I've been lurking for years. And actually a member for just a month or so. This is my first post and what I want to say in response to Cain is this.
It looks like the US population has increased roughly 25% from 1987 to now (242 million to 300 million). While the AMA has grown roughly 41 at it's peak since 1987. It's down a bit right now from that but the growth of the AMA seems to be out pacing that of the country. Imagine that!
The Mule
ORIGINAL: Hossfly
The official AMA End-of Year counts supplied to me from AMA during my candidacy for AMA Ex. Vice President last year, 2005.
ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS
MEMBERSHIP COUNTS
Year End Total
1987 122,880
1988 136,044
1989 153,103
1990 165,359
1991 168,190
1992 165,350
1993 168,074
1994 158,927
1995 154,322
1996 153,675
1997 149,700
1998 152,565
1999 157,331
2000 165,365
2001 170,754
2002 173,420
2003 168,075
2004 163,709
EDIT: Attempted to edit column format to a reasonable read, however RCU formats screw them out of proportion, so you have to make it out on your own.