Year-end review
View from HQ by Dave Mathewson, AMA Executive Director
It's hard to believe we've reached the end of 2013. This seems like a good time to look back at some of what AMA has accomplished during the last 12 months.
As was the case in 2012, AMA saw a growth in paid membership. Although two years in a row may not be defined as a trend, it's certainly nice to see this reversal after a 10-year membership decline.
We're especially proud that our youth membership numbers have seen a reversal from just a few short years ago. Between 2002 and 2009, AMA had lost more than 53% of its youth members. Through hard work and new initiatives, AMA has not only completely recovered this loss but added considerably to these numbers in 2013.
AMA's Government Relations team continues to make great strides. Our most visible accomplishment in 2012 was succeeding in having the AMA amendment protecting model aviation included in the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.
In 2013, we were faced with additional challenges when nearly 40 states considered new legislation to protect the public's privacy rights and civil liberties from the use of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). In working with state representatives, AMA was successful in offering language for those proposed bills that would exempt recreational model aviation from the intent of this legislation.
In nearly all of these cases, the bills' sponsors told us that it was not their intent to harm model aviation and that they appreciated AMA reaching out to ensure that didn't happen.
It's important to point out that, in many cases, it was AMA members who became aware of potential legislative issues in their states and brought them to AMA's attention. Working together with members, we were able to successfully find solutions to what otherwise might have become onerous regulations placed on aeromodelers. This shows how the collaborative efforts of a large network of model aviation enthusiasts can accomplish good things.
Strength in numbers is important when we speak in unison on an issue; however, strength in numbers may be even more important when it provides the resources needed to protect our ability to enjoy what we do as model aviation enthusiasts. AMA thanks each of its members who stepped up to the plate in 2013 and got involved when needed. We anticipate another potential round of legislative issues in 2014 and, as always, we ask our members to remain vigilant and involved.
During this past year, AMA took a huge step forward with its publications initiatives. The Model Aviation magazine library and archive was updated to include every issue since the magazine's inception. This resource of nearly 500 monthly issues is great for members who need to do research or simply want to flip through past issues to read about what model aviation was like 10, 20, and 30 or more years ago.
In early September, AMA launched its revised digital version of Model Aviation. Members now have a choice as to how they prefer to receive their magazine. Members can continue to receive a print version, opt to receive a digital version on their computer, tablet, or smartphone, or, for a small additional charge, receive both. The digital version includes enhanced content such as additional pictures, videos, and occasional additional feature articles.
The inaugural AMA National Model Aviation Day was held in August 2013. One hundred seventy-six AMA‑chartered clubs participated in this national event, which was recognized by a number of state proclamations.
Because of the hard work of our members and clubs, National Model Aviation Day raised more than $76,000 to support the Wounded Warrior Project. This was a great start to what will be an annual event. Look for more information about National Model Aviation Day 2014 soon.
AMA's work in 2013 to create the AMA Foundation is about to bear fruit. We received IRS approval of our application and will launch the foundation in early 2014. A formal launch is planned at the AMA Expo in Ontario, California, on January 11, 2014.
The new AMA Foundation will play an important role in our organization's future. The foundation will manage an endowment that will support AMA programming going forward. Programs that are now supported by member dues will be supported by proceeds from the foundation endowment, allowing AMA to keep dues stable. As the endowment grows, more funding will be available to support many of AMA's initiatives, including:
- AMA Charles H. Grant Scholarship Program
- Flying Site Assistance Program
- AMA Disaster Relief Fund
- National Model Aviation Museum
- AMA education outreach efforts
- Other programs and initiatives
See you next time ... ✈
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
