AMA and foreign nationals

[ron_sb]

Hi Guys,

I just have to share my experience with the AMA. I'm not trying to start a fight, just want to find out why things are as they are.

I'm a foreign student living in the US for a couple of years. I recently picked up the RC hobby here in the US. And I want to become a member of the AMA. (local flying field + insurance + magazine + good thing to do ;-) )

While reading the documents on the AMA homepage I found out that they require foreign nationals to be a member of their country's respective modelling organization. This is totally useless for me since they are now requiring me to join the dutch organization and the AMA(dutch dues are over $100!) even though I'll never use the Dutch membership.

So I called and explained my situation, they don't care, she didn't even explain why this rule is there. Why is this weird rule? I mean it can't be for insurance issues since I can get car insurance (or other kinds) like anyone else.

Anyone else thinks this is not so fair? Any foreign nationals on this board with some advice?

edit: As far as I can tell the dutch AMA does not provide insurance coverage, not even in Holland.

[Majortomski]

I think the rational behind the rule is the AMA's role in the FAI, and "protectionest" thinking when it comes to international contests. If we give a non US citizen AMA memebership you are now allowed to participate in International competitions as a US resident. And in cases where there are a limited number of slots for a country to go to those events, they don't want to see a foreign national representing the US. I think that is why one of the FAI pattern flyers lives in Lichtenstine (SP?) no competitions for the slots to the worlds.

Sorry about the dilemma, hope you find a cheaper solution.

tom

[ron_sb]

I see, I think they should have *very* little fear of me, entering international (nor local :D) competitions.

[ctdahle]

Ron, I'd suggest that you send a note directly to Colleen Pierce or Joyce Hager. Explain that you are a student, that you are living in the US for the next few years and that you are just getting started in R/C.

Now I'm not promising anything, but I think if you are calling AMA HQ right now, you probably talked to one of the many temp employees they hire on during renewal season. Talking to one of the people who is actually in charge of membership may make a difference, and I think there is a good reason for the AMA to have an "exchange student" provision in the membership rules.

[ron_sb]

Thanks, I'll try Joyce Hager. I spoke to Jeannie Houser while friendly she seemed surprisingly unconcerned about my problem. I guess they are extremely busy right now.

(I did explain my situation to them. In email and on the phone)

[Jim Branaum]

Originally posted by ron_sb
Hi Guys,

I just have to share my experience with the AMA. I'm not trying to start a fight, just want to find out why things are as they are.

I'm a foreign student living in the US for a couple of years. I recently picked up the RC hobby here in the US. And I want to become a member of the AMA. (local flying field + insurance + magazine + good thing to do ;-) )

While reading the documents on the AMA homepage I found out that they require foreign nationals to be a member of their country's respective modelling organization. This is totally useless for me since they are now requiring me to join the dutch organization and the AMA(dutch dues are over $100!) even though I'll never use the Dutch membership.

So I called and explained my situation, they don't care, she didn't even explain why this rule is there. Why is this weird rule? I mean it can't be for insurance issues since I can get car insurance (or other kinds) like anyone else.

Anyone else thinks this is not so fair? Any foreign nationals on this board with some advice?

edit: As far as I can tell the dutch AMA does not provide insurance coverage, not even in Holland.

Yes and no.

Let me clarify and answer your implied question. There ARE foreign nationals that come to the US to compete and show off at some events (jets is a good example). They are offered a special class of membership at a special price IF they are members of their national organization. That is the yes part.

The no part is somewhat simpler. Since you have only recently gotten in the hobby, it is a fair bet that you have done this while in the US. Just join the AMA as a normal person and don't bother to tell them that you are a FN because if you are going to pay full price ($58) there is not a problem.

Welcome to the US and the hobby. Good luck

[ron_sb]

I can totally see that they don't want foreigners taking up US spots in competition! That's definately fair, maybe the spots should be given out according to citizenship instead of AMA membership (just a thought).

The thing about just signing up seems okay but what happens if my plane causes some damage while I was observing all AMA rules. Will they still cover me?

Thanks for your input guys.

[Jim Branaum]

Originally posted by ron_sb
I can totally see that they don't want foreigners taking up US spots in competition! That's definately fair, maybe the spots should be given out according to citizenship instead of AMA membership (just a thought).

The thing about just signing up seems okay but what happens if my plane causes some damage while I was observing all AMA rules. Will they still cover me?

Thanks for your input guys.

Sorry, my explaination was not clear enough. The purpose of the special forign membership is to provide insurance for those flyers when they are participating in the U.S. The mechanism is to increase world wide participation, not restrictive.

The answer to your question is a resounding YES! Most clubs will insist that you have AMA membership to fly at their sites because they have sold the landowner on the fact that all their members would have insurance. The AMA covers your actions when within the Safety Code AND it covers the landowner.

[daveWCO]

Ron:

What a silly mess!

How's about just flying the parks and beautiful Santa Barbara beaches?

I bet there is a group of unofficial parkflyers to hook up with, as well!

Good luck.

Dave

[ctdahle]

Actually, I don't see anything in the AMA rules that says you have to be a US citizen to join the AMA aside from the competition provision that Jim mentions.

That being the case, I think you should do exactly as Jim says, just join the AMA and don't worry about the citizenship issue.

[ron_sb]

Hmm, if you look at the signup form you'll see that they ask if you are a permanent resident.

I questioned the AMA about the definition of permanent resident, they seem to use that word in the sense that the immigration service uses it. You are only a permanent resident if you have a green card or are a citizen.

On the other hand, credit card firms are more then happy to treat me as a permanent resident. (sigh)

Thanks for your input.

[leccyflyer]

The membership application form on the AMA website seems to indicate that if you are a non- US permanent resident (shouldn't that be non-US non-permanent resident??) that Affiliate membership is available for $28.00 for insurance whilst flying in the US (no magazine included). The form contains a space for details of your own National Aero Club and the Expiry Date (of your membership of that National body).

That looks exactly as Ron describes it.

Brian

[ctdahle]

See, If we just work this out logically, it becomes clear. If you are a foreign national and already a member of your nation's FAI affiliate body, you get a reduced $28 rate so you can fly in the US.

If you are a foreign national and you are not a member of your home country's assn., you can join the AMA for the regular price.