This document is to introduce the Radio Aeromodelers of Seattle and give some history and background on our organization.

The RAMS Club was established in the 1950’s as a fraternal organization dedicated to the furtherance of Radio Controlled Model aircraft and is one of the oldest Modeling Clubs in the Pacific Northwest. The organizers immediately applied to the Academy of Model Aeronautics, the governing body for Aircraft modeling within the United States, for a Charter. AMA Charter Number 649 was assigned. This charter has continued to this day.

The Charter is verification that the club and it’s members abide by the rules and regulations as may be developed to insure the safety of those participating in, or observing the hobby of Radio Controlled aircraft at our established flying site, or other locations where we may be invited to fly.

In addition this charter provides the club with 2 million dollars in liability insurance to cover any accident that may occur during the pursuit of the hobby under the guidelines and rules set forth by the academy. This insures that a club can hold sanctioned contests and other events and the attendees either members or just observers from the community are protected.

Membership in the RAMS requires AMA membership to insure adequate protection of all who participate in our events and day to day recreational flying. Membership is in the range of 100-125 paid up member on a yearly basis.

We are established as a corporation within the state of Washington, under corporation account number 2-529717-7. We are also registered as a non-profit organization with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service under Federal ID 91-1711406.

We operate under a strict Constitution and set of By-Laws, and maintain a sound fiscal policy at all times. Our income is generated from Membership dues, Event registrations, Corporate Sponsors, and occasional donations from members.

In addition to the Academy of Model Aeronautics, we have active members of the International Miniature Aircraft Association, Profile Brotherhood and other special interest groups within the hobby. All devoted to insuring that safety is primary in their area of interest.

Over the years, the club flew at various locations within the Seattle area. Then approximately 16 years ago, the RAMS arranged to lease wetland/farmland property on the West Valley Highway just north of Sumner. This has been our home since that lease was acquired. We have turned our area of responsibility into a park like setting, and on any given weekend during the flying season we welcome and speak to numerous citizens taking advantage of the setting and just watching the aircraft performing.

Ours is a diversified membership, flying everything that can be remote controlled. Trainers, Aerobatics, Old Timers, Foam built Electric planes, Scale Models, Helicopters. Any model is welcome at our field, only requiring proof of AMA Membership, and demonstration of the necessary skills to fly safely. Membership is required to fly at our field after 2 Days of flying as a guest.

We provide training and assistance to anyone interested in learning to safely fly remote controlled aircraft. To that end we have trainer aircraft available, and dedicated instructors to get people started. An explanation of the training program is available on our website.

We host 4 to 6 events during the flying season, bringing in flyers from all over the Northwest, Canada and other parts of the country. Those that attend these events contribute to the economy of the region as they obtain lodging, patronize local restaurants, and shop in the local area. The average attendance at our events is from 10-20 registered pilots.

We yearly host a Rocket Launch for the Cub Scouts at our field. They safely launch model rockets under the guidance of their adult leaders. We provide flying time on our trainers for those interested during this event.

We are available at all times to give demonstrations of the hobby. This can be an Indoor event, at our flying field, a soccer field, or any open area. We have skilled flyers that can safely operate Park Flyer aircraft in restricted areas, including indoors.

We maintain a website where you can find information about our club, how to get involved in Radio Control, Events we have scheduled, how to find us, some photographic history and other information about the hobby. In addition there is a Members Only section of the website where we post information to keep the members abreast of what is going on within the club.
The address of our website is http://www.seattlerams.com