Note: District X Vice President (VP) was in attendance via
teleconference; Art Greenfield represented the NAA.
It was moved, seconded, and approved by acclamation to approve
the minutes of the April 25-26, 2009, Executive Council meeting.
Motion I: Moved by J. Giffin (X) and seconded by M. Smith (EVP)
that VPs would be allowed to attend Executive Council meetings by
means of a live teleconference call or webinar in case of visual
material (one that the Executive Council could confirm by phone
number and voice as belonging to the VP). A maximum of three (3)
Executive Council members would be allowed to use this method.
Motion failed: 4-Y; 8-N (II, III, IV, V, VI, VIII, XI, and NAA); 1-
Abstain (I)
Motion II: Moved by M. Smith (EVP) and seconded by C. Bauer
(VI) to approve the Drafted Investment Policy.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion III: Moved by M. Smith (EVP) and seconded by C. Bauer
(VI) to hire Merrill Lynch to manage AMA’s investments.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion IV: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by J. Rice (VIII)
to accept the report and recommendations of the Scholarship
Committee as presented.
MOTION passed unanimously.
MOTION V: Moved by J. Rice (VIII) and seconded by G. Fitch (II)
to accept the changes to the Set-Back Distances for Sport Pylon
Racing document as amended July 25, 2009.
Amendment: Under item 1 Club 40 Racing, the paragraph on
Engines now reads: Engines: NO purpose designed racing engines
(Jett, Nelson, etc.) will be allowed in this class.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion VI: Moved by J. Rice (VIII) and seconded by G. Fitch (II)
to accept the DRAFT of the Safety Code as amended July 25, 2009.
Amendments:
• GENERAL item 7 now reads: I will not operate model aircraft
with metal-blade propellers.
• GENERAL item 10 was deleted.
• RADIO CONTROL item 8 now reads: Radio-controlled night
flying requires a lighting system that provides the pilot with a
clear view of the model’s attitude and orientation at all times.
• PDF FOR SEE AND AVOID GUIDANCE: add sentence under
Spotters: Before a flight, the pilot must brief the spotter on
his/her duties and expectations.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion VII: Moved by M. Smith (EVP) and seconded by B. Teague
(IV) to approve the minutes of the Nominating Committee.
Names to appear on ballot:
District II: Gary Fitch, incumbent
District IV: Bliss Teague, incumbent
District VI: Charlie Bauer, incumbent
District VIII: Jim Rice, incumbent
District IX: Jim Wallen, incumbent
District X: Jim Giffin, incumbent
Lawrence Tougas
Motion passed: 12-Y; 1-Abstain (VII)
Motion VIII: Moved by G. Fitch (II) and seconded by J. Rice (VIII)
to provide by e-mail to all AMA Leader Members, the Executive
Council agenda two weeks prior to each Executive Council meeting.
Motion passed: 12-Y; 1-N (X)
Conference call vote of 5/26/2009:
Moved by G. Fitch (II) and seconded by B. Brown (III) to uphold
the Scholarship Committee’s decision relative to declining a waiver.
Motion passed: 7-Y; 3-N (I, IX, X) (VP for District XI, the NAA
representative, and the EVP were not present.)
E-mail vote of 5/30/2009:
Moved by B. Teague (IV) and seconded by B. Brown (III) that the
Council approve an additional $15,000 expenditure to the amount
originally approved for construction of the Claude McCullough
Educational Facility to facilitate the additional suggestions proposed
by staff.
Motion passed unanimously.
AMA News
Announcements, news, and information from the
Academy of Model Aeronautics and the elected district representatives.
166 MODEL AVIATION
AMA Executive Council Meeting
The motions and acclamations 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 25, 2009
Muncie, Indiana
AMA offers the following special
promotions to its members.
• Dental and vision benefits
• A directory of Academy members
• The Ultimate Model Aeronautics Video
Library DVD series
• A Visa Platinum card that supports the AMA
Go to www.modelaircraft.org/
promos.aspx to learn more about these
programs that will benefit you!
Do you want your club to stand out?
Let AMA Custom Products help! It offers:
• Made-to-order screen-printed apparel
• Engraved awards
• Customized vinyl banners
Call (800) I-FLY-AMA (435-9262), e-mail
[email protected], or visit
www.modelaircraft.org/products.aspx for more
information or a price quote.
October 2009 167
District II
Gary Fitch
Franklinville, New York
Increasing communication and
developing relationships with, and
listening to AMA District II clubs and
members, has been my focus within the
district in the last 21 months. A lot has
changed as we have developed new
“Chapters” promoting Club to Club
interaction, and knowledge of AMA
programs which benefits you, our member.
I have made new appointments of
Associate Vice Presidents to increase our
presence where before we had none.
We are also working to develop
relationships with Government agencies in
District II. AMA provided their booth and
assistance in our efforts to engage the
Mayors of our District. The purpose is to
raise awareness of Model Aviation and the
benefits our hobby brings to our local
communities and the need for additional
flying fields. This first conference is just
the beginning, but was very promising.
On a National Level, our current
primary focus is working with the FAA.
This is our most important task as it will
affect all aspects of Model Aviation. We
are also working to reverse AMA’s
declining membership with our first AMA
Membership Drive. I am also involved
with the Strategic Planning Committee to
develop a roadmap for where we want
AMA to be 10 to 15 years from now.
It has been a very busy first 2 years and
I ask for your continued support and vote
in this year’s election for District II Vice
President. I continue to serve at your
pleasure.
District IV
Bliss Teague
Hickory, North Carolina
I became an AMA member for the
second time in the mid 60’s. The first time
was in the mid 40’s. In 1978, I became a
Contest Director and have handled more
than 50 contests since. I attained Leader
Member-status in 1989 and was appointed
AVP for Western North Carolina in 1998.
Then I was responsible for approximately
40 clubs and visited approximately threefourths
of them.
I have held the office of club president
for over 25 terms, though not all
consecutive, and was vice-president for
several years. I was instrumental in
starting the first modeling club in our area
and securing four flying sites.
I enjoy meeting people and talking
modeling. Everyone has something to
contribute and that makes modelers
special. With your input and consideration,
hopefully I can vote your wishes. As time
and invitations permit, I would like to visit
as many clubs as possible. Let me know
what you think about the issues.
My modeling started at the early age of
nine, being interested in balsa gliders and
rubber powered models. Then my interest
moved to control line. I worked in a Hobby
Shop to support my modeling. After a time
out for family and home, I started back in
the late 60’s in radio control and building
my own radios. Like most, I flew the
trainers, sport types and then pattern and
racing.
Later, I tried helicopters, some
sailplanes and little electric. Eventually, I
got into scale and the larger models. I
enjoy all facets of modeling, although I
haven’t tried them all. Perhaps some day I
will.
Since I have committed to several
projects and if you think I can represent
you fairly through your input and
comments, then I would appreciate your
vote.
District VI
Charlie Bauer
Norridge, Illinois
My name is Charlie Bauer. I’m a semiretired
college professor, and live in a
suburb of Chicago (Norridge, IL). I would
hope to continue to represent District VI as
the Vice-President. I have been designing,
building, flying, and crashing models sine
1938. I compete and sport fly free-flight,
control-line and radio-control.
The Executive Council is the policymaking
board of directors for the AMA,
and as such should be, and is, looking and
planning for the future of our sport/hobby.
I believe that the AMA has two main
functions: first to serve you the members;
second to promote the sport/hobby through
strong programs aimed at education and
public relations. I serve on several
committees of the EC, one of which is the
education committee.
I’m not a politician and won’t make
promises that I can’t keep. I do promise to
try to do whatever is necessary to assist
individual members and clubs in our
district to solve problems that fall within
the jurisdiction of the AMA.
Our district is honored to have the
International Flying Site and the AMA
headquarters in our backyard. The flying
site has been improved and is busy all the
time.
I am a Fellow of the academy, and a
member of the Hall of Fame. There are 17
members of the AMA in my family.
I am a member of the Radio Control
Division Council, and the Education
Committee of the Hobby Manufacturers
Association.
If there are questions, contact me. 708-
457-0565, Fax 708-457-2177, e-mail
[email protected].
District VIII
Jim Rice
San Antonio, Texas
I am Jim Rice from San Antonio,
Texas, as the incumbent, I am humbled by
the confidence placed in me by voters
during the last election. I seek your vote of
confidence for the next term as your
District VIII Vice President.
I was told it took the first three years to
learn the job and then you become
effective yet I have felt like a contributing
member of the Executive Council
beginning with the first meeting.
I have been involved in every decision
made by Council since my election and am
confident that the organization is stronger
and better than it was before. Changes in
the board membership have resulted in a
cohesive and compatible board of directors
working toward the common goal of
improving and strengthening AMA.
I serve on the Education Committee,
2009 Campaign Statements
Ed. note: “Candidate statements reflect the opinion of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Academy of
Model Aeronautics. Candidate statements are published word-for-word as submitted by the candidate and are not edited by the Academy of
Model Aeronautics’ staff for grammar, punctuation, or spelling. The Academy of Model Aeronautics reserves the right to remove any portion
of any statement which it determines, in its sole discretion, may contain potentially defamatory remarks.”
The National Model
Aviation Museum is
open 8 a.m. until
4:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday, and
10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
on Saturday and
Sunday.
Closed on Sundays
Thanksgiving
through Easter. Call
ahead for holiday
hours, (765) 287-
1256, ext. 500.
168 MODEL AVIATION
Executive Director Evaluation Committee,
and I chair both the Leader member
Development and Safety Committees.
I am also a member of a work group
focused on the future of AMA as we
prepare to respond to FAA decisions in
regard to Small Unmanned Aerial Systems.
A lot has been accomplished yet much
remains to be done. I am willing and able
to continue this important work.
Though changes have been made in the
district staff, performance has remained
top notch. I created a new AVP position
and organized a training session for all
AVPs and the Safety Officer, conducted by
Dave Mathewson and Mark Smith.
The membership is the core of our
association and service to you is our
mission. Therefore, I have open-mindedly
attended hundreds of events, visiting with
and addressing members at each. I will
continue to do so, reporting on them in
Model Aviation.
Membership, safety, and FAA concerns
are my top priorities. I solicit your vote as
we enter a very important time in the
future of the Academy.
See you on the flight line,
Jim Rice
District IX
Jim Wallen
Arvada, Colorado
When Mark Smith became the
Executive Vice President for AMA, he
asked me to fill his position of District IX
Vice President. I gladly accepted and have
been active in that position during the last
year.
I have represented District IX on the
Executive Council and am a member of the
Finance Committee for AMA. I strongly
believe that AMA needs to bring
additional focus to the needs of the
membership and the local clubs.
I am a retiree from Ball Corporation
after 38 years of service. I held the
positions of Chemical Process Controller,
Project Engineer, Project Manager,
Manager of Capital Planning and Director
of International Engineering.
I have been involved with our hobby
for the last 25 years. I have served as our
local club president and chair the Denver
Metro Area Council.
My goals for District IX are as follows:
• Continue participation in AMA
Finance Committee to assure balanced
budgets and overall financial
accountability and responsibility.
• Provide leadership on the Executive
Council to promote the needs and
desires of local clubs and
membership.
• Address the issues of declining
membership. We must all support
programs that present AMA in a
favorable light to the general public.
We must be proactive and adopt a
progressive outlook to reverse the
trend.
• Accelerate youth programs. They are
the investment in our future.
• Continue to look for opportunities for
site development and acquisition. We
need to develop creative ways to
assist local clubs to own their own
site.
I am asking for your support by electing
me to serve as your representative to AMA
and the Executive Council. I pledge to
honestly represent you and AMA to the
best of my ability. Thank you.
District X
Jim Giffin
Redding, California
First off I would like to thank all the
members of District X that I have had the
pleasure of meeting over the last year.
I feel I have accomplished a great deal
enlarging the number of Associate Vice
Presidents. We currently have 14
Associate Vice Presidents, the more
Associate Vice Presidents we have, the
better to serve the clubs within the District.
I am looking for two more AVPS (1 in Salt
Lake City, Utah and one in Northern
Arizona) Our District X is the largest
district. We have approximately 27,000
members. District covers five states and
Guam. I have attended many Fly Ins and
events with the Dist. This almost becomes
a full-time venture. I am retired and spend
a lot of time doing this. It’s Great!
My qualifications: Currently Vice
President Dist. X, Many years as a
Associate Vice President for the District,
past President International Miniature
Aircraft Association, Contest Director
since February 1997., Received the AMA
Distinguished Service Award. I am a
commercial pilot with multi engine and
instrument endorsements. I served in 2
branches of the military - United States
Marine Corps and United States Army. I
was born and raised and educated in Salt
Lake City, Utah. I currently reside in
Northern California.
It has been a great last year as your
Vice President. Thanking you in advance
for your vote.
Remember what goes up must come
down..…keep it safe.
Jim Giffin
Lawrence Tougas
Fairfield, California
I’m Lawrence Tougas from Fairfield,
CA. I am running for District X, Vice
President. My history with model aviation
began in 1968 when my Father built a silk
and dope covered model. Since then I have
built and flown, free flight, control line
and radio control models.
As V.P. my top 3 issues would be to,
help clubs find and keep flying fields,
improve the AMA website, and lastly,
raise the visibility of District X.
Retention of flying sites can be a
political issue. I support AMA’s efforts to
build relationships with local city, and
park officials; I would work with clubs to
strengthen these bonds, and bring to bear
all of the AMA’s resources when a site is
at risk.
The current AMA website is under
utilized. It should be an extension of
Model Aviation magazine. The size of MA
is limited, we could use the site to have
expanded articles, video of models flying,
and building techniques, as well as other
enhancements to MA. The contest calendar
could be improved. The AMA History
Program is a text only accounting of
significant modelers and institutions. We
should have pictures and videos on the
website of these giants of our sport.
District X is the largest district in the
AMA. The AMA needs a Western United
States flying site, a state-of-the-art facility
that could be used by all AMA members,
and host significant competitions. I would
do everything in my power to bring that
site to District X.
Additional information about my
campaign can be found at: http://amadistrict-
x-election.blogspot.com
Thank you for your consideration,
Lawrence Tougas
Election ballots were mailed to all Open AMA members (age
19 or older) in mid-September. Vote for one of the listed
candidates by darkening the appropriate box or write in the
name of anyone else.
Ballots must be postmarked no later than November 13,
2009. An envelope is not necessary. Mail the ballot separately
from any other AMA correspondence. Do not send it to AMA
Headquarters. Ballots will not be forwarded. Do not send
dues or donations to the ballot mailing address. It will greatly
delay receipt of publication and liability protection.
Results will be announced on the AMA Web site and in
the January 2010 issue of Model Aviation following
tabulation by the accounting firm of Brady Ware and
Schoenfeld Inc.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/10
Page Numbers: 166,167,168
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/10
Page Numbers: 166,167,168
Note: District X Vice President (VP) was in attendance via
teleconference; Art Greenfield represented the NAA.
It was moved, seconded, and approved by acclamation to approve
the minutes of the April 25-26, 2009, Executive Council meeting.
Motion I: Moved by J. Giffin (X) and seconded by M. Smith (EVP)
that VPs would be allowed to attend Executive Council meetings by
means of a live teleconference call or webinar in case of visual
material (one that the Executive Council could confirm by phone
number and voice as belonging to the VP). A maximum of three (3)
Executive Council members would be allowed to use this method.
Motion failed: 4-Y; 8-N (II, III, IV, V, VI, VIII, XI, and NAA); 1-
Abstain (I)
Motion II: Moved by M. Smith (EVP) and seconded by C. Bauer
(VI) to approve the Drafted Investment Policy.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion III: Moved by M. Smith (EVP) and seconded by C. Bauer
(VI) to hire Merrill Lynch to manage AMA’s investments.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion IV: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by J. Rice (VIII)
to accept the report and recommendations of the Scholarship
Committee as presented.
MOTION passed unanimously.
MOTION V: Moved by J. Rice (VIII) and seconded by G. Fitch (II)
to accept the changes to the Set-Back Distances for Sport Pylon
Racing document as amended July 25, 2009.
Amendment: Under item 1 Club 40 Racing, the paragraph on
Engines now reads: Engines: NO purpose designed racing engines
(Jett, Nelson, etc.) will be allowed in this class.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion VI: Moved by J. Rice (VIII) and seconded by G. Fitch (II)
to accept the DRAFT of the Safety Code as amended July 25, 2009.
Amendments:
• GENERAL item 7 now reads: I will not operate model aircraft
with metal-blade propellers.
• GENERAL item 10 was deleted.
• RADIO CONTROL item 8 now reads: Radio-controlled night
flying requires a lighting system that provides the pilot with a
clear view of the model’s attitude and orientation at all times.
• PDF FOR SEE AND AVOID GUIDANCE: add sentence under
Spotters: Before a flight, the pilot must brief the spotter on
his/her duties and expectations.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion VII: Moved by M. Smith (EVP) and seconded by B. Teague
(IV) to approve the minutes of the Nominating Committee.
Names to appear on ballot:
District II: Gary Fitch, incumbent
District IV: Bliss Teague, incumbent
District VI: Charlie Bauer, incumbent
District VIII: Jim Rice, incumbent
District IX: Jim Wallen, incumbent
District X: Jim Giffin, incumbent
Lawrence Tougas
Motion passed: 12-Y; 1-Abstain (VII)
Motion VIII: Moved by G. Fitch (II) and seconded by J. Rice (VIII)
to provide by e-mail to all AMA Leader Members, the Executive
Council agenda two weeks prior to each Executive Council meeting.
Motion passed: 12-Y; 1-N (X)
Conference call vote of 5/26/2009:
Moved by G. Fitch (II) and seconded by B. Brown (III) to uphold
the Scholarship Committee’s decision relative to declining a waiver.
Motion passed: 7-Y; 3-N (I, IX, X) (VP for District XI, the NAA
representative, and the EVP were not present.)
E-mail vote of 5/30/2009:
Moved by B. Teague (IV) and seconded by B. Brown (III) that the
Council approve an additional $15,000 expenditure to the amount
originally approved for construction of the Claude McCullough
Educational Facility to facilitate the additional suggestions proposed
by staff.
Motion passed unanimously.
AMA News
Announcements, news, and information from the
Academy of Model Aeronautics and the elected district representatives.
166 MODEL AVIATION
AMA Executive Council Meeting
The motions and acclamations 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 25, 2009
Muncie, Indiana
AMA offers the following special
promotions to its members.
• Dental and vision benefits
• A directory of Academy members
• The Ultimate Model Aeronautics Video
Library DVD series
• A Visa Platinum card that supports the AMA
Go to www.modelaircraft.org/
promos.aspx to learn more about these
programs that will benefit you!
Do you want your club to stand out?
Let AMA Custom Products help! It offers:
• Made-to-order screen-printed apparel
• Engraved awards
• Customized vinyl banners
Call (800) I-FLY-AMA (435-9262), e-mail
[email protected], or visit
www.modelaircraft.org/products.aspx for more
information or a price quote.
October 2009 167
District II
Gary Fitch
Franklinville, New York
Increasing communication and
developing relationships with, and
listening to AMA District II clubs and
members, has been my focus within the
district in the last 21 months. A lot has
changed as we have developed new
“Chapters” promoting Club to Club
interaction, and knowledge of AMA
programs which benefits you, our member.
I have made new appointments of
Associate Vice Presidents to increase our
presence where before we had none.
We are also working to develop
relationships with Government agencies in
District II. AMA provided their booth and
assistance in our efforts to engage the
Mayors of our District. The purpose is to
raise awareness of Model Aviation and the
benefits our hobby brings to our local
communities and the need for additional
flying fields. This first conference is just
the beginning, but was very promising.
On a National Level, our current
primary focus is working with the FAA.
This is our most important task as it will
affect all aspects of Model Aviation. We
are also working to reverse AMA’s
declining membership with our first AMA
Membership Drive. I am also involved
with the Strategic Planning Committee to
develop a roadmap for where we want
AMA to be 10 to 15 years from now.
It has been a very busy first 2 years and
I ask for your continued support and vote
in this year’s election for District II Vice
President. I continue to serve at your
pleasure.
District IV
Bliss Teague
Hickory, North Carolina
I became an AMA member for the
second time in the mid 60’s. The first time
was in the mid 40’s. In 1978, I became a
Contest Director and have handled more
than 50 contests since. I attained Leader
Member-status in 1989 and was appointed
AVP for Western North Carolina in 1998.
Then I was responsible for approximately
40 clubs and visited approximately threefourths
of them.
I have held the office of club president
for over 25 terms, though not all
consecutive, and was vice-president for
several years. I was instrumental in
starting the first modeling club in our area
and securing four flying sites.
I enjoy meeting people and talking
modeling. Everyone has something to
contribute and that makes modelers
special. With your input and consideration,
hopefully I can vote your wishes. As time
and invitations permit, I would like to visit
as many clubs as possible. Let me know
what you think about the issues.
My modeling started at the early age of
nine, being interested in balsa gliders and
rubber powered models. Then my interest
moved to control line. I worked in a Hobby
Shop to support my modeling. After a time
out for family and home, I started back in
the late 60’s in radio control and building
my own radios. Like most, I flew the
trainers, sport types and then pattern and
racing.
Later, I tried helicopters, some
sailplanes and little electric. Eventually, I
got into scale and the larger models. I
enjoy all facets of modeling, although I
haven’t tried them all. Perhaps some day I
will.
Since I have committed to several
projects and if you think I can represent
you fairly through your input and
comments, then I would appreciate your
vote.
District VI
Charlie Bauer
Norridge, Illinois
My name is Charlie Bauer. I’m a semiretired
college professor, and live in a
suburb of Chicago (Norridge, IL). I would
hope to continue to represent District VI as
the Vice-President. I have been designing,
building, flying, and crashing models sine
1938. I compete and sport fly free-flight,
control-line and radio-control.
The Executive Council is the policymaking
board of directors for the AMA,
and as such should be, and is, looking and
planning for the future of our sport/hobby.
I believe that the AMA has two main
functions: first to serve you the members;
second to promote the sport/hobby through
strong programs aimed at education and
public relations. I serve on several
committees of the EC, one of which is the
education committee.
I’m not a politician and won’t make
promises that I can’t keep. I do promise to
try to do whatever is necessary to assist
individual members and clubs in our
district to solve problems that fall within
the jurisdiction of the AMA.
Our district is honored to have the
International Flying Site and the AMA
headquarters in our backyard. The flying
site has been improved and is busy all the
time.
I am a Fellow of the academy, and a
member of the Hall of Fame. There are 17
members of the AMA in my family.
I am a member of the Radio Control
Division Council, and the Education
Committee of the Hobby Manufacturers
Association.
If there are questions, contact me. 708-
457-0565, Fax 708-457-2177, e-mail
[email protected].
District VIII
Jim Rice
San Antonio, Texas
I am Jim Rice from San Antonio,
Texas, as the incumbent, I am humbled by
the confidence placed in me by voters
during the last election. I seek your vote of
confidence for the next term as your
District VIII Vice President.
I was told it took the first three years to
learn the job and then you become
effective yet I have felt like a contributing
member of the Executive Council
beginning with the first meeting.
I have been involved in every decision
made by Council since my election and am
confident that the organization is stronger
and better than it was before. Changes in
the board membership have resulted in a
cohesive and compatible board of directors
working toward the common goal of
improving and strengthening AMA.
I serve on the Education Committee,
2009 Campaign Statements
Ed. note: “Candidate statements reflect the opinion of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Academy of
Model Aeronautics. Candidate statements are published word-for-word as submitted by the candidate and are not edited by the Academy of
Model Aeronautics’ staff for grammar, punctuation, or spelling. The Academy of Model Aeronautics reserves the right to remove any portion
of any statement which it determines, in its sole discretion, may contain potentially defamatory remarks.”
The National Model
Aviation Museum is
open 8 a.m. until
4:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday, and
10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
on Saturday and
Sunday.
Closed on Sundays
Thanksgiving
through Easter. Call
ahead for holiday
hours, (765) 287-
1256, ext. 500.
168 MODEL AVIATION
Executive Director Evaluation Committee,
and I chair both the Leader member
Development and Safety Committees.
I am also a member of a work group
focused on the future of AMA as we
prepare to respond to FAA decisions in
regard to Small Unmanned Aerial Systems.
A lot has been accomplished yet much
remains to be done. I am willing and able
to continue this important work.
Though changes have been made in the
district staff, performance has remained
top notch. I created a new AVP position
and organized a training session for all
AVPs and the Safety Officer, conducted by
Dave Mathewson and Mark Smith.
The membership is the core of our
association and service to you is our
mission. Therefore, I have open-mindedly
attended hundreds of events, visiting with
and addressing members at each. I will
continue to do so, reporting on them in
Model Aviation.
Membership, safety, and FAA concerns
are my top priorities. I solicit your vote as
we enter a very important time in the
future of the Academy.
See you on the flight line,
Jim Rice
District IX
Jim Wallen
Arvada, Colorado
When Mark Smith became the
Executive Vice President for AMA, he
asked me to fill his position of District IX
Vice President. I gladly accepted and have
been active in that position during the last
year.
I have represented District IX on the
Executive Council and am a member of the
Finance Committee for AMA. I strongly
believe that AMA needs to bring
additional focus to the needs of the
membership and the local clubs.
I am a retiree from Ball Corporation
after 38 years of service. I held the
positions of Chemical Process Controller,
Project Engineer, Project Manager,
Manager of Capital Planning and Director
of International Engineering.
I have been involved with our hobby
for the last 25 years. I have served as our
local club president and chair the Denver
Metro Area Council.
My goals for District IX are as follows:
• Continue participation in AMA
Finance Committee to assure balanced
budgets and overall financial
accountability and responsibility.
• Provide leadership on the Executive
Council to promote the needs and
desires of local clubs and
membership.
• Address the issues of declining
membership. We must all support
programs that present AMA in a
favorable light to the general public.
We must be proactive and adopt a
progressive outlook to reverse the
trend.
• Accelerate youth programs. They are
the investment in our future.
• Continue to look for opportunities for
site development and acquisition. We
need to develop creative ways to
assist local clubs to own their own
site.
I am asking for your support by electing
me to serve as your representative to AMA
and the Executive Council. I pledge to
honestly represent you and AMA to the
best of my ability. Thank you.
District X
Jim Giffin
Redding, California
First off I would like to thank all the
members of District X that I have had the
pleasure of meeting over the last year.
I feel I have accomplished a great deal
enlarging the number of Associate Vice
Presidents. We currently have 14
Associate Vice Presidents, the more
Associate Vice Presidents we have, the
better to serve the clubs within the District.
I am looking for two more AVPS (1 in Salt
Lake City, Utah and one in Northern
Arizona) Our District X is the largest
district. We have approximately 27,000
members. District covers five states and
Guam. I have attended many Fly Ins and
events with the Dist. This almost becomes
a full-time venture. I am retired and spend
a lot of time doing this. It’s Great!
My qualifications: Currently Vice
President Dist. X, Many years as a
Associate Vice President for the District,
past President International Miniature
Aircraft Association, Contest Director
since February 1997., Received the AMA
Distinguished Service Award. I am a
commercial pilot with multi engine and
instrument endorsements. I served in 2
branches of the military - United States
Marine Corps and United States Army. I
was born and raised and educated in Salt
Lake City, Utah. I currently reside in
Northern California.
It has been a great last year as your
Vice President. Thanking you in advance
for your vote.
Remember what goes up must come
down..…keep it safe.
Jim Giffin
Lawrence Tougas
Fairfield, California
I’m Lawrence Tougas from Fairfield,
CA. I am running for District X, Vice
President. My history with model aviation
began in 1968 when my Father built a silk
and dope covered model. Since then I have
built and flown, free flight, control line
and radio control models.
As V.P. my top 3 issues would be to,
help clubs find and keep flying fields,
improve the AMA website, and lastly,
raise the visibility of District X.
Retention of flying sites can be a
political issue. I support AMA’s efforts to
build relationships with local city, and
park officials; I would work with clubs to
strengthen these bonds, and bring to bear
all of the AMA’s resources when a site is
at risk.
The current AMA website is under
utilized. It should be an extension of
Model Aviation magazine. The size of MA
is limited, we could use the site to have
expanded articles, video of models flying,
and building techniques, as well as other
enhancements to MA. The contest calendar
could be improved. The AMA History
Program is a text only accounting of
significant modelers and institutions. We
should have pictures and videos on the
website of these giants of our sport.
District X is the largest district in the
AMA. The AMA needs a Western United
States flying site, a state-of-the-art facility
that could be used by all AMA members,
and host significant competitions. I would
do everything in my power to bring that
site to District X.
Additional information about my
campaign can be found at: http://amadistrict-
x-election.blogspot.com
Thank you for your consideration,
Lawrence Tougas
Election ballots were mailed to all Open AMA members (age
19 or older) in mid-September. Vote for one of the listed
candidates by darkening the appropriate box or write in the
name of anyone else.
Ballots must be postmarked no later than November 13,
2009. An envelope is not necessary. Mail the ballot separately
from any other AMA correspondence. Do not send it to AMA
Headquarters. Ballots will not be forwarded. Do not send
dues or donations to the ballot mailing address. It will greatly
delay receipt of publication and liability protection.
Results will be announced on the AMA Web site and in
the January 2010 issue of Model Aviation following
tabulation by the accounting firm of Brady Ware and
Schoenfeld Inc.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/10
Page Numbers: 166,167,168
Note: District X Vice President (VP) was in attendance via
teleconference; Art Greenfield represented the NAA.
It was moved, seconded, and approved by acclamation to approve
the minutes of the April 25-26, 2009, Executive Council meeting.
Motion I: Moved by J. Giffin (X) and seconded by M. Smith (EVP)
that VPs would be allowed to attend Executive Council meetings by
means of a live teleconference call or webinar in case of visual
material (one that the Executive Council could confirm by phone
number and voice as belonging to the VP). A maximum of three (3)
Executive Council members would be allowed to use this method.
Motion failed: 4-Y; 8-N (II, III, IV, V, VI, VIII, XI, and NAA); 1-
Abstain (I)
Motion II: Moved by M. Smith (EVP) and seconded by C. Bauer
(VI) to approve the Drafted Investment Policy.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion III: Moved by M. Smith (EVP) and seconded by C. Bauer
(VI) to hire Merrill Lynch to manage AMA’s investments.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion IV: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by J. Rice (VIII)
to accept the report and recommendations of the Scholarship
Committee as presented.
MOTION passed unanimously.
MOTION V: Moved by J. Rice (VIII) and seconded by G. Fitch (II)
to accept the changes to the Set-Back Distances for Sport Pylon
Racing document as amended July 25, 2009.
Amendment: Under item 1 Club 40 Racing, the paragraph on
Engines now reads: Engines: NO purpose designed racing engines
(Jett, Nelson, etc.) will be allowed in this class.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion VI: Moved by J. Rice (VIII) and seconded by G. Fitch (II)
to accept the DRAFT of the Safety Code as amended July 25, 2009.
Amendments:
• GENERAL item 7 now reads: I will not operate model aircraft
with metal-blade propellers.
• GENERAL item 10 was deleted.
• RADIO CONTROL item 8 now reads: Radio-controlled night
flying requires a lighting system that provides the pilot with a
clear view of the model’s attitude and orientation at all times.
• PDF FOR SEE AND AVOID GUIDANCE: add sentence under
Spotters: Before a flight, the pilot must brief the spotter on
his/her duties and expectations.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion VII: Moved by M. Smith (EVP) and seconded by B. Teague
(IV) to approve the minutes of the Nominating Committee.
Names to appear on ballot:
District II: Gary Fitch, incumbent
District IV: Bliss Teague, incumbent
District VI: Charlie Bauer, incumbent
District VIII: Jim Rice, incumbent
District IX: Jim Wallen, incumbent
District X: Jim Giffin, incumbent
Lawrence Tougas
Motion passed: 12-Y; 1-Abstain (VII)
Motion VIII: Moved by G. Fitch (II) and seconded by J. Rice (VIII)
to provide by e-mail to all AMA Leader Members, the Executive
Council agenda two weeks prior to each Executive Council meeting.
Motion passed: 12-Y; 1-N (X)
Conference call vote of 5/26/2009:
Moved by G. Fitch (II) and seconded by B. Brown (III) to uphold
the Scholarship Committee’s decision relative to declining a waiver.
Motion passed: 7-Y; 3-N (I, IX, X) (VP for District XI, the NAA
representative, and the EVP were not present.)
E-mail vote of 5/30/2009:
Moved by B. Teague (IV) and seconded by B. Brown (III) that the
Council approve an additional $15,000 expenditure to the amount
originally approved for construction of the Claude McCullough
Educational Facility to facilitate the additional suggestions proposed
by staff.
Motion passed unanimously.
AMA News
Announcements, news, and information from the
Academy of Model Aeronautics and the elected district representatives.
166 MODEL AVIATION
AMA Executive Council Meeting
The motions and acclamations 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 25, 2009
Muncie, Indiana
AMA offers the following special
promotions to its members.
• Dental and vision benefits
• A directory of Academy members
• The Ultimate Model Aeronautics Video
Library DVD series
• A Visa Platinum card that supports the AMA
Go to www.modelaircraft.org/
promos.aspx to learn more about these
programs that will benefit you!
Do you want your club to stand out?
Let AMA Custom Products help! It offers:
• Made-to-order screen-printed apparel
• Engraved awards
• Customized vinyl banners
Call (800) I-FLY-AMA (435-9262), e-mail
[email protected], or visit
www.modelaircraft.org/products.aspx for more
information or a price quote.
October 2009 167
District II
Gary Fitch
Franklinville, New York
Increasing communication and
developing relationships with, and
listening to AMA District II clubs and
members, has been my focus within the
district in the last 21 months. A lot has
changed as we have developed new
“Chapters” promoting Club to Club
interaction, and knowledge of AMA
programs which benefits you, our member.
I have made new appointments of
Associate Vice Presidents to increase our
presence where before we had none.
We are also working to develop
relationships with Government agencies in
District II. AMA provided their booth and
assistance in our efforts to engage the
Mayors of our District. The purpose is to
raise awareness of Model Aviation and the
benefits our hobby brings to our local
communities and the need for additional
flying fields. This first conference is just
the beginning, but was very promising.
On a National Level, our current
primary focus is working with the FAA.
This is our most important task as it will
affect all aspects of Model Aviation. We
are also working to reverse AMA’s
declining membership with our first AMA
Membership Drive. I am also involved
with the Strategic Planning Committee to
develop a roadmap for where we want
AMA to be 10 to 15 years from now.
It has been a very busy first 2 years and
I ask for your continued support and vote
in this year’s election for District II Vice
President. I continue to serve at your
pleasure.
District IV
Bliss Teague
Hickory, North Carolina
I became an AMA member for the
second time in the mid 60’s. The first time
was in the mid 40’s. In 1978, I became a
Contest Director and have handled more
than 50 contests since. I attained Leader
Member-status in 1989 and was appointed
AVP for Western North Carolina in 1998.
Then I was responsible for approximately
40 clubs and visited approximately threefourths
of them.
I have held the office of club president
for over 25 terms, though not all
consecutive, and was vice-president for
several years. I was instrumental in
starting the first modeling club in our area
and securing four flying sites.
I enjoy meeting people and talking
modeling. Everyone has something to
contribute and that makes modelers
special. With your input and consideration,
hopefully I can vote your wishes. As time
and invitations permit, I would like to visit
as many clubs as possible. Let me know
what you think about the issues.
My modeling started at the early age of
nine, being interested in balsa gliders and
rubber powered models. Then my interest
moved to control line. I worked in a Hobby
Shop to support my modeling. After a time
out for family and home, I started back in
the late 60’s in radio control and building
my own radios. Like most, I flew the
trainers, sport types and then pattern and
racing.
Later, I tried helicopters, some
sailplanes and little electric. Eventually, I
got into scale and the larger models. I
enjoy all facets of modeling, although I
haven’t tried them all. Perhaps some day I
will.
Since I have committed to several
projects and if you think I can represent
you fairly through your input and
comments, then I would appreciate your
vote.
District VI
Charlie Bauer
Norridge, Illinois
My name is Charlie Bauer. I’m a semiretired
college professor, and live in a
suburb of Chicago (Norridge, IL). I would
hope to continue to represent District VI as
the Vice-President. I have been designing,
building, flying, and crashing models sine
1938. I compete and sport fly free-flight,
control-line and radio-control.
The Executive Council is the policymaking
board of directors for the AMA,
and as such should be, and is, looking and
planning for the future of our sport/hobby.
I believe that the AMA has two main
functions: first to serve you the members;
second to promote the sport/hobby through
strong programs aimed at education and
public relations. I serve on several
committees of the EC, one of which is the
education committee.
I’m not a politician and won’t make
promises that I can’t keep. I do promise to
try to do whatever is necessary to assist
individual members and clubs in our
district to solve problems that fall within
the jurisdiction of the AMA.
Our district is honored to have the
International Flying Site and the AMA
headquarters in our backyard. The flying
site has been improved and is busy all the
time.
I am a Fellow of the academy, and a
member of the Hall of Fame. There are 17
members of the AMA in my family.
I am a member of the Radio Control
Division Council, and the Education
Committee of the Hobby Manufacturers
Association.
If there are questions, contact me. 708-
457-0565, Fax 708-457-2177, e-mail
[email protected].
District VIII
Jim Rice
San Antonio, Texas
I am Jim Rice from San Antonio,
Texas, as the incumbent, I am humbled by
the confidence placed in me by voters
during the last election. I seek your vote of
confidence for the next term as your
District VIII Vice President.
I was told it took the first three years to
learn the job and then you become
effective yet I have felt like a contributing
member of the Executive Council
beginning with the first meeting.
I have been involved in every decision
made by Council since my election and am
confident that the organization is stronger
and better than it was before. Changes in
the board membership have resulted in a
cohesive and compatible board of directors
working toward the common goal of
improving and strengthening AMA.
I serve on the Education Committee,
2009 Campaign Statements
Ed. note: “Candidate statements reflect the opinion of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Academy of
Model Aeronautics. Candidate statements are published word-for-word as submitted by the candidate and are not edited by the Academy of
Model Aeronautics’ staff for grammar, punctuation, or spelling. The Academy of Model Aeronautics reserves the right to remove any portion
of any statement which it determines, in its sole discretion, may contain potentially defamatory remarks.”
The National Model
Aviation Museum is
open 8 a.m. until
4:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday, and
10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
on Saturday and
Sunday.
Closed on Sundays
Thanksgiving
through Easter. Call
ahead for holiday
hours, (765) 287-
1256, ext. 500.
168 MODEL AVIATION
Executive Director Evaluation Committee,
and I chair both the Leader member
Development and Safety Committees.
I am also a member of a work group
focused on the future of AMA as we
prepare to respond to FAA decisions in
regard to Small Unmanned Aerial Systems.
A lot has been accomplished yet much
remains to be done. I am willing and able
to continue this important work.
Though changes have been made in the
district staff, performance has remained
top notch. I created a new AVP position
and organized a training session for all
AVPs and the Safety Officer, conducted by
Dave Mathewson and Mark Smith.
The membership is the core of our
association and service to you is our
mission. Therefore, I have open-mindedly
attended hundreds of events, visiting with
and addressing members at each. I will
continue to do so, reporting on them in
Model Aviation.
Membership, safety, and FAA concerns
are my top priorities. I solicit your vote as
we enter a very important time in the
future of the Academy.
See you on the flight line,
Jim Rice
District IX
Jim Wallen
Arvada, Colorado
When Mark Smith became the
Executive Vice President for AMA, he
asked me to fill his position of District IX
Vice President. I gladly accepted and have
been active in that position during the last
year.
I have represented District IX on the
Executive Council and am a member of the
Finance Committee for AMA. I strongly
believe that AMA needs to bring
additional focus to the needs of the
membership and the local clubs.
I am a retiree from Ball Corporation
after 38 years of service. I held the
positions of Chemical Process Controller,
Project Engineer, Project Manager,
Manager of Capital Planning and Director
of International Engineering.
I have been involved with our hobby
for the last 25 years. I have served as our
local club president and chair the Denver
Metro Area Council.
My goals for District IX are as follows:
• Continue participation in AMA
Finance Committee to assure balanced
budgets and overall financial
accountability and responsibility.
• Provide leadership on the Executive
Council to promote the needs and
desires of local clubs and
membership.
• Address the issues of declining
membership. We must all support
programs that present AMA in a
favorable light to the general public.
We must be proactive and adopt a
progressive outlook to reverse the
trend.
• Accelerate youth programs. They are
the investment in our future.
• Continue to look for opportunities for
site development and acquisition. We
need to develop creative ways to
assist local clubs to own their own
site.
I am asking for your support by electing
me to serve as your representative to AMA
and the Executive Council. I pledge to
honestly represent you and AMA to the
best of my ability. Thank you.
District X
Jim Giffin
Redding, California
First off I would like to thank all the
members of District X that I have had the
pleasure of meeting over the last year.
I feel I have accomplished a great deal
enlarging the number of Associate Vice
Presidents. We currently have 14
Associate Vice Presidents, the more
Associate Vice Presidents we have, the
better to serve the clubs within the District.
I am looking for two more AVPS (1 in Salt
Lake City, Utah and one in Northern
Arizona) Our District X is the largest
district. We have approximately 27,000
members. District covers five states and
Guam. I have attended many Fly Ins and
events with the Dist. This almost becomes
a full-time venture. I am retired and spend
a lot of time doing this. It’s Great!
My qualifications: Currently Vice
President Dist. X, Many years as a
Associate Vice President for the District,
past President International Miniature
Aircraft Association, Contest Director
since February 1997., Received the AMA
Distinguished Service Award. I am a
commercial pilot with multi engine and
instrument endorsements. I served in 2
branches of the military - United States
Marine Corps and United States Army. I
was born and raised and educated in Salt
Lake City, Utah. I currently reside in
Northern California.
It has been a great last year as your
Vice President. Thanking you in advance
for your vote.
Remember what goes up must come
down..…keep it safe.
Jim Giffin
Lawrence Tougas
Fairfield, California
I’m Lawrence Tougas from Fairfield,
CA. I am running for District X, Vice
President. My history with model aviation
began in 1968 when my Father built a silk
and dope covered model. Since then I have
built and flown, free flight, control line
and radio control models.
As V.P. my top 3 issues would be to,
help clubs find and keep flying fields,
improve the AMA website, and lastly,
raise the visibility of District X.
Retention of flying sites can be a
political issue. I support AMA’s efforts to
build relationships with local city, and
park officials; I would work with clubs to
strengthen these bonds, and bring to bear
all of the AMA’s resources when a site is
at risk.
The current AMA website is under
utilized. It should be an extension of
Model Aviation magazine. The size of MA
is limited, we could use the site to have
expanded articles, video of models flying,
and building techniques, as well as other
enhancements to MA. The contest calendar
could be improved. The AMA History
Program is a text only accounting of
significant modelers and institutions. We
should have pictures and videos on the
website of these giants of our sport.
District X is the largest district in the
AMA. The AMA needs a Western United
States flying site, a state-of-the-art facility
that could be used by all AMA members,
and host significant competitions. I would
do everything in my power to bring that
site to District X.
Additional information about my
campaign can be found at: http://amadistrict-
x-election.blogspot.com
Thank you for your consideration,
Lawrence Tougas
Election ballots were mailed to all Open AMA members (age
19 or older) in mid-September. Vote for one of the listed
candidates by darkening the appropriate box or write in the
name of anyone else.
Ballots must be postmarked no later than November 13,
2009. An envelope is not necessary. Mail the ballot separately
from any other AMA correspondence. Do not send it to AMA
Headquarters. Ballots will not be forwarded. Do not send
dues or donations to the ballot mailing address. It will greatly
delay receipt of publication and liability protection.
Results will be announced on the AMA Web site and in
the January 2010 issue of Model Aviation following
tabulation by the accounting firm of Brady Ware and
Schoenfeld Inc.