Originally Posted by
porcia83
I could be wrong but I think the AMA membership numbers have increased over the past few years, youth memberships accounting for the largest growth isegment. As for club memberships, I think some are up, some are down. I'd guess there are numerous reasons why that is happening. I can say that many of our new members are showing up primarily with PNP or RTF great from hobby shops, sometimes though it's an older modeler getting back into the hobby. Our club has had some fantasic growth over the past 3 years, we've gone from a "capped" membership of 125 to just over 180. We have 5 events a year, activity promote the hobby at other events, schools etc, encourage the public to attend our events, host schools and boy scouts/ cub scouts, and get them and any visitors that show up on buddy boxes. We also give a portion of all of our events to local charities. Although I like any type of member to join, the ones I like the best are "family" memberships and those that are brand new to the hobby that decided to join after one of our events. There are tons of things clubs can do to get membership. I do recognize however that CT is a densely populated state with some measure of affluence, and many clubs too, so there's that.
Originally Posted by
BarracudaHockey
AMA had the best numbers this year and its been in a steady increase lately. I'm seeing that in my club as well
I agree with this. However, while the statement of "AMA's membership has increased" may be true. A simple fact is, when you hit rock bottom the only way to go is up.
In my opinion, and from what I've read, the AMA still has a long way to go, and yet the current board is spending way too much money for the amount of revenue taken in. Kind of like the corporate leaches that suck the life out of a company for their own greed, then leave the company "high and dry" so that when the new members take over failure is inevitable and blamed on the new members.
Nonetheless, I feel the FAA has overstepped its boundry in thinking it should/could control/regulate R/C aircraft and R/C pilots. NOTAMs are not issued to R/C pilots, R/C pilots are not required to be registered with the FAA (and never will be), R/C pilots do not need a license to operate their planes, etc. Anyone who feels otherwise has fallen into the misconception created by the FAA.
The FAA uses the concept that if they create a false premise and keep hammering at it, it will eventually fuel rumors that morph themselves into fact or accepted concepts.
The FAA imposing NOTAMs regarding the use of R/C aircraft is totally bogus.