ORIGINAL: bigedmustafa

It's interesting to me that so many folks have this impression of the AMA as some kind of all-powerful ruling body and that its leadership is all-knowing or exceptionally wise. The AMA is us, RC flyers. Sit down with your District VP and grab a cheeseburger, and you'll soon discover that he's just an RC pilot, the same as you or me. These District VPs sometimes go on to serve in executive leader positions or help with various committees, but that doesn't make them any more all-knowing or powerful than the typical secretary or treasurer at your local flying club.

You are the AMA. The AMA was formed by pilots like you to represent you and your interests. If you want to change or influence the direction of the AMA, then you should run for District VP. If you're an RC pilot who is not an AMA member, then you can't complain about what the AMA is or isn't doing, because you're not participating in the AMA at even the most basic, fundamental level.

RC pilots need to work together to protect flying fields from outside interests, to protect radio frequencies from outside interests, and to share ideas and best practices for a safe and fun flying club experience. The AMA is the embodiment of that cooperative effort. The AMA protects our interests with the FAA and FCC, the AMA organizes affordable insurance packages for clubs that clubs can't get on their own, and the AMA provides a way to standardize contest rules and safety practices across the county.

Pissing and moaning about whatever might happen that rubs you the wrong way about our collective efforts to work together as RC modellers is useless and counterproductive. Get involved and contribute! The AMA is only as good as we make it.