Dues increase coming? 1 million spent on government relations.....
10-05-2015, 06:42 AM
#1251
My good man.
Being from Illinois, one of the most litigious, states in the union and U'ed give up 2.5 million in secondary insurance for an extra $17 / year. Man U can't take your wife and kids to Mickey D's for $17 bucks. If something bad happens, It's not ging to be the public who's going to sue U but one of your flying buddies. When it comes to Money most friendships are out the window.
10-05-2015, 06:46 AM
#1252
you can argue all you want but the real truth of what the increase will do will be the results of how many don't renew or do renew, If member ship increases than the due increase doesn't matter if there is a big loss in membership than it did matter. lets wait and see what happens.
10-05-2015, 06:51 AM
#1253
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: El Paso,
TX
Posts: 5,277
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you can argue all you want but the real truth of what the increase will do will be the results of how many don't renew or do renew, If member ship increases than the due increase doesn't matter if there is a big loss in membership than it did matter. lets wait and see what happens.
Mike
10-05-2015, 06:54 AM
#1254
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: El Paso,
TX
Posts: 5,277
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
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Tommy:
My good man.
Being from Illinois, one of the most litigious, states in the union and U'ed give up 2.5 million in secondary insurance for an extra $17 / year. Man U can't take your wife and kids to Mickey D's for $17 bucks. If something bad happens, It's not ging to be the public who's going to sue U but one of your flying buddies. When it comes to Money most friendships are out the window.
My good man.
Being from Illinois, one of the most litigious, states in the union and U'ed give up 2.5 million in secondary insurance for an extra $17 / year. Man U can't take your wife and kids to Mickey D's for $17 bucks. If something bad happens, It's not ging to be the public who's going to sue U but one of your flying buddies. When it comes to Money most friendships are out the window.
Mike
10-05-2015, 06:58 AM
#1255
you can argue all you want but the real truth of what the increase will do will be the results of how many don't renew or do renew, If member ship increases than the due increase doesn't matter if there is a big loss in membership than it did matter. lets wait and see what happens.
10-05-2015, 07:16 AM
#1257
Our local club and LHS is getting a lot of interest from folks that want to fly Quad Racing, most, not all, are off the street. It is a fad at this point but like all fads and as you say, it will die down and a number of enthusiast's will stick around for the long haul, just like anything else. I would be disappointed in AMA if they did not capitalize on that technology and bring these folks into the fold so to speak. JMHO also.
10-05-2015, 07:37 AM
#1258
Originally Posted by [email protected]
pay up or get out they got us
10-05-2015, 07:50 AM
#1261
Man a whole bunch of us are Retired, Unemployed or the weather is bad like here, to be here Talking Stupid. Looks like Under Ground says Sunny Light winds and 69 tomorrow. Might even get one outa the car tomorrow. Putting the wings on is a whole lot of work. And since 1 Nov 2000, WORK has been a 4 letter word. of course in 11or 12 days I'll hopefully be in AZ and the temps in the highs 90's for a while. If I get the New Trailer done.
It's Work U know.
It's Work U know.
10-05-2015, 10:36 AM
#1264
Grumpy & Disgruntled has a distinguished ring to it, too.
To be honest, over the past several years when I make out that check for $58, I ask myself a couple of things...
1...What did I used to pay before it became $58..? It seems like it has ALWAYS been $58, but I'm sure it was much less when I first signed up almost 30 years ago.
2....How much longer will the AMA be able to maintain the Status Quo at $58 x 150,000...?
The AMA could probably set dues even higher without seeing a self defeating drop off in membership.
We all have our own ideas about what something is worth and the way I arrive at an informed opinion is to do a little price comparison online. When it comes to some things like service providers, I'm not going to spend an hour or more in search of a $20 yearly savings, but I would gladly spend that much time to save ohhh...$100 for sure.
To be honest, over the past several years when I make out that check for $58, I ask myself a couple of things...
1...What did I used to pay before it became $58..? It seems like it has ALWAYS been $58, but I'm sure it was much less when I first signed up almost 30 years ago.
2....How much longer will the AMA be able to maintain the Status Quo at $58 x 150,000...?
The AMA could probably set dues even higher without seeing a self defeating drop off in membership.
We all have our own ideas about what something is worth and the way I arrive at an informed opinion is to do a little price comparison online. When it comes to some things like service providers, I'm not going to spend an hour or more in search of a $20 yearly savings, but I would gladly spend that much time to save ohhh...$100 for sure.
10-05-2015, 11:47 AM
#1265
Banned
My Feedback: (8)
Grumpy & Disgruntled has a distinguished ring to it, too.
To be honest, over the past several years when I make out that check for $58, I ask myself a couple of things...
1...What did I used to pay before it became $58..? It seems like it has ALWAYS been $58, but I'm sure it was much less when I first signed up almost 30 years ago.
2....How much longer will the AMA be able to maintain the Status Quo at $58 x 150,000...?
The AMA could probably set dues even higher without seeing a self defeating drop off in membership.
We all have our own ideas about what something is worth and the way I arrive at an informed opinion is to do a little price comparison online. When it comes to some things like service providers, I'm not going to spend an hour or more in search of a $20 yearly savings, but I would gladly spend that much time to save ohhh...$100 for sure.
To be honest, over the past several years when I make out that check for $58, I ask myself a couple of things...
1...What did I used to pay before it became $58..? It seems like it has ALWAYS been $58, but I'm sure it was much less when I first signed up almost 30 years ago.
2....How much longer will the AMA be able to maintain the Status Quo at $58 x 150,000...?
The AMA could probably set dues even higher without seeing a self defeating drop off in membership.
We all have our own ideas about what something is worth and the way I arrive at an informed opinion is to do a little price comparison online. When it comes to some things like service providers, I'm not going to spend an hour or more in search of a $20 yearly savings, but I would gladly spend that much time to save ohhh...$100 for sure.
I suspect you're right about the dues increases not really having that much of an adverse effect. Although I think in another threat there was something about the membership dropping 3,000 members the last time the dues were raised, but if there was 150k or so members then, on the net drop was 3,000, don't know if that drop was as a result of dues, or just odd timing.
Interestingly, I looked at our club, out of about 180, just under 50 took advantage of it. We certainly talked about it at meetings and folks were talking about it, so again who knows. I'd be interested to see what our district did overall. I spoke to one of the officers of District ll who said the response was overwhelming. Wonder if there is a big difference from a geographic perspective. I wouldn't think so, money is money.
10-05-2015, 11:59 AM
#1266
Try to visualize an extreme scenario where the membership dropped to 75,000 and in order to maintain the Status Quo the AMA decided to double dues to $116 in order to compensate.
I'm willing to bet that the remaining [surviving] 75,000 would pay the increase without hesitation.
I'm willing to bet that the remaining [surviving] 75,000 would pay the increase without hesitation.
10-05-2015, 01:15 PM
#1267
Try to visualize an extreme scenario where the membership dropped to 75,000 and in order to maintain the Status Quo the AMA decided to double dues to $116 in order to compensate.
I'm willing to bet that the remaining [surviving] 75,000 would pay the increase without hesitation.
I'm willing to bet that the remaining [surviving] 75,000 would pay the increase without hesitation.
10-05-2015, 02:32 PM
#1268
Ain't never gona happen. What we won't see is any real increase in kids under 18 which are free Which contributes to the total membership. We've signed up ofer 30 kids at different sessions like scout night and fun flys. and maybe 3 have joined the club and became serious about flying. But with school and such they are pretty much limited to week ends.
10-05-2015, 02:34 PM
#1269
My Feedback: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: ALBANY,
KY
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
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Have any of you received an email to fill out an AMA questionnaire that relates to:
Why you originally joined
Perceived value of AMA membership
Impression of Drones, FPV's
I believe the reason for he dues increase is largely related to the FAA's response to the incidents in the press and the impact on public safety related to the use of Drones/Quads by people that are not even members of the AMA. So we the membership are having to pay more dues due to the AMA's fighting a battle caused by people who aren't likely members and don't even pay dues.
If this is the case my feed back to the AMA on the questionnaire was they are WASTING resources fighting the FAA over the Drones/quad issue. The public's safety will always trump any group's hobby. If they want to be effective they should work with the authorities to push for regulations that have harsh penalties for these folks operating drones/quads in conflict full scale aircraft. And possibly make the case that proof of membership in the AMA is required to purchase models that can be flown without a runway and maybe require a certification that proves these individuals understand the rules of operating a drone/quad safely.
But bottom line I contend they are fighting a loosing battle to defend the drone operators and are wasting the membership's money on what I believe to be largely non-members. Seems misguided.
Why you originally joined
Perceived value of AMA membership
Impression of Drones, FPV's
I believe the reason for he dues increase is largely related to the FAA's response to the incidents in the press and the impact on public safety related to the use of Drones/Quads by people that are not even members of the AMA. So we the membership are having to pay more dues due to the AMA's fighting a battle caused by people who aren't likely members and don't even pay dues.
If this is the case my feed back to the AMA on the questionnaire was they are WASTING resources fighting the FAA over the Drones/quad issue. The public's safety will always trump any group's hobby. If they want to be effective they should work with the authorities to push for regulations that have harsh penalties for these folks operating drones/quads in conflict full scale aircraft. And possibly make the case that proof of membership in the AMA is required to purchase models that can be flown without a runway and maybe require a certification that proves these individuals understand the rules of operating a drone/quad safely.
But bottom line I contend they are fighting a loosing battle to defend the drone operators and are wasting the membership's money on what I believe to be largely non-members. Seems misguided.
10-05-2015, 02:59 PM
#1271
Banned
My Feedback: (8)
Ain't never gona happen. What we won't see is any real increase in kids under 18 which are free Which contributes to the total membership. We've signed up ofer 30 kids at different sessions like scout night and fun flys. and maybe 3 have joined the club and became serious about flying. But with school and such they are pretty much limited to week ends.
My club is starting the process of building an association with a local CAP group, about 10 kids in all. I'd be thrilled to see 2-3 join the hobby and stick with it, even if it's not at our club.
10-05-2015, 03:05 PM
#1273
Have any of you received an email to fill out an AMA questionnaire that relates to:
Why you originally joined
Perceived value of AMA membership
Impression of Drones, FPV's
I believe the reason for he dues increase is largely related to the FAA's response to the incidents in the press and the impact on public safety related to the use of Drones/Quads by people that are not even members of the AMA. So we the membership are having to pay more dues due to the AMA's fighting a battle caused by people who aren't likely members and don't even pay dues.
If this is the case my feed back to the AMA on the questionnaire was they are WASTING resources fighting the FAA over the Drones/quad issue. The public's safety will always trump any group's hobby. If they want to be effective they should work with the authorities to push for regulations that have harsh penalties for these folks operating drones/quads in conflict full scale aircraft. And possibly make the case that proof of membership in the AMA is required to purchase models that can be flown without a runway and maybe require a certification that proves these individuals understand the rules of operating a drone/quad safely.
But bottom line I contend they are fighting a loosing battle to defend the drone operators and are wasting the membership's money on what I believe to be largely non-members. Seems misguided.
Why you originally joined
Perceived value of AMA membership
Impression of Drones, FPV's
I believe the reason for he dues increase is largely related to the FAA's response to the incidents in the press and the impact on public safety related to the use of Drones/Quads by people that are not even members of the AMA. So we the membership are having to pay more dues due to the AMA's fighting a battle caused by people who aren't likely members and don't even pay dues.
If this is the case my feed back to the AMA on the questionnaire was they are WASTING resources fighting the FAA over the Drones/quad issue. The public's safety will always trump any group's hobby. If they want to be effective they should work with the authorities to push for regulations that have harsh penalties for these folks operating drones/quads in conflict full scale aircraft. And possibly make the case that proof of membership in the AMA is required to purchase models that can be flown without a runway and maybe require a certification that proves these individuals understand the rules of operating a drone/quad safely.
But bottom line I contend they are fighting a loosing battle to defend the drone operators and are wasting the membership's money on what I believe to be largely non-members. Seems misguided.
10-05-2015, 03:05 PM
#1274
Banned
My Feedback: (8)
Have any of you received an email to fill out an AMA questionnaire that relates to:
Why you originally joined
Perceived value of AMA membership
Impression of Drones, FPV's
I believe the reason for he dues increase is largely related to the FAA's response to the incidents in the press and the impact on public safety related to the use of Drones/Quads by people that are not even members of the AMA. So we the membership are having to pay more dues due to the AMA's fighting a battle caused by people who aren't likely members and don't even pay dues.
If this is the case my feed back to the AMA on the questionnaire was they are WASTING resources fighting the FAA over the Drones/quad issue. The public's safety will always trump any group's hobby. If they want to be effective they should work with the authorities to push for regulations that have harsh penalties for these folks operating drones/quads in conflict full scale aircraft. And possibly make the case that proof of membership in the AMA is required to purchase models that can be flown without a runway and maybe require a certification that proves these individuals understand the rules of operating a drone/quad safely.
But bottom line I contend they are fighting a loosing battle to defend the drone operators and are wasting the membership's money on what I believe to be largely non-members. Seems misguided.
Why you originally joined
Perceived value of AMA membership
Impression of Drones, FPV's
I believe the reason for he dues increase is largely related to the FAA's response to the incidents in the press and the impact on public safety related to the use of Drones/Quads by people that are not even members of the AMA. So we the membership are having to pay more dues due to the AMA's fighting a battle caused by people who aren't likely members and don't even pay dues.
If this is the case my feed back to the AMA on the questionnaire was they are WASTING resources fighting the FAA over the Drones/quad issue. The public's safety will always trump any group's hobby. If they want to be effective they should work with the authorities to push for regulations that have harsh penalties for these folks operating drones/quads in conflict full scale aircraft. And possibly make the case that proof of membership in the AMA is required to purchase models that can be flown without a runway and maybe require a certification that proves these individuals understand the rules of operating a drone/quad safely.
But bottom line I contend they are fighting a loosing battle to defend the drone operators and are wasting the membership's money on what I believe to be largely non-members. Seems misguided.
10-05-2015, 03:07 PM
#1275
The timing of the dues increase certainly cooincided with the UAV's coming into the news. Do you think though that our hobby might have been sucked into this issue, and then had rules/regs/laws that would affect the rest of the hobby, and then had no representation had they sat the matter out? I could see some folks then turning around and complaining that the AMA wasn't proactive enough by getting involved. Granted, those complaining or voicing their concerns would no doubt be less than those sharing concerns about them being involved now.