View From HQ
By Chad Budreau, Former AMA Executive Director
I FIND MYSELF REFLECTING on the incredible experiences and milestones we’ve achieved together at AMA. Serving as the AMA executive director (ED) has been a profoundly rewarding experience. It is bittersweet for me to share that I accepted a new and exciting position with another organization, and I stepped down as AMA’s ED on December 8, 2024.
Throughout my years at AMA, we celebrated numerous accomplishments through hard work and sweat equity. One of my proudest moments was when AMA earned recognition as a community-based organization—the culmination of work initiated nearly two decades ago by dedicated volunteers, such as Rich Hanson and my predecessor, Dave Mathewson. This designation cemented our standing with the FAA and secured critical protections and higher altitudes for our members.
Most recently, members can continue flying as they always have at nearly all AMA flying fields without the need for Remote ID equipment. Together, we navigated the challenges of the Remote ID rule, staggering inflation, and the unprecedented disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. During a time when the world seemed to pause, AMA pivoted swiftly, ensuring that the hobby continued to thrive. Members stayed connected through initiatives, such as the “Separate But Together” campaign that resulted in a year of membership growth while the rest of the world seemed to be in a tailspin.
I’m happy to share that youth membership is now AMA’s fastest growing membership category. Last year, AMA distributed free modeling kits and programming to schools in all 50 states. Programs such as UAS4STEM, partnerships with the Civil Air Patrol, and scholarships have inspired countless young minds to explore model aviation, laying the foundation for the next generation of aviation pioneers.
I’m proud to share that AMA is on track to award nearly $1.5 million in scholarships since the program started. I encourage you to watch a video that celebrates some of our youth members at www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8gyTlKWykA.
Clubs remain at the heart of AMA’s mission. To better support clubs, AMA launched new tools, such as digital membership cards, an enhanced club search tool, an online club officer roster, and a streamlined charter renewal portal. AMA conducted countless safety risk management panels with the FAA to secure higher altitudes and nearly every club has FAARecognized Identification Area status. AMA also introduced new club awards, including the Anniversary Award, and increased funding for the Take off And Grow and Flying Site Improvement Grants.
AMA is seeing a growing interest in competition. In 2022, two-dozen members volunteered to help staff improve competition programming to foster more interest in competition. AMA started featuring competitors on the cover of Model Aviation magazine, expanded sanction benefits, and better promoted events such as the 100th anniversary of the Nats and numerous world championships.
Between AMA and the AMA Foundation, reserves have nearly doubled throughout the past five years. Being a good steward of AMA’s dues and funds has allowed the organization to invest in the International Aeromodeling Center, expand programming, and pursue new opportunities. This ensures that AMA will remain well-positioned for the future, continuing to serve the community with excellence.
As I transition away from the ED role, I challenge each of you to continue carrying AMA’s mission forward. I’m very proud of the work we’ve done here in Muncie, Indiana, but AMA is defined by you, the members. Your passion, dedication, donations, and volunteerism are what drives this organization forward.
It has been an honor to serve as AMA’s ED. I want to express my deepest gratitude to our members, the AMA Executive Council, and the tireless staff who work behind the scenes to serve AMA’s mission and members.
Thank you.