AN ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
From the Copilot’s Seat
By Randy Cameron, AMA Executive Vice President | flyrc@modelaircraft.org
Happy spring, everyone! As I write this, the grass is turning green and will soon need to be cut. I’m excited for the upcoming AMA National Fun Fly on June 24-26, and I truly hope to see you there. Online registration closes on June 1, but that doesn’t mean you can’t come. Walk-ins are welcome. It will be a great time to fly and check out some of the new airplanes that people bring.
We will have an AMA Membership meeting on Saturday, June 25, at approximately 5 p.m. For those who can’t attend in person, the meeting will be livestreamed. The AMA Membership meeting is a great way to keep up with what is happening with the AMA.
Managing an event of this magnitude is a great undertaking, just as is organizing a similar event for your own club.
My vision for future event management includes an AMA app for your smartphone, tablet, or laptop that could automate Event Form 10. Imagine having a QR code on the AMA membership card. When someone signs into your event, you simply scan the QR code on his or her card that could automatically verify membership, enter all of the data that goes on Event Form 10, and offer a place for a member who is registering to sign electronically.
It could also immediately notify the contest director (CD) if the member has a turbine waiver or has registered aircraft that weigh more than 55 pounds. After the event is over, this process could allow the CD to enter the event and placings for Class A and B events for each attendee. After it is completed, the CD could hit a submit button to close out the event.
This process could automatically create the CD credit for the event, eliminating printed paperwork and mailing costs.
I am not sure if or when this will happen, but as a CD myself, I feel it would greatly simplify event management. Having Event Form 10 information in a database will also allow AMA to recognize who is attending what events and potentially provide information pertaining to popular features for prospective club gatherings.
Until next time, be safe.
