Official Document
San Fernando Valley
R/C Flyers, Inc.Bylaws — Revised April 2023
Article IName, Purpose, Objective & Offices
Section I — Name
The name of the club shall be "San Fernando Valley R/C Flyers, Inc."
Section II — Purpose
The organization is organized exclusively for charitable, educational and scientific purposes under section 501(c)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code or corresponding section of any future federal code.
Section III — Objective
The objective of the club is to:
- Promote model aviation;
- Maintain the Apollo XI field both physically and politically for model aircraft use;
- Promote safe flying;
- Promote good fellowship and community relations.
Section IV — Offices
The principal office of the Corporation shall be located in the State of California, the County of Los Angeles. The Corporation may have other offices as decided by the Board of Directors as the affairs of the Corporation may require from time to time. The other offices may either be within or outside of the County of Los Angeles, in the State of California.
Article IIMembers
Section I — Classes of Members
The Corporation shall have one class of member. The qualification and rights of members shall be as follows:
Section I-A — Qualification of Members
- Applicants for membership shall be members in good standing or have applied for membership in the Academy of Model Aeronautics;
- Members operating models shall comply with local safety rules at any given flying site.
Section I-B — Voting Rights
Each member shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote of the members.
Section II — Election of Members
Persons applying for membership shall be accepted provided any member of the quorum present at a regular meeting does not oppose their application. If membership is opposed, there will be a vote for acceptance; said acceptance will be determined by a majority of the members present.
Section III — Termination of Membership
The Board of Directors, by affirmative vote of a majority of all of the members of the Board, may terminate the membership of a member for cause, after an appropriate hearing, and by a majority vote of those present at any General Member Meeting.
Section IV — Resignation
Any member may resign at any time with no refund or prorating of dues.
Section V
(Section Eliminated)
Section VI — Transfer of Membership
Membership in the SFVRCF Corporation is not transferable or assignable.
Section VII — Bylaws
All new members shall be provided with a set of current bylaws, membership roster, and club rules. Current members may obtain the bylaws, roster, and club rules at the Valley Flyers web site or upon request.
Section VIII — Coalition / Liaison Appointments
The president will appoint a member to act as a liaison for the Valley Flyers at the general meetings of the Black Sheep Squadron.
Article IIIMeetings of Members
Section I — Annual Meeting
An annual meeting of the members shall be held on the fourth (4th) Tuesday in the month of November for the purpose of electing board officers and for the transaction of such other business as may come before the meeting.
Section II — Special Meeting
A special meeting of the members can be called by the President, the Board of Directors, or a minimum of ten (10) members, provided that the time and location of the meeting is communicated to the membership.
Section III — Regular Meetings
The club will establish monthly or quarterly meetings for its members, with a fixed schedule communicated to the membership via email, mail, or other digital methods by the Board of Directors.
Section IV — Quorum
There must be at least 20 members present to qualify for a quorum. Fifty percent (50%) of the members present shall constitute a quorum at any Regular Meeting.
Section V — Voting
All matters submitted for vote at a meeting of the members shall require an affirmative vote of greater than fifty percent of the members in attendance. Voting may be oral or by a show of hands except that in the election of the board, where voting shall be by secret ballot.
The secret ballot policy will apply when more than one nominee is being considered for any board position; otherwise, a show of hands is sufficient with the majority rules as the policy and not a quorum.
Only current year Valley Flyer members shall be given a ballot or choice to vote. The current year status of the member must be verified by the most recent roster. If they are not on the roster for the current year, they will not be given a ballot, unless they can produce a current year membership card. Members joining or renewing with the club on the night of the balloting will not be allowed to vote. The roster can be provided by any current board of directors.
Article IVBoard of Directors
Section I — General Powers
The affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by its Board of Directors, which shall consist of a minimum of the following unique positions: President, Treasurer, and Secretary, and a total of 22 positions.
Section II — Qualifications and Tenure
Directors must be members of the corporation. Each Director shall hold office for a two-year period with the goal of having one half of the board being elected at each annual meeting of the membership.
Section III — Regular Board Meetings
Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held each month at a specified day, time, and place as designated by the Board of Directors.
Section IV — Quorum / Board of Directors
A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business meeting of the Board. If less than a majority is present, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting.
Section V — Voting
All matters submitted for vote at a meeting of the Board members shall require an affirmative vote of greater than fifty percent of the Board members in attendance. Voting may be oral, by a show of hands, or by email response when solicited by email, except that in the election of the board, where voting shall be by secret ballot.
Section VI — Compensation
Directors as such shall not receive any compensation or stated salaries for their services; but nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation.
Article VOfficers
Section I — Officers
The officers of the Corporation shall be: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Hospitality Chairperson, Program Director, Event Director, Newsletter Editor, Flight Training Coordinator, Field Manager, Membership Chairperson, Safety Officer, Public Relations Director, Helicopter Director, Turbine Director, Scale Director, Electric Flight Director, Media Director, Webmaster, Multi Rotor/Drone Director, Technology Director, and Glendale Field Marshal. These officers shall be selected from membership at the end of each term. These officers shall constitute the Board of Directors.
Section II — Election and Term of Office
The active membership on a yearly basis shall select the board of the Corporation from the membership, to fill any end of term vacancies. The Board shall fill any additional offices that may be deemed necessary by the board on a temporary basis from the membership. The Board shall fill any additional offices that may be deemed necessary by the board on a permanent basis from the membership, and amend the bylaws to reflect the new positions (Article IV & Article V).
Section III — Removal
Any officer, elected or appointed, may be removed by the board whenever, in their judgment, the best interest of the Corporation would be served.
Section IV — Vacancies
The Board, for the unexpired position of the term, may fill a vacancy in any office.
Section V — President
The President shall be the principal executive officer of the Corporation and shall, in general, supervise and control all of the business and affairs of the Corporation in conjunction with the other members of the Board. All members of the Board shall have one vote, of equal magnitude, on any issue concerning the club. The President shall preside at all meetings of the members and of the Board; he may appoint any committee to serve the Corporation as needed. The President shall coordinate activities with the Department of Recreation and Parks and will attend or assign members to attend the monthly Department of Recreation and Parks User meetings. When possible, make reports for the newsletter.
Section VI — Vice President
In the absence of the President, or in the event of the President's inability or refusal to act, the Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting shall have all of the powers of and be subjected to all the restrictions upon the President. The Vice-President shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the President of the Board. When possible, make reports for the newsletter.
Section VII — Treasurer
The Treasurer shall have charge and custody of and be responsible for all funds of the corporation; receive and give receipts for monies due and payable to the Corporation from any source whatsoever and deposit such monies in the name of the Corporation in a federally insured bank account; and in general, perform all the duties incident to the office of treasurer and such other duties assigned to him by the president or by the Board. The Treasurer will be responsible for ensuring the Federal and State taxes are filed on an annual basis.
Section VIII — Secretary
The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the members and of the Board in the books provided for that purpose, and be custodian of corporate records. Keep a register of the post office addresses of each member, which shall be furnished to the Secretary by the Membership Chairperson. The Secretary is also responsible for keeping the bylaws in order and up to date. And in general, perform all the duties as may be assigned to him by the president or by the Board. When possible, make reports for the newsletter.
Section IX — Hospitality Chairperson
Provides:
- Refreshments and snacks for the general club meetings;
- Coordinates concession stands at club field events.
Monies for purchases shall be requested from the Treasurer. Profits from events shall be remitted to the Treasurer. When possible, make reports for the newsletter.
Section X — Program Director
Prepares and presents programs of education or instruction for monthly membership meetings. Secure venue for meetings. When possible, make reports for the newsletter.
Section XI — Event Director
Shall participate in event scheduling and obtaining Contest Directors for events. Shall work with Contest Directors on their event to ensure proper sanctions and permits are in place, necessary event officials have been contacted, necessary equipment is available, and advertising is done. Shall attempt to coordinate event schedule with other clubs and districts. Shall generally oversee all events. When possible, make reports for the newsletter.
Section XII — Newsletter Editor
The editor shall be in charge of the publication of the monthly newsletter, which shall be issued to the members. When possible, make reports for the newsletter.
Section XIII — Flight Training Coordinator
Coordinates the training of new pilots. Works with the flight instructors and student(s) to arrange times for training sessions. Inspects new student's aircraft and flight equipment. Advises student(s) on the purchase of equipment. Briefs new student(s) on safety rules and protocol at the field. Works with the Membership Chairperson to use the training program for club recruitment. The Flight Training Coordinator is also trustee of the club's training aircraft(s) and equipment. When possible, make reports for the newsletter.
Section XIV — Field Manager
Monitors the physical condition of the field and reports to the Board of Directors and the members. Helps to enforce safety regulations. Maintains an open dialog with the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks. Receives estimates for any field improvement project. Responsible for the construction and maintenance activities at the field. When possible, make reports for the newsletter.
Section XV — Membership Chairperson
Collects and remits dues to the Treasurer. Issues membership packets (packets to include: copy of the bylaws, club rules, field rules, Board Member contact list, printed logos and information about each of the clubs represented by the corporation, membership cards, and the current Newsletter) to old and new members. Prepares a roster, at least twice a year, of active members for publication in newsletter. Prepares annual lists for the Academy of Model Aeronautics in cooperation with the Secretary. When possible, make reports for the newsletter.
Section XVI — Safety Officer
Reviews field safety regulations with Field Manager and the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks. Develops and monitors field safety activities. Helps to enforce safety at the field. When possible, make reports for the newsletter.
Section XVII — Public Relations Director
Shall keep correct and complete books and records of all club ordered supplies, shirts, decals, trophies, etc. and maintain the club video library. Will also obtain quotes and request budget funds for items (shirts, decals, trophies, etc.) as will be needed by the club from time to time. Contact newspapers and other media for advertising of events. Update AMA magazines and Model Magazines with articles for past events supplied by the Contest Director of the Events. When possible, make reports for the newsletter.
Section XVIII — Helicopter Director
Shall be responsible for communication between the helicopter pilots and the club. Coordinate activities with the Event Director. Shall be responsible for reporting to the Board necessary improvements and working with the Field Manager to maintain their respective designated flight areas. When possible, make reports for the newsletter.
Section XIX — Turbine Director
Shall be responsible for communication between the Turbine Aircraft pilots and the club. Coordinate activities with the Event Director. When possible, make reports for the newsletter.
Section XX — Scale Director
Shall be responsible for communication between the giant scale pilots and the club with respect to Giant Scale Squadron. Coordinates with any national scale event holders such as the US Scale Masters Qualifier. When possible, make reports for the newsletter.
Section XXI — Electric Flight Director
Shall be responsible for communication between the Electric Aircraft pilots and the club. Shall be responsible for reporting to the Board necessary improvements and working with the Field Manager to maintain their respective designated flight areas. When possible, make reports for the newsletter.
Section XXII — Media Director
Shall be in charge of media with respect to the club activities. This includes design of graphics, video, event flyers, and other publications. The Media Director is the artistic sight and sound of the club. Maintain the club photographic and video data and archives. May guide the design and layout of graphic artwork for such publications as, but not limited to, membership cards, event badges, digital marketing campaigns, flyers, and the web site. When possible, make reports for the newsletter.
Section XXIII — Webmaster
Responsible for maintaining and updating the online web site at valleyflyers.com and its corresponding URLs. Maintain current links on the web site, update information in a timely manner, and maintain an active list of "Meta Tags" of relevant search data to make finding our web site and various pages more probable from web searches. When possible, make reports for the newsletter.
Section XXIV — Multi-Rotor / Drone Director
Shall be responsible as a liaison between the Helicopter and Drone Director for the club. Make reports for the newsletter. Initiate and manage Drone flying events at Apollo XI, Glendale, or other fields and locations endorsed by the Valley Flyers. Shall be responsible for reporting to the Board necessary improvements and working with the Field Manager to maintain their respective designated flight areas.
Section XXVI — Technology Director
This position will provide support, upon request, to the Field Manager and Electric Director. Maintains the charging stations at Apollo XI and Glendale fields along with the radio links that keep them reporting weather and voltage conditions to the internet and website. Assist in the maintenance of the camera security systems at both fields.
Section XXVII — Glendale Field Marshal
Acts as Field Safety Director for the Glendale field and can represent the San Fernando Valley RC Club's President, when approved by that office, in any Glendale business discussions and decisions. Also acts as a liaison with the Membership Director as it relates to a member's attempt to either renew or become a Glendale member. Will coordinate field maintenance activities and solicit Glendale member volunteers and the Apollo XI Field Manager to perform or manage field maintenance tasks. When possible, make reports for the newsletter.
Article VIContracts, Checks, Deposits & Funds
Section I — Contracts
The Board may authorize any officer of the Corporation to enter into any contract on behalf of the corporation. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.
Section II — Gifts
The Board may accept on behalf of the Corporation any contributions or gifts.
Article VIIBooks & Records
The Secretary of the Corporation shall keep correct and complete books and records of all minutes of the proceedings of meetings. He also shall keep a record giving the names and addresses of members entitled to vote. All books and records of the Corporation may be inspected by any member or his agent or attorney for any proper purpose at any time by making a written request to the Board of Directors, who will make an appointment for the review.
Article VIIIDues
Section I — Amount of Dues
The annual member dues of the Corporation shall be payable in full at the first of each year, in the case of continuing members. The Corporation shall not operate at a loss due to insufficient dues payments, and may by majority vote of the membership, change the dues structure. The current Board of Directors and Past President members are exempted from dues. Junior members shall have special reduced rates.
Section II — Payment of Dues
Valley Flyer dues shall be due and payable at the first day of each calendar year, if not sooner. Any member who processes a new membership must provide the documentation to the Membership Director and provide any collected dues to the Treasurer.
Section III — Membership Application
All members including past presidents and Board members shall submit an application of membership each calendar year. The application will be used by the Membership Chairperson to maintain the membership roster.
Section IV — Default and Termination of Membership
When any member shall be in default in the payment of his dues and/or does not submit a membership application for a period of two months from the beginning of the calendar year, his membership may thereupon be terminated.
Article IXCertificates of Membership
The Corporation shall provide a certificate of membership (membership card) in the corporation. Such certificates shall be signed by the Membership Chairperson and state the name of the member and date of expiration. The name and address of each member and the date of issuance of the certificate and field shall be entered in the records of the corporation. If the certificate shall be lost, mutilated, or destroyed, a new certificate may be issued.
Article XWaiver of Notice
Whenever any notice is required to be given under the provisions of the General Non-Profit Corporation Law of California or under the provisions of the Article of Incorporation or by the Bylaws of the Corporation, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by persons entitled to such notice whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice.
Article XIDissolution
Upon the dissolution of this organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a specific purpose.
Article XIIAmendments to the Bylaws
These bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed and new bylaws may be adopted by a majority of the members present at any regular meeting of the Corporation. At least four (4) days written notice is given of intention to alter, amend, or repeal, or to adopt new bylaws at such a meeting.