The Arizona Pilot's Association

The Voice of General Aviation for Arizona

MODEL BYLAWS

_____________________________________

(chapter name)

A CHAPTER OF THE ARIZONA PILOTS ASSOCIATION

Adopted [month and year]

Amended [month and year]

Revised [month and year]

Model Bylaws are intended to assist Chapters in writing their Bylaws. While they do produce some consistency across Chapters, the model is just a starting point for the individual Chapter to customize its bylaws to meet local needs. Except where the model follows the Association’s Bylaws or policies, there is no intent to impose structure.

Key:

regular text = text of the model bylaws

underlined space = a blank that needs to be filled in

italicized text = an optional statement or things to consider when preparing this portion of the bylaws

ARTICLE I: NAME

Section 1. The name of this organization shall be _____________________________, a Chapter, of the Arizona Pilots Association.

Section 2. Herein, _________________ will be referred to as Chapter, and the Arizona Pilots Association will be referred to as Association.

Section 3. The Association logo may be used by the Chapter on correspondence, publications and other official documents, in accordance with the provisions for its use and reproduction in the Association Policies.

 

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

Section 3. The purposes of this Chapter shall be to promote all aspects of general aviation; to cooperate with federal, state and municipal officials and agencies in encouraging and assisting the development of aviation; to promote camaraderie among pilots; to protect the rights, privileges and interests of pilots; to encourage the use of aircraft for business and pleasure; to promote the development and improvement of landing areas in Arizona; to promote aviation safety and education; and to engage in aviation related activities of an educational and charitable nature as deemed appropriate.

Additional purpose statements reflecting the particular Chapter may be added.

 

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. The membership of the Chapter shall be those members of the Association who reside or work within the geographical boundaries of the Chapter, defined as [insert the Chapter boundaries], or who elect to affiliate with the Chapter.

Section 2. Other persons who support the objectives of the Chapter but who are not members of the Association may also be members of the Chapter.

Section 3. Only Chapter members who are also members of the Association shall have the right to vote, and to hold any elective or appointive office in the Chapter.

Section 4. Each member shall be assessed annual Chapter dues as determined by the Chapter Executive Board.

Other desired membership privileges may be added to Sections 1-2 or added as additional Section(s).

 

ARTICLE IV: EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1. There shall be an Executive Board, herein referred to as the “Board,” that shall have the power and authority to manage the Chapter’s property and to regulate and govern its affairs. The Board shall determine Chapter policies within the limits of the Bylaws of the Association and of the Chapter; take such actions as it considers necessary to carry out the objectives of the Chapter; and perform such other functions as the membership may direct.

Section 2. The Board shall consist of [number] members elected by the membership: the president, the president-elect, the past president, the secretary, the treasurer [the last two offices may be combined into secretary-treasurer and subsequent references to offices and officers adjusted accordingly], and [number] director(s). All members of the Executive Board shall be members of the Arizona Pilots Association

Section 3. The Board shall hold at least [number] meetings annually and may hold additional meetings upon call of the president or upon written request of any member of the Board. [Number] members of the Board shall constitute a quorum. [Typically the quorum number would represent a simple majority but it can be a lesser number if desired. A number does need to be stated]

Section 4. A vacancy in the membership of the Executive Board, except in the office of president, shall be filled by majority vote of the remaining members of the Board. This Board-elected member shall serve until the next annual election.

Section 5. The term of office of president, president-elect, and past president shall be [number] year(s). The term of office of secretary, treasurer and director(s) shall be [number] year(s). All members of the Executive Board shall serve until their successors are elected and assume their duties. The term of office shall commence at the adjournment of the Association's Annual Meeting, or, if there is no Annual Meeting, on June 1 following the election.

NOTE: Typically, the term of office for president, president-elect, and past-president is one (1) year. The term of office for the secretary and treasurer (or secretary-treasurer) is often two (2) years. The term of office for director can be one (1) or two (2) years. It may be appropriate to add language that limits the number of consecutive terms that an Executive Board member may serve.

ARTICLE V: OFFICERS

Section 1. The president shall be the chief executive officer of the Chapter and, subject to the Executive Board, shall:

  1. have general supervision and control over its affairs;

  2. preside at all meetings of the Chapter and of the Executive Board;

  3. recommend to the Board such measures considered desirable to further the objectives and broaden the effectiveness of the Chapter;

  4. sign all contracts and other legal documents with the secretary;

  5. sign all checks drawn upon Chapter funds as co-signatory with the treasurer, unless determined otherwise by the Executive Board;

  6. be a member ex-officio of all committees except the Nominating Committee;

  7. represent the Chapter, together with the president-elect, at meetings of the Chapter Council, or, if either is unable to attend, shall designate an Association Member of the Chapter to serve as alternate representative;

  8. prepare such reports as may be required by the Association; and

  9. be responsible for supervising the preparation of such reports as may be required of other Chapter officers by the Association.

Section 2. The president-elect shall:

  1. assist the president in the performance of the duties of the presidency;
  2. represent the Chapter, together with the president, at meetings of the Chapter Council; and
  3. assume all duties and obligations of the presidency in the event of absence or withdrawal of the president.

[Other specific duties may be added as desired.]

Section 3. The secretary shall:

  1. keep a record of all meetings of the Chapter and of the Executive Board;
  2. sign all contracts and other legal documents, jointly with the president; and
  3. perform such other duties as the president may assign.

Section 4. The treasurer shall:

  1. have custody of the Chapter funds;
  2. sign all checks drawn upon Chapter funds as co-signatory with the president, unless determined otherwise by the Executive Board; and
  3. furnish such financial statements as may be required by the Executive Board, the president, and the Association.

[If the Executive Board includes the past president and/or director(s) add the following Section.]

Section 5. The past president [and the director(s)] shall be members of the Executive Board and shall carry out such duties as the president [and/or the Board] may assign. [Other specific duties may be added for either of these positions as desired.]

ARTICLE VI: MEETINGS

Section 1. At least [number] meeting(s) shall be held each year from June through May. The meeting immediately prior to the Association Annual Meeting shall be the Chapter annual business meeting.

Section 2. Special meetings may be held upon call of the Executive Board or on petition of [number] members of the Chapter. Notice of a special meeting shall specify the business to be transacted, and no business other than that stated in the notice shall be considered.

Section 3. Notice of meetings in writing shall be sent to each member at least [number] days before the meeting.

Section 4. A quorum for the transaction of business shall be [%] of total Chapter membership.

[The quorum may be stated as a number rather than as a percentage, which is usually simpler.]

Section 5. When not in conflict with these Bylaws, the latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern all deliberations.

ARTICLE VII: COMMITTEES

Section 1. Standing and special committees may be established by the Executive Board for the purpose of delegating such powers and functions as the Board finds desirable for the conduct of its business and for carrying out the objectives of the Chapter. These committees shall be responsible to the Board.

Section 2. The president shall appoint the members and designate the chair of all committees except the Nominating Committee. Appointment to standing committees shall be for [number] year(s), unless determined otherwise by the Executive Board. No member may serve continuously on any one committee in excess of [number] years.

NOTE: Some chapters have the president appoint only the committee chair, who then names other committee members. Typically, committee members are appointed for one year terms.

Section 3. Committee chairs may participate in meetings of the Executive Board but shall not have the right to vote.

Section 4. Each committee shall submit to the Executive Board a written annual report of its activities, together with any recommendations considered necessary or advisable. Additional reports may be submitted by a committee or requested by the Board or the president.

Section 5. Funds for committee expenses shall be authorized by the Executive Board.

 

ARTICLE VIII: NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

Section 1. A Nominating Committee for each election of members to the Executive Board shall be appointed by the Board no later than [number] [days or months] prior to the Chapter annual meeting. This committee shall be composed of [number] members, no more than one of whom is a member of the current Board but at least one of whom shall be a [former Chapter officer, or member of the previous Nominating Committee].

NOTE: Some Chapters name the past president as chair of this committee and list it as one of the past-president's duties.

Section 2. Each year the Nominating Committee shall present at least [number] candidate(s) for president-elect, either secretary or treasurer, the latter two offices to be filled in alternate years, and [number] director(s). The Committee shall obtain the written acceptance of each nominee prior to submission of its report.

Section 3. The report of the Nominating Committee shall be read at a Chapter meeting preceding the Chapter annual meeting. Additional names may be placed in nomination at that time, provided acceptance by the nominee is obtained. The final report of the Nominating Committee shall be included in the notice of the annual meeting. [If the Bylaws permit a single slate, add the following clause: "… and shall be presented for approval by the membership at the Chapter annual meeting."]

Section 4. If the slate includes more than one candidate for any office, election shall be by secret ballot mailed to each Chapter member [number] days before the Chapter annual meeting. The candidate who receives the largest number of votes for any office shall be elected. In the event of a tie, election shall be by majority vote of the members present at the annual meeting.

ARTICLE IX: DISSOLUTION

Section 1. A resolution to dissolve the Chapter shall be acted upon at a meeting of the Executive Board. The resolution shall set forth the reasons for dissolution. Within 30 days following the Executive Board action, a mail ballot shall be sent to all Chapter members setting forth the reasons for the dissolution.

Thirty days after the ballots are mailed, they shall be counted by the Executive Board. A two-thirds vote of the membership is required for approval of the action. Upon the adoption of the resolution to dissolve, the officers shall carry out the dissolution of the Chapter in conformance with applicable laws and Association Bylaws.

Section 2. The Chapter may also be dissolved by the Association Board of Directors after failure of the Chapter to conform to minimum Association requirements for activities or upon performance of actions contrary or detrimental to the Association and after a reasonable probation period. Upon receipt of such notice, the Chapter officers shall carry out the dissolution of the Chapter.

ARTICLE X: AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Any revisions in or amendments to the Chapter Bylaws shall be submitted to the Association Board of Directors for review before presentation to the Chapter membership.

Section 2. Amendments may be proposed by the Executive Board, or by [number] members of the Chapter. Proposals originating in the Executive Board shall be approved by a two-thirds vote of the Board before submission to the members. Proposals originating by membership petition shall be submitted in writing to the Executive Board and shall be presented to the members with the recommendations of the Board.

Section 3. A two-thirds vote of the members present at any Chapter meeting is required to amend these bylaws, provided written notice containing the text of the proposed amendment has been distributed to each member at least [number] days before the meeting at which it is to be considered.

Approved by the Chapter membership

______________________________, President ____________________

                (signed)                                                (date)