Becoming an AMA Leader Club

LeaderClub-2021-12-09
Written by Randy Cameron
AMA News Clubs
As seen in the December 2021 issue of Model Aviation.
From the Copilot’s Seat
 
Why should your club be interested in becoming an AMA Leader Club? The answer to that question could be many things, such as pride in the club, helping a club grow, recognition in Model Aviation, and maybe the biggest reason, in my opinion, is money.

Although not a requirement for grants, Leader Clubs receive a higher score when applying for Flying Site Improvement Grants. It also helps when applying for Take off And Grow (TAG) grants. For many clubs, they are already doing many of the objectives that are required to receive Leader Club status.

Here are the six requirements to become a Leader Club.

1. The club has been an AMA Chartered Club for a minimum of 5 years.

2. Club membership is open to all AMA members and is not limited to a certain number.

3. The club has developed and posted safety and operational rules at its flying site.

4. The club has filed a copy of safety and operational rules at AMA Headquarters.

5. The club’s flying field has separate areas for fliers and spectators, clearly marked as such.

6. The AMA Safety Code is posted and visible at the club field.

Program requirement modification: In order for a deserving club to be considered for Leader Club status, the club’s district vice president can waive one of these requirements for participation.

There are three levels of Leader Clubs that can be obtained by completing the requirements and electives. Bronze level must meet the six requirements and three electives; Silver level must meet the requirements and six electives; and Gold level must meet the requirements as well as all of the electives. The electives are:

1. The club has implemented and enforces a frequency-control plan that allows all 50 RC channels to be used at its club flying site, where RC is allowed.

2. The club donates to the AMA Scholarship Program or donates Model Aviation or Park Pilot magazines to a local school or library.

3. The club conducts a review of the AMA Safety Code at a club meeting at least once a year.

4. The club sponsors an annual public event, such as a mall show, flying show, or demonstration.

5. The club monitors noise levels and/or institutes club field rules, such as a requirement that models be operated at a maximum of 90 dB at 9 feet.

6. The club has created an informational handout and provides it to the public.

7. The club participates in charity programs or public fundraising events.

8. The club has a formal lease or agreement for use of its flying site or owns its site.

9. The club participates in the AMA Introductory Pilot Program or has its own instruction program.

The application to become an AMA Leader Club can be found in the AMA Documents section of the AMA website, Document 708, at bit.ly/3m2IMU4.

I also want to remind those who want to apply for Flying Site Improvement Grants or TAG grants that those applications must be completed by February 1, 2022.

Have a great day flying and stay safe!

By Randy Cameron, Executive Vice President | flyrc@modelaircraft.org

Randy Cameron

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