Why the AMA is not growing...........
10-30-2013, 06:52 PM
#2751
I'm only guessing here about the AMA growth issue, has the AMA performed any type of necessary analysis to understand their growth or lack thereof? Growth can also be defined in this instance as a change in population. If my club in 2010 had 10 members and 11 members in 2011 you can say we grew 10%. What you don't see is that in 2011 four members died and 2 more quit the hobby. So in 2011 we had an increase of 7 new members. The net is still 1 but an increase of 7 new members is substantial and important to recognize and understand since it defines the change in member population. Add to that an analysis of the psychographics of those 7 new members will help to define where the new pilots are coming from and what their needs and interests are.
A casual look around most flying fields today will reveal that most flyers are retirement age or in their fifties. With that being an obvious target audience, the next 18 years should be an outstanding opportunity for real growth. If you examine the "baby-boomers"...those born between 1946 and 1964, you will see that they are now beginning to retire and will for the next 17 to 18 years. There are 76 million baby boomers in a population of about 314 million. That means that 24% of the population is in, or heading into, what should be the target audience for the AMA. The birth rate per 1000 population has been in steady decline since the 70's because baby boomers started a trend toward the two-working household. It seems to me that the best opportunity for growth would appear to be the group that accrues to us naturally...at least for the next 18 years. This is by no means a thorough analysis of the current situation but it is a good place to start looking at where the potential will be in the near future.
A casual look around most flying fields today will reveal that most flyers are retirement age or in their fifties. With that being an obvious target audience, the next 18 years should be an outstanding opportunity for real growth. If you examine the "baby-boomers"...those born between 1946 and 1964, you will see that they are now beginning to retire and will for the next 17 to 18 years. There are 76 million baby boomers in a population of about 314 million. That means that 24% of the population is in, or heading into, what should be the target audience for the AMA. The birth rate per 1000 population has been in steady decline since the 70's because baby boomers started a trend toward the two-working household. It seems to me that the best opportunity for growth would appear to be the group that accrues to us naturally...at least for the next 18 years. This is by no means a thorough analysis of the current situation but it is a good place to start looking at where the potential will be in the near future.
Last edited by tevans55; 10-31-2013 at 12:05 PM.
10-31-2013, 03:52 AM
#2752
How open and inviting a club should be is a challenging question. I don't know of a club in my area that doesn't struggle with attracting new pilots and converting them into dues-paying members. Enforcement of a strict "no guests" policy and a lack of open house events where non-members are welcome almost guarantees your membership will decline. Be too welcoming, and pilots will hang out and fly at your field year after year without ever contributing to its maintenance and upkeep.
In order to get people to come to your field and fly, you have to get people to come to your field and fly. The obviousness of that statement is actually lost on some flying clubs. If folks come out to a flying field, and the members are welcoming and people are flying and having a good time, new people will want to join. If members aren't welcoming to new visitors, your club may be sunk before you ever get a chance to talk to a new prospective member.
Some of the members at my primary flying club don't want new members. They've belonged for decades and put in the time, effort, and money needed to maintain the field. They want to hang out with their buddies, fly in peace, and not be bothered by a bunch of new people taking up the good parking spaces and crowding the flight line. If a prospective new member talks to one of these guys, they'll go find a new hobby rather than trying to learn to fly at your club. Why put up with that kind of attitude when they could go geocaching or learn to blow glass instead?
The AMA grows when its member clubs grow. I don't know anybody who started out wanting to join the AMA, and then decided to join a local club and learn to fly because it was expected for AMA membership. The way to grow the AMA is to grow your local flying club. Welcome new visitors, thank a spectator for coming out to watch and offer them a cold soda, help beginning pilots and encourage their growth, present the sport of model aviation to a wide audience in a fun and positive manner. If your club is having a good time, people will want to join to get in on the fun. When your club grows, the AMA grows.
In order to get people to come to your field and fly, you have to get people to come to your field and fly. The obviousness of that statement is actually lost on some flying clubs. If folks come out to a flying field, and the members are welcoming and people are flying and having a good time, new people will want to join. If members aren't welcoming to new visitors, your club may be sunk before you ever get a chance to talk to a new prospective member.
Some of the members at my primary flying club don't want new members. They've belonged for decades and put in the time, effort, and money needed to maintain the field. They want to hang out with their buddies, fly in peace, and not be bothered by a bunch of new people taking up the good parking spaces and crowding the flight line. If a prospective new member talks to one of these guys, they'll go find a new hobby rather than trying to learn to fly at your club. Why put up with that kind of attitude when they could go geocaching or learn to blow glass instead?
The AMA grows when its member clubs grow. I don't know anybody who started out wanting to join the AMA, and then decided to join a local club and learn to fly because it was expected for AMA membership. The way to grow the AMA is to grow your local flying club. Welcome new visitors, thank a spectator for coming out to watch and offer them a cold soda, help beginning pilots and encourage their growth, present the sport of model aviation to a wide audience in a fun and positive manner. If your club is having a good time, people will want to join to get in on the fun. When your club grows, the AMA grows.
10-31-2013, 06:46 AM
#2753
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According to AMA Education Director Bill Pritchett in his Nov '13 AMA News column, youth membership has grown from 11,000 (Jun 2010) to to 45,000 at last count. So yes, membership is growing and it's great that it is mainly in the youth sector. OTOH, if Open membership has only stayed steady through replacement keeping up with attrition since 2010, current ('13) membership would be abt 174,000. Wanna bet the tally will approach that figure?
The first in that list is the question "What ARE we?". If indeed we are a business entity rather than a social/educational organization (under IRS 501.c.3) then I submit that growth is and should be our number 1 concern. But that is something I think many try for as a simplistic approach to organizational survival rather than celebrating and improving our basic goals under our charter since the AMA is NOT a business in the classic sense. That suggests we should use a different metric to determine if it is doing good or not.
One of the biggest misunderstandings I have seen floating around is about what WE are and how that impacts the AMA. WE are a social group just like the ladies quilting club except we gather around dangerous stuff and play more actively. It is difficult for most of us to accept what we are not so we discuss problems from the perspective of what we think is right rather than what fits the organization.
That there is growth in the youth area and not necessarily in the open membership is something I view as still very good since we are educating more folks (and just like school, some of them don't WANT to be educated) about the AMA, safety, and aviation. Yes, Uncle Harry may have provided little Johnny's membership without his knowledge but the kid STILL learns (albeit at arms length) and gets the benefits of AMA membership which include learning what others consider safe operations.
That open membership is not growing is a function of the changes in society and technology. When the AMA was founded, aviation was in its infancy and technology was generally available to all since it was fairly simple. Today aviation is accepted, commercialized, and almost marginalized as a hobby (see tax policies to understand that) while technology is extremely complex such that we take several years of intense schooling to become a specialist in a small portion of it. See degree plans in CS for examples or those in EE and compare them to that of the time frame of the AMA founding.
In short, I think the best thing that could happen to the AMA is to (even briefly) be presented to youth members and fulfill the educational portion of what we are supposed to be.
It is amazing to me how many things in the Safety Code are not natural to the average person getting into the hobby, and if all the AMA did (other than group us for a secondary insurance policy) was present that to new entrants I would consider that to be a winner.
YMMV
10-31-2013, 06:50 AM
#2754
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Bottom line, we can keep moving our flying sites further and further out and continue our isolationistic ways without worry...everything will be just fine.
10-31-2013, 06:52 AM
#2755
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Interesting theory. Unfortunately though, based on the attached graph from the AMA web site, the most current steady decline of AMA membership started in 2002. It began to rebound and rise again in 2008. The stats don't seem to support your opinion and I'll refrain from grasping at any political alignment.
The good news though, according to a lot of recent posters, the AMA is growing and healthy. Great news for all of us!
The good news though, according to a lot of recent posters, the AMA is growing and healthy. Great news for all of us!
For a significant number of AMA members the need for a Club and Club field went away and with that paying dues to the AMA. Were these younger flyers or older flyers? In my experience it was the younger flyers that did not have nitro in there veins that embraced electrics in higher numbers. The AMA responded with the Parkflyer program but as we all know that just was not a sucess.
Anyhow that is my theory, combine a poor economy with a way to enjoy RC models without the need for a Club and the membership droped.
10-31-2013, 06:59 AM
#2756
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Just as I was crediting you with talking to the burning bush and telling us everything is Ok, you post this...
10-31-2013, 10:02 AM
#2757
"Do I have any ideas or am I just going to sit here and say "woe is me, my beloved hobby and the AMA is shrinking and there's nothing we can do". Remember what the thread is about, why is the AMA not growing. Here are a few ideas.
- For any AMA club to retain it's charter it must sponsor a defined number of annual events. T
- Events like a Fun Fly, a mall show, a swap meet, a contest, something to grow interest and advertised locally.
- The club must conduct one or more educational out reach events. It could be demonstrations for schools, scouting, churches or public libraries.
- To be president of a club, you need to submit a plan for annual events.
- Retention as president by the club members will be determined by the execution of these events and their quality.
- The AMA could discount annual dues for any member soliciting new membership. Bring in a new member, take $10 off.
- Finally, a TV advertisement with a more recognizable spokesman."
Is this really you Adolf?
Gerry
10-31-2013, 10:18 AM
#2758
Dang! I wish bradpaul had jumped in earlier. It would have saved us some time to know the AMA is growing and doing well. I'm not sure we sound the all clear however. Here's a graph from the AMA web site with stats through September 2010. Although numbers may have increased between 2011 and 2012, and I believe bradpaul didn't make them up, the growth rate doesn't seem promising compared to the glory days of the AMA. Doesn't seem "perverse" but it's good to know we're thriving. I wonder what the stats are for digital gaming, social media, the internet and model cars.
Gerry
10-31-2013, 11:08 AM
#2759
"Do I have any ideas or am I just going to sit here and say "woe is me, my beloved hobby and the AMA is shrinking and there's nothing we can do". Remember what the thread is about, why is the AMA not growing. Here are a few ideas.
- For any AMA club to retain it's charter it must sponsor a defined number of annual events. T
- Events like a Fun Fly, a mall show, a swap meet, a contest, something to grow interest and advertised locally.
- The club must conduct one or more educational out reach events. It could be demonstrations for schools, scouting, churches or public libraries.
- To be president of a club, you need to submit a plan for annual events.
- Retention as president by the club members will be determined by the execution of these events and their quality.
- The AMA could discount annual dues for any member soliciting new membership. Bring in a new member, take $10 off.
- Finally, a TV advertisement with a more recognizable spokesman."
Is this really you Adolf?
Gerry
http://www.modelaircraft.org/members...n3flyfree.aspx
A club member wrote:
"One of our biggest events for about 5 years running was having two booths in the Old Humble Oil Days. That was a downtown Humble, TX show of all kinds of stuff, booths lined back to back for 6 or more blocks down Main Street. Lots of folks coming by. We had all the things, models of all sizes, simulators, actual LARGE Trainer with Tmtr. and Buddy Cord for demonstrating how actual training worked. Lots of old magazines, with Club info inserted in, Club/Event Flyers for when, where,, contacts and about everything one could imagine for showing our fine facility on Club-Owned 50 acres with 5000 ft. shelter, and indoor rest facilities.
Each year, the CLUB AND A LHS DONATED AWARDS including a low cost electric trainer for a raffle at the show.
DID WE EVER GET A NEW MEMBER OUT OF THAT? NOT ONE! Therefore we shut the program down as the club could no longer invest the 3-500 yankee dollars each year it cost us to show there with ZERO return on investment.
We have advertised and performed the AMA TAG program a number of times. In Sep. '09, we had a huge IMAC event. Sunday afternoon we ran a TAG program. Over 40 - I forget actual number - spectators received both sim. time and actual hands-on training by Club Intro. Pilots. Any new members? Not that I know of.”
Last edited by fliers1; 10-31-2013 at 11:11 AM.
10-31-2013, 12:19 PM
#2761
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Said it once, say it again. We all try the same things over and over and think things are going to change. Things? New people not joining in. This whole "thing" is loaded with we done this and we done that. Perhaps the "this and that" is not the way to go. Do I have any ideas? Yes I do, and some of them even work.
10-31-2013, 12:38 PM
#2762
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let me see if I can clear that up for you........ the membership declined this century up to 2012 when it increased. I did not think the decline between 2000 and 2011 be news to you as it is the topic of this thread. Hope that helps you understand.
10-31-2013, 05:40 PM
#2765
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and the million dolars awser.bdavison yes it is like .I sell used planes .what I do is take a new hobby friend to the field fly the plane for him ,but the first thing I do is take him to frecuency bord pull out my wallet and shine my ama card.and tell him this is my insuranse card if we it any bird when we fly we call paramedic and this card will pay for all the damage we make if this plane go out of control,plus they send you a magazine every month with all the info and beatiful planes ,to make you a better pilot.and he ask how much? I divide the fifty dollars in to 365 days of the year and tell him abaut .0013699th, of a peny he goes WAAAUUU THATS CHIP.YES SIR. ok lets go fly ....... lite up elevator mmmm thas is AMA all abaut fan.
11-03-2013, 01:51 PM
#2769
Right On Red. GUYS LIKE US - IN AGE - well know that any REAL AIRPLANE has two wings and ROUND engines.
I never got the two wings but a couple years with P&W R-2800, one one each side. Man that was better than afterburners, but the ABs were also a great time.
Never got a lot of growth but yesterday, Sat. Nov.02, 2013 was a GREAT day for Jetero RC. Another great day at the field. I forget the final number of pilots registered, about 50. Place was full. Jetero is getting recognized. Aug. Wounded Warrior event had a visit by Dist VIII Vice President. See page 143 in the NOV. MA. Now we get a visit by the AMA Executive Vice. Pres. Mr. Gary Fitch. I really enjoyed conversing with these guys.
I AM SWAYING TO THE IDEA THAT MODELERS NEED TO GET OUT AND BEAT THE BUSHES A BIT MORE THAN THEY DO.
If we want AMA to grow, then maybe we need to plant a lot more seed. After all we don't plant our gardens miles away. Why should we expect AMA to have to do it all in their back yard?
I never got the two wings but a couple years with P&W R-2800, one one each side. Man that was better than afterburners, but the ABs were also a great time.
Never got a lot of growth but yesterday, Sat. Nov.02, 2013 was a GREAT day for Jetero RC. Another great day at the field. I forget the final number of pilots registered, about 50. Place was full. Jetero is getting recognized. Aug. Wounded Warrior event had a visit by Dist VIII Vice President. See page 143 in the NOV. MA. Now we get a visit by the AMA Executive Vice. Pres. Mr. Gary Fitch. I really enjoyed conversing with these guys.
I AM SWAYING TO THE IDEA THAT MODELERS NEED TO GET OUT AND BEAT THE BUSHES A BIT MORE THAN THEY DO.
If we want AMA to grow, then maybe we need to plant a lot more seed. After all we don't plant our gardens miles away. Why should we expect AMA to have to do it all in their back yard?
11-05-2013, 02:38 PM
#2770
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Who needs a flying site when you can fly your FPV off a county road or from your back yard and have the support of AMA. Won't be long and we will have Barry On Our Back. Just got their Email.
11-06-2013, 03:35 PM
#2771
Ok guys, you'll notice a huge chunk of recent posts have disappeared. That's because I've had to step in and remove them. I've done this because some here can't seem to discuss an issue without personally attacking those that they don't agree with. If you fall into this group then maybe you should refrain from entering into the discussion, because if this continues I'll start dealing with those doing the attacking personally. It's very easy to discuss an issue without having to attack those that you don't agree with. Plain and simple.
Ken
Ken
11-06-2013, 04:22 PM
#2775
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True enough Larry, they don't need club fields to fly from, yet AMA has resolved to support them. Is that a bad thing? IMHO, it's a survival thing for AMA. Model aviation is growing but AMA isn't (yeah, that's debatable but from my perspective a moot issue). Reason is the general interest of modelers, especially among those that are new to the hobby/sport, has shifted to model aircraft that do not need the improved runways and exclusive flyover areas of club sites that have been the backbone of AMA. AMA it appears is facing up to the facts of an evolving, or better, already well evolved change in needs/desires of the aeromodeling marketplace. IOW, they are directly addressing the topic of this thread, and that seems to me the smart thing to do. I wish them luck - they're late for the game, as they were for a big segment of the same demographic, i.e., the park flyers.