VIEW FROM HQ
IMPORTANT
UPCOMING
DATES
By Chad Budreau, AMA Executive Director
chadb@modelaircraft.org
FOR MANY MEMBERS, event season is winding down, but don’t put away your calendar yet. Following are important upcoming AMA dates to jot down.
EC Elections, November 10, 2022
The AMA is composed of 11 districts throughout the US, with each represented by an elected district vice president (VP). These 11 VPs regularly meet with the elected president, elected executive vice president, chief financial officer, and an NAA representative to form the Executive Council (EC). These volunteers gather to discuss strategy, establish policies, review the mission, and develop programs for the national organization. In addition, the district VPs serve the hobby in the districts that they represent and act as your voice in shaping the national organization. All qualifying AMA members received an EC ballot in late September or early October. If you have not voted, please ensure that your ballot is postmarked by November 10, 2022, to be counted.
Membership Renewals, December 31, 2022
AMA membership is based on your anniversary date. Although many members have expiration dates throughout the year, approximately 30% of our members have an upcoming expiration date of December 31, 2022. If your membership is set to expire soon, be sure to renew now. This year, we added a three-year renewal option that averages $75 per year for adults and $65 per year for seniors. Visit www.modelaircraft.org/renew or call (765) 287-1256, ext. 129.
Flying Site Improvement Grant, February 1, 2023
The AMA Flying Site Improvement Grant program provides funding for AMA chartered clubs that are making improvements to their flying sites. Tens of thousands of dollars are awarded each year through membership dues and the AMA Foundation. This grant funds 25% of the total project cost with a maximum payment of $3,000. We encourage clubs to submit a draft of their application before Friday, January 6, 2023, to receive feedback before final submission.
Learn more by emailing rachelleh@modelaircraft.org or calling (765) 287-1256, ext. 221.
Take off And Grow Grant, February 1, 2023
AMA and the AMA Foundation help fund club programs and events that promote aeromodeling as a positive activity to their communities. This grant also provides your club with guidance and assistance to ensure a successful event. Applications are reviewed by the AMA Foundation and scored by the club’s district VP. Learn more by emailing rachelleh@modelaircraft.org or call (765) 287-1256, ext. 221.
Scholarships, February 1, 2023
Every year, the AMA Foundation awards tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships that are distributed in various amounts based on AMA aeromodeling activities, scholastic achievements, and community involvement. All applications are considered and evaluated by the AMA Scholarship Committee that then makes a recommendation to the EC. To be eligible, the applicant must be an AMA member for 36 consecutive months before the application is made, be graduating from high school in 2023, and indicate an anticipated major and university. To learn more, read this month’s “Education Through Aviation” column on page 101, email k ylet@modelaircraft.org, or call (765) 287-1256, ext. 517.
AMA Model Aviation Hall of Fame, March 31, 2023
The AMA Model Aviation Hall of Fame honors men and women who have made significant contributions to the hobby/sport of aeromodeling. The Hall of Fame Selection Committee methodically reviews every nomination then recommends inductees to the EC. Applications are being accepted through the end of March. If you would like to nominate someone, please visit www.modelaircraft.org/form/ama-model-aviation-hall-of-fame.
Club Charter Renewal, March 31, 2023
In December, AMA will begin notifying our 2,400 clubs to renew their charters. Chartered clubs have access to many services, including liability insurance, grants, flying site assistance, marketing, and the Introductory Pilot Program. A growing benefit for chartered clubs is government assistance in securing airspace authorizations, altitudes, and FAA-Recognized Identification Area status with Remote ID. To learn more, please reach out to clubs@modelaircraft.org or call (765) 287-1256, ext. 291.
We will remind you of these and other important dates through AMA This Week, AMA Air, social media, and email. As always, feel free reach out to me, the staff, or your district VP with any questions.
Stay safe.
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