Executive Director View from HQ

Executive Director View HQ IM7F\ .we will glad 7 assist way Radio Control Hobby Trade Association RCHTA proud announce will once again offering Media Awards Program organization has budgeted $100000 awarded consumer clubs hobby shops successful obtaining general audience media coverage Radio Control RC events sponsor prize cash amount quadruples last years budgeted amount $25000 program intended reach out uninformed about fun excitement RC products qualify media coverage must club-sponsored hobby-shop sponsored RC event held between April 1 December 31 1998 Submissions must positive nature verified proof coverage received official 1998 application funding available Qualified television coverage will receive $200 qualified newspaper magazine radio coverage will receive $100 club/shop has $500 cap per year complete set rules application can obtained RCHTA office 560 Bonner Rd Wauconda IL 60084 Environmental Protection Agency July 1995 EPA finalized first federal regulations affecting small nonroad spark ignition SI engines below 19 kilowatts kW 25 horsepower regulations commonly known Phase took effect new handheld non handheld engines beginning 1997 model year expected result 32% reduction hydrocarbon HC emissions engines Handheld engines used equipment such chain saws string trimmers leaf blowers examples equipment uses non-handheld engines include lawn mowers garden tractors tillers certain construction equipment EPA also proposing Phase 2 standards nonroad small SI engines will reduce HC plus oxides nitrogen HCNOx additional 30% beyond current Phase 1 standards proposed rule includes provisions give industry flexibility ease transition stringent Phase 2 program especially small volume engines equipment manufacturers new standards would phased between 2001 2005 February II 1998 public hearing will held Ypsilanti Michigan Carl Maroney AMA Special Services Director will attending returns decision will made proceed issue Trade show season upon us good get out office meet new people As usual AMA will have presence shows possible Recently crew attended International Modeler Show IMS Puyallup show both events well attended number membership applicationsfor new members renewalsincreased compared last year next big show will WRAM Westchester Radio Aero Modelers show New York have questions please come booth introduce yourself staff will glad assist way time read column first Executive Council meeting 1998 will have taken place hope members have noticed meeting agenda put AMA Web site soon Vice Presidents receive copies motions also published next available issue Model Aviation minutes added Web site approximately 45 days after meeting takes place changes have made accommodate requests members timely information hope new members find helpful Remember AMA member may attend Executive Council meeting Plan now attend annual open membership meeting June 14 5 pm AMA Museum y flying Joyce Hager Executive Director jhager@modelaircraftorg 168 Model Aviation