What a shame . . . $58.00 per year, no option on the magazine, no pro rata for those who join after midyear, a flying field at headquarters that everyone payed for but no one can use except at the Nats (IF you happen to be a competitor), insurance that takes an act of congress to get to if you (God forbid) are unfortunate enough to hurt someone or happen to damage property and must make a claim. And NOW they want a copy of our chartered club bylaws. Could it be that they want to see if it has any loopholes that might allow them to reject a claim based on some obscure technicality? Oh yeah - how many clubs have a field that meets ALL the flying field safety rules & guidelines outlined by AMA? Do you really think they're going to pay a claim if your field violates any of their rules???

Why not sit down right now and make a detailed list of just what the AMA has done for you as an individual modeler, or for your chartered club. If you're not an active competitor with a big bankroll to support your hobby, about the only item on your list is going to be . . . INSURANCE!!! It's absolutely necessary to protect (???) yourself and the landowner of your flying site (if you're lucky enough to have one). And, if you DO have a claim, is AMA going to protect you and your club??? Nobody really knows, they just continue to pay year after year and HOPE they're covered if anything DOES happen. Why is AMA membership mandatory in my club??? For the INSURANCE . . . the same as for most other 'fly-for-fun' clubs that are not competition driven or oriented. One more thing . . . If you're a member of a chartered club that is NOT incorporated, you can be held personaly liable for the acts of others at your field, above and beyond AMA insurance.

Of the 20 or more new members that have joined my club in the last 2 or 3 years, not ONE ever said "I heard about the Academy of Model Aeronautics and want to join". They joined because a club member explained the hobby to them, demonstrated model flight, explained in detail how and "how much" to get started, and in most cases personally supervised their ground school and flight training until they were proficient enough to fly without assistance. These guys are the real unsung heroes of our hobby, but they don't seem to be getting any of the glory, or even a 'thank you' from the AMA.

I'd be willing to bet that about 80% of AMA's membership is in the "Sunday Flyers" category that only wants to fly for fun and the camaradery, has NO interest in competition, and for the most part flies only at his club field. Why isn't there a reduced plan available for this kind of club, or a way for a club to customize its AMA membership to include (and be charged for) only the services and benefits needed by that club.

It sure is difficult when a new or prospective member says:

"What's it gonna cost me to get started?".

Well, there's about $400.00 for your ARF plane, engine, radio, and support equipment, club dues are $20.00 per year, but we pro-rate 'em if you join after mid year. And, oh yes . . . $58.00 for AMA membership!!!

"What do I get for that???"

Well, a monthly magazine and insurance in case you have an accident and the claim isn't all covered by your homeowners insurance.

"Anything else???"

Well, they have patches and stuff, but it all costs extra.

"Do I HAVE to join AMA???".

Afraid so, it's the only way we have as a club to insure ourselves against any liability in case of an accident.

No use to say any more . . . you've all heard it a hundred times before.