ORIGINAL: Ted Boz
ORIGINAL: GAP-RCU
ORIGINAL: K-Bob
In addition to the many things listed in the preceding posts, I would like to add that AMA makes competitive flying events possible all across the nation. Thanks to the AMA and AMA chartered clubs, I am able to travel and fly at many different venues and know that each will be safe and the contest rules consistent.
... and by extension, AMA is the vehicle we use for international competition as well.
Interesting that you should post the ''international competition'' aspect. I have been wondering why there has been no mention of the AMA/FAI relationship that permits us to compete in world record attempts and qualify for world competition events.
Personally, I don't compete with my models. I don't even care to compete in the local fun-fly events. That's kind of odd for me, since I embrace competition in nearly every other aspect of my life, in business, and in athletics. It is what it is, however, and I get what I want out of my hobby.
I do fully support AMA's work with competition, both at home and abroad, and am happy to see a portion of my dues used for such. I consider this to be one of the great things the AMA does. In the long run, the guys who compete help to make my toys a bit cooler in the future!