RC Clubs not renewing AMA Charter
#1
RC Clubs not renewing AMA Charter
Just returned home after attending a monthly meeting at one of the local RC clubs that I belong to.
One subject on the agenda was new memberships, ways to retain memberships and promote the RC hobby. BUT ! One remark was made and I " Personally " can not confirm / authenticate , or disprove the subject. The point was made that " FOUR HUNDRED RC CLUBS HAVE NOT RENEWED THEIR AMA CHARTERS ". Their was an AMA district rep at our meeting and he made no comment on this subject.
If this is true, to me it sounds very questionable as to whether or not the RC Model Airplane Hobby will survive.
One subject on the agenda was new memberships, ways to retain memberships and promote the RC hobby. BUT ! One remark was made and I " Personally " can not confirm / authenticate , or disprove the subject. The point was made that " FOUR HUNDRED RC CLUBS HAVE NOT RENEWED THEIR AMA CHARTERS ". Their was an AMA district rep at our meeting and he made no comment on this subject.
If this is true, to me it sounds very questionable as to whether or not the RC Model Airplane Hobby will survive.
#2
Just returned home after attending a monthly meeting at one of the local RC clubs that I belong to.
One subject on the agenda was new memberships, ways to retain memberships and promote the RC hobby. BUT ! One remark was made and I " Personally " can not confirm / authenticate , or disprove the subject. The point was made that " FOUR HUNDRED RC CLUBS HAVE NOT RENEWED THEIR AMA CHARTERS ". Their was an AMA district rep at our meeting and he made no comment on this subject.
If this is true, to me it sounds very questionable as to whether or not the RC Model Airplane Hobby will survive.
One subject on the agenda was new memberships, ways to retain memberships and promote the RC hobby. BUT ! One remark was made and I " Personally " can not confirm / authenticate , or disprove the subject. The point was made that " FOUR HUNDRED RC CLUBS HAVE NOT RENEWED THEIR AMA CHARTERS ". Their was an AMA district rep at our meeting and he made no comment on this subject.
If this is true, to me it sounds very questionable as to whether or not the RC Model Airplane Hobby will survive.
This naturally leaves the question of why to be examined since it was not mentioned by the AMA district rep you quoted . I am really curious why the 400 clubs chose to end their charters ? Did the clubs disband ? Is this a protest and punishment for the AMA "romancing the drone" ? Are these clubs that for whatever reason don't need the AMA insurance ? 400 clubs does sound like an awful lot of ended charters in a year's time but the reasons why would sure help put into focus what the future actually holds .
#3
Hi Granpooba ,
This naturally leaves the question of why to be examined since it was not mentioned by the AMA district rep you quoted . I am really curious why the 400 clubs chose to end their charters ? Did the clubs disband ? Is this a protest and punishment for the AMA "romancing the drone" ? Are these clubs that for whatever reason don't need the AMA insurance ? 400 clubs does sound like an awful lot of ended charters in a year's time but the reasons why would sure help put into focus what the future actually holds .
This naturally leaves the question of why to be examined since it was not mentioned by the AMA district rep you quoted . I am really curious why the 400 clubs chose to end their charters ? Did the clubs disband ? Is this a protest and punishment for the AMA "romancing the drone" ? Are these clubs that for whatever reason don't need the AMA insurance ? 400 clubs does sound like an awful lot of ended charters in a year's time but the reasons why would sure help put into focus what the future actually holds .
On another note, some members did state that their models were on their Home Owners Insurance Policy and that AMA insurance was secondary.
Do not often admit this but I left the meeting in somewhat of a fog. " LOL " Wondering what is actually going on with the AMA and other clubs across our country.
#4
Senior Member
Hi Granpooba ,
This naturally leaves the question of why to be examined since it was not mentioned by the AMA district rep you quoted . I am really curious why the 400 clubs chose to end their charters ? Did the clubs disband ? Is this a protest and punishment for the AMA "romancing the drone" ? Are these clubs that for whatever reason don't need the AMA insurance ? 400 clubs does sound like an awful lot of ended charters in a year's time but the reasons why would sure help put into focus what the future actually holds .
This naturally leaves the question of why to be examined since it was not mentioned by the AMA district rep you quoted . I am really curious why the 400 clubs chose to end their charters ? Did the clubs disband ? Is this a protest and punishment for the AMA "romancing the drone" ? Are these clubs that for whatever reason don't need the AMA insurance ? 400 clubs does sound like an awful lot of ended charters in a year's time but the reasons why would sure help put into focus what the future actually holds .
on the front page of their website
Club charter renewals
The March 31 deadline for clubs to renew their annual charter status has come and gone and there are nearly 400 clubs that have not submitted their renewal documents for the
Club charter renewals
The March 31 deadline for clubs to renew their annual charter status has come and gone and there are nearly 400 clubs that have not submitted their renewal documents for the
Last edited by da Rock; 04-10-2016 at 12:15 PM.
#5
The remark was made by the clubs Secretary. For the life of me, I do not know where or how he obtained this information. But, the AMA District Rep did not respond nor make a remark in regards to this subject. Perhaps it came as much as a surprise to him as it did to other club members. Our Secretary held up the clubs certificate to show that we were still an AMA Chartered Club.
On another note, some members did state that their models were on their Home Owners Insurance Policy and that AMA insurance was secondary.
Do not often admit this but I left the meeting in somewhat of a fog. " LOL " Wondering what is actually going on with the AMA and other clubs across our country.
On another note, some members did state that their models were on their Home Owners Insurance Policy and that AMA insurance was secondary.
Do not often admit this but I left the meeting in somewhat of a fog. " LOL " Wondering what is actually going on with the AMA and other clubs across our country.
I believe we old relics who love airplanes are being replaced by folks more enthralled with the new technology than with the flying itself . The AMA sees drone/FPV as being it's financial future and us "traditional fixed wing" and "traditional helicopter" RC flyers as being something for the hobby to evolve away from in the rush to cash in on the so called "drone revolution" .
Thank You da Rock , I appreciate the info . I will say that 400 out of only 2500 is a fairly alarming number , if those 400 never renewed and were gone for good that would be a serious blow to our collective "voice" in any of this future FAA business . Hopefully it IS only procrastination on their part but again like you say this brings the question of how long of a grace period do these clubs have to pay before the charter ends for good ?
Last edited by init4fun; 04-10-2016 at 01:01 PM.
#6
Banned
My Feedback: (8)
Clubs are no different the the members of said clubs...some pay early, some pay on time, some pay a little late. This is no different. Rather than give a statement with no context, he/she should have given the full picture. There was an issue early on where incorrect charter paperwork was being sent out to a small population of clubs, the AMA sent out a notice almost immediately indicating they were correcting the error.
The issue of primary/excess insurance (via homeowners or other coverages) would literally be irrelevant to most land/property owners. The majority of clubs are based on or in government owned property (State, City,Town). The coverage they all want and insist upon would be from a policy in the clubs name, not a bunch of individual policies from members. Private ownership of the property may accept something different, but I would guess less than .001% of them would accept anything less than the AMA coverage. Given the exposure they would be crazy not to want as much coverage as possible, at this point I haven't seen anyone that can provide the coverage that the AMA does. Doubtful that 400 clubs just decided to call it quits for AMA coverage.
The issue of primary/excess insurance (via homeowners or other coverages) would literally be irrelevant to most land/property owners. The majority of clubs are based on or in government owned property (State, City,Town). The coverage they all want and insist upon would be from a policy in the clubs name, not a bunch of individual policies from members. Private ownership of the property may accept something different, but I would guess less than .001% of them would accept anything less than the AMA coverage. Given the exposure they would be crazy not to want as much coverage as possible, at this point I haven't seen anyone that can provide the coverage that the AMA does. Doubtful that 400 clubs just decided to call it quits for AMA coverage.
#7
Mike
#8
Starting to believe that it is just new technology & cash that keeps marching on, while the staple that has maintained the RC Model Airplane Hobby for generations is just being swept into the gutter.
Now what really worries me is when will they deface MT. Rushmore and carve Trumps image up there ? LOL
Now what really worries me is when will they deface MT. Rushmore and carve Trumps image up there ? LOL
#9
I suspect a lot of clubs are late each year, one local club I know of did not have a charter last fall but did at the beginning of this year. So they may have been 7 to 9 months late.
#10
My Feedback: (48)
I suspect there are many clubs not as well organized as the one we belong to.... "John, did you send in the renewal?" "No I didn't... I thought you did it. It's your turn this year isn't it?" "Nah, I do the even years, you do the odd years. Or is it the other way around?"
While they (the AMA mentioned about 400 clubs were late, they didn't mention how many new ones applied either. One has to wonder how many new ones applied also.
While they (the AMA mentioned about 400 clubs were late, they didn't mention how many new ones applied either. One has to wonder how many new ones applied also.
#11
I suspect there are many clubs not as well organized as the one we belong to.... "John, did you send in the renewal?" "No I didn't... I thought you did it. It's your turn this year isn't it?" "Nah, I do the even years, you do the odd years. Or is it the other way around?"
While they (the AMA mentioned about 400 clubs were late, they didn't mention how many new ones applied either. One has to wonder how many new ones applied also.
While they (the AMA mentioned about 400 clubs were late, they didn't mention how many new ones applied either. One has to wonder how many new ones applied also.
Mike
#12
My Feedback: (11)
People are slackers. I have club member "renewals" still coming in when October to Jan 1st is the "renewal" period.
I suspect if we went back to charging the initiation fee after the January meeting it would pick back up but that practice always bothered me so I made sure it went away when I became part of the decision.
I suspect if we went back to charging the initiation fee after the January meeting it would pick back up but that practice always bothered me so I made sure it went away when I became part of the decision.
#13
Starting to believe that it is just new technology & cash that keeps marching on, while the staple that has maintained the RC Model Airplane Hobby for generations is just being swept into the gutter.
Now what really worries me is when will they deface MT. Rushmore and carve Trumps image up there ? LOL
Now what really worries me is when will they deface MT. Rushmore and carve Trumps image up there ? LOL
When the member discount for early/multiple year renewal was offered I jumped on it like Yogi jumping on a picnic basket !
Last edited by init4fun; 04-11-2016 at 11:51 AM.
#15
Banned
My Feedback: (8)
People are slackers. I have club member "renewals" still coming in when October to Jan 1st is the "renewal" period.
I suspect if we went back to charging the initiation fee after the January meeting it would pick back up but that practice always bothered me so I made sure it went away when I became part of the decision.
I suspect if we went back to charging the initiation fee after the January meeting it would pick back up but that practice always bothered me so I made sure it went away when I became part of the decision.
Again, well said. It makes no sense whatsoever to have shunned this segment of the hobby, none. Regulation of the hobby to some degree was destined, regardless of AMA embracing this technology or not.
#16
How's it worked out so far ? Have this years membership #s shown the huge increase that would justify such expenditure and effort ?
Or has it all been "playing to an empty house" , trying to sell someone on something that they feel they have no need of ?
True aircraft hobbyists ALREADY belong , and they fly even their #550 quads under the auspices of our safety code . Anyone else who needs to somehow be "attracted" or "courted" are the folks flying hobby equipment BLOS and those folks are about as likely to join the French Foreign Legion as they are to join the AMA !
When all us old guys are gone , if the AMA hasn't found some way to force membership by then , the numbers of BLOS drone flying non members VS #550 adhering drone flyers who will actually join and support it , will be enough to end the AMA as we know it , and then you'll see if the drone folks support it like we did .
I have my doubts ........
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: merrill, WI
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would assume some of the 400 clubs closed their charter, but it's very possible that these clubs secured their own liability insurance. it's not that expensive for a "club" to do. I belonged to an archery club and the club liability isn't all that expensive. I would think liability would be reasonably comparative between clubs of this nature.
#18
Banned
My Feedback: (8)
I would assume some of the 400 clubs closed their charter, but it's very possible that these clubs secured their own liability insurance. it's not that expensive for a "club" to do. I belonged to an archery club and the club liability isn't all that expensive. I would think liability would be reasonably comparative between clubs of this nature.
There was one member here who alluded to a select, secretive "invite only" program starting up....but obvious red flags are flying on that. Sounds like a scheme, and the fact that it is secrettive makes it even more doubtful that it's legit.
#19
Assume. Ass U Me.
It's not even 2 weeks past the due date - many people are too lazy to file the paperwork. And the notices were mailed to last year's club secretary who may have been replaced already and just doesn't care to send it to the new one.
It's not even 2 weeks past the due date - many people are too lazy to file the paperwork. And the notices were mailed to last year's club secretary who may have been replaced already and just doesn't care to send it to the new one.
#20
A noble goal indeed ....
How's it worked out so far ? Have this years membership #s shown the huge increase that would justify such expenditure and effort ?
Or has it all been "playing to an empty house" , trying to sell someone on something that they feel they have no need of ?
True aircraft hobbyists ALREADY belong , and they fly even their #550 quads under the auspices of our safety code . Anyone else who needs to somehow be "attracted" or "courted" are the folks flying hobby equipment BLOS and those folks are about as likely to join the French Foreign Legion as they are to join the AMA !
When all us old guys are gone , if the AMA hasn't found some way to force membership by then , the numbers of BLOS drone flying non members VS #550 adhering drone flyers who will actually join and support it , will be enough to end the AMA as we know it , and then you'll see if the drone folks support it like we did .
I have my doubts ........
How's it worked out so far ? Have this years membership #s shown the huge increase that would justify such expenditure and effort ?
Or has it all been "playing to an empty house" , trying to sell someone on something that they feel they have no need of ?
True aircraft hobbyists ALREADY belong , and they fly even their #550 quads under the auspices of our safety code . Anyone else who needs to somehow be "attracted" or "courted" are the folks flying hobby equipment BLOS and those folks are about as likely to join the French Foreign Legion as they are to join the AMA !
When all us old guys are gone , if the AMA hasn't found some way to force membership by then , the numbers of BLOS drone flying non members VS #550 adhering drone flyers who will actually join and support it , will be enough to end the AMA as we know it , and then you'll see if the drone folks support it like we did .
I have my doubts ........
Oh BTW some of the drone racing crowd has become interested in "traditional modeling". Well not traditional for me cause they are those boring electric models.
#21
Mike
#23
My Feedback: (54)
If it has only been two weeks over due, I wouldn't worry about it. Just telling those Clubs to get off their ***** and get their money turned in. Like BarracudaHockey said, members are slackers! And, when I was Secretary, I made sure those slackers didn't fly, until they renewed.
IMHO, traditional r/c plane flying started to go away with the introduction of "foamies and electric planes". Everyone at the field was flying glow, gas, and turbines, then along comes the Foamy! Since that time, AMA has tried to increase the membership with the "Park Flyer Program" and the "Few months of Membership" for $20! I haven't been an Officer or Secretary for awhile to keep track if those programs really helped or not. I don't think they did. Today, at our Jet/IMAC flying field, we have EFlite Micro Beast flying over the runways and occupying a pilot station, when there are only 4 to start with, on busy days, when in truth, IMHO, they shouldn't even be flown at the flying field. That is all I need to do is to hit a micro foamy with my 35# jet or my 3.2M(124"ws) IMAC Extra, or my Ziroli 98" ws P-51 and bring down my planes worth thousands over a damn $100 foamy!
So, again, IMHO, the decline of AMA started with the foamy and electrics, and now, the AMA is just trying to get ahead of the quadcopter race! I actually like and learning to fly quads, but I don't and won't fly them at the flying field, where they aren't liked. Our Club is lucky enough to have a separate heli field with a couple pads, and the quads are flown on that side of the field. But, again, are still looked down at for flying them.
IMHO, traditional r/c plane flying started to go away with the introduction of "foamies and electric planes". Everyone at the field was flying glow, gas, and turbines, then along comes the Foamy! Since that time, AMA has tried to increase the membership with the "Park Flyer Program" and the "Few months of Membership" for $20! I haven't been an Officer or Secretary for awhile to keep track if those programs really helped or not. I don't think they did. Today, at our Jet/IMAC flying field, we have EFlite Micro Beast flying over the runways and occupying a pilot station, when there are only 4 to start with, on busy days, when in truth, IMHO, they shouldn't even be flown at the flying field. That is all I need to do is to hit a micro foamy with my 35# jet or my 3.2M(124"ws) IMAC Extra, or my Ziroli 98" ws P-51 and bring down my planes worth thousands over a damn $100 foamy!
So, again, IMHO, the decline of AMA started with the foamy and electrics, and now, the AMA is just trying to get ahead of the quadcopter race! I actually like and learning to fly quads, but I don't and won't fly them at the flying field, where they aren't liked. Our Club is lucky enough to have a separate heli field with a couple pads, and the quads are flown on that side of the field. But, again, are still looked down at for flying them.