Real ideas from clubs across the country
Growing a model aviation club isn’t about one big idea—it’s about doing a lot of small things well, consistently.
In our recent webinar, we pulled together insights from experienced club leaders and AMA staff to highlight what’s actually working today. Whether your club has 20 members or 200, these six areas can help you grow membership, improve engagement, and build long-term sustainability.
1. Show Up Where People Are: Social Media
Social media is often the first place someone will discover your club.
Clubs that are growing are:
- Posting regularly (photos, videos, quick updates)
- Promoting events
- Sharing what a normal flying day looks like
- Making it easy to find how to join
The biggest mistake? Creating a page and letting it sit.
If your club has a Facebook page, keep it active. If you don’t, find someone in your club who enjoys posting and give them ownership.
Simple rule: If someone visits your page, they should immediately see that your club is active and welcoming.
2. Make Your Website Work for You
Your website doesn’t need to be fancy. It needs to be clear.
Focus on:
- Easy navigation
- A visible “How to Join” section
- Training information
- Upcoming events
- Photos that show the experience
One strong insight from the webinar:
Don’t be afraid to copy what works.
Look at other club websites. If something is clear and effective, use it as a model.
3. Run Events That Attract New People
Most clubs do a great job with internal events. The real growth opportunity comes from external events.
| Internal Events | External Events |
|---|---|
| Fun-flys | School/community events |
| Swap meets | Air shows |
| Club competitions | County fairs |
External events introduce people to the hobby who would never find it otherwise.
One simple tip that stood out:
Adding music and a basic PA system can significantly improve the experience for visitors.
4. Lower the Barrier with Training Programs
If someone is interested, your next job is simple: help them try it.
| What Successful Clubs Do | Simple Model That Works |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly training | New person fills out a form |
| Provide equipment | Matched with an instructor |
| Keep it simple + welcoming | Instructor reaches out directly |
| Build instructor relationships | Schedules a time to meet |
This personal connection often determines whether someone sticks with the hobby.
Key idea: The easier it is to start, the more people will.
5. Partner with Your Community
You don’t have to grow your club alone.
Strong clubs build relationships with:
- Schools (especially STEM programs)
- Scouts and 4-H groups
- Local organizations and charities
- Aviation groups like EAA and Civil Air Patrol
A powerful insight:
People already interested in aviation are halfway to model aviation.
Find those groups and meet them where they are.
If you’re reaching out to schools, lead with STEM. That language matters and opens doors.
6. Invest in Youth—and Let Them Lead
Youth programs can transform a club.
In one example shared during the webinar, a club started with just six students. Within a few years, that group grew to 70.
What made it work:
- Giving youth ownership (logos, identity, leadership roles)
- Creating a fun, social environment
- Removing cost barriers by providing equipment
- Letting kids bring other kids
Youth involvement isn’t always linear. Some will step away during high school or college—but many come back later.
The goal is to create a strong first experience and lasting connection.
Common Challenges (and What Helps)
“We can’t get volunteers.”
- Promote the fun, not just the work.
- Recognize and reward participation.
- Share photos and stories from events to build FOMO.
“We lose kids as they get older.”
- Stay connected.
- Encourage involvement near college or new locations.
- Offer progression (drones, advanced flying, leadership roles).
“We don’t know how to start.”
Start small:
- One social media page
- One external event
- One training opportunity
Momentum builds quickly once you begin.
Use the Tools Available to You
The AMA provides a wide range of resources through the Club Toolkit, including:
If you haven’t explored it yet, it’s one of the easiest ways to get started.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single solution to growing a club.
But the clubs that are succeeding all have one thing in common:
They make the hobby visible, accessible, and enjoyable.
If you focus on those three things, growth will follow.