Don't Call Them Toys! Like many flyers, ANN's Jim Campbell got his start in aviation via model airplanes... and that included an early membership in the first aviation organization he'd ever joined -- the Academy Of Model Aeronautics. So, it seemed natural that soomer or later he'd get a chance to "return to his roots" and see what the model aviation world was up to these days... and that story has to revolve, primarily, around the AMA. The Academy of Model Aeronautics tells ANN that are the world's largest sport aviation organization, representing a membership of more than 150,000+ from every walk of life, income level and age group. It is a 'self-supporting, non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote development of model aviation as a recognized sport and worthwhile recreation activity, an activity/organization open to anyone interested in model aviation. AMA is the official national body for model aviation in the United States. AMA sanctions more than a thousand model competitions throughout the country each year, and certifies official model flying records on a national and international level. AMA is the organizer of the annual National Aeromodeling Championships, the world's largest model airplane competition. AMA is the chartering organization for more than 2,500 model airplane clubs across the country. AMA offers its chartered clubs official contest sanction, insurance, and assistance in getting and keeping flying sites. AMA is the voice of its membership, providing liaison with the Federal Aviation Administration, the Federal Communications Commission, and other government agencies through their national headquarters in Muncie, Indiana. AMA also works with local governments, zoning boards, and parks departments to promote the interests of local chartered clubs. AMA is an associate member of the National Aeronautic Association. Through NAA, AMA is recognized by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the world governing body of all aviation ...
