The purpose of the History Committee is to facilitate the preservation and understanding of vertical flight history. Specifically, the Committee will endeavor:
To assemble a group of specialists in the technologies related to the technical history of gyroplanes, helicopters, and other vertical flight aircraft, and provide a focal point for the Society on vertical flight history.
To facilitate the identification, preservation, and dissemination of key technical historical documents of benefit to the Society and to the community at large.
To formally solicit papers on the history of vertical flight and have them presented them at the Forum, building a unique historical archive on vertical lift aircraft.
To foster, promote and enhance the understanding of the technical history of vertical flight in the Society and between the various technical disciplines.
To advise and help manage the dissemination of historical information regarding the history of vertical flight technology.
Structure
The committee shall meet at least once each year, at the annual Forum, and include such activities as:
welcome any new and/or interested members
solicit officer volunteers and vote for confirmation
discuss progress toward achieving specific Committee projects
discuss potential new projects
discuss and vote on matters of emphasis for the Committee
discuss and vote on areas of application of financial resources
The Committee will consist of at least 7 regular committee members.
The Committee will seek members who represent all facets of the field, with representation from the major industry, government, and academic organizations.
All Committee members must be members of the Society. A member should serve on only one committee at a time.
Committee members must actively participate in the committee business. Commitment must be obtained from the member and, where applicable, their supporting organization, to actively participate on the Committee and attend the annual Forum if at all possible.
Membership is for a minimum of two years, with continuance based on interest level, contribution to the committee, and consistent effort to attend meetings.
The committee elects the officers, with the chairman being approved by the Technical Director or the Deputy Director. The committee chairman is elected for a one-year period, with reconfirmation by the committee and the Technical Director or the Deputy Director. Typically, the renewal for a second term will be automatic, unless the chairman elects to step down.
Officers
The Committee officers will be led by the following officer positions:
The Committee Chair, responsible for: organizing and leading the annual meeting, coordination of assessing the technical quality of the History Session papers at the annual Forum, and, at the end of the committee Chair's term, propose to the Deputy Director a candidate successor to the Committee Chair's position.
The Deputy Chair, responsible for: taking over the Committee Chair's role if necessary and support the Chair in planning and execution of the Committee responsibilities and activities.
The Secretary, responsible for: recording and publishing meeting minutes in a timely manner; maintain and public committee officers and member's contact information.
The Forum Session Chair, responsible for: serving as the primary committee contact for the Forum History Session(s). Roles include drafting the Call for Papers, solicit papers, manage review of abstracts with the committee members, contact authors, organize presentation session(s) and conduct session(s).
The Committee will appoint such sub-committee members as required for specific projects.