Originally Posted by franklin_m

Current law, PL112-95 Section 336 para (a)(3) and says: "the aircraft is limited to not more than 55 pounds unless otherwise certified through a design, construction, inspection, flight test, and operational safety program administered by a community-based organization [emphasis added];"

Per Chad B in a direct question on AMA's site, they will not "certify" a model aircraft under that section of the law unless it is a member's aircraft. As there are no other CBOs, then that language in fact makes membership in AMA a requirement - at least to operate an aircraft > 55lbs legally that is.