Yeah, Ira.....the AMA does wish 'to control' your behavior re the requirements they feel are necessary for safe flying under their insurance umbrella (now...how we view those requirements are a diffenert subject altogether !). But...the extent of that 'control' is solely limited to, "can't abide...then get out". And only after the fact.

Why the surprise/why the indignation there...that's any private organization's option...get out if you can't abide. Duh. Try this w/ your auto/homeowners: Let them 'off the hook' for your heart's desire speedfest thru the neighborhood this evening....nope, doesn't work that way, does it ? Drunk driving....you kill someone...your insurance is still in effect even though you so egregiously violated every safe driving/'legal'/insurance suggestion/'requirement there is. Even if you 'opt out' w/ a 'weekend-binge release', they cannot deny the claim short of an outright cancelation previously in effect...though you are likely finished w/ them afterwards ! Same w/ homeowner's......keep piles of gas soaked rags around......they still pay. THAT is the way it works, so even if you are somehow covered by another party, the AMA is always secondarily liable...always in the loop for claims unless you cancel. Cancelation....that's how you must 'opt out'. Re-apply...maybe/maybe not they will let ya back...no one says they have to...

But wait(!)....AMA even goes a step further! Right up front it's spelled out, you actually agree to abide the rules w/ Membership....a contract, in effect.... a step beyond your auto/home insurance. No gray area, here .....you gave your word(!), you said you wouldn't knowingly violate the 'gentleman's agreement' (as Steve Ellzy put it..)! Yet, you want to opt out, at your convenience, for the weekend Tiano-fest (for example.)?! Sure...but the mechanism for that is canceling Membership. Period. C'mon, your word is no good/you were 'forced' to join? Please!

OK, the AMA is a monopoly, maybe that's the true source of irritation...no competition. And, at fault, perhaps, in not making things crystal clear: Join us...but you make reasonable efforts to abide by our rules; we pay regardless, anywhere/anytime for a modeling activity claim as long as you are a Member (unless maybe all prove/agree your behavior is so egregiously at fault/in violation...though even that has not/does not save the AMA from liabilty). And all we can do is indicate what we feel is safe, or after the fact, cancel your Membership......that's our only 'control'.

That's a hell of a deal/not much of a burden for your annual dues! Don't like it...don't join....and get out if you won't live up to something you pledged your word to. But, don't expect to be welcomed back, either!

Ray