April 24 2021 Minutes

EC Minutes 04/21/2021

Executive Council

Meeting April 24, 2021 (in person/teleconference)

The meeting began at 8 a.m.

1. 1. Opening Business

   In attendance: President Rich Hanson, Fishers IN; EVP Randy Cameron, Springfield MO; CFO Keith Sessions, Burlington KY; Executive Director Chad Budreau, Parker City IN; District I, Andy Argenio, Smithfield RI; District II Eric Williams, Schenectady NY; District III Mark Radcliff, St. Marys WV; District IV Jay Marsh, High Point NC; District V Andy Griffith, Jacksonville FL; District VI, Gary Himes, Kansas City MO; District VII Randy Gibson, Lansing MI; District VIII Lawrence Harville, Hurst TX; District IX Jim Tiller, Custer SD; District X, Lawrence Tougas, CA; District XI, Phil Tallman, Medical Lake WA; Greg Principato, NAA.

   Others in attendance: Felix Gora, AMA legal counsel; Paul Bretson, Harry A. Koch Co.; Gary Fitch, District II AVP; Rusty Kennedy, District IV AVP; Daren Hudson. Staff in attendance: Tyler Dobbs, Government Affairs director; Kelsie Walker, AMA Foundation; Liz Helms, recording secretary. Additions to Final Flight list: A moment of silence was observed. Jim Tiller recognized Denny Stong who was killed in Boulder CO. Any EC member may request a Consent Item to be pulled and added to the regular Agenda.

2. 2.  Consent Agenda

   1. approval of January 16, 2021 minutes
   2. Motion to posthumously award Frank Tiano AMA’s Lifetime Achievement Award Moved by A. Griffith (District V), seconded by G. Himes (District VI) to posthumously award Frank Tiano AMA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Motion passed unanimously.
   3. Motion to postpone the F3D/E World Championships event to July 2022 Moved by R. Cameron (EVP), seconded by G. Himes (District VI) to postpone the F3D/E (Pylon) to July 2022, cancel the 2021 F3A World Championship (Pattern) altogether, and put forward a bid for the F3A World Championships in the US in 2025. Motion passed.
   4. Motion to accept the Safety Committee’s recommendations. Moved by Andy Argenio (District I), seconded by M. Radcliff (District III) to approve additions and modifications to the following six safety documents relating to updating AMA’s Safety Program.
      • Safety Handbook 2021
      • Weather 2021
      • 540D 2021
      • 550 2021
      • 560 2021
      • 550/560

      Definitions 2021 Motion passed. Motion to approve the Consent Agenda passed by acclamation.

3. 3. President’s Report R. Hanson

   Rich has been attending meetings via teleconference to discuss ongoing work with the EC, AMA Committees, subcommittees, DAC, ASTM, FAI, and the international group called JARAS that is working on UAS regulations. ASTM and DAC have upcoming meetings where they are marking recommendations on how Remote ID may help with piloted low-altitude operations. Chad noted that there has been a lot of work by staff behind the scenes. Rich noted that the FAI meetings were still taking place remotely. The Spacemodeling FAI WC is still on the schedule for 2021 in Romania and the US Spacemodeling team is nervous about attending. All of the rest of the 2021 WCs have been canceled. The World Games, which is similar to the Olympics, is now scheduled for July 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama. Airsport events are coordinated through FAI to include a parachuting event and drone racing. He was contacted by the CIAM president to see if AMA had any interest in helping FAI put together the drone racing event. Help is needed to design the course and put together the video requirements. Rich noted that there was an opportunity for public awareness of both AMA and drone racing. Team selection will be based on 2019 championships and world cup events. Total competitors can be as many as 32 competitors – 20 male and 12 female. There was discussion concerning whether or not AMA should support this project. Chad noted that there were a couple of drone racers on staff, but we would also have to rely on non-staff to support AMA’s participation. There was general agreement that there was a lack of information for supporting the project and most were unenthusiastic. Chad agreed to set up a task force to further investigate the project.

4. 4. Executive Vice President’s Report R. Cameron

   Randy sat in on an SRM panel that achieved 800-feet allowance. Went to the Dayton event. Vendors were appreciative of the new format with swap tables vs. booths. He currently has 32 entries in National Fun Fly. He plans to invite local community. Randy was a judge for awarding the Flying Site Improvement grants. There were 120 applications. Eric W. suggested revisiting the process and scoring system to streamline the process. Seven people completed the scoring. He asked that DVPs contact Austin Perlee to find out if each appointed district representatives participated. He spoke about attending the new Toledo swap meet and recognized those from AMA who attended. Andy A. noted how successful the event was. Randy noted that the sponsors have the venue booked for the next 5 years.

5. 5. Chief Financial Officer’s Report K. Sessions

   Keith recognized the work that Vicki Barkdull has done in getting government funds into the organization. He noted that she was successful in achieving funds in the second round of PPP funds. Membership numbers are looking good. Market and investments are markedly better than a year ago. Unemployment is going down. Reports are that people are traveling to more events or experiences. He reminded everyone to be diligent with finances. Things that had depreciated have not been repaired/replaced. Those items need to be considered if there is any surplus money. It is imperative that we stick to the budget. The annual audit is starting. It is done in the second quarter which results in significant savings. Rich asked that Rusty Kennedy (Foundation treasurer) be added to the Finance Committee as the Foundation representative.

6. 6. Executive Director’s Report C. Budreau

   Chad provided a first quarter 2021 report of initiatives completed by various staff members/teams. These have included Foundation Recurring Donations Torchbearer campaign, new membership acquisition efforts, such as the AMA/EAA initiative, back-end website updates, museum exhibit expansion, Facebook and Google ads are managed inhouse, influencer/retailer campaign, a vanity AMA number campaign, and the AMA Beta and corresponding curriculae was presented. It was a good first quarter and Chad commended the staff and the additional work it has completed. He noted the huge improvement in search-engine optimization. Chad noted that new member acquisition has increased roughly 30%. Chad discussed RC Pilot.com noting that it is moving along. AMA’s partnership with UASidekick will give members free features to include event and club search through the UASidekick app. AMA is conducting an Attitude and Awareness member survey and will be presented at the August 1 meeting.

7. 7. NAA Report G. Principato

   Greg mentioned an NAA webinar series available on the NAA website and noted the RC helicopter accomplishment in the Mars exploration project and the AMA member involved. Chad was thankful AMA member Phil Warner, who has passed away, decided to involve model aviation in his classroom lessons. As a result, a student got inspired to fly model planes, which led to a career designing the Mars helicopter. Greg is trying to get FAI to update its astronautics code. He also mentioned the FAA’s initiative to eliminate gender references from documents (including Unmanned Aircraft Systems).

8. 8. Committee Reports

   • a. Government T. Dobbs

     Tyler Dobbs stated that they just finished two SRM panels and were able to negotiate higher ceilings that previously allowed in the sites’ Letters of Agreement. He has a completed a spreadsheet of all AMA clubs and where they stand with the LOA and SRM processes. That is updated regularly.

     He has also started a process for the JROTC sites across the country. There are roughly 100 such sites within the JROTC. He is still waiting on a streamlined process on how an SRM should work. FAA has released a streamlined process for determining SRMs. It gives broad authority to individual air traffic control (ATC) entities. AMA, EAA, and others issued suggested changes because this wasn’t what was agreed to in the national panel. Tyler expects that it will result in agreements between individual clubs and local ATCs.

     AMA submitted its application to become a TRUST test administrator. Kyle Jaracz is the lead on this project and anticipates a June timeframe for the FAA to roll out the test. Members should expect that testing will be a requirement by mid-summer.

     Advisory Circular 9157C

     Tyler has a meeting Monday (4/26) regarding AMA compliance with requirements in the 2018 reauthorization to become a recognized CBO. The AC is expected soon that, in addition to community-based organization recognition requirements, it will include safety requirements for night flying. Night flying can be added retroactively to current LOAs. He has asked to get in writing permission to fly above 400 feet in Class G airspace.

     He is continuing to work FAA and Secret Service with clubs impacted by TFRs from President Biden’s travel in Delaware. This will affect 9 of 20 clubs so affected.

     He mentioned the upcoming 2023 reauthorization and stated that we needed to get everything in compliance before the 2023 process begins. He continues to meet with Senator Larson, the chairman of the Aviation Subcommittee, and with Senator Sinema concerning suggested changes for the 2023 reauthorization.

     Chad asked how long members and lobbyists have to comply when the testing requirement rolls out. Tyler expects that timeframe, and any grace period, will be included in the AC.

     Andy Argenio (District I) asked if we have a record of SRMs and LOAs and asked to be provided with the list. Tyler noted that they were not uniform. Andy Griffith (District V) asked if AMA could meet the threshold for providing the FAA testing. Tyler thought it was feasible.

     Jim Tiller (District IX) asked about clubs that had to sign LOAs with less-than-desired altitudes. Such clubs are still on the list for SRM panels but it is a slow process. Anyone/entity that is involved in the flight areas (such as Air Line Pilots Association [ALPA] and full-scale pilots) can be represented in SRMs. Tyler noted that having more participants is problematic and stated that some stakeholders seem to oppose UAS in the airspace.

     Eric Williams (District II) asked if there are new facilitators in each meeting or if they are the same faces. Tyler said that there are new people being trained, including new report writers. Experienced people are few. Eric noted that full-scale pilots are respected in SRMs. He has found that having an experienced full-scale pilot to speak for AMA to be beneficial. Tyler also noted that he plans to invite someone from the next club in line to participate in a current SRM to become familiar with the process.

     Andy Argenio (District I) noted that FAA staff who are also AMA members were qualified to speak on behalf of AMA as were as other qualified participants. Jim Tiller (District IX) noted that most full-scale pilots who spoke in SRMs were completely unfamiliar with aeromodeling and lacked perspective. He suggested getting some of them out to model flying fields and familiarizing them with our practices. Tyler stated that it is something that we will stress when we have that option (post-COVID-19 restrictions). There was discussion concerning participants. Rich feels that some stakeholders have an objective to get UAS out of the airspace. Tyler stated that the more SRM panels that occur, the better AMA’s safety record appears and the better it is accepted.

     Lawrence Tougas (District X) asked about participants from other SRM panels that could turn the tables on future panels. Tyler agreed that this was a good idea. Eric Williams (District II) suggested using airline pilots who could validate our safety record and use of the airspace. Chad noted that so far Tyler and his team have successfully mitigated problematic agreements. Testing is moving along and AMA is meeting the requirements. AMA has been approached by other entities concerning testing.

     Rich thanked Tyler and his team for its hard work.

   • b. Safety Documents

     Rich opened up discussion concerning the individual safety documents and suggested changes. Suggested changes were presented in red in the individual documents. Lawrence Tougas (District X) suggested including “educational” to mentions of recreational flight. Discussion ensued about the new wording. The board discussed individual changes with Tyler Dobbs to better define the wording in the AMA Safety Document as well as documents 550, 560, and 540D.

     Motion by Lawrence Tougas (District X), and seconded by Phil Tallman (District XI) to approve the suggested changes to the AMA Safety Document. Motion passed by consensus.

     Motion by Mark Radcliff (District III), and seconded by Gary Himes (District VI), to approve the suggested changes to Document 550. Motion passed by consensus.

     Motion by Lawrence Tougas (District X) and seconded by Mark Radcliff (District III) to approve the suggested changes to Document 560. Motion passed by consensus.

     Motion by Phil Tallman (District XI) and seconded by Mark Radcliff (District III) to approve the 550/560 Definitions document. Motion approved by consensus. While reviewing proposed updates to document 540D, the EC revisited and made additional edits to 550, 560, and the definitions documents.

     Motion by Randy Cameron (EVP) and seconded by Randy Gibson (District VII) to reapprove the additional changes to 550, 560, definitions as well as approve 540D. Motion passed by consensus.

   • c. AMA Foundation K. Walker AMA Foundation Director

     Kelsie Walker updated the EC on activities from the first quarter of 2021. The AMA Foundation has achieved roughly a 6% increase from the previous year. It is 22% of annual fundraising goal. The Foundation has had 505 first-time donors in the first quarter. Kelsie feels that much of this is the result of a mail campaign launched in December 202. She is working with Model Aviation to include a donation request and return envelop in the July issue. The membership renewal documents will include an option for recurring donations. She hopes to send out the “Where Will You Land?” campaign material to a selected group of people in late June/early July. The AMA Foundation has set some quarterly goals and have come close to meeting quarterly goals. An initiative is planned through Model Aviation for the July issue, and well as another one for another one for the election process. Chad recognized the work from Kelsie and Austin Perlee for the strategic fundraising appreciate by the AMA Foundation.

   • d. Regional Education/Event Centers

     L. Tougas Lawrence Tougas (District X) discussed the background of the regional educational/event center/flying site initiative, described the “ideal” venue and location, and presented goals of the committee. Ideally such venues will be within an 8-hour drive of a large number of members and include amenities. He discussed a range of features that could be considered as components for the use of the proposed facilities, including educational and event hosting, amenities, and other values to the facility and the community. He discussed community benefits for sponsoring such facilities and partnering with entities such as the EAA, Civil Air Patrol, senior facilities, and Scouts. Other uses could include club officer training and fun-flys, part of the Nats, or world competitions.

     Lawrence presented a conceptual site that included a number of aeromodeling facilities, shelters, and facilities that would encompass aeromodeling needs. Other considerations include AMA’s 503(c) 3 status and staff support. There are questions revolving upon this and the impact for AMA and local communities. A goal is to seed the facility, but not take on long-term management of such a facility. The committee wants to choose a pilot project then roll it out to other proposed facilities. AMA would be able to develop standards for clubs/venues to apply for consideration.

     Lawrence also mentioned coming up with an exit strategy, a time-sharing agreement in the partnership, CBO protection, the club must agree to include AMA strategy and branding, and the final agreement must be compliant with AMA goals. Lawrence discussed donors, local impact, AMA’s vision, and long-term funding.

     Andy Argenio (District I) asked if there was a way to gauge early club interest in the suggested project.

     Keith Sessions reminded that we needed to have the money in hand before committing to such a project.

     Jim Tiller (District IX) suggested that high schools and colleges might be an ideal place to look for additional funding. There was a discussion about the Triple Tree venue in South Carolina as a facility that already has when AMA wants to develop.

     Andy Argenio mentioned that for many clubs, long-term maintenance is essential. There was much discussion concerning a timeline, the feasibility of the campaign, outline, Foundation involvement, and what could be accomplished before the August EC meeting.

     Motion II: Moved by Lawrence Tougas (District X), seconded by Andy Argenio (District I), to adopt the event/education committee’s concept for an Event and Education Center and to make the Event and Education Center concept the focus of a capital campaign. Motion passed: 11 yes, 1 abstain, 1 absent

     Motion III: Moved by Randy Cameron (EVP), seconded by Phil Tallman (District XI) to task the AMA Foundation to assess and present a funding plan outline such as major milestones and timeline at the August 1, 2021 EC meeting. Motion passed: 12 yes, 1 absent.

9. 9. Old Business

   • a. PADCOM report

     R. Cameron (EVP) discussed sealing projects for sealing and spray-coating for Sites 1 and 3 at the IAC. He presented two bids for the projects. The bids are available on Dropbox. He recommended using the more expensive version. Jay Marsh asked for a comparison between the two proposals. Keith Sessions weighed in on the two methods. Randy noted that usage of the areas (driving on vs. walking on) was a factor. He strongly feels that immediacy is an issue. Eric mentioned that the squeegee method is heavier. Discussion ensued concerning warranty on the jobs and the difference in cost.

     Motion IV: Moved by Randy Cameron (EVP), seconded by Lawrence Tougas (District X) to amend Motion III from October 24, 202, to allow for a spray application seal coat on IAC Sites 1 and 3. Motion passed. 11 yes, 1 absent.

     Randy discussed the AMA property that is currently vacant adjacent to the IAC. The house is old, needs many upgrades and repairs, but has a nice garage. There was discussion about the property and possible options for it, as well as another nearby property that has a current long-term renter. Keith noted that much would have to be spent on the two properties to bring them up to code.

     Randy also discussed a Special Interest Group application for a Drone Soccer group. He noted that it is incomplete but there was interest in the group.

   • New Business a. “Chaplin’s Corner” R. Hanson

     Rich Hanson discussed the “Chaplain’s Corner” and the appointment of Allen Goff as the official AMA Chaplain. The current “Chaplain’s Corner” is actually advertising that is paid for by the Fellowship of Christian Modelers. There have been some complaints about the advertising and staff has been asked to develop new advertising guidelines in the Model Aviation media kit. New wording is “Advertisements that promote or oppose any religion, religious practice, or belief will not be accepted.” Rich wanted to make sure the EC concurred with this addition to the media kit and its direction. The addition to the media kit will be implemented on May 1, 2021.

     b. Surveys R. Hanson

     Rich discussed the history of surveys and asked to revisit the survey policy in place since the early 199s. The current policy is that district surveys, be approved by the EC and administered by AMA Headquarters staff. Rich asked if it is necessary that such a policy be retained. Eric Williams (District III) weighed in that the policy predates a number of technological advancements and that times have changed. Surveys should be appropriate in this day and age and the old policy is no longer necessary. Mark R. referred to his own questions and whether or not it was necessary to have EC approval for surveys and suggested that self-policing was sufficient. Andy agreed that it is the job of VPs to survey their constituents to get information.

     Motion V: Moved by Eric Williams (District II), seconded by Randy Cameron (EVP), to rescind any previous motion or policy prior to 1991 that restricts council members from polling membership within their district. Motion passed: 12 yes, 1 absent

     c. Funding of World Championships R. Hanson

     Rich asked about the funding of World Championships teams. He and Chad have discussed this with Joyce Hager who has a concern that one or more existing teams might not be funded because of recent circumstances. Chad has concerns because of the approaching budget. Mark Radcliff (District III) noted that there is insufficient information. Rich asked that staff further explore the issue and report back in the July 2001 EC meeting.

10. 11. Awards

    (withhold until awards are presented) Motions passed by acclamation.

11. 12. Adjournment

    Meeting adjourned at 4 p.m.

    *Requires EC Vote

Release Date: Tue, 06/01/2021 - 15:06