View from HQ - 2001/05
Joyce Hager — Executive Director
This month was another busy one at AMA Headquarters. I have attended three modeling shows and one Executive Council meeting, and I plan to travel to the WRAM (Westchester Radio Aero Modelers) Show in New York. This is in addition to the day-to-day activities and the continued work with the new Headquarters facility.
Headquarters Update
As I write this, the new Headquarters building is in the final stage of completion. The furniture has been delivered and is being installed. This is a facility all members can be very proud of. Any outside agencies or organizations that ever felt this association was only for "toys" will truly be surprised.
I believe this facility will represent the validity and legitimacy we are trying to portray—that this is a serious hobby/sport and that modelers deserve to be considered along with other sports regarding land usage.
By the time you receive this issue, we will probably have completed the move (scheduled for March 8, 9, and 12) and begun operations in the new building. Pictures of the facility can be seen at www.modelaircraft.org/Comp/IAconstruction.htm.
Mark Your Calendars!
Muncie, Indiana, is the place to be June 7–10; we are hosting the AMA Gala 2001.
- Dedication of the new AMA administration building: June 7 at 3 p.m.
- Celebration of Eagles III: June 8
- AMA Homecoming: June 8–10
- Fifth Annual Grand Event: June 9
For additional information, contact AMA Headquarters or check our Web site at www.modelaircraft.org/main.htm.
Attention Chartered Club Officers
Many of you are aware that we had planned to change how clubs receive information for the next club cycle. For many years the club contact person received all correspondence for the group. Many of the Executive Council (EC) members felt that the contact persons were not relaying news to the rest of the club and were more comfortable having the club president be responsible for disseminating information.
After clubs received their notice of the change, I was convinced this was not true, so we have gone back to the old way. Clubs can delegate the responsibility of club contact to the person of their choice. AMA will try to do a better job of contacting the club president when a major mailing goes out, informing him or her to whom it goes and when. If we don't have the name of the current contact person, he or she can let us know.
It is very important that you notify AMA Headquarters when any changes are made to your list of club officers. This is also true for your membership; it is important to let us know who is a current member and who is not. This should be done weekly, or at least monthly.
Elections
This year the offices of president and vice presidents in Districts I, V, and IX are up for election. Their three-year terms will begin in 2002.
If you are considering running for an office, ask yourself if you truly have the time to do the job correctly. Your elected officers are required to attend four council meetings per year in addition to various district functions on most weekends. They are also required to write a column each month for Model Aviation.
For eligibility requirements and deadlines, see page 148 of this issue or contact Mary Lou Vojslavek at (765) 287-1256, extension 201.
EPA Rulemaking and Model Engines
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published an "Advance Notice of Proposed Rule Making" in the December 7, 2000 issue of the Federal Register—Environmental Documents relative to spark-ignition engines previously excluded under recreational vehicles.
A federal judge ordered the EPA to institute proceedings to examine off-highway motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and snowmobiles for possible regulatory strategies for nonroad vehicles and engines that have yet to be regulated under EPA's nonroad engine programs. Comments were due February 5, 2001.
Since the proposed rulemaking would affect model engine manufacturers, the Radio Control Hobby Trade Association (RCHTA) appointed Don Anderson of Hobbico to head a response committee in which AMA was invited to participate. AMA drafted the association's response after preliminary discussion and a conference call with AMA president Dave Brown.
Our conclusion was to reinforce previous findings and to refer to the California Air Resources Board's prior determination and position on excluding model engines. We also expressed that the EPA should expand its existing "Recreation Vehicle" definition to exclude non-manned vehicles; i.e., model aircraft, boats, and cars. An official response was sent by the due date.
International Competitors
In the March issue of Model Aviation, I indicated that all foreign competitors must obtain an AMA membership. However, this requirement excludes Canadians.
AMA has a reciprocal agreement with the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada (MAAC). Canadians can fly in the U.S. with a current MAAC license.
Happy flying,
Joyce Hager Executive Director jhager@modelaircraft.org
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
