10/15/2022 EC Minutes
Executive Council Meeting
October 15, 2022
Muncie, Indiana / Teleconference
The meeting began at 8 a.m.
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 (remote); District III, Mark Radcliff, St. Marys WV; District V, Andrew Griffith, Jacksonville FL; District VI, Gary Himes, Kansas City MO; District VII, Randy Gibson, Lansing MI; District VIII Lawrence Harville, Hurst TX (remote); District IX, Jim Tiller, Custer SD; District X, Greg Stone, Yorba Linda CA; District XI, Phil Tallman, Medical Lake WA; Greg Principato, NAA (remote).
Others in attendance: Felix Gora, AMA legal counsel; Randy Batchelor, Eric Bachmann, AMA Information Systems; Tyler Dobbs, AMA Government Relations; Ilona Maine, Clubs Director; Rick Crow, Garrison MT, District XI AVP; Randy Adams, Fairfield OH, District III AVP; Paul Bretson, insurance representative; Rob Kurek, Communications Director; Tony Stillman, Safety and Technical Director; Vicki Barkdull, AMA Controller (remote); John and Lisa Zoldak, Ravenna OH, District III AVPs (remote); Kyle Jaracz, Education Director; Angie Martin, Membership Director; and Liz Helms, recording secretary.
Additions to Final Flight list: Danny Williamson and Robert Eickey. A moment of silence was observed.
Consent agenda:
Motion to approve consent agenda: Gary Himes (VI), Randy Cameron (EVP), and Andrew Griffith (V).
- a. approval of June 26 minutes
- b. approval of July 21 minutes
Approved by acclamation.
President’s Report
Rich Hanson (President) presented a handmade quilt of a freedom fighter purchased in support of the Triple Tree Foundation[SH1] . He donated the quilt to the AMA Foundation.
Rich attended a number of FAI virtual meetings as well as government meetings.
There was discussion about the date of the summer EC meeting. Because the audit will not be ready by June, the council determined not to host an EC meeting during the National Fun Fly. Moving the date for later in the summer meeting is challenging because a number of EC plan to compete in the Nats. Dates and conflicts for all dates were discussed.
- Motion I: Motion by Randy Cameron (EVP), seconded by Phil Tallman (XI), to accept January 21, 2023 (virtual), April 29, 2023 (hybrid), July 29, 2023 (in-person), October 21, 2023 (hybrid), for the 2023 Executive Council meetings.
Motion passed: 12 yes (I, II, III, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, EVP, NAA); 1 absent (IV).
- Motion II: Motion by Gary Himes (VI), seconded by Mark Radcliff (III), to accept June 23 to 25, 2023 as the dates for the National Fun Fly.
Motion passed: 12 yes (I, II, III, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, EVP, NAA); 1 absent (IV).
- Motion III: Motion by Mark Radcliff (III), seconded by Greg Stone (X), to accept June 24, 2023, as the AMA annual AMA Membership Meeting.
Motion passed: 12 yes (I, II, III, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, EVP, NAA); 1 absent (IV).
Executive Vice President’s Report
Randy Cameron (EVP) attended a number of events and virtual meetings. He held an AMA Committee Chairmen meeting on September 12. All committee chairs were invited and he wants to continue holding meetings with committee chairs.
Tony Stillman (staff) spoke about the 2023 IAC and Nats schedule. He held well attended meetings with SIGs to discuss scheduling. An effort was made to coordinate all events and accommodations. The schedule includes helicopter FAI World Championships immediately following the helicopter Nats and IRCHA Jamboree for a larger draw, essentially a 20-day helicopter event. Chad Budreau (ED) wants to get the dates out earlier and to open registration earlier than waiting until March, which was when information would normally be released.
- Motion IV: Motion by Mark Radcliff (III), seconded by Gary Himes (VI), to accept the Nats and World Championships Schedule at the IAC as presented.
Motion passed: 12 yes (I, II, III, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, EVP, NAA); 1 absent (IV).
Tony continued to discuss the 100th anniversary of the Nats. He is involving other AMA departments. The planning meeting discussed some nostalgic events for each discipline and asked the SIGs to focus on adding such events—bringing back airplanes from the past and communicating this to our members. He noted that it would be a lot of work for staff. He promised to keep the EC involved and aware. Rich Hanson (President) asked that if anyone on the EC wanted to be more involved, to let Tony know. Tony expects that various logos and trophies will reflect the nostalgia theme. The Mulvihill trophy should be an inspiration. National Free Flight Society (NFFS) is throwing its own 100th celebration and will include the Mulvihill family.
Rich discussed the history of the Nats noting that the first comprehensive Nats was in 1923 by the Illinois Model Aero Club. He explained that some of the discrepancy in years/anniversary dates was because in some years, the Nats was not held, specifically during World War II.
Rob Kurek (staff) shared a pulse survey he conducted concerning the Nats. All AMA members had an opportunity to respond (through direct email and later through AMA This Week.) Rob also suggested looking at the 75th anniversary celebration in 2001 and build on that event. Eric Williams (II) provided some recommendations on future survey work. Rich spoke of getting sponsorships for the event and asked for suggestions.
Chief Financial Officer’s Report
2022 Budget
Keith Session (CFO) thanked Chad Budreau (ED) and Vicki Barkdull (staff) for their work on the budget. He stated that the country is technically in a recession. He foresees inflation coming down but it will take a while. Because AMA is a discretionary cost, Keith anticipates membership may be down next year. He added that costs would continue to increase. Keith noted that the dues increase will likely take a cycle or two to work its way out.
Income will be flat next year and is reflected in the projected budget. The budget also includes increases in non-dues revenue. Mark Radcliff (III) asked questions about various line items and noted that the district budgets were increased.
Keith discussed depreciation and much needed repairs. He noted that the roof of the administration building badly needs repaired and computers will need to be replaced. He thanked staff for setting aside money and not treating unrealized gains as income. There was a discussion about types of roofing and the best approach, including HVAC and other repairs.
Keith also noted that part of the depreciation includes updates to software and equipment.
- Motion V: Motion by Randy Cameron (EVP), seconded by Greg Stone (X), to accept the 2023 budget to include the Operating Budget, Capital Budget, and the revised Five-Year Depreciation Plan.
Motion passed: 12 yes (I, II, III, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, EVP, NAA); 1 absent (IV).
Executive Director’s Report
Chad Budreau (ED) introduced Tyler Dobbs (staff). Staff are frequently in meetings with the FAA concerning Remote ID, Advisory Circulars, altitudes, and FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs).
There was much discussion concerning FRIA status and Remote ID modules. Once AMA is officially recognized as a CBO, AMA can begin working with all clubs to apply for FRIA status. Chad is forecasting approximately 3,000 additional hours of staff time, above regular day-to-day operations, will be needed to obtain FRIA status for our clubs. Tyler and Chad asked that the EC be available to assist clubs. Phil Tallman (XI) asked for a spreadsheet with district clubs. Should a club in a sensitive area not receive FRIA status, the club can continue to operate, but members would need to comply with other forms of Remote ID such as purchasing a module. Andy Argenio (I) spoke about the technology behind the modules. The serial number of the module will be tied to the operator in the FAA database, so the module can be moved from aircraft to aircraft.
Tyler is currently working with the FAA on the 400-foot threshold in Class G airspace. The national midterm elections will have a bearing on what happens next. Tyler stated that Congress is considering adding a new department within the FAA dealing with UAS integration.
Privacy and security will also be addressed in the FAA Reauthorization ruling: cameras, internet connectivity, and flying beyond visual line of sight. Tyler thinks that this will likely impact commercial operations more than recreational. Randy Adams (III AVP) spoke about conducting an The Dawn Patrol Rendezvous model aviation event at Wright-Patterson AFB which is in Class D airspace. He provided documentation covering AMA’s stance on safety and procedural issues. The local FAA agents were very cooperative and supportive of AMA. Andy A. also had a similar experience.
Chad provided a report on membership. While AMA has experienced recent growth, 2022 is forecasted to be generally flat. He echoed Keith Session’s (CFO) earlier comments about inflation and AMA being a discretionary expense. Chad spoke of various programs including the Life Membership drive and a direct mail campaign to keep membership levels up.
Chad addressed the various items on the Program of Work (POW) and their current statuses. While most efforts are on pace for completion, some initiatives had to be tabled to accommodate unanticipated new projects such as the membership rate increase and sunsetting Park Pilot magazine.
He noted AMA’s participation with Hazel Sig’s recognition, AirVenture, the NRPA convention, and improvements in communication. He also noted that October is AMA’s Build Month to showcase and grow that discipline of the hobby. He showed slides of the hard work of the maintenance staff, the new grass at Site 4, and the repair of the front sign. Chad also expressed appreciation to those who attended the round-table discussions (100th Nats Anniversary, Website and IT, and Clubs and Flying Site) between staff and council.
NAA Report
NAA is awarding Hazel Sig the McDonald Distinguished Stateswoman Award. Greg Principato (NAA) noted that the evaluation committee is comprised of former FAA administrators, previous recipients, and prominent aviators. The NAA Wright Awards Dinner is in December. NAA is transitioning away from award dinners and will be presenting many of these awards at various venues, perhaps closer to the recipient, instead of the Washington, D.C. area.
Greg noted that AMA always has a seat on the board of NAA and on the Executive Board of NAA.
The FAI general conference will be virtually held November 2022. They will elect a new executive board and discuss a dues increase. 2023’s FAI general conference will be held in Dayton, Ohio and he encouraged AMA to attend. Greg discussed a proposed electric air race from Omaha, Nebraska, to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, and the winner will be awarded the Pulitzer Trophy, an award given in the 192’s to air racer winners. He is looking for support and sponsorships and hopes to incorporate STEM and aeromodeling into the event.
Greg mentioned the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiative and offered to help the chairman Randy Gibson (VII) however he could.
Committee Reports
Education (J. Tiller)
Eric Williams (II) and Jim Tiller (IX) are chairing a Youth Engagement committee. Jim would like to propose a Youth Board and have one youth member per district. The youth board could decide its makeup and would be tasked with sharing what they could do for AMA. He feels it would be a valuable resource for efforts such as redesigning AMA Flight School. Jim suggested youth candidates be between ages 13 and 18, well spoken, be willing contribute, and possess leadership abilities. Leadership is more important than flying ability. Eric suggested having a pool of ideal candidates. He suggested that the various VPs ask clubs to suggest suitable candidates. Rather than turning off potential candidates by not selecting them, the 12 selected members would then have a “pool” of suitable candidates to rely upon for additional input/help. Andy Argenio (I) suggested that it could be a microcosm of the EC. The response from the EC was positive and a number of great features were noted. Greg Principato (NAA) noted that the idea is a good way to get youth involved. Eric noted that AMA cannot truly make decisions concerning youth engagement, programs, and membership without input from youth members. The proposed program will enable the EC to better gauge the wants and needs of younger members.
MOTION VI: Motion by Jim Tiller (District IX) seconded by Andy Argenio (District I) to create an AMA youth board. The AMA youth board consists of 12 youth members who should meet electronically and create a presentation to the council. The AMA youth board will be comprised of one member per district, selected by the District VPs based on merit, and one at-large member selected by the President. The Executive Vice President and a representative from the AMA Education department will be the organizers/moderators of these meetings.
Motion passed: 12 yes (I, II, III, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, EVP, NAA); 1 absent (IV).
Kyle Jaracz (staff) discussed the AMA Flight School redesign. He discussed a set of goals for the website to include being better tailored to the audience. Camp AMA was primarily focused on RC, but in the last couple of years it has focused on exposing participants to other forms of aeromodeling. He also discussed the Heavy-Lift Challenge and how the program had been beta-tested. Its mission is to deliver a payload of water using an AeroScout. The cost to students is minimal.
UAS4STEM challenge will be sponsored again by Skydio. Skydio has provided financial support as well as judging, staff, and other associated assistance. Kyle is trying to expand the program with both beginner and advanced competitions. It is a diverse program and open to international participation. He spoke of the success of the UAS4STEM program at last summer’s EAA AirVenture and what a great opportunity it is for educators and mentors. It may be sponsored in part by a potential FAA grant that is hoped to be announced in December.
Soon AMA will be offering “drone in a box” to schools across the country. The program includes safety components, building, and challenges that can be accomplished in an educational setting. Funding allows AMA to purchase and distribute 2,500 of these kits. The program is geared toward middle school and high school students thanks to funding by Know Before You Fly.
Jim Tiller noted that he has been on the committee for a number of years and feels AMA’s education programs are on the cusp of a huge success in new areas. He stated that going forward it will take more staff and budget to continue the success.
Lunch/Executive Session
PADCOM
Site 4 is coming along well. We still haven’t received quotes for the proposed pavilion at Site 4. Chad Budreau (ED) notes that AMA has committed to use depreciation funding to conduct significant repairs the runways in 2025.
Publications
The final issue of print Park Pilot magazine will be October 2023. This coincides with the date of the contract renewal for the printer. Any reference to the magazine will begin to be removed and current content will be incorporated into print and digital versions of Model Aviation. Rich Hanson (President) noted that although we are sunsetting the Park Pilot magazine, we are not sunsetting the Park Pilot program.
Marketing
Priority issues include the club recognition program, Park Pilot Program, and the 100th Anniversary of the Nats.
The Park Pilot Program is still making money and it is still plugging along. There are still clubs that primarily serve the Park Pilot community. Competitions are not involved in the program and the committee is still hoping to come up with a better direction for the program. There was discussion about morphing the Park Pilot Program into a newcomer’s program. Eric Williams (II) noted that we don’t want to take away from an existing program such as Flight School. Andy Argenio (I) noted the 2-pound limit and mentioned changing it. Eric stated that the question would become, “What value does membership then provide?” The issue requires further discussion.
Eric discussed the Nats 100th Anniversary and suggested that it should be an overall focus for 2023 and carried on virtually every communication outlet. He wants EC members to look for former Nats winners within their districts to recognize them maybe during the events. He wants news and information about it on all communication channels including the officer columns. EC can find this information in old issues of Model Aviation, at the museum, or in old issues of NatsNews.
He discussed non-dues revenue, including the AMA Museum store. There are numerous opportunities for such, but additional staff would be needed.
Eric then presented the AMA Club Recognition Program. He wants to implement recommendations for club Historical Recognition as previously proposed by Jay Marsh (III); coalesce disconnected club recognition programs within one program and on the AMA website; and suggest minor changes to existing programs.
Eric reminded the EC of the many awards and programs afforded to clubs such as the Award of Excellence, Award of Merit, Award of Recognition, and Legion of Honor. Clubs can currently earn Gold, Silver, and Bronze Leadership status. We should better promote club-related programs offered by the National Model Aviation Museum. Eric suggested renaming club grants and awards for club recognition to the AMA Club Promotion Project.
The committee would like to acknowledge clubs for the exact number of years it has been chartered as a way of reestablishing that connection with the club and AMA. The database is generally correct for the past 20 years, but beyond that there is no reliable data because of technological changes.
Eric then discussed Jay’s recommendation of recognizing tenured clubs. Eric proposed a program called the AMA Historical Recognition Awards. Clubs will submit applications for recognition of 25, 50, 75, or 100 (suggested names include Legacy [25 years], Historical [50 years], Heritage [75 years], or Centennial [100 years]) years to their District VP’s for review. Applications will be done online. Ilona asked about “dropped” years and that will need to be considered and determined by the VP. There was consensus that the vetting and approval process is up to the district VP.
There was discussion whether awards should be downloadable, mailed, or purchased. There was concern that since many clubs do not have a clubhouse, physical certificates would be lost. The EC felt it was best to eliminate the mailed version and instead provide clubs with a digital certificate. A suggestion was made to offer a customizable plaque/trophy that could be paid for by the club at the club’s request. Mark Radcliff (III) suggested that the downloadable certificate be non-customizable, but clubs can purchase customized physical awards. Ilona noted that IT and Marketing need to be brought into the discussion for the individual awards. Beta testing was preferred for automated notification probably using the top two tiers. There was discussion about logistics and properly storing this information in the database. Eric stated that there is much history that AMA doesn’t want to lose. Eric also suggested a published list of all clubs.
Motion VII: Motion by Mark Radcliff (III) seconded by Andy Argenio (I) to accept the revised AMA Club Recognition Program presented by the Marketing Committee and for the Executive Director to develop and execute an implementation plan.
Motion passed: 11 yes (I, II, III, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, EVP); 1 absent (IV, NAA).
FAI Executive Committee
(Rich Hanson) The EC created a “Blue Book” of rules for FAI events and team selections. The book was last updated in 2012 for the 2014 team selection cycle. The AMA President is the chair and recently Tim Jesky has served as co-chair. Rich Hanson (President) noted that the Blue Book wasn’t being followed by all CDs, Team Managers, or the Executive Committee. Rich recommends the FAI Executive Committee and Team Select Chairs review the Blue Book and consider any updates. Rich is setting up a Zoom meeting with the FAI Executive Committee and Team Selection Chairs to review the Blue Book and make any needed revisions. Rich will present any proposed changes at the January EC meeting. There was discussion about what was missing from the Blue Book such as Scale, and drones, and suggestions were made concerning whom to include in addition to the committee.
FAI Executive Committee [SH2]
(Chad Budreau) Chad Budreau (ED) shared that the new director, Steve Haston (staff) is quickly getting up to speed, Rachelle Haughn (staff) is changing departments to serve on the Foundation team, and former employee Austin Perlee is currently a contract worker.
New Business
Goldberg Award Summary (C. Budreau) The Carl and Beth Goldberg Vital People Award was created to celebrate the “behind-the-scenes” supporters of aeromodeling endeavors. Five individuals were nominated and were approved by the committee to receive the award this year.
- Motion VIII: Motion by Randy Cameron (EVP) seconded by Phil Tallman (XI) to accept the Carl Goldberg Vital People Award recipients.
Motion passed: 11 yes (I, II, III, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, EVP); 1 absent (IV, NAA).
DEI (Divers ity, Equity, and Inclusion) Workgroup
(R. Gibson): Randy Gibson (VII) discussed the potential makeup of the DEI workgoup. The current workgroup consists of two women and four minorities. AMA staff are helping the workgroup by providing stats to include participation numbers from Nats. At this point the workgroup is generating more questions than answers. Randy G. is trying to find out why there is such a discrepancy in minority/female involvement. Andy Argenio (I) discussed full-scale aviation and the lack of female involvement and how the full-scale community is addressing it. Randy G. discussed success stories of a District VII club utilizing their awarded TAG grant. The club now has a large number of young members. The club was aging out and it figured out how to bring the club back to life and involve younger people, including parental involvement and even movie nights.
Some DEI workgroup members expressed concerns the effort might be a “rubber stamp” or PR stunt with no real effort to address DEI in the hobby. Randy G. reassured the members that workgroup is a sincere initiative.
Andy A. shared testimonies about women in aviation breaking the gender barrier. Randy G. also talked about Hazel Sig and her experiences in motorcycles, airplanes, and even the continued success of Sig Manufacturing following the death of her husband. There was discussion of people who learned an appreciation of aviation at a young age. Andy A. feels that there needs to be a change in attitude.
Andy A. wants to collect success stories of inclusion of minorities and/or women and share them. Jim Tiller (IX) noted that youth inclusion seems to be more prominent and retention seems to be more of an issue. Eric Williams (II) noted that the workgroup should evaluate imaging and the use of photos in AMA’s media. Randy Adams (III AVP) recommended partnering with female Thunderbird pilots.
Randy Cameron (EVP) noted the K-6 ages seem to have more female participants and Andy A. pointed out that interests seem to change as students get older. Rich Hansom (President) asked that Randy G. give an update in the January 2023 meeting.
Motel potential
The Muncie mayor and hotel developer are still exploring land options to develop a hotel near AMA’s headquarters. A feasibility study identified AMA’s 134 acres adjacent to headquarters as the preferred location. The mayor and developers are currently getting appraisals to consider a possible bid to AMA. Even if the hotel is not built on AMA property, it will likely be constructed within a few miles. Chad Budreau (ED) will continue to keep the EC updated as things progress.
Adjournment at 4:15.
Release Date
Mon, 11/21/2022 - 12:39