I think the powers that be in AMA shot themselves in the foot when they decided to build a little empire in Muncie. There seems to be more than just a little resentment that our money is being spent to finance this. And, as you guys have stated, the guys who fly electrics have no use, or need (in their minds) of the AMA. I fly planes and helis, I know of many heli pilots who have nothing but contempt for the AMA, they see the AMA as an organization run by old farts who want to wind up their 1936 Wakefield and heave it into the air. Many heli fliers are treated like the red headed ******* stepchild at the family reunion by the dinosaur plane fliers at their respective flying sites. Some heli guys put up with the abuse, but many simply say to hell with it and go fly off by themselves. In their minds, the abuse they receive from the plane fliers who have to have it all their way reflects directly back on the AMA. Is it fair? Probably not, but that's the way it is.

The AMA has a giant image problem, and until it is dealt with, you can watch the membership numbers continue down the tubes. Aside from the insurance required by many flying sites, there is no perceived need of the AMA. The magazine? If I want to read a quality model magazine, I'll read Model Airplane News. I know they always say the magazine has to reflect all facets of the hobby, but I really am not too excited reading page after page about some indoor free-flight competition. Since people who fly rc make up the vast majority of AMA membership, shouldn't that be the primary emphasis?

I sure hope someone comes up with a solution to the black eye that the AMA has, and I sure hope that Dave Mathewson is our next AMA president!