AMA News
Announcements, news, and information from the Academy of Model Aeronautics and the elected district representatives.
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, 2011 Muncie, Indiana
Note: District XI VP Bruce Nelson was not in attendance.
It was moved, seconded, and approved by acclamation to approve the Consent Agenda. Consent Agenda items: Approval of April 9, 2011, Executive Council Meeting minutes; June 9, 2011, EC conference call minutes and June 29, 2011, email vote re travel expenses for scholarship winners.
It was moved, seconded, and approved by acclamation to approve the changes to the Contest Board Procedures document as presented July 16, 2011. (Correction: the email address listed on Exhibit A Rules Change Proposal Form, will remain.)
It was moved, seconded, and approved by acclamation to approve the new Leader Member classifications of Flight and Education.
It was moved, seconded, and approved by acclamation to approve the document titled Manually Controllable Programmed Outdoor Model Flight Operations as presented July 16, 2011.
It was moved, seconded, and approved by acclamation to approve the changes to the document titled AMA RADIO CONTROL LARGE MODEL AIRPLANE PROGRAM as presented July 16, 2011.
Motion I: Moved by C. Bauer (VI) and seconded by J. Rice (VIII) to accept the recommendation of the Nominations Committee for the 2011 AMA Election Ballot.
Names to appear on ballot are: President Jim Rice; Bob Brown; and Rich Hanson EVP Gary Fitch; Bill Oberdieck; and Jerry Neuberger District III VP Bob Brown, incumbent District VII VP Bill Oberdieck, incumbent and Tim Jesky District XI VP Bryan Batch and Mike Mosbrooker
Motion passed unanimously.
It was moved, seconded, and approved by acclamation to accept Shawn Grubbs' proposal for the decal cost production presented July 16, 2011.
Motion II: Moved by J. Wallen (IX) and seconded by C. Bauer (VI) that Council approve the Executive Director Contract with minor modifications noted, as presented to Council in closed session July 16, 2011.
Motion passed unanimously.
2011 Campaign Statements
President
Bob Brown Bradford, Pennsylvania
Model aviation is FUN!!! Please elect me to allow the fun to continue!
Negotiations with the Federal Aviation Administration are the most pertinent issue facing the membership of the AMA. During my tenure as District III Vice President I have worked in a positive manner with several different government entities. You may recall our positive effort with the Pennsylvania state parks system in which we obtained the right to fly within the park system. Our dealings with the FAA must be professional. However, we must maintain our current enjoyment of model aviation!
Local flying site assistance should be the primary focus of the Academy. Without flying sites, we cannot enjoy the hobby! This assistance can be verbal, financial, or legal. The current program utilizing landfills has proven a great benefit to our clubs. Additional avenues of support should be increased. The Academy's effort with the League of Cities has been positive. Perhaps a focus of working with national service clubs would provide a benefit. The public has to be informed in a positive manner about the benefits of model aviation. This effort has to be in concert with the local AMA chartered clubs.
Competition was the premise on which the Academy was founded. I firmly disagree with ideas which might dissolve international (FAI) and national competition (NATS). At this point the Academy cannot become an isolationist within the world. More than thirty years of international experience allow me to provide positive input in these areas.
Benefits to the individual member should be increased without a dues increase. Recently we increased the liability coverage to club officials. More programs like this should be initiated. We are currently revising our Internet efforts. District and club needs should be included in this effort. Wouldn't it be nice if the Academy hosted your club website?
As chairman of the committee that oversees the property of the Academy, I have been able to sustain most of the expense through donations. This effort should be carried out in a much larger scale. The Academy can and should be a charitable organization.
Scholarships are very important in assisting deserving AMA scholars. I am very proud of several winning candidates from District III. The scholarship program should be advertised in a more positive manner. The current AMA educational program represents a great professional effort. Perhaps additional focus can be placed on many of the economically deprived school systems.
Recently, I have highlighted the flying skills of several young members of the academy. Allowing these young gentlemen to show their skills has provided positive input from members and nonmembers young and old. More emphasis should be placed on the positive aspects of people within our hobby.
Additional information can be found on my website: http://amaelection.com/.
Rich Hanson Scottsdale, Arizona
Having served on the Executive Council for fifteen years as Vice President for District X and now as AMA's Government and Regulatory Affairs Representative, I've learned firsthand the important role the Academy plays in advocating for the aeromodeling community. Over the past three years I've worked to protect the interests of the aeromodeling enthusiasts. As president, I pledge to keep the advocacy for model aviation and safeguarding of our hobby as top priorities for the Academy.
As president I will ensure the Academy fulfills its primary responsibility of serving the AMA membership, achieves its mission of furthering the educational and technological advancement of model aviation, and continues to do everything possible to secure the future of model aviation.
The complexity and diversity of the hobby has changed significantly over the past several decades, and the AMA has come a long way in serving as the national body for model aviation. I believe there is more that can and should be done. It is this belief that leads me in dedicating my personal efforts and to seek the office of AMA President.
The AMA must have effective leadership and an innate vision for the future. We need a clearly defined set of goals and objects that leads the organization toward achieving our primary responsibility of serving the membership. I offer three very simple yet critical goals for the Academy.
1) The promotion of model aviation as a viable and acclaimed recreational activity for adults, families and our youth. The success stories of aeromodeling need to be told to our neighbors, politicians, governing bodies and the general public.
2) The fulfillment of our National Flying Site Assistance Program geared toward helping develop and retain our local flying sites. Without flying sites we will no longer have a hobby, and the problem is not going away but growing in severity and gradually impacting all areas across the country.
3) Further development of our outreach programs that introduce model aviation to newcomers of all ages. The enrichment of model aviation needs to be brought to a generation of baby boomers rapidly approaching retirement, young families struggling to lock in traditional family values, and to our youth who are all too often torn between competing and often detrimental interests.
I'm a lifelong modeler. I've been a member of the AMA for nearly fifty years and I have participated in virtually all aspects of model aviation. My modeling experience led me to a career in full-scale aviation and I'm now a licensed commercial pilot with over 7,000 hours in helicopters and airplanes.
I am an accomplished public administrator, having served in leadership roles for over 26 years in public service and 27 years in active duty and reserve component military service.
I've been directly involved in association management for many years. My greatest experience lies directly with the AMA. I've served in nearly all club level leadership positions. As a member of the AMA Executive Council I've served on numerous AMA committees. I chaired the AMA Resource Development Committee, the Bylaws Committee and the Leader Member Committee. I served on two AMA Executive Director Selection Committees, chaired the ED Evaluation Committee and currently serve as AMA's Government and Regulatory Affairs Representative.
As your AMA President I pledge a resolute commitment to the pursuit of excellence and improvement. I will make it my goal to bring the organization together and create synergies throughout the hobby, and will ensure that the AMA is focused on supporting the membership and securing the future of this great sport/hobby.
AMA News
Jim Rice San Antonio, Texas
I am Jim Rice of San Antonio, Texas just completing my fifth year as District VIII Vice President. I was an Associate Vice President for the preceding 5 years and served as the District VIII Safety Coordinator.
This Special Election is required to fill the vacancy created when our charismatic and dedicated president, Dave Mathewson accepted the position of Executive Director. We soared to new heights under Dave and I intend to continue his style and leadership strategies. There is still much to do and it will continue to be done in a logical manner with an eye on safety and a finger on the pulse of all membership.
During my 26 year Army career I had the honor and privilege of commanding great Americans at all levels as my career spanned from Second Lieutenant through Colonel. I believe my background and experience will allow me to continue to work with your Executive Council in a professional manner, ensuring we make an immediate impact with no traction lost on our many and varied model aviation programs.
Maintaining this momentum is important as we currently face the most critical issue in the 75 year history of AMA as the FAA will soon publish its proposed rule for management of model aircraft. Since I currently serve as Chair of the AMA National Safety Committee I have 3 years’ experience working directly with the FAA through our FAA Standards Workgroup. Our mission is to develop standards that allow the continued enjoyment of model aviation.
We must keep our talented folks focused on this important issue and simultaneously plan for the advancement of modeling for the next 75 years. We cannot fail in this endeavor! The legacy we leave for future generations depends upon a successful solution with the FAA and constant review and update of those standards.
I have proudly served on your Executive Council and several important committees, developing a strong working relationship with the District Vice Presidents and the headquarters staff. My honesty and credibility are well known and I will not allow either to be compromised as I represent the Academy.
Owning a hobby shop for 15 years, teaching hundreds of people to fly, and visiting club meetings as well as flying in events across the district has kept me in tune with the interests and needs of the membership.
I have written or highly modified 3 new Safety Codes, the Large Model Aircraft Program, See and Avoid Guidance, and the Sport Pylon Racing document. In addition I have authored or coauthored the First Person View and Automated Flight documents as well as the AMA Primer (AMA 101) developed for Leader Members. I have spent my life enjoying this great hobby learning to fly control line when I was 3 years old and joining AMA in 1956 to attend the Nationals in Dallas. Mom and Dad were modelers and my wife, son, and 3 grandchildren are flyers. I want this organization to serve the needs of its members and my family for years to come.
I need your support in the coming election in order to maintain momentum on current programs and forge new plans for our next 75 years. Please Vote! www.jimriceforamapresident.com
Executive Vice President
Gary Fitch Franklinville, New York
The office of AMA Executive Vice President is one that supports the AMA President and to carry out the mission of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. It is a position that requires a dedicated person that has a love for the Academy and a willingness to work on behalf of our membership, with the Executive Council and our staff in Muncie, IN.
I am a modeler and an AMA member since 1979. I'm a Leader Member, Contest Director, Intro Pilot Instructor, past Club President; Associate Vice President for 6+ years, and a current AMA Vice President for almost 4 years, which has served to prepare me for the position of AMA Executive-Vice President.
While serving on the Executive Council my focus has been listening to and acting on behalf of all AMA members. I have been a strong proponent protecting our right to fly in the National Airspace, in our dealings with the FAA. The record shows that I proposed and helped pass the following for our members:
- Support new flying site development by attending League of Cities events promoting Model Aviation to all forms of Government with subsequent follow up work leading to new potential flying sites.
- Engaged our Leader Members by providing Executive Council meeting information to LM’s, and looking for their input, prior to each meeting.
- Our new aircraft weight limits which the Council passed this year.
- New AMA primary Insurance for our AMA volunteers like AVP’s; CD’s, Contest Coordinators; Club Officers, etc.
- Increased the number of volunteer AVP’s that each District VP can name. This to increase AMA personal contact with our members.
- A By-Laws change to allow each Contest Board Chairperson to be elected by each Contest Board rather than be appointed by the President.
- New autonomous flight rules for our aircraft to fly with GPS navigation.
- Helped sponsor and voted for term limits for AMA elected Officers.
- I am a strong proponent of Club programs like Leader Club development; Flying Site Grants; Take Off and Grow "TAG"; and Club Recognition Programs.
I serve on the AMA Strategic Long Range Planning Committee; Contest Coordinator Review Committee; Insurance Committee; By-Laws Committee; Election Process Review Committee; Flying Site Grant Committee. I am Chairman of the Publications Committee. This committee oversees the development of our flagship publication Model Aviation; Park Pilot Magazine; AMA’s Website; AMA Insider; AMA Today; and NATS News. In July, we came with Model Aviation On-Line which provides a more in-depth look into articles, videos and information not provided in our print version. We will be re-launching Model Aviation with a new look in March 2012. By summer 2012 we will also have a true on-line a new searchable Model Aviation Archives from 1975 to present, all to increase our member benefits.
As EVP, I will support our newly elected AMA President. It is my intent to continue to press for our right to fly without onerous government restrictions; assist our clubs and members in the preservation and development of flying fields, and to work to reverse the decline in our membership. I ask for your support and vote for Executive Vice President, and I continue to serve at your pleasure.
AMA News
Bill Oberdieck
Southgate, Michigan
I am honored and humbled by the nomination for the position of Executive Vice President of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. I have served as the District Seven Vice President for the past 10 years, and recently honored with receiving the AMA Fellowship award. The years of service to the membership as a council member have allowed me to assist the clubs and members in sorting out internal club issues, helping with their bylaws, safety issues and have been directly involved in assisting clubs in keeping flying sites and locating new ones.
I started my modeling hobby as a youngster of twelve by being introduced to wooden solid models that had to be carved and sanded to final shape. I then followed that with building rubber powered kits, free flight and control line, got into helicopters and for the past few years, giant scale. I've been a competitive flyer in what now is called Precision Aerobatics, even placed in the top three a few times at the local level. I have also been a club officer in a few clubs.
So what does all this mean to you as a member of the AMA? Simply put, I am not a politician, I am a modeler which is stated as part of the criteria for being a member of the Executive Council. I know what it's like at the club level, the concerns of keeping a club going in the right direction. I deal in facts and not rhetoric. If I'm asked a question and I don't have an immediate answer, I will find it and get back to you ASAP with an answer. I believe that if a person applies for or is nominated for any position, that person must have the background for the position, whether it is in management or a skilled trade. I do have that experience.
I pledge that when elected to the Executive Vice President position, I will support the president in the efforts of improving any areas that are in need and to further our hobby/sport as the best one there is. I will also maintain the policy I started when first elected of 24/7 open door communication.
Your vote is your voice and it is my hope that your voice will be loud and clear by voting for me, your next Executive Vice President.
Thank you, Bill Oberdieck
Bill Oberdieck
Southgate, Michigan
I am truly honored to have been nominated for re-election for the District VII vice Presidency by so many members. It has been my endeavor to represent all the members and the different venues of our district.
I pledged to do whatever I could to help our hobby/sport continue into the next millennium in my first campaign statement. And because of the strong district membership support our district is moving forward.
During my tenure since I was elected to my first term of Vice President, I have been involved in finding new fields and assisted with negotiations for clubs that would have lost or were going to lose their flying sites. I recently assisted a club in securing a new site on county airport property working with the FAA to accomplish the task.
I have instituted a district seven web site for all the clubs to use, www.ama-districtvii.org. And as promised I have maintained a 24/7 open door communication policy of telephone, fax, mail and Internet.
I have also promoted the lifting of the restriction for the 55+ pound aircraft of when and where the modelers could fly their aircraft providing their aircraft met all the qualifications. It is now not necessary to fly only at sanctioned events. I have also been involved with local TV promoting our hobby/sport to our young people.
I would like to continue to improve on these areas and also provide for more opportunities for our young people to get involved. With involvement with 4H clubs, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boy Scout Troops and the Civil Air Patrol.
I am again asking for your support by re-electing me to serve another term as your representative to the AMA Executive Council. We have a good start in accomplishing some of the goals outlined in my first campaign statement. And with your help and input we can continue to improve our district.
We can make a difference; your vote is your voice.
Thank you. Bill Oberdieck incumbent District VII VP.
District XI
Bryan A. Batch Spokane, Washington
Hello my friends:
It has been brought to my attention that our friend and long time District V.P. Bruce Nelson has nominated me as a possible replacement to his position within our controlling body of A.M.A.
I guess what I am to do here is to tell you a little bit about myself and what I would hope to see as a future in modeling, within both the modeling community as well as governmental representation.
For those of you who haven't met me yet, I run the family hobby business (B&B Hobbies) here in Spokane; we have been in this industry for 46 years now as both a retailer and a manufacturer. I have managed the family store for 30 of those years, as well as being a flyer and competitor in modeling.
I would guess that I have been nominated due to my knowledge of our industry and what I see happening with both our region and nationally as to our hobby. The things that I feel are affecting us as modelers and my business as a retailer.
It seems to me that as the world is changing we are having to make some pretty tough decisions as to what, where and when we will be able to fly, and that we will need to make even more changes in the future, due to the ever changing growth of the hobby.
I am not saying I am the best person to fill Bruce's shoes at A.M.A. for the district, but I have been doing this long enough to see some of our needs, and changes needed for the future. What's next?
Sincerely: Bryan A Batch.
Mike Mosbrooker
Oak Harbor, Washington
My name is Mike Mosbrooker. I'm from Oak Harbor, Washington and I'm running for the position of AMA VP representing District XI. I seek this position so that I can continue to give back to the sport of model aviation that has been so good to me. If elected, I will seek opportunities to increase the involvement of young people in the sport of model aviation, improve communication between AMA headquarters and our members, find ways to preserve and find new flying sites and provide any advice that my experience allows as regards the sport in general and club operation. The AMA is doing an excellent job but anything I've ever done can be improved and I think this also true for the AMA.
I've been building and flying models since I was five, starting with wooden display aircraft and then on to free flight, control line and radio control. As a member of five clubs, I served as president, secretary, treasurer, webmaster and newsletter editor. With the assistance of many others, I taught school children to build and fly various types of models. I have been a contest director for about 20 contests in Washington State. I am a leader member and for the past 8 years, I have been an AVP in District XI. As an AVP, I assisted clubs with flying site issues, rechartering and liability matters and when requested, made suggestions on leadership issues.
My work experience includes carpentry, auto and electronics repair, 20 years in the Army with responsibility for units as small as 12 (Special Forces A Team) and as large as 3,000 (Division Artillery), engineering analyst, program manager and finally as a real estate developer and building contractor, all supported by an MS in Physics (Nuclear). During my service time, I was responsible for dealing with congress regarding program funding and responding to matters of congressional concern.
Thank you for your vote.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
