AMA News
Synopsis — Executive Council Meeting, November 5, 1983
The following summarizes actions of the AMA Executive Council meeting, Reston, VA. A copy of the official minutes may be obtained upon request from AMA HQ and will be available approximately February 15. Minutes become official after Council review at the next Council meeting in January.
It should be noted 13 Council members were in attendance.
Attendees:
- President John Grigg, Lockport, NY
- Executive Vice‑President Jim McNeill, Birmingham, AL
- Executive Director John Worth, Fairfax, VA
- Vice‑President District 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 Bob Underwood, St. Louis, MO
- AVP Russell Knetzger (proxy for District VII)
- VP‑VIII John Clemens, Dallas, TX
- VP‑IX Travis McGinnis, Arvada, CO
- VP‑X Jim Scarborough, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
- VP‑XI Ed McCollough, Portland, OR
Also present:
- Ev Langworthy, NAA Executive Director
- From HQ executive staff: Vince Mankowski (Assistant Executive Director), Gisele Jackson (Comptroller), Micheline Madison (Competitions Department Director)
- Guests: District IV AVPs Howard Crispin and Charles Spear
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m., chaired by the President.
- Introductory Remarks
- A moment of silence was observed for those who lost their lives in the recent Beirut incident.
- An agenda item concerning the President's visit to a German club was withdrawn.
- Protests over cartoon illustrations in an insurance advertisement appearing in Model Aviation were noted; the offending material has been removed from subsequent ads.
- John Worth and Homer Smith will visit Reno on November 19 to resolve Nats site problems.
- Emphasis placed on submittal of agenda items on the proper forms.
- Minutes
- The minutes of the August 1, 1983 Executive Council meeting were approved as amended by prior written Council input.
- Executive VP Report
- Jim McNeill reported the "Grand Opening" preliminary financial statement indicates expenses are within budget.
- The initial financial statement for the 1983 World Championships (Pensacola, FL) was close to break‑even.
- A projection of costs for the 1984 CL World Championships (Reno, NV or Chicopee, MA) will be updated for the Council.
- Committee Reports
A. Special Interest Groups
- The Society of Electric Aircraft Modelers (SEAM) was approved unanimously as an official AMA Special Interest Group.
- The International Miniature Aircraft Association (IMAA) application was not recommended at this time due to incomplete paperwork.
B. Safety Advisory
- The committee focused on the AMA Safety Code and insurance concerns related to model weight and size.
- A proposed rule requiring a 100‑foot spectator-to-flight-line gap for models over 20 pounds was withdrawn after discussion; it was noted that separating distances greater than current 65 feet could cause loss of flying sites.
- Concerns about large models attracting FAA scrutiny were discussed.
- The Council approved accepting IMAA as an Association of AMA Special Interest Groups for large models (District X abstained; District IV voted no).
- The President named a new Safety Committee (advisory concept retained): Jim McNeill (chair), Hardy Brodersen, Dave Brown, Johnny Clemens.
C. Goldberg Award
- The award will be known as the Wings of Service Award.
- The Council approved the committee's procedural format (with modifications).
- A permanent committee to administer the award was formed: the President (Council chair), Executive Director, Executive Vice President, and NAA Executive Director.
D. Noise
- Engine noise tests at the RC World Championships found no failures among 70 entrants.
- The Council agreed AMA should establish reasonable noise limits and provide education/guidelines, since most clubs lack technical capability to enforce noise control.
E. Film Projects
- Jay Gerber expects to premiere shortened versions of "Marvelous Miniatures" and "Grand Illusions" in January 1984.
- The Council prioritized a safety film and recommended a future Soaring film.
- A safety videotape competition was authorized with $2,000 from the Safety Committee budget for awards: $1,000 (1st), $500 (2nd), $300 (3rd), $200 (4th). The Safety Committee will establish contest details and selection criteria; winners to be selected by end of 1984.
- Contest Board Proposal
- A motion to delay the next rule book cycle to ensure earlier release failed (7 against, 4 for, 1 abstained).
- Council vs. Contest Board Jurisdiction
- The contest boards had included wording beyond their jurisdiction; the Council unanimously applied the new wording to the AMA Safety Code and rejected a paragraph on weight limits that conflicted with existing Safety Code.
- The contest board chairman and coordinator will meet with the Council during the second Council meeting in 1984 to address late rule book delivery.
- FAA Budget Allocations
- Deferred to the January 1984 Council meeting; the President and Mr. Brodersen will update the proposal.
- Bank Financial Services
- Ev Langworthy described a proposed joint financial-services venture with Colonial National Bank (personal loans, home equity loans, credit cards, revolving lines of credit).
- The Council unanimously approved NAA to proceed with negotiations; final approval rests with the Council.
- Airfoil Tournament Program
- A proposal by Jim Simpson to attract newcomers was reviewed; action deferred due to lack of administrative detail. HQ will seek industry and press critique for the next meeting.
- Personality Interviews
- Deferred to the next Council meeting.
- Instant AMA Memberships
- A policy to allow contest directors/leader members to issue instant memberships raised insurance concerns; no action was taken.
- Traditional vs. AAA Contests
- Traditional date status will take precedence over any AAA or AAAA contest dates (unanimous).
- Engine Displacement
- The Noise Committee recommended emergency action to allow use of four‑cycle engines in competition by derating displacement by half (e.g., 1.2 cu. in. -> .6). This was approved unanimously.
- Pyrotechnics — Safety Code
- The Council unanimously approved a ban on all airborne pyrotechnics (devices that explode, burn, or propel projectiles) including rockets, explosive bombs dropped from models, smoke bombs, explosive gases, and ground‑mounted devices launching projectiles.
- Permitted are smoke systems using smoke-producing liquid through engine mufflers, dummy bombs using flour or equivalent to simulate smoke on impact, rockets permanently attached (JATO use).
- Exceptions: devices authorized for Air Show Team (AST) use per AST Advisory Committee and rockets used in accordance with the National Association of Rocketry Safety Code.
- Nats Executive Committee
a. 1985 Site Approval
- The 1985 Nats were approved to be held at Westover AFB, Chicopee, MA (all in favor except District V).
- The Executive Director reported 1984 Reno Nats site details; if unresolved by November 19, a conference call to explore alternatives will be held.
b. Committee Format
- Motion 7 of the Dec. '82 minutes amended to designate Ron Morgan as Contest Director and remove the annual selection requirement.
- Nats Operations Subcommittee members will be selected for terms up to five years with no reappointment limit (Districts XI and V voted no; District X abstained).
- Bryant Thompson was designated Nats Contest Manager.
c. RC Pattern Clarification
- Nats events shall include those for which the Academy selects world championship teams; deviations require Executive Council approval. Not all FAI events are practical for Nats.
(To be concluded next month)
Other Actions and Announcements
- 1985 Nats: Westover AFB, Chicopee, MA (dates to be announced).
- 1986 Nats: to be in the South — either Lake Charles, LA or Seguin, TX.
- 1984 Nats at Reno, NV: Stead Airport to be maximally utilized; other spot sites planned to reduce radio interference. Soaring will include the FAI/FSB category for the first time at the Nats; Soaring will have six full days (3 for AMA thermal tasks, 2 for FAI/FSB, 1 for Scale). Helicopter events will move to a separate site and may expand flying days.
Father Gendusa — Fund Appeal
A letter was received requesting AMA participation in raising funds for maintenance of an aircraft belonging to Father Tony Gendusa, an American priest assigned to New Guinea. Father Tony uses the aircraft to serve his parish spread over 85,000 square miles of the South Pacific, airlifting sick children and adults and transporting parishioners.
- The aircraft needs a major overhaul costing about $20,000. Donations are requested.
- Send donations to: Father Tony CMM206 Fund, c/o Charles W. Aiken, Aiken Brothers Incorporated, Box 1904, 226 Pendleton St., Greenville, SC 29602.
- When donating, note you are an AMA member.
New Appointments (effective January 1, 1984)
- RC Aerobatics Board — Joe Friend (chair)
- RC Soaring Contest Board — Gene Shelkey (chair)
- RC Helicopter Contest Board — Horace Hagen (chair)
- RC Racing Contest Board — chairman to be announced (expected before year end)
In Closing (from the President)
Wishing all a happy and safe holiday season and a good year ahead.
Executive VP's Report
Jim McNeill AMA Executive VP 617 South 20 Avenue Birmingham, AL 35205
- Reader feedback: Richard Hauser (Arlington, VA) praised the '83 Nats and the help from Chicopee, MA; his thanks were sent to Col. Roy Ayers (Westover AFB) and Robert Kumor (mayor of Chicopee).
- Carl Goldberg suggested reducing entry fees; Jim McNeill expressed agreement.
- Doc Paassen (Jacksonville, IN) suggested a family-plan entry fee to encourage family participation.
- Recognition of Joan and Dale Alyea (Pueblo, CO) for newsletter work.
- Safety: the AMA Safety Committee now has top experts on its Advisory Board. Members are encouraged to submit safety suggestions to Jim McNeill for publication and consideration.
- Safety Advisory Board: Dario Brisighella (Oak Creek, WI) noted as a Giant Scale expert.
- Member spotlights: Barb Schultz (Pomeroy, IA), flier trainee; Greg Bartling (New Martinsville, WV), active club president and correspondent.
- Invitation: clubs seeking a list of AMA chartered clubs in their area may write to AMA HQ or to Jim McNeill.
Executive Director — View From HQ
John Worth AMA Executive Director 1810 Samuel Morse Dr. Reston, VA 22090
CARRYING THE TORCH — Statue of Liberty Restoration
- The AMA Executive Council approved inclusion of advertising in Model Aviation supporting the Statue of Liberty restoration fund.
- AMA made a token $100 donation in the name of the organization and encourages additional member contributions.
- The Statue turns 100 in 1986, the same year AMA will celebrate its 50th anniversary; joint celebration possibilities exist.
- Donations are tax-deductible and should be sent to: Statue of Liberty Fund, P.O. Box 1986, New York, NY 10018.
District Reports
District I — Ed Izzo
Ed Izzo District I Vice‑President 483 Fiske St. Holliston, MA 01746
(Connecticut • Maine • Massachusetts • New Hampshire • Rhode Island • Vermont)
- The 1985 Nationals has been approved for Westover AFB. The 1984 World Control Line Championships will also take place at Westover in September 1984.
- Don Raab has resigned as Associate VP from Vermont; a recommendation has been received for his replacement.
- Two Associate VPs publish state newsletters: Dennis Folsom (Maine) and Chris Balling (Rhode Island).
- Pioneer Valley Radio Control Club (host of the 1983 Nats) was awarded Award of Excellence badges for outstanding volunteer service.
- Control Line Triathlon Championships (Henson, MA, Oct. 30): first known contest to award points for lower noise levels; noise levels ran between 90–102 dB, demonstrating achievable noise limits in Control Line. George McGinnis was Contest Director.
District VI — Bob Underwood
Bob Underwood District VI Vice‑President 4109 Concord Oaks Dr. St. Louis, MO 63128
- Travel and meeting reflections: positive report on the November Council meeting.
- Helen and Ken Olsen have moved from St. Louis; Helen previously served as District VI AVP and Soaring Contest Coordinator. Dale Folkening will administer Helen's coordinator tasks.
- Proposal discussed: change age groupings — raise the upper limit of Junior to 16 and Senior to 21; feedback requested from district members.
- West Baden Springs Hotel renovation noted; no information yet about continuation of indoor flying at that site.
- Newsletter editors need support—members should submit material.
- Brainstorming ideas from Expo (feedback requested):
- Videotape exchange within the District.
- A nationwide demo‑fly‑in day.
- Mailing list exchange for contest purposes.
- Educate hobby shops about radio frequency sales.
- Closer contest coordination.
- Schedule contest dates in magazines by areas.
- More youth programs (beyond AMA Cub).
- Equipment in District for monitoring frequencies.
- New AMA films.
- Encourage District members to apply for AMA Scholarships.
- Holiday wishes extended to all District VI members.
District VII — Hardy Borderson
Hardy Borderson District VII Vice‑President P.O. Box 1104 Birmingham, MI 48012
- Writing in mid‑November, Hardy reflected on the year and upcoming AMA officer elections. He emphasized the need to develop future VP candidates. Russ Knetzger attended the last Council meeting on behalf of the district.
Miscellaneous Notes
- L.I.F.T.S. (Local Independent Fly Together Society): Long Island Helicopter Fly‑In (Melville, NY, Oct. 9) was a well‑run event with dozens of RC helicopters; compliments to L.I.F.T.S. and President Bob Brassell.
- Rhinebeck: The 17th Annual WW I Jamboree hosted by the Mid‑Hudson RC Society and Cole Palen produced a spectacular weekend of flying with AMA Scale, AMA Giant Scale, WW I Maneuvers, Mission, and Combat events. Camping and strong community spirit highlighted the event.
- Columbia University indoor flying: efforts led by Ron Williams and others helped retain indoor flying opportunities in the Rotunda; appreciation expressed to those who coordinated and persevered.
GEAR UP AND LOCKED!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
