The GAMA Constitution

ARTICLE I - NAME, AFFILIATION AND PURPOSE
 

Section 1.  This organization shall be known as the GEORGIA AIRCRAFT MODELERS ASSOCIATION, INC. (GAMA) and shall be a chartered club of the ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS (AMA).

Section 2.  The purposes of the association are to foster and advance interest and fellowship of its members in the hobby of building and flying radio controlled miniature aircraft; to encourage the study and discussion of problems and techniques involved with the flying of radio controlled miniature aircraft; to encourage interest in this hobby in non-members; to provide a meeting place and a flying site or sites for members of the association.

Section 3.  The flying site shall be named Duckworth Field in honor of the founder of the Georgia Aircraft Modelers Association, Inc., Jim Duckworth, and shall remain such for the duration of the association's existence.
 

ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1.  Membership in the association shall be open to all who are interested in radio controlled miniature aircraft. The membership shall at the October meeting as a minimum, or sooner if appropriate, assess/limit membership when the current number of members begins to impact the ability of the current members to pursue the hobby because of over crowding. The membership at that time shall set a limit on the number of members until circumstances via facility improvements or the roster has been reduced by attrition.

Section 2.  Types of Membership

Active member - An active member is one who is current on annual dues, and is a  member in good standing of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA).  An active member has all association rights and privileges.

Junior member - A junior member is one who is under the age of 19, is current on annual dues,  and is a member in good standing of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA).  A junior member has no voting rights.

Honorary member - An honorary member is one who is a member in good standing of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), and have been designated this membership status by a majority vote of the active members present at a scheduled GAMA meeting.  This membership status is reserved for those GAMA members who have contributed significantly to the good of the association. The number of honorary memberships awarded shall be limited to ten percent of the total membership of the association. This membership status requires no annual dues. An honorary member has all association rights and privileges. 

Associate member - An associate member is one who is current on annual dues, but is not a member in good standing of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and has been designated this membership status by a majority vote of the active members present at a scheduled GAMA meeting.  This membership status is reserved for those who are interested in radio controlled miniature aircraft and in participating in association activities other then flying activites. An associate member cannot fly at a GAMA field until membership in AMA is confirmed. An associate member has no voting rights.

Section 3.  Requirements of all members:

a. Each member shall be responsible for the proper care and protection of association property.

b. Each member shall be responsible for conduct and policing of any area where they fly, so as to keep and perpetuate a good association image. A member, whose behavior/conduct is repeatedly inconsistent with the behavior considered acceptable by the general membership, may be expelled from membership by a majority vote of members present at a scheduled GAMA meeting
 

c. Each member shall be responsible for the proper enforcement of all association and AMA regulations.

d. To the best of their ability, every member is encouraged to support association activities and to participate in the administration of association functions such as contests, static displays or any other activity dedicated to the promotion of radio controlled model aircraft.
 

ARTICLE III - OFFICERS
 

Section 1.  The officers of GAMA shall be:
  President
  Vice-President
  Secretary/Treasurer

Section 2.  Officer nominations will be made during the October meeting.  Officers will be elected annually by written ballot counted at the November meeting.  Valid membership will be established prior to ballot tabulation.  Election of officers will be by majority vote of members present.  New officers will be installed at the January  meeting.

Section 3.  Vacancies (except for President) occurring between elections will be filled at the first regular meeting after the vacancy is announced.  Article III, Section 2 of the Constitution, valid membership and majority vote applies to filling vacancies.  If the Presidency is vacated, the Vice-President will assume the position of President until the next annual election.

ARTICLE IV - FINANCE

Section 1.  The fiscal year for GAMA shall be January 1 through December 31.

Section 2. The President, Vice-President, and any committee chairman in concert with the Secretary/Treasurer, will estimate the capital available for the year and budget the expenditures for all activities planned by the association.  This budget shall be presented to the membership for approval at the November meeting.

Section 3.  At the end of the Secretary/Treasurer term of office or at the direction of the GAMA president, an audit shall be conducted of all financial activities of the association.

Section 4. Auditing. The Secretary/Treasurer shall provide the President each month or when required, the bank statement and the check book register. The president shall review the bank statement and register and provide a signature on the bank statement attesting to this review that all is in order. The Secretary/Treasurer shall prepare and present a treasurers report each month to GAMA members. The report will detail all expenditures by check number and details of expenditures versus the budget reporting any variances.

Section 5. The Secretary/Treasurer shall use Quicken to maintain the check register and reports. The association shall provide this software. 

Section 6.  The association shall obtain a fidelity or dishonesty bond for the club officers (President, Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer)  naming GAMA as the beneficiary for an amount appropriate for the financial balances expected during the fiscal year. The amount of the bond and any deductibles shall be agreed to by the executive council each fiscal year. The association shall pay for this bond.

ARTICLE V - DUES

The annual dues shall be as follows:

Membership annual dues are to be paid by 31 December of each year.  Failure to do so will result in loss of membership.  

Membership dues for members that have a paid up membership for two consecutive years shall have the third years dues free. 
 

ARTICLE VI - AMENDMENTS

Proposals for amendments to the Constitution shall be presented in writing at a regular monthly meeting in the format it is to appear in when adopted.  To be adopted, the amendment must receive a majority affirmative vote of the active members present.  All members will be notified in writing or by newsletter or e-mail, giving the date the proposal will be voted on.

ARTICLE VII - DISSOLUTION

Should the GAMA be dissolved, all assets remaining after liability settlement will be divided equally among the active members.  All members must be aware at the time they join the GAMA that financial liability incurred by the association may ultimately result in personal financial responsibility if the club fails to discharge its obligations even though the association may have been re-designated or dissolved.

PART II BY-LAWS
OF THE
GEORGIA AIRCRAFT MODELERS ASSOCIATION, INC. (GAMA)

ARTICLE I - ORGANIZATION

Section 1.  The organization existing under these By-Laws is to be known as Georgia Aircraft Modelers Association, Inc. (GAMA).

Section 2.  The objectives of this organization are set forth in the Constitution.

ARTICLE II - DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1.  President.  The President shall preside at all association meetings of the membership and shall carry out the policies established in the Constitution and By-Laws.  The President shall decide all questions of order, sign all official documents and perform all customary duties pursuant to the office of President.  The President shall act as the official association spokes person; appoint committees and may sit in on any and all committees so appointed.  The President shall be listed on the Georgia Aircraft Modelers Association, Inc. checking/savings accounts along with the Secretary/Treasurer.

Section 2.  Vice-President.  The Vice-President shall assume the duties and have the powers of the President in the event of his death, inability to serve, resignation, or absence. The Vice-President shall also serve as the Club Safety Officer.

Section 3.  Secretary/Treasurer.  The Secretary/Treasurer shall maintain a record of the proceedings of all meetings, maintain a membership list, carry on all correspondence, read communications at each meeting and dispatch any correspondence that GAMA originates.  The Secretary/Treasurer shall furnish every new member with a copy of the association Constitution and By-Laws and any rules or regulations which may be adopted.  The Secretary/Treasurer shall collect all dues, assessments and amounts owing to the association and deposit same to the checking/savings accounts in the association's name.  The president may keep an undated check for an amount not to exceed $100.00 and used if necessary for the convenience of the membership and the unavailability of the treasurer.  If this check is cashed, the president shall furnish a report at the next monthly meeting that explains the expenditure and return all unused funds to the Secretary/Treasurer. Deposits will be signed for by the President or the Secretary/Treasurer. The Secretary/Treasurer shall discharge all financial obligations of the association as approved by the Executive Council or association's membership.  At the conclusion of the term of office, the Secretary/Treasurer shall turn over all records and cash-on-hand to the duly elected successor.  The Secretary/Treasurer shall pay no association dues.

ARTICLE III - COMMITTEES

Section 1.  There may be six standing committees and appointed chairman(s) as deemed necessary by the president:

Section 2.  The President may appoint any other ad hoc committees deemed necessary for the orderly operation of the association.
 

ARTICLE IV - MEETINGS

Winter monthly meetings will be held on the last Tuesday of each month at a designated location agreed to and arranged by the Executive Council, starting at 7:30 p.m.  Summer monthly meetings will be held at the flying field on the last Saturday of each month starting at 5:00 p.m. Each member shall be notified in advance of any change to the meeting time or place.

ARTICLE V - CHECKS AND FUNDS

Section 1. Checks - All checks issued in the name of the association shall be signed by the Secretary/Treasury except in an emergency situation, then the president may sign checks.

Section 2.  Funds - All funds and properties shall stand in the name of the association.  The funds of the association shall be disbursed only as authorized by the membership.

Section 3.  All funds belonging to the association shall be deposited to the credit of the association in such depositories as shall be designated from time to time by resolution of the Executive Council. 

Section 4. All disbursements shall have receipts or some written record/evidence that authorizes each disbursement for auditing purposes.

ARTICLE VI - EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

The executive council of the GAMA shall be comprised of the President, Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, and the chairmen of the five standing committees. This council is empowered to set operational procedures for association.

ARTICLE VII - NEWSLETTER

Section 1.  The association may have a newsletter which is to be published monthly.  The newsletter shall be mailed at least five (5) days before monthly meetings to each active member, AMA, AMA District 5 Vice-President, other R/C clubs in Georgia, and other interested individuals.

Section 2.  The purpose of  the newsletter is to provide newsworthy information to all association members concerning its members, radio controlled model aviation, events and activities of the association.

Section 3.  A mailing and telephone list of all members in good standing will be printed and made available to the membership at least one (1) time each year during the month of March, and thereafter, any changes thereto shall be reported in the newsletter.

ARTICLE VIII - SPECIAL AWARDS

Model of the Month - Members are encouraged to bring their aircraft models to the monthly meetings for the aircraft model of the month shall receive $10.00.   A specific model aircraft will only be allowed a one (1) time entry for model of the month.  Aircraft must be complete and in a ready to fly condition when competing for model of the month.

ARTICLE IX - SAFETY

It is the responsibility of each GAMA member to maintain, enforce and follow the safety practices of this association and AMA.  The President may appoint a field safety officer who will ensure that each new member is informed of safety requirements and that all members are kept abreast of safety practices.

ARTICLE X - AMENDMENT

Proposals for amendments to the By-Laws shall be presented in writing at a regular monthly meeting.  To be adopted, the amendment must receive a majority affirmative vote of the active members present.

ADOPTED BY THE MEMBERSHIP, 

PART III GEORGIA AIRCRAFT MODELERS ASSOCIATION, INC.

MEMBERSHIP LIST 

A list of all current active members will be provided by the Secretary/Treasurer upon request.

PART IV. FREQUENCY ASSIGNMENT CHART

A frequency assignment chart cannot be effectively maintained due to the rapid change of membership frequencies.
 

PART V. ACTIVITIES

At the January meeting we will schedule contests and/or association events for the coming year.  These events usually include:

Association participation in other contests or fun flies.

Association fun flies.

Family get-togethers, cook-outs, etc.

In addition to the above, we have one fixed association event for the year.  The event is the 

Southeastern Model Show - usually held on a Saturday in March.

Other events may be scheduled as members desire.

PART VI.  ASSOCIATION EQUIPMENT

The association may own equipment such as riding lawn mowers, weed trimmers, trailers for carrying lawn mowers, canopies, a public address system, and a megaphone, etc.  The property custodian will maintain an inventory of this property.

PART VII.  FLIGHT TRAINING

To expedite the beginning flyer through the learning process to the point where they can safely fly their aircraft on their own, there will be competent instruction available from the club membership to assist the beginner.  Assistance will also be available in the selection of equipment and building techniques.

PART VIII.  SAFETY RULES AND GUIDELINES

SAFETY RULES:

1. In order to fly at the R/C field, one must be a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). A person who cannot show a current license upon request, will not be allowed to fly.

2. The official AMA safety code and all safety rules contained in the AMA Model Aircraft Regulations book shall be applicable to all flying activity at the R/C field.

3. Spectators are always welcome, but must remain behind the roped pit area.  This includes pets.

4. Engine break-in running shall not be conducted in the pit or spectator areas.

5. No transmitters will be turned on for range check, equipment check or flying without proper clearance.  Before turning on a transmitter, the person must place his card on the frequency board opposite the vacant channel in which his transmitter operates.  When a person finishes using the channel, he should turn off his transmitter and remove his card from the board.

6. Any pilot may declare an emergency (including dead stick) by voice.  (This should be relayed from one flier to another along the flight line.)  Once declared, he has right-of-way over all craft under power.  There will be no take-offs or landings until he lands or the emergency is terminated.

7. No one, other than pilots, owners, or association members shall enter the pit area.

8. No flying is ever permitted over the pit area, spectator area or parking lot.

FIELD GUIDELINES:

1. Do not litter the field.  This includes cigarette butts.  Use trash containers provided to keep field clean.

2. Each member is responsible for any and all actions by themselves, their children or their guests.  This includes damage to property including aircraft and equipment.

PART IX.  ETIQUETTE

Like other sports, certain rules should be followed which make it nice for everyone.  Some of these are:

1. When one has the same frequency as another flyer or flyers, take turns so each gets a chance to fly.

2. Remember, the instructor likes to fly also.  Between flights the instructor will want to fly their own models.

3. Courtesy is contagious - use it.

PART X.  ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

Georgia Aircraft Modelers Association was incorporated on August 25, 1987.  The club's name was changed to Georgia Aircraft Modelers Association, Inc.
 
 

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF THE GEORGIA AIRCRAFT MODELERS ASSOCIATION, INC.

I.

The name of the corporation is GEORGIA AIRCRAFT MODELERS ASSOCIATION, INC.

II.

The corporation shall have perpetual duration.

III.

The corporation was organized under the Georgia Nonprofit Corporation Code.

IV.

The corporation is organized for the following purposes: educational and social, that is for those persons with an interest in aircraft models and flying thereof and to meet and share information.

V.

The method of election of directors shall be left to the by laws.

VI.

The registered office of the corporation is 109 Chauncy Street, Warner Robins, Georgia 31093, Houston County, and its registered agent at this address is Leo Walthers.

VII.

The four board of directors shall be (TBD); Leo Walthers, 109 Chauncy Street, Warner Robins, Georgia 31093; TBD; Bill Hale, 100 Tyrone Street, Warner Robins, Georgia 31088.

VIII.

The name and address of the incorporator is Leo Walthers, 109 Chauncy Street, Warner Robins, Georgia 31093, Houston County.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, The undersigned executes these Articles of Incorporation.