Executive Director View from HQ
"...memberships have increased by 4%..."
Good News for the Association
As of this writing in mid-March, Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) memberships have increased by 4% compared to the same time last year. Adult memberships (available to those 19 years of age and older) have risen by 2,430, and youth memberships have gone up by 1,838. This is the first increase in membership in about five years. With the Academy's new marketing efforts for this year, we are hoping for even more growth. For members and clubs out there recruiting new members, keep up the good work!
Update on the EPA issue
In my last column, I promised a follow-up concerning the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enactment of exhaust emissions standards that dramatically impact the manufacture and operation of many of the hobby industry's small spark-ignition engines.
On February 11, the AMA sent a representative to the opening hearing in Ypsilanti, Michigan; Carl Maroney met with several individuals from the EPA and explained the Academy's position on the above ruling. The following is an excerpt of a letter that has been sent to the model press, Special Interest Groups, and model engine manufacturers:
"It is of vital importance to the future of our hobby/sport activity that you become aware of and respond to current and proposed emission standards enacted by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The impact of these three standards will affect all model engines. The EPA effort is apparently an attempt to reduce emissions which no doubt will increase the cost of an engine. These three standards concern:
- Non-road engines at or below 19 kilowatts (25 HP) for diesel and compression-ignition (glow) engines.
- Non-road engines at or below 19 kilowatts (25 HP) for spark-ignition engines (e.g., gasoline, natural gas, propane, or methanol fueled).
- California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards for compression-ignition (CI) engines less than 50 HP."
While the AMA will file a position paper on behalf of all model enthusiasts, regardless of AMA affiliation, our broad view will express that the three areas of standards/regulations will have a severe impact upon producers and users of model engines in model aircraft, helicopter, boat, and car activities.
The Academy will be proposing that the only practical solution is for the EPA and CARB to exempt all types of model engines that are used for hobby recreational purposes. Judging from preliminary surveys, the total number of new model engines produced in the 1998 model year is relatively small when compared to the overall industry that manufactures 20 million-plus small engines a year. The deadline for the submission of the position paper was March 13.
I would like to thank the Radio Control Hobby Trade Association (RCHTA) and Carl Maroney for their efforts regarding this situation.
Currently, the Academy is seeking someone who deals with EPA issues on a regular basis and could keep us informed when such issues arise that would affect our hobby/sport. If there is a member who is willing to assist in that area, please drop me a note and include your phone number.
On The Fly
We have included in recent issues of the magazine a report called "On The Fly." We are trying to present important, timely news from AMA HQ, and the goal is nothing less than better, more accurate communication with the membership. We are hoping that it is packaged in such a way that members realize the information is important. You can let me know whether or not you think we are accomplishing this goal, or you may offer suggestions on how to improve this feature.
Happy flying,
Joyce Hager Executive Director jhager@modelaircraft.org
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
