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The Prez Sez
Hi Folks!
Shari
and I are back from our whirlwind Alaska trip where we met alot
of really nice folks, many really tasty salmon, and three ornery
bears. While we indeed went to build a church, it was too late
in the season to pour footers, and besides there was not enough
rebar or concrete in that part of Alaska to complete the job.
So the five Churches decided that they would like us to
refurbish an old church building into a non-denominational
youth center. So we installed plumbing, ran water, installed
electric, hung drop ceilings, and framed and installed
sheetrock. Our hosts invited us back next year to work on the
Church, and do some more salmon fishing (yes!). Now, if we can
just keep those bears away.
We
have two items that we need to recognize and deal with - the
first is the nomination of our 2007 officers in October, with
voting to occur during the November meeting. Folks, these are
the people that represent you, so come out and vote!
The
second is the Foamy Fun Fly, which is scheduled for Saturday,
November 11th. We are still working out the events at the Fun
Fly, but it will be fun for everyone. Perhaps Mick will do the
food again.
For
this month's info topic I've chosen an article that Dave
Mathewson (District II VP) wrote about Helping new modelers:
AMA Club Outreach: Helping New Modelers
Dave Mathewson, District II Vice President
Hundreds of AMA chartered clubs have programs designed to offer
assistance to newcomers entering the hobby. Programs range from
simple flight instruction to more elaborate and structured
programs that even include classroom sessions. The intent in
each of these programs is to help ensure that these new
modelers’ first experiences are enjoyable and successful.
In
some cases, many who have purchased their first model are
testing the waters to see if model aviation is something they
would be interested in pursuing. Today’s low-cost trainers and
entry-level models make it easy to do that.
Several years ago AMA created the Introductory Pilot Program so
that our clubs could reach out and help these new modelers
without his or her having the initial, additional expense of an
AMA membership and, at the discretion of the club, a club
membership.
Throughout the years, the program has resulted in several
thousand new members for AMA and our clubs, although the program
was a little cumbersome.
Recently the AMA Introductory Pilot Program has gone through a
complete revision to make it easier to utilize. Some significant
changes include extending the program period from 30 to 60 days,
eliminating nearly all of the required paperwork, and adding the
ability to register online both Introductory Pilot Instructors
and students. Any limit on the number of Intro Pilots a club
may have has been removed. The key advantage to this program is
that it allows AMA chartered clubs to help non-AMA members while
being able to provide liability insurance protection to the
non-member student provided he or she is flying at the club
field under the direct supervision of an AMA Introductory Pilot
Instructor.
AMA is
creating a campaign to promote this revised Introductory Pilot
Program to potential new modelers. More recognition and rewards
for instructors, clubs, and students with the potential for more
worthwhile benefits to the clubs are coming in the near future.
Clubs that participate in the program will have their contact
information made available to those searching for help from
experienced modelers.
Participating in the program is voluntary but it does offer a
club several opportunities. A certain percentage of these new
modelers may ultimately decide that our hobby/sport isn’t for
them and move on to something else. Others might continue, but
choose to participate outside the AMA environment. Even so, we
will at least have had the opportunity to help these newcomers
be successful in their approach and be aware of concerns we all
should share as modelers.
A
number of these new modelers will consist of those who find AMA
and our system of chartered clubs attractive. Some will want to
move to other aeromodeling disciplines once they’ve been made
aware of the possibilities that exist. Some may enjoy what
they’re now flying but want to take advantage of the camaraderie
and social aspect of belonging to a group that shares a common
interest. These are the new modelers who will eventually help
grow our clubs and increase the AMA membership.
We
here at AMA are excited about the possibilities this revised
program offers, but to be successful, we need the help of our
clubs by participation in the program. If you’d like to know
more about AMA’s Introductory Pilot Program, you can visit the
AMA Web site at
www.modelaircraft.org or call AMA Clubs Secretary Lois
Pierce at (765) 287-1256, extension 291.
If
you are a club officer you can register your club’s instructors
as Introductory Pilot Instructors by visiting the Member’s Only
section of the AMA Web site.
Introductory Pilot Instructors, as well as any AMA member, are
always eligible to qualify for the AMA Ambassador Program. Sign
up three new open or senior citizen AMA members during the year
and receive your next year’s AMA membership as AMA’s way of
thanking you for your efforts.
Until next
month, fly safe!
Bill.
Club Meeting
The
next meeting of the MMRCC is scheduled for September 7, 2006 at
7:00 P.M. The meeting will be held at the Northrop Grumman
facility. Personnel are required to sign-in and sign out for
security purposes.
See
you at the meeting……………….Will
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