President's Perspective

President s PERSPECTIVE F\ F7 /7\ rivalry good us AS PRESIDENT Academy Model Aeronautics receive club newsletters helpful way keep up activity among clubs amazing see similar problems among clubs dedicated different disciplines almost interesting see different clubs Most clubs give out broken prop award something similar jesting honor bestfauxpas among clubs membership have honors new solos Maintenance flying site big item common among clubs clubs have show tell programs meetings Once get past items myriad differences become apparent few clubs have active field preservation committees unfortunately field search committees common Some clubs actively seeking members some have limited membership waiting list club whether Control Line Free Flight Radio Control club encompasses disciplines has something common others also differences differences lead some problems particularly AMA members move club another amazing often AMA member contacts expects step insist local AMA chartered club change its rules Sometimes its safety issue clear violation Safety Code club can asked make some changes However far common club doing something perfectly right just different compared what member expects accustomed may concern officers elected decide spend dues may relate pits organized put spectators common problem receive calls about club wont let someone join whatever reason Some members think AMA will simply call up club officers force let someone join Its funny same members would typically first scream AMA try step change something didnt want changed Clubs autonomous organizations governed AMA Bylaws nor subject AMA having much say operation AMA could refuse charter club step drastic would usually taken actions club create significant safety liability concern AMA has taken hands off approach club management have always help advise local clubs During first days years Nats speaking couple contestants about AMA commented could wave magic wand accomplish thing AMA would remove rivalry among different disciplines aeromodeling rivalry between competition sport flying RC versus CL Pylon versus Pattern etc good us United can accomplish lot can ever expect accomplish divided house feel making progress area Im seeing hearing RC clubs incorporating CL circles sites CL clubs have members flying some RC Often FF modelers flying some RC probably because great popularity SAM events Indoor RC gaining popularity problems has created has resulted fair amount crossover person talking suggestion Ban use RC club name Somehow think have long way go Till next month Dave Brown AMA president dbrown@dbproductscom October 1999 7