View from HQ - 2001/02

176 M ODEL AVIATION
THE END of the year 2000 is nearly
here. As I write this, winter is
coming to Indiana and most of the
other parts of the Northern
Hemisphere. It is time to give up
flying for the year and start building
for the new season. That is, unless
you live in one of those wonderful
areas that allows you to fly all year
round.
Membership increased 6% in the
year 2000, giving us a total
membership of 165,365.
With this issue of Model Aviation,
we are kicking off a new member
incentive program. Join three new
members and receive a free
membership. This is an effort to
continue the growth of the
association and introduce many new
people to this wonderful hobby.
By increasing membership and
public awareness you contribute to
the cause of making sure this hobby
will stay around for a long time.
Did anyone see the October 30,
2000 article, “Flights of Fantasy” in
Time magazine? If not, you should
read it. It is excellent coverage for
the sport/hobby.
All this is to say that each of us
should promote modeling every
chance we get.
In the last several columns, I have
had the opportunity to share some
stories of what some clubs have done
to promote modeling and encourage
new members.
Our youth membership stands at
approximately 22,218, and it does
not take a rocket scientist to know
that this number would increase if
every club recruited just one new
member. Even if they do not join
today, the seed will be sown for the
future.
Is it difficult? No.
Is it hard work? Yes, but only if it
is left to one or two individuals,
rather than having lots of support.
Is it rewarding and fun? What do
you think?
Remember, aeromodeling does
not start and end with a transmitter.
There are many other types of model
aircraft that are both affordable and
achievable for the beginner.
The future of aeromodeling does
not lie entirely with our youth, but
they are very important to us if we
are to have a viable future.
If you need some ideas about
programs available to attract young
people to aeromodeling, check out
our Web site www.modelaircraft.org
in the section marked “Programs for
Members” and “Educational
Information.” Some financing may
be available. Go out and “Adopt-ASchool!”
New Building Update: Progress
continues! The building is about 75%
complete with the move in date to be
around January 15, 2001.
I know that all of the AMA
employees are excited. We will plan
for a ribbon cutting sometime next
year. It will probably be combined
with another special event in
Muncie. Watch for the details in
Model Aviation and on the AMA
Web site.
Donations: For the members who
have had a chance to visit and fly at
Muncie, the next time you are
driving the paved roads, McLaughlin
and Temporary, be sure to extend
your thanks to the National Free
Flight Society. Through their
generous donation of nearly $30,000
to complete the loop, and the
donation received by Tom
McLaughlin, we were able to
complete these roads much sooner
than anticipated.
Yes, I know. These are not roads
but flightlines for the Free Flighters!
AMA again hosted the Muncie,
Logansport, Anderson Kennel Club
Dog Show this past summer.
Approximately 1,200 dogs were
shown during a three-day period.
The Muncie Kennel Club donated
$2,500 for use of the site during this
time. MA
Happy flying,
Joyce Hager
Executive Director
[email protected]
Go out and
“Adopt-A-School!”
Joyce Hager Executive Director
View from HQ