Is AMA a business? You bet it is. With that comes income and expenses for all of the services AMA provides for its members, and that is a lot. It takes members’ dues, among other income sources, such as the AMA store, to sustain these services and be the primary community-based organization for recreational flying in the US.
I’m sure you are aware of our 2025 membership campaign that is going on now. All AMA members need to be involved in recruiting new members, and then helping them enjoy the hobby and remaining a member. This requires clubs to be open and inviting to potential new members, with a welcoming attitude to all. Members, bring your friends and family out to your field and have some lasting fun. If your sanctioned event needs any literature or the AMA Value Brochure, just send me an email request.
This campaign is a membership call to action. Everyone needs to do their part to increase and retain our numbers.
Joe Eiben, president of the Chesapeake Bay Miniature Aircraft Association in Maryland, tells us about a popular crossover event combining full-scale aircraft, an auto show, and model aircraft.
Our club’s flying field is located on an active county airport, the Essex Skypark Airport, located east of Baltimore near Chesapeake Bay, and is an FAA-Recognized Identification Area. Our model grass field parallels the full-scale asphalt runway. We have enjoyed this relationship for more than 30 years.
The airport’s pilots association holds an annual event called Wings and Wheels. Classic cars, street rods, and aircraft from all around drive and fly in for the event. The main hangar hosts the displays, flight simulators, and presentations. The Skypark has a STEM program and an EAA chapter as well. Our club has a booth set up on the flightline and we talk about model aviation to all. Members from our club volunteer to help the pilots association any way we can.
The public enjoyed being introduced to private and model aviation. Four aircraft—two Cessna 172s, one Cherokee, and a beautiful Stearman biplane—offered airplane rides all day. I helped with the scheduling, and we had people lined up for our Stearman. At one point, the wait was 1-1/2 hours for a 15-minute airplane ride. We continually talked up and demonstrated model aviation.
It was a great, fun day for model and general aviation with an exceptional turnout, and we all had a great time doing it.
Go fly and have fun safely.