The Woodland/Davis Aeromodelers, Inc

WOODLAND/DAVIS AEROMODELERS, INC.

CLUB MANUAL

HISTORY

The Woodland/Davis Aeromodelers, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “WDA”) was founded in November of 1970 as the Davis Aeromodelers by Bob and Mavis Henson and several other individuals from the Davis area. The Davis Club secured a lease from the City of Davis for approximately 1.2 acres in the Northwest corner of the old Davis land fill. Over the next several years, with the help of Tom Basinger of the Davis Nursery, Club members built a flying site for Radio Controlled Aircraft. The Club continued to grow with new members from Woodland and the surrounding areas.

In 1983, the Club recognized the possibility of losing the Davis flying site due to expansion of the on site Solar Power Plant. A new site was investigated at the Old Woodland City Landfill, located 2 miles east of Woodland, on Co. Rd. 102. This undeveloped site was designated as the "Woodland Regional Park" with provisions for model aircraft flying. This location was found to be an ideal flying site, including a 20 acre lake for seaplanes and boats. With the assistance of the Woodland City Parks & Recreation Department, the Club secured a lease from the City of Woodland, and provided the City with a long range plan of improvement.

The Club incorporated and changed its name to the Woodland/Davis Aeromodelers, Inc. A new flying field was prepared in accordance with the long range plan. Community businesses prepared the site by grading and leveling the runways, parking lot, entrance road, and pit area. The remaining work was accomplished by the WDA members.

The new flying field was dedicated as the "Mavis Henson Field" in the spring of 1986, in recognition of the efforts made by the late Mavis Henson and her husband, Bob, who organizing the Club, promoted the hobby, and helped establish the new flying site.

In the fall of 1986, with pledges from several Club members, enough money was raised to pave the main runway, the taxiways, and a vehicle turn around near the pit area. All WDA members were called out for "Concrete Pouring Parties" to make the Pit Area and building foundations. Many local businesses and individuals have helped WDA build a major modeling facility. Mavis Henson Field facilities would not exist without their confidence and help.

In the next few years, buildings were erected by WDA members for a "Snack Shack", restrooms, and site maintenance equipment. A dock and concrete seaplane launching pads were added to the lakefront. Grass was planted for spectators and a grass runway. Electricity and phone lines were placed in 1990. U-Control circles, sprinklers and grading were added during the 1990's. Major refurbishing and improvements in flying facilities were done in 1998-99

All of site maintenance is overseen by the WDA Field Committee, and accomplished by the effort of WDA members. The Woodland/Davis Aeromodelers, Inc. have had many good friends in the general community who have helped WDA with their efforts.

WDA members strongly feel that efforts should be made to assist young modelers. Since 1970, single goal programs have been organized and offered in the Woodland community and schools by WDA members. In 1997 several no-fee programs” were run to help interested youth. These programs required considerable organizing effort, with attention to the youth resources. The programs included glider building, control line airplane building and flying, and introductory R/C building and flying. Though not required, parental participation was always encouraged.

WDA is a club-organized, volunteer organization dedicated to promoting the sport and hobby of Model Aviation, in and around the Woodland-Davis area. All members of WDA are also members of a national modeling organization, the Academy of Model Aeronautics. The annual programs of WDA include.

Area Mall Show

WDA members participate in a mall show each year. Models of all types, videos and demonstrations are shown at this event. 150-300 gliders are built for the youngsters who attend the show. There is no charge for these gliders.

Flight Instruction and Pilot Orientation

The instruction and orientation program is offered as a free service to club members and prospective pilots. This program helps newcomers learn the skills needed to build and safely operate model aircraft. This program also assures that skilled pilots are familiar with the rules at the flying site.

Grade School Glider Building Classes

These classes have been conducted for schools and Parks & Recreation programs since 1976. WDA instructors teach young students how to build and fly high-performance, hand-launched, balsa gliders. Students are also taught basic aerodynamics. Teachers request that this program be continued year after year.

Model Aircraft Contests

WDA hosts several contests each year, which bring some excellent models to the community. Several of the pilots at these events are active in competition at a national level. These pilots often help other non-competitive modelers. All funds from contests and food sales are used to underwrite the costs of the flying site maintenance and improvements.

The Woodland/Davis Aeromodelers, Inc. thank you for your interest. WDA hopes that you will attend one of our events or "just flying days" and have a most pleasurable experience at beautiful Mavis Henson Field.

BY-LAWS

AMENDED AND RESTATED 8-25-99

The Woodland/Davis Aeromodelers, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as WDA) is an affiliate organization of the Academy of Model Aeronautics dedicated to the sport and hobby of model aviation. The WDA functions to support safe recreational flying through the acquisition and maintenance of suitable flying sites for its members and through the provision of instructors to aid members in building and flying model aircraft. The WDA also functions to promote model aviation in the Woodland and Davis Communities by organizing various contests, shows, and demonstrations each year with the express goal of public entertainment and education.

To accomplish the above goals, the WDA shall be organized according to the following by-laws:

I. Membership

A. Membership is open to anyone interested in model aviation or other modeling activities authorized by the WDA and protected under AMA liability insurance.

1. Full membership shall be granted to adults over 18 years of age and juniors under 18, upon payment of dues. Dues shall be fixed by a majority vote of the members. All WDA members are required to join the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), and to have proof of AMA membership in their possession and displayed as described in the Flying Field Safety Rules and Regulations when operating AMA-approved models at the WDA flying site(s) or any WDA sponsored flying demonstrations.

2. Associate membership status shall be granted to adults over 18 years of age and juniors under 18, upon payment of dues. Associate memberships are reserved for individuals who do not participate in modeling activities requiring AMA insurance. Waiver of the dues requirement shall be at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

3. Membership is on a calendar-year basis.

a. New applicants must attend a regularly-scheduled WDA meeting in order to join. Dues will be prorated for individuals joining mid-year by the following schedule: Individuals joining Jan. 1-Aug. 31 will pay the full amount; those joining Sept. 1-Nov. 30 will pay half the regular amount; those joining in December will pay the full amount, but will be credited with payment for the entire next membership year as well.

b. Renewal of club membership is contingent upon satisfying the criteria for minimum participation as established by the Board of Directors.

c. Eligible renewals which have not been received by 2^nd regular monthly meeting and are considered delinquent and subject to a late fee.

4. Members are entitled to use of the WDA flying site(s), participation in all club activities, and a vote in club affairs. Junior members must be under adult supervision when using WDA facilities.

5. Keys to the flying field will be issued to adult members only. A key may be issued to a non-member who is the legal guardian of a junior member of the WDA. The junior member is eligible to use the field facilities providing they are supervised by either the guardian or an adult member and the junior member holds a current pilot qualification sign off.

B. Nonmember guests may use the WDA-operated flying site(s) under supervision of a WDA member. In the event that a guest is not accompanied by a member/sponsor, they will be entitled to operate models under the supervision of any WDA member present. Guest use of the facility must be in compliance with the following rules:

1. Guests shall show proof of AMA insurance, fill out guest register and abide by all safety and operations rules governing use of the flying site. Guest must display their AMA membership card in plain site while operating an approved model.

2. Guests will be limited to two uses of WDA facilities, after which time they will be required to join the WDA as active members, or cease use of the facilities.

3. Individuals visiting WDA facilities only for the purpose of observing WDA activities, are not subject to any of the above access restrictions.

II. Organization and Conduction of Business.

A. The WDA shall be governed by four elected officers consisting of a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, plus five elected Board members.

1. Officers will be elected at the last regular meeting of the year and will serve for one full calendar year.

2. It is the responsibility of the officers to preside over regular business meetings, to represent the WDA at all city government meetings which have bearing on WDA activities, to handle internal club affairs, to coordinate all activities of the WDA, and to keep the membership informed.

3. In the event that the President is unable to complete a full term, the Vice President shall become President, and if more than four months remain to be served, a special election will be held to select a new Vice President.

4. The Board of Directors will consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and five At-Large members.

a. The five At-Large members of the Board will serve staggered four-year terms, with one (two) member(s) to be elected each year at the last regular meeting of the year.

b. In the event an At-Large member of the Board is unable to complete his/her term, a special election will be held to name a successor who will serve out the balance of the term.

5. The Board of Directors will oversee all WDA activities and can, by a 2/3 vote, overrule a vote of the general membership.

B. The following committee chairpersons will be appointed each year to facilitate the accomplishment of WDA activities.

1. Field Chair. This individual will oversee construction and maintenance activities at the WDA flying site(s), present by the last meeting of the year projects to be completed in the upcoming year.

2. Head Instructor. This individual will oversee the safe operation of the flight instruction program.

3. Newsletter Editor. This individual will be responsible for the production and distribution of a monthly newsletter.

4. Membership Chair. This individual will be responsible for informing new or potential members about the WDA.

5. Field Safety Officer. This individual will oversee and coordinate the Flying Field Safety Rules and Regulations. (All members are considered as safety officers).

6. Additional appointments will be made as needed by the President to organize each contest, show or demonstration sponsored by the WDA.

C. Club meetings will be held on a monthly basis.

1. A quorum shall consist of 10% of the general membership and two members of the Board of Directors.

2. Meetings will be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order.

3. All regular items presented for voting shall require a simple majority of quorum for passage.

4. Members unable to attend a business meeting may vote en absenti by contacting one of the WDA officers prior to the meeting.

5. Modification of the bylaws will require a 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors.

III. Finances

The treasury shall keep a double entry accrual accounting system and maintain the club financial status within the codes of the State of California for Non-Profit Organizations. Treasury shall present a monthly balance sheet to Board Members and Officers at the monthly meeting. Budget will be approved by the Board of Directors and presented to the General Members at the March general membership meeting.

A. The WDA treasury shall consist of all membership dues, cash donations, gifts or other income.

B. At least once per year, the President shall present the members with a list of priorities for their approval, so that treasury funds can be used to the greatest advantage.

C. In the event that fund-raising projects prove inadequate, special assessments may be levied against the membership to finance high-priority projects exceeding treasury revenues.

1. Assessments shall require a 2/3 vote of the general membership. Ballots will be sent to those members listed as current members at the date a vote is called and the “response period” will be defined at the time a call for vote is made. 2/3 of the votes returned in this “response period” is all that will be required to pass an assessment. (30 days is considered a minimum “response period”).

2. Assessments shall not apply to junior members or to more than one member of a single family.

3. Alternative arrangements, as determined by the Board of Directors, may be made with any member threatened with financial hardship resulting from a special assessment.

IV. Safety and Instruction

A. The AMA safety rules and WDA Flying Field Rules and Regulations shall be adopted as the official safety regulations of the WDA. Additional rules may be adopted as needed to comply with City or County ordinances affecting operation of the WDA flying site(s).

B. All flying instruction at the WDA flying site(s) will be conducted by authorized WDA instructors under the leadership of the Head Instructor.

1. All members of the WDA must complete the approved training program before they may engage in unsupervised operation of any radio controlled aircraft at WDA facilities or events.

2. WDA flight instructors will be appointed by the Head Instructor with the approval of a majority of the current instructors. In the event a majority vote is not possible the president or designated Board member(s) shall be appointed to constitute a majority vote.

C. Flying instructors will also act as Field Safety Officers under the direction of the Field Safety Officer.

1. It will be the duty of the Safety Officer(s) or certified WDA pilot to visually inspect all models before their maiden flight.

2. The safety officers shall have the authority to ground any aircraft or flyer which in their judgment, poses a safety hazard to spectators, guests , or members at the flying field, or any WDA-sponsored flying event.

V. Disciplinary Actions

A. Officers and At-Large Board members of the WDA who fail to satisfactorily carry out their duties, may be removed from office by a 2/3 vote of the general membership.

B. Any WDA member who repeatedly or knowingly violates AMA and WDA safety regulations while using the club flying site(s) or participating in WDA-sponsored events at other locations, will be subject to suspension or expulsion.

1. “Suspension” is defined as forfeiture of membership rights, as defined in Section I. A. 3., for a specified length of time.

2. “Expulsion” is defined as forfeiture of membership rights for the balance of the membership year. Members expelled from the WDA may be denied readmission for subsequent membership years as well.

C. The Board of Directors will preside over all punitive actions against WDA members.

1. A hearing must be held by the full Board within 30 days of the filing of a signed, written complaint with a WDA officer, and the member in question shall have a chance to address all charges made in the complaint.

2. All punitive actions will require a 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors for passage and the Board shall be responsible for fixing the length of suspension or expulsion periods.

VI. Irrevocable Dedication Clause.

All property of this corporation is irrevocably dedicated to recreational purposes and no part of the net income or assets of this corporation shall ever inure to the benefit of any director, officer, or member thereof, or to the benefit of any private person. Upon the dissolution or winding up of the corporation, its assets remaining after payment, or provision for payment, of all debts and liabilities of this corporation shall be distributed to a nonprofit fund, foundation, or corporation which is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes and which has established its tax exempt status under Section 501(C) (7) of the Internal Revenue Code.

VII. In the event there is a conflict with these by-laws and an AMA rule, the AMA rule will take precedent over these by-laws.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

1) A current WDA Club membership and current AMA Insurance Is REQUIRED of all operators of AMA approved models.

2) All WDA members must show proof of current AMA Insurance and visibly display their current WDA Club membership cards when they are operating model aircraft, boats or cars.

3) Model flying must be in accordance with the OFFICIAL AMA SAFETY CODE In order for AMA liability protection to apply.

4) Guests and visitors are always welcome at the flying field. A guest pilot is welcome to use the field under the following conditions:

(a) Guest pilots may only use the field twice;

(b) Guest pilots must be accompanied by a current WDA member; and

5) All beginning pilots will fly under the supervision of WDA Club Instructors. If an Instructor is not available, the beginners will fly under the supervision of a WDA Certified Pilot.

6) All WDA pilots will have been signed off on the WDA Pilot Certification Form before flying solo, that is flying without the supervision of a WDA Instructor or WDA Certified Pilot.

7) ALCOHOLIC beverages will not be consumed by active modelers prior to or during the operation of any and all models. Drinking alcoholic beverages on Mavis Henson Field is not allowed by the City of Woodland per our lease agreement.

8) Children and spectators should stay in designated spectator areas. Young children must be under adult supervision for their safety.

9) Use of all handguns, rifles, and projectile firing devices are forbidden at the WDA flying site.

10) Members are to caution anyone at the Flying Field who Is not observing the Flying Site Rules.

11) No smoking In the pit area or near volatile fuels.

12) Do not fly after,pursue, or harass the wildlife at the field or adjacent properties.

13) Avoid the use of glass containers at the field, and clean up materials brought to the field. PACK OUT what you PACK IN.

14) Help keep our flying site safe.

15) The main access road through the locking gate on Road 102 is the only acceptable way of entering the flying site. Members caught entering the flying site by any other road or method are subject to forfeiting their membership.

16) There is a five (5) day limit for the parking of Recreational Vehicles at the Mavis Henson Field. Hookups are not allowed, no waste dumping. Exceptions will require Board approval.

FIELD OPERATIONS

FREQUENCY CONTROL

1) A tag noting the Channel Number is required on all transmitters in accordance with AMA recommendations. A red flag denoting Air Operation, or yellow flag denoting Surface Operation, should be placed at the tip of the transmitter antenna per AMA requirements.

2) All transmitters are to be in accord with current AMA and FCC regulations.

3) WDA members will follow the AMA Radio Control Utilization Plan as provided in the AMA Membership Manual. All 50 channels in the 72 MHz ba