Originally Posted by
init4fun
The AMA is struggling to find it's niche in this brave new world in a do or die battle for it's very future survival . Sadly , I believe , there is no place for the AMA in the future of these FAA controlled commercial operations as it's presently run (non profit educational hobby organization only) and that to survive the AMA would need to become something far beyond it's original mission of hobby advocacy , a full blown commercial organization that would ultimately leave those of us (hobbyists) who built it behind . As my poll thread indicates , I'd rather the AMA cease to exist if the hobby can no longer support it rather than see it become just another for profit commercial insurance brokerage or for profit commercial "drone pilot's school" .....
There may be a niche AMA could fill, particularly if the FAA reauthorization looks more like the Senate bill than the one that came from the House. The Senate bill requires recreational folks to demonstrate knowledge (via a test). In the case of amateur radio operators, ARRL has become a authorized test group. They also have a lot of influence over the questions. Though FCC is the ultimate approval authority. AMA might be able to perform a similar role for the FAA. They could charge individuals to take the test, and work with the FAA on test questions etc.