EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) have signed a memorandum of understanding that expands the organizations’ joint efforts to bring the possibilities of flight to more people.
The memo, signed during AMA’s annual AMA Expo in Ontario, California, builds on the original memo of understanding the two aviation associations signed in 2010. Over the past five years, EAA and AMA have worked together to help people discover flying activities and introduce and support aviation to the public.
“There has long been a connection between the aircraft modeling community represented by AMA and the world of grassroots aviation with EAA,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA Chairman/CEO. “Working with AMA over the past five years has built a strong foundation in areas such as integrating the AMA student membership into EAA’s Flight Plan program, an increase of aeromodelling activities at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, and more combined EAA and AMA activities on the local level.”
The new memo of understanding outlines areas where EAA and AMA will work together in program development, promotion, and advocacy. Other areas of emphasis will include youth education programs and visibility at major events, including EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and AMA Expo.
“The AMA and its members are excited to continue our partnership with the EAA and begin work on how both organizations through our combined efforts and activities will promote and increase aviation participation across all age groups,” said Bob Brown, AMA President. “During the past five years, both organizations have achieved some excellent results, and we expect the future will deliver even more.”
EAA and AMA will create a joint working group to explore possibilities for joint activities and programs that could inspire youth and adults to further explore ways to get involved in model aviation or recreational flying.
The agreement also provides for increased visibility of each organization in the other’s outreach and communications channels.
I wholeheartedly believe that providing aspiring young aviators with a realistic and sustainable path to continue to foster their interest in aviation beyond the Young Eagles flight, and until they have the age or means to proceed with full sized aviation, is imperative to realizing the EAA’s goal of reversing the dwindling and ageing pilot population.
I think partnering with the AMA is a step in the right direction. I would also suggest going back to the way things where done many many years ago of getting young aviators started by flying gliders in subsidized club programs. A partnership with the SSA would be wonderful and getting Airlines and possibly the government involved in providing financial support would serve their interest nicely.
Last, I would love to see a return of the simple and inexpensive homebuilts that got the EAA started as a mean to make aviation affordable again to a larger number of people. I commend the EAA for focusing on that important aspect of aviation in their latest Sport Aviation magazine.