Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/11
Page Numbers: 158,159,160
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AMA News - 2010/11

AMA Executive Council Meeting

The motions and acclamations below 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.

Date: August 14, 2010 Location: Muncie, Indiana

Note: VPs from Districts V, VII, and XI as well as the NAA representative were not in attendance.

IT WAS MOVED, seconded, and approved by acclamation to approve the items in the Consent Agenda.

Consent agenda:

  • Minutes of the April 24–25, 2010 Executive Council meeting
  • Read into the minutes the conference call of June 30, 2010

Motions:

  1. Motion I: Moved by M. Smith (EVP) and seconded by C. Bauer (VI) to accept the report of the Nominating Committee. The names on the 2010 ballot will be:
  • President: Dave Mathewson (incumbent)
  • District I: Andy Argenio (incumbent)
  • District V: Jose Soto (interim VP)
  • District IX: Jim Wallen (incumbent)
  • District X: Michael Brown (interim VP)
  • Larry Tougas

Motion passed unanimously.

  1. Motion II: Moved by M. Smith (EVP) and seconded by C. Bauer (VI) to count the 2012 election ballots (to be counted in the fall of 2011), either internally and/or through electronic means.

Motion passed unanimously.

  1. Motion III: Moved by B. Brown (III) and seconded by B. Teague (IV) to accept the report of the Publications Committee as policy.

Motion passed: 8–Y; 1–N (X).

  1. Motion IV: Moved by J. Rice (VIII) and seconded by M. Brown (X) to approve the Safety Code submitted August 14, 2010, as modified:
  • Item A.2.(e): change "conformance" to "compliance"; change "AMA Experimental Aircraft program" to "Large Model Aircraft program."
  • Item A.2.(j): change "conformance" to "compliance"; change "AMA Safety Regulations for turbine operation" to "AMA Turbine Regulations."
  • Item B.10.: Delete this item.

Motion passed unanimously.

  1. Motion V: Moved by G. Fitch (II) and seconded by J. Rice (VIII) to change the name of the Experimental Aircraft program to Large Model Aircraft program. Additionally, pending approval of the regulations and insurance, increase Large Model Aircraft program (formerly Experimental Aircraft program) maximum weight from 55.1 lbs–100 lbs to 55.1 lbs–125 lbs for propeller-driven aircraft, and 55.1 lbs–100 lbs for turbine-powered aircraft.

Motion passed unanimously.

  1. Motion VI: Moved by J. Rice (VIII) and seconded by G. Fitch (II) to approve the recommended changes to the Large Model Aircraft Program Requirements and Inspector Information as submitted August 14, 2010.

Motion passed unanimously.

  1. Motion VII: Moved by J. Rice (VII) and seconded by G. Fitch (II) to approve the PDF document addressing Metal Blade Usage for Model Helicopters.

Motion passed unanimously.

  1. Motion VIII: Moved by J. Rice (VIII) and seconded by M. Brown (X) to accept the Safety Committee’s recommendations to modify the Safety Regulations for Model Aircraft Powered by Gas Turbines.

Motion passed unanimously.

  1. Motion IX: Moved by J. Rice (VIII) and seconded by M. Smith (EVP) to adopt the policy titled "Legal Defense Fund for AMA Chartered Clubs," as presented August 14, 2010.

Motion passed unanimously.

  1. Motion X: Moved by M. Smith (EVP) and seconded by J. Wallen (IX) to allocate $10,000 initially to enable the Museum Steering Committee to begin the RFQ process and secure a consultant. Funding for the consultant will be from the Museum Patron Fund.

Motion passed unanimously.

AMA President

Dave Mathewson — Baldwinsville, New York

In one of my first Model Aviation columns as president, I identified several areas that I intended to focus on during my term. They were flying site concerns, relationship building with government agencies, enhancing AMA's education outreach efforts, promoting model aviation, and improving communication with our members.

AMA has made good progress during the last three years in addressing flying site issues. Our League of Cities Program has helped spread the message that model aviation is an ideal use of municipal properties. Our relationship with the EPA has resulted in a number of new flying sites throughout the country. Recently, we restructured our Flying Site Assistance Program to be more proactive in helping clubs both find and retain good flying sites. This has already had a positive impact in helping clubs resolve flying site issues.

One of the biggest challenges facing aeromodeling is the ongoing FAA regulatory process designed to draft new rules for small unmanned aircraft systems. In 2008, we created the position of AMA Government Affairs Representative to help address these concerns as well as to interface with other government agencies that could impact model aviation. In 2010, we contracted a Washington consultant to help further. We need to be proactive and prepared should any concerns involving model aviation become a legislative issue.

All of this was done to position AMA to be a strong advocate for model aviation and to protect modeling from the unintended negative consequences of potential regulation.

We've made significant progress with our education outreach efforts. In May 2010, AMA was recognized for these efforts when, in conjunction with the Indianapolis Children's Museum, we were awarded a grant by NASA that will help us continue this work. One of the responsibilities of our new Education Director is to reach out to community-based organizations like Scouts, CAP, and others. The results of this will be seen in the coming year. A recently signed agreement with NASA/Goddard Space Center will partner AMA clubs with local schools on research programs using model aircraft. And our new agreement with the EAA will provide opportunities to promote the concept that model aviation is a perfect stepping stone to careers in aviation and aerospace.

We continue to build the groundwork for increased promotion of model aviation as an ideal family recreational activity. Engaging prominent AMA members like Hoot Gibson, Burt Rutan, Juan Montoya, Tom Huff, Matt Chapman, and others will be the foundation of this ongoing effort. However, our focus will not only be on increasing the number involved in aeromodeling. Our work will also help build the credibility of what we do as model aviation enthusiasts, creating a positive perception of model aviation among elected officials at the local to the federal level.

We've made significant progress in improving member communications. Social networking is the quickest method to reach young people and we entered that world in 2009. The AMA member forum continues to grow. Our new electronic quick brief, AMA Today, has received overwhelmingly positive comments. Sometime early in the last quarter of 2010, AMA will launch its totally revised website. All of these efforts have made, and will make, a significant improvement in the way we exchange information with our members.

Much progress has been made during the last three years. My intent for the next three years is to build on the progress that we have already made. At the same time, we will continue to look at new avenues and opportunities to strengthen our association.

Additional remarks

Community awareness of our sport has increased. District funds have sponsored 22 events bringing more clubs and members together for what we believe it is all about: friendship, flying, and having fun.

I have spoken to public and private property managers on behalf of clubs to help acquire or prevent the loss of flying sites. We have engaged attorneys to assist clubs when noise and overfly issues threaten to stop flying activity. District funds have bought flight simulators and model construction materials for aeromodeling education programs.

During the flying season, I am at events every weekend. I frequently attend club meetings to answer AMA questions, provide advice, settle disputes, or present awards.

On a national level, as a board member of the Executive Council, I represent your interests with the AMA. I serve on four committees and chair two: the Bylaw and Event Sanction Committee. The AMA president appointed me to lead a 50-member Strategic Task Force to evaluate AMA programs, identify opportunities, and recommend solutions to strengthen and promote the mission, vision, and viability of the AMA.

It is a privilege and honor to serve our members. Please show your continued support by voting in this election.

District V Vice President

Jose R. Soto — Apopka, Florida

My fellow modelers, I would like to represent you in District V and assure the hard work of my predecessors does not wane. I would like to focus on the ideas that you, the membership of AMA, have for our advancement, not only as modelers, but also as leaders in our communities. I will bring these ideas to the Executive Council and share them with everyone.

I would like to establish a communication channel between all of us in the District and also share ideas with successful clubs within the District. I will work with all of you so we can introduce the young men and women in society to our sport and hobby, and work hand in hand with those establishing new clubs so we can obtain and keep new flying fields.

In the past I have held every position in our clubs from maintenance to president. Also, as an AMA leader member and AVP, I have helped other clubs in the area get started. I’ve spoken to political leaders, rubbed elbows with mayors, and got the word out in our schools.

As your District V representative, I will assure you have a voice and opinion in our hobby so we can continue to grow. I built my first model more than forty years ago and I continue to build today. I am a disabled American veteran and served proudly in the U.S. Coast Guard. I look forward to continued service to you, my fellow modelers.

District IX Vice President

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 for the last two years. I gladly accepted and have been active in that position. I have represented District IX on the Executive Council, am a member of the Finance Committee for AMA, and chair the Executive Director Review Committee. 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.
  • Assure proper and efficient leadership from the office of the Executive Director.
  • 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 Vice President

Mike Brown — Bella Vista, California

This is the campaign statement for Michael Brown for District X Vice President. When starting to write this campaign statement I thought, what do I write? Do I write how many times I have been a club officer? Or how many volunteer positions I have held for clubs, for the AMA, for special interest groups? Do I write about how many I still hold, what I am still doing? Do I write how many years I have been a modeler, or how many airplanes I now own, I have built, or I have flown? Do I write about the many events I have put on, or the organizations I helped by them? Then I thought, what would be important to me? I thought, I want a person in this position who has been a modeler for years, one who has volunteered for many things, in many ways. I want a person who has been dedicated to this hobby and the modelers over many years.

So I ask all of you to do the same: decide what qualifications are important, which ones a person needs to have done to do this job, what amount of experience is necessary. Then ask yourself if I am the most qualified candidate running for your vote. I hold this position in the highest regard. I have been volunteering, working toward being qualified to do this job for a long time, and finally after all those years of volunteering I feel qualified. I love the hobby and I want to be your District X Vice President, so I can work for you, the members and clubs of District X.

The most important thing is that you vote.

Lawrence Tougas — Fairfield, California

As a candidate in last year's District X election, I met many outstanding modelers. It was the experience of a lifetime. Jim Giffin and I had the closest election in AMA history; we were only 34 votes apart, a virtual tie. It was 34 votes in a district with 28,000 members, but those 34 votes elected Jim. I wished him all the best. Sadly Jim passed away in January; we are now having a special election to determine who will lead District X.

I believe my combination of modeling, aviation, and business experience makes me the best qualified candidate to be District X VP.

My top three issues remain the same: help clubs keep their flying fields, improve the District X web presence, and establish an AMA western United States flying site in District X.

I value the support I got from all of you who voted for me last year and I will work to earn your vote again. Please ask your friends to vote for me as well.

For those of you who voted for Jim, please take another look at me. I have a website that details all of the reasons I believe I am the best candidate to be Vice President and would sincerely appreciate your vote.

For those who did not vote last year because you feel it makes no difference who is elected, I understand your frustration. All I can say is please give me a chance to prove that one person can make a difference. I have big plans for District X and can't wait to pursue them. Join with me and cast your vote.

Read more at: http://ama-district-x-election.blogspot.com

Happy landings, Lawrence Tougas AMA 232

P.S. Make a difference. Vote today!!!

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.