RAF Constitution

ARTICLE I: NAME

This organization shall be known as the Rensselaer Aeronautical Federation, and hereafter also referred to as the R.A.F.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The purpose of this organization shall be to promote interest in aviation and aviation safety within the Rensselaer community, to encourage safe and economical flying, and to increase flight proficiency of the membership.

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP

Membership in this organization shall be open to any qualified person within the Rensselaer community, regardless of race, creed, or national origin, in accordance with the regulations and by-laws of this organization.

ARTICLE I: NAME

This organization shall be known as the Rensselaer Aeronautical Federation, and hereafter also referred to as the R.A.F.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The purpose of this organization shall be to promote interest in aviation and aviation safety within the Rensselaer community, to encourage safe and economical flying, and to increase flight proficiency of the membership.

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP

Membership in this organization shall be open to any qualified person within the Rensselaer community, regardless of race, creed, or national origin, in accordance with the regulations and by-laws of this organization.

ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1.

The officers of the RAF shall be a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and a Flight Safety Officer.
Section 2.

The Board of Directors, hereinafter called the Board, shall consist of the RAF officers, a Faculty Advisor, and two voting members to be known as Board Members-at-Large.
Section 3.

All officers of the RAF shall be elected by the simple majority votes cast at the regular meeting held during the month of May. Candidates shall be nominated at the regular meeting two weeks preceding the election. The officers shall take office immediately upon election.
Section 4.

Board Members-at-Large shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of the RAF.
Section 5.

The Board shall have full authority to act in any or all matters concerning the RAF excepting those matters specifically provided for elsewhere in the Constitution and By-Laws. Moreover, such actions may be subject to approval or disapproval of a majority of the members in good standing by appeal or vote in a general membership meeting.
Section 6.

In the event of a vacancy on the Board, the membership shall elect a replacement to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.
Section 7.

All withdrawals and expenditures of RAF funds must have the written approval of the Treasurer and the President. In the absence of either the President or the Treasurer, the Vice President shall be authorized to sign approvals for the missing officer.

ARTICLE V: MEETINGS AND QUORUMS

Section 1.

The quorum for general membership meetings shall be at least 50 percent of the members in good standing, including members of the Board. The quorum for all Board meetings shall be five members of the Board.
Section 2.

There shall be two general membership meetings per month.
Section 3.

Board meetings shall be held at least once a month, and may be held more often at the discretion of the Board. Written minutes of all Board meetings will be kept on file available for examination by any active member.

ARTICLE VI: VOTING

Section 1.

Members in good standing shall be entitled to vote on any matter requiring a vote. Absentee ballots tended to the Secretary prior to a general meeting shall be accepted.
Section 2.

All matters before the Board for voting shall require a majority vote of the Board members present to be passed.
Section 3.

A majority vote of the quorum members in good standing shall be required to pass on any matter under consideration before the general membership, except as otherwise specified in the Constitution and By-Laws.

ARTICLE VII: COMMITTEES

Section 1.

There shall be the following standing committees: Safety, Maintenance, and Membership.
Section 2.

Committee chairmen excepting the Flight Safety Officer, shall be appointed and removed by the Board.
Section 3.

Members of committees shall be appointed by the respective committee chairman.
Section 4.

The above mentioned standing committees are charged with the following responsibilities.
1. The Safety Committee shall be responsible for proposal, review, and investigation of compliance with flight regulations. It shall also be responsible for education of the membership in flight safety.
2. The Maintenance Committee shall be responsible to insure proper maintenance of any aircraft and facilities.
3. The Membership Committee shall be responsible for promoting interest in the RAF.

ARTICLE VIII: FINANCE

Section 1.

Initiation fees and dues shall be as stipulated in the By-Laws.
Section 2.

In the event the club should own and operate its own equipment, the Board shall set rates to be charged for flying time sufficient to cover cost of operation and a sum set aside for repairs and maintenance.
Section 3.

The Treasurer of the Club shall cause the financial and other pertinent records of the club to be available for each Board and general membership meeting, or at any other time when so directed by the President and/or the Board.

ARTICLE IX: AMENDMENTS

Section 1.

This Constitution and By-Laws shall be adopted, supplemented, or amended by a two-thirds vote of the voting membership, including the Board of Directors, provided that the changes have been made available to the membership at least two weeks in advance of the meeting.
Section 2.

Upon voting, as specified in Section 1 of Article IX the amendments will go into effect immediately after approval by the E-board.