EAA and AMA Team up to Boost Participation in Recreational Flying

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that expands the organizations’ joint efforts to grow interest and participation in recreational flying, including general aviation.

The memo, signed on Jan. 9 during AMA’s annual expo in Ontario, Calif., builds on a 2010 MOU the two associations signed to help people discover flying activities and introduce and support aviation for the public.

The new MOA outlines areas where EAA and AMA will work together in program development, promotion and advocacy. Other areas of emphasis will include youth education programs and visibility at major events, including EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and AMA Expo.

EAA and AMA will also create a working group to further explore programs that could inspire youth and adults to get involved in model aviation or recreational flying. The agreement also provides for increased visibility of each organization in the other’s outreach and communications channels.

“There has long been a connection between the aircraft modeling community represented by AMA and the world of grassroots aviation with EAA,” says Jack J. Pelton, EAA’s chairman and CEO. “Working with AMA over the past five years has built a strong foundation in areas such as integrating the AMA student membership into EAA’s Flight Plan program, an increase of aeromodelling activities at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, and more combined EAA and AMA activities on the local level.”

Bob Brown, president of AMA, adds, “The AMA and its members are excited to continue our partnership with the EAA and begin work on how both organizations, through our combined efforts and activities, will promote and increase aviation participation across all age groups.”