AMA’s Response to COVID-19
Updated 01.16.2021

Since 1936, safety has been a key pillar of AMA, including the safety of our members, staff, and community. We at AMA continue to follow the COVID-19 guidance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), local health officials, and guidance from the state under Back on Track Indiana:

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AMA Nats moving forward as scheduled.
Updated 06.17.2020

AMA looks forward to hosting a fun and safe Nats this year at the International Aeromodeling Center (IAC)! Today, we have new developments to announce for Nats 2020.

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AMA Campground Reopening and Policies
Updated 05.21.2020

In coordination with the state of Indiana, AMA’s campground is scheduled to open on May 22. Since the museum and AMA headquarters will be remain closed to the public and members, we will be managing camping through phone-in registration.

During normal business hours call 765-287-1256, ext. 261 prior to your arrival

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Outdoor Nats decision to be made June 10, 2020
Updated 04.27.2020

Dear members,
As you might be aware, AMA and the National Free Flight Society made the difficult decision to cancel May’s Indoor Nats because of COVID-19. Many members are wondering if the Outdoor Nats will be canceled as well. AMA continues to plan and prepare for the Outdoor Nats in July and August, including discussions about extra sanitation. We’ll share any changes or announcements as soon as they are made. June 10 is the final “go,” “no go” date.
While AMA anticipates being open and ready to host the Nats, we understand that each event and Special Interest Group (SIG) is unique with different risks and challenges. Some SIGs are considering reducing the number of events or participants in their portion of the Nats this year. Please contact your Nats CD or SIG if you have questions or concerns about your event. AMA will also be available to field questions as well using the contacts below.
Thank you and stay safe!
Yolanda Jones, yolandaj@modelaircraft.org 765.287.1256 x261
Joyce Hager, jhager@modelaircraft.org 765.287.1256 x201
learn more about Nats

Event Rescheduling Fees Waived All Year
Updated 04.21.2020

We understand that some Contest Directors and Event Managers are wrestling with the decision to cancel or postpone events later this year. Although many anticipate that we’ll be behind the curve of COVID-19 by this summer, we understand that there are many unknowns and concerns about conducting events. Originally AMA was waiving all fees to reschedule events through May 31. We are now extending this offer to reschedule any event, regardless of date, to later this year. 

AMA will waive all fees and costs associated with reprocessing your event, to include reissuing any insurance certificates and replacing sanctioned ads in the Model Aviation sanctioned event calendar.  Because of deadlines with Model Aviation magazine, we cannot guarantee that rescheduled events will be reflected immediately in the magazine. We will make every effort to promptly reschedule the event to include updating the online event listing at www.modelaircraft.org/events.  

For assistance, please contact Colleen Pierce at competition@modelaircraft.org.  

Be safe,
AMA 

Indoor Free Flight Nats Cancelled
Updated 04.10.2020

It is with great regret, that AMA and National Free Flight Society (NFFS) today announce that the current COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of the Indoor Nats scheduled for May 27-31, 2020 in Eagar, Arizona. We do not anticipate that there will be a rescheduling of this event in 2020. Anyone that had already registered will be refunded 100% by AMA automatically.

Obviously, the health and safety of contestants is our primary concern and we will absolutely abide by all federal, state and local guidelines.

Per AMA guidance, NFFS is continuing with planning for the Outdoor Free Flight Nats, July 27-31 in Muncie, Indiana.

Muncie has a little more infrastructure and the date is far enough out that we have some time to make the decision. That said, we know that attendees need to make arrangements, so we will make a GO / NO GO decision on or before June 10, 2020, based on conditions and guidance from all federal, state, and local authorities.

We just don’t know the ultimate scope of this pandemic; however, we want to let facts guide our decisions as best as possible. If you hope to attend, I encourage you to monitor the current status at modelaircraft.org/nats. If you think you will want to attend, please feel free to register. In the event the Outdoor Nats need to be cancelled, AMA has assured that all registration fees will be refunded.

We are trying to make the best decision possible for all concerned and value your feedback. Please feel free to contact me directly at NFFSPresident@freeflight.org or call me at (312) 804-5798.

Dave Lindley
NFFS President

COVID-19 IMPACTS MODEL AVIATION
By Rich Hanson, AMA President | richh@modelaircraft.org
POSTED 04.01.2020

THE OUTBREAK OF the COVID-19 virus has had a dramatic effect on our nation and our society. To a lesser extent, it has impacted the aeromodelling community. READ MORE >>

Attention Contest Directors and Event Managers
POSTED 03.26.2020

As we continue to address efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19, we have some new developments that might affect an event you have scheduled through May 31, 2020.
The AMA will be extending its offer to reschedule events scheduled between now and May 31, 2020, to later this year at no charge. AMA will waive all fees and costs associated with reprocessing the sanction, to include reissuing any insurance certificates and replacing sanctioned ads in the Model Aviation sanctioned event calendar. Because of deadlines with Model Aviation magazine, we cannot guarantee that rescheduled events will be reflected immediately in the magazine. We will make every effort to promptly reschedule the event to include updating the online event listing at www.modelaircraft.org/events.
For assistance, please contact Colleen Pierce at competition@modelaircraft.org.
Be safe,
AMA

Frequently Asked Questions While AMA Works Remotely
POSTED 03.22.2020

Dear AMA Members,

Thank you for your patience and cooperation while do our part to address COVID-19. The safety of our staff, members, and community are AMA’s top priority. Together we can work 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. Click here to read some frequently asked questions that relate to the temporary closure of the IAC because of the Delaware County emergency declaration.

AMA Podcast on COVID-19
POSTED 03.20.2020

AMA Operations To Work Remotely
POSTED 03.19.2020

Since 1936, safety has been a key pillar of AMA, to include the safety of our members, staff, and community.  We at AMA are following the COVID-19 guidance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health officials. As a result, some of our AMA Headquarters operational staff will be working remotely. Whether staff members are serving inside AMA Headquarters or working remotely, membership services remain at the core of AMA!  

We ask you be patient as we implement a remote work environment, but rest assured that we will continue to provide member services to include sanctioning, club chartering, content generation (email, videos, magazines, etc…), and insurance fulfillment. Staff can still be contacted using the same email and phone extension provided www.modelaircraft.org.   

While AMA Headquarters is taking steps to slow down the spread of COVID-19, you can help too. You can enjoy model aviation operations and follow CDC recommendations by keeping 6 feet of separation from other operators, regularly washing your hands, and sanitizing surfaces. In addition, AMA is temporarily amending our sanctioning policy to assist with Contest Directors and Event Managers who are rescheduling events because of COVID-19 or local travel restrictions. You can read more about AMA’s recommendations and policies by scrolling down below.

This is an evolving situation. As details change, we will keep you posted. As always, continue to follow CDC and local officials. 

Thank you and safe flying!
Chad Budreau, AMA Executive Director 

VIEW FROM HQ VIDEO POST
POSTED 03.18.2020

AMA AMENDS SANCTION POLICY
POSTED 03.16.2020

Safety is important to our members and the public. AMA is continuing to monitor COVID-19 guidelines and recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Because of the administrative and insurance costs associated with issuing a sanction for an event, AMA policy does not offer refunds or credits for canceled or rescheduled events. However, given the evolving situation with COVID-19, AMA will be temporarily amending this policy for events scheduled through April 30, 2020. If a CD or EM cancels an event, AMA will allow sanctions, events ads purchased through the sanctioning portal, and insurance certificates to be rescheduled at no additional charge. Events must be rescheduled during the 2020 calendar year. We will make every effort to promptly reschedule the event to include updating the online event listing at www.modelaircraft.org/events. Because of deadlines with Model Aviation magazine, we cannot guarantee rescheduled events will be reflected immediately in the magazine. To reschedule your event taking place between now and April 30, 2020, at no charge, please email cpierce@modelaircraft.org or call 765.287.1256 x 252 and provide the name of the CD or EM, event details, and new date change.

We’ll continue to keep you updated on our policy and protocol as the situation evolves. Please continue to follow the recommendations of the CDC and take extra precautions on how to safely conduct events at www.modelaircraft.org/covid-19.

Thank you,
Chad Budreau, AMA Executive Director

FLYING WITHIN CDC RECOMMENDATIONS
POSTED 03.12.2020

Dear members, 

As you might have heard, the Weak Signal’s 2020 Toledo Show: R/C Model Expo has been canceled because of concerns about the Coronavirus or COVID-19. AMA supports and understands this difficult decision and we look forward to the show in 2021. 

Many members might question whether to attend or cancel other aeromodeling events, competitions, or fun-flys. As the situation evolves with COVID-19, we recommend that you continue to monitor and follow guidelines suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because many events take place outdoors and do not require close contact with others in confined spaces, outdoor events could be considered lower risk. The safety of our members and public along with measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are important.  With that noted, members, club officers, contest directors, and event managers should take extra precautions at outdoor events and flying fields to include:  

• Regularly clean and disinfect railings, tables, charging stations, and other surfaces. 
• Provide soap and water and/or hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol and encourage handwashing.
• Practice social distancing not only at the flight line, but in the pits and other areas. 
• If pilots or members have symptoms or feel sick, encourage them to go home or seek medical attention. 
• Discuss the importance of handwashing, limiting close contact, and other preventative measures at pilots’ meetings, during announcements, and through signage from the CDC.  

Fly safe!
Chad Budreau, AMA Executive Director