All right, who’s ready for Joe Nall Week? It is my favorite time of year. I love to go there and see old friends, make some new ones, fly, and relax. This will be my first year of participating as a council member for the annual AMA membership meeting. I am looking forward to it because I feel the AMA has much to be proud of.
In February, the AMA worked with the FAA and US Secret Service to obtain a waiver for a Temporary Flight Restriction, which prevented a large jet event from being canceled. This was a huge accomplishment that was acknowledged and discussed on several online forums.
One thing that I saw which I really liked was that members saw a huge value for the $58 they spend every year in dues. The crew at AMA Headquarters has done a fantastic job of managing expenses and leveraging assets for the betterment of model aviation.
To put it into perspective, let’s take a few minutes to look at the numbers. Since 1997, the AMA has raised dues one time and that was in 2003. In 1997, the cost of a gallon of gas was $1.26. The cost of a new home was $176,000. The average income was $37,000. AMA dues were $48, and we spent almost nothing on government relations.
In 2003, dues were increased to $58. The cost of a gallon of gas was $1.76. The average cost of a new home was $246,000, and the average income was $45,000. The AMA still spent very little on government relations at that point. Adjusted for inflation, $58 in 2003 would be $73.73 today.
Over the last few years, the AMA has spent nearly $1,000,000 on government relations. The job is not nearly being over. Although there are many positive things happening for us on the federal side, the states are all starting to look at regulating “drones”. Educating and persuading state legislators will take much money and effort.
I am not by any means recommending a dues increase. In 2003, we saw our membership decline 5,000 members from an all-time high in 2002 of 173,420 to 168,075. Although the economy and changing demographics can account for some of the shift, I am sure the dues increase contributed.
The next few years were tough on many people in the US, and not surprisingly, our membership numbers decreased. Since 2010, our membership numbers have steadily increased from a low of 139,515 to a high last year of 164,565. We are on pace to set a record this year.
It is no secret that the AMA gets its resources from its members. This comes in two forms: dues and donations. The best way to increase our resources is to increase the number of members. When you have the opportunity to introduce someone to this great hobby, please do so.
Going back to the value you see from your dues, if you feel that it is worth more, I ask that you make a donation. Not everyone can afford to send extra and I ask those members to give your time.
Occasionally, we ask that you send letters to your representatives. Please participate when the time comes. The letters have a powerful impact with our legislature.
In a few short weeks, many of us will be enjoying that little slice of heaven in South Carolina known as the Triple Tree Aerodrome and Joe Nall Week. I look forward to seeing you there!