AMA Dues Increase (Revisited)

[Dennis Leonhardi]

Looking at the latest email from AMA, I glanced over the section on the upcoming dues increase and have to ask: What's wrong with this picture?

Several here have posted ... well, alarm, disgust, you name it, with regard to the increase to $75 for Open members.  At the ripe old age of 75, I'm not particularly happy about it, but have gained enough experience in life to consider that a reasonable expense in exchange for the privileges & protection membership affords.

And several of those same unhappy posters have probably expressed ... well, alarm, frustration, disgust, you name it, with regard to the dearth of youth in our hobby.  But Senior membership dues were increased to $65.  Where is the protest on their behalf?

This is the increase that infuriates me - that cost is going to be a deal-breaker for many high school and college age kids.  The organization can't possibly tell us they're interested in bringing youth into the fold, and then put that kind of obstacle in the way.

That's my 2 cents, and I'm sticking to it.

Dennis
 

[Jason Greer]

Isn't senior 65 years of age and older?

[Avaiojet]

I think my wife said she paid 48.00?

I'll check.

[Mike Keville]

Yes, these days AMA's 'Senior' category is for those 65-and-up......not teenagers, as in the past.

[Dennis Leonhardi]

Yes, these days AMA's 'Senior' category is for those 65-and-up......not teenagers, as in the past.

Wow, I really had a SENIOR MOMENT!  Free to age 19, now that makes sense to me.  Thanks for straightening me out!


Dennis
 

[Phillip Kenney]

Being a Senior member I really haven't paid much attention to the cost for teenagers and above. But if the above structure is true, and I have no doubt it is, I would suggest a step above the free membership for 19 year olds to maybe 25. The step would be to allow the younger people who may still be in college to graduate and start working before they start paying open dues. Something in the $30 range for the first few years of paying membership? Might be better than hitting them with $75 right out of the gate.

[Jim Carter]

    Well, I s'pose one could tell a little bit of a "white lie" and apply as a 18 year old or using their grandchild's name, eh!!  Who would know .... that is until one of your buddies "rat's ya' out"!!   

[Shawn Lenci]

For us Open members I was sent an email from the AMA a few weeks ago saying that if I renewed before September 15th (I believe this was the date) that you could still renew for 2016 at $58.  2 years 2016 and 2017 for $113.  I figured I'd still be flying in two years so I paid the $113.  I thought that was a fair offer to help ease burden.  I have been paying yearly for over 30 years.  I Wish I would have bought the lifetime membership when in was $1,000 and no the $1,500 it is now.

Shawn