AMA News
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
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.
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."
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 awareness of AMA programs which benefit 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.
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 '60s in radio control and building my own radios. Like most, I flew trainers, sport types and then pattern and racing.
Later, I tried helicopters, some sailplanes and small electrics. 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 IV
Bliss Teague Hickory, North Carolina
I became an AMA member for the second time in the mid '60s. The first time was in the mid '40s. 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 three-fourths 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.
District VI
Charlie Bauer Norridge, Illinois
My name is Charlie Bauer. I'm a semi-retired 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 since 1938. I compete and sport fly free-flight, control-line and radio-control.
The Executive Council is the policy-making 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 Executive Council, 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.
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 the 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 (one in Salt Lake City, Utah, and one in northern Arizona). Our District X is the largest district. We have approximately 27,000 members. The district covers five states and Guam. I have attended many fly-ins and events within the district. 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 District X; many years as an 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 two branches of the military — the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army. I was born, 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 three issues would be to help clubs find and keep flying fields, improve the AMA website, and 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 underutilized. It should be an extension of Model Aviation magazine. The size of Model Aviation is limited; we could use the site to have expanded articles, video of models flying, and building techniques, as well as other enhancements to Model Aviation. 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://ama-district-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 website and in the January 2010 issue of Model Aviation following tabulation by the accounting firm of Brady Ware and Schoenfeld, Inc.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
