Georgia Aircraft
Modelers Association, Inc.

(Revised 30 April 2016)
CONSTITUTION OF THE GEORGIA AIRCRAFT MODELERS ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED

PART I

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 and control line model aircraft; to encourage the study and discussion of problems and techniques involved with the flying of radio controlled and control line 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 Deputy Field in honor of Mr. Norman Deputy, for his countless years of devoted and selfless service to the Georgia Aircraft Modelers Association, Inc., Deputy Field 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 and control line 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 overcrowding. 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.

Active Senior member- An active senior member is the same as an active member whose age has been verified by official ID or birth certificate to be 65 years or above.

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 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 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 control and control line aircraft and in participating in association activities other than flying activities. 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 their 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 control and control line model aircraft.

ARTICLE III - OFFICERS

Section 1

The officers of GAMA shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, and Club Safety Officer

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 a 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 votes apply to fill 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 checkbook 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 treasurer's 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:

Active - $60.00

 

Active Senior - $40.00

Junior - $10.00

Honorary - $0.00

Associate -$60.00

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

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 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 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 spokesperson; 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.

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 the 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.

The Secretary/Treasurer with the approval of the Executive Council, may appoint an Assistant as a contingency in case the Secretary/Treasurer becomes unable to perform his/her duties and or the workload dictates its necessity.

Section 4

Club Safety Officer. The Club Safety Officer shall ensure that club flying operations comply with the Academy of Model Aeronautics National Aircraft Safety Code and club safety rules. Any violations shall be reported to the President and reported to the club membership, and resolved at the next scheduled club meeting.

ARTICLE III - COMMITTEES

Section 1

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

Activities

Property Custodian

Airfield Maintenance

Web Site Coordinator

Historian

Southeastern Model Show

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 7:00 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 or Assistant 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 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 the association.

ARTICLE VII - WEB SITE

Section 1

The association may have a website to communicate with its member. Communication using e-mail is also the preferred method of communication to alert members of special events, meetings etc.

Section 2

The purpose of the website is to provide newsworthy information to all association members concerning its members, radio control and control line model aviation, events, and activities of the association.

Section 2

A mailing and telephone list of all members in good standing will be maintained on the club web site making it available year-round for the membership

ARTICLE VIII - SPECIAL AWARDS

Model of the Month ­ -  Members are encouraged to bring their model aircraft to the monthly meetings prepared to discuss the details of their model aircraft to club members.  A specific model aircraft will only be allowed a one (1) time entry for the model of the month.  Aircraft should have been assembled, modified, or built by the presenting member and should have been successfully flown prior to the meeting.  Attending members will vote by show of hands on the Model of the Month, with the winning model owner receiving $10.00.

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, GEORGIA AIRCRAFT MODELERS ASSOCIATION, INC

PART III MEMBERSHIP LIST

A list of all current active members will be maintained on the club website by the Secretary/Treasurer. The list will be password protected for member privacy.

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 the first Friday and 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, shall 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 fenced 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 Proof of Insurance 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 a dead stick) by voice. (This should be relayed from one flier to another along the flight line.) Once declared, he has the 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 the 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.

PART X ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

ARTICLE I

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

ARTICLE II

The corporation shall have perpetual duration.

ARTICLE III

The corporation was organized under the Georgia Nonprofit Corporation Code.

ARTICLE 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.

ARTICLE V

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

ARTICLE 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.

ARTICLE 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.

ARTICLE 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.