Executive Director View from HQ

Executive Director View HQ .memberships have increased 4%. Good News Association As writing mid-March Academy Model Aeronautics AMA memberships have increased 4% compared same time last year Adult memberships available 19 years age older have risen 2430 Youth memberships have gone up 1838 first raise membership about five years Academys new marketing efforts year hoping growth members clubs out recruiting new members keep up good work Update EPA issue last column promised would follow-up concerning Environmental Protection Agency enactment exhaust emissions standards dramatically impact manufacture operation of hobby industrys small sparkignition engines February 11 AMA sent representative opening hearing Ypsilanti Michigan Carl Maroney met several individuals EPA explained Academys position above ruling following excerpt letter has sent model press Special Interest Groups model engine manufacturers vital importance future hobby/sport activity become aware respond current proposed emission standards enacted US Environmental Protection Agency EPA impact three standards will affect model engines EPA effort apparently attempt reduce emissions no doubt will increase cost engine three standards concern 1 Non-road engines below 19 kilowatts 25 HP diesel compression ignition glow engines 2 Non-road engines below 19 kilowatts 25 HP spark-ignition engines eg gasoline natural gas propane methanol fueled 3 California Air Resources Board CARB standards compression ignition CI engines less 50 HP AMA will file position paper behalf model enthusiasts regardless AMA affiliation broad view will express three areas standards/regulations will have severe impact upon producers users model engines model aircraft helicopter boat car activities Academy will proposing practical solution EPA CARB exempt types model engines used hobby recreational purposes Judging preliminary surveys total number new model engines produced 1998 model year relatively small compared overall industry manufactures 20 million plus small engines year deadline submission position paper March 13 would like thank Radio Control Hobby Trade Association RCHTA Carl Maroney efforts regarding situation Currently Academy seeking someone deals EPA issues regular basis could keep us informed such issues arise would affect hobby/sport member out willing assist area please drop note include phone number Fly have included recent issues magazine report called Fly trying present important timely news AMA HQ goal nothing less better accurate communication membership hoping packaged such way members realize information important can let know whether think accomplishing goal may offer suggestions improve feature 4Happy flying Joyce Hager Executive Director jhager@modelaircraftorg 192 Model Aviation