Why do AMA memberships end December 31 regardless of application?

[Toluca Kidd]

Why is it that AMA membership ends on December 31, regardless of date of application? Doesn't that "short-change" unsuspecting new applicants?

[J_R]

Two points.

New AMA members get a prorate on the second year, based on when they first sign up as set forth here http://www.modelaircraft.org/templates/ama/PDF-Files/912.pdf

The biggest single reason all memberships end 12/31 is for the benefit of clubs. Clubs do not have to check or keep track of whose membership is expiring when. Since they all expire at the same time, record keeping is minimal.

[Starguard]

Two points.

New AMA members get a prorate on the second year, based on when they first sign up as set forth here http://www.modelaircraft.org/templates/ama/PDF-Files/912.pdf

The biggest single reason all memberships end 12/31 is for the benefit of clubs. Clubs do not have to check or keep track of whose membership is expiring when. Since they all expire at the same time, record keeping is minimal.


Will the AMA mail out re-application forms for us, or will we have to get them ourselves straight from the hobby shop?

[Hal Ray]

They will mail it to you.

HRH

[J_R]

The renewals are mailed, generallly in mid-Septemeber. The renewal will also have enclosed a pre-addressed, postage paid ballot, along with the campaign statements of the candidates for AMA office.

As soon as you get the renewal, do your research, cast an educated vote for the candidate(s) of your choice.

It is important to note that you do not have to send the renewal at the same time. THE BALLOT MUST GO TO THE ADDRESS ON THE BALLOT (AMA's auditors) and NOT TO AMA HEADQUARTERS. If it is sent to HQ, it will not be counted. DO NOT SEND THE BALLOT AND THE RENEWAL TOGETHER.

It genearlly takes a few weeks to get your new membership card back. If your club requires an AMA membership for renewal, as most do, don't wait until the last week of the year to send it in or you may not be able to fly for a couple of weeks in January.

[Hal Ray]

Here in Michigan nobody really wants to fly in January.

HRH

[J_R]

I guess everybody has their building season. When I was in AK, they said they have 4 seasons: June, July, August and Winter. Here in Southern Calif the building season is anytime you can't wear shorts and tee shirts to the field. :)

[ctdahle]

Here the best flying is November through February when the wind abates a bit. Flying when it is 10 below is a severe test of your building abilities. Fortuneately, flying electic gives you a great excuse to sit in the car while batteries are charging.

Anyway, I always do the two year renewal option to save a few bucks and so I don't have to think about it so often.