Applications for the 2008 AMA Takeoff and Grow (TAG) Program are now being accepted until 4/15/08. TAG is an AMA support program designed to help AMA chartered clubs introduce model aviation to their friends and neighbors.

AMA was exceptionally pleased with the results of the 2007 version of TAG. Nearly all of the clubs selected to host a TAG event last year reported a successful day. Some clubs felt that their first event was so successful that they held additional TAG events during the year. We were also pleasantly surprised by the unanticipated residual effects for some clubs that hosted a TAG day. This ranged form clubs developing a working relationship with local corporations involved in the aerospace industry, a club being asked to host another TAG day as part of a community weekend, another club being invited to participate by running another TAG day at an aviation museum, and a major university being so impressed with a club's efforts that they donated 2 computer systems to be used as part of the fight simulator  portion of TAG. In addition, many clubs reported that local radio, television, and newspapers ran positive reports about TAG events. Finally, many of our clubs that held a TAG day last year reported the day resulted in new members for the club and a more positive perception of aeromodeling by others in their community.

This is exactly what AMA envisioned when TAG was developed. Based on the success of last year, TAG is back for 2008 with some changes and improvements. In 2008 clubs will be asked to provide a more detailed outline of their proposed day, including a proposed budget. This year we're also asking clubs to provide back to AMA a more detailed reporting of their event. A major change for 2008 will be that instead of providing each club with trainer models and flight simulators as we did in 2007, we will be providing cash grants, up to $1,000 based on the budget submitted with the application. This change was a direct result of input from clubs who hosted a TAG last year who indicated that while they appreciated the equipment used to host a TAG event, most already had that equipment available to them and said that funds that could be used for other purposes like promoting their day, hosting an event picnic, etc. would help them be more successful.

Hosting an AMA TAG event is a great way to promote what we do as model aviation enthusiasts to others in the communities in which we live. At the same time it can be a lot of fun. If you'd like to know more visit the Education section of the AMA Website and click on 2008 TAG Announcement.

Dave