View from HQ
Joyce Hager, Executive Director
I hope everyone will plan to attend.
Well, it is that time again and, as usual, it is hard to decide what subject should be discussed. I could list all kinds of statistics, but Doug Holland really covers that in his column and Dave Brown writes about the big issues that face the Academy, so here I go.
Donations
Once again, the Radio Control Hobby Trade Association (RCHTA) has seen fit to support AMA’s educational programs. The following excerpt from RCHTA’s newsletter says it all:
“The RCHTA is committed to its mission statement, ‘to coordinate the common efforts of manufacturers, distributors, retailers and related groups to promote radio controlled hobbies.’ With this in mind, RCHTA’s Board renewed its sponsorship of the Academy of Model Aeronautics’ education program in the amount of $37,500.
“The check was presented to the President of AMA, Dave Brown, by RCHTA President Ralph Warner at the National Model and Hobby Show at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois on October 19, 2000.”
AMA also received a grant from the National Aeronautics Association in the amount of $5,000 to support our partnership with the National Science Teachers Association. Jack Hudspeth donated $5,000 in memory of his parents, Dan and Ulah Hudspeth, to the AMA Charles Hampton Grant Scholarship fund. I want to express my appreciation to those individuals and organizations that make contributions to the Academy. This support helps ensure that we have the funds available to continue our programs.
Emission Standards for New Nonroad Engines and Highway Motorcycles
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is publishing an advance notice of proposed rulemaking concerning emissions from new nonroad vehicles, engines, and highway motorcycles that are currently unregulated. Controlling emissions from these engines will help reduce the harmful health effects of ozone, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. RCHTA has informed us that the EPA has announced its intentions to propose regulations for recreational gas engines.
If you remember, some months back a campaign was made to have model aircraft excluded from another EPA issue. A committee will be formed to address this regulation topic.
If you would like to review the document, it is available at www.epa.gov. At the site, click on “Laws & Regulations,” then “Regulations and Proposed Rules,” then “Federal Register—Environmental Documents.” The information is available in Volume 64, Number 236, dated December 7, 2000, and starts on page 76,797. At this time, it appears as though all examples of recreational gas engines were in vehicles used only to carry people.
We will keep you posted on this issue as things develop.
Club Renewal
Club packages were mailed the week of January 29. As in years past, the kit was sent to the club contact person with a note to the club president. If you are the person filling out these forms, here are the basic requirements:
- Officers must be current.
- $20 basic fee must be paid.
- A signature is required on the officer sheet.
- Money and information for additional insurance requirements (site owner[s]) must be included.
Not meeting these conditions will hold up the processing of your 2001/2002 charter.
Updated club rosters are included with this package. Cross through the names of members who no longer belong to your club, and list those members who need to be added.
Important Dates to Remember
Plans are underway to have a fun-filled weekend at AMA Headquarters in Muncie, IN. Mark your calendar for June 7–10.
AMA employees have assumed the responsibility of planning the Grand Event, Homecoming, ribbon-cutting for the new building, and Celebration of Eagles III. I hope everyone will plan to attend.
If you want to volunteer to work at this event, please drop me a note or e-mail me at jhager@modelaircraft.org.
Hope to see you here!
Happy flying,
Joyce Hager Executive Director jhager@modelaircraft.org
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
