FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS WEST ALABAMA AERO MODELERS?

 West Alabama Aero Modelers (WAAM) is a recreational club dedicated to the hobby of radio-control airplanes. Our goal is to promote and enjoy all types of model airplane activity with an emphasis on R/C flying. The Club was founded in 1976 and is a charter member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and the International Miniature Aircraft Association (IMAA). WAAM is composed of people of various backgrounds and ages who enjoy the hobby by building and flying model airplanes.

WHERE IS WAAM LOCATED?

For many years we enjoyed use of the site at 6655 Watermelon Road through a leasing agreement with Tuscaloosa PARA. However, that agreement terminated in June 2017. Our temporary flying home is in the Tuscaloosa PARA Palmore Park, 3701 Fosters Ferry Road, Tuscaloosa, AL.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO JOIN WAAM?

General Membership is $60 per year. Any new member signed up after January 1st will pay one twelfth of General Membership times the number of remaining months in the year. (A new member is defined as an individual who has not been a member of the club in at least two years.)
Family Membership is $10 per household member of a General Member (spouse or children under 18).
Student Membership is 50% of the General Membership amount, and is available for full time students (any type school) that are 25 years of age or younger. (Note: This is not the same as Student Pilot.)
 
HOW DO I JOIN WAAM?
  • STEP 1: To become a member of WAAM, you must first become a member of AMA. This provides you with insurance coverage while you are operating your radio-control airplane. This insurance is also required by the Tuscaloosa Park and Recreation Authority (PARA) to operate at WAAM's airfield. You can join online at www.modelaircraft.org. AMA will then issue you an AMA member number. You will need your AMA number or a copy of your receipt to join WAAM.
  • STEP 2: Bring proof of your AMA number, a completed WAAM Membership Application (see below), and your dues to an officer at the airfield. Applications may also be filled out and mailed to the club secretary along with a check for dues and a self-addressed stamped envelope (to mail your Membership Card to you).

DO YOU PROVIDE R/C FLYING CLASSES?

If you are new to the hobby and would like to learn how to fly, a Club Instructor would be happy to teach you at no charge. You will be issued a "Student Pilot" Membership card that allows you to fly your plane only with the assistance of an instructor. You are not allowed to fly your plane without an instructor at any time. This will save you from damaging your model as well as protect others at the field from possible injury. You can begin flying alone once you have become certified by the instructor. Then you will be issued a WAAM Membership card with no restrictions on when or with whom you fly.If you are an experienced R/C pilot and want to join WAAM, you will be asked to allow an instructor to witness your initial flight so he may certify your ability to fly safely before issuing a Membership card.