Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)

                                         AMA Highlights for 2009                       

As an AMA Member, being informed of what your Executive Council has done in 2009 allows you to be involved.  There were a number of significant changes and events that took place in 2009 which we believe are in the best interests of our Members.

Leader Members were engaged to ratify By-Law changes passed by the Executive Council in 2009.  These consisted of:

1. Term Limits for all elected AMA Officers (President, Executive Vice-President, and Vice-Presidents) to serve three (3) year consecutive terms.  For those members that have already served beyond this will have the opportunity to serve out their existing term plus one additional 3 year term, before leaving office.
2. The Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer positions were separated with the EVP being elected in 2008 and CFO being appointed.
3. Contest Board Chairperson’s to be elected by each Contest Board, with the approval of the AMA President, rather than having to be appointed by the AMA President.

Notable AMA Actions

1. Former AMA President Claude McCollough’s estate leaves AMA the sum of $152,461.27.   Mike Gretz (executor of C. McCullough estate) during the Toledo Weak Signals Exposition; Mr. Gretz presented AMA with a check.  This presentation was announced in a press conference on Friday during the show, and Dave Mathewson extended AMA’s sincere appreciation to Mr. Gretz.  The one stipulation that came with the bequest was that the money be used to advance the facility in Muncie. As was discussed, Council felt the best use of these funds was to create the Claude McCullough Educational Facility.  This was built and dedicated during the October 2009 EC Meeting.
2. An initial AMA Resource Guide was developed and sent to all A.V.P.’s.  A new more comprehensive A.V.P. Guide is under development.
3. AMA Event Sanctions will change to on-line registration and will become operational in 2010.
4. AMA hosted the F3C Helicopter World Championships in Muncie, IN.
5. The U.S. was awarded the F5 B & D Electric World Championship in 2010 as well as the F3A World Championship in 2011.
6. Dave Mathewson proposed and the EC agreed to bring back the Carl Goldberg Award which is intended to recognize those members who make substantial contributions to model aviation at the local level. Recognition will be an award plaque and a $200 check. The award is limited to five (5) AMA members per year, but not more than 1 person per District. 
7. Merrill Lynch was selected as AMA Investment people to help us manage our financial investments.
8. Leader Members will begin receiving the EC Agenda two weeks prior to each meeting to allow for their comment.
9. The Strategic Long Range Plan for AMA is nearing completion.  Of significant mention is the Education Department will be developing new educational tools for members and clubs to work with new member prospecting and working with local and regional governments for flying site retention and development.

  Notable District II Actions

1. Herb Ziegler of the Aero Club of Syracuse, NY was one of the deserving Carl Goldberg Award.  Herb was sponsored by Walt Throne of Walt’s Hobby.
2. AMA & District II attended the New York State Conference of Mayors with a hands on flying demo booth.  A flight simulator, a flying Vapor, and static Models proved how much fun this hobby can be.  This was to educate our elected officials of the benefits of supporting Model Aviation and the response was gratifying!  We are looking to do the same in NJ in 2010.
3. Several Clubs had great results with the AMA Membership Drive

-          Plattsburg Aero Modelers – Plattsburg, NY

-          Somerset Signal Senders – Somerset, NJ

-          STARS – Syracuse Thunderbirds Aero Radio Society – Syracuse, NY

       4.   Anthony Desimone, of Shamong, NJ and a member of the Crosswinds RC Club, was one of the runner-up winners in the 2009

             AMA membership contest, personally signing 5 new members.

       5.   Walt & Bruce Throne of Walt’s Hobby Shop in Syracuse, NY was the leading Dealer in the Country in the AMA Membership Drive in 2009.