by Jay Marsh | Aug 25, 2015 | AMA National News, Events
Hi everybody, I wanted to share this with you all. Last weekend, following National Model Aviation Day, Archie Stafford and AC Glenn were kind enough to get some incredible footage of the IAC with their DJI Inspire multirotor. I edited their footage together into an aerial tour of the facility, in hopes that it might entice members to visit, or perhaps to give them a chance to see it like they might not otherwise have the opportunity to. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6SfDuzYm-E -Matt Ruddick Academy of Model Aeronautics Media...
by Jay Marsh | Aug 20, 2015 | AMA National News, District Accomplishments, District News
From: Bren Bailey Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2015 1:06 PM To: jaymarsh@ama-d4.org Subject: Drone article Jay, This article appeared on the top of the front page of the Winston-Salem Journal this morning: http://www.journalnow.com/news/local/crowded-skies-officials-keep-alert-on-drone-issue-above-winston/article_3ab96bf4-0194-56a6-9264-366425bbe491.html Please note that nowhere in the article is the Academy of Model Aeronautics mentioned. It refers only to “hobbyists,” mostly as the bad guys. … From: Bren Bailey Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2015 4:50 PM To: letters@wsjournal.com Cc: jaymarsh@ama-d4.org Subject: Drone article Dear Editor, Regarding the article concerning drones (“Working to keep the friendly skies safe,” August 20), I agree that there is a potential for significant problems, not the least of which is a catastrophic collision between a drone and an airliner. However, the article contains one error that I would like to correct. The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 did not establish rules for hobbyists. Instead, it relieved hobbyists from regulation by the FAA. Section 336 states “[T]he Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may not promulgate any rule or regulation regarding a model aircraft” as long as “the aircraft is operated in accordance with a community-based set of safety guidelines and within the programming of a nationwide community-based organization.” That nationwide community-based organization is the Academy of Model Aeronautics and it has established extensive safety protocols to which its members strictly adhere. Among the rules in the AMA Safety Code are the mandatory 400-foot ceiling, the restriction from flying closer than 5 miles to an airport, and keeping aircraft within line-of-sight. These are AMA guidelines, not FAA. There are 13 AMA-sanctioned clubs within a 50-mile radius of Winston-Salem, including one right...
by Jay Marsh | Jul 1, 2015 | AMA National News
The AMA is changing to year-to-date membership renewals. Here are some frequently asked questions about how this will effect you and your club. Year to Date Membership FAQs June 29, 2015 What Is The Definition of a Year-to-Date Membership? Year-to-date membership refers to the beginning date a member joins with the expiration date being one year later. If a member joins in October their membership will expire the end of October the following year. How Does Year-to-Date Affect Current Members? If current members renew prior to their current expiration date of December 31, 2015 their membership will continue to expire on December 31, 2016. If a current member lets their membership expire on December 31, 2015 and they renew any time after December 31, 2015 their membership year will begin whenever they renew. For example: Renewed January 20, 2016 their membership would expire January 31, 2017. How Does Year-to-Date Affect New Members Joining AMA? Beginning September 15, 2015 any new members joining AMA their membership will expire one year from their join date. For example: If a new member joins October 15, 2015 their expiration date will be October 31, 2016. How Will Members Be Notified of Their Expiration Date? Each member’s expiration date will be printed on their membership card. Sixty (60) days out from a member’s expiration date, they will begin receiving notification via email and/or mail their membership will soon expire and to renew. If the membership expires, the member will continue to receive email/mail to join until a specified time has elapsed. How Do Clubs Transition to Year-to-Date Membership? All club officers will receive...