WHY JOIN THE AMA?

Throughout this guide you have seen references to the Academy of Model Aeronautics. It is the one and only national organization that represents our hobby interests in the eyes of our citizens. It was founded back in 1936, with new and modern headquarters based in Muncie, Indiana. There is a large administrative headquarters and a wonderful model aviation museum that describes our progress since the beginning of our hobby. In addition, the Muncie location has more than 1,000 acres of land that has been turned into our International Aeromodeling Center. This “model airport” plays host to the annual AMA National Aeromodeling Championships (every summer) as well as many regional and international model competitions.

To learn more about AMA, visit its Web site at www.modelaircraft.org. AMA offers many advantages and services. A key item is the supplemental liability insurance that everyone who joins receives. If you join a local chartered flying club, a requisite for joining is being an AMA member. The same goes when it comes to flying in local and regional contests and even fun-flys: you must be an AMA member, to ensure that you have the proper insurance coverage.

One of the best benefits offered is our monthly magazine, called Model Aviation. It is the leader in the hobby publication business with more than 160,000 copies distributed monthly. In addition, an excellent on-line magazine, Sport Aviator is offered which provides many product reviews, how-to articles, and technical information articles written with the beginner in mind. You do not have to be a member to access Sport Aviator nor do you have to pay.

Besides that, the AMA Web site offers many detailed items that help with our hobby. There is an archive of articles published that appeared in Model Aviation over the past 25 years and a plans service that offers more than 14,000 different sets of model aviation plans. Special series article reprints can be found there and the list goes on.

HOW TO JOIN THE AMA!

When you call up the AMA Web site, the home page offers links to join or renew your membership. New members can learn about a special three-month introductory membership package for $19.95 - click here or you can try a full one-year regular membership for $58.00 that includes Model Aviation, Sport Aviator and access to the "Members Only" section of the Web site. You can actually sign up for membership and charge it to your credit card using this Web site.

To continue, click here.