Be an AMA ambassador
As I write this, I can count on one hand the number of days until I fly to Ontario, California, for the AMA Expo. When I pack and take the necessary precautions—such as making sure all my liquids are in a small Ziploc bag—I sometimes reminisce about when flying in passenger aircraft was an adventure, not a hassle.
When I fly, I always wear Model Aviation or AMA apparel and have a few issues of MA and Park Pilot tucked in my camera bag that I carry on the airplane. I also have a laminated business card on the outside of my bag for identification—and to explain why I have a few large cylinders, more commonly known as lenses, tucked away inside. I have had pilots and airport security people comment, “Hey, AMA” or “I am a member.”
Once I’m seated, I always offer a copy of the magazine to anyone who seems interested or asks questions. I also give them to any children in my proximity.
I don’t do it because I am looking for any kind of special treatment or to impress anyone who might notice. I do it because I love this hobby and I am an ambassador for the AMA.
Copies of the magazine find their way to several other places I visit—the doctor’s office, the vehicle repair shop, and the Veterans Affairs hospital, to name a few. When the new issues arrive, a few always make their way into my vehicle. The last ones were given to two Muncie police officers I saw at Wendy’s.
Being an ambassador for our hobby doesn’t require you to work for the AMA or have several copies of the magazine to make an impact. It can be done by simply sharing your passion with others in a constructive manner.
Ways to be an ambassador
- Wear AMA or Model Aviation apparel and display your affiliation.
- Carry a few magazines or flyers to share with interested people.
- Keep a laminated card or contact info on your bag to explain your gear or identify yourself.
- Offer a copy of the magazine to fellow passengers or nearby children when you travel.
- Welcome visitors and answer questions at your flying site.
- Put flyers in the local hobby shop to let newcomers know about your club.
- Donate magazines (after you’ve read them) to a local library, school, doctor’s office, or community center.
- Hold or support a charity fly-in to give back to your community.
Donating your magazine (after you’ve read it, of course) to a local library or school is another option. Don’t worry about hanging onto it for that article you might need later—you can view and print every issue of MA right from the magazine’s website.
Holding a charity fly-in or supporting one is another great way to give back to your community while taking part in an activity we love. Several events across the country have raised thousands of dollars for worthy charities that provide much-needed help right in their own communities.
How many of us wouldn’t be in the hobby if not for someone else? So pay it forward; you’ll be glad you did.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
