Renewals and year-to-date membership
From the Copilot’s Seat by Gary Fitch, Executive Vice President
It has been a couple of months since AMA announced a membership dues increase. I have spoken with a number of members who have indicated that the dues increase was expected, and based upon everything AMA is doing for our members, no one complained.
Many of our Open members have taken advantage of the dues lock-in program, which kept dues at 2015 rates for one or two years, when renewed by September 14, 2015.
I have had inquiries concerning the changing of the year-to-date membership for new members. One person simply wanted to know if his membership date was going to change. This will not impact any existing members who renew between September 15 and December 31, 2015. Nothing changes. If someone doesn’t renew until after December 31, then his or her membership date will be effective on the date of renewal for one year.
It was stated that this change will create extra work for clubs by having to keep track of club member AMA renewals. I’m sure there are others who feel this way who haven’t contacted us. This was certainly considered before we made the change. I believe it will actually lessen the workload by the second year, for three reasons:
1) Every club has members who wait until flying season to renew their AMA memberships. In the future, their renewal date will be when they renew. As a result, they will have 12 complete months of insurance and a full year of Model Aviation—or a full year of Park Pilot magazine in the case of a Park Pilot membership. They don’t show up on the AMA membership lapse list in January. This very action will likely reduce the treasurer’s workload.
2) Every club officer, along with the affected member, will receive an email notice when a person’s membership is 60 days, then 30 days from lapsing, and again when the membership actually lapses. All members, including those who don’t have email addresses, will receive a renewal card in the mail at 30 days and upon lapsing. All club officers will now be aware, together with each member in jeopardy, of the situation.
3) When you access your club roster on AMA’s website, the roster can be downloaded as a PDF file and printed. If your club chooses, it can be posted at your club field so other members are aware of who can fly at your field.
One of the many reasons we made this change is that only 49% of new members renew their memberships. The change to year-to-date membership will provide them with a full 12 months of benefits, and this increased value should positively impact the renewal rate. We understand that it will take a year or so for people to adjust to this cycle change, but the overall strategic benefits to the AMA are significant.
As I write this, we are only two weeks away from the August 15, 2015, National Model Aviation Day, and we certainly appreciate the clubs that have again joined forces with AMA to help raise money for charity. I was dumbfounded when I heard of two club representatives telling AMA employees, “What is in it for me?”
There was a time when you would never hear a statement like this, and I believe it is extremely shortsighted. When raising money for charity, you are creating a marketing opportunity for your club. Media outlets love to hear of local groups raising money to help those in need. An average club could likely not afford to purchase the positive press and media coverage that the club receives.
This also affects how the community views your club, which might someday help save your flying field. There are other reasons, but I’m sure you understand. To the hundreds of clubs that do help us, thank you for your support!
The Know Before You Fly program is well underway and I want to thank the following supporting partners for joining us in our effort to educate people on the safe way to fly multirotors. Current partners in this endeavor include Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association; Airlines for America; ASA; Castle Creations; Consumer Electronics Association; EAA; Futaba; Hitec; Hobbico; Hobby Manufacturers Association; Hobby People; Horizon Hobby; JR Americas; National Business Aviation Association; National Association of Realtors; and Airborne Law Enforcement Association. This is a great start!
Relationships matter. Those of us who travel to sanctioned flying events know that the best time is seeing and spending time with old friends, making new ones, and learning about the novel ways our members solve building issues.
While working with AMA District IV Vice President Jay Marsh at the Warbirds Over Delaware event, I saw two friends who live in my area, almost 400 miles away, as well as met with many others. I would like to mention that the members of the Delaware R/C Club are great hosts, put on a terrific event, and are extremely friendly. If you love Scale warbirds, this is a great place to be.
Thanks for reading. Please help secure the future of model aviation and take a youngster flying.
