ovationdave

My Feedback: (16)

Why do I feel like I am registering as a sex offender without having done anything?

franklin_m

I did accomplish one goal in that I got some insight to their thinking. They're now contending that DOT walked into the room and declared what the solution would be. That sounds like an excuse to me. With so many people in the room with disparate interests, that hasn't been reported anywhere ... not even on background in a mass media leaks driven age. So, I don't believe it.

They also talked about the AMA's "analysis" of the FAA data which was nothing more than an unscientific word search on a narrow term. They they complained about why the media didn't touch it. What they refuse to consider is that that have themselves to blame, as the media simply didn't view it as credible -- especially once the Bard report was issued. The latter is cited many times in media reports.

The response also led me to expect them to continue doing more of the same and hope for a different result.

fishhock

agree with above AMA usless

John_M_

You make a good point Mike , just one thing though, that ultra-lite is considered an Experimental aircraft, and not allowed to be flown over or within city limits, or residential homes... you shouldn't need to register your RC model if you fly out of a rural area like a desert, (Mojave desert in California for example), thats where they use to fly a lot of those experimental class aircraft and gyro copters... I say you shouldn't need to register, but it looks that you will have too, no matter where you fly from.

You have exposed something that has been overlooked by the FAA, and I'm sure we will see some changes in the experimental class requirements in the near future, the domino effect has just begun.

Yes, very true, but as already mentioned, most RC events require you to have AMA... we're not allowed to fly at the Apollo XI field without AMA as it could jeopardize the Valley RC Flyers lease agreement they have with the city.


LoL, how true


John M,

mallen

We did have another option 20 years ago.....it was the SFA which I tried to persuade friends and a local AMA club to change/accept it and no one wanted to listen.....now we will pay the price....and have been for many, many years....

franklin_m

AMA has been telling us they've spent over $1,000,000 on lobbying. Per their 2013 IRS 990, schedule C, part IV:

"MITCH ROSE STRATEGIC CONSULTING ADVOCATES THE INTERESTS OF AMA BEFORE THE CONGRESS, THE ADMINISTRATION AND INDEPENDENT REGULATORY AGENCIES...."

If you search for Mitch Rose on OpenSecrets.org, it shows that over the period 2010-2014, AMA has paid them $285,000 total. What''s even more curious, they actually reduced the amount last year by 10,000?

Not sure how they're doing their math, but in my book $285,000 does not equal $1,000,000.

Note: I also just noticed that the same guy also lobbies for the AOPA.

http://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/firmsum.php?id=D000062493&year=2014

rcmiket

Comments in bold.

Mike

Gizmo-RCU

My Feedback: (27)

In my view AMA has missed many opportunities to come out publicly and show we are a responsible part of Model aviation and speak against illegal/outlaw flyers who are causing the problems. The 24 hr. news feeds are always looking for any story and It wouldn't cost us a dime! Grounding air tankers on fires is about as prime an example as I can think of!
The AMA was no where to be seen at those press events, why?
I don't know if it's PC or ignorance but they (AMA) just continues to ignore the real problems and keep their heads in the sand.........a lot like our present politicians.

Sorry AMA, FPV and fixed wing and other LOS models do not mix well for a whole number of reasons.............our club is having friction over these issues at this time.

rcmiket

But they will save you money on your car insurance.

Mike

franklin_m

That's funny. You'd think that the media firm AMA is paying with our membership money would have advised them on how people would react to such mass email mailings right after a major administrative loss.

Apparently they need to go out and hire yet another firm to teach them how to do internal messaging!

rcmiket

Going though my email and was hoping it was something important in light of recent developments. Shows were the priorities are.

Mike

John_M_

Well said, laws always seem to have a punishing affect on those other than whom the laws were directed too in an attempt to control criminal activity.

Since the flood of interest in these multi-rotor UAV's, the AMA are just fluffing their pillow and reeling in more revenue ... its always about the money first, and values second... all driven by greed, dishonesty, and corruption.


John M,

jwrich

My Feedback: (17)

Recent history of actions taken by AMA, proves to me that AMA has lost sight of who has supported them all these years. Fix wing models/helicopters, chartered clubs, sanctioned events, lobbying for better radio frequencies, promise of insurance coverage (some what BS) has built the AMA organization. Supporting a portion of a RC hobby that has nothing to do with a human flying from a designated controlled field. (The fact and selling point of these quad-copers and park flyer's does not require anything that AMA has to offer.) I see their actions as simply a money driven action.

Rich
EDITED
To be fair I forgot Flying field assistance program.
EDITED

radfordc

My Feedback: (14)

Facts about ultralights: https://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/aviation-...or-ultralights

They are not experimental aircraft. In fact the FAR that covers ultralights doesn't even call them "aircraft" they are "ultralight vehicles".

They rules for ultralights were created back in 1982. Times were much different then.

No person may operate an ultralight vehicle over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons. As long as you aren't over a "congested area" there is nothing that prevents you from flying within city limits. BTW, don't look for the FAA definition of "congested area"....there isn't one.

radfordc

My Feedback: (14)

I guess that is possible, especially after the ultralight gyrocopter landed in the Capitol.

Mostly, the FAA already killed ultralight aviation back in 2004 when they eliminated ultralight trainer aircraft and instructors.

TheEdge

My Feedback: (788)

Concur

minimax

My Feedback: (31)

Rich, Yes I did get this email and I have seen it before. I am an AMA member, and have been for quite a few years. Like you, I actually
still construct my models from "old school" materials out of a box. Specifically "Scale" models and I also compete at the national level. I am required to have an AMA card to compete, but for some time now I have realized that the AMA is less about modeling and more about selling insurance. I attended the Scale Nationals at Muncie a few years back and they couldn't even get the grass runway cut for the competition. I also have a friend who worked for the AMA who was let go and he mentioned several years ago that their hope by embracing drones was to "sell more insurance" (ie membership). I would add that their are several good points made on this thread, I left my local club because it was more about who was in control and less about having fun and learning. People are involved in this hobby/sport for many reasons, for me its about the creative process, putting flat sheets and square sticks together to make a piece of flying art as well as to honor the brave men and women who flew the full size ones. Drones and foamies have their place but when I think of a "model" by definition it is: a shrunk down version of the "full size" article. Just my1/2cent.

On a lighter note, Thanks for your reviews and articles you have done. I have enjoyed your work. Now to go figure out were I'm gonna
put this new registration # on my prized plane

init4fun

In one of these threads I used the analogy ;

"Kinda like asking the widow at the funeral if ya can get a deal on her late husband's corvette"

But I was told that analogy was just too outrageous .

I thought it fit fine

porcia83

My Feedback: (8)

Not sure what specifics they gave that would lead you to that conclusion, nor do I know what the suggestions would make some kind of change now. I suspect they will continue to advocate on their members behalf just as the other committee members will be doing, albeit with different goals. Leaving aside any arguments about what they could have done different then, the fact is the FAA issued their rules, and now we move forward. What can the AMA do now to change what has happened already?

tailskid

My Feedback: (34)

I'm still worried about phase 2 and 3!

on_your_six

My Feedback: (11)

This countries leaders are scared of their shadow. We cannot let an e-mail shut down a school system. We cannot be scared of every possible terrorist action. We are going to be attacked from all sides. Just let our enemies know that they are going to get double or better for trouble. We cannot account for every idiot, every gun, and every knife. We may suffer, but they will suffer more.

We have to accept that occasional losses will cost substantially less than the police state being forced upon us.

franklin_m

Well, I find it interesting that tonight on the AMA web page they post "Below are many of the media outlets that have interviewed the AMA in the 48 hours after the FAA registration announcement on December 14, 2015. [emphasis added]" As it turns out, they just admitted that there really haven't been the 89 interviews they say they gave. If you start looking at them, oftentimes the AMA isn't even mentioned, and in the few cases where the AMA is mentioned, it's buried in the story and is merely an expression of their "disappointment."

That looks like doing more of the same and hoping for a different result. Of course there's also the professional honesty issue, in that they are giving members the impression they've done more than they've actually done. Their credibility is at stake.

collector1231

My Feedback: (1)

Sorry to burst on in here, but I've got to rant.

So apparently to fly my, GOD FORBID, 1.5 pound Super Cub foamie trainer that could barely cause a minor injury that I fly maybe 2-3 times a year for fun and recreation, I need to pay $5? Heck no. No way. Government isn't getting my $5!

porcia83

My Feedback: (8)

A non answer, just more of the same conspiracy stuff. As if the AMA can control what reporters do with their comments to them in interviews. I've never seen anyone blame the AMA for so much that happens that is out of their control. Like anyone else that's interviewed gets to chose what comments are used, and the placement of them in the story.

What can the AMA do now to change what has happened already?

OliverJacob

My Feedback: (12)

I guess we all have expected way too much from the AMA.
Come to realize how little and powerless they are, it is time to look for a more affordable insurance carrier.
Most clubs I assume will do the same.