AMA News Announcements, news, and information from the
Academy of Model Aeronautics and the elected district representatives.
162
Motions/Acclamations
It was approved by unanimous acclamation to approve the
minutes of the January 26, 2008 Executive Council meeting.
It was approved by unanimous acclamation to accept changing
the word position to duties in the approved changes to Article X
Officers, Section 2 of the Bylaws (Motion VII).
It was approved by unanimous acclamation to move forward
with the online incident report form.
It was approved by acclamation to accept the E-mail Executive
Council poll of the Park Pilot Legal Aircraft Logo Program.
Motion I: Moved by D. Holland (EVP) and seconded by T.
Stillman (V) to accept the auditors’ report.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion II: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by J. Rice
(VIII) to increase the number of recognized holidays for AMA
staff to 11 (eleven).
Motion passed: 9-Y; 4-N (EVP, II, III, IV)
Motion III: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by B. Nelson
(XI) that Council adopt the new Standing Rule relating to Article
III Club Officer Coverage.
Motion passed unanimously.
“Club Officers who are designated on the AMA Club Charter
form application, or any proper amendment thereto, are provided
primary insurance coverage under the AMA General Liability
Policy while performing their duties as Club Officers for their
AMA Chartered Club.”
Motion IV: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by B. Nelson
(XI) to submit the changes to AMA Bylaws Article III
Membership, Section 2(a) to the Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Change the first sentence to read: “The Charter provides the
local organized group with added insurance protection for the
Club, the Club Officers related to their duties as officers, and
flying site owners.”
Motion V: Moved by T. Stillman (V) and seconded by M. Smith
(IX) to submit the changes to AMA Bylaws Article VIII
Meetings, Section 2 to the Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Change the first sentence to read: “Special Executive Council
Meetings may be called by the President, Executive Vice
President, any five (5) EC members, or upon written request of
5% of voting members of the Academy.”
Motion VI: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by B. Nelson
(XI) to submit the changes to AMA Bylaws Article IX
Nominations and Elections, Section 3 to the Leader Members for
ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Change the first sentence to read: “To be eligible to discharge
the duties of AMA President or Executive Vice President, a nominee
must be a Leader Member of the AMA and must previously have
served as a member of the Executive Council or Associate Vice
President or as a Contest Board member for at least 1 year.”
Motion VII: Moved by M. Smith (IX) and seconded by B. Teague
(IV) to submit the changes to AMA Bylaws Article X Officers,
Section 2 to the Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Change the first paragraph to read: “In the event of a vacancy in
the position of AMA President during a regular term due to death,
incapacity, inactivity, resignation, impeachment or removal from
office, the Executive Vice President shall assume the duties of
President of the AMA until a special election can be held for a new
President so that the newly-elected President would fill out the
remaining position time of the Presidency until the next regularly
scheduled election.”
Motion VIII: Moved by B. Nelson (XI) and seconded by M. Smith
(IX) to submit the changes to AMA Bylaws Article X Officers,
Section 4 to the Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Section 4 to read: “The Executive Vice President is an Officer of
the AMA, and will perform such duties and responsibilities as may
be assigned by the President or the Executive Council of the AMA.
The Executive Vice President shall assume the duties of the
President in the event a vacancy as described in Section 2, until
such vacancy is filled, and when so acting shall have all the powers
of, and be subject to all of the restrictions upon the President.”
Motion IX: Moved by T. Stillman (V) and seconded by M. Smith
(IX) to submit the rewrite of AMA Bylaws Article X Officers,
Section 1 to the Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Section 1 to read: “The Officers of the AMA shall be a
President, an Executive Vice President, a Chief Financial Officer,
and a Vice President to represent each of the AMA Districts.
Terms of Office for the President, Executive Vice President and
Vice Presidents representing each of the AMA Districts shall be 3
calendar years or until their successors are elected. All terms of
office shall begin January 1. The Chief Financial Officer shall be
appointed by ¾ affirmative vote of the Executive Council to a
three-year term. In addition, there shall be an Executive Director
who shall be selected by a ¾ affirmative note of the Executive
Council, and who shall serve in accordance with a contract
approved by the Executive Council.”
Motion X: Moved by G. Fitch (II) and seconded by B. Nelson (XI)
to submit the new AMA Bylaws Article X Officers, Section 8 to the
Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
New Section 8: “The Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer of the
AMA shall be an Officer of the AMA and a non-voting ex-officio
member of the Executive Council. The Chief Financial Officer
shall be appointed by a ¾ affirmative vote of the Executive
MODEL AVIATION
AMA Executive Council Meeting
April 19, 2008
Muncie, Indiana
The motions are part of the unofficial minutes of the meeting. Minutes from a given meeting are not official until they are approved at the
following quarterly Council meeting. Questions or comments concerning the motions should be addressed to your district vice president.
July 2008 163
Council at the first Executive Council meeting after the election of
the even-numbered District Vice Presidents for a 3-year term. The
Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer position is a voluntary
Executive Council Board position. The Chief Financial
Officer/Treasurer shall serve in accordance with the position
description of functions and be subject to minimum qualifications
and experience as adopted by the Executive Council.”
Motion XI: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by B. Brown
(III) to submit the changes to AMA Bylaws Article XI Executive
Council, Section 2 to the Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Section 2 to read: “The Executive Council shall be composed
of the President, the eleven District Vice Presidents, Executive
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer and an exofficio
member who shall be an Officer of the National Aeronautic
Association designated by the NAA. The NAA designee is an exofficio
member who has the right to vote, but shall not be counted
in determining if a quorum is present at a meeting. The Chief
Financial Officer/Treasurer is a non-voting ex-officio member of
the Executive Council. The AMA President shall act as
Chairperson of the Executive Council.”
Motion XII: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by J. Rice
(VIII) to accept the report of the Flying Site Grant Committee.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion XIII: Moved by J. Rice (VIII) and seconded by B. Brown
(III) to accept the Scholarship Endowment Fund program as
presented April 19, 2008 by the Scholarship Committee.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion XIV: Moved by B. Brown (III) and seconded by C. Bauer
(VI) that AMA builds a pavilion in close proximity to Nats
Headquarters with a financial constraint of fifty thousand dollars
($50,000); the pavilion will be named The Buso Pavilion.
Motion passed: 12-Y; 1 Abstain (NAA)
Motion XV: Moved by M. Smith (IX) and seconded by G. Fitch
(II) that Council engage the services of J Walcher Communications
for a period of 12 months beginning in 2008.
Motion passed unanimously
Motion XVI: Moved by J. Rice (VIII) and seconded by T. Stillman
(V) to accept the report of the Safety Committee.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion XVII: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by R.
Hanson (X) to accept the Safety Committee’s recommendation to
waive—on a provisional basis—the Frequency Sharing Agreement
requirements as listed under item 6 in the RC section of the current
AMA Safety Code for club(s) operating exclusively on 2.4 GHz.
The club(s) must obtain a special wording Certificate of Insurance
for each site operating exclusively on 2.4 GHz if a Certificate of
Insurance is required by the site owner.
Motion passed: 12-Y; 1-Abstain (NAA)
Motion XVIII: Moved by B. Teague (IV) and seconded by T.
Stillman (V) to accept the Executive Director Evaluation
Committee’s report for the Executive Director evaluation for the
period December 4, 2006 to December 31, 2007, to include the
recommended adjustments in salary.
Motion passed: 12-Y; 1 Abstain (NAA)
Motion XIX: Moved by R. Hanson (X) and seconded by B. Teague
(IV) that Council approve a one-year membership pilot program for
the 2008 air show season by which the AMA Air Show Teams offer
a ten dollar ($10) 90-day AMA Introductory Membership as an Air
Show (at the show only) “Special.” To be evaluated for
continuation in subsequent air show seasons.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion XX: Moved by R. Hanson (X) and seconded by B. Teague
(IV) to send the disabled membership dues concept to the
Membership Committee for further review.
Motion passed unanimously.
The AMA Bylaws Committee, as directed by
the President and the Executive Council, is
responsible for reviewing Bylaws,
recommending changes, and preparing
written proposed amendments for
deliberation by the Executive Council. If the
recommended amendments are accepted by a
majority vote of the Executive Council, the
amendments must then be ratified before
adoption by a mail ballot to AMA Leader
members.
An affirmative vote of two thirds of
Leader members responding within 45 days
of issuance of the mail ballot is required to
adopt the amendments.
During the April 19, 2008 AMA
Executive Council meeting, the Bylaws
Committee presented proposed Bylaw
amendments for deliberation to the Executive
Council. The Bylaw amendments were all
unanimously passed and directed by the
Executive Council to be submitted to the
Leader Members for ratification in Motions
III through Motions XI.
The following represents a summary of
the motions and the rationale for the
recommended changes:
Motion III and IV deal with changes in
the Bylaws that will guarantee primary
insurance coverage for club officers related to
their duties as officers. The insurance
industry calls this the “vicarious liability” for
the acts of others or flying accidents caused
by others.
Changes were recommended because the
current wording in the Bylaws was too vague
and didn’t clearly provide for indemnification
of club officers.
There is a possibility that coverage might
be construed as being secondary or in
“excess” to any other applicable coverage,
such as homeowner’s and the intent of the
AMA and Executive Council was to provide
officers with primary liability coverage
relating to their duties as officers.
Motions V thru XI deal with changes in
the Bylaws regarding the duties and
responsibilities of the Executive Vice
President and the creation of a new AMA
Officer position to be titled “Chief Financial
Officer /Treasurer.” These changes were
recommended so the Executive Vice
President could assume a new role, more
typical of a Vice President, performing
duties and responsibilities as may be
assigned by the President or Executive
Council.
This new role would allow the Executive
Vice President to work more closely with the
President and Executive Council in planning,
organizing and implementing programs. The
Executive Vice President would be better
prepared to assume the duties of the President
in the event of a vacancy or to assume some
of the ceremonial duties of the President such
as attending functions and events that the
President may not be able to attend.
The Executive Vice President would no
longer be the Chief Financial Officer nor
have to monitor and report on the financial
affairs of the AMA. The financial aspect of
the Executive Vice President’s position
would now be the responsibility of the new
“Chief Financial Officer.”
The “Chief Financial Officer” would be
appointed by a ¾ affirmative vote of the
Executive Council to a three-year term. The
“Chief Financial Officer” would also be a
voluntary position.
The table on the following page further
details the current Bylaws and the proposed
changes. AMA Leader Members have
received their ballots and expected to vote on
the proposed changes before the July
Executive Council meeting.
—Andy Argenio
Bylaws Committee Chairperson
Proposed Bylaws Changes/Additions
164 MODEL AVIATION
New: Article III, Club Officers Proposed New Standing Rule: “Club
Officers who are designated on the AMA
Club Charter form application, or any
proper amendment thereto, are provided
primary insurance coverage under the AMA
General Liability Policy while performing
their duties as Club Officers for their AMA
Charter Club.”
Article III, Membership 2(a) Old: The Charter provides the local
organized group with added insurance
protection for the club, the club officers,
and flying site owners.
New: “The Charter provides the local
organized group with added insurance
protection for the Club, the Club Officers
related to their duties as officers, and flying
site owners.”
Bylaw Changes for Executive Vice
President: Article VIII,
Meetings (2)
(a) The purpose of a Special meeting shall
be stated in the call. Except in cases of
emergency, as determined by the
President, at least 15 days notice shall be
given.
New: Add: “Special Executive Council
Meetings may be called by the President,
Executive Vice President or by any five (5)
EC members or upon written request of
5% of voting members of the Academy.”
Article IX, Nominations and
Elections (1)
Keep.
Article IX,
Nominations and Elections (3)
Old: To be eligible to discharge the duties
of AMA President, a nominee must be a
Leader member of the AMA and must
previously have served as a member of the
Executive Council or as Associate Vice
President or as a Contest Board member
for at least one year.
New: “To be eligible to discharge the
duties of AMA President or Executive Vice
President, a nominee must be a Leader
Member of the AMA and must previously
have served as a member of the Executive
Council or Associate Vice President or as a
Contest Board Member for at least 1 year.”
Article X, Officers Section 2 New: “In the event of a vacancy in the
position of AMA President during a regular
term due to death, incapacity, inactivity,
resignation, impeachment or removal from
office, the Executive Vice President shall
assume the duties of President of the AMA
until a special election can be held for a new
President so that the newly elected
President would fill out the remaining
position time of the Presidency until the
next regularly scheduled election. In the
event of a vacancy in the position of AMA
Executive Vice President during a regular
term due to death, incapacity, inactivity,
resignation, impeachment, or removal from
office, the Executive Council will appoint an
interim Executive Vice President to serve
until a special election can be held. The
newly elected Executive Vice President will
then serve the remaining position time of
the current term of the Executive Vice
President until the next regularly scheduled
election.”
Article Name Proposed Article
Language Deletion Article Change/Addition
Executive
Vice President
July 2008 165
Article X, Officers (1) Add: “Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer”
“The Officers of the AMA shall be a
President, an Executive Vice President, a
Chief Financial Officer, and a Vice President
to represent each of the AMA Districts.
Terms of Office for the President,
Executive Vice President, and Vice
Presidents representing each of the AMA
Districts shall be 3 calendar years or until
their successors are elected. All terms of
office shall begin January 1. The Chief
Financial Officer shall be appointed by 3/4
affirmative vote of the Executive Council to
a three-year term. In addition, there shall
be an Executive Director who shall be
selected by a 3/4 affirmative vote of the
Executive Council, and who shall serve in
accordance with a contract approved by
the Executive Council.”
Article XI, Executive Council (2) Old: The Executive Council shall be
composed of the President, the eleven
District Vice Presidents, Executive Vice
President, and an ex-officio member who
shall be an officer of the National
Aeronautic Association designated by the
NAA. The ex-officio member shall have the
right to vote, but he shall not be counted in
determining if a quorum is present at a
meeting. The AMA President shall act as
Chairperson of the Executive Council.
New: “The Executive Council shall be
composed of the President, the eleven
District Vice Presidents, Executive Vice
President, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer
and an ex-officio member who shall be an
Officer of the National Aeronautic
Association designated by the NAA, and the
Chief Financial Officer. The NAA designee
is an ex-officio member who has the right
to vote, but shall not be counted in
determining if a quorum is present at a
meeting. The Chief Financial Officer/
Treasurer is a non-voting ex-officio
member of the Executive Council. The
AMA President shall act as a Chairperson of
the Executive Council.”
Article X, Officers (8) Add: “The Chief Financial Officer/
Treasurer of the AMA shall be an Officer of
the AMA and a non-voting ex-officio
member of the Executive Council. The
Chief Financial Officer shall be appointed by
a 3/4 affirmative vote of the Executive
Council at the first Executive Council
meeting after the election of the even
numbered District Vice Presidents for a 3-
year term. The Chief Financial Officer/
Treasurer position is a voluntary Executive
Council Board position. The Chief Financial
Officer/Treasurer shall serve in accordance
with the position description of functions
and be subject to minimum qualifications
and experience as adopted by the
Executive Council.”
Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer
Article X, Officers Section 4 Old: The Executive Vice President shall be
the Chief Financial Officer of the AMA, shall
monitor the financial and corporate affairs
of the AMA, make an annual report to the
membership regarding the financial affairs
of the AMA; and shall make periodic
reports, not less than quarterly, to the
Executive Council regarding financial
matters of the AMA, and shall assume the
duties of the President in the event of a
vacancy as described in Section 2, until such
vacancy is filled.
New: “The Executive Vice President is an
Officer of the AMA, and will perform such
duties and responsibilities as may be
assigned by the President or the Executive
Council of the AMA. The Executive Vice
President shall assume the duties of the
President in the event vacancy as described
in Section 2, until such vacancy is filled and
when so acting shall have all the powers of,
and be subject to all of the restrictions upon
the President.”
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/07
Page Numbers: 162,163,164
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/07
Page Numbers: 162,163,164
AMA News Announcements, news, and information from the
Academy of Model Aeronautics and the elected district representatives.
162
Motions/Acclamations
It was approved by unanimous acclamation to approve the
minutes of the January 26, 2008 Executive Council meeting.
It was approved by unanimous acclamation to accept changing
the word position to duties in the approved changes to Article X
Officers, Section 2 of the Bylaws (Motion VII).
It was approved by unanimous acclamation to move forward
with the online incident report form.
It was approved by acclamation to accept the E-mail Executive
Council poll of the Park Pilot Legal Aircraft Logo Program.
Motion I: Moved by D. Holland (EVP) and seconded by T.
Stillman (V) to accept the auditors’ report.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion II: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by J. Rice
(VIII) to increase the number of recognized holidays for AMA
staff to 11 (eleven).
Motion passed: 9-Y; 4-N (EVP, II, III, IV)
Motion III: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by B. Nelson
(XI) that Council adopt the new Standing Rule relating to Article
III Club Officer Coverage.
Motion passed unanimously.
“Club Officers who are designated on the AMA Club Charter
form application, or any proper amendment thereto, are provided
primary insurance coverage under the AMA General Liability
Policy while performing their duties as Club Officers for their
AMA Chartered Club.”
Motion IV: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by B. Nelson
(XI) to submit the changes to AMA Bylaws Article III
Membership, Section 2(a) to the Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Change the first sentence to read: “The Charter provides the
local organized group with added insurance protection for the
Club, the Club Officers related to their duties as officers, and
flying site owners.”
Motion V: Moved by T. Stillman (V) and seconded by M. Smith
(IX) to submit the changes to AMA Bylaws Article VIII
Meetings, Section 2 to the Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Change the first sentence to read: “Special Executive Council
Meetings may be called by the President, Executive Vice
President, any five (5) EC members, or upon written request of
5% of voting members of the Academy.”
Motion VI: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by B. Nelson
(XI) to submit the changes to AMA Bylaws Article IX
Nominations and Elections, Section 3 to the Leader Members for
ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Change the first sentence to read: “To be eligible to discharge
the duties of AMA President or Executive Vice President, a nominee
must be a Leader Member of the AMA and must previously have
served as a member of the Executive Council or Associate Vice
President or as a Contest Board member for at least 1 year.”
Motion VII: Moved by M. Smith (IX) and seconded by B. Teague
(IV) to submit the changes to AMA Bylaws Article X Officers,
Section 2 to the Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Change the first paragraph to read: “In the event of a vacancy in
the position of AMA President during a regular term due to death,
incapacity, inactivity, resignation, impeachment or removal from
office, the Executive Vice President shall assume the duties of
President of the AMA until a special election can be held for a new
President so that the newly-elected President would fill out the
remaining position time of the Presidency until the next regularly
scheduled election.”
Motion VIII: Moved by B. Nelson (XI) and seconded by M. Smith
(IX) to submit the changes to AMA Bylaws Article X Officers,
Section 4 to the Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Section 4 to read: “The Executive Vice President is an Officer of
the AMA, and will perform such duties and responsibilities as may
be assigned by the President or the Executive Council of the AMA.
The Executive Vice President shall assume the duties of the
President in the event a vacancy as described in Section 2, until
such vacancy is filled, and when so acting shall have all the powers
of, and be subject to all of the restrictions upon the President.”
Motion IX: Moved by T. Stillman (V) and seconded by M. Smith
(IX) to submit the rewrite of AMA Bylaws Article X Officers,
Section 1 to the Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Section 1 to read: “The Officers of the AMA shall be a
President, an Executive Vice President, a Chief Financial Officer,
and a Vice President to represent each of the AMA Districts.
Terms of Office for the President, Executive Vice President and
Vice Presidents representing each of the AMA Districts shall be 3
calendar years or until their successors are elected. All terms of
office shall begin January 1. The Chief Financial Officer shall be
appointed by ¾ affirmative vote of the Executive Council to a
three-year term. In addition, there shall be an Executive Director
who shall be selected by a ¾ affirmative note of the Executive
Council, and who shall serve in accordance with a contract
approved by the Executive Council.”
Motion X: Moved by G. Fitch (II) and seconded by B. Nelson (XI)
to submit the new AMA Bylaws Article X Officers, Section 8 to the
Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
New Section 8: “The Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer of the
AMA shall be an Officer of the AMA and a non-voting ex-officio
member of the Executive Council. The Chief Financial Officer
shall be appointed by a ¾ affirmative vote of the Executive
MODEL AVIATION
AMA Executive Council Meeting
April 19, 2008
Muncie, Indiana
The motions are part of the unofficial minutes of the meeting. Minutes from a given meeting are not official until they are approved at the
following quarterly Council meeting. Questions or comments concerning the motions should be addressed to your district vice president.
July 2008 163
Council at the first Executive Council meeting after the election of
the even-numbered District Vice Presidents for a 3-year term. The
Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer position is a voluntary
Executive Council Board position. The Chief Financial
Officer/Treasurer shall serve in accordance with the position
description of functions and be subject to minimum qualifications
and experience as adopted by the Executive Council.”
Motion XI: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by B. Brown
(III) to submit the changes to AMA Bylaws Article XI Executive
Council, Section 2 to the Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Section 2 to read: “The Executive Council shall be composed
of the President, the eleven District Vice Presidents, Executive
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer and an exofficio
member who shall be an Officer of the National Aeronautic
Association designated by the NAA. The NAA designee is an exofficio
member who has the right to vote, but shall not be counted
in determining if a quorum is present at a meeting. The Chief
Financial Officer/Treasurer is a non-voting ex-officio member of
the Executive Council. The AMA President shall act as
Chairperson of the Executive Council.”
Motion XII: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by J. Rice
(VIII) to accept the report of the Flying Site Grant Committee.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion XIII: Moved by J. Rice (VIII) and seconded by B. Brown
(III) to accept the Scholarship Endowment Fund program as
presented April 19, 2008 by the Scholarship Committee.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion XIV: Moved by B. Brown (III) and seconded by C. Bauer
(VI) that AMA builds a pavilion in close proximity to Nats
Headquarters with a financial constraint of fifty thousand dollars
($50,000); the pavilion will be named The Buso Pavilion.
Motion passed: 12-Y; 1 Abstain (NAA)
Motion XV: Moved by M. Smith (IX) and seconded by G. Fitch
(II) that Council engage the services of J Walcher Communications
for a period of 12 months beginning in 2008.
Motion passed unanimously
Motion XVI: Moved by J. Rice (VIII) and seconded by T. Stillman
(V) to accept the report of the Safety Committee.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion XVII: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by R.
Hanson (X) to accept the Safety Committee’s recommendation to
waive—on a provisional basis—the Frequency Sharing Agreement
requirements as listed under item 6 in the RC section of the current
AMA Safety Code for club(s) operating exclusively on 2.4 GHz.
The club(s) must obtain a special wording Certificate of Insurance
for each site operating exclusively on 2.4 GHz if a Certificate of
Insurance is required by the site owner.
Motion passed: 12-Y; 1-Abstain (NAA)
Motion XVIII: Moved by B. Teague (IV) and seconded by T.
Stillman (V) to accept the Executive Director Evaluation
Committee’s report for the Executive Director evaluation for the
period December 4, 2006 to December 31, 2007, to include the
recommended adjustments in salary.
Motion passed: 12-Y; 1 Abstain (NAA)
Motion XIX: Moved by R. Hanson (X) and seconded by B. Teague
(IV) that Council approve a one-year membership pilot program for
the 2008 air show season by which the AMA Air Show Teams offer
a ten dollar ($10) 90-day AMA Introductory Membership as an Air
Show (at the show only) “Special.” To be evaluated for
continuation in subsequent air show seasons.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion XX: Moved by R. Hanson (X) and seconded by B. Teague
(IV) to send the disabled membership dues concept to the
Membership Committee for further review.
Motion passed unanimously.
The AMA Bylaws Committee, as directed by
the President and the Executive Council, is
responsible for reviewing Bylaws,
recommending changes, and preparing
written proposed amendments for
deliberation by the Executive Council. If the
recommended amendments are accepted by a
majority vote of the Executive Council, the
amendments must then be ratified before
adoption by a mail ballot to AMA Leader
members.
An affirmative vote of two thirds of
Leader members responding within 45 days
of issuance of the mail ballot is required to
adopt the amendments.
During the April 19, 2008 AMA
Executive Council meeting, the Bylaws
Committee presented proposed Bylaw
amendments for deliberation to the Executive
Council. The Bylaw amendments were all
unanimously passed and directed by the
Executive Council to be submitted to the
Leader Members for ratification in Motions
III through Motions XI.
The following represents a summary of
the motions and the rationale for the
recommended changes:
Motion III and IV deal with changes in
the Bylaws that will guarantee primary
insurance coverage for club officers related to
their duties as officers. The insurance
industry calls this the “vicarious liability” for
the acts of others or flying accidents caused
by others.
Changes were recommended because the
current wording in the Bylaws was too vague
and didn’t clearly provide for indemnification
of club officers.
There is a possibility that coverage might
be construed as being secondary or in
“excess” to any other applicable coverage,
such as homeowner’s and the intent of the
AMA and Executive Council was to provide
officers with primary liability coverage
relating to their duties as officers.
Motions V thru XI deal with changes in
the Bylaws regarding the duties and
responsibilities of the Executive Vice
President and the creation of a new AMA
Officer position to be titled “Chief Financial
Officer /Treasurer.” These changes were
recommended so the Executive Vice
President could assume a new role, more
typical of a Vice President, performing
duties and responsibilities as may be
assigned by the President or Executive
Council.
This new role would allow the Executive
Vice President to work more closely with the
President and Executive Council in planning,
organizing and implementing programs. The
Executive Vice President would be better
prepared to assume the duties of the President
in the event of a vacancy or to assume some
of the ceremonial duties of the President such
as attending functions and events that the
President may not be able to attend.
The Executive Vice President would no
longer be the Chief Financial Officer nor
have to monitor and report on the financial
affairs of the AMA. The financial aspect of
the Executive Vice President’s position
would now be the responsibility of the new
“Chief Financial Officer.”
The “Chief Financial Officer” would be
appointed by a ¾ affirmative vote of the
Executive Council to a three-year term. The
“Chief Financial Officer” would also be a
voluntary position.
The table on the following page further
details the current Bylaws and the proposed
changes. AMA Leader Members have
received their ballots and expected to vote on
the proposed changes before the July
Executive Council meeting.
—Andy Argenio
Bylaws Committee Chairperson
Proposed Bylaws Changes/Additions
164 MODEL AVIATION
New: Article III, Club Officers Proposed New Standing Rule: “Club
Officers who are designated on the AMA
Club Charter form application, or any
proper amendment thereto, are provided
primary insurance coverage under the AMA
General Liability Policy while performing
their duties as Club Officers for their AMA
Charter Club.”
Article III, Membership 2(a) Old: The Charter provides the local
organized group with added insurance
protection for the club, the club officers,
and flying site owners.
New: “The Charter provides the local
organized group with added insurance
protection for the Club, the Club Officers
related to their duties as officers, and flying
site owners.”
Bylaw Changes for Executive Vice
President: Article VIII,
Meetings (2)
(a) The purpose of a Special meeting shall
be stated in the call. Except in cases of
emergency, as determined by the
President, at least 15 days notice shall be
given.
New: Add: “Special Executive Council
Meetings may be called by the President,
Executive Vice President or by any five (5)
EC members or upon written request of
5% of voting members of the Academy.”
Article IX, Nominations and
Elections (1)
Keep.
Article IX,
Nominations and Elections (3)
Old: To be eligible to discharge the duties
of AMA President, a nominee must be a
Leader member of the AMA and must
previously have served as a member of the
Executive Council or as Associate Vice
President or as a Contest Board member
for at least one year.
New: “To be eligible to discharge the
duties of AMA President or Executive Vice
President, a nominee must be a Leader
Member of the AMA and must previously
have served as a member of the Executive
Council or Associate Vice President or as a
Contest Board Member for at least 1 year.”
Article X, Officers Section 2 New: “In the event of a vacancy in the
position of AMA President during a regular
term due to death, incapacity, inactivity,
resignation, impeachment or removal from
office, the Executive Vice President shall
assume the duties of President of the AMA
until a special election can be held for a new
President so that the newly elected
President would fill out the remaining
position time of the Presidency until the
next regularly scheduled election. In the
event of a vacancy in the position of AMA
Executive Vice President during a regular
term due to death, incapacity, inactivity,
resignation, impeachment, or removal from
office, the Executive Council will appoint an
interim Executive Vice President to serve
until a special election can be held. The
newly elected Executive Vice President will
then serve the remaining position time of
the current term of the Executive Vice
President until the next regularly scheduled
election.”
Article Name Proposed Article
Language Deletion Article Change/Addition
Executive
Vice President
July 2008 165
Article X, Officers (1) Add: “Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer”
“The Officers of the AMA shall be a
President, an Executive Vice President, a
Chief Financial Officer, and a Vice President
to represent each of the AMA Districts.
Terms of Office for the President,
Executive Vice President, and Vice
Presidents representing each of the AMA
Districts shall be 3 calendar years or until
their successors are elected. All terms of
office shall begin January 1. The Chief
Financial Officer shall be appointed by 3/4
affirmative vote of the Executive Council to
a three-year term. In addition, there shall
be an Executive Director who shall be
selected by a 3/4 affirmative vote of the
Executive Council, and who shall serve in
accordance with a contract approved by
the Executive Council.”
Article XI, Executive Council (2) Old: The Executive Council shall be
composed of the President, the eleven
District Vice Presidents, Executive Vice
President, and an ex-officio member who
shall be an officer of the National
Aeronautic Association designated by the
NAA. The ex-officio member shall have the
right to vote, but he shall not be counted in
determining if a quorum is present at a
meeting. The AMA President shall act as
Chairperson of the Executive Council.
New: “The Executive Council shall be
composed of the President, the eleven
District Vice Presidents, Executive Vice
President, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer
and an ex-officio member who shall be an
Officer of the National Aeronautic
Association designated by the NAA, and the
Chief Financial Officer. The NAA designee
is an ex-officio member who has the right
to vote, but shall not be counted in
determining if a quorum is present at a
meeting. The Chief Financial Officer/
Treasurer is a non-voting ex-officio
member of the Executive Council. The
AMA President shall act as a Chairperson of
the Executive Council.”
Article X, Officers (8) Add: “The Chief Financial Officer/
Treasurer of the AMA shall be an Officer of
the AMA and a non-voting ex-officio
member of the Executive Council. The
Chief Financial Officer shall be appointed by
a 3/4 affirmative vote of the Executive
Council at the first Executive Council
meeting after the election of the even
numbered District Vice Presidents for a 3-
year term. The Chief Financial Officer/
Treasurer position is a voluntary Executive
Council Board position. The Chief Financial
Officer/Treasurer shall serve in accordance
with the position description of functions
and be subject to minimum qualifications
and experience as adopted by the
Executive Council.”
Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer
Article X, Officers Section 4 Old: The Executive Vice President shall be
the Chief Financial Officer of the AMA, shall
monitor the financial and corporate affairs
of the AMA, make an annual report to the
membership regarding the financial affairs
of the AMA; and shall make periodic
reports, not less than quarterly, to the
Executive Council regarding financial
matters of the AMA, and shall assume the
duties of the President in the event of a
vacancy as described in Section 2, until such
vacancy is filled.
New: “The Executive Vice President is an
Officer of the AMA, and will perform such
duties and responsibilities as may be
assigned by the President or the Executive
Council of the AMA. The Executive Vice
President shall assume the duties of the
President in the event vacancy as described
in Section 2, until such vacancy is filled and
when so acting shall have all the powers of,
and be subject to all of the restrictions upon
the President.”
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/07
Page Numbers: 162,163,164
AMA News Announcements, news, and information from the
Academy of Model Aeronautics and the elected district representatives.
162
Motions/Acclamations
It was approved by unanimous acclamation to approve the
minutes of the January 26, 2008 Executive Council meeting.
It was approved by unanimous acclamation to accept changing
the word position to duties in the approved changes to Article X
Officers, Section 2 of the Bylaws (Motion VII).
It was approved by unanimous acclamation to move forward
with the online incident report form.
It was approved by acclamation to accept the E-mail Executive
Council poll of the Park Pilot Legal Aircraft Logo Program.
Motion I: Moved by D. Holland (EVP) and seconded by T.
Stillman (V) to accept the auditors’ report.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion II: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by J. Rice
(VIII) to increase the number of recognized holidays for AMA
staff to 11 (eleven).
Motion passed: 9-Y; 4-N (EVP, II, III, IV)
Motion III: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by B. Nelson
(XI) that Council adopt the new Standing Rule relating to Article
III Club Officer Coverage.
Motion passed unanimously.
“Club Officers who are designated on the AMA Club Charter
form application, or any proper amendment thereto, are provided
primary insurance coverage under the AMA General Liability
Policy while performing their duties as Club Officers for their
AMA Chartered Club.”
Motion IV: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by B. Nelson
(XI) to submit the changes to AMA Bylaws Article III
Membership, Section 2(a) to the Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Change the first sentence to read: “The Charter provides the
local organized group with added insurance protection for the
Club, the Club Officers related to their duties as officers, and
flying site owners.”
Motion V: Moved by T. Stillman (V) and seconded by M. Smith
(IX) to submit the changes to AMA Bylaws Article VIII
Meetings, Section 2 to the Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Change the first sentence to read: “Special Executive Council
Meetings may be called by the President, Executive Vice
President, any five (5) EC members, or upon written request of
5% of voting members of the Academy.”
Motion VI: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by B. Nelson
(XI) to submit the changes to AMA Bylaws Article IX
Nominations and Elections, Section 3 to the Leader Members for
ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Change the first sentence to read: “To be eligible to discharge
the duties of AMA President or Executive Vice President, a nominee
must be a Leader Member of the AMA and must previously have
served as a member of the Executive Council or Associate Vice
President or as a Contest Board member for at least 1 year.”
Motion VII: Moved by M. Smith (IX) and seconded by B. Teague
(IV) to submit the changes to AMA Bylaws Article X Officers,
Section 2 to the Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Change the first paragraph to read: “In the event of a vacancy in
the position of AMA President during a regular term due to death,
incapacity, inactivity, resignation, impeachment or removal from
office, the Executive Vice President shall assume the duties of
President of the AMA until a special election can be held for a new
President so that the newly-elected President would fill out the
remaining position time of the Presidency until the next regularly
scheduled election.”
Motion VIII: Moved by B. Nelson (XI) and seconded by M. Smith
(IX) to submit the changes to AMA Bylaws Article X Officers,
Section 4 to the Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Section 4 to read: “The Executive Vice President is an Officer of
the AMA, and will perform such duties and responsibilities as may
be assigned by the President or the Executive Council of the AMA.
The Executive Vice President shall assume the duties of the
President in the event a vacancy as described in Section 2, until
such vacancy is filled, and when so acting shall have all the powers
of, and be subject to all of the restrictions upon the President.”
Motion IX: Moved by T. Stillman (V) and seconded by M. Smith
(IX) to submit the rewrite of AMA Bylaws Article X Officers,
Section 1 to the Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Section 1 to read: “The Officers of the AMA shall be a
President, an Executive Vice President, a Chief Financial Officer,
and a Vice President to represent each of the AMA Districts.
Terms of Office for the President, Executive Vice President and
Vice Presidents representing each of the AMA Districts shall be 3
calendar years or until their successors are elected. All terms of
office shall begin January 1. The Chief Financial Officer shall be
appointed by ¾ affirmative vote of the Executive Council to a
three-year term. In addition, there shall be an Executive Director
who shall be selected by a ¾ affirmative note of the Executive
Council, and who shall serve in accordance with a contract
approved by the Executive Council.”
Motion X: Moved by G. Fitch (II) and seconded by B. Nelson (XI)
to submit the new AMA Bylaws Article X Officers, Section 8 to the
Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
New Section 8: “The Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer of the
AMA shall be an Officer of the AMA and a non-voting ex-officio
member of the Executive Council. The Chief Financial Officer
shall be appointed by a ¾ affirmative vote of the Executive
MODEL AVIATION
AMA Executive Council Meeting
April 19, 2008
Muncie, Indiana
The motions are part of the unofficial minutes of the meeting. Minutes from a given meeting are not official until they are approved at the
following quarterly Council meeting. Questions or comments concerning the motions should be addressed to your district vice president.
July 2008 163
Council at the first Executive Council meeting after the election of
the even-numbered District Vice Presidents for a 3-year term. The
Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer position is a voluntary
Executive Council Board position. The Chief Financial
Officer/Treasurer shall serve in accordance with the position
description of functions and be subject to minimum qualifications
and experience as adopted by the Executive Council.”
Motion XI: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by B. Brown
(III) to submit the changes to AMA Bylaws Article XI Executive
Council, Section 2 to the Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Section 2 to read: “The Executive Council shall be composed
of the President, the eleven District Vice Presidents, Executive
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer and an exofficio
member who shall be an Officer of the National Aeronautic
Association designated by the NAA. The NAA designee is an exofficio
member who has the right to vote, but shall not be counted
in determining if a quorum is present at a meeting. The Chief
Financial Officer/Treasurer is a non-voting ex-officio member of
the Executive Council. The AMA President shall act as
Chairperson of the Executive Council.”
Motion XII: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by J. Rice
(VIII) to accept the report of the Flying Site Grant Committee.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion XIII: Moved by J. Rice (VIII) and seconded by B. Brown
(III) to accept the Scholarship Endowment Fund program as
presented April 19, 2008 by the Scholarship Committee.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion XIV: Moved by B. Brown (III) and seconded by C. Bauer
(VI) that AMA builds a pavilion in close proximity to Nats
Headquarters with a financial constraint of fifty thousand dollars
($50,000); the pavilion will be named The Buso Pavilion.
Motion passed: 12-Y; 1 Abstain (NAA)
Motion XV: Moved by M. Smith (IX) and seconded by G. Fitch
(II) that Council engage the services of J Walcher Communications
for a period of 12 months beginning in 2008.
Motion passed unanimously
Motion XVI: Moved by J. Rice (VIII) and seconded by T. Stillman
(V) to accept the report of the Safety Committee.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion XVII: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by R.
Hanson (X) to accept the Safety Committee’s recommendation to
waive—on a provisional basis—the Frequency Sharing Agreement
requirements as listed under item 6 in the RC section of the current
AMA Safety Code for club(s) operating exclusively on 2.4 GHz.
The club(s) must obtain a special wording Certificate of Insurance
for each site operating exclusively on 2.4 GHz if a Certificate of
Insurance is required by the site owner.
Motion passed: 12-Y; 1-Abstain (NAA)
Motion XVIII: Moved by B. Teague (IV) and seconded by T.
Stillman (V) to accept the Executive Director Evaluation
Committee’s report for the Executive Director evaluation for the
period December 4, 2006 to December 31, 2007, to include the
recommended adjustments in salary.
Motion passed: 12-Y; 1 Abstain (NAA)
Motion XIX: Moved by R. Hanson (X) and seconded by B. Teague
(IV) that Council approve a one-year membership pilot program for
the 2008 air show season by which the AMA Air Show Teams offer
a ten dollar ($10) 90-day AMA Introductory Membership as an Air
Show (at the show only) “Special.” To be evaluated for
continuation in subsequent air show seasons.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion XX: Moved by R. Hanson (X) and seconded by B. Teague
(IV) to send the disabled membership dues concept to the
Membership Committee for further review.
Motion passed unanimously.
The AMA Bylaws Committee, as directed by
the President and the Executive Council, is
responsible for reviewing Bylaws,
recommending changes, and preparing
written proposed amendments for
deliberation by the Executive Council. If the
recommended amendments are accepted by a
majority vote of the Executive Council, the
amendments must then be ratified before
adoption by a mail ballot to AMA Leader
members.
An affirmative vote of two thirds of
Leader members responding within 45 days
of issuance of the mail ballot is required to
adopt the amendments.
During the April 19, 2008 AMA
Executive Council meeting, the Bylaws
Committee presented proposed Bylaw
amendments for deliberation to the Executive
Council. The Bylaw amendments were all
unanimously passed and directed by the
Executive Council to be submitted to the
Leader Members for ratification in Motions
III through Motions XI.
The following represents a summary of
the motions and the rationale for the
recommended changes:
Motion III and IV deal with changes in
the Bylaws that will guarantee primary
insurance coverage for club officers related to
their duties as officers. The insurance
industry calls this the “vicarious liability” for
the acts of others or flying accidents caused
by others.
Changes were recommended because the
current wording in the Bylaws was too vague
and didn’t clearly provide for indemnification
of club officers.
There is a possibility that coverage might
be construed as being secondary or in
“excess” to any other applicable coverage,
such as homeowner’s and the intent of the
AMA and Executive Council was to provide
officers with primary liability coverage
relating to their duties as officers.
Motions V thru XI deal with changes in
the Bylaws regarding the duties and
responsibilities of the Executive Vice
President and the creation of a new AMA
Officer position to be titled “Chief Financial
Officer /Treasurer.” These changes were
recommended so the Executive Vice
President could assume a new role, more
typical of a Vice President, performing
duties and responsibilities as may be
assigned by the President or Executive
Council.
This new role would allow the Executive
Vice President to work more closely with the
President and Executive Council in planning,
organizing and implementing programs. The
Executive Vice President would be better
prepared to assume the duties of the President
in the event of a vacancy or to assume some
of the ceremonial duties of the President such
as attending functions and events that the
President may not be able to attend.
The Executive Vice President would no
longer be the Chief Financial Officer nor
have to monitor and report on the financial
affairs of the AMA. The financial aspect of
the Executive Vice President’s position
would now be the responsibility of the new
“Chief Financial Officer.”
The “Chief Financial Officer” would be
appointed by a ¾ affirmative vote of the
Executive Council to a three-year term. The
“Chief Financial Officer” would also be a
voluntary position.
The table on the following page further
details the current Bylaws and the proposed
changes. AMA Leader Members have
received their ballots and expected to vote on
the proposed changes before the July
Executive Council meeting.
—Andy Argenio
Bylaws Committee Chairperson
Proposed Bylaws Changes/Additions
164 MODEL AVIATION
New: Article III, Club Officers Proposed New Standing Rule: “Club
Officers who are designated on the AMA
Club Charter form application, or any
proper amendment thereto, are provided
primary insurance coverage under the AMA
General Liability Policy while performing
their duties as Club Officers for their AMA
Charter Club.”
Article III, Membership 2(a) Old: The Charter provides the local
organized group with added insurance
protection for the club, the club officers,
and flying site owners.
New: “The Charter provides the local
organized group with added insurance
protection for the Club, the Club Officers
related to their duties as officers, and flying
site owners.”
Bylaw Changes for Executive Vice
President: Article VIII,
Meetings (2)
(a) The purpose of a Special meeting shall
be stated in the call. Except in cases of
emergency, as determined by the
President, at least 15 days notice shall be
given.
New: Add: “Special Executive Council
Meetings may be called by the President,
Executive Vice President or by any five (5)
EC members or upon written request of
5% of voting members of the Academy.”
Article IX, Nominations and
Elections (1)
Keep.
Article IX,
Nominations and Elections (3)
Old: To be eligible to discharge the duties
of AMA President, a nominee must be a
Leader member of the AMA and must
previously have served as a member of the
Executive Council or as Associate Vice
President or as a Contest Board member
for at least one year.
New: “To be eligible to discharge the
duties of AMA President or Executive Vice
President, a nominee must be a Leader
Member of the AMA and must previously
have served as a member of the Executive
Council or Associate Vice President or as a
Contest Board Member for at least 1 year.”
Article X, Officers Section 2 New: “In the event of a vacancy in the
position of AMA President during a regular
term due to death, incapacity, inactivity,
resignation, impeachment or removal from
office, the Executive Vice President shall
assume the duties of President of the AMA
until a special election can be held for a new
President so that the newly elected
President would fill out the remaining
position time of the Presidency until the
next regularly scheduled election. In the
event of a vacancy in the position of AMA
Executive Vice President during a regular
term due to death, incapacity, inactivity,
resignation, impeachment, or removal from
office, the Executive Council will appoint an
interim Executive Vice President to serve
until a special election can be held. The
newly elected Executive Vice President will
then serve the remaining position time of
the current term of the Executive Vice
President until the next regularly scheduled
election.”
Article Name Proposed Article
Language Deletion Article Change/Addition
Executive
Vice President
July 2008 165
Article X, Officers (1) Add: “Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer”
“The Officers of the AMA shall be a
President, an Executive Vice President, a
Chief Financial Officer, and a Vice President
to represent each of the AMA Districts.
Terms of Office for the President,
Executive Vice President, and Vice
Presidents representing each of the AMA
Districts shall be 3 calendar years or until
their successors are elected. All terms of
office shall begin January 1. The Chief
Financial Officer shall be appointed by 3/4
affirmative vote of the Executive Council to
a three-year term. In addition, there shall
be an Executive Director who shall be
selected by a 3/4 affirmative vote of the
Executive Council, and who shall serve in
accordance with a contract approved by
the Executive Council.”
Article XI, Executive Council (2) Old: The Executive Council shall be
composed of the President, the eleven
District Vice Presidents, Executive Vice
President, and an ex-officio member who
shall be an officer of the National
Aeronautic Association designated by the
NAA. The ex-officio member shall have the
right to vote, but he shall not be counted in
determining if a quorum is present at a
meeting. The AMA President shall act as
Chairperson of the Executive Council.
New: “The Executive Council shall be
composed of the President, the eleven
District Vice Presidents, Executive Vice
President, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer
and an ex-officio member who shall be an
Officer of the National Aeronautic
Association designated by the NAA, and the
Chief Financial Officer. The NAA designee
is an ex-officio member who has the right
to vote, but shall not be counted in
determining if a quorum is present at a
meeting. The Chief Financial Officer/
Treasurer is a non-voting ex-officio
member of the Executive Council. The
AMA President shall act as a Chairperson of
the Executive Council.”
Article X, Officers (8) Add: “The Chief Financial Officer/
Treasurer of the AMA shall be an Officer of
the AMA and a non-voting ex-officio
member of the Executive Council. The
Chief Financial Officer shall be appointed by
a 3/4 affirmative vote of the Executive
Council at the first Executive Council
meeting after the election of the even
numbered District Vice Presidents for a 3-
year term. The Chief Financial Officer/
Treasurer position is a voluntary Executive
Council Board position. The Chief Financial
Officer/Treasurer shall serve in accordance
with the position description of functions
and be subject to minimum qualifications
and experience as adopted by the
Executive Council.”
Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer
Article X, Officers Section 4 Old: The Executive Vice President shall be
the Chief Financial Officer of the AMA, shall
monitor the financial and corporate affairs
of the AMA, make an annual report to the
membership regarding the financial affairs
of the AMA; and shall make periodic
reports, not less than quarterly, to the
Executive Council regarding financial
matters of the AMA, and shall assume the
duties of the President in the event of a
vacancy as described in Section 2, until such
vacancy is filled.
New: “The Executive Vice President is an
Officer of the AMA, and will perform such
duties and responsibilities as may be
assigned by the President or the Executive
Council of the AMA. The Executive Vice
President shall assume the duties of the
President in the event vacancy as described
in Section 2, until such vacancy is filled and
when so acting shall have all the powers of,
and be subject to all of the restrictions upon
the President.”
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/07
Page Numbers: 162,163,164
AMA News Announcements, news, and information from the
Academy of Model Aeronautics and the elected district representatives.
162
Motions/Acclamations
It was approved by unanimous acclamation to approve the
minutes of the January 26, 2008 Executive Council meeting.
It was approved by unanimous acclamation to accept changing
the word position to duties in the approved changes to Article X
Officers, Section 2 of the Bylaws (Motion VII).
It was approved by unanimous acclamation to move forward
with the online incident report form.
It was approved by acclamation to accept the E-mail Executive
Council poll of the Park Pilot Legal Aircraft Logo Program.
Motion I: Moved by D. Holland (EVP) and seconded by T.
Stillman (V) to accept the auditors’ report.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion II: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by J. Rice
(VIII) to increase the number of recognized holidays for AMA
staff to 11 (eleven).
Motion passed: 9-Y; 4-N (EVP, II, III, IV)
Motion III: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by B. Nelson
(XI) that Council adopt the new Standing Rule relating to Article
III Club Officer Coverage.
Motion passed unanimously.
“Club Officers who are designated on the AMA Club Charter
form application, or any proper amendment thereto, are provided
primary insurance coverage under the AMA General Liability
Policy while performing their duties as Club Officers for their
AMA Chartered Club.”
Motion IV: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by B. Nelson
(XI) to submit the changes to AMA Bylaws Article III
Membership, Section 2(a) to the Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Change the first sentence to read: “The Charter provides the
local organized group with added insurance protection for the
Club, the Club Officers related to their duties as officers, and
flying site owners.”
Motion V: Moved by T. Stillman (V) and seconded by M. Smith
(IX) to submit the changes to AMA Bylaws Article VIII
Meetings, Section 2 to the Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Change the first sentence to read: “Special Executive Council
Meetings may be called by the President, Executive Vice
President, any five (5) EC members, or upon written request of
5% of voting members of the Academy.”
Motion VI: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by B. Nelson
(XI) to submit the changes to AMA Bylaws Article IX
Nominations and Elections, Section 3 to the Leader Members for
ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Change the first sentence to read: “To be eligible to discharge
the duties of AMA President or Executive Vice President, a nominee
must be a Leader Member of the AMA and must previously have
served as a member of the Executive Council or Associate Vice
President or as a Contest Board member for at least 1 year.”
Motion VII: Moved by M. Smith (IX) and seconded by B. Teague
(IV) to submit the changes to AMA Bylaws Article X Officers,
Section 2 to the Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Change the first paragraph to read: “In the event of a vacancy in
the position of AMA President during a regular term due to death,
incapacity, inactivity, resignation, impeachment or removal from
office, the Executive Vice President shall assume the duties of
President of the AMA until a special election can be held for a new
President so that the newly-elected President would fill out the
remaining position time of the Presidency until the next regularly
scheduled election.”
Motion VIII: Moved by B. Nelson (XI) and seconded by M. Smith
(IX) to submit the changes to AMA Bylaws Article X Officers,
Section 4 to the Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Section 4 to read: “The Executive Vice President is an Officer of
the AMA, and will perform such duties and responsibilities as may
be assigned by the President or the Executive Council of the AMA.
The Executive Vice President shall assume the duties of the
President in the event a vacancy as described in Section 2, until
such vacancy is filled, and when so acting shall have all the powers
of, and be subject to all of the restrictions upon the President.”
Motion IX: Moved by T. Stillman (V) and seconded by M. Smith
(IX) to submit the rewrite of AMA Bylaws Article X Officers,
Section 1 to the Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Section 1 to read: “The Officers of the AMA shall be a
President, an Executive Vice President, a Chief Financial Officer,
and a Vice President to represent each of the AMA Districts.
Terms of Office for the President, Executive Vice President and
Vice Presidents representing each of the AMA Districts shall be 3
calendar years or until their successors are elected. All terms of
office shall begin January 1. The Chief Financial Officer shall be
appointed by ¾ affirmative vote of the Executive Council to a
three-year term. In addition, there shall be an Executive Director
who shall be selected by a ¾ affirmative note of the Executive
Council, and who shall serve in accordance with a contract
approved by the Executive Council.”
Motion X: Moved by G. Fitch (II) and seconded by B. Nelson (XI)
to submit the new AMA Bylaws Article X Officers, Section 8 to the
Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
New Section 8: “The Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer of the
AMA shall be an Officer of the AMA and a non-voting ex-officio
member of the Executive Council. The Chief Financial Officer
shall be appointed by a ¾ affirmative vote of the Executive
MODEL AVIATION
AMA Executive Council Meeting
April 19, 2008
Muncie, Indiana
The motions are part of the unofficial minutes of the meeting. Minutes from a given meeting are not official until they are approved at the
following quarterly Council meeting. Questions or comments concerning the motions should be addressed to your district vice president.
July 2008 163
Council at the first Executive Council meeting after the election of
the even-numbered District Vice Presidents for a 3-year term. The
Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer position is a voluntary
Executive Council Board position. The Chief Financial
Officer/Treasurer shall serve in accordance with the position
description of functions and be subject to minimum qualifications
and experience as adopted by the Executive Council.”
Motion XI: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by B. Brown
(III) to submit the changes to AMA Bylaws Article XI Executive
Council, Section 2 to the Leader Members for ratification.
Motion passed unanimously.
Section 2 to read: “The Executive Council shall be composed
of the President, the eleven District Vice Presidents, Executive
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer and an exofficio
member who shall be an Officer of the National Aeronautic
Association designated by the NAA. The NAA designee is an exofficio
member who has the right to vote, but shall not be counted
in determining if a quorum is present at a meeting. The Chief
Financial Officer/Treasurer is a non-voting ex-officio member of
the Executive Council. The AMA President shall act as
Chairperson of the Executive Council.”
Motion XII: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by J. Rice
(VIII) to accept the report of the Flying Site Grant Committee.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion XIII: Moved by J. Rice (VIII) and seconded by B. Brown
(III) to accept the Scholarship Endowment Fund program as
presented April 19, 2008 by the Scholarship Committee.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion XIV: Moved by B. Brown (III) and seconded by C. Bauer
(VI) that AMA builds a pavilion in close proximity to Nats
Headquarters with a financial constraint of fifty thousand dollars
($50,000); the pavilion will be named The Buso Pavilion.
Motion passed: 12-Y; 1 Abstain (NAA)
Motion XV: Moved by M. Smith (IX) and seconded by G. Fitch
(II) that Council engage the services of J Walcher Communications
for a period of 12 months beginning in 2008.
Motion passed unanimously
Motion XVI: Moved by J. Rice (VIII) and seconded by T. Stillman
(V) to accept the report of the Safety Committee.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion XVII: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by R.
Hanson (X) to accept the Safety Committee’s recommendation to
waive—on a provisional basis—the Frequency Sharing Agreement
requirements as listed under item 6 in the RC section of the current
AMA Safety Code for club(s) operating exclusively on 2.4 GHz.
The club(s) must obtain a special wording Certificate of Insurance
for each site operating exclusively on 2.4 GHz if a Certificate of
Insurance is required by the site owner.
Motion passed: 12-Y; 1-Abstain (NAA)
Motion XVIII: Moved by B. Teague (IV) and seconded by T.
Stillman (V) to accept the Executive Director Evaluation
Committee’s report for the Executive Director evaluation for the
period December 4, 2006 to December 31, 2007, to include the
recommended adjustments in salary.
Motion passed: 12-Y; 1 Abstain (NAA)
Motion XIX: Moved by R. Hanson (X) and seconded by B. Teague
(IV) that Council approve a one-year membership pilot program for
the 2008 air show season by which the AMA Air Show Teams offer
a ten dollar ($10) 90-day AMA Introductory Membership as an Air
Show (at the show only) “Special.” To be evaluated for
continuation in subsequent air show seasons.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion XX: Moved by R. Hanson (X) and seconded by B. Teague
(IV) to send the disabled membership dues concept to the
Membership Committee for further review.
Motion passed unanimously.
The AMA Bylaws Committee, as directed by
the President and the Executive Council, is
responsible for reviewing Bylaws,
recommending changes, and preparing
written proposed amendments for
deliberation by the Executive Council. If the
recommended amendments are accepted by a
majority vote of the Executive Council, the
amendments must then be ratified before
adoption by a mail ballot to AMA Leader
members.
An affirmative vote of two thirds of
Leader members responding within 45 days
of issuance of the mail ballot is required to
adopt the amendments.
During the April 19, 2008 AMA
Executive Council meeting, the Bylaws
Committee presented proposed Bylaw
amendments for deliberation to the Executive
Council. The Bylaw amendments were all
unanimously passed and directed by the
Executive Council to be submitted to the
Leader Members for ratification in Motions
III through Motions XI.
The following represents a summary of
the motions and the rationale for the
recommended changes:
Motion III and IV deal with changes in
the Bylaws that will guarantee primary
insurance coverage for club officers related to
their duties as officers. The insurance
industry calls this the “vicarious liability” for
the acts of others or flying accidents caused
by others.
Changes were recommended because the
current wording in the Bylaws was too vague
and didn’t clearly provide for indemnification
of club officers.
There is a possibility that coverage might
be construed as being secondary or in
“excess” to any other applicable coverage,
such as homeowner’s and the intent of the
AMA and Executive Council was to provide
officers with primary liability coverage
relating to their duties as officers.
Motions V thru XI deal with changes in
the Bylaws regarding the duties and
responsibilities of the Executive Vice
President and the creation of a new AMA
Officer position to be titled “Chief Financial
Officer /Treasurer.” These changes were
recommended so the Executive Vice
President could assume a new role, more
typical of a Vice President, performing
duties and responsibilities as may be
assigned by the President or Executive
Council.
This new role would allow the Executive
Vice President to work more closely with the
President and Executive Council in planning,
organizing and implementing programs. The
Executive Vice President would be better
prepared to assume the duties of the President
in the event of a vacancy or to assume some
of the ceremonial duties of the President such
as attending functions and events that the
President may not be able to attend.
The Executive Vice President would no
longer be the Chief Financial Officer nor
have to monitor and report on the financial
affairs of the AMA. The financial aspect of
the Executive Vice President’s position
would now be the responsibility of the new
“Chief Financial Officer.”
The “Chief Financial Officer” would be
appointed by a ¾ affirmative vote of the
Executive Council to a three-year term. The
“Chief Financial Officer” would also be a
voluntary position.
The table on the following page further
details the current Bylaws and the proposed
changes. AMA Leader Members have
received their ballots and expected to vote on
the proposed changes before the July
Executive Council meeting.
—Andy Argenio
Bylaws Committee Chairperson
Proposed Bylaws Changes/Additions
164 MODEL AVIATION
New: Article III, Club Officers Proposed New Standing Rule: “Club
Officers who are designated on the AMA
Club Charter form application, or any
proper amendment thereto, are provided
primary insurance coverage under the AMA
General Liability Policy while performing
their duties as Club Officers for their AMA
Charter Club.”
Article III, Membership 2(a) Old: The Charter provides the local
organized group with added insurance
protection for the club, the club officers,
and flying site owners.
New: “The Charter provides the local
organized group with added insurance
protection for the Club, the Club Officers
related to their duties as officers, and flying
site owners.”
Bylaw Changes for Executive Vice
President: Article VIII,
Meetings (2)
(a) The purpose of a Special meeting shall
be stated in the call. Except in cases of
emergency, as determined by the
President, at least 15 days notice shall be
given.
New: Add: “Special Executive Council
Meetings may be called by the President,
Executive Vice President or by any five (5)
EC members or upon written request of
5% of voting members of the Academy.”
Article IX, Nominations and
Elections (1)
Keep.
Article IX,
Nominations and Elections (3)
Old: To be eligible to discharge the duties
of AMA President, a nominee must be a
Leader member of the AMA and must
previously have served as a member of the
Executive Council or as Associate Vice
President or as a Contest Board member
for at least one year.
New: “To be eligible to discharge the
duties of AMA President or Executive Vice
President, a nominee must be a Leader
Member of the AMA and must previously
have served as a member of the Executive
Council or Associate Vice President or as a
Contest Board Member for at least 1 year.”
Article X, Officers Section 2 New: “In the event of a vacancy in the
position of AMA President during a regular
term due to death, incapacity, inactivity,
resignation, impeachment or removal from
office, the Executive Vice President shall
assume the duties of President of the AMA
until a special election can be held for a new
President so that the newly elected
President would fill out the remaining
position time of the Presidency until the
next regularly scheduled election. In the
event of a vacancy in the position of AMA
Executive Vice President during a regular
term due to death, incapacity, inactivity,
resignation, impeachment, or removal from
office, the Executive Council will appoint an
interim Executive Vice President to serve
until a special election can be held. The
newly elected Executive Vice President will
then serve the remaining position time of
the current term of the Executive Vice
President until the next regularly scheduled
election.”
Article Name Proposed Article
Language Deletion Article Change/Addition
Executive
Vice President
July 2008 165
Article X, Officers (1) Add: “Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer”
“The Officers of the AMA shall be a
President, an Executive Vice President, a
Chief Financial Officer, and a Vice President
to represent each of the AMA Districts.
Terms of Office for the President,
Executive Vice President, and Vice
Presidents representing each of the AMA
Districts shall be 3 calendar years or until
their successors are elected. All terms of
office shall begin January 1. The Chief
Financial Officer shall be appointed by 3/4
affirmative vote of the Executive Council to
a three-year term. In addition, there shall
be an Executive Director who shall be
selected by a 3/4 affirmative vote of the
Executive Council, and who shall serve in
accordance with a contract approved by
the Executive Council.”
Article XI, Executive Council (2) Old: The Executive Council shall be
composed of the President, the eleven
District Vice Presidents, Executive Vice
President, and an ex-officio member who
shall be an officer of the National
Aeronautic Association designated by the
NAA. The ex-officio member shall have the
right to vote, but he shall not be counted in
determining if a quorum is present at a
meeting. The AMA President shall act as
Chairperson of the Executive Council.
New: “The Executive Council shall be
composed of the President, the eleven
District Vice Presidents, Executive Vice
President, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer
and an ex-officio member who shall be an
Officer of the National Aeronautic
Association designated by the NAA, and the
Chief Financial Officer. The NAA designee
is an ex-officio member who has the right
to vote, but shall not be counted in
determining if a quorum is present at a
meeting. The Chief Financial Officer/
Treasurer is a non-voting ex-officio
member of the Executive Council. The
AMA President shall act as a Chairperson of
the Executive Council.”
Article X, Officers (8) Add: “The Chief Financial Officer/
Treasurer of the AMA shall be an Officer of
the AMA and a non-voting ex-officio
member of the Executive Council. The
Chief Financial Officer shall be appointed by
a 3/4 affirmative vote of the Executive
Council at the first Executive Council
meeting after the election of the even
numbered District Vice Presidents for a 3-
year term. The Chief Financial Officer/
Treasurer position is a voluntary Executive
Council Board position. The Chief Financial
Officer/Treasurer shall serve in accordance
with the position description of functions
and be subject to minimum qualifications
and experience as adopted by the
Executive Council.”
Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer
Article X, Officers Section 4 Old: The Executive Vice President shall be
the Chief Financial Officer of the AMA, shall
monitor the financial and corporate affairs
of the AMA, make an annual report to the
membership regarding the financial affairs
of the AMA; and shall make periodic
reports, not less than quarterly, to the
Executive Council regarding financial
matters of the AMA, and shall assume the
duties of the President in the event of a
vacancy as described in Section 2, until such
vacancy is filled.
New: “The Executive Vice President is an
Officer of the AMA, and will perform such
duties and responsibilities as may be
assigned by the President or the Executive
Council of the AMA. The Executive Vice
President shall assume the duties of the
President in the event vacancy as described
in Section 2, until such vacancy is filled and
when so acting shall have all the powers of,
and be subject to all of the restrictions upon
the President.”