Executive Director View from HQ
"Are we really too busy or too selfish to help a newcomer?"
Member Benefits
From time to time, the Academy has offered special additional benefits to our members (outlined on page 2 of the Membership Manual located inside your Membership Services and Product Guide). One such benefit was the Accidental Death & Dismemberment program. Following is a letter from the administrator of this program.
"The AMA Accidental Death & Dismemberment program marketed by Albert H. Wohlers & Company has dwindled to the point where it no longer supports the free $10,000 to, from, and at chapter event coverage. You may recall we received a number of beneficiary forms for the to, from, and at coverage, which was promoted as an enticement to get members to buy the optional coverage. There are only 130 optional insureds generating around $12,000 in annual premiums, and it is insufficient to support the $10,000 to, from, and at free coverage.
This letter will serve to notify you that this coverage will cease as of January 1, 1999."
A Little Disappointed
Through the years the AMA has stressed the importance of our members supporting and being a part of their community, being open to new members, and taking time to know your neighbors. The Executive Council spends much time and money trying to figure out what can be done to attract new members, make our hobby more acceptable to the community, and get recognition for our hobby as fun for the whole family.
Therefore, I hate to report that in the last 30 days I have received three complaints concerning clubs in various areas not being very friendly to new members. The following is part of one of these letters:
"Please discontinue my membership in the AMA. The reason for this decision is that no one was interested in teaching a newcomer the ropes about flying. I have tried for over a year, attended every meeting and even helped build a shelter. I believe the AMA is losing members because of clubs not taking an interest in helping a newcomer to learn to fly. You just lost a member and Model Railroading gained one ..."
That doesn't sound positive for the hobby. I realize that there are two sides to every story, but perception is important too. Are we really too busy or too selfish to help a newcomer promote this hobby, get and keep flying sites, petition the government when our hobby is being threatened by Environmental Protection Agency issues, etc.? We need the help and cooperation of everyone.
If your club is having trouble bringing newcomers on board, consider these ideas:
- Set up a particular time for newcomers to receive training while still allowing experienced pilots time to fly.
- Designate one weekend a month that is dedicated to beginners.
- Encourage experienced members to mentor newcomers and create a positive, welcoming experience.
Whatever works for your club, at least try to make the first experiences positive for new beginners.
Weather
I know I don't have to give a weather report. Good weather is being experienced in many areas, but the 70s in the Midwest is not comparable to the 70s in Central Florida, where I had the pleasure of spending the weekend of December 3–4.
I was fortunate to be invited to attend Tangerine '98. Steve Motley, publicity chairman for the Remote Control Association of Central Florida, Inc., invited me to attend the 31st Tangerine contest, and I was glad to accept.
I found the field very nice, with a paved runway, clubhouse, and concession stand. I was able to observe Radio Control Combat for the first time, and I must admit this is a good spectator sport.
One last reminder: if you haven't renewed your membership for 1999, you have already missed one issue of Model Aviation, and flying season is right around the corner!
Happy flying,
Joyce Hager Executive Director jhager@modelaircraft.org
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
