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October 30, 1991
Sport Flyers Association
General Information
This file contains the partial text of an ad that will be in the January issues
of RC Modeler and Model Airplane News Magazines.
Your Models Should Be Sky High, Not Your Insurance.
Join the Sport Flyers Association. Get complete coverage for $25.00 a year, and
a lot more.
The Sport Flyers Association was created by modelers for modelers to provide
the best insurance coverage for model flying at the lowest possible cost. No
politics, elections or hassles. Our goal is to save our members money, build
and support flying clubs, and make model flying fun again!
*$1,000,000 Liability Coverage
*Member to Member
*Over $70 Million in, liquid assets plus an "A" rating from the A.M. Best
Co. backs our insurance coverage
*Just $25.00 per year for full Adult Membership
*Just $15 per year for Non-Powered Free Flight and Youth Membership
Everyone benefits from safe model flying, and we believe in rewarding our
members for flying safely. Members earn points for safe flying, continued
membership, and completing an annual safety check. Additional points can be
earned for recruiting new members to SFA and the Zero Claims safety program.
All SFA members can use their Zero Claims points for:
*cash rebates
*Product purchase discounts
*Travel awards
The top 5% of Sport Flyers members with the best safety and recruiting records
can earn free hobby and RC products, travel awards, air show trips, and much
more.
Clubs:
Our goal is to build your flying site, not ours. The Sport Flyers Flying Club
Program is designed to generate money and members for your club. We've created
a Flying Site Development Fund to build your flying sites, and sponsor events
to build your club treasury.
Being a member of the Sport Flyers Association allows you to maintain
affiliation with any other association or modeling organization. Now you can
provide the best available coverage at the lowest price to your members, and
still participate in your traditional club events. Being a member club of the
Sport Flyers Association means you'll receive more-not less, including:
*Flying clubs and site owners insured FREE for the first year
*Daily membership passes
*National advertising to publicise your club events
*Club money making programs
*Certified Flight Instructor program
Other benefits:
Become a member of the Sport Flyers Association and save up to 70% on your full
scale flying as well. Use our members-only 800 number for reservations and
greater discounts on air show and hobby event travel.
Save enough on your first trip to pay for your SFA membership for the next five
years! Even better, each time you fly we make a contribution to the Flying Site
Development Fund.
For more information, contact:
Sport Flyers Association
4145 Travis Suite 202
Dallas, Texas 75204
214/522-3301
Sport Flyers Association
Questions and Answers
October 30, 1991
Question: Who's behind this new organization?
Answer: A group of insurance industry professionals who are also model fliers.
They are using their years of experience in the insurance industry and model
flying to offer an insurance product that meets the needs of model fliers at a
reasonable cost. Participants also include a number of business leaders who
believe model flying, educational hobbies, and flying sites like your own are
essential to the future of the communities we live in.
Question: Is SFA insurance as good as what we're getting through our membership
in other organizations?
Answer: SFA's liability insurance is equal or better. The SFA has greater
financial resources backing the insurance coverage it provides to flying clubs,
site owners, and its members. SFA's insurance coverage is underwritten by an
insurance company (not self-insured), and coverage is backed by over $70
million in liquid assets--not real estate or letters of credit.
Question: Who provides SFA's insurance coverage?
Answer: The SFA policy is underwritten by Gainsco Inc., an American Stock
Exchange listed insurance company which carries an "A/Excellent" rating from
the A.M.Best Company, the industry's leading rating agency. Gainsco has
maintained one of the highest profitability and growwth ratios in the insurance
industry during the last five years. Gainsco also knows what modelers want. In
fact, Gainsco's Chairman, Joe Macchia, has been an RC modeler for years and is
a member of SFA.
Question: Does the SFA provide member-to-member coverage?
Answer: Yes. Instead of trying to wiggle out of member-to-member coverage using
waivers and disclaimers, we set terms that everyone can live with. The SFA
liability coverage applies to member-to-member claims for injuries incurred to
members that either are not directly involved in the operation of the offending
aircraft, or when members are injured as spectators.
Question: Why is membership in the SFA only $25?
Answer: The SFA doesn't waste money on politics, elections, bureaucracy, or
other things most modelers and clubs don't benefit from. Instead, our primary
goal is providing the best insurance coverage for model flying at the lowest
possible cost. We keep our operating costs low to keep our membership fees the
same way. Our Club Earnings Programs, The SFA Travel Program, the Zero Claim
Awards program and other such programs are all self-sustaining entities that
either generate money for your club's treasury, grow your membership, or help
control insurance costs for the SFA. None of these programs create additional
expense for the members of our insurance program. By doing this, the SFA is
helping the hobby grow, protecting flying sites and clubs, and making it easier
for more people to get involved in model flying.
Question: Is the idea behind this to "bury" groups that already exist?
Answer: Not at all. There is room in any industry for competition. Competitive
pressure benefits the consumer by making businesses offer the best product
possible. SFA's organizers felt a need was not being met, and designed a
competitive product.
Question: What about sanctioned contests? Will we have to stop holding them if
our club charters with SFA?
Answer: Certainly not. SFA doesn't write contest rules, but it does sanction
events. Getting an SFA sanction for your event means it will be publicised in
SFA ads in several magazines, placed on the SFA Calendar of Events, and can be
insured by special insurance packages prepared especially for major events. For
fun fly events, fly-ins, and conventions, SFA sanctioning is the way to go.
Question: Will I have to give up membership in other organizations to join
SFA?
Answer: No. Since SFA doesn't hold competitions or publish contest rules, clubs
that hold competitions may want to maintain membership in other sanctioning
bodies as well as SFA. But if your Club only holds events with rules that you
write, or events that aren't sanctioned with another national body, why pay
more by having additional memberships?
Question: If our club charters with the SFA, does that mean that only SFA
members can fly at our field?
Answer: Of course not! Your club can decide to accept membership in other
organizations as adequate coverage to use your field--it's completely up to
you. SFA insurance will still cover the club and the flying site owner (but not
the non-member). We do expect that SFA clubs will require SOME proof of
insurance for each person they permit to use the flying field--permitting
uninsured fliers could jeopardise club coverage. SFA has a daily membership
program for qualifying clubs which allows newcomers and non-members to join for
the day...and the club gets a share of the fee!
Question: Why is non-powered Free Flight and Rocketry coverage only $15?
Answer: Those types of models have shown to produce fewer insurance claims. SFA
coverage is linked to the level of risk and number of claims for same.
Question: Why isn't Control Line flying covered?
Answer: Control Line flying has a history of generating more claims. To hold
down costs for everyone else, it was necessary to exclude Control Line. In the
future, CL coverage may be offered for an additional fee, commensurate with the
proven risk.
Question: What exactly is the SFA coverage?
Answer: Insurance coverage provided through the SFA is backed by $70 million in
liquid assets and an "A/Excellent" rated underwriter (not self-insurance). SFA
and Site Owner coverage is up to $1,000,000 per occurrence. Member coverage is
$500,000 for each occurrence involving bodily injury and/or property damage.
There is $100,000 coverage for each occurrence involving all model activity
other than that of RC or Free Flight aircraft and Rocketry. The overall limit
of the policy is $1,000,000 for all claims occurring during the period of the
membership which applies individually and collectively to all insureds and is
provided only for accidents arising from the operation of models in accordance
with the 1992 SFA Safety Code, your flying site safety rules, and the National
Association of Rocketry Safety Codes. Coverage does not pay for the first $250
of property damage claims or the first $1000 of member-to-member claims.
Coverage does not apply to Control Line model aircraft. Where other insurance
is applicable, coverage applies in excess of any other coverage on a claims
made basis. Coverage pays for legal defense costs. Special event coverage must
be obtained for events with 5,000 or more in attendance.
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Online Membership Application
SPORT FLYERS ASSOCIATION
4145 Travis Suite 202
Dallas, TX 75204
214/522-0515
800/745-3597
INSTRUCTIONS: Print this file on an 80-column printer. Fill out the first page
and mail it to the above address or FAX it to 214/522-0868. If you want
confirmation by return FAX, please check the appropriate line below. For more
information call the SFA office at either of the numbers above.
_____ Enclosed is $25.00 for one year Adult Membership in the SFA and the SFA
Travel Club.
_____ Enclosed is $15.00 for one year Non-Powered Free Flight or Youth
Membership (under 16) in the SFA and the SFA Travel Club. Date of birth for
Youth Member: ____________
MEMBERSHIP AND INSURANCE EFFECTIVE UPON RECEIPT OF COMPLETED APPLICATION AND
DUES BY SFA. ALL 1992 MEMBERSHIPS EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 1992.
Name:________________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: _______________________________________
Check enclosed $_____________
Charge: VISA_________ Mastercard______________
Card number __ __ __ __ - __ __ __ __ - __ __ __ __ - __ __ __ __
Expiration date: ___/___
Do you want confirmation by return FAX ($1) ____ Fax number ________________
SAFETY CODE COMPLIANCE AND WAIVER STATEMENT: MUST BE SIGNED FOR ACCEPTANCE
I will comply with the 1992 SFA Safety Code and my Flying Site Safety Code for
all model aircraft operations, and the NAR Safety Code(s) for all sport rocket
operations including any changes or additions which may occur during my
membership period. I understand that my failure to comply with the Codes will
result in loss of liability coverage for any damages or claim. I understand
that written notice must be provided immediately upon the occurrence of any
incident of bodily injury and/or property damage. I also understand that no
claim will be accepted sixty (60) days after the expiration of my membership. I
indemnify the Sport Flyers Association, Incorporated trade membership
organization for any personal injury, property damage or wrongful death which
may occur.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Signature of Applicant or Parent or Guardian of Applicant under 16 years of age.
1992 SPORT FLYERS ASSOCIATION SAFETY CODE
1. I will not fly my model aircraft over spectators.
2. I will not fly my models in the presence of spectators until I have learned
to fly safely.
3. I will not use metal propellers.
4. I will not buzz, tail or harass any aircraft, car, animal, or any object in
the air or on the ground.
5. I wil test fly any new or repaired aircraft before flying in the presence of
others.
6. I will abide by all safety rules established at any field where I fly and any
state or local regulations governing model flying. I will always obtain prior
permission from property owners before flying. I will not fly my models in a
careless, reckless or dangerous manner.
7. I will not use hazardous fuels nor fuels containing tetranitromethane or
hydrazine.
8. I will not use any explosives in conjunction with model flying whether on the
model, in the air or on the ground. Rockets will be flown in accordance with
the Safety Code(s) of the National Association of Rocketry. A fire extinguisher
must be present when using pyrotechnic smoke candles. Authorization may be
secured from the SFA for special events.
9. I will not power my models with turbojet engines.
10. I will not fly my model higher than 400 feet unless it is flown in
uncontrolled airspace, or unless it is a sport rocket flown in accordance with
the Safety Code(s) of the National Association of Rocketry.
11. I will not fly my model aircraft within three miles of any airport unless I
have received permission from the FAA or I am flying at an authorized radio
control flight field.
12. I will always perform a ground check of my model before flight.
13. The maximum permissible takeoff weight of models is 55 pounds.
14. I will use only those radio control frequencies currently allowed by the
Federal Communications Commission.
15. I will extinguish any fuses on my Free Flight model upon completion of
function.
16. I will only launch Free Flight models at least 100 feet downwind of
spectators, cars, or anyone not directly involved in model flight.
17. I understand that SFA insurance does not cover activities relating to the
flying of Control Line models.
18. I will retrieve any lost model with great caution considering all
circumstances thoroughly before proceeding, and will never attempt to recover a
model from a power line.
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| It will be interesting to see how the SFA concept works out.
Historically, amature sport/hobby sanctioning bodies have been
notorious for wallowing in bureaucracy and alienating enough
of their members or potential members, that they go off and
form new organizations.
Having been associated with various sport/hobby bodies over the years,
(motorcycle, auto, bicycle, skiing, etc.), I can assure you that
the AMA ranks rather far down the list when it comes to sheer
bureaucratic bungling, incredible as that may seem, but they are as
jealous as any when it comes to protecting their perceived turf.
If the SFA can survive solely on the basis of an insurance
administration function for its members it will be unique in the
amature sport/hobby field. Without the focus of competition sanctioning
there may be a tendency toward a high membership turnover.
Of course the AMA sees this too, but most long time AMA members are
or have been competition oriented.
I agree that ideally SFA members should be able to enter AMA
sanctioned contests.
Based on past examples, this is likely to happen about the same time
that the Earth spirals into the Sun.
Whether or not the AMA should be buying land, building museums, etc.
is a separate issue, but again, this sort of thing is common
in amature sport/hobby organizations, even those whos yearly
incomes are a fraction of the AMA, and I for one feel that model
aviation deserves and is certainly worthy of historical preservation
and a public display of "who we are and what we do".
Terry
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| I have a problem with their safety code - I also have a problem
with the AMA's safety code - but for what it's worth here goes...
>SAFETY CODE COMPLIANCE AND WAIVER STATEMENT: MUST BE SIGNED FOR ACCEPTANCE
>
>I will comply with the 1992 SFA Safety Code and my Flying Site Safety Code for
Probably should say I will not knowingly violate any safety codes.
For instance several of the safety code items are violated accidentally
all the time - that's what accidents are. For instance "I will not fly over
spectators". Well if you have to comply with that safety code item then
the insurance should be really cheap because obviously they don't cover
any spectators. If you hit one you obviously violated the code so you
are not covered.
>all model aircraft operations, and the NAR Safety Code(s) for all sport rocket
>operations including any changes or additions which may occur during my
>membership period. I understand that my failure to comply with the Codes will
Come on - changes or additions should require another signature.
Would you want a mortgage at 6% fixed except it can be changed at will?
>result in loss of liability coverage for any damages or claim. I understand
>that written notice must be provided immediately upon the occurrence of any
>incident of bodily injury and/or property damage. I also understand that no
Immediately indeed. I guess a cellular phone is part of your membership fee.
>claim will be accepted sixty (60) days after the expiration of my membership. I
>indemnify the Sport Flyers Association, Incorporated trade membership
>organization for any personal injury, property damage or wrongful death which
>may occur.
I have no idea what the last line means.
>1992 SPORT FLYERS ASSOCIATION SAFETY CODE
>
>1. I will not fly my model aircraft over spectators.
Not even a glider in a thermal - give me a break!
>2. I will not fly my models in the presence of spectators until I have learned
>to fly safely.
Flying alone is not safe and your not a safe flyer yet and if you get a
qualified instructor and some one shows up at the field your suppose to
ask them to leave because your not fully trained. This is not reality.
>3. I will not use metal propellers.
How come - because the new carbon impregnated glass ones are stronger?
This is an old rule that probably is not applicable any more.
>4. I will not buzz, tail or harass any aircraft, car, animal, or any object in
>the air or on the ground.
Wait a minute here - does aircraft include model aircraft? If so does that
mean the Gremlin flyers can't buzz, tail and harass each other?
What about circling with a hawk? Isn't that tailing an animal?
What about this "any object" crap - this means it is against the rules
to chase balloons and combat streamers and bubbles and ...
What about this "on the ground" crap - this means it is against the rules
to attempt to hit the spot landing targets!
>5. I wil test fly any new or repaired aircraft before flying in the presence of
>others.
Again - flying alone is itself a safety hazard. Never fly alone - who will
take you and your finger to the hospital?
>6. I will abide by all safety rules established at any field where I fly and any
>state or local regulations governing model flying. I will always obtain prior
>permission from property owners before flying. I will not fly my models in a
>careless, reckless or dangerous manner.
Now if we let them weasel out of payment if they can find ANY state law that
you have violated (such as making noise between 9:00 and 12:00 on Sundays)
we are allowing them to remove coverage anytime they don't want to pay.
If "careless, reckless and dangerous" are applied not to human life but rather
to the life of the plane then I submit that it is our right to do so. For
instance one could say that limbo contests are "careless, reckless and
dangerous" to models.
>7. I will not use hazardous fuels nor fuels containing tetranitromethane or
>hydrazine.
There is some assumption here that we all know what tetranitromethane and
hydrazine are. I certainly don't and if Red Max puts some in their fuel
I will use it - however unknowingly.
>8. I will not use any explosives in conjunction with model flying whether on the
>model, in the air or on the ground. ...
Well - OK - as long as you don't consider combustion a controlled explosion.
>9. I will not power my models with turbojet engines.
Only because I can't afford it and the technology has not advanced to the
state yet where it is affordable and safe. But if you exclude the technology
how and when will it ever advance to that state. It would be better here
if they were to say "without explicit permission".
>10. I will not fly my model higher than 400 feet unless it is flown in
>uncontrolled airspace, or unless it is a sport rocket flown in accordance with
>the Safety Code(s) of the National Association of Rocketry.
I guess they will also furnish free section maps and training with your
membership along with that cellular phone. I have no idea if I am in controlled
airspace during our lunch time flying an Acton? Also I have no intention
of not following thermals above 400 feet.
>11. I will not fly my model aircraft within three miles of any airport unless I
>have received permission from the FAA or I am flying at an authorized radio
>control flight field.
Kinda harsh on the fellow who lives within 3 mines of an airport and
wants to fly his helo in his back yard. Hey buddy - no test hand launches
allowed!
>12. I will always perform a ground check of my model before flight.
Kinda vague - we don't know what they mean by "ground check" ? (yup - there
is ground here) and we don't know if they mean before EVERY flight?
This is an example of a rule that can certainly be accidentally violated.
Even if you know what they mean - there certainly is going to be
a number of times that you forget and accidentally fly - NON-INSURED!
>13. The maximum permissible takeoff weight of models is 55 pounds.
Now here is an example of a rule that one can both understand and control
and won't accidentally forget. Only problem I have with this rule is I would
like to know what evidence they have that 56 pound models are more unsafe?
>14. I will use only those radio control frequencies currently allowed by the
>Federal Communications Commission.
By itself this rule is OK - but you gotta admit in this day and age with
beepers between our channels this rule is kinda lame. This still allows
one to use single conversion 455 KHz IF receivers and get shot down
by 22.5 channel mixing and random beepers. It is the difference between
safe and legal.
>15. I will extinguish any fuses on my Free Flight model upon completion of
>function.
Course if the function is "burn the fuse to the end" then this rule is easy.
>16. I will only launch Free Flight models at least 100 feet downwind of
>spectators, cars, or anyone not directly involved in model flight.
A good idea that I don't believe is actually practiced or practical. I have
only attended one free flight contest. The wind was changing directions
constantly and you had a field that was not infinitely large. So cars were
parked on one end. To comply with this rule the cars would all have to
move every time the wind switched. Here is a question though. If you
plane hits a spectator on the head - isn't that spectator now DIRECTLY
involved in model flight?
>17. I understand that SFA insurance does not cover activities relating to the
>flying of Control Line models.
OK, I understand that Dan Quail is the VP also. So what.
>18. I will retrieve any lost model with great caution considering all
>circumstances thoroughly before proceeding, and will never attempt to recover a
>model from a power line.
R U serious. "will never attempt to recover a model from a power line".
Never? Attempt? Can't even call the power company or the fire department.
Well perhaps you will never attempt to recover yours but I certainly will.
I have know idea how and I hope I have the presence of mind to take great
caution and consider all circumstances thoroughly before proceeding but
you can be darn sure I will recover my model.
================================================================================
Now don't get me wrong - I have similar problems with the AMA's safety rules
and last year I didn't sign my application so they rejected it until I
finally signed. I think there could be a safety code that we could sign
something to the effect that we have read and understood the document
and will not knowingly violate any safety rules. But it is pure hog wash
to say that if you violate any of these rules you are not insured. That
is just a way of saying - thank you for your money - if you have an accident
I'm sure we can prove that you must have violated a safety rule and your
on your own.
================================================================================
Imagine if they had a similar set of rules for insurance for driving a car.
1. I will never follow so close that I can not safely bring my car to a full
and complete stop no mater what may happen to the car in front of me.
2. I will never turn left or right unless there is absolutely no possibility
that any other motor vehicle or bicycle or pedestrian or any living
person or animal could possibly be harmed or frightened or disturbed
by my actions.
3. I will never cross the center lane without first checking...
4. I will never enter traffic without...
If I don't follow any of the above auto safety rules (even new ones since
the date I sign this) I will not be insured.
Pretty dumb huh!
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Well that's my 2 cents worth. I don't have access to the model net that
this came from but if anybody else does - please post my reply so Doug Platt
can see it.
Bye --+--
Kay R. Fisher |
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