ORIGINAL: tpes
J R I invite you to the largest public field here in Houston, called Scobee Field named after Dick Scobee the shuttle pilot that died in the first shuttle crash. Over the gateway it clearly states that you must have an AMA LICENSE to fly at the facility and should you ask any of the regular pilots that fly there they will tell you that you need a "license". It is the word "license" that puts off these new fliers, they have enough trouble managing their lives on a day to day basis, they (the neebee) does not want to deal with another invasion on their life to fly a model plane.
I would guess that you are rather well known at your local, as well as other, flying fields in your area. Come to Houston, I will take you to Houston and you better have your "AMA LICENSE" or you won't fly except on a buddy box. FYI-I haven't been asked for my either in probably 20 years.
Hopefully the issue about the cost of dues or the yearly cost of AMA as discussed in other postings, not yours, is not a deterrent to existing members. Any ACTIVE member who spends the kind of money we spend on our hobby should quit the hobby if 50 plus dollars in out of their reach. As someone else stated about Houston, a Suburban (mine) takes $60 just to fill up. None the less I still think we need to find a place in the AMA for these new folks, as originally stated, the future of the hobby.
Thanks,
Ed
If I understand this correctly, you want the AMA to change the word "license" to "membership". You will then go to the city of Houston and request that they change the sign. It seems a lot easier to me to go to the city with an AMA membership application in hand and make the same request, without the necessity of a by-law change. I make the next statement with equal portions of seriousness and sarcasm. You stand about as much chance of getting a by-law change as you do going to your legislature and requesting the sign change by virtue of law, when some large number of the legislators are in OK.
I would suggest to you that you call Wes DeCou, the western Flying Site Assistance Co-ordinator. His number is on the AMA site. Explain to him your problem, he may be able to help.