- Details
- Written by: Doug Pilcher
- Category: Club Business
Present: Mike Karnes, Gil Major, Phil Vance, Samantha McKinney, Brad Davy, Steve Sides, Clark Hymas, Doug Pilcher, Alex Dreiling, and Adi Kochav
Absent: Jeff Marsuchek
Guests: Ray Morton, Primo Rivera, and Rich Whitlow
Meeting began at 9:00 p.m. EST.
Welcome and Congratulations to the Winners – Mike Karnes
Mike welcomed Rich, Ray, and Primo to the BOD.
Emails from Members about Negative Posts – Mike Karnes
Mike has received several emails about negative posts. Mike did inform the BOD that he did write a post in one of the forums. It was the consensus of the BOD to not respond to any of the negative posts.
Judging School – Alex Dreiling
Alex reminded the RDs that it is up to them on who they are sending to the judging school from their region. He asks the RD’s to let him know by the last week in December. Currently, Gil and Steve will be attending the Friday portion. Adi and Manrico will also be flying in for the Judging School.
Mike is in the process of ordering the Red Books. Currently, he has 200 binders ordered. Phil has sent the proof of the cover for the Red Books to the Executive BOD for approval. The inserts have not been printed yet. We are waiting on AMA approval. They should have it approved by December 1. The price is $5 for the inserts and $10 for the binder and inserts.
Alex informed the BOD that to rent the projector is $400 per day. Mike will bring out a projector for the Judging School.
Alex asked the BOD on what they thought about bringing Leasha Bull out to the International Judging School for social media. Everyone thought this would be a great idea. Currently, a round trip ticket would cost around $250. Leasha wants to come and wants to stay involved with IMAC doing our social media. A motion was made to pay for Leash Bull’s airfare for the International Judging School by Alex Dreiling and seconded by Gil Major. Motion passed unanimously.
Alex has been talking with Shane Snyder and Ty Lyman on doing a video recording of the school. He is talking about a possible live feed or a recording that can be edited. Alex will speak with them again on their thoughts for the project.
Guidelines for RDs and their ARDs – Doug Pilcher
A regional director from 2012 had created guidelines for RDs and their ARDs. Doug is currently rewriting this document, since much of the information is outdated. This is just a baseline of information for the RD’s. Doug will post it out to the BOD forum before next month’s meeting.
The updated Contest Standards is Version 11. It talks about the $20 IMAC member discount. At some contests, a member has the same fee as a non-member. We are not telling the clubs what to charge for registration, but we are expecting a $20 discount to be given to IMAC members. This is another benefit to our members. The hyperlinks to AMA had to be changed and will need to be updated again when AMA completes their website upgrade. Doug is also working on this document and will also post to the BOD forum.
The CD checklist has been updated to also include the $20 discount to members over non-members. This will be posted to the BOD forum for approval to get all new documents uploaded to the website before January 1st for the 2019 season.
Currently, we have contests being approved without all the contest details being provided. The RD should make sure that the contest requested is completed. The contests will still be posted but will be highlighted in yellow to show that it is pending approval. At minimum, the details page must be completed for approval. After the initial request, any additional information in details or addition of flyers for the contest can be added through the region’s RD. Doug said that this will be added to the contest guide.
Novice Class – Mike Karnes
Mike knows that there are some BOD members who don’t like the Novice class. This class is an invitation to try IMAC and build a relationship with the pilots to invite them to join. There might only be 1-2 people show up, but there could also be 10 people that attend. Mike has created an Aresti with 7 figure sequences. They are basic turnaround maneuvers and a loop. The pilot should be able to do any of these maneuvers with any plane that is brought.
If we do nothing, we are going to get nothing. There are very few pilots that might show up if they don’t hear a contest is being held. A CD would go on the AMA site and search for the local clubs in the area. Then, contact the club president or secretary and send them a flyer, inviting their club to come to the contest to see what IMAC is about. This flyer would need to be sent at least 30 days in advance to be read at the club meetings. This would include getting the ARDs more involved.
The Novice class is limited to 97” wingspan or less. The pilots will be scored. There will be 2 judges in the chair and they will critique the pilot, along with the caller, after the sequence is completed.
Brad believes that we are overcomplicating this issue. He doesn’t want to have 6-7 people show up and try to find other pilots that would help them fly a special sequence. They will take up the judges’ time. Brad says that they can fly the Basic Aresti and their scores wouldn’t have to be entered in the score program. He believes that the time to contact and send flyers to the clubs would be very time consuming on the RD, ARD, and CD. He says that some of the clubs have zero interest. Mike asked for an alternative away to invite these clubs and Brad says that it is up to the CD to promote their contest.
Adi agrees with Mike about something needs to be done. He asked when the Basic class became so competitive. With creating the Novice class, this would create another class. He asked how we take the rules from the Novice class and apply them to the Basic class. Currently, Basic class can fly any plane. This would leave our classes the same.
The Novice class would not create a By-Law change. The By-Laws are organizational. We have the Contest Standards, which defines how the contest is run. Mike’s proposal does not require an AMA rule change, it would require a revision to the Contest Standards. There are two proposals in the BOD forums on the potential Novice class, Mike’s and Brad’s.
Brad’s proposal is an alternative approach to the Basic class. Adi suggested restricting the size of the airplane in Basic, but this would require a rule change. It would have to be announced at least 2 years in advance to the membership for everyone to be prepared. If we write an RCP, the Scale Aerobatics Board would still have to approve it.
Mike will take what has been discussed and add it to the proposal. Mike reiterated that if we can’t get new pilots to the contests, how are we going to get them interested in joining IMAC.
Membership Discount – Steve Sides
Primo will be hosting some Basic demos to try and promote IMAC in the South East region. Steve has asked the BOD for approval of offering a $20 membership at these demos for new members. This would be an incentive for new members. Primo’s first demo is December1, 2018.
Brad had discussed this before as an introductory IMAC membership; first year member would receive a 50% discount. This could also include prior members of IMAC who have been away for a yet to be determined period of time. Doug likes the idea of the introductory discount. This would be a one-time, initial/or re-entry after a specified amount of time away from IMAC discount only.
A motion was made to introduce a $20 introductory membership to new members and prior members. Phil asked how this would be handled and how he would verify that they were first-time members or back from an extended period yet to be determined. The mechanics behind this would take some time to get established. Doug believes that the best approach to this is to run the introductory membership through the RD in that region. This lets the RD determine if they are a returning member or a new member. The RD would take the membership fee; the pilot would create the account on the IMAC site; and the fees would be sent to Phil direct from Region RD.
If another button gets added to PayPal, this could create another scenario that we currently have with the international button being clicked, instead of the U.S. button. We still have some pilots who click on the wrong button. With the demos, Primo will take the money and would send the fees to Phil, so he can assign the membership numbers.
The RD could create a spreadsheet of the new members and send them to Phil at one time. If it comes straight from the RD, Phil will know that this is new membership or extended period of time away from IMAC return. This would help Phil out a great deal. The members will still have to create an account on the IMAC site so Phil can assign their membership number. Brad doesn’t agree with the RDs having to send this information into Phil.
Brad says that we should have these options on the site for members or potential members to be able to click. The other RDs have no problem with sending the information to Phil. Brad is trying to put in place a long-term plan by using PayPal via the site. We don’t have to use PayPal via the site when it can be mailed or PayPal’d direct from RD to Phil.
The consensus of the BOD is to have an introductory membership. Doug will get with Primo and Steve will send him an email.
Adi has been talking with Manrico and they would like to have a mass registration in the International region. They want all pilots to join IMAC. He says that they could register more than 100 pilots right now. Adi would like to offer these members a $5=$10 discount. Every International member will be required to join IMAC. They will sign-up every pilot that flies in the contests. Brad questioned why the International members can’t go to the website and become an IMAC member, since they must have an account to be assigned a membership number. Adi says that we can raise their price to $40 per year and this would create a budget for the International region. If the price is raised, it would show them that they are receiving a 50% discount for new membership. Adi believes that even though International doesn’t receive the same benefits, the membership fee should be the same across all regions. Adi suggested the 50% discount, or $20 one-year membership for everyone, but the consensus of the BOD was to only offer the $20 membership to introductory members only.
Possible By-Law Changes for 2019 – Brad Davy
The By-Law changes were tabled until next month for the documentation to be completed.
IMAC Rules and/or Guideline Changes based on tonight’s discussion – Mike Karnes
This item was tabled until next month for the documentation to be completed.
Final Budget Discussion and Vote – Mike Karnes
Phil presented the final budget to the BOD members to review. The BOD thoroughly reviewed the budget presented. Phil said that we have never spent $14,900 for the International Judging School, but that is what is budgeted currently. We are cutting the staff down for the NATS to 6 paid staff members.
The website maintenance fees have been lowered to $200 per month. A questions was asked what IMAC receives for the website maintenance for $2,400 a year. Mike mentioned that if anybody knows someone who would like to do the website, bring in a proposal. This is not a simple website; it has a huge background behind it. With some members continuing to attack the integrity of our current webmaster, we won’t have a website. Doug says that we will not get anyone that will do it for less than $2,400 a year currently charged.
We are not going to do Toledo in 2019. We spend too much money and don’t get much feedback. The show is getting smaller and with less participation. The symposiums didn’t work. We have added Joe Nall to the budget. We would need to talk to someone who is going out there to see if they would oversee a booth. The minimum cost for a booth is $400.
Regional expenses got bumped up to $1,250. Many of the regional judging schools are self-supporting. Each region will keep in their account the funds that they have raised in their respective regions. Mike and Samantha will work on the regional fund accounts to get their accounts back to actual amounts with in region earned funds vs expenditures. There will be no carryover of funds from each year of the budget funding that is not spent, except monies earned in region for that year.
A motion was made to accept the budget as presented by Steve Sides and seconded by Doug Pilcher. By roll-call vote, motion passed unanimously.
Treasurer Report – Phil Vance
Phil has received a letter from PayPal saying that the IRS EIN doesn’t match the EIN that the PayPal has. Phil handles this each year. The IRS must write a letter to PayPal confirming the EIN.
The ending balance for the IMAC accounts form the month of October was:
Checking $25,146.32
PayPal $15,200.20
Total $40,346.52
The current balance in the IMAC accounts as of tonight is:
Checking $19,527.10
PayPal $15,881.08
Total $35,408.18
Phil has been having an issue wiring the money to Manrico and Adi for their approved reimbursements for the International Judging School. Funds cannot be transferred through PayPal due to the laws in Israel. Phil will get with Adi and see if they can get this problem corrected.
We have not given a donation to AMA for the 2018 IMAC Worlds Championship. Phil is still working on finalizing the numbers. He believes that we made a profit of $4,500. All bills for the 2018 IMAC Worlds have been paid in full. Phil is thinking about a donation of $1,200. AMA recommends that we purchase a brick, which would give recognition to IMAC and IWC 18.
Regional Issues – All RDs
The RDs currently have no regional issues in their respective region.
Mike informed the BOD that once minutes are posted for approval in the BOD forum, BOD members will have one week to make changes to the minutes before they are posted to the IMAC site.
Meeting adjourned at 11:25 p.m. EST.
- Details
- Written by: Doug Pilcher
- Category: Club Business
Present: Gil Major, Phil Vance, Samantha McKinney, Brad Davy, Doug Pilcher, Clark Hymas, Adi Kochav, Jeff Marsuchek, Alex Dreiling, and Steve Sides
Absent: Mike Karnes
Guests: Ray Morton and Primo Rivera
Meeting began 9:00 p.m. EST.
Welcome – Gil Major
Gil welcomed Primo Rivera and Ray Morton as incoming regional directors to the BOD. The BOD is looking forward to working with both of them.
IMAC Forms and Rules – Steve Sides
Steve wanted to make a change to the contest guide relating to how it would apply towards the SE Regional Championship. Steve said that he had been at Tucson and hasn’t posted his recommendation to the BOD forum. Doug will check back with him.
Budget – All BOD Members
Mike has sent the IMAC budget in Word format to Phil. Phil has reviewed the budget that Mike has presented. He believes that the projected income is high. The projected income is at $20,400 for 2019. Phil informed the BOD that November and December is the biggest months of the year for income received. Adi believes that IMAC will grow Internationally in 2019. It will take precedence in Italy first, and then grow from there.
Phil informed the BOD that it is hard to budget the expenditures. We don’t know costs for the 2019 International Judging School. We know the each region can send up to two members. Also for 2019, we will only be charged $200 a month for website maintenance going forward.
Phil has made some changes, except for the expenditures that he knows of currently. Phil will discuss the projected budget with Mike and get final numbers. The Executive BOD will discuss the budget and present at next month’s meeting. A motion was made to table the budget til November’s meeting for the numbers to be finalized by Brad Davy and seconded by Doug Pilcher. Motion passed unanimously.
Basic Split to Novice Class – All BOD Members
Adi believes that we have nothing to lose on splitting the Basic class. Basic is supposed to be a class that isn’t intimidating. If we want pilots to try IMAC, the Novice class will give them the opportunity and the Basic class will remain competitive. We can still use their scores and judge them. Their scores will not be included in IRPS.
Brad is opposed to the split in the Basic class. He believes that we are doing something that is very complicated. He questioned that is this something that we try and it fades away. Brad says we don’t need to enter their scores in the score program; just hand them the score sheets after the judges are done. Doug believes that we should enter the scores. This allows the pilot to see how the scores compare to other competitors. By entering scores, Brad says that this is considered complicated and extra work on the scorekeeper. With entering scores, it would give the pilot a chance to feel what IMAC is about. We could offer reduced registration fees. Currently, in the Basic class, a pilot can fly whatever they want to fly.
Adi believes that this would give an option to the pilots who don’t want to compete. The ones that don’t want to compete are the pilots that show up with a smaller aircraft. Currently, Brad and Steve are against the original proposal, but several BOD members are in favor. Brad says that if we split the class, it would have to be done during a rules cycle. It requires AMA rule change, due to redefining the class. With the original proposal, we are not changing the rules. It is giving the CD the option to change. To AMA, we are still Basic class through Unlimited class. With IMAC, we are simply adding another class. With most contests, there may only be 2-3 guys that are interested in this class. It is the same principal as a boot camp.
With the original proposal, its intent is to get rid of the intimidation factor. Brad believes that the only way to get rid of this is size limitation within the class. With size limitation, this would eliminate the 3D pilots that would give IMAC a try. With this limitation, it takes an AMA rule change. We cannot have any AMA rules change until 2021. Adi agrees to a size limitation in Basic and Brad disagrees. Brad and Primo have not seen anyone who is intimidated by the size of the aircrafts. It is the pilots that don’t show up who are intimidated. The pilots say that they don’t have faith in their own flying abilities.
A question was asked about a pilot showing up with a 40% aircraft and the CD says he can’t compete under the Novice class. This pilot would be able to fly the Basic class, but he wouldn’t be able to compete against the pilots with smaller aircrafts. Adi believes that this proposal won’t work if we don’t have a size limitation.
We could do an advertisement on the new class, if the BOD passes the proposal. This would be a good campaign and can do it now without going to the AMA. In the future, we can make the rule change with Basic and the size limitation.
Gil asked Brad to write up a proposal for the 2019 contest guide and present at the November meeting for a vote. With Brad’s point, we can introduce Adi’s proposal without going to AMA. The original proposal and Brad’s proposal will be discussed at the November meeting.
International Issues – Adi Kochav
Adi has made the proposal to split the International region into three: Latin America, European, and Asia Pacific. We currently have ARDs in these regions. Each region would have an RD and an International coordinator. They want to make these regions even bigger. Each and every region will have its own premier contest. The premier contest would be every 2 years and the Worlds would be every four years. To participate in these contests, it will be mandatory to be an IMAC member. We could even have a premier event within the United States. In the USA/Canada, we cannot enforce membership.
Adi wanted the BOD to consider his three proposals. The first proposal is to take the International Region and split into three, which would put two more RDs on the BOD. The second proposal is creating regional premier events. The third proposal is to make it a requirement to be an IMAC member for the premier contests. Adi said that only IMAC members can compete in the 2020 European Cup. There isn’t anything preventing the premier contests in the International region. Brad recommends that we delay the proposal to split the region and adding two more RDs to the BOD until the new BOD in January of 2019. We could consider having a special election for the International region in the Fall of 2019.
Membership Cards and Profiles – Steve Sides
Steve has many questions about the email that was sent out regarding completed member profiles and the membership cards. They are requiring that the member profile be completed for the membership cards can be sent to the members. The cards were also created for the IMAC members to receive a $20 discount at contest registration. The judging instructor signature line is just for informational purposes that the pilot has attended a judging school. This could also be an alternative for a judging school’s certificate. Some other ideas that were mentioned for this was giving an additional discount for attending a judging school. In the $5.00 range was discussed as a possibility with Ty Lyman and Doug Pilcher. To this point, only has been an idea.
There is a banner above the election ballot that says your vote will not count in the election unless your member profiled is completed. This suggests that if our member profile is not complete, you cannot vote. This is against our By-Laws. Steve’s second question is why are we requiring this. Brad and Steve’s argument is that requiring member profile being completed changes the voting process.
The voting was setup by our webmaster and Doug has no knowledge of this being tied to the member profile directly other than regionally. Our By-Laws state that we must publish the election method on when the election will take place. The voting process was never voted on by the BOD. Mike made the forum post two months ago on the voting process, timing, and method two months ago on the Member’s forum. Mike posted in the Member Forum on September 13. It was opened a few hours earlier due to the hurricane. A motion was made that all members in good standing should be allowed to vote by Steve Sides and seconded by Brad Davy. By roll-call vote, motion passed unanimously.
Samantha made mention of receiving an election letter from one of the VP candidates. Alex was also caught off guard being receiving this email. The BOD was not aware that members had access to member profiled information. Doug is currently contacting the webmaster to have this removed for all members, except for the BOD. European law has been passed that their citizens cannot have their information posted on websites.
Doug has drafted an email (During BOD Meeting) to the changes being requested by BOD to the webmaster. These include the removal of the “Member Profiles being completed to vote” banner and a “Member Lookup feature to be removed from the site as it was intended for BOD members only.” *See Addendum*. A motion was made to accept Doug’s email on the changes to the webmaster by Brad Davy and seconded by Steve Sides. By roll call vote, motion passed unanimously. Email was sent to entire BOD and Webmaster at 9:33 p.m. CST during meeting.
Brad suggested that the voting be extended by two weeks from the date the banner and the coding is removed from the website. A motion to extend the election by 2 weeks from when the banner comes down on the voting restrictions on member profile for just strictly the website and will do an email blast letting members know the change was made by Brad Davy and seconded by Steve Sides. Motion passed unanimously. *See Addendum.*
Treasurer’s Report – Phil Vance
At the end of September, the balances in the IMAC accounts were as follows:
Checking $29,231.86
PayPal $13,453.20
Total $42,685.06
The current balance as October 22 in the IMAC accounts is as follows:
Checking $26,256.00
PayPal $13,566.06
Total $39,822.06
The balance in the IWC account is $4,909.29, which is included in the IMAC General Checking account. All IWC bills have been paid. A mention was made to make a donation of $1,200 to AMA for the IWC. We can buy a brick or just given them a donation.
Phil wanted to get some clarification on the amounts for the International Judging School. In the past, we set aside $700 per person for 2 members from each region to be sent to the Judging School. On the International region, Phil believes that we should cover the whole cost of the airfare. Phil says that is is imperative that we have them attend these schools. A motion was made to cover up to $1,100 per person for Adi and Manrico to attend the International Judging School in 2019 in Phoenix by Phil Vance and seconded by Doug Pilcher. Motion passes unanimously.
Phil received a letter today on our domain name via Weebly. Doug will check into this letter and get back with Phil and the BOD.
Regional Issues and Updates – All RDs
Brad reported that the Northwest Region has its 2018 season wrapped up. Jeff reported that the North Central Region ended up well. There were some new pilots that came to fly Basic. North Central had a very good season and have started working on dates for the 2019 season. Jeff is currently working on ordering the jackets for the IRPS regional champs. The Northeast region finished their season in September. Clark said that they didn’t have as many attendees as they would’ve liked. The Southeast regionals will be held the first weekend in November. The South Central has a first-time contest this weekend in Pampa, Texas. The contest is at an AMA district representative’s field. Doug said two weeks after that contest is their IRPS finish in Sherman, TX. Alex reported that the Southwest region is getting ready for regional contests.
Gil would like to see the Worlds moved away from Labor Day weekend. Adi reported that the Worlds will be in August of 2022.
Meeting adjourned at 11:06 p.m. EST.
**Addendum**
The request to Webmaster during this meeting, to remove verbiage of any voting restrictions had been completed before the October 22nd meeting had concluded. Throughout the meeting and over the next roughly 12 hours, Doug had been in correspondence with our webmaster, with entire BOD included. Webmaster advised that there were no voting restrictions in place at the time of the election different that years past web election process. Each member needed to have the “State and Country” field completed to place their vote for the Regional Director only. There was only one contested election for Regional Director, the South Central Region, so this restriction only applied to South Central members in that race and as it applied to State and Country only. With no other voting restrictions in place, the BOD had not pressed in the BOD forum (nor replied to email chain with last email exchange at approximately 7:51 a.m. on the 23rd of October CST) for the need to extend the elections by two weeks. This appeared to be a non-issue with the BOD members who raised this issue with no replies following and with the Webmasters explanations supplied.
- Details
- Written by: Doug Pilcher
- Category: Club Business
Present: Mike Karnes, Gil Major, Phil Vance, Samantha McKinney, Adi Kochav, Alex Dreiling, Steve Sides, Doug Pilcher, and Clark Hymas
Absent: Brad Davy and Jeff Marsuchek
Meeting began 9:00 p.m. EST.
Welcome – Mike Karnes
The August meeting was skipped due to the entire BOD involved with IWC 2018.
Worlds Wrap-Up – Doug Pilcher and Steve Sides
The 2018 IWC is in the books! We still have some IWC product that is still available to purchase. The product that we have left to sell is the coins, shirts and some hats. We need to try and sell the product that we have left. Phil picked up the remaining product from AMA’s museum. Steve believes that we should go ahead and discount the remaining product to get it sold.
The event went great, despite Muncie’s weather. We had one day of freestyle, due to the rain. Everyone that came up to Doug and Steve was genuinely pleased and had very positive feedback. Adi has received a lot of positive feedback for all the pictures, social media, and the event itself.
Steve thanked "Leasha (Pilcher) Case" for the incredible job she had done before and throughout the event!
Mike has had some questions from some pilots on how the 2022 IWC will be run. Adi assured Mike that this championship will be run off the IMAC rules and standards.
Nominations and who is planning to continue – Mike Karnes
Mike informed the BOD that nominations will be opening up for the 2019-2020 BOD. The World’s delayed the starting of elections a few days. Election of Officers will start October 11. Mike asked the current BOD members if they were going to run. Jeff has informed Mike that he will not accept a nomination for NC region. Steve said that he is stepping down if he can find someone to takeover the SE region. If there is no one, he will accept the nomination if nominated by his region. Brad has stated the same, that he would remain if no one else was to step up. Doug is stepping away from RD for the SC region. Currently, he knows of 2 potential nominees. Alex would like to stay RD for the SW region and he hasn’t heard of anyone else that would like to run. Clark would like to remain the RD for NW region and the same for Adi in the International region. Phil would like to run for another two years if nominated. Samantha would like to run another 2 years if nominated. Gil suggested that Doug run for VP. Mike will accept the nomination for President if he is nominated for another term.
The IMAC forum and rules – Mike Karnes
Mike has asked the BOD if they had reviewed the rules and guidelines to see if any changes need to be made. Steve recommended a change to the IRPS. He would like to make a change to the section that says the regionals finals will be a points contest. This is not true for Steve’s region, the SE. The SE regional championships are considered an invitational, due to flying 2 unknowns. The Ocala contest is the last contest that counts for regional points. Mike doesn’t see anything with how the IRPS is currently stated, due to the contest being considered an invitational. Steve will make the change that he is suggesting and submit it to the BOD for approval.
The contest standards were thoroughly gone through in December 2016/January 2017. Steve noticed that the cost of the AMA sanction has increased to $25.
Mike and Aid have been in talks about the sanctioning. In the past, it was written that CD’s sanction AA. It is not written anywhere that we sanction a contest as AA. A sanction of AA is open to any AMA member. The contest guides requires a sanction, but it doesn’t specify what type of sanction is required. Steve sanctions the SE regional championships as B-Restricted. Adi asked why we can’t make it mandatory for all pilots to be IMAC members to fly contests. He says it is because of the AA sanction. Doug says that in the SC, his pilots are IMAC members except for a few of the Basic class. Gil said that a basic pilot is a member by the time they leave his contest. The International region is not required to apply for the AA sanction. The International contests will question why it is mandatory for them, but not for the United States and Canada. Mike suggested we start sanctioning as a “B” sanction. This would allow us to choose to restrict or not to IMAC members only. The rest of the BOD was not in favor of this at this time.
Clark suggested that this might be easier to enforce if the members receive an IMAC Membership Card. Mike doesn’t know what kind of costs there would be to get a machine to print the members’ cards. Currently, there is a link on the website that provide this. In the past, if a member requested a card, Phil would print, laminate, and send them one. Mike will look into getting pricing for the machine and cards to be able to create this. Along with the membership card, we could also send each member a decal. One of the things that are mentioned in the forums is that members don’t receive anything for their membership. Mike will report in the BOD forum on the costs.
This will need to be added to the contest guide to check for IMAC membership. The CDs should actually be verifying IMAC Membership.
It was mentioned that we could re-word it in the contest guide to give a $20 discount for IMAC members. Many of the CDs don’t charge the additional $20 for non-IMAC members. If the CDs won’t control this, we can take the fee decision out of the CD’s hand and set one price for contest fees for IMAC as a whole.
A question was raised about the alternate unknowns. If one contest requests alternate unknowns, does every contest for that weekend receive alternate unknowns? That was answered with a yes.
2019 Budget – Mike Karnes and Phil Vance
In 2015, we raised the membership dues to $40. Mike had drafted a budget where all the regions would start the year with the same amount of funds. At the time, it was out voted. Each region was to receive $10 per member, plus retain their current fund; which was unfair to the smaller regions with fewer members.
Over the past 4 years, the regions have only spent regional funds on trophies and judging schools. This created such an excess of funds in some of the regional accounts, that the combined regional accounts could have more money than the IMAC general fund if this was to continue. We must get back to a reasonable budget.
The Executive BOD have been talking about this issue over the last 4 years and it’s time to change. All regions basically have the same expenditures. There will be no carryover from the prior year. If the region raises their own funds, their region will retain those funds. Steve agrees with this budget, due to the fact that we have a few regions that are not financially stable.
Mike presented an estimated budget to the BOD. Phil will need to create the final budget for approval. Each region has a budget of $1,000. Steve believes that with the SE current costs from prior years, that this amount should be raised to $1,500.
Samantha suggested a way to find out what each current region would have without the regional funding from 2015-2018. This would bring the regional accounts back to actual. If the account originally was in the negative, in 2019, the region would revert back to zero.
Phil will present a final budget and submit to the BOD at the next BOD meeting for approval.
Basic Split to Basic/Novice – Mike Karnes
Mike proposed his plan to the BOD to split the Basic class and allow a Novice class. Adi created a proposal and shared it in the BOD forum. The Novice class would fly on Saturdays. It would be like a Basic boot camp, except it would be on a weekly basis. With the Novice class, this would potentially eliminate the “size” and fear factor. This class could be restricted 80cc or less.
Steve spoke with his ARDs in the SE region and they are not interested in splitting the Basic class. Steve suggested instead of taking out the intimidation factor, lets limit the size of the airplane. Then, grandfather-in the members who are already flying the bigger planes. If you want to fly Basic, you have to fly a 50cc airplane. The Basic class would remain the same, but limiting the size would eliminate the intimidation against flying bigger planes.
Adi believes that this proposal is reasonable. Let the pilots fly what they want to fly. The Basic class would remain the same. Mike said with the creation of the Novice class, the pilots will not receive IRPS. If it is the pilot’s first contest, it is free. The Novice class would participate in the contest just like the rest of the classes. They will be judged like any other competitor/pilot. Clark suggested rotating the Novice class competitors in amongst the Basic class competitors.
The “Mini-mac” scoring in the score program will change to the Novice class. If they don’t fly the Basic sequence, they will receive a zero. They cannot jump backwards between classes. One question raised was since they don’t receive IRPS, we couldn’t charge them the same registration fee. We could limit the number of contests they fly in the Novice class. This would make it to where a contest must offer all 6 classes.
This costs nothing to IMAC to try. Adi believes that we should proceed. We will need to get some rules and guidelines ready to present at December’s BOD meeting. Steve reiterated that the SE region is opposed to splitting the Basic class. The SE believes that there should be a size lime on airplanes for Basic. Gil believes that this is what everyone was opposed to. Steve said that IMAC requires investment, dedication, and a work ethic to fly IMAC. Adi believes that the Basic class was never meant to be competitive; it has turned out to be that way. The majority of the BOD believed that we should just try the split for one season. We have got to get pilots interested and the Basic class is the foundation of IMAC. If we don’t do anything, IMAC will fade away. We are on the BOD and it is our responsibility to make every effort available and able to keep this organization going.
International issues – Adi Kochav
Adi shared with the BOD some issues that have been going on Internationally. Mike addressed a concern that some pilots have shared about the 2022 IWC being run to F3M standards. Adi assured Mike and the BOD that the 2022 IWC will be run using IMAC contest standards and guidelines.
Adi presented to the BOD about splitting the International region up into three separate regions. We already have ARDs in these regions: Europe – Manrico, Latin America –Luiz Bosch, and Asia Pacific – Michael Hobson. Adi will be talking with more Pacific countries into flying IMAC. One question raised is that with splitting the International region, would they need to be included in the BOD meetings and have the same benefits as an RD.
Manrico and Adi are starting to plan the 2020 European Championships and the 2022 IWC. Adi informed the BOD that the XFC is going to happen in 2019. Adi is the International coordinator. There will be 24 pilots from the USA versus 24 pilot from the International.
Treasurer’s Report – Phil Vance
Phil reported that all the bills for the IWC have been paid, except for the banquet. Phil has spoken with the Horizon Center and they will be sending it within the next week. Current balance in the IWC account is $11,306.91. Preliminary numbers show that we have taken in more income compared to the 2014 IWC. We also have some funds coming from AMA for merchandise sold in the museum during the IWC as well as remaining merchandise sold on the Website.
Phil assured the BOD that the Worlds’ funds have been kept separate from the General Operating Fund. Phil contacted his local bank a few years ago to open up a separate account for the IWC. The bank would not allow us to open a business checking account without paperwork from the State. In the July 2018 meeting minutes, the breakdown of the IWC and the General Operating was shown separate due to membership questions.
Listed below is currently a rough analysis of the breakdown of the 2018 IWC account:
Income $57,214.56
Expenses ($45,907.65)
Total Profit $11,306.91
Phil will present a financial statement of the IWC when all the expenses have been paid and other sales revenue added.
A question was asked if we had made a donation to AMA yet. In 2014, we purchased a brick for the Wall of Fame with the donation that we made.
As of today, the current balance in the IMAC accounts are as follows:
Checking $36,018.03
PayPal $12,515.52
Total $48,533.55
With the breakdown of the General Operating Account:
IMAC General $37,226.64
IWC $11,306.91
Total $48,533.55
Phil also wanted to reiterate that the 6 regional funds are also kept separate within the IMAC General Operating. We also have received our funds from the 2018 Nats.
RDs reports – All RDs
The RDs present reported no issues in their respective regions.
Meeting adjourned at 11:25 p.m. EST.
- Details
- Written by: Doug Pilcher
- Category: Club Business
No Meeting Held
- Details
- Written by: Doug Pilcher
- Category: Club Business
Present: Mike Karnes, Phil Vance, Samantha McKinney, Steve Sides, Alex Dreiling, Clark Hymas, Doug Pilcher, and Adi Kochav
Absent: Brad Davy, Jeff Marsuchek, and Gil Major
Meeting began at 9:00 p.m. EST.
The Basic Class – Mike Karnes
Mike has been approached by a few of the members about expanding the Basic class. He believes that this can be done without a rule change. The Basic class would be split into two classes; splitting up the class based off of aircraft size. There would be no intimidation factor for new competitors. Mike believes that this can be done in the Score program using one of the optional scoring selections.
The Basic class could be competitive while the Novice class be non-competitive. The pilots that are flying 30-40% size aircraft need to be in a class of their own. At a contest, the pilot could register in either class. Adi believes the split should be at the 70cc aircrafts. The Basic primer contests have pilots showing up with 40% aircrafts. The non-competitive class wouldn’t have to fly an unknown. This is just an idea that Mike wanted to present to the BOD and would like for them to check into and discuss at the August BOD meeting. He asked them to see if we could split the class and review the rules that are involved for size limitations. Adi believes that this is a good idea and has been discussed for some time now. He believes that there is an intimidation factor between the size of aircrafts. Steve mentioned to just change the limit size on the Basic class, but this could cause some pilots to move into Sportsman who isn’t ready.
Mike would like for this to take effect in 2019, but not to affect the rule book. This is another way for first-time pilots to compete with no intimidation. Our numbers are declining partly due to not getting new pilots into Basic. We also realize that there are more problems than just the Basic class. The number of pilots attending contests is declining.
Phil believes that we should try for one year, since it will not affect the rule book. Mike said that the Score program can handle it if we choose to judge the Novice class.
World Championship Sponsors – Steve Sides
Currently, Desert Aircraft has come in as a sponsor. We auctioned off the DA200 and the auction was closed yesterday. Doug, Phil, and Alex will talk with the winner and get the engine to him.
J&J Tailwheels and McFueler has made donations.
Steve is currently speaking with the local hobby shops on sponsorships or donations for pilot giveaways.
IWC Treasurer Report – Phil Vance
The current balance in the IWC fund is $34,991.45. These funds include pilot fees, mechanic and helper fees, sponsorships, shirts and hats, etc. We have currently paid out $8,104 in expenses. Phil still has to process pilot registrations and shirt sales. The trophies, staff shirts, and judges’ shirts are yet to be paid for. Sew Busy will be shipping the shirts to Phil.
Phil reminded the BOD that we will have income from the banquet ticket sales. Phil will need to know how many people plan to attend the banquet to let the Horizon Center know. He will be speaking with their representative tomorrow. He will also need to know what all we need for setup for the stage.
Current income for the Worlds, as of today, is $42,849. We still have the remaining funds from the 2014 Worlds earmarked in the amount of $6,933.92.
Operations and Progress Toward Arriving at Muncie – Doug Pilcher
Mike has printed all the score sheets, except for any new pilots. He has also printed registration sheets, protest sheets, and handouts. The next project is all the name badges. Mike is waiting to finish the timing charts until we get a final count of pilots.
We need to double check our listing on pilots registered and pilots who have paid to make sure that we haven’t missed anyone for the magazine. The first of August the magazine needs to be completed to get to the company for printing. Steve will contact the pilots that we haven’t received registration fees. Currently, we have 87 pilots on the roster.
The coins were sent to Mike and they are very nice. All the pilot bags are in. Samantha, Rhonda, Rosie, and Leasha are going to contact the local restaurants to get coupons or gift certificates for giveaways and the pilot bags. AMA said they would help us if we give them names, they could help us; or if they needed to pickup items that were donated.
The menu was decided for the banquet. We need to get the word out on the hotels. The deadline for the special rates on hotels is coming up at the end of the month. We have had two judges that aren’t able to attend, so Doug and Mike are working on judges to fill those spots.
Wrap up of the 2018 Scale Aerobatic Nationals – Doug Pilcher
We did have a good headcount. We had the first morning a flight of just David Moser and all the Clover Creek Boys. We also left John in the Score program for Round 1 and printed it for everyone to sign, pilots and event team. We had it lamented and framed to give to Tina on Banquet night. We lost half a day to rain and the second day we had low ceilings in the morning. We had 14 known rounds and 3 unknown rounds. The Banquet went great.
2022 IWC Committee Concerns – Mike Karnes, Gil Major, and Clark Hymas
The committee has had time to review the 2022 applications for the World Championships. Currently, there are no concerns with the applications from most of the committee members. We are currently waiting on reports from a few committee members.
International Issues – Adi Kochav
Adi informed the BOD that a new law in Europe now states that their citizens cannot post their name on social media, which includes the IMAC site. The International members can change their profile name for the IMAC site.
There is a push in Europe to get F3M back on its feet again. The participants would like for the BOD to collaborate with F3M. F3M only has the Intermediate and Unlimited classes. Adi believes that this collaboration wouldn’t work due to only Unlimited classes.
IMAC is getting bigger and better in Europe. They like what IMAC stands for, and they have taken on more IMAC members.
Treasurer’s Report – Phil Vance
The current balance as of today is:
Checking - $36,337.08
PayPal - $36,063.79
Total - $72,400.87
Within this balance listed above , are the funds for the 2018 IMAC World Championships. Listed below is the balances between the General IMAC Operating and the 2018 IWC:
2018 IWC - $34,991.45
General IMAC Operating - $37,409.42
Total - $72,400.87
Regional Reports – All RDs
The North West region is doing well. They have an event this weekend. The new CD is a little nervous, so Clark is going out to help him.
In the South West, their region is doing well also. They just had a contest in Colorado. There is currently a problem in California due to the State shutting down a field due to fire restrictions.
In the South Central, they just had a contest that was rescheduled. This contests had 20 pilots.
The South East region has a contest at Andersonville this weekend and it is going to be hot. Steve reports that his region is doing well.
Meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m. EST.