Dear AMA Members,
Thank you for your patience and cooperation while we do our part to address COVID-19. The safety of our staff, members, and community are AMA’s top priority. Together we can work together to slow the spread of COVID-19 and eventually life will return to normal. We are regularly monitoring and implementing guidance from national and local health officials and will continue to keep you updated as news develops.
Delaware County, Indiana, has issued a Disaster Emergency Declaration mandating that non-essential businesses must “immediately close and cease operations” to slow the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the AMA International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) and Headquarters, which are in Delaware County, Indiana, are immediately closed to the public and staff until further notice. At this time, Delaware County has not issued a date at which the mandate will be lifted. AMA has been preparing for this scenario and has implemented a remote work program to sustain most member services. We appreciate your patience while we fulfill member services while working remotely. Following are some frequently asked questions that relate to the temporary closure of the IAC because of the Delaware County emergency declaration.
Q: How can I get help with questions about my membership or joining the AMA?
A: Although the membership staff is not physically at the IAC, the department is working remotely and is operational. In addition to visiting www.modelaircraft.org/join, you can call 1-765-287-1256 ext. 129, or email membership@modelaircraft.org.
Q: I mailed my AMA application or renewal. How soon will it be processed so that I can begin receiving my benefits including the magazine and insurance?
A: Although we might not be able to immediately retrieve your mailed membership application, your benefits—including insurance—will begin retroactive to the date stamp on the envelope. Your membership card and magazine might experience delays in shipping. If you need further assistance, please contact membership at 1-765-287-1256 ext. 129, or email membership@modelaircraft.org.
Q: How do I contact a staff member or a department if I have a question?
A: Although staff is working remotely, they can answer phone calls, reply to emails, and work in the membership database. You can reference the AMA Staff Directory on the AMA website for email and phone number listings.
Q: Will I still receive Model Aviation or Park Pilot magazine?
A: You might experience delays that are out of our control, such as shutdowns with the printers or postal services, but our magazine team is operational and is continuing to produce the magazine as a member benefit. Members with access to the digital versions of the magazines, or those would like to add the digital version of Model Aviation to their membership benefits package, can learn more at https://modelaviation.com/digital. For those who don’t currently subscribe to our digital magazine versions, you might not know that they are typically available as much as two weeks before the print version is generally received. Each digital version contains bonus features such as videos and other forms of additional content. Please note: Park Pilot subscribers automatically have access to Park Pilot digital. Learn more at www.theParkPilot.org/digital.
Q: Are IAC events or the Nats canceled?
A: All events at the IAC during the emergency declaration are canceled or postponed.. Most of the other events, such as the Nats, have not been canceled because they take place later in the year. You can read our IAC event calendar at www.modelaicraft.org/iac-calendar.
Q: Can I fly at the IAC?
A: AMA is not inviting members to the property, but the flying sites will be accessible. Event or large groups of people are prohibited. Always follow CDC and local health official guidelines to protect yourself and others. There are steps you can take to safely enjoy model aviation and comply with CDC recommendations, such as keeping 6 feet of separation from other operators, regularly washing your hands, and sanitizing surfaces. You can read more guidance at www.modelaircraft.org/covid-19. In compliance with the Delaware County guidelines, AMA buildings (including bathrooms) are closed and staff will not be on hand for extra sanitation.
Q: Can I reschedule a sanction due to COVID-19?
A: AMA is amending our sanctioning policy to allow CDs and EMs to reschedule their event scheduled between now and April 30, 2020, to later this year at no charge. AMA will pay for any additional processing fees to include with the magazine and insurance. Our sanctioning team can assist you at cpierce@modelaircraft.org or 1-765-287-1256 ext. 252.
Q: I’m a club officer, CD, EM, or event organizer. What should I do to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
A: Always follow CDC and local health official guidelines to protect yourself and others. There are steps you can take to safely enjoy model aviation and comply with CDC recommendations to include keeping 6 feet of separation from other operators, regularly washing your hands, and sanitizing surfaces. You can read more guidance at www.modelaircraft.org/covid-19.