Just saw something in another forum and thought I would ask this question. If you are an AMA member, it doesn't apply. For non-members it just might some day.

Situation: You are NOT an AMA member. You have gone with a buddy to an AMA Sanctioned Fun-Fly Event. You did throw a model and stuff in the car just to have it. At the fun-fly where all fliers must be AMA members, you see that a good bunch of good guys are going to have a blast. You REALLY want to join in the fun and wish you could do so. However it's a weekend and the AMA office is out flying RC.

QUESTION: Is there a way for you to enter this AMA Sanctioned Event? If so, HOW?

HINT: If there was NOT, then basic psychology tells you the question would not have been asked. [8D]

Never mind.


Edited due to a bad attitude moment.

i are a CD and i are iggnernt. whut is youall talking about? OK, Never mind.

If I have a $1 million dollar ballon policy, than sure...I'm flying

Well once upon a time it was a simple matter to just find the CD fill out a membership application and pay the membership dues to the CD for instant membership.

How about if you were hooked up to a buddy box with an AMA member?
with that member's # on the airctraft.

"Once upon a time" generally leads me to believe that something is no longer the case. As far as I know, it is still the case.

JR

Many sanctioned events are run every year for just this reason... to let inexperienced individuals take a shot at flying an RC craft. The stipulation that there be no more than one flight like this in a lifetime for the non-AMA member applies.

Just my opinion, but the one flight rule should be dropped. It might encourage more people to learn to fly and, ultimately, more to join the AMA. In any case, the individual learns about frequency control and other safety considerations, and it makes everything safer for all of us... AMA member or not. If anyone agrees, contact your VP, the President, and/or the ED.

It might even stop the decline in AMA membership.

I will second that idea because it is more open. Open always attracts better that slammed shut in the face of questions...

AMA has an intro pilot program. You can fly with the intro pilot under the AMA rules.
Correct me if iam wrong.

Of course the correct answer for the question asked is to simply check in with the Contest Director (CD) and apply for "Instant" AMA membership. The CD's sanction package contains Membership applications, along with 30 day receipts.
At any AMA Sanctioned Event, a non-member CAN apply for and become an AMA member.

The above is the answer.

Below are some hints / suggestions.

1. If you apply at an event, do record the CD's name, address, the AMA Sanction # and date. (If not displayed as it should be, then ask the CD.) There are examples where the CD has been somewhat negligent with the After-Event-Paperwork and if AMA fails to respond within about 3-4 weeks, then you know where the trail leads.

2. If the CD doesn't appear to be aware of his ability to perform your request, then simply ask him to OPEN his Sanction Package. OTOH don't ask him while he is in the performance of some important duty such as getting the registration opened, or doing the pilot briefing, etc.

Reading threads here concerning FAA, etc., and what all AMA should be doing "....for me..." are interesting. However I ask you to consider one thing: Only in numbers represented can AMA really obtain consideration, especially with government. If your only concern is your own direct handout, then you are contributing to the override of government and not for consideration of the whole as applies to model aviation.
AMA is NOT a lobby unit, and cannot be such. AMA can make information known reference the well-being of its members. Only YOU, as a member, can lend assistance to that representation. The less government we are subject to is by far the better and that is a direct handout to YOU.
Of course then as an AMA member you have the opportunity to elect AMA Officers that are truly concerned with the better future of AMA and the membership. So there is another hand extended for you to help yourself.

The real benefits of AMA membership are mostly impalpable

impalpable. adj; Syn. intangible. Imaginary or visionary, rather than real or actual. Not certain, genuine, or perceptible.

He said it, not me.

Abel

Function: adjective1 a : incapable of being felt by touch : INTANGIBLE <the impalpable aura of power that emanated from him -- Osbert Sitwell> b : so finely divided that no grains or grit can be felt <rock worn to an impalpable powder>
2 : not readily discerned by the mind

Guess it has to do with whichever dictionary one uses: Kind of whether one wants to look for and make things better or as Able, just keep the blinders on.

Perhaps I should have used "intangible". Maybe on to "incorporeal" however that's a function of law.
I don't apologize for using a term that sent you to the dictionary, Able. Good preparation for your next lesson.

I still say that AMA offers the REAL model aviators, those willing to help make a future for the sport, many things that are there yet one cannot hear, see, smell, taste or touch them. It's up to those that want better to assure that better will happen.

BTW, Able, why did the basic question give you a "....bad attitude moment."

You are correct that the AMA has an into pilot program.

The problem is that only 16% of the clubs participate in the intro pilot program.

Hoss-

It's because I find the situation you presented of trying to accommodate a non-member that want's to join AMA and participate in an AMA-sanctioned event a 'puzzle' as a really bizarre, though very plausible, circumstance. You probably know this, but it has apparently whizzed right over the heads of some individuals in Muncie (and Columbus, OH) : all potential AMA members are presently non-members.
In a 'bad hair day' frame of mind, I said that in more impulsive terms, hence the afterthought to edit.

Abel