AMA News
A Great Opportunity for AMA Clubs — "Adopt‑A‑School" Project
#### Proposal The AMA Public Relations Department suggests that all AMA‑chartered clubs "Adopt‑A‑School" in their community. Adoption would involve purchasing a $30 full AMA membership (using club funds) for a teacher (math, science, industrial arts). Club members could assist that teacher with programs involving model aviation and model aircraft for the benefit of students.
Model flying demonstrations of various types could be given by the club if space permits. Show‑and‑tell sessions could be part of the teaching program to demonstrate the skills and fun to be gained through model aviation. If possible, a school Model Aviation Club could be founded (only three people are required).
#### Benefits
- The AMA club would receive strong community recognition for a public‑spirited effort.
- Community governments, which control much land, are likely to view a flying site request more positively if they know of the club’s school involvement.
- Noise complaints or other issues are more likely to be received sympathetically because the club has demonstrated helpfulness to the schools.
#### Requirements
- Club members should agree on a support schedule so only a minimum number of hours are required from any one person.
- Clubs with shift workers may have members available during the day; others might provide Saturday morning assistance.
- The workload need not fall heavily on a few members if the overall membership recognizes the community and club benefits and is willing to contribute modestly.
#### P.R. Values
- Local newspapers, radio, and TV seek community involvement and human‑interest stories.
- Helping local students improve in math or science is likely to bring media recognition and possibly sponsorship or assistance with flying sites.
- It’s prudent for clubs to have alternative flying site plans in case a primary site is lost.
#### National Impact
- Participation addresses a national need to improve youngsters’ math and science skills.
- If Adopt‑A‑School catches on nationwide, it could help gain national recognition for model aviation.
- Positive, organized action is required to make this effort effective.
#### Club Recognition
- Clubs that sign up will receive a Certificate recognizing their participation.
- Special patches (available at low cost) will be offered to members who qualify.
- A club officer must certify participation; patches will be issued only to those who actually work in the program, regardless of hours contributed.
#### Summary Adopt‑A‑School is an opportunity to:
- Be public‑spirited and give back to the community.
- Promote model aviation as a constructive pastime for youth.
- Support local teachers and potentially reduce future social costs by engaging kids in positive activities.
- Gain local recognition and strengthen relationships with community officials.
#### How to Sign Up Write to the Public Relations Department, AMA, and state your intention. Include:
- Name of the school and what you plan to do.
- The application for the teacher (we will start the teacher’s subscription to Model Aviation upon receipt).
The PR Department can provide supporting brochures and a sample letter to assist your approach to local schools. For recognition certification, give the teacher’s name and AMA number; the Academy will do the rest.
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AMA's Grand Opening — National Center for Aeromodeling
- Official dedication ceremonies for the National Center for Aeromodeling, Reston, VA, will be Saturday, September 24, 1983.
- The facility houses the Academy's administrative headquarters and its model aircraft museum, dedicated to preserving historically significant model aircraft and related memorabilia for educational use.
- Dedication ceremonies will be followed by an Open House; invitations are being sent to prominent government and aviation figures. AMA members are also invited.
- Open House festivities continue Sunday, September 25; general public visits will be possible by limited appointment after the dedication weekend.
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Big Nats and Related News
- Hotel demand near the Nats (Chicopee/Springfield area) is heavy; additional hotel lists are available from AMA HQ. Plenty of hotels exist within a 10–15 mile radius (Holyoke, West Springfield).
- The National Championships will include a full‑scale military air show finale (this year coordinated with the U.S. Air Force). There will be a large static aircraft display and some flying demonstrations.
- A large Base Hangar will serve as the center of activity: official Nats competition flying is scheduled there for the first three days, with fun flying and special events later in the week. The hangar will be a gathering point and respite from the sun.
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District and Event Highlights
#### Liberty State Park Helicopter Contest
- A helicopter rally was held at Liberty State Park, NJ, in full view of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline.
- Organizer Sam Newhouse and the "New York Choppers" are working toward AMA chartering.
- Positive local interactions and club outreach were emphasized.
#### Jersey Coast Sport Fliers Spring RC Championships
- Held at Thompson Park, Jamesburg, NJ, featuring RC Pattern and Scale.
- Attendance was affected by forecasted rain, but scheduled rounds were completed.
#### M.A.D. (Model Aviation Day) — Rockefeller Center
- The 8th annual model show at Rockefeller Plaza will cordon off three blocks (48th to 51st Street) for a large static display from noon to 5:00 p.m. Awards will be presented.
- Date: Saturday, August 6, 1983 (one week after the Nats). Entry deadline approximately 11:00 a.m.
- Free parking provided at Rockefeller Center; vehicle pooling encouraged.
#### This and That
- Appreciation expressed to various club newsletter editors and contributors.
- Announcements and date changes for upcoming contests and events were shared (PARCS Giant & Sport Scale Contest, etc.).
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Executive Council Report (Selected Items)
G. Executive Vice‑President Report
- Mr. McNeill reviewed 1983 budget expenditures to date: on schedule and within projected limits.
III. Deferred Items from the January Meeting
A. Video Tape Availability
- Executive Director reported AMA films will be available on videotape through headquarters within 30 days.
B. Contest Board Procedures
- Item deferred; McCollough requested phone or written comments for August agenda.
C. Dealers' Membership Program
- Accepted on a one‑year trial with a one‑time 90‑day membership option.
- Dealer commission rebate: $1 for a 90‑day membership; $2 for a full one‑year membership. Motion passed (all yes except District X).
D. Permanent Nats Site
- Deferred to next meeting.
E. Chapter Certificate for Special Interest Groups
- Motion passed to create an annually renewable recognition certificate (vote: all yes except negatives from Districts I, V, XI).
F. Candidate Election Statements
- No change from present policy; no action taken.
G. AMA Van Proposal
- Authorization approved (unanimous) for up to $20,000 to purchase a 12–14 passenger vehicle with appropriate features and cargo trailer.
H. PR Budget Increase
- PR Director Styles presented proposed projects; supplemental budget of $15,000 approved unanimously.
IV. Insurance Program
- After a presentation, the Council unanimously accepted the Alexander & Alexander homeowners insurance plan for AMA.
- Headquarters will provide one free page per year in the magazine to advertise this plan.
V. Films
- AMA film producer Jay Gerber recommended not proceeding with the previously approved RC training film because similar films exist or will soon be available.
- Motion passed to rescind the RC training film project (all yes except negatives from Districts III and XI).
- Motion passed unanimously to direct Gerber to produce a major Radio Control film, an entertainment/PR style production.
- The committee overseeing the training film was dissolved; the Film Projects Committee remains active.
- Video tapes mentioned in III.A will be made available to the Council on request at cost through VP budgets.
— To be continued next month —
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Insurance and Member Benefit Notes
- AMA’s liability insurance is secondary; homeowners policies historically covered many model aviation claims.
- Recently, homeowner insurers have sometimes denied coverage using an "aircraft exclusion" clause, which may increase AMA insurance claims and costs.
- The Council approved allowing the insurance broker to offer a group homeowners plan with explicit model aircraft coverage and an optional $5,000 rider for model equipment (no profit to AMA). Members are advised to compare coverage and cost before purchasing.
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Films and Media
- Jay Gerber’s next project approved: a major RC film in the style of "Marvelous Miniatures" covering all RC activities.
- Previously approved RC training film was cancelled in favor of the broader production.
- AMA films will be made available on videotape in both formats.
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District Reports (Selected Highlights)
District IV — Charles Spear, AVP Dist. IV
- Council meeting impressions: thorough parliamentary procedures, long agenda. Recommendation that future meetings consider a full weekend instead of a single long day.
- Local items: Raleigh Independent Soaring Enthusiasts (RISE) formed in Raleigh, NC; Winston‑Salem RC Club 7th Annual Jim Thrift Memorial Fun Fly scheduled for October 1–2; DC Maxecutters Summer Fun Fly on September 10; Prince Georges RC Club East Coast Q500 Race on October 1–2.
- Encouragement to send newsletters and local reports to district AVPs.
District V — Bill Mathews
- Vacancy: Control Line Contest Coordinator; volunteers requested.
- Larry Welsh appointed A/V P in Mississippi.
- Seeking volunteers for FAI Electro‑Flight committee and contest board positions (RC Racing, RC Soaring, RC Pattern).
- Notable club news: Suncoast Aeromodelers considering two‑level membership (Leader vs Associate).
- Safety reminders (field retrieval, snakes) and humorous club anecdotes.
- MACH Midsummer FF Contest rescheduled to July 17.
District VI — Bob Underwood
- Weather has impacted the flying season and contests.
- District meeting in Louisville, KY scheduled for August 11 (Hurstbourne Ramada Inn).
- Positive notes from club newsletters; congratulations to outstanding club publications.
- Fund‑raising patch for the FAI CL and RC Scale Team Selection available for $3.
District VII — Hardy Brodersen (report by Art Arro)
- New public model flying field opened in Milan, MI (Sanford Road Park): 600' x 600' leveled plot, picnic tables, porta‑johns; contact Milan Parks and Recreation at 313‑439‑1800 for reservations and rules.
- Keith Shaw appointed District VII representative for electric‑powered model category; contact at 832 Stimson, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.
District VIII — Johnny Clemmons
- Pride in the new AMA National Center for Aeromodelling; members encouraged to visit.
- Reminder: buying a model airplane can be a great way for parents to bond with children.
District IX
- AMA display booth available for mall shows upon request.
- Clubs encouraged to adopt schools and to notify HQ when they do.
- Hosting requests for District IX meetings invited.
District X — Jim Scarborough
- Model and Craft Show in Long Beach: AMA booth staffed by volunteers; new products and reissued engines (Super Cyclone) showcased.
- District meeting held after the show with HQ representation.
- Film and video tapes updates; Jay Gerber's RC film approved.
- Discussion on forming three distinct RC Contest Boards (Soaring, Racing, Pattern); tabled for further study.
- Q‑Tec racing series growing in the L.A. area.
- Local successes: Maui RC Modelers chartered; Phoenix 1/8th AF Scale meet drew over 100 aircraft.
District XI — Ed McCollough
- Frequency coordination: check before purchasing new frequency; consult local frequency coordinators (Bob Balch / Al Watson).
- Busy July contest calendar across the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada (Pattern, Scale, Soaring, Pylon, Fun Fly events).
- Reports on the success of local events (Great Idaho Expo, Skyknights Mud Hole).
- Encouragement for more NW participation in national contests; reminders about field availability and scheduling.
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Closing Notes
- Many districts reported strong local activity despite weather or scheduling challenges.
- The AMA is actively supporting PR, club recognition, insurance options, media projects, and new program initiatives such as Adopt‑A‑School.
- For program signups, event coordination, or further information, contact AMA Headquarters or the appropriate District Vice‑President/Associate Vice‑President.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
