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MANY YEARS AGO, as I was preparing to depart for my first
year of college, a longtime friend and advisor made the comment
that “... it is easier to get into college than it is to stay in college.”
That statement proved to be true and has stuck with me ever
since.
That saying can be applied to many other endeavors such as
jobs but where it truly hits home for me is when it is stated in
reference to a flying site. “It is easier to get a flying site than it is
to keep a flying site.”
Now, I know there are many out there who will be commenting
right about now as to my not knowing “...what they went through
to get their site...” and that is a true statement. Based on my
experience, though, I do know there are many clubs who have
worked diligently and for long periods of time to acquire a flying
site and have done a fine job of maintaining the site for an
extended period of time.
On the other hand, there are instances where clubs have given
their all to acquire a site only to have it taken away in a very short
period of time.
There are all kinds of reasons for the loss of flying sites and
some losses are inevitable no matter how effective the club feels
they may have been. Many times clubs must take responsibility for
the loss. Often clubs can unknowingly be their own worst enemy.
How can we assist in making clubs more aware of what it takes
to maintain the use of a flying site?
In 1992 the Academy established a program by which we
recognize clubs for being good examples of how to successfully
retain their sites and maintain positive relationships with
neighbors and community. The program is called the AMA
Leader Club Program and participation is quite simple.
The criteria established for participation were based on what
the Academy knew were good operating procedures, whether it
was the administration of activities at the flying site or the
activities created to enhance the club’s position in the community.
All of these “goals” as they are referred to, whether required or
electives, are all characteristics of successful clubs. The Academy
is not asking that clubs do anything out of the ordinary; just do
what successful clubs have been doing for years.
The program recognizes clubs at three different levels: Bronze,
Silver, and Gold. These levels are determined by the number of
electives the club chooses to document, combined with the five
required goals.
The five requirements plus three electives qualifies the club for
Bronze status. The requirements and six electives are the
qualifications for Silver status and the requirements plus nine
electives qualifies for Gold status.
When a club qualifies for Leader Club status it receives a
certificate from AMA Headquarters, a bronze-, silver- or goldfinished
pin for each current club member in the first year, and
published recognition of Leader Club status in Model Aviation and
on the AMA Web site.
In addition, Gold level Leader Clubs receive an engraved ID
plate for display at the club field and in the year following the fifth
consecutive year of Gold Leader Club status, each current club
member will receive a special five-year patch.
Each year the Leader Clubs are asked to respond to a simple
report which verifies their continued involvement and allows them
to move to a higher level of recognition if they so desire.
Participation in the Leader Club Program has been a great
source of pride for the clubs enrolled. A number of our leader
clubs are approaching their 10th year of continuous association
with the program—quite an accomplishment to say the least.
More important is that the program is proving the benefits and
importance of the goals set as criteria and how effective achieving
these goals can be in maintaining flying site and being a successful
club.
Even if your club is not currently interested in becoming an
AMA Leader Club go to the AMA Web site and make a copy of
document 708 found in “AMA Documents (PDF)” located in the
drop-down menu you see when you click on “Membership
Services” on the front page.
Review the document at your next club meeting. Even if the
club chooses not to participate officially, the members may want to
utilize some of the goals listed. This could go a long way in
helping your club maintain its flying site when you realize that “It
is easier to get a flying site than it is to keep a flying site.”
In recognition of the great help demonstrated by Flying Site
Assistance program volunteer Jim Slaughter, he has been
awarded the well-deserved AMA Superior Service Award. Thank
you, Jim!
Flying Site Assistance
Joe Beshar, Coordinator,
Eastern Region,
Districts I - VI
198 Merritt Dr., Oradell NJ 07649
Tel.: (201) 261-1281
Fax: (201) 261-0223
E-mail: [email protected]
Wes De Cou, Coordinator
Western Region, Districts VII - XI
Voice: (480) 460-9466; Cell: (480) 296-9515; Fax: (480) 460-9434
202 W. Desert Flower Ln., Phoenix AZ 85045
E-mail: [email protected]
Finding—Preserving—Maintaining
Register as an FSA Volunteer!
Recognizing the critical nature of the need for preserving
and finding flying sites, congratulations to the AMA
members who have taken the initiative to register to join in
addressing this most important objective. These Flying Site
Assistance Program volunteers are the heartbeat of model
aviation.
These people comprise a network of volunteers who serve
as AMA’s eyes and ears, by being aware of activities in their
area that could negatively impact existing flying sites.
They recognize locations that have the potential for future
flying sites, and they advise the clubs and members in their
area.
Join this ambitious program as a service to your fellow
modelers. Anyone interested, contact Joe Beshar, eastern region
coordinator, or Wes DeCou, western region coordinator, at the
addresses above.
04jan.qxd 10/23/03 12:06 pm Page 164
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/01
Page Numbers: 164