MembershipFAQs
There will be a membership dues increase beginning September 1, 2022. Open membership will be $85 and a Senior* membership will be $75.
*Adults age 65 or over as of July 1, 2023.
Please refer to the article by Keith Sessions, AMA Chief Financial Officer on page 14 in the September issue of Model Aviation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is AMA raising dues?
AMA last raised dues in 2015, and the 23.32% subsequent rise in inflation has reached a point where this decision had to be made. The Executive Council was unanimous in its decision to increase dues to roughly half the rate of inflation.
How will the increase help our organization and community?
The AMA Mission provides much-needed support to our members and the model aviation community. From Flying Site Improvement Grants to government representation, FAI world competitions to educational programs for newcomers, member dues help pay for all of the member benefits, programs, the museum, and advocacy the AMA provides on your behalf. This will ensure that we can continue to deliver these high-quality benefits and support new initiatives.
What are the benefits and value of an AMA membership?
The biggest value of an AMA membership doesn’t come with a price tag — it’s the power our entire membership lends to our voice as we fight for the freedom to fly model aircraft. Safeguarding modeling activities and protecting and representing modelers’ rights is a core part of our mission that affects everything we do. The Government Affairs team has decades of experience of working hard to protect our long-standing hobby and are committed to this hobby’s success. AMA’s work on Capitol Hill has helped prevent many restrictions from becoming federal laws. AMA has dedicated additional resources towards the implementation of U.S.C. 44809. These resources have secured letters of agreements for our clubs in controlled airspace, as well as assisted with obtaining higher altitudes for many of these same clubs. Rest assured that AMA stands ready to lead all our clubs through the FAA Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) application process, once the agency’s remote ID FRIA process begins. Your dues also help AMA safeguard the history and story of model aviation in the world’s largest model aviation museum and digital archives.
The $2.5 million liability umbrella insurance allows you to enjoy peace of mind flying by knowing the AMA has you covered. It would cost you $1,000 a year or more to buy this insurance on your own. The insurance covers you whether you choose to fly at an AMA club field, park, backyard or wherever.
Model Aviation, our award-winning publication, is available for free in either print or digital form for our adult and senior members. The magazine features entertaining stories, how-to articles, event schedules, and the latest industry news. In addition, every construction article featured in Model Aviation includes free digital plans. These plans can be downloaded at www.ModelAviation.com/plans and are accessible to anyone with internet access. Of course, if you are into building models, you can now view thousands of plans on our AMA Plans site, and AMA members receive a 10% discount on plans orders.
The AMA Education department serves the needs of our clubs, their members, and the model aviation community by reaching out to thousands of young people. This education through aviation has inspired many of these young people to seek careers in aviation and aerospace. In addition, AMA Flight School provides members with online learning for all levels of flying skill.
The value of AMA membership for our members continues to improve, as we constantly add new benefits through our affinity programs. Many of our members save enough money through these programs to more than cover their annual dues. There are too many benefits to list, but you can view them all and our membership guide at www.modelaircraft.org/membership/programs-benefits.