Are you a member of AMA? (Americans)

[Former Member]

Im just wondering how many members here are also members of AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics). It's an American association of RC enthusiasts that I have been a member of for many years. It offers a degree of flight liability insurance for members and also tips and tricks for airplane pilots.

Unfortunately, its' monthly magazine makes almost no mention of drones, maybe a page or two, despite the extraordinary boom in drone sales. I willing to wager that drone sales will outpace RC airplane sales, if it hasnt already.

Also, many AMA sanctioned RC fields restrict drone usage, or banish them entirely.

Here is their website for more information:

Join AMA Today

 

[Colorado_scott]

I’ve flown model planes and helicopters for 40+ years. The hobby is not growing with young new flyers. While a plane, radio, motor, batteries are about the same (or less) than a Mavic there are so many options for ‘kids’ these days. Then factor in when a young man hits the ‘girl age’ it’s more difficult to focus on flying.

I see drone flying areas becoming very limited as most every city restrict flying areas now. This is not going to get better and a major reason I decided not to get a drone. I still fly at a sanctioned AMA Field / club which I know is not going away. Lots there with the same interest, but most are older. Most cities throughout the US have a AMA Field within 30 miles (a guess on my part) - and I’ve always been able to find a RC Field when visiting any US city I visit.

While drones are easier to fly (most anyone can fly) privacy issues will only get worse. LOS drones may be an answer, but unclear. As drones continue (illegally) to fly over 400’ and are reported by airplane pilots, rules will become even more restrictive. Same with any neighbors near you, worrying about privacy.

Wish I could see a future for drones but I don’t. Others see great opportunities. Time will tell.

 

[beachcombing]

Yes, I am a member. I think that as drone usage continues to grow (and it is growing exponentially), the AMA will feature more drone coverage. I think that they will be "forced" to do so in order to stay relevant as drones are obviously the highest growth market. The FAA just announced this week that drone registrations have now reached a million. I don't fly at any AMA fields as I have no need to.

 

[lightbg]

Yes, I am a member. I think that as drone usage continues to grow (and it is growing exponentially), the AMA will feature more drone coverage. I think that they will be "forced" to do so in order to stay relevant as drones are obviously the highest growth market. The FAA just announced this week that drone registrations have now reached a million. I don't fly at any AMA fields as I have no need to.

They'll stay relevant as long as the due$ keep flowing. Since thy are the recognized "Community Based" organization they have the politicians ear, but as previously mentioned show up with a drone at an AMA field and you'll either get asked to put it back in your car or told "Put him down on the cowflop patch so he doesn't bother anybody". Yet the home office shows support for the DRL, and last year at AMA East the drone cage was non-stop, as were most of the vendors selling quads. I won't pay dues to a local club to be a restricted member, so while I support the national organization I'll wait until the local clubs decide that my skills are as good as theirs.......if they last that long.

Jake

 

[Colorado_scott]

While I don't follow this, if true, it's encouraging for all:

"The FAA just announced this week that drone registrations have now reached a million"

That can't be ignored. I'll hang out for a few more months and see how things go. By that time DJI / others will have new models out.

 

[Dragonfly]

Drones or UAVs as they should be called are just another form of flying aircraft no different from ic aircraft or electric planes or petrol powered planes or Gliders and if your local AMA club rejects them or shys on you flying them then find another club as the old fudy dudies are jealous and need to wake up. It was no different when electric power came in.
As far as UAVs go, big companies and little companies are spending billions of dollars on drone/UAV technology and with more and more being used for specialised work and being incorporated in search and rescue and fire services plus police I assure you, the Drone industry isnt going away anytime soon. Its only going to get better as people slowly accept them and public pressure forces changes on Governments to accept them.
They, sUAVs are here to stay.

 

[colinfowler]

BMFA in the UK
90% of the flyers have at least one drone that they will fly at my local field. these are of all ages 18y-70y+
drones were at one time not allowed, now anything that fly's is ok.
our BMFA mag also covers little or nothing re. drones

 

[beachcombing]

While I don't follow this, if true, it's encouraging for all:

"The FAA just announced this week that drone registrations have now reached a million"

That can't be ignored. I'll hang out for a few more months and see how things go. By that time DJI / others will have new models out.

Why would you doubt that it is true?

FAA Drone Registry Tops One Million

The 1,000,000 total registration figure includes 878,000 hobbyists, who receive one identification number for all the drones they own, and 122,000 commercial, public and other drones, which are individually registered.

 

[Colorado_scott]

The FAA requires any R/C plane owner, and I believe helicopter, to register for an ID number. I know I had to for my planes, and all US R/C clubs are requiring registration as far as I know (now, I have not checked with every RC club across the US, but the ones that I am aware of - 4, require registration if you fly an plane or helicopter). That information makes it possible they are combining all registrations (airplane, helicopter, and drones) for a total number of 1M; as it says, "total registration".

Let's guess at some numbers; of all drones sold (not planes or heli's, just drones) I'd guess 50% (maybe more) cost less than $200 - and are being flown by 'kids' - as kids are not going to plunk down, nor do they have, in excess of $500 for a nice DJI type drone. And these owners of drones that cost less than $200, not many even know about the FAA registration, much less took the time to send in the $5 to get a number. You put in your own percentages above. Just my opinion.

 

[colinfowler]

The FAA requires any R/C plane owner, and I believe helicopter, to register for an ID number. I know I had to for my planes, and all US R/C clubs are requiring registration as far as I know (now, I have not checked with every RC club across the US, but the ones that I am aware of - 4, require registration if you fly an plane or helicopter). That information makes it possible they are combining all registrations (airplane, helicopter, and drones) for a total number of 1M; as it says, "total registration".

Let's guess at some numbers; of all drones sold (not planes or heli's, just drones) I'd guess 50% (maybe more) cost less than $200 - and are being flown by 'kids' - as kids are not going to plunk down, nor do they have, in excess of $500 for a nice DJI type drone. And these owners of drones that cost less than $200, not many even know about the FAA registration, much less took the time to send in the $5 to get a number. You put in your own percentages above. Just my opinion.

Let's guess at some more numbers. How many rc flying toys or otherwise at anything from $5 upwards. Who's buyers don't even know what the FFA is.

 

[lightbg]

Here's a cut and paste from the Transportaton.gov article:

FAA Drone Registry Tops One Million

WASHINGTON - U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced at the Consumer Electronics Show that the total number of drones now registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has eclipsed one million.

The 1,000,000 total registration figure includes 878,000 hobbyists, who receive one identification number for all the drones they own, and 122,000 commercial, public and other drones, which are individually registered.

It doesn't say fixed wing or heli, it says drones.

Jake

 

[youngie123]

I’m at youth member!

 

[NestleQuik]

Yep, been a member since early 2015

 

[Lopez0015]

Jeje am a member and never fly at they field... always thinking what they are going to say when I show up

 

[Lopez0015]

Plus I have a skin on mavic ,is camo.. so I wonder if they will tell me remove it

 

[BluesDragon]

@Thunderdrones ....I pulled the application and, when filing it out, got to where it's asking for a sponsor... member, club, or hobby shop... So do I need an active member to be sponsor to join the AMA?

 

[Former Member]

@Thunderdrones ....I pulled the application and, when filing it out, got to where it's asking for a sponsor... member, club, or hobby shop... So do I need an active member to be sponsor to join the AMA?

No not unless you are a minor.

 

[BluesDragon]

Cool... thanks for the quick response too.

I'm lookin' to fly at one of the local air fields around here that require AMA membership. I had access to the club's charter number that operates said field, but wasn't sure if I was supposed to use that or not. Thanks again...

 

[Former Member]

Cool... thanks for the quick response too.

I'm lookin' to fly at one of the local air fields around here that require AMA membership. I had access to the club's charter number that operates said field, but wasn't sure if I was supposed to use that or not. Thanks again...

It always helps to have the card if one of the officers of the club asks.

 

[Former Member]

I dont believe that AMA has the authority to ban you from flying at a local park, but the county might.