AMA needs to maintain a community focus
There are many reasons why people enjoy the hobby of model aviation. Some find the hobby relaxing, others enjoy the challenge and excitement of competitions, and many like to tinker and build.
If you are like me, your interests change and evolve. I originally enjoyed semiscale, then I dabbled in building. Now I’m getting into sailplanes and float flying. This diverse hobby has much to offer, not to mention that it is continually evolving—introducing new airframes, technologies, and platforms.
Regardless of the reason that you fly model aircraft today, more often than not, there was someone who originally sparked your interest in flying. Many members tell me stories of a childhood friend who exposed them to the hobby. Others credit a club for coaching them to fly. I was originally introduced to model aviation by my siblings and father, and was later reintroduced to the hobby by a friend.
We are a community of members who coach each other and keep one another accountable. Our members support each other, guide each other, and mentor each other. Our members help shape AMA policies and guidelines through their elected district vice presidents or by directly engaging with AMA Headquarters. And our members are quick to correct any actions in an effort to maintain our impeccable record of safety in the airspace.
On the outside of the National Model Aviation Museum is window art that
“AMA has an 80-year history of responsible flying, built on a cornerstone of community involvement.”
celebrates our community with words such as “fellowship” and “camaraderie.” Our community is one reason why I often carry with me a copy of the May 2016 issue of Model Aviation. On the cover is a photo of a model aviation instructor and a student, using a buddy box, with the callout: “Fostering an Active Flying Club.”
Inside the magazine, Editor-in-Chief Jay Smith and author Dave Scott, in separate pieces, wrote about the importance of creating a welcoming environment for new pilots and being a good coach. I am quick to pass out a copy to people I encounter. Even as I write this, I’m en route to Washington D.C., for an FAA meeting, and a copy of the issue is sitting in my carry-on luggage. I suspect that before I return home, I will leave the issue in the hands of another person.
Congress recognizes that this community-oriented approach is a key ingredient to AMA’s successful history of safe and responsible operations. Congress believed so much in this approach that in 2012 it validated and protected our “community-based organization” by passing Section 336 of Public Law 112-95.
I share this because now, more than ever, AMA needs to continue to be community-focused and a leader of the safest and most responsible organization in the industry. As you probably know, the model aviation industry is under the scrutiny of the media and regulators.
In the first couple weeks of 2017 alone, states across the country had a combined total of 209 bills concerning the industry that were either prefiled, in committee, or were introduced. Federal agencies and Congress are also considering additional regulations pertaining to the industry this year. Most of these regulations are not necessarily targeted at the AMA, but instead are aimed at those outside of our community. Yet, occasionally, AMA members are unfairly burdened by these new regulations.
We have been successful in shaping and removing problematic language in these bills, but we expect that 2017 will be more challenging on the legislative front. The more we can showcase to regulators how our community is active, accountable, and responsible, the better we can demonstrate and justify why responsible modelers, such as members of AMA, should continue to enjoy the hobby, free from unnecessary regulations.
One way you can help showcase our community model is by visiting and contributing to www.generationsofflight.com. Upload a photo and share your story. This allows us to demonstrate to the media and legislators that AMA is a strong and active association, committed to safely enjoying the hobby. This website will also be used to showcase how we are a cradle of this country’s full-scale pilots, engineers, and educators.
You should also be more proactive than ever before in reaching out to new pilots. This new generation of model aviation pilots is often not introduced to the hobby by experienced pilots, but instead is attracted by easy-to-fly products and advertising. Although more sophisticated models are a great asset to the industry, many new pilots do not have a community to rely upon and, unfortunately, might take their first—and sometimes last—flight without any guidance or instruction.
These new pilots need a mentor to educate them about the importance of safe and responsible operations. They might not know of the lessons we take for granted such LiPo battery safety, monitoring wind and weather, and respecting airspace rules.
When a new pilot shows up at a flying field, continue to welcome him or her with open arms, regardless of what he or she is flying. If you see someone flying alone at your field or elsewhere, introduce yourself as a fellow hobbyist. Take the opportunity to learn about his or her interests, and offer advice.
The FAA recently announced that more than 600,000 people are now registered as recreational sUAS users.
“The FAA recently announced that more than 600,000 people are now registered as recreational sUAS users.”
AMA has 200,000 members, meaning 400,000 pilots among us are not in the AMA fold.
We always welcome new pilots, but it’s unrealistic to suggest that these 400,000 pilots should immediately become AMA members. Yet, as leaders in the industry, we should open up and share our experiences, guidance, and expertise to those new to the hobby.
Lead by example and welcome these new hobbyists to join you in flying. Even if your interaction is limited to a few words, hopefully you can provide a positive experience and plant a seed that will grow and motivate the new hobbyist to be a responsible user.
We at AMA Headquarters will continue to do our part to keep this hobby alive and growing. We have partnered with groups such as the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, to launch programs like Know Before You Fly, to educate these new pilots. Know Before You Fly materials are distributed with many model aviation products, in retail outlets such as Best Buy and Amazon, and in the media.
We are also involved with the FAA’s Drone Advisory Committee and in an industry-led Unmanned Aircraft System Safety Team.
AMA has an 80-year history of responsible flying, built on a cornerstone of community involvement. Together, let’s leave no doubt with legislators, the media, and others that our community-based model will continue to be a primary leader of safety in the industry.
—Chad Budreau
chadb@modelaircraft.org
Public Relations & Government Affairs Director
