GROWING THE HOBBY
Since its inception, AMA has existed to support the technical and scientific development of aeronautics through advancements in model aviation. In doing so, AMA has maintained and supported the growth, welfare, and vitality of aeromodeling as a hobby and leisure activity. Through these efforts over the years, we’ve seen significant advancements in aeromodeling technology, as well as growth and participation in the hobby.
During the past 17 years, AMA’s attention has been heavily focused on the welfare of the hobby through its interaction in government affairs, in an effort to dissuade unnecessary and overreaching regulation. AMA’s efforts have succeeded in deterring much of the more burdensome regulation that has been put forward.
To date, regulatory impact has been minimal. A handful of new requirements that we have been able to dissuade include:
- Model aircraft registration (registration for any number of models is a fixed $5 charge).
- Mandatory FAA The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST; a 20-minute, no-fail tutorial).
- Remote ID required when flying somewhere other than at an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA).
There are also new conditions related to accessing the different classes of airspace; however, AMA has taken on and now manages the lion’s share of these new administrative requirements. Moreover, from a member’s standpoint, going to the local flying site and experiencing the joy of model aviation occurs in much the same way as it has in the past.
Our focus on the regulatory issues has, to an extent, fettered our attention on the growth and vitality of the hobby. Throughout the past few years, we have seen a noticeable decrease in participation. Clubs and AMA Special Interest Groups are seeing a drop in membership, and attendance at aeromodeling events and hobby activities has declined.
Although the model aviation hobby remains vibrant, we recognize the importance of strengthening our clubs and growing the aeromodeling community. By doing so, AMA can enhance member services, expand our advocacy efforts, and fulfill our mission to inspire and engage the next generation of hobbyists.
In response to this issue, the AMA Membership and Marketing Committee has developed a growth and retention initiative aimed at restoring the vitality of the hobby. Under the leadership of District III Associate Vice President (AVP) Mark Feist, the initiative strives to better understand and address the challenges that face our hobby. With years of experience in promoting model aviation events, and an extensive business and consulting background, Mark brings a fresh set of eyes to this extremely complex issue.
Working closely with the AMA executive director and members of the Executive Council, Mark established a diverse team of staff and member volunteers who have worked to develop and implement the growth and retention initiative. The team has developed several new tools that are designed to promote the hobby and to assist local clubs in reaching out to their communities to present the societal benefits of model aviation and inspire growth and sustain interest in the hobby.
This growth and retention plan will include many assets, such as a one-page introductory value brochure and a Club Toolkit providing a single-point access to content, programs, and resources that are available to local clubs.
Please look for announcements and invitations as we roll out our approach and assets to vice presidents, AVPs, AMA Leader Members, chartered club officers, and AMA members.
Keep ’em safe, keep ’em flying, and continue to enjoy this great hobby!
