By - Laws
ARTICLE I . PURPOSE
To encourage and promote the enjoyment, fellowship, growth and safety of the sport of aero-modeling.
ARTICLE II . DEFINITION
1. Big Sky Thunderbirds is a non profit Montana corporation.
2. AMA shall mean the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
ARTICLE III . CLUB MEMBERSHIP
1. Club membership shall be open to anyone.
2. Members in good standing or active shall be defined as those who have current paid-up membership in the club.
3. Flying members shall have a current Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) license. The AMA license or proof of license purchase must be available at the field while flying or when the member or guest proposes to fly, or is flying. Proof of a current AMA membership is the responsibility of the member or guest.
4. Any member can be expelled from the club, or suspended from club activities for conduct unbecoming a good club member. This conduct may be, but is not necessarily limited to, the following :
A. Failure to fly his/her aircraft in a safe and reasonable manner .
B. Continued violation of Academy of Model Aeronautics rules .
C. Continued violation of club rules.
D. Abusive or profane language at club meetings, gatherings or the flying field.
E. Consumption of alcoholic beverages at the flying field or flying after consumption of alcohol.
5. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to temporarily suspend a club member's flying privileges for disciplinary purposes. The suspended member may request a hearing before the club membership concerning his suspension.
6. In order to expel a member, a majority vote of all active club members attending a regularly scheduled club meeting is required .
7. Associate membership will be available to those individuals who have infrequent or no use of the flying field(s) other than at sanctioned events. The intent of this rule is to accommodate individuals who would enjoy the benefits and services of an AMA Chartered Club other than use of the club field(s) . Applications for associate membership will be subject to review and approval by the Board of Directors. Associate members will be non-voting club members and they may fly at the field no more than six times a year.
ARTICLE IV. DUES
1. The membership year shall be January 1 to December 31.
2. Club dues are payable October 1 until December 1 for the following year for renewals. New memberships will be accepted any time .
3. Each club member shall pay the Secretary-Treasurer his club dues and flying members will pay AMA's membership fee or show proof of current AMA membership .
4. Dues
4.1 Dues for new senior and open members shall be $30.00 per year. Junior membership is $15.00 ; Family membership is $60.00 per year and Associate membership is $20.00 per year.
4.2 Dues for renewing senior and open members shall be $50.00 with option of dues reduction based on credits earned for participation in selected club functions during the previous year .
4.3 Options for credit
A. Scheduled field work and maintenance: $5.00 for each planned activity based on full participation.
B. AMA sanctioned events such as the glider meet, race meet or others: $5.00 credit for each full day of participation as a staff or committee member.
C. Credit will not be earned for club parties such as the Christmas Party or club field activities such as non-sanctioned fly-ins or family day activities. Only the person(s) organizing these activities or key workers identified by the organizer will be given credit.
4.4 Members exempt from participating in the credit system
A. Persons with medical disability: Such members must have valid certification signed by a majority of the Board of Directors. These members will continue to pay $30.00 annual dues .
B. Junior members and Associate members will be exempt from the credit system and continue to pay $15.00 and $20.00 annual dues .
C. The following club officers will each receive maximum credit based on a full year service: President, Newsletter Editor and Secretary-Treasurer.
D. Cases for special dispensation will be considered by the Board of Directors.
4.5 Credit earned will be limited to $20.00 per year for senior or open members or family memberships.
Record of credits earned will be kept by the Secretary-Treasurer. Activities chairmen will turn in credits earned for each function. Members are responsible to assure that Activity Chairmen have turned in their credit.
5. The Secretary-Treasurer shall forward the AMA fees for each membership at the time the charter documents are returned to AMA. Explanation: This will guarantee a much more accurate membership roster on the AMA's records and will eliminate the $.50 fee assessed to the club for membership renewals taken after January 1 .
6. The club dues and AMA fees are based upon what age the member will be on the following July 1, and upon the age brackets defined by AMA for its membership.
7. The combination to the lock on the gate providing access to the club flying field shall be changed January 1 each year.
8. Upon receipt of membership fees by the Secretary treasurer, a membership card and lock combination will be issued to the member entitling him access to the club field and all other club privileges for the year issued.
9. A member who does not pay his membership fees by December 1, will automatically be placed on the club's inactive roster. He may, at any time, be reinstated in the club by paying his membership fees plus any recharter fee charged by the AMA.
10. A new flying member will be required to pay the current full AMA membership fee. The local club dues shall be prorated by the month after March 31 .
11. The Secretary-Treasurer will see that each new member has copies of the club handbook and club bylaws. The cost of these items will be paid by the club.
ARTICLE V. DIRECTORS
1. The Board of Directors shall manage and execute the affairs of the organization.
2. The Board of Directors shall hold an annual reorganization meeting during February each year. Four (4) directors shall constitute a quorum, and if a quorum is present, the decision of the majority of those present shall be the act of the board .
3. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President or by any three Directors. The person or persons calling a special meeting of the Board of Directors shall give notice thereof at least five (5) days before the meeting.
4. Directors shall serve terms of three (3) years. Two (2) directors shall be elected each year during the regular November club meeting. Therefore, the Board of Directors shall have six (6) members with two (2) being elected each year. The new Directors shall take office at the February board meeting.
5. Any member in good standing may be elected to the Board of Directors by a majority vote of the club members attending the regularly scheduled November club meeting.
6. A nominating committee of three members shall be appointed one month prior to the election for the Board of Directors. The nominating committee shall nominate at least one nominee for each position on the Board of Directors to be filled.
7. Any director may resign at any time by giving written notice to the club President or to the remaining board members. Any Director may be removed from membership on the Board of Directors by a majority vote of club members attending a regularly scheduled meeting. Any director who fails to maintain his club membership in good standing shall be automatically removed from the Board of Directors. Whenever a vacancy occurs on the Board of Directors due to death, resignation, removal or any other cause, the remaining directors shall elect a successor member to serve until the next regular election.
8. The Directors shall receive no compensation for their services unless approved by a majority vote of the club members during a regularly scheduled meeting.
9. A meeting of the Board of Directors may be requested by any member of the club to air any grievance or problem.
10. The Board of Directors meetings shall be open to club members and committee chairmen will be invited to attend from time to time . The club president will chair board meetings. However, he will vote only in case of a tie.
11. The proceedings of its meetings shall be distributed to the members of the club.
12. The Board of Directors shall audit the club books before the February meeting of each year to account for all monies received and disbursed, and to assure balanced books for the coming year. A full report shall be submitted to the membership at the February meeting .
13. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to temporarily relieve an officer from his office for failing to perform the responsibilities and duties, as attached to that office. The officer may request a hearing before the Board of Directors or the general membership concerning his relief. In order to permanently relieve an officer of his/her office, a majority vote of the Board of Directors is required.
ARTICLE VI. OFFICERS
1. Club officers shall consist of:
PRESIDENT
VICE-PRESIDENT
SECRETARY-TREASURER .
SAFETY OFFICER
2 . The election of officers shall be held during the annual Board meeting in February of each year.
3. With the exception of the Secretary-Treasurer, the term of office shall run from March 1 to the last day of February each year .
4. The Secretary-Treasurer's term shall run for a period of two years from March 1 to the last day of February, at which time he shall have the option of continuing his office or withdrawing from the position of Secretary-Treasurer. If he chooses to continue for another term, the office of Secretary-Treasurer shall be considered as filled unless a majority vote of the Board of Directors asks that the position be opened for nominations.
5. Any member in good standing may be nominated and elected to hold office by a majority vote of the Board of Directors attending the February Board meeting. Officers need not be members of the Board of Directors.
6. Should an officer cease to be an active club member in good standing, his term as officer shall cease, and the Board of Directors shall elect a replacement to serve until the next regular election .
7. The duties of the officers shall be as usually attached to such officers.
ARTICLE VII. CLUB OFFICIALS AND COMMITTEES
1. The President may, from time to time, appoint officials or committees as he deems necessary for the functioning of the club .
2. Any club member will be expected to participate on special committees when asked to do so by the club President, or in his absence, by the Vice-President.
3. Appointed officials and committees may consist of, but are not necessarily limited to:
CONTEST COMMITTEE
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
LIBRARIAN
FIELD MAINTENANCE DIRECTOR
PILOT INSTRUCTOR DIRECTOR
SAFETY COMMITTEE
NOMINATION COMMITTEE
4. A Contest Director is neither appointed nor elected, but must meet the requirements of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. A Contest Director may hold his position as long as he maintains his qualifications and is an active member of the club.
5. The Contest Director shall also serve as the chairman of the Contest Committee.
ARTICLE VIII. FINANCE
1. All club checks shall require the signature of two club officers or directors.
2. Club officers may sign checks up to a maximum of $50.00 without vote of the club membership. Approval of amounts exceeding $50.00 requires a majority vote of the club members attending a regularly scheduled club meeting. Payments to the A.M.A, may be made in any amount without approval in order to facilitate dues payments .
3. All other club bills over $50.00 shall be presented to the club membership at a regular club meeting for review by the club members .
4. A maximum of $50.00 in cash may be kept on hand by the club Secretary-Treasurer for change at club events and for postage expenses.
5 . The Secretary-Treasurer shall submit a Treasurer's report at each meeting and shall submit an end-of-the-year financial statement .
ARTICLE IX. CLUB RULES FOR THE USE OF FIELD AND FLYING INCLUDING FIRE SEASON REGULATIONS
1. Pilot must be a club member in good standing or, a guest accompanied by a club member in good standing.
2. Pilot must be a current AMA member.
3. The entrance gate to the field is to be kept closed at all times.
4. Each member is responsible for the cleanliness of the field and must make every effort to keep the litter picked up and the area in an attractive condition.
5. No shooting or fireworks are allowed.
6. The club field is to be used for flying activities only.
7. No pets will be allowed on the field unless on a leash.
8. Vehicles shall not travel off the designated roads or parking area.
9. Frequency control shall be in effect when two (2) or more pilots are at the field for the purpose of flying their aircraft or any related activities. Guests must place their current AMA membership card on the frequency board before flying. Club members will use their club membership cards.
10. The pilot shall make his initial turn after take-off away from the pit, spectator and parking areas , i.e., the initial turn shall be to the right if taking off to the west or left if taking off to the east.
11. There shall be no flying over the pit, parking or spectator areas. All flying will be north of the extended center line of the runway. Landing aircraft must remain north of the south edge of the runway. No aircraft will be flown over the house at either end of the field area. No aircraft will be flown over workers in the gravel pit north of the runway, and this may require temporary field closure. An exception may be allowed for approaches from the east. Pilots uncomfortable with a right hand approach over the hill may make a left hand approach after crossing the runway well to the right of the pit area.
12. All flying shall be done in a safe and prudent manner and no member shall fly an aircraft with a known defect.
13 .Aircraft shall be pre-flight checked by the pilot before making any flights.
14. An aircraft shall be inspected after a hard landing to be sure that the aircraft is safe for further flights.
15. A radio ground range check shall be made before any flights are made with a new or repaired radio.
16. Only persons directly involved with the operation of the aircraft will be allowed beyond the pit area.
17. Mufflers are required on all engines .10 or larger, or at the discretion of the Safety Officer.
18. An aircraft may be grounded by the Safety Officer for safety defects.
19. Individual pilots will be held responsible for their own actions. If any neglect in operation is found, the individual may, at the discretion of an appointed committee, be held responsible for damage occurring to another person's property.
20. Upon the recommendation of the Safety Officer or any two club members, any person operating an aircraft in an unsafe manner can be grounded for the remainder of the day.
21. Fire season regulations :
Even though our activities present little chance of starting a fire, the consequences of an uncontrolled fire at the field would be very devastating because there is no fire break separating our site from the adjacent mountains. Therefore, it is in everyone's interest to take fire safety very seriously and to regulate our club activities. There are several potential sources of fire starts. Each will be identified and appropriate measures to prevent serious consequences will be stated. The Fire Danger Ratings referred to here are those which are the official fire danger provided by the Forest Service for the local area and published in The Missoulian.
When the Fire Danger Rating is EXTREME, the field will be closed to all activities and the gate will be locked to deny access to club members .
When the Fire Rating is VERY HIGH the following restrictions will be in effect:
a. The field will be closed after 1 PM. It is common practice to restrict forest activities in the afternoon during fire season. This is the time of day low humidity increases the fire danger substantially and makes control difficult.
b. Vehicle travel will be limited to the road from the highway to the pit area. Any vehicle exhaust system can ignite tall grass under the right conditions, By restricting our driving to the bare entry road we will virtually eliminate any chance of a vehicle caused fire.
c. Smoking will be restricted to vehicles and the vehicle ash trays will be utilized. Even though our pit area has very little grass, this measure should prevent some absent-minded smoker from wandering into adjacent grass area. Smoking is a generally recognized fire hazard .
d. A dry chemical fire extinguisher rated at a minimum of l0 BC shall be in the pit area while flying activity is on-going to handle those rare "Murphy Law" fires such as electrical shorts in the flight box, starting backfires, etc. No flaming aircraft shall be allowed to take-off .
e. Wildland type fire tools, including a backpack pump, water and shovels, shall be available in the pit area while flying is on-going. In the rare event that the earth meets an aircraft with devastating impact in any of the grassy or brushy areas, a fire extinguisher and appropriate fire tools will be taken to the crash site just in case Murphy's Law is really working overtime.
Vehicles will not be used to retrieve aircraft because of the danger of the exhaust system starting a grass fire. Of course, in the event of an actual fire, get to the fire as fast as possible with the fire tools and use vehicles as necessary.
f. No gasoline fueled aircraft will be allowed because gasoline is generally recognized to be more hazardous than the normal alcohol based fuels .
When the Fire Danger Rating is HIGH, the following regulations will apply:
a. Vehicle travel will be limited to the road from the highway to the pit area.
b. Smoking will be restricted to the pit area or vehicles. The grass is very sparse in the pits and smoking in this area should not present a problem.
c. A dry chemical fire extinguisher rated at a minimum of 10 BC shall be in the pit area while flying activity is on-going.
d. Wildland type fire tools, including a backpack pump, water and shovels, shall be brought in the pit area while flying is on-going.
e. When the Fire Danger Rating is MODERATE or LOW, only the normal club rules published in the by laws will apply.
ARTICLE X. GUESTS
1. Any active member may bring a guest to fly at the flying field. The club member shall be responsible for the qualifications of the guest.
2. If the guest is not a current Academy of Model Aeronautics member, the club member shall be responsible for the activities of the guest. The club member shall have positive control over the non-AMA guests. A buddy box system shall be used .
3 . The guest shall be subject to the Club Rules For Use of Field and Flying. It shall be the responsibility of the club member to make the guest aware of the club rules.
4. Guests may use the field under the above rules and conditions three (3) times, then they must become a member. Non-AMA guests may use the field one time only.
5. A member found to allow a non-member access in violation of these rules, will lose flying privilege for the remainder of the year.
ARTICLE XI . SPECIAL FUNCTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
1. Any club member representing the club at a special function or activity for the purpose of a flying demonstration shall be approved by the club membership at a regularly scheduled meeting. Or, in the event the invitation for such an attendance cannot be acted upon by the club as a whole, the Board of Directors shall have the authority to approve or disapprove such attendance. If these activities are off the field (off club property), they must be AMA sanctioned.
2. A club member or members may attend a special function or event for the purpose of providing a static display of models or equipment even though a flying demonstration has not been approved .
3. The club member or members flying at such a function or activity shall be certified by the club as qualified pilot(s) .
4. All members attending the function or event must be in agreement that it will be safe to make the demonstration flights.
5. All hazards, such as location of parked aircraft, cars, spectators, flying site and buildings, shall be considered before any demonstration flights are made by any club member or members.
6. All aircraft to be used in the flight demonstration shall be inspected and pre-flight checked before such flight is made.
7. All AMA and club rules shall be observed. Failure to follow these rules shall render the pilot or pilots liable for immediate suspension of flight privileges and club membership.
8. Any club member who engages in any public flying demonstration, other than at a club designated field or club sanctioned event, shall assume all liability for such activities.
The club shall not assume the liabilities of any club member who engages in unauthorized or unsanctioned flying activities. Nor shall the club defend such club member in event of a liability arising from such flying activities.
ARTICLE XII . AMENDMENTS
1. Amendments to the Bylaws may be proposed by any member of the club .
2. The proposed amendments of the Bylaws shall be published in the club newsletter at least ten (10) days prior to a regular club meeting .
3. The proposed amendments shall require a three-fourths (3/4) favorable vote of the active members attending the meeting.
4. The Secretary-Treasurer will mail the bylaws and field rules to new members.
Upon motion made and duly seconded, these by-laws were adopted by the membership!
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