2; Abstained — EVP.

Note: Budget items reclassified as "MA advertising direct costs" and "MA other direct costs." The ad‑rep issue will be an agenda item at the special budget meeting.

1. FAI/F3B Funding Request

Dick Odle, 1983 RC Soaring team manager, requested funding support for up to four helpers in addition to the four‑man team. Motion approved to fund a fifth man for the F3B Soaring team; continuing this format for future teams. Vote: For — 1, 3, EVP, 8, 10, 2, 11, 9, 7, 6; Against — 5, ED, 4.

1. Omahawks Noise Pollution Suit

O. L. Olson appeared to explain a suit filed against the Omahawks for noise pollution, which could set a detrimental legal precedent for the hobby. Discussion noted that if the Omahawks had been chartered with AMA their legal fees would have been covered by AMA's insurance. The Council expressed moral support for the Omahawks and approved providing additional support as recommended by insurance and legal counsel, but most members felt they could not officially support legal action because the Omahawks are not chartered with AMA. Vote: For — 4, 7, 11, ED, 1, 3, 8, 2, 10, 6, 9, 5; Against — EVP.

1. 1983 Nats Budget

The Nats Executive Committee recommended Council underwrite the 1983 Nats for $20,000, with $500 for seminar seed money. Motion approved to authorize underwriting per NEC recommendation. Vote: For — 11, 3, 8, 5, 2, 7, 9, 6, 10, ED, 1, 4; Against — EVP.

1. Shipping Crates for Electronic Equipment

Purchase deferred until 1984 to save approximately $3,000 in 1983. With no plans to purchase new radios this year, the need for crates can be delayed.

1. West Baden Situation

A corporation formed to own and preserve the Northwood Institute building (site of Nats and World Championships Indoor events). AMA representatives met with corporation members to negotiate participation in use of the building. A straw vote indicated willingness to commit $10,000–$15,000 if necessary.

1. Executive Director's 1983 Travel Plans

Approved unanimously as presented in the memo dated December 22, 1982.

1. VP Expense Budget

Approved that unused portions of annual VP budgets be carried forward during the vice‑president's three‑year term: first year surplus added to second; second year combined surplus added to third; at the end of the third year any surplus would be abandoned. Vote: For — 9, 1, 3, 5, EVP, 8, 2, 7, 4, 11; Against — 10, 6; Abstained — ED.

Amendment approved to make this retroactive to January 1, 1982. Vote on amendment: For — 3, 8, EVP, 1, 4, 5, 2, 7, 9; Against — 6, 10, 11; Abstained — ED.

Note: In memoriam, Jim Sears (former District 6 VP) passed.

1. Ehling Museum Guidelines

Final action deferred until the next Council meeting. The President will contact Frank Ehling regarding his willingness to continue as curator; Brodersen will clarify the language in the Guidelines regarding loans and donations.

1. National Association of Rocketry (NAR) Special Membership Fee

Approved increasing the special membership fee to AMA for NAR members to $4.00 (from $3.50). Vote: For — 6, 9, 2, EVP, 7, 5, ED, 10, 11, 4, 8, 1; Against — 3.

1. Extracurricular Uses of New HQ Building

Council agreed not to grant requests for use of the new building for club meetings at this time due to extra security costs; matter to be reviewed in a year. Executive Director noted rental space had been advertised locally with no results; Council recommended seeking realtor assistance.

1. Officer Travel

Concern expressed that escalated Council member use of HQ travel arrangements could interfere with normal operations. Executive Director advised to reopen the topic if a problem develops.

1. Purchase of Vehicles

Executive Director requested consideration of purchasing vehicles (e.g., van and trailer) for HQ use and Nats/trade shows. Worth directed to prepare a specific proposal detailing leasing vs buying, vehicle types, insurance costs, etc.

1. Frequency Card Insert

An "RC Interference Report Card" has been developed for insertion in Model Aviation to help District Frequency Coordinators build trouble files. Council generally supported the idea but felt timing may be premature. Executive Director asked to provide cost details for presentation at the summer Council meeting.

1. Renaud Memorial

Acknowledged a letter from N.V. Peck suggesting a Lee Renaud Memorial Fund within the Building Fund. Members of the Division of Silent Flight are coordinating efforts to raise funds.

1. New HQ Building Opening Date

The official opening ceremony date(s) will be recommended by Worth and Mankowski at the summer Council meeting; Council will make the final decision.

1. Life Member Patch Status

Design completed and order placed. When available, patches will be sent to all Life Members. Design mirrors current Officer HQ Staff jacket patch with “Life Member” designation.

1. Moving and Relocation Loan Status

Employee moving loan applications not yet received; the possibility exists and will be submitted to Council if necessary.

1. FAI Entourage

The President and Worth explained the makeup and functions of the delegation attending the CIAM meeting in Paris each December. The list of attendees and responsibilities will be sent to Council.

1. Awards

Motions for awards passed unanimously: two Awards of Excellence and two Distinguished Service Awards; publicity to follow after presentations.

1. Next Meeting

Approved that the next regular Council meeting be held April 30 in Reston, VA. Vote: For — 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10; Against — 11.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:20 a.m.

Deferred Agenda Items:

• Video Tape Availability (Worth)
• Contest Board Procedures (McCollough)
• Membership Program — Dealers (Worth)
• Permanent Nats Site (Brodersen/Mathews)
• A VP Budget (Brodersen)
• Aviation Recreation Site Concept (Brodersen)
• Chapter Certificates for S.I.G.'s (Scarborough)
• Candidate Election Statements (Worth)

---

AMA's Frequency Coordinator and You

A new voluntary position, District Frequency Coordinator (DFC), was created to benefit Radio Control enthusiasts. Each of the 11 districts now has a DFC — check your district vice‑president's column in Model Aviation for the DFC name and address.

Role and tools of the DFC:

• Act as focal point for RC channel interference problem information in the district.
• Guide members away from problem channels based on accumulated data.
• Use information from a national service (subscribed by AMA) providing updated listings of radio stations (by state) to identify potential interference sources.
• Monitor notifications of new commercial radio applications (relays, beepers, pagers, remote controls).
• Build local reference files to help clubs avoid questionable channels.
• Accumulate interference reports from members (postcard format recommended) to create a two‑way data flow useful for local guidance.
• Plans to acquire monitoring equipment for spot checks; one scanner already purchased by AMA.

Background: The FCC granted new RC frequencies late last year after four years of work by the AMA Frequency Committee. The February 1983 issue of Model Aviation included a centerfold chart of new and existing channels (airborne vs. surface). Copies are available from AMA HQ for a stamped, self‑addressed envelope (10¢ per additional copy).

Expanded channels will likely attract more RC fliers, increasing demand for effective frequency coordination. The DFC network is a major step toward safer, more enjoyable participation in the hobby. Members are encouraged to report interference details to their DFC so useful guidance can be shared. — Geoffrey Styles

---

"Frequencies" (Channel) — Column Notes

• Replace the word “Frequency” with “Channel” in common usage for RC. New channel numbers may not provide exclusivity; early adopters may find others on the same channel.
• Caution urged regarding air‑traffic implications and simultaneous airborne models at clubs — common sense and practicality should guide use of new channels.
• George Myers named District II DFC; he fills the role as Bob Aberle leaves the Committee.
• CNYMAA Symposium (2/5/83) praised for strong static displays, indoor areas, seminars, and an AMA District II meeting moderated by the author; the event included manufacturers, clubs, and educational sessions.
• Call for volunteers to help run the 1983 Nats at Westover AFB, Chicopee, MA (July 24–31, 1983). Volunteers receive free dorm lodging and dues‑free membership for 1984 and may still compete while volunteering.

— GEAR UP AND LOCKED!

---

IV DISTRICT REPORT

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

Associate Vice‑Presidents:

• Wayne Abernethy — 9205 Carrendon #3, Upper Marlboro, MD 20770
• Bob Champion — 205 Tipton Rd., Newport News, VA 23606
• Howard Crispin — 611 Beechwood, Charlottesville, VA 22901
• V. Bill Holmes — 2000 Tyrvie Road, Charlotte, NC 28210
• Scotty Moyer — 111 Orchard Lane, Wilmington, DE 19809
• John Preston — 7012 Elva Court, Falls Church, VA 22042
• Charles Speer — 253 Holly Lane, Mocksville, NC 27028

Frequency Coordinator:

• Paul Yacobucci — 6408 Winthrop Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28301

Phone: (919) 488‑5986

Notes:

• Make Nats reservations early.
• Winter activity low; clubs holding mall shows and auctions. Spring is when clubs plan activities.
• Paul Yacobucci has a computer program listing interference sources and industrial radios in the area; contact him before buying new radio gear.

Club Highlights:

• Aeromasters MAC (Fredericksburg, VA) started safety inspections on all club planes.
• Sandhills Model Aircraft Club (Southern Pines, NC) formed a static display team for civic events.
• Tidewater Model Soaring Society will hold NSS Soar‑In in June; FAI — F3B contest scheduled July 2–4.
• Mid Virginia RC Club meeting moved to Hopewell Airport, home of Virginia Wings ultra light airpark.
• Norfolk Aeromodelers hosting a Combat bash (April 23–24).
• Electronic Fliers of Virginia have grown to 30 members since 1980.

— THAT'S ALL FOR NOW.

---

V DISTRICT REPORT

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

Associate Vice‑Presidents:

• Greg Cox — Rt. 4, 166 Pony Dr., Smyrna, TN 37167
• Richard Jackson — 108 Thornree, Charleston Heights, SC 29405
• Arthur Johnson — 302 Bambery Dr., Delray Beach, FL 33444
• Joseph Micielec — S.R. 608, Box 1532, Fajardo, PR 00638
• Ed Mooreman — 70 Fifth St., Shalimar, FL 32579
• Harry Sherman — P.O. Box 876, Odenese, AL 35121
• Tom Thacker — 2390 Lawrenceville Hwy., Decatur, GA 30033

Frequency Coordinator:

• Burnis Fields — 1096 Ontario St., Jacksonville, FL 32205

Phone: (904) 388‑8662

Notes and Events:

• Club 500 Racing (low‑cost RC racing) growing in several clubs (Pensacola, Alabaster, Nashville).
• Roscoe Pearson (Gadsden Aeromodelers) suggests contest directors include a two‑minute spot for hand‑launched glider building/competition.
• Sample paper gliders available from Promotion Models (PO Box 203, Fraser, MI 48026) for 50¢ each (minimum 25); Bill Mathews offers a free sample to each chartered club in District V on request.
• Murfreesboro Skyhawks report increased weekday flying due to local unemployment.
• Daytona Beach RC Association features a “pilot proficiency” program.
• Mid‑Summer FF Meet in Huntsville, AL on July 10 (contact George Batluk).

---

VII DISTRICT REPORT

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

"Iowa • Michigan • Minnesota • Wisconsin"

Notes:

• Whirlwinds (St. Joseph, MI) racing activity picking up; recognition of 500 race winners.
• Concerns raised about contest coordination and past transactions; Council contest sanctioning process under review.
• Scale fliers voiced dissatisfaction with a Scale Contest Board member’s vote contrary to a signed petition; Brodersen will discuss with Claude McCullough.
• Debate over hobby shop vs. mail‑order purchases; support for survival of hobby shops emphasized.
• Call for builders and flyers of Electric models interested in forming a new contest board or advisory committee.

---

VIII DISTRICT REPORT

John (Johnny) Clemens — District VIII Vice‑President P.O. Box 64573, Dallas, TX 75206

"Arkansas • Louisiana • New Mexico • Oklahoma • Texas"

Notes:

• Positive feedback from District VIII members; improved communication can increase pride and respect for AMA.
• Chartered club list available on request — send a large self‑addressed envelope (20¢ postage recommended) to Johnny Clemens, P.O. Box 64573, Dallas, TX 75206. Hobby shop address: The Hobby Counter, 1907 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75206. Phone: (214) 823‑0208.
• Amarillo Planesmen (Control Line club) newsletter praised; contact Galen Killion, P.O. Box 31461, Amarillo, TX 79120.
• Concern about U.S. Army Corps of Engineers closing parks and recreation areas; clubs should investigate if their fields are affected.
• Reaffirmation of commitment to AMA and a call for returning fun and gentleness to the hobby.

— ALL FOR NOW.

---

IX DISTRICT REPORT

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

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

Associate Vice‑Presidents:

• Robert Ball — 2622 E. S. Coffman, Casper, WY 82601
• Ed Cox — 4209 Linden Dr., Prairie Village, KS 66208
• Dick Crowley — 16413 E. Stanford Pl., Aurora, CO 80015
• Glen Law — 3707 S. 34th St., Lincoln, NE 68506
• Tim Maelton — 429 Doyen St., Grafton, ND 58237
• Jim Reckerts — 515 S. Clouds, Sioux Falls, SD 57103

Frequency Coordinator:

• Sid Gates — 2390 S. Holly Pl., Denver, CO 80220

Phone: Day (303) 571‑9560; Evening (303) 757‑4082

Notes:

• Sid Gates is gathering information across the district on new and old frequencies; report interference or successes to him.
• Plan now to attend the 1983 Nats (last week of July); event will include trade shows, seminars, demonstrations, and area tourist info.
• Jeffco Aeromodellers (Denver) held a successful auction using computer systems to track sales and payments — contact Stan Thornley, 1722 W. Fremont Ave., Littleton, CO 80120; (303) 794‑4691.
• Recognition for Paul Samarus (Jeffco Aeromodellers) for sustained contributions as safety officer.
• AST130 "High Country RC Barnstormers" provided a 22‑aircraft static display at the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame Banquet (USAFA officers' club), representing aircraft from WWI to the Space Age; organized by Jack Cole and members of Pikes Peak RC Club and Sky Corral RC Club.

That's it for this month — keep pictures and letters coming.

---

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