By - Laws of the 114th R/C Aero Squadron, Inc.

(effective September 13^th, 2005)

 

Article I          Name and Purpose

 

1. 1.     The Club shall be known as the 114th Radio Control Aero Squadron, herein after referred to as the "Club."

 

1.2.      The purpose of the Club is to promote the sport of building and flying radio controlled model aircraft.

 

Article II         Office and Term

 

1. 1.     The address of the registered office of the Club and the name of the resident agent shall be as determined by the Board of Directors, herein after referred to as the "Board."

 

1.2.      The duration of existence of the Club shall be in perpetuity.

 

Article III       Membership

 

1. 1.     Membership in the Club shall be open to a maximum of fifty (50) regular members in good standing and five (5) junior members in good standing.

 

1.2.      All regular members, junior members, inactive members, associate members, family members, and honorary members must be current members of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)

 

1.3.      Types of membership:

 

1.3.1.   Regular member: A member who is entitled to all rights and privileges of the Club, and responsible for all dues obligations, without exception.

1.3.2.   Junior member: A member under the age of eighteen (18), or under the age of twenty one (21) if a full-time student, and the sole member of his household participating in Club activities, who shall fly with adult supervision (if a minor), be responsible for one - half (1/2) of the Regular member dues obligation, and who is not eligible to vote on Club business.

1.3.3.   Honorary member: A member, designated by the Club in appreciation for support provided to the Club, who shall be entitled to flying and social privileges, have no voting privileges and shall pay no dues or initiation fee.  Honorary membership status will be granted by majority ballot at a regularly scheduled club meeting.  Honorary status can be revoked without notice and at any time.

1.3.4.   Family member: Any immediate family member(s) residing in the household of a Regular member, who is entitled to flying  site privileges if they are an AMA member in good standing and are accompanied by the Regular member.  Family members will pay no dues and are not entitled to vote or participate in any Club business.

1.3.5.   Inactive member: Any Regular member may declare himself or herself to be an Inactive member at any time and will require payment of an annual non-refundable fee. Failure to pay the annual fee will result in permanent removal from the Club roster.  A Regular member opening will be created as a result of a Regular member moving to Inactive status.  Inactive members may not vote on any Club business or amendments.  Inactive members have unrestricted use of the flying field, provided they maintain current membership with the AMA.  A $10.00 fee will be charged each Inactive member for attending designated Club flying activities, in addition to any required fees or assessments.  Inactive members will also be responsible for any monetary assessments made to Regular members for the purpose of acquiring, improving, and maintaining Club flying facilities.  The maximum number of Inactive members shall not exceed 25 persons or 1/2 of the Regular Club membership, whichever is lesser.  Inactive members may revert back to Regular member status on a "first out - first in" basis with priority over any one on any waiting list for Regular membership, provided there are any Regular member openings at the close of the annual membership renewal period.  An Officer of the Club as directed by the President will keep a roster of Inactive members.

1.3.6.   Associate Members: An Associate member is any person on the actual Club new member waiting list as maintained as directed by the President.  Associate members shall pay an annual non-refundable fee, upon acceptance as an Associate member (see section 1.4), equal to 1 and ½ times the Regular member fee.  Associate members must renew their Associate status at the close of each annual membership renewal period in accordance with section 1.4. Failure to do so will result in the individual being dropped from the roster. Promotion to Regular member status is not automatic. It will require nomination by the Membership Nominating Committee and acceptance is subject to the procedures of section 1.4 in its entirety. At such time that an Associate member becomes a Regular member, the initiation fee is due and payable.  Associate members may attend Club meetings but may not vote on Club business.  They will have usage of the Club flying facilities without any guest privileges unless specifically provided for in the guest policy and pay an additional $10.00 fee for attending scheduled Club flying activities.  An Associate member may be removed from the waiting list at any time by a 2/3 vote of the membership (Section 1.7)

 

 

1.4.      All applicants for Regular, Associate or Family membership and all Associate membership annual renewals must:

1.4.1.   Be sponsored by a Regular member.

1.4.2.      Have attended two (2) regular Club meetings prior to being voted on by the membership. This requirement is waived for an Associate member performing his or her annual renewal (section 1.3.6).

1.4.3.      Or, in lieu of the requirements set forth in paragraphs 1.4.1 and 1.4.2, the candidate may choose to be represented in absentia by the chairman of the Club’s Membership Nominating committee. The obligations of this committee are set forth in Article IX, paragraph 1.3. An Officer of the Club as directed by the President will keep a roster of members that have elected this procedure.

1.4.4.      Be a current member of the AMA.

1.4.5.      Have his/her name published in the Club newsletter.

1.4.6.      Be approved for membership by unanimous secret ballot at a regular Club meeting. The applicant may be represented in absentia if the procedure in 1.4.3 is being exercised.

1.4.7.      The Membership Committee must reassess any member who has elected to apply the procedure of paragraph 1.4.3 within 60 days of the calendar year end, each and every year it is used. A positive decision returned by the Membership Committee is a non-negotiable condition of renewal.

 

1.5.      All members, regardless of type, shall:

 

1.5.1.   Maintain a current membership in the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA).

1.5.2.   Fulfill their obligations to the Club in a timely manner.

1.5.3.   Conduct themselves so as to present a positive Club image to the public.

1.5.4.   Be responsible for conduct and flight rules at the Club flying site and for keeping any such facilities clean and orderly.

1.5.5.   Render, upon request, any advice or assistance needed, to any modeler, whether he is a Club member or not.

1.5.6.   To the best of their ability, support and participate in all Club activities.

 

1.6.      The Club shall provide adequate and suitable notice for annual renewal of membership no later than the November newsletter.  This may include a suitable form for renewal and must be returned as a condition of membership.  Personal information such as address and phone numbers are never used by the Club for any means other than to maintain a proper roster and newsletter mailing list.  All members must submit annually their current address and home phone number. P.0. Box addresses are not suitable for membership status purposes. Any member that has exercised the exception in 1.4.3 of Article III is also subject to the conditions in 1.4.7 of Article III on an annual basis.

 

1.7.      Any member may be removed from the membership whenever in the judgment of the membership that the best interests of the Club will be served by doing so.  The vote required to remove a member is a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the members.

 

Article IV        Dues and Initiation Fee

 

1. 1.     The amount of dues, initiation fees, fees for inactive and associate members, or any penalties for late payment shall be as recommended and at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Club.

 

1.2.      The annual dues shall be due by January 1 of each calendar year. Any new member being received into the Club after March 1 of the current year will have their dues prorated for the balance of the calendar year.  The initiation fee is never prorated.

 

1.3.      Any member more than thirty (30) days delinquent in paying their dues obligation shall be removed from the Club roster.

 

1.4.      All dues collected shall be entered upon the books of the Club for general use and are not refundable.  Any member removed from the Club shall forfeit all moneys paid to the Club.

 

Article V         Meetings

 

 

1. 1.     Meetings will be conducted according to the following definitions:

 

1. 1. 1. Regular: There shall be regular monthly meetings of the membership at a time and place as determined by the Board of Directors.  Regular meetings may be omitted as determined by the Board of Directors providing not more than three consecutive months pass without a regular meeting.

 

1.1.2.   Annual: The annual meeting of the Club shall be held in the month of January each calendar year to coincide with the regular meeting.  Club officers elected at the previous regular meeting will automatically be installed and will conduct the meeting.

 

1.1.3.   Special: A special meeting of the membership may be called at any time by the Board of Directors after written and verbal notice is given to all active regular members of the Club.

 

1.1.4.   Board: The Board of Directors shall meet before each annual and regular meeting at a time and place determined by the presiding President.

 

1.2.      Explanation of terms:

 

1.2.1.   Quorum: A quorum shall constitute twenty percent (20%) of all members entitled to vote at any meeting of the membership. Only Regular members in good standing are eligible to vote on any Club business.  A majority of the Board of Directors constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business at board meetings. Article XIV (Amendments) exceptions apply.

 

1.2.2.   Majority:

1.2.2.1.   All issues brought before the Club concerning by-laws or Constitutional changes shall be effected by a 2/3 majority vote,

1.2.2.2.   Any change to the membership limit shall be effected by a 3/4 majority vote.

1.2.2.3.   New membership approval requires an affirmative vote of all members present at the meeting.

1.2.2.4.   All other matters require a simple majority vote.

 

1.2.3.   Voting: Voting on all issues concerning by-laws, Constitutional changes, election of officers and membership limit shall be by secret ballot.  All members shall be mailed a ballot to their address of record as maintained in the roster and newsletter mailing list fifteen (15) days prior to the voting meeting.  Executed ballots may be returned by mail to the club secretary or hand delivered to the meeting.  Any ballot not returned will be considered a no vote.  All other matters concerning day to day operation of the club shall be voted on at the meeting they are proposed.

 

Article VI        Fiscal Year

 

The fiscal year of the Club shall begin on the first day of January and end on the

31st day of December in each calendar year.

 

Article VII      Election of Officers

 

1. 1.     Election of Club officers shall be conducted annually at the last regular monthly meeting held during the fiscal year, normally December.

 

1.2.      Nominations for officers of the Club shall be presented to the membership no later than the next regular meeting preceding the last monthly meeting of the fiscal year, normally November.

 

1.3.      Election of Club officers will be by secret ballot if more than one candidate is nominated for any position.  Article V is the directive for installation of newly elected Club officials.

 

Article VIII     Powers and Officers of the Club

 

1. 1.     Except as otherwise provided by law, the powers of the Club shall be exercised and its business, affairs, and property will be managed by a Board of Directors comprised and consisting of the following elected and/or appointed regular Club

            members:

 

1.1.1.   President

1.1.2.   Vice President

1.1.3.   Secretary

1.1.4.   Treasurer

1.1.5.   Newsletter editor

1.1.6.   One Member-at-Large

 

1.2.      The elected officers of the Club shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, each of whom shall be elected as prescribed by Article VII.

 

1.3.      The appointed officers of the Club shall be the Newsletter editor and the members-at-large, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Board of Directors.

 

1.4.      Any two of the elected and appointed offices, except the offices of President and Vice President, may be held by the same person, and such person shall execute, acknowledge, and verify actions of the respective positions in a separate manner.

 

1.5.      Vacancies in the elected officials may be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Board persons and such person shall hold office until the next election cycle.

 

1.6.      The Board may designate such other officers as may be deemed necessary for the transaction of activities of the Club, each of whom shall have such authority, perform such duties, and shall hold office for such term as may be prescribed by the membership from time to time.

 

1.7.      Any elected official may be removed by the membership at any annual or regular meeting, whenever in their judgment the best interests of the Club will be served, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all regular members in good standing, present and voting.

 

Article IX        Committees

 

1. 1.   The Board, by resolution, may create such special or standing committees, as they deem advisable.

 

1.2.The President shall appoint a Field Committee, which shall be responsible for the Club's flying field, its condition, repair, and upkeep.  The committee will make every effort to keep the Club informed as to the status of the flying field.

1.3.The Board shall appoint a Membership Nominating Committee, which shall be responsible for nominating new members and representing membership candidates in absentia. The Committee shall consist of seven (7) Regular members including one member who has been a club member in good standing for a minimum of ten (10) years and two members who have been club members in good standing for at least five (5) years. A chairman will be appointed by the President and will represent the unanimous decision of the committee. While not rigorously mandated, it is expected that each member will meet with the candidate and/or make any other investigations or checks deemed necessary in order to render their own assessment as to the character and suitability of said candidate. It is expected that participation in club activities and/or business will factor significantly into the decision. Any negative decision can be reassessed after six (6) months upon written request by the candidate.

 

Article X         Checks and Funds

 

1. 1.     The Board of Directors shall have the power to act as Club agent in all matters

            pertaining to the Club, its property, and affairs.  Individual expenditures exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00) must be presented to the membership at any regular meeting for approval by majority vote.

 

1.2.      All checks issued in the name of the Club shall only be signed by the Treasurer or President and in such a manner consistent with the approval of the Board of Directors.

 

1.3.      All funds and properties shall stand in the name of the Club.  The funds of the Club shall be only disbursed as per par. 1.2, above, and will be deposited to the credit of the Club in such depositories as designated from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

Article XI        Club Logo

 

1. 1.     The membership shall determine and select a design for the Club logo.

 

Article XII      Rules and Regulations

 

1. 1.     The Board of Directors shall have the power to make, by resolution, such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with the laws of this state, nor the Articles of Incorporation, nor these by-laws, as they may deem necessary.

 

1.2.      These rules and regulations may include, but are not limited to:

 

1.2.1.   The flying field.

1.2.2.   Pilot and instructor qualifications.

1.2.3.   Club training aircraft.

1.2.4.   Competitions, fun fly's, demonstrations, shows and contests.

1.2.5.   Any other activity, resolutions, or event designed to carry out the Purpose of the Club.

 

Article XIII     Newsletter

 

1. 1.     Club will have a newsletter that is to be published monthly and mailed to each regular member and junior member in good standing.  Costs for publishing the newsletter will be paid from the Club treasury, including, but not limited to, postage, printing, and preparation.

 

1.2.      The purpose of the newsletter shall be to inform the membership of events within the Club and within the radio control aviation community.

 

1.3.      A mailing and telephone list of all regular and junior members in good standing will be published in the newsletter at least once a year.  Members are responsible for providing the Club with accurate and timely personal information.  P.O. Box addresses are not acceptable for member mailings.  Article III refers.

 

1.4.      The newsletter will be edited and published under the direction of the Newsletter Editor who will be solely responsible for its content and operation.  The Board shall approve in advance all advertising rates and circulation requirements.

 

Article XIV     Amendments

 

            These by-laws may be amended or repealed at any annual or regular monthly meeting of the membership by a majority vote of all members of the Club.  Article V, Para. 1.2.3 (Voting) refers to procedure.  The proposed amendment or repeal must have been published in the newsletter preceding the meeting for adoption, and that the proposed amendment, as it was published in the newsletter, was not defeated by voting as required by this amendment in the preceding six (6) calendar months since adoption or presentation.