Executive Director View from HQ: "Plans are well under way ..."
New Service: Telephone Membership Renewal
Beginning October 1, 1998, it became an option to renew your membership via telephone if you pay with MasterCard or Visa. This limited-time service is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (Indiana does not observe Daylight Saving Time).
- Direct line for membership renewal: (765) 281-7900. This number is for membership renewal only; no other Headquarters personnel or information can be reached at this number.
- The customer service representatives who answer the 800 number will not be able to renew your membership by telephone.
- No confirmations will be mailed with this service. If you want a confirmation, fax your application and request one.
- Phone lines are limited; if you get a busy signal, please try again later.
- You will be asked to verify current information contained in the database and to provide necessary information to renew your membership, including a credit card number and expiration date. Please have your renewal notice and credit card information ready.
- When calling customer service, have your AMA number ready to assist the operator.
If, for some reason, you do not receive your preprinted renewal notice, fill out the application in Model Aviation or call (765) 281-7900 to renew by phone.
Membership Fees and Renewal Season
- Bills and ballots have been individualized to reflect the cost of each person's membership category. The price printed on renewal forms is based on age, date joined, previous membership category, and any credits due.
- If you believe the amount is incorrect, call the Membership department at (800) 435-9262 to verify.
- Membership renewal season (October 1–December 15) is very busy for AMA Headquarters; more than 65% of the total membership is processed during this period.
- Because of the heavy volume, it may take three to four weeks to receive your new card. Please be patient. Your current membership card is valid through December 31, 1998.
- Your receipt of Model Aviation should not be interrupted if your renewal is received before December 15, 1998.
It is that time of year again; merchandise catalogs and membership manuals will be mailed to 1998 members and those who have renewed for 1999. Receiving these items does not mean that you have renewed your membership—the only real proof of membership is your new card.
Take time to review the membership manual; it contains items important to members and answers to frequently asked questions. There are also sections that list other services, awards, and programs available through your national organization. If you have suggestions for topics you would like included in next year's manual, please let me know.
This year the catalog and manual were shipped with your December issue of Model Aviation to reduce production and postage costs. Catalogs for those who do not receive a magazine will be mailed separately.
Elections
Elections for President and Vice Presidents in Districts I, V, VII, and IX will be finished by the time you read this column. I hope every one of you took time to vote.
I am surprised each year by the number of ballots we receive at AMA HQ that are sent to the incorrect address. These votes are not counted.
AMA/IMS Convention '99
Plans are well under way for the AMA/IMS Convention '99—formerly the IMS (International Modelers Show). There is a steady flow of reservations for booth space; it is anticipated that all booths will be filled with old and new vendors. If you haven't reserved your spot, do so now!
- Advance tickets are $6 through AMA if request and payment are received by December 28, 1998.
AMA Rule Books for 1999
AMA rule books for 1999 will be available January 1. Every AMA member is entitled to one free book per three-year cycle. The rule book addresses issues pertaining to competition events. Information on how to obtain your book will be printed on your 1999 license card carrier.
Reader Submission: Short Story and Photo
"As I was sorting old model newsletters and baby-sitting my 2½-year-old granddaughter, Meghan, I came upon an old strip of AMA decals. Knowing how she likes to play with 'stickers,' I gave them to her. It wasn't long before she came back with her T-shirt decorated. Yes, even at her young age, she wants things in very neat rows, and that was the case with her 'stickers.'
"I couldn't resist having her sit with her airplane"—an EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) foam glider she has thrown inside out and out since she was a year old. She often goes with me to my RC sailplanes and throws her own airplane.
"I thought you might like to see the photo."
Ed Harris, AMA #74470
Happy flying,
Joyce Hager Executive Director jhager@modelaircraft.org
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
