June 30 2024 Minutes

i. Nominations Committee Report

Andy Argenio (I) shared that the resumes of the candidates were reviewed. Leader Member status was verified to ensure that they met the conditions for office. There were no additional people running for office member positions, so only the incumbents were running. John Fisher (member) removed himself as a DVI candidate; he was no longer part of the running. Randy Cameron (EVP) moved to accept the recommendations of the Nominations Committee in terms of the eligibility of those that are running for office. The basis of the vote turned out with 12 of the votes approved. One vote was from the NAA and the remaining 11 were from EC members. The recommended candidates are below.

• Eric Williams (II)
• Jay Marsh (IV)
• Gary Himes (VI)
• Lawrence Harville (VIII)
• Greg Stone (X)

Motion II: Motion by Randy Cameron (EVP), seconded by Phil Tallman (XI), to accept the Nomination Committee report and selection of candidates for placement on the 2025 election ballot.

Motion passed: 12 yes, no, 1 absent (VII)

i. Updates on redefining the program

The SIG Committee report was tabled, due to the absence of Randy Gibson (VII).

i. Safety Committee Report

Brandon Koch (IX) reported on some things being worked on by the Safety Committee. He stated that AMA members should not use anything that isn’t a manufactured battery, according to the current AMA safety documents. He discussed a guy who was building battery packs using a spot welder and other equipment. Some would view this as a manufactured pack. He stated that language updates may be necessary in AMA safety documents. Rich Hanson (President) questioned if it was part of the turbine-specific rules or the General Rules; Brandon stated that it’s in the General Rules. Eric Williams (II) stated that he thinks that rule was added when Chuck Bower (former XI) streamlined the safety code. Brandon stated that page nine of the safety guidebook reads as follows: “Do not attempt to make your own battery packs from individual cells. Use only professionally packaged and labeled units that contain safer charging features.” Rich questioned if that excerpt was part of another paragraph that discusses LiPo batteries, and Brandon stated that the page from which the excerpt was pulled includes information on Lithium batteries, alongside other safe battery practices. He emphasized that he would like to clean that section up a bit. Gary Himes (VI) questioned why LiPo batteries are different from any other battery. Rich stated that it was probably due to the fires that have occurred during charging; cells were not being monitored individually. Eric was curious as to why we aren’t more specific within that language.

The Safety Committee is looking at allowing metal rotors on certain sizes of helicopters. Metal rotors are already allowed on one size, but the Scale community is looking to get them allowed on a few smaller sizes.

The Safety Committee is going through clarifications on the Large Model Aircraft (LMA) program. There’s some wording in the application limiting inspectors if you’re the buyer, seller, builder, or a previous owner.

The Safety Committee is looking at changing the weight limit of the Large Turbine Model Airplane (LTMA)-2 program to 125 pounds so that it’s consistent with other LMA-2 programs. LTMA-2 program members would still be limited to 140 mph. None of the other regulations or rules would be changed–just the weight limit.

The Safety Committee is working on trying to get a video produced for inspectors so that inspectors who aren’t familiar with the process have a resource. Andy Argenio (I) questioned who would be in charge of producing the video. Brandon Koch (IX) stated that there are already trusted inspectors earmarked for the video.

The Safety Committee is looking at age limits for turbine waiver holders. Randy Cameron (EVP) asked if AMA could allow younger fliers to obtain the permit if they’re accompanied by an older, certified turbine flier, much like children obtaining driving permits. Ilona Maine (staff) is working with Tyler Dobbs (staff) to look into the best choice for age selection. Brandon Koch (IX) stated that the EC should have something to vote on in the October EC meeting.

i. Rental Property Assessment

Randy Adams (III) visited a rental property that PADCOM had previously decided to cease renting to the public. Randy agreed with PADCOM’s decision to demolish the building, perhaps through a controlled burn down by a local fire department. He does not advise putting more money into that property. Furthermore, AMA is a model aviation group—it does not need to be in the rental property business. Eric Williams (II) asked about costs to update the home. Randy stated that we’ve had numbers in the $30,000 range just to repair the roof. Chad Budreau (ED) stated that he talked to a local fire department and they’re willing to burn it down, but they would want to do that in the fall.

Chad Budreau (ED) also discussed another AMA property on Memorial that also needs demolished and hasn’t received tenants in years. Ilona Maine (staff) stated that the house itself would need $40,000-$50,000 worth of repairs, including the roof, windows, and flooring.

The EC has come to consensus on the PADCOM Committee’s recommendation that AMA demolishes both homes this fall, and that the current tenants should be given the option to relocate to a different AMA property at their current rent throughout the end of the year but be charged a market value rent at the beginning of next year.

ii. Pavilions

Randy Adams (III) discussed concerns of MultiGP placing tents on the Site 4 runway. There was some confusion as MultiGP was given permission to put up tents on the runway by a past employee. Randy stated there was no damage, but we should create a standard operating procedure (SOP) for each flying site to include restricting only foot traffic and models on runways. Rich Hanson (President) stated that the Free Flight (FF) community may have a problem with this recommendation. Lawrence Harville (VIII) stated that monitoring the policy will be difficult. Randy Cameron (EVP) stated that AMA can still try to restrict members from using scooters/motor bikes on the runway.

i. Standing Rules Updates

Andy Argenio (I) reported that the Bylaws committee, staff, and consultants proposed changes to the membership categories within the standing rules. These changes reflect recent decisions by the EC and Publications Committee. The highlighted text below represents text that will be added to the Standing Rules, crossed-out areas represent removed text.

• Adult Membership: The category that most US citizens and/or resident adult members qualify for. Adult Membership provides all rights and privileges as authorized by the Academy. These include liability and accident/medical insurance and competitive privileges, AMA publications (must have United States mailing address), and the right to vote in national and district elections.
• Youth Membership: Membership to those who are less than age 19 as of July 1. This includes liability and accident/medical insurance and competition privileges. For competition purposes, Youth will be categorized as Junior (under 15 by July 1) or Senior (those age 15 by July 1 but not age 19). This membership category does not include voting privileges or AMA Publications print magazine subscription. Publications can be purchased separately.
• Park Pilot Member: Membership offers a reduced dues structure, does not have voting rights, and cannot compete in AMA/FAI competition. This membership offers significantly reduced liability insurance and no fire, theft, or accident/medical insurance. Aircraft must not exceed 2 pounds, 60 mph, and may not be powered with an internal combustion engine. AMA’s Park Pilot magazine is included in this membership category.
• Affiliate Member: For nonresidents of the United States. non-US permanent residents. This membership only provides full liability insurance and The only membership benefits provided are competition privileges and general liability insurance benefits while flying in the US. This membership category does not include voting privileges or print magazine subscription.

Motion IV: Motion by Randy Cameron (EVP), seconded by Phil Tallman (XI), to accept the Standing Rule changes regarding membership categories as presented by the Bylaws Committee.

Motion passed: 11 yes, no, 2 absent (VII and NAA)

i. Signing F3A Hotel Contract

Chad Budreau (ED) stated that in 2011 the EC decided that World Championship events are to be conducted and funded by the event organizer with support from AMA. F3A will be conducting a World Championship next August and asked AMA to sign a contract with a local hotel on their behalf. There are concerns that the contract could make AMA liable for fees and expenses. The cancellation clause states:

“CANCELLATION: Cancellation of this agreement will be subject to the following schedule of liquidated damages. Payment for damages is due within 30 days of written notification or cancellation. Cancellation date is the date GROUP notifies HOTEL representative in writing.

Scale: When Cancellation occurs: 120 days to 90 days from arrival–35% of estimated revenue
89 days to 31 days from arrival–50% of estimated revenue
Less than 30 days from arrival–100% of estimated revenue

Cancellation of this agreement, involving relocation of the group to another hotel or venue, constitutes a breach of contract and will result in a termination fee equal to 100% of anticipated revenue, $67,000.00.”

Rich Hanson (President) stated that this puts AMA under financial risk. Randy Cameron (EVP) suggested writing that the SIG should be responsible for paying and fees, not AMA. Marc Guerra (CFO) stated that by signing this contract, AMA sets a precedent. The EC agreed AMA should not sign the contract and it should be signed by the event organizer or SIG.

ii. FAI Awards

Rich Hanson (President) stated that there’s a whole series of FAI awards. The EC received a list of FAI awards and Rich is encouraging the EC to ponder if anyone they know/are aware of is worthy of being nominated for any of those awards.

iii. 2027 F5J Soaring Event Bid

Rich Hanson (President) stated that last December, the EC was asked by members of the League of Silent Flight (LSF) to approve putting in a bid for the 2027 F5J Soaring event. This topic was placed in Base Camp and was voted on. AMA was awarded the bid at the CIAM meeting in April. An issue arose when other groups that were interested in putting in bids for this event became aware after the fact. Rich wanted to bring this up as a caution to submit agendas in advance and to try to limit motions to open session meetings.

i. Process to Handle Extra Funds

AMA has $2,000 in unawarded Take off And Grow (TAG) funds; Chad Budreau’s (ED) recommendation is to honor the January 11, 2016 motion, which stated the following: “Moved by E. Williams (II) and seconded by R. Cameron (VI) that during an individual TAG grant year/cycle, any un-awarded TAG Grant Program Funds will be made available for even redistribution among all AMA Districts with unfulfilled but deserving TAG program applications. In no event shall any TAG grant exceed $1,000 per existing TAG limits.”

Chad Budreau (ED) proposed that the additional $2,000 would apply to 19 clubs. Randy Cameron (EVP) suggested adding $1,000 per district, which would bump up the TAG funds to $33,000 per year. This money could be used by the district VPs as they see fit for filling grants and things of that nature. Brandon Koch (IX) stated that it sounds as though Randy is recommending sunsetting the TAG grant. Andy Argenio (I) agreed with Randy and believes the plan honors the intent of the program. Rich Hanson (President) expressed concerns with rolling TAG funds into district budgets, but suggested unspent funds could be put into district budgets. Eric Williams (II) would recommend rolling over the money to next year’s budget and for districts that need additional money.

Eric Williams (II) questioned why AMA can’t just let the TAG program go throughout the year until the funds are expended for that district. Randy Cameron (EVP) and Greg Stone (X) agreed. Eric also emphasized that not every club needs $1,000. Eric stated that the EC could consider making it a 50/50 program, where the clubs would receive half of the funds before the event and receive the second half once their report is submitted.

Andy Argenio (I) stated that district VPs should be given the opportunity apply for TAG funding. Andy emphasized that the goal of growing membership could be assisted by scaling the size of AMA’s outreach initiatives, including adding district VPs to the TAG grant opportunity. Brandon Koch (IX) emphasized that the TAG grant is a club outreach opportunity. Randy Adams (III) expressed concerns that district VPs could give less money to clubs so districts could keep additional funds for themselves. Rich Hanson (President) also raised concerns. Eric Williams (II) stated that TAG grants are to expose more people to model aviation; what Andy is doing is fulfills that. Eric is in support of Andy’s idea, stating that any concern about nefarious intent with the funding is the reason that AMA has a CFO. Brandon stated that he doesn’t want to touch the TAG grant. Greg Stone (X) stated that AMA should increase the funding and extend the application deadline. Brandon stated that we should separate the additional funds between the 19 clubs and move forward, honoring the previous motion from 2016. The EC agreed.

ii. Affiliate Rates

Chad Budreau (ED) provided a status update to the EC’s decision to increase affiliate rates. AMA HQ has updated websites, enrollment forms, programs/flyers, Standing Rules, and AMS/databases. Staff training has been conducted and members have been communicated with on the matter. These changes become effective July 1, 2024. Andrew Griffith (V) clarified that there are 402 affiliate members and 194 of them have Canadian addresses.

i. Randy Cameron (EVP) nomination for an AMA Fellowship Award.

Motion VIII: Motion by Randy Cameron (EVP), seconded by Greg Stone (X), to award the AMA Fellowship Award to [name withheld].

Motion passed: 10 yes, no, 3 absent (NAA, VII, IX)