President’s Perspective
By Greg Stone, AMA President | amapresident@modelaircraft.org
As seen in the August 2026 issue of Model Aviation.
EVERY TIME I visit an AMA flying site, I’m reminded of something powerful. Our hobby doesn’t run on fuel, batteries, or even lift: It runs on people and the spirit of the volunteers who show up not because they have to, but because they believe in what model aviation gives to the world.
These volunteers are the ones who unlock the gate at sunrise, who mow the runway in the heat of summer, and who stand beside a nervous beginner and say, “You’ve got this.” These are the members who keep our fields open, our clubs strong, and our community thriving. Today, more than ever, their work matters.
The world is changing, however. Time feels tighter, demands feel heavier, and many clubs are relying on the same dedicated few who have carried the load for years. If we want our hobby to soar into the future, we must strengthen the volunteer spirit that has always lifted us.
The truth is that volunteering isn’t about titles or committees—it’s about connection and the moment someone realizes that they belong. When a new member is invited to help with a fun-fly or is asked to assist with a youth event, something shifts. They stop being visitors and start becoming a part of the heartbeat of the club.
Small Invitations Create Big Transformations
When clubs break tasks into simple, approachable roles, people step forward. When leaders open the door for others to learn, shadow, and contribute, confidence grows. When we celebrate the efforts of those who give their time—whether through a handshake, a thank-you, or a moment of recognition—we are reinforcing the truth that every contribution matters.
When young people are welcomed into this culture of service, the impact is profound. A teenager who helps set up a flightline or assists with a school outreach event isn’t just learning about airplanes; they’re learning leadership, responsibility, and pride. Many of today’s club officers first discovered those lessons as kids sweeping runways or helping instructors. The cycle continues when we invite the next generation to take part.
AMA is committed to supporting this spirit. We are developing tools, resources, and guidance to help clubs build strong, sustainable volunteer communities, but the real magic happens at the field through the relationships, encouragement, and shared purpose that only club members can create.
At its core, model aviation is not just about flying. It’s about lifting each other up, creating places where people feel welcomed, valued, and inspired, and about ensuring that the joy we’ve found in this hobby is passed on intact, vibrant, and full of possibility.
Our future will be shaped not only by the aircraft we build but by the people who build the community around them. When we strengthen our volunteer engine, we strengthen everything: our clubs, our outreach, our youth programs, and the legacy we leave behind.
Let’s keep inviting, encouraging, and opening doors for others to step in and shine. Together, we can ensure that the camaraderie and teamwork that has always driven clubs and AMA in its entirety continues to carry us forward for generations to come.