AMA is here to help
Jay Smith, Editor-in-Chief
jays@modelaircraft.org
“If you belong to a club and the effects of a natural disaster have prevented the club from resuming flying, consider help from the AMA.”
As did many, I followed coverage of hurricanes Harvey and Irma on TV and online. In the case of Irma, it targeted my home state of Florida and directly affected family. After the storms passed, my thoughts went to how to help those who were affected.
In such a situation, when things begin to settle down and return to a more normal state, thoughts of enjoying your hobbies might come to mind. If you belong to a club and the effects of a natural disaster have prevented the club members from resuming flying, consider help from the AMA.
The Club Disaster Relief Program is set up for chartered clubs that suffer damage to their sites through natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, or similar catastrophic events. AMA offers limited financial assistance (up to $500 per incident) to help clubs with the repairs needed to make sure that the damaged flying site is again accessible and usable to club members.
This financial assistance is a grant, not a loan. It is not intended to pay for repairs to structures or facilities, except to the extent to make the site and runway once again adequate for flying. To process a request for assistance, your club needs to provide photos of, and information about, the damage for your application to qualify. Applications can be found online at www.modelaircraft.org/membership/clubs/drelief.aspx. If you have questions about the Club Disaster Relief Program, contact AMA at (765) 287-1256, extension 200, or email Joyce Hager at jhager@modelaircraft.org.
