April 27 2019 Minutes

Executive Council Meeting

April 27, 2019

Muncie, Indiana

Meeting began at 8 a.m

OFFICIAL.

1. Opening Business

Introductions: In attendance: President Rich Hanson, Scottsdale AZ, Fishers IN; EVP Randy Cameron, MO; CFO Keith Sessions, Burlington KY; Executive Director Chad Budreau; District III Mark Radcliff, St. Marys WV; District IV Jay Marsh, High Point NC; District V Bob Brogdon, Powder Springs GA; representing District VI, Leo Rodriguez, South Bend IN; District VII Tim Jesky, Monroe MI; District IX Jim Tiller, Custer SD; representing District X Jim Mohan, Phoenix AZ; District XI Bryan Wood, Meridian ID; Greg Principato, NAA; Felix Gora, AMA legal counsel.

Via teleconference: District I, Andy Argenio, Smithfield RI; District II, Eric Williams, Schnectady NY; District VIII Lawrence, Harville, TX; District X Lawrence Tougas, Fairfield CA.

Others in attendance: Dean Palermo, AMA Foundation; Dan Bott, AMA Foundation; Paul Bretsen, Harry A. Koch Co.; Scott Anderson, Leader Member Coordinator; and special guest, Ginger Mathewson.

AMA staff in attendance: Tyler Dobbs, Ilona Maine, Rob Kurek, Mandee Mikulski, Tony Stillman, Liz Helms recording secretary.

Additions to the agenda:

• Add to Old Business: Conflict of interest

Additions to Final Flight list:

• Ernest Varilone, District VII

A moment of silence was observed.

2. Consent agenda

Motion to approve the January 26 telephone council meeting with corrections or amendments as submitted. Motion to approve: Tim Jesky (District VII), Randy Cameron (EVP) seconded.

Motion passed by consent.

3. President’s Report (Rich Hanson)

1. Attended a JARUS (Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems) meeting (international body that creates recommendations for international air travel, is recognized as a beneficial body to create UAS regulations). AMA is part of the organization as a group that makes recommendations for recreational UAS. The industry is part of the workgroup of the organization but doesn’t have a vote. Several countries in the group are taking the stance that aeromodeling is only done at specified locations. JARUS is being pushed to make recommendations for where and how to incorporate recreational UAS into airspace. Rich’s impression is that overall the group seemed to be respectful of aeromodeling. He noted that many countries are taking the stance that aeromodeling should only be done within an association or club and at a specific, identified location. There seems to be much contention over UTM (Unmanned Traffic Management system), but no consensus among the JARUS delegates.
2. Rich attended annual FAI/CIAM meeting. There was discussion concerning World Championships and he was to meet with the head of the CIAM commission to discuss financial issues. Rich spoke with Secretary General Susanne Schödel and CIAM Chairman Antonis Papadoupolus concerning AMA’s financial contributions/fees to FAI and ways to reduce costs. Other countries are addressing similar financial concerns with the FAI. Greg Principato discussed what constitutes a Tier One country. Currently, the US is the only Tier One country. A 10% increase in FAI dues was proposed last year and successfully opposed. Greg will be gathering membership numbers from all the groups within NAA. There was discussion about FAI continuing to raise costs and about how the FAI is handling drones.
3. Rich attended an ASTM (standards body that determines how to enact industry regulatory standards) F-38 committee meeting. The topics included how to enact standards for unmanned aircraft. Standards don’t mean much unless they can be regulated. Attendees favored a risk-based, performance-based approach to compliance applicability. Industry, organizational, and individual representation is fairly well balanced. On the subject of standards for flight over people, AMA’s approach to intentional UAS flight over people is to say no. FAA is leaning toward considering the degree of liability. Currently, the rules only address flight over people in a commercial aspect. Rich feels that the Remote ID standard will end up as we proposed without much comment. AMA’s position is that Remote ID can be complied with a ground-based solution such as using a cellphone or being exempt when flying from fixed flying sites versus a broadcast solution. A 250-gram weight requirement is being proposed.
4. Rich also attended a workgroup on UTM. The Remote ID proposal was approved. A Drone Advisory (ASTM) meeting will take place on June 6.
5. Foundation report: Dan Bott stated that additional Foundation Board of Directors board members had been appointed. The foundation has hired a grant writer, Kelsie Walker, to handle responding to corporations and other financial benefactors. Need to better develop a planned giving program. In the last year, planned giving has increased. The foundation is looking to attract and guide members toward planned giving. That is the area where large organizations receive much of their funding. There is a need to start the conversation and open doors. Networking is key. Dan discussed expanding the board and has added two AVPs who are committed AMA members: Tom Rushlow (CT) and Bill Barbee (GA) are both committed fundraisers and businessmen. Paul Frankum needed to drop off the board. He suggested adding Bill Barnum.

Motion I: Motion by Tim Jesky (District VII), seconded by Jim Tiller (District IX), that the EC endorse the appointed new AMA Foundation board members.

Motion passed unanimously.

Foundation Board member Dean Palermo introduced to speak of naming rights issues. A handout included possible donors and items that could be named. It included a 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year naming rights categories. He presented a conservative estimate with a low price range. Low cost and most bang for the buck for AMA. Cost analysis for existing items or items to be built (e.g.: benches) and 1-, 2-, and 5-year naming rights. Rich mentioned that the naming rights issue has been active for approximately 2 years. A donation was offered in exchange for naming rights to the proposed indoor flying site. The Foundation was asked to come up with a plan for naming rights. Dean discussed the tiered approach. Eric Williams thanked Dean for his work. He asked if the group had considered long-term responsibility (such as when the bench deteriorates, whose responsibility is the repair?). Dean said there would be a legal agreement/contract with the contributor/purchaser that would cover such contingencies. Dan discussed 7.2% returns and in perpetuity agreements would pay for themselves in time. A 5-year agreement would not have the same long-term growth. Money is earmarked for the endowment. Mandee Mikulski will be the contact person at AMA Headquarters.

Motion II: Motion by Randy Cameron (EVP), seconded by Bryan Wood (District XI), to adopt and implement the AMA Foundation naming rights plan as presented.

Motion passed unanimously.

Mandee Mikulski discussed the “Your Passion, Your Foundation” campaign. AMA’s IS department is now able to provide fundraising reports to track giving. She is working hard to pursue targeted giving. The AMA Foundation will have an airplane ride raffle (rather than sweepstakes as in previous years) at AMA West and is bringing back the fly-a-thon that was held last year on Giving Tuesday. She is reaching out to pilots to participate. Last year, the endeavor raised $19,000. She asked meeting attendees to participate this year. It will be in conjunction with National Model Aviation Day (8/17). She currently has 65 clubs signed up to participate, supporting the AMA Foundation as well as local charities. Randy Cameron asked about having fun-fly events in other locations instead of only at AMA Headquarters. Dan Bott reminded the group that the resources available in Muncie made holding the event at AMA Headquarters less expensive. Any club can host a fun-fly, but that club/organization would have to provide the facility, workers, and resources. It would be too expensive for AMA to try to provide such services remotely. AMA can promote/market it, but it would be cost-prohibitive to pay for the facility, resources, and staff to hold such an event.

4. Executive Vice President’s Report (Randy Cameron)

Randy attended the KCRC swap meet event and handed out AMA Alphas. Attended AMA Expo East and staffed the AMA booth. Randy attended Toledo Show: R/C Model Expo and felt that attendance was down.

5. Chief Financial Officer’s Report (Keith Sessions)

Keith noted that the first quarter of 2019 was a fairly good quarter. Dues-paying member numbers were up compared with the previous two years. Expenses were down and he credited Chad Budreau with decreasing AMA spending. Non-dues revenue was up. Economically, the December market was very bad, but January was the best January in a number of years. He cautioned that he doesn’t expect the market to continue on its current high. He cautioned that although things are looking good, not to plan on it continuing at the current rate. The budget process is not a linear prospect. Keith also reminded EC members to turn in their district inventory sheets.

6. Executive Director’s Report (Chad Budreau)

1. Government Relations: Chad and Tyler Dobbs were in Washington, D.C., earlier this week. Tyler led a round-table discussion with a number of people including seven or eight FAA representatives. The group discussed the prospective testing requirements. Tyler said that people need to be driven to a community-based organization (CBO). AMA pushed against FAA’s proposed 1-hour knowledge and safety test. Any test that is implemented needs to be basic. We need to bring people into the hobby, not discourage them. Next Drone Advisory Committee (DAC) meeting is June 6. Andy Argenio asked if there was any way to exempt members of a CBO or those flying at a fixed flying site.
2. Topics in testing could include weather, safety, flying in traffic, seeking airspace authorization, and the use of spotters. The FAA invited AMA and Fresh Air educators are participating in the development of the test. The FAA has final authority on what will be on the test. AMA will continue to try to influence the FAA.
3. There will be an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking or guidance on 349 soon. The Remote ID requirement has been pushed back, but that too is forthcoming. There are 11 or so LAANC service providers. AMA has been working with some of them. Andy asked about those who don’t have smartphones or computer access. Chad reminded that as things are now, those flying at fixed flying sites will not need to comply.
4. Tyler is being told that AMA flying sites will receive blanket authorizations. AMA plans videos and other educational material to educate members and ensure that clubs get the training and protection they need.
5. Jay Marsh asked about welcoming new members/visitors and if they were covered to fly. AMA and AUVSI are still working with Know Before You Fly. Bryan asked about sharing AMA information on District Facebook pages.
6. The Government Relations department has hired Hannah Giese and also recognized Angie Martin for her hard work.
7. Bob Brogdon commented that he was encouraged with the progress shown by the government relations team, but it caused him to question whether the AMA was sending the same message to our members as we are sending to the FAA. We continue to send the old familiar message that model aviation has introduced no new risk to the airspace and therefore should not be subject to new regulations. This is the wrong message; we have changed and we are involved in the problem, and we need to be an active participant in the solution to the problem. The FAA can’t ignore model aviation and the FAA must include us in plans. We can’t continue to demonstrate a resistance to change attitude.
8. We might not be responsible for the problem but we are in the middle of the problem, so AMA needs to make the solution as palatable to its members as possible. Technology has changed, things are different, and we need to be telling our members that we are going to change with the times and work with proposed regulations—send the message that we are a part of the solution and emphasize our safety programming.
9. Bob also commented that we could better our position with the FAA and members of Congress if we would promote a concept that AMA members fly only at established AMA flying sites. There is work to be done in this area.
10. Discussion ensued and it was generally agreed that the message needs to better mirror our community and its goals—branding awareness. Chad proposed having another Hill Day, effectively introducing AMA’s EC members to various officials and learning about others’ views and sharing AMA’s message and vision. It is an opportunity to go out and share AMA’s message. Jim Tiller and Randy Cameron felt the first Hill Day gathering was extremely beneficial from the legislative side as well as the chance to learn about our lobbyists. Rich asked if the board was in favor of such a meeting in (potentially) June. There was a consensus to go forward with the plan.

b. AMS/website updates: Roughly 95% of Phase One is complete. The new CD/EM testing portal is complete. Council credentials are being updated so EC members can do member and club lookups. The information is read-only. It is still being refined so it will be mobile compatible. The more search criteria you fill in, the more it narrows the search parameters, so people were reminded that the less information they searched for, the more likely they were to get results. Jay Marsh discussed security and encryption for the membership database. Mark Radcliff asked about being able to contact members in his district. Chad noted that there is a need for this information, but it is currently unavailable because of security concerns. Discussion ensued on the AMA website, how it should look, and what should be highlighted. Chad noted that there were two interfaces: one for members and one to attract new members. Jim Tiller reminded that although it has come a long way, it still has room for improvement. Chad and Jay Marsh assured the board that they were still working on solutions.

c. Partnership program: Chad spoke of sending emails to new members that would speak to what AMA has to offer them. The emails will educate new members about AMA.

d. Leadership development: He discussed an AMA-EAA partnership and a partnership with Horizon Hobby and NAR. He announced an “onboarding” campaign, working on membership retention with email messages telling new members what their membership benefits are. Chad spoke of AMA representatives visiting clubs. AMA will choose a “beta” test club in Indiana and instruct its members how to best market itself, attract and retain members, learn about AMA, and be able to answer questions. Then we’ll move forward to regional clubs with something similar, with the goal of going national with the program by next year. We will need to lean on clubs, VPs, AVPs, and Leader Members to make this work.

e. Membership report: Historically, we lose members in the first quarter. Not this year. Chad stated that he was cautiously optimistic about increasing membership. AMA is being more aggressive in renewal messaging. Rich praised the efficiency and effectiveness of Chad and the government relations team.

f. TFRs: Mentioned concerns with TFRs and how AMA is trying to provide protection for those clubs that are affected by them. He spoke optimistically of solutions for these problems. “Stay tuned.”

7. NAA (Greg Principato)

NAA has its Memorable Records Day coming up at the Lockheed-Martin facility. An NAA aeromodeling award is to be presented to John McNeill for RC electric motor helicopters. The Collier Trophy was recently awarded. Nominations for awards are always open. On July 9, the NAA will hold a luncheon meeting of all the air sport organizations in Chicago. Rich asked how the NAA luncheon speakers were chosen.

The sporting license system is now fully in place and is going well. Sixty-six aeromodeling sporting licenses have been processed so far this year. Greg recently finished a book by prominent historian Douglas Brinkley called American Moonshot (John F. Kennedy and the Great Space Race) in which the author discussed Neil Armstrong and Alan Shepherd who were both aeromodelers. He also presented Chad with some AMA memorabilia found in an NAA storage locker.

Rich Hanson presented and welcomed Ginger Mathewson, wife of former AMA Executive Director Dave Mathewson, to the meeting.

8. Committee Reports.

a. Education (Jim Tiller, District IX)

Jim introduced the list of 2019 scholarship winners (in packets). He thanked the Toledo Weak Signals R/C Club for its generous contribution.

Motion III: Motion made by Mark Radcliff (District III), seconded by Bryan Wood (District XI), to accept the 2019 Scholarship Committee report and awards as presented.

Motion passed unanimously.

Jim thanked the Scholarship Committee for its work. Going forward, he shared future plans that include reorganizing and refocusing the Education department, reemphasizing youth involvement, and transitioning youth members into full members, and engaging youth members. Jim then discussed a proposed Mini-Apprentice Build Challenge and various challenges utilizing the Mini-Apprentice this fall through next spring. He asked for input from the board. Rich Hanson noted the need for youth involvement in both the manned and unmanned aircraft industry. This project might provide a way to include more industry involvement/sponsorship with industries and groups such as Amazon, Google, and Flite Test. Tony Stillman mentioned a possible need for Part 107 certification in this project—was it research or commercial? Is it being used to educate?

b. Safety (Mark Radcliff, District III)

• Mark referred to a letter from Brandon Koch.
• He presented LMA-3 (Large Model Aircraft) document for aircraft weighing 125 pounds or more.
• The Jet Pilot Organization (JPO) is reviewing the Turbine Waiver process. It has expressed concerns that the verification process is not being followed properly and wants to help clarify it.
• LMA inspection process is planning to produce a video to teach prospective inspectors how to inspect a large model aircraft. He asked for volunteers to help create the video.
• He presented new documents for CDs and EMs instructing them how to verify those who possess Turbine or LMA documentation. Discussion included letting modelers know to expect this verification. He also discussed LMA qualifications and extremely large-scale models that are being built.
• Several names were suggested as people who could bring their expertise to the LMA program.

c. Marketing (Eric Williams, District II)

1. Eric shared a slide presentation that addressed the following strategies to increase and retain members:
• Youth Engagement: transition rate from youth to adult is exceptionally small. The desire is to create a relationship from youth through adulthood.
• Create age-related newsletters (suggested at least three to targeted ages)
• Transmit age-related informational emails
• Deliver age-related learning programs
• Follow through with invitational emails until the age of 25
2. Social Media:
• Continue successful social media placements, currently it is working well, maintain placements where we see success
• Explore all social media outlets
• Measure responses demographically
• Create refined placements for greater efficacy

Chad mentioned how AMA was measuring the demographics of members. Ashley Rauen is the official AMA Social Media person. Currently experiencing a great return on investment.

3. Club Connection Strategy:
• Reinvigorate clubs as publicly outreaching groups as AMA ambassadors. Clubs need to be involved with their communities.
• Provide club leadership toolsets (text and video) – how to develop relationships and become involved.
• Deliver club-building material (text and video), if we can build clubs, AMA membership will follow.
• Conduct regional leadership conferences, goes hand in hand in strengthening club relationships.
4. Industry Partnerships Strategy: Capitalize on industry resources to build mutually beneficial programs and relationships.
5. Affiliate Partnerships Strategy: Establish mutually beneficial relationships with special interest organizations (not traditional SIGs). Jay Marsh mentioned that the National Association of Rocketry is very interested in partnering with AMA to expand mutual interests. Rich cautioned that he feels that the FAA is only interested in working with one umbrella CBO at least in terms of safety, insurance, and advocacy.

d. Leader Members/Leader Clubs (Jay Marsh, District IV/Scott Anderson)

Jay Marsh introduced Scott Anderson, Leader Club coordinator. In October 2018, all club officers were contacted via email with program information and suggested that clubs give Leader Members an opportunity to share information at club meetings. The new web Leader Member application form is working well. Leader Member Minute newsletter is a great tool for conveying information. Scott asked that VPs share information and hot topics with him so he can share it with Leader Members.

He noted that some Leader Members have opted to “turn off” their emails. It will be mandatory that they have fully functional, active email addresses. He plans to set expectations for active Leader Members. Leader Club checklist will include having a Leader Member(s) in the club. District VPs need to better utilize Leader Members. There was discussion about how valuable Leader Members are for communication.

Discussion ensued about qualifications of Leader Members, especially concerning signing off on waivers. Rich suggested a uniform way of allowing AMA Leader Members to become inactive, and still retain a legacy title such as “Leader Member Emeritus.”

Lunch

Chad shared a short video about Neil Armstrong during lunch. In the June issue of Model Aviation, Rob shared that a feature about Neil Armstrong and his aeromodeling background would be included.

e. Flying Site Grant Report (Randy Cameron, EVP and Tony Stillman)

Tony Stillman and Randy Cameron presented a report detailing clubs that were approved by the Flying Site Assistance Grant committee and received additional funding for club flying site grants projects from the AMA Foundation. All of the qualifying requests received grants.

Motion IV: Motion by Leo Rodriguez (representing District VI), seconded by Tim Jesky (District VII), to accept the Flying Site Assistance Committee report detailing the approved amount to be provided to the individual clubs listed.

Motion passed unanimously.

Rich Hanson noted how much work it is to go through all of the applications and thanked all who were involved for their work.

Executive Session

f. Grievance (discussed in Executive session)

Motion V: Motion by Randy Cameron (EVP), seconded by Jay Marsh (District IV), to accept the grievance committee’s recommendation to place the unnamed AMA member on probation for 90 days, effective April 30, 2019.

Motion passed unanimously.

h. FAI Committee (Rich Hanson/Tim Jesky, District VII, Greg Principato)

Tim attended the CIAM meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland. FAI is starting the Drone Masters Series. It is a pathway for individuals to earn a spot in world championship competitions. The first two events will be August 10-11 in Hamburg, New York, and one in Korea, November 4-6.

There was a discussion of the cost to AMA of NAA and FAI membership. Given reductions in AMA membership and methods of counting those who do not pay for AMA membership, the US would go from a Tier 1 to a Tier 2 country in 202. Greg will inform FAI of this during his meetings in Lausanne in May. This would reduce the dues by a substantial amount. There were discussions of other ways of organizing aeromodeling within the NAA and FAI structure. There was also discussion of the whole FAI program and the benefit that AMA may, or may not, feel it is getting. This subject will continue to be discussed and examined going forward.

Chad wants to save as much money as possible but noted that a CBO is required to “manage all aspects” of the hobby/sport. He supports an approach that doesn’t remove AMA from CBO status. Rich cautioned that there could be unplanned consequences to stepping down from the world stage. Rich stated that FAI is the pinnacle of competition and AMA is still heavily involved in competition. There is a benefit to sitting on the world stage representing aeromodelling in the US. Tim noted that those who participate in competition are generally SIG members and are vocal.

Tim noted that there was a push from the “drone commission” issuing “drone permissions” that bypass the individual national aeromodeling commissions. Rich noted that some of these drone fliers compete as individuals rather than a part of a team representing a country. They can enter an event and compete without being a part of a country’s aeromodeling organization. This was initially intended for countries whose aeromodeling commissions didn’t recognize drone fliers. Drone fliers could still compete on the world stage by paying their entry fees themselves. AMA is pushing back at this concept.

There was a lengthy discussion about the FAI Sporting Licenses, drone commissions, and FAI fees.

Rich shared a film of an event called Drone Soccer that was introduced at the FAI/CIAM meeting. It is a provisional event introduced by the FAI. The game/sport can be done indoors or outdoors. It is currently being played in Korea, Malaysia, Japan, and Britain. Andy Argenio noted that a version of drone basketball was being played at AMA West. There was much interest by the board members, and Chad and Rich will look at the possibility of introducing it to AMA members.

9. Old Business

a. Conflict of interest

Every year, board members need to sign conflict of interest papers that Rich passed out. The Whistleblower and Code of Conduct policies need to be reviewed by EC members.

10. New Business

a. Edit to Contest Board Procedures (Tony Stillman)

Tony has revised/edited/updated the Contest Board procedures. The document is in Dropbox with changes noted. There are no substantial changes, just procedural.

Motion VI: Motion by Mark Radcliff (District III), seconded by Tim Jesky (District VII), to accept the changes to the Contest Board procedures manual as presented by Tony Stillman.

Motion passed unanimously.

b. Intro Pilot Program

Eric Williams (District III) and Chad Budreau discussed a cross-promotional prospect. They asked for the latitude for the Marketing Committee to further explore expanding/modifying the existing Introductory Pilot program.

Motion VII: Motion by Randy Cameron (EVP), seconded by Bryan Wood (District XI), to expand the Introductory Pilot Program to modify it from 60 to 90 days and add participants into AMA’s communication and onboarding stream.

Motion passed unanimously.

Motion VIII: Motion by Bryan Wood (District XI), seconded by Randy Cameron (EVP), to accept Eric Williams’ proposal to give the latitude for the Marketing Committee with Executive Director’s concurrence to waive the Three-Month Trial Program fee for programs.

Motion passed unanimously.

11. Awards:

• Jim (Lifetime Achievement) and Linda Rice (Fellowship).
• EVP: Doug Bailey Superior Service, Dave Neuman District Service, Jason Justice District Service, Bob Attler District Service, Basil Cooper League of Honor Award.
• District X: Award of Excellence to Casa Grande club
• From District V: Award of Excellence to Coffee Airfoilers
• District XI: Chuck Bower District Service
• District III: Valley Forge Signal Seekers Award of Excellence

Note: All above names to be removed from the minutes when they’re published or put online.

All awards passed by acclamation.

Meeting adjourned at 4:54 p.m.

Available EC members are to meet for a brainstorming session at 8:30 Sunday, April 28, 2019.

• Requires EC vote.

Release Date

Thu, 05/30/2019 - 16:22