CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
Of the
ATLANTA RADIO CONTROL CLUB, INC.
*CONSTITUTION*
Article l. Name
The name of this club shall be the ATLANTA RADIO CONTROL CLUB. INC.
This club is a non-profit corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of
Georgia.
Article II. Purpose
Section 1. Mission Statement
The objectives of this club shall be to promote the building and flying of remote-controlled models in this city's general locality, and to aid insofar as possible the national program of the Academy of Model Aeronautics and looking forward to the continual advancement of model aviation in all its phases in the United States.
Section 2. Special projects
All special or local enterprises of this club shall conform to the policies of the AMA and to the regulations of that organization governing model aircraft contests.
Article III. Membership
All persons shall be eligible for membership in this club, provided they meet the qualifications prescribed by this club.
The prescribed qualifications are:
1. Club dues paid
2. Current AMA membership paid
Article I. Officers
The Officers of the Atlanta, R/C Club, Inc. shall be elected by a majority vote of the members present and voting. The Officers shall be elected from the Active Membership and shall consist of a President, a Vice President, a Secretary/Treasurer, a Business Representative, and a Safety Officer. In the event of death, resignation, removal by quorum, or disability of an officer, the vacancy for the remainder of the term shall be filled by a vote of the assembled quorum. If there are no candidates for the vacancy, the Officers may ask for a volunteer until the next election is held. If there are no volunteers, the Officers must take care of the duties in question, until a replacement can be found. The term of the Office shall be one year. Multiple terms are acceptable. All Officers hold equal power. All decisions must be reached by a majority vote.
The elected officers of the Atlanta Radio Control, Inc., shall be:
1. President
2. Vice President
3. Secretary / Treasurer
4. Safety Officer
5. Business Representative
6. Board of Directors
Article II. Officer Duties
Each Officer will be furnished with the job description of his office.
Section 1. President:
The President shall preside at all meetings of the club and shall act as spokesman for the club in all matters pertaining to it. The President shall have authority to transact all official business for and on behalf of the Corporation. The President shall have the power to veto any matter before the club for a period not to exceed 30 days.
Section 2. Vice President:
The Vice President shall assist and act for the President when the President is unable to serve. The Vice President shall also be chairman of the program committee.
Section 3. Secretary:
The Secretary shall have the responsibility for all records, rosters, charter renewal and correspondence. Secretary may communicate in meetings, by email, or social media / website.
Section 4. Treasurer:
The Treasurer shall receive all funds due the club. The Treasurer shall maintain records sufficient to permit financial control and auditing. The Treasurer will give a quarterly financial report to the general membership at the club meetings. The
Treasurer shall maintain the list of Active Members. When funding special projects the Treasurer may provide a club credit card to the members doing the project. The card must be returned to the Treasurer upon completion of the project along with items purchased and all receipts.
Section 5. Safety Officer:
The Safety Officer shall have oversight of safety issues pertaining to the club.
The Safety Officer shall manage or delegating safety coverage for events held at the club.
Section 6: Business Representative:
The Business Representative will act on behalf of the club with outside entities. Decisions and agreements must be vetted with the officers before being finalized.
Section 7. The Board of Directors:
The Board of Directors shall consist of the elected officers for their term of office
The Board of Directors may hold meetings in any location. At least 3 board members shall be necessary for the transaction of business, except as may be otherwise specifically provided by the by-laws. The Board of Directors shall act on all matters of general policy.
Article III. Officer Nomination and Election
1. A candidate for office may put forth his/her own name or be nominated by an active member.
2. Qualifications of an officer shall include paid, active membership in the club and in the Academy of Model Aeronautics and a willingness and ability to serve in the open position.
4. The slate shall consist of at least one candidate for each office, and no nominations shall be considered valid or placed on the ballot without the nominee’s consent.
5. Nominations from the floor will be accepted at the annual meeting.
6. Elections shall be held in the last quarter of the year, in person or online.
7. The newly elected officers and directors shall be duly installed and will assume office on the first day of January of the following year.
8. All Officers of the Atlanta R/C Club, Inc. shall serve one (1) year from the date of installation (January 1st of each year).
Article IV. Interpretation of Articles
The Board of Directors shall be the governing authority on clarification of the meaning of vague articles or amendments.
Article V. Terms of Membership
All members of Atlanta RC Club are subject to the terms of membership, including all membership levels, officers and members of the board of directors.
Section 1. Single Membership
Applicants for Active Membership must also apply concurrently for membership in the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Individuals 19 years of age or older may hold office, a position on a standing committee and vote on the business affairs of the Atlanta, R/C Club, Inc. It shall be the duty of the Active Member to uphold the Constitution and Bylaws of the Atlanta, R/C Club, Inc.
Section 2. Family Membership
Members of the immediate family, (of an Active Member) 19 years of age or older, as of July 1st may be considered for Family Membership. Family shall be defined as immediate family member residing with or at school or College and meets all IRS test pertaining to dependent of the head of the household.
Applicants for Family Membership must also apply concurrently for membership in the Academy of Model Aeronautics. It shall be the duty of the Family Members to uphold the Constitution and Bylaws of the Atlanta, R/C Club, Inc.
Section 5. Honorary Membership
Upon unanimous consent by the Board of Directors, a free lifetime membership may be conferred on deserving club members.
Section 6. Termination or Denial of Membership
1. If the conduct of a member shall appear to the Board of Directors to be disorderly or to be prejudicial to the welfare or good name of the Club, or if in any way any member conducts him/herself in a manner not authorized by or in violation of the By-laws of the Club or the safety rules and guidelines set forth in Article VI below, he or she may be subject to censure, suspension, or expulsion at the discretion of the Board of
Directors, depending upon whether such infraction is deemed to be slight or serious. Any misconduct or infraction censured as a first offense, subjects him/her to suspension or expulsion upon the repetition of such misconduct or infraction.
2. In case such offending member is suspended from membership in the Club, he/she shall be deprived of all rights and privileges of membership for a period up to three months as may be determined by the Board of Directors and at the expiration of the prescribed period, such member shall be restored to his/her previous status with all rights and privileges of membership.
3. In case such offending member is expelled from membership in the Club, he/she shall forthwith forfeit all rights, title, and interest in or to the Club or its property. His/Her membership dues will be refunded.
4. A member censured, suspended, or expelled per the above, shall have the right to appeal said action to the members present at the next regular meeting. A two thirds vote of the members present shall sustain or revoke said appeal and such a decision shall not be subject to further appeal.
Section 7. Guests
A guest is defined as a family member or friend of an active member who wishes to fly at the Atlanta, R/C Club, Inc. flying field. The flying privileges of the guest are temporary, not to exceed one month or three flying visits. The guest must fly in the company of the host active member. The guest must hold a valid AMA
card and abide by the Atlanta, R/C Club, Inc. Safety Rules. The guest must adhere to the Atlanta, R/C Club, Inc. Constitution and Bylaws during his/her temporary use of the flying field. The guest cannot be a denied or terminated individual.
Section 8. Flying Eligibility
A member shall be placed on non-flying status at field if dues are not paid by January 1st of each year. No member shall fly at field without current AMA membership. Flyers are also responsible read the AMA Safety Rules and Field Guidelines and will abide by these rules and guidelines.
Article VI. Safety Rules
Section 1. Safety
Safely comes first. Every flyer and club member shall share responsibility for safety at the flying field. If you see something unsafe, correct it immediately if you can. Bring unsafe conditions or actions to the attention of the individual and Safety Officer.
1. All pilots must have a current AMA membership on their person in order to fly.
2. All pilots must abide by the current safety rules and regulations of the AMA and the ARCC pertaining to the use and operation of radio-controlled models.
3. All pilots must obey the flight lines.
4. All airplane pilots will stand in one of the four designated pilot boxes when flying aircraft. Pilots MUST be on the flight line and not on the runway when flying.
5. Helicopters may practice hovering in the grass area at the southeastern corner of the field.
6. All turns after takeoff are to be away from the pit or spectator areas, and no flying is to be done over the pit, spectator, or parking areas.
7. All RC transmitters must be digital, using 2.4Ghz band, with exceptions only permitted by special approval by the Board of Directors.
8. All airplane engines must have the crankshaft end covered by a spinner or an acorn type prop nut. All threads must be covered.
9.All engines .15 cu and above must be equipped with a muffler or pipe device to reduce noise. Certain racing aircraft are exempt from this rule as specified in the AMA rules.
10.Flyers using gasoline engines must have an operational fire extinguisher on hand in accordance with AMA regulations.
11.All spectators must remain behind the roped safety line unless escorted by a club member.
12.Engines are not to be started or restarted on the runway.
13. Shutdown of engine(s) is to occur at the taxiway entry.
14.Takeoffs and landings shall be executed with prevailing traffic pattern. Changes in the direction should occur only when all aircraft have landed, and all pilots have been informed
15. All aircraft must display an FAA Unmanned Aircraft Registration number
16.All aircraft must display the owner’s name, address, phone number and AMA number.
17.No alcoholic drinks are allowed on the property. No flying while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
18.All aircraft and field boxes should remain in the pit area when not in use.
19.Any member sponsoring a guest should be with that guest when they are at the field.
20.There shall be a maximum of 5 aircraft in the air at any time.
21.Landing aircraft have unconditional right of way. Landed aircraft shall clear the runway as soon as possible.
22.Notify all pilots before walking onto or crossing the runway.
23.The field is closed to public flying when any club event is in progress, including awards, special recognition, or
meetings.
24.Do not stand in the line of the prop arc of a running engine.
25.Children and pets are not allowed in the pits and must be supervised by a non-flying, non-participating adult.
Section 2. Guidelines and Courtesies
1. Please limit flights to fifteen minutes.
2. Announce takeoffs, landings and dead sticks so others may clear the way.
3. When taking off / landing a pilot or spotter should announce the action and direction, whether right to left, or left to right.
4. Range check radios when new, repaired, or after a crash.
5. Keep the flying field area clean.
6. Ask unfamiliar flyers if you can help, and if they have a membership card.
7. Remember that everyone is flying for FUN.
Article VII. Vacancies
Vacancy in any office shall be filled by appointment by the Board of Directors to serve until the end of the vacated office, except for Vice President, who will replace the President.
Article VIII. Meetings
Section 1. Meeting Time
Regular club meetings shall be held quarterly on the first Sunday of every Quarter at the time set by the club membership. Special meetings may be called by the President, Board of Directors or by any ten (10) members of the club. Any such call shall name the time, date and place and the membership so notified at least five (5) days in advance of such meetings. The Secretary shall post notification one week in advance.
Section 2. Quorum Ten (10) voting members must be present in person to constitute a quorum at all meetings of members for the election of officers and directors (including online voting). For other decisions, at least 3 officers must be present to form a quorum.
Section 3. Order of Business
All regular business affairs and enterprises conducted by the club shall be directed by the club at regular meetings. The order of business at regular club meetings shall be as follows:
- Call the meeting to order
- Ascertain whether a quorum is present
- Completion of unfinished business
- Announcements and communications to Club received since the last
- previous annual or regular meeting
- Taking of reports from committees and approval thereof or action to be taken thereon
- Treasurer’s report
- Introduction of visitors and new members
- Transaction of new business
- Adjournment
Section 4. The focus of the club meeting shall be the business of the club and should last only as long as needed.
Article IX. Dues and Fees
Section 1. Annual dues amount shall be determined by the financial requirements of the Club for the coming year. Dues shall be prorated after June 1st for new members (not applicable to renewing members). Changes in dues amount shall be presented to the membership for approval. Members may be dropped if current dues are not paid within a reasonable time period after January 1st of each year.
- Single Membership $60.00
- Senior Membership (0ver age 65) $40.00
- Family Membership $90.00
Section 2. No special assessments shall be levied upon the club members except at a meeting called for that purpose or at a regular meeting provided members have been notified at least one week in advance. A unanimous vote will be required to levy any assessment on the club membership.
Section 3. All elected officers will be given a year’s free dues during the year of their term of office.
Article X. Special Funds
The Treasurer of this club is authorized to receive contributions or specially obtained funds from individuals or institutions to be applied to the operating expenses of the club. Income realized at organized activities of The Atlanta, R/C Club, Inc. shall revert to the treasury.
Article XI. Special Committees
The standing committees of the club shall be appointed by the President to serve throughout the President's tenure of office and their duties shall be indicated by the names of the committees.
Article XII. Amendments
Amendments may be made to this Constitution and Bylaws by a 2/3 vote of the members present and voting. Special amendments to comply with AMA changes in liability insurance requirements shall be at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Article XIII. Expenditure Limitations
No expenditure exceeding $1000.00 can be made by any Officer of Member or Committee of the Club without approval by majority vote of the Board of Directors and, or majority vote of active members present and voting.
Article XIV. Distribution of Constitution and Bylaws
A copy of the Constitution and bylaws shall be made available to all members. Failure to receive or read these articles of the Constitution and Bylaws does not release member from compliance with this Constitution and Bylaws.
Article XV. Changes to the Constitution and Bylaws
Request for amendments and or changes to the bylaws and Constitution of this Chartered Club (#223) shall be made in writing to the President. The President shall present the request before the club membership at the next regular scheduled meeting.
Article XVI. Fiscal Year
The Fiscal year shall be from January First (1) to December Thirty-first (31).
Article XVII. Dissolution
Section 1. Club Assets
Upon resolution of the members of the Club to dissolve the Atlanta R/C Club, Inc., all assets of the Club shall be returned to their just cash value, which will be used to remove all outstanding debts of the corporation. All funds remaining after all debts are satisfied will then be donated to the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
Section 2. Club Vote
A resolution to dissolve the Club must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the voting members at a regular, special or annual meeting.
Article XVIII. Special Manner of Club Logo Name:
ATLANTA R/C CLUB, INC.
This constitutes the Constitution and Bylaws of this Chartered Club:
All copies of the Constitution and Bylaws, relating to the Atlanta Radio Control
Club, Inc., AMA charter #223 prior to October 2021 are null and void.
Signed: _____________________________ Date: ______________ President
Signed: _____________________________ Date: ______________ Secretary