I believe the AMA is doing what it can and should to grow the AMA. The problem is that model aviation, in general, is not growing in those areas that need the AMA. Changing the AMA won't fix that.

When a kid can buy an RTF park flyer for less than $100 and fly it in the local school yard where he has a paved runway and 5 acres of open land over football and soccer fields, its a hard sell to both him and his parents that they should join a club.

The urbanization of many parts of the country (major population centers) is continually threatening existing club fields. Land prices are so high as to make club purchase of the 50 acres or more needed to support a quality flying site nearly impossible. We can't expect the AMA, for $58 per year from each member, to help clubs buy said fields.

Our future must be in those people that are willing to commit the time and resources to the hobby. If that group is shrinking due to the economy, so be it. An organization that is 130,000 - 140,000 strong is still a pretty large organization, and has a lot going for it. Growth is not always a good thing. I'd rather have a local club of 30 active flyers than a local club with 30 active flyers and 70 members that we see once a year. Mind you, I'll still collect the dues. But I'm not going to go out and recruit more inactive members.

Brad