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Another Drone Pilot does it Again

Old 08-25-2016, 09:18 AM
  #3601  
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Always room for fixed wing!!!
Old 08-25-2016, 02:47 PM
  #3602  
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Originally Posted by mike1974
Not everyone has "fun" the same way. What is a "droner"?
Mikey Noun "Droner" definition, to make a dull, continued, low, monotonous sound; hum; buzz.
The way I ment it is anyone that wishes to make money flying what the world considers a DRONE i.e. a Droner. LOL
Old 08-25-2016, 02:51 PM
  #3603  
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Here's a neat APP for Android Cell Phones to find R/C Fields
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...wie.madb&hl=en


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180

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Old 08-27-2016, 03:44 AM
  #3604  
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Some more INFO from Rupprecht Law P.A. to help those that think they want a career as a Drone pilot.

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[TD="class: yiv2581898249mcnTextContent"]Having a hard time trying to figure out what certain symbols on an FAA sectional chart mean? The FAA Aeronautical Chart User's Guide is a great resource to help you. It has tons of symbols. Perfect for studying for the Part 107 initial knowledge exam.

Link to the webpage

Link to the downloadable PDF so you can store it on your phone to study offline or while you are out in the field!



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Last edited by HoundDog; 08-27-2016 at 03:47 AM.
Old 08-27-2016, 05:53 AM
  #3605  
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Originally Posted by HoundDog
Some more INFO from Rupprecht Law P.A. to help those that think they want a career as a Drone pilot.

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[TD="class: yiv2581898249mcnTextContent"]Having a hard time trying to figure out what certain symbols on an FAA sectional chart mean? The FAA Aeronautical Chart User's Guide is a great resource to help you. It has tons of symbols. Perfect for studying for the Part 107 initial knowledge exam.

Link to the webpage

Link to the downloadable PDF so you can store it on your phone to study offline or while you are out in the field!



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It's easy isn't it, just buy a DJI phantom and advertise on Craigslist, right?
Old 08-27-2016, 06:27 AM
  #3606  
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Originally Posted by porcia83
It's easy isn't it, just buy a DJI phantom and advertise on Craigslist, right?
As a minimum, I'd love to see an FAA mandated airspace knowledge test required of all sUAS fliers - including part 101 and the "Pay $5 & Fly" crowd.
Old 08-27-2016, 06:40 AM
  #3607  
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Well sure, make it as difficult as possible for folks to enjoy how they fly, absolutely. All in the name for safety right?
Old 08-27-2016, 08:07 AM
  #3608  
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Originally Posted by franklin_m
As a minimum, I'd love to see an FAA mandated airspace knowledge test required of all sUAS fliers - including part 101 and the "Pay $5 & Fly" crowd.
That's a smart man talking right there. Imagine all the know it all's criticizing after the fact if nothing like this is done and there are accidents.
Old 08-27-2016, 08:38 AM
  #3609  
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Originally Posted by franklin_m
As a minimum, I'd love to see an FAA mandated airspace knowledge test required of all sUAS fliers - including part 101 and the "Pay $5 & Fly" crowd.
I suggested that exact same thing over a year ago and almost got lynched. Why do people protest so when like thinking people are trying to weed out the UNSAFE Drone people giving all of us responsible flyers a bad name. Sure things have quited down since. The FAA has relented some and NON commercial R/C flying isn't subject to all the unnecessary rules and regs for Recreational R/Cers. It won't take much to have the FAA get a bee in their bonnet again. Of course all AMA members would be EXEMPT From this "TEST" by default because just buying to the AMA makes U much smarter than the average DRONE flyer.. oooooooooooooH this could cause a ruccues again. Sorry "NOT".
Old 08-27-2016, 10:41 AM
  #3610  
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Get ready for Part 107 with our free webinar!
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[TD="class: yiv4540045257mcnTextContent"]Join us for our next webinar on how to prepare for the Part 107 knowledge test

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Old 08-27-2016, 11:18 AM
  #3611  
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Originally Posted by HoundDog
I suggested that exact same thing over a year ago and almost got lynched. Why do people protest so when like thinking people are trying to weed out the UNSAFE Drone people giving all of us responsible flyers a bad name. Sure things have quited down since. The FAA has relented some and NON commercial R/C flying isn't subject to all the unnecessary rules and regs for Recreational R/Cers. It won't take much to have the FAA get a bee in their bonnet again. Of course all AMA members would be EXEMPT From this "TEST" by default because just buying to the AMA makes U much smarter than the average DRONE flyer.. oooooooooooooH this could cause a ruccues again. Sorry "NOT".
Yeah, you can see the sarcastic comment that was already posted.

As we've seen from a rather prominent recent discussion on handling of email, the government is going to have to prove that you knew what you were and were not allowed to do. If you don't take any sort of test saying you knew what the rules were, it's awful difficult to hold you accountable for doing something in violation of rules they can't prove that you knew.

It's ironic that the sUAS fliers with the largest operational envelope (
Old 08-27-2016, 12:02 PM
  #3612  
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[QUOTE=franklin_m;12251440]Yeah, you can see the sarcastic comment that was already posted.

As we've seen from a rather prominent recent discussion on handling of email, the government is going to have to prove that you knew what you were and were not allowed to do. If you don't take any sort of test saying you knew what the rules were, it's awful difficult to hold you accountable for doing something in violation of rules they can't prove that you knew.

It's ironic that the sUAS fliers with the largest operational envelope (
Old 08-27-2016, 12:07 PM
  #3613  
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[QUOTE=franklin_m;12251440]Yeah, you can see the sarcastic comment that was already posted.

As we've seen from a rather prominent recent discussion on handling of email, the government is going to have to prove that you knew what you were and were not allowed to do. If you don't take any sort of test saying you knew what the rules were, it's awful difficult to hold you accountable for doing something in violation of rules they can't prove that you knew.

It's ironic that the sUAS fliers with the largest operational envelope (
Old 08-27-2016, 12:16 PM
  #3614  
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Originally Posted by porcia83
I didn't think his comment was that sarcastic, he actually agreed with you.
Actually, it was your comment:

"Well sure, make it as difficult as possible for folks to enjoy how they fly, absolutely. All in the name for safety right?"

to which I was referring.
Old 08-27-2016, 12:45 PM
  #3615  
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Originally Posted by franklin_m
Actually, it was your comment:

"Well sure, make it as difficult as possible for folks to enjoy how they fly, absolutely. All in the name for safety right?"

to which I was referring.
Lol, mkay. So I attended this event today, couldn't have picked a better day weather wise. Warm for sure, but a nice gentle breeze. Hung out with some folks doing about as "traditional" flying as you could get. Freeflight, rubber band, etc etc. Talk about building skills and attention to detail. Really amazing stuff. So we're passing the time shootin the breeze and I ask them what they think about the whole drone thing, horrible the AMA and the hobby are now that they are involved. They look at me like I'm speaking a different language. Nothings changed from what they could see. I said really, don't we need to take the AMA "back", and go back to focusing on "traditional" aero-modeling, one guy said....what is that? I laughed and said you're right, what is that? Without going into details on the tax paperwork that's suddenly a huge issue, I said is anyone here concerned about the AMA budget and what they are paying in salaries, the magazine etc? Nope, no problems. They pay their dues, get the magazine, and look to make sure their events are publicized (they were).

It's absolutely amazing the perspective that you can get when you actually go out to a field and fly with a group of folks who share a common interest, rather than having a myopic point of view and/or feedback in the echo-chamber that can be what we see online.

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Last edited by porcia83; 08-27-2016 at 12:48 PM. Reason: added pics
Old 08-27-2016, 12:57 PM
  #3616  
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Originally Posted by porcia83
Lol, mkay. So I attended this event today, couldn't have picked a better day weather wise. Warm for sure, but a nice gentle breeze. Hung out with some folks doing about as "traditional" flying as you could get. Freeflight, rubber band, etc etc. Talk about building skills and attention to detail. Really amazing stuff. So we're passing the time shootin the breeze and I ask them what they think about the whole drone thing, horrible the AMA and the hobby are now that they are involved. They look at me like I'm speaking a different language. Nothings changed from what they could see. I said really, don't we need to take the AMA "back", and go back to focusing on "traditional" aero-modeling, one guy said....what is that? I laughed and said you're right, what is that? Without going into details on the tax paperwork that's suddenly a huge issue, I said is anyone here concerned about the AMA budget and what they are paying in salaries, the magazine etc? Nope, no problems. They pay their dues, get the magazine, and look to make sure their events are publicized (they were).

It's absolutely amazing the perspective that you can get when you actually go out to a field and fly with a group of folks who share a common interest, rather than having a myopic point of view and/or feedback in the echo-chamber that can be what we see online.

No Kidding ... Most people today have forgotten all about the FAA and their B.S. All they care about is that they can fly the way they always have, Period.
Old 08-27-2016, 02:20 PM
  #3617  
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Originally Posted by HoundDog
No Kidding ... Most people today have forgotten all about the FAA and their B.S. All they care about is that they can fly the way they always have, Period.
The funny part is a quarter mile down the road I was at another event, a club picnic and giant scale (for the most part) fun fly. Pretty much the same sentiment there too. Spectacular day to fly!
Old 08-27-2016, 04:44 PM
  #3618  
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Originally Posted by porcia83
The funny part is a quarter mile down the road I was at another event, a club picnic and giant scale (for the most part) fun fly. Pretty much the same sentiment there too. Spectacular day to fly!
Good for them! I went to the club field last Saturday at about 2PM. Bright sunny day, slight breeze, and warm. Not a single person flying. Went again today. No wind, sunny day, warm. And nobody flying.

That's four to six trips to the field in the last three months or so. I think I chronicled them here on RCU. All on weekends. All on relatively good or excellent weather days. Nobody flying.

So each experience can be much different.
Old 08-27-2016, 05:13 PM
  #3619  
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Originally Posted by franklin_m
Good for them! I went to the club field last Saturday at about 2PM. Bright sunny day, slight breeze, and warm. Not a single person flying. Went again today. No wind, sunny day, warm. And nobody flying.

That's four to six trips to the field in the last three months or so. I think I chronicled them here on RCU. All on weekends. All on relatively good or excellent weather days. Nobody flying.

So each experience can be much different.
Is this the same club you are no longer a member of, the one you chronicled quitting after doing a cost benefit analysis and realizing you could save $100.00? by leaving? If it is, why do you keep going to the club you are no longer a member of? Did you rejoin?

But I agree, experiences can be different. A suggestion, try visiting another club. Perhaps the one you keep visiting isn't really that viable anymore? Perhaps people are quitting based on the economics, cost benefit etc etc. There's one club close to me that's down to 25 people, it's a tight, smaller field and there are so many others nearby that offer ore, so it's slowly fading. It happens.

Although most experiences overall will tend to be the same, it's really great to get out, meet other people, and experience the hobby at a different club. Tomorrow I'll be maidening my Twin Otter at a club close by, the finishing the day at my "home" club. I expect there to be 20-30 pilots by the time I get there at 12 or so. We do have an occasional slow weekend, but with 214 members now they are few and far between.
Old 08-28-2016, 04:33 AM
  #3620  
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Originally Posted by porcia83
Is this the same club you are no longer a member of, the one you chronicled quitting after doing a cost benefit analysis and realizing you could save $100.00? by leaving? If it is, why do you keep going to the club you are no longer a member of? Did you rejoin?

But I agree, experiences can be different. A suggestion, try visiting another club. Perhaps the one you keep visiting isn't really that viable anymore? Perhaps people are quitting based on the economics, cost benefit etc etc. There's one club close to me that's down to 25 people, it's a tight, smaller field and there are so many others nearby that offer ore, so it's slowly fading. It happens.

Although most experiences overall will tend to be the same, it's really great to get out, meet other people, and experience the hobby at a different club. Tomorrow I'll be maidening my Twin Otter at a club close by, the finishing the day at my "home" club. I expect there to be 20-30 pilots by the time I get there at 12 or so. We do have an occasional slow weekend, but with 214 members now they are few and far between.
Yes, it was the same club. I thought I'd go out and see if there's been any change in the factors that caused me to end my membership. The AMA site lists 38 members, but have yet to see one out flying on Saturdays over several weekends.

You mention another club. That's also where we get into that concept of access that we've talked about. Using myself as an example, there's a certain group of folks out there who enjoy the hobby, but don't enjoy it enough to spend the better part of an hour (or more) driving just to get to the field. Is that wrong? Of course not. How many folks would join the hobby if there was a club closer? Is that a demographic that AMA needs to grow the hobby? I think so. And there it is, back to the issue of access close to where the members (or potential members) live.

The next three closest clubs are 43, 65, and 76 minutes away. Maybe some don't mind driving that far, but some do. I do. I'm balancing my hobby flying with three kids and their events. I'm also engaged in other hobbies, and some athletics. So there isn't the time to make trips of that length for one purpose. So not everyone is as dedicated, but can AMA survive only on the members that devote that much time to flying?

What about the folks that don't want to drive that far? If we're lucky, the AMA will capture those folks as park fliers. Others, like me, will move to flying things that don't require a club field. No club field requirement, no club membership required, and hence the 15 year declining trend in club membership that Dave Scott talked about.

You mention two clubs, with a lot of active members. I mention a club with very few members, and other clubs quite a distance away. Can AMA survive when there's such a difference between the AMA experience? When there's such a difference between the have's and have nots? I think it makes it tough.

BTW, total reported membership among all three other clubs I mentioned: 89

Last edited by franklin_m; 08-28-2016 at 04:45 AM.
Old 08-28-2016, 12:30 PM
  #3621  
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Originally Posted by franklin_m
Yes, it was the same club. I thought I'd go out and see if there's been any change in the factors that caused me to end my membership. The AMA site lists 38 members, but have yet to see one out flying on Saturdays over several weekends.

You mention another club. That's also where we get into that concept of access that we've talked about. Using myself as an example, there's a certain group of folks out there who enjoy the hobby, but don't enjoy it enough to spend the better part of an hour (or more) driving just to get to the field. Is that wrong? Of course not. How many folks would join the hobby if there was a club closer? Is that a demographic that AMA needs to grow the hobby? I think so. And there it is, back to the issue of access close to where the members (or potential members) live.

The next three closest clubs are 43, 65, and 76 minutes away. Maybe some don't mind driving that far, but some do. I do. I'm balancing my hobby flying with three kids and their events. I'm also engaged in other hobbies, and some athletics. So there isn't the time to make trips of that length for one purpose. So not everyone is as dedicated, but can AMA survive only on the members that devote that much time to flying?

What about the folks that don't want to drive that far? If we're lucky, the AMA will capture those folks as park fliers. Others, like me, will move to flying things that don't require a club field. No club field requirement, no club membership required, and hence the 15 year declining trend in club membership that Dave Scott talked about.

You mention two clubs, with a lot of active members. I mention a club with very few members, and other clubs quite a distance away. Can AMA survive when there's such a difference between the AMA experience? When there's such a difference between the have's and have nots? I think it makes it tough.

BTW, total reported membership among all three other clubs I mentioned: 89
You quit a club noting the economics of it all, ie the $100.00 that you pay for the membership, but then go back to the same club 6 times to check on it. It's your time I guess, but I'd spend it differently. For instance, I went to 3 clubs today. Started at 7:30 and worked on getting this up in the air on it's maiden flight.



4 hours later, and lots of troubleshooting and electrical issues sorted, it went up and down twice, a fantastic plane to fly.

Packed up and headed to my home club, but stopped in along the way to smaller one with about 38 members. 3 were flying, said hello and chatted with them a bit. Incidentally, this club received a small grant from the AMA this year to help recover from significant damage to the grounds from a grub/Japanese beetle infestation. One form sent in with some pictures, and within 5 days, it was approved and a check on the way.

Next up, final stop at my home club. It's warm out today, low 90's, so only about 10 people flying fixed wing, an equal amount just talking. About 15 members and a few guests at the heli/quad track. Sponsored heli pilot and member Darrick Chekas was there holding court, amazing heli pilot, fixed wing as well, and recently migrated to quads.



Not a single complaint from any member or pilot in any club today about 2014 tax results, membership dues, AMA versus FAA , or traditional versus non traditional whatever. In other words, it was the samo samo, just a bunch of guys enjoying the hobby. Actually, some complained about being on a waiting list to join our club. we've gone from 125 to 214. First world problems, amiright? We have several clubs in the state hovering in the 200 member range. Some smaller of course, many in the 70-100 range. Yes, clubs with 25 members can survive just as those with 200, within a few miles of each other can.

Sorry to hear about your old club and/or whatever the conditions there that caused you to leave. Looks like somethings going on there and elsewhere in that area. Don't like it?, might I suggest redoubling your efforts as a member rather than quitting? Granted, I don't know the full extent of the issues, but with 6 visits back you're either missing it terribly, or perhaps hoping to confirming what an utter failure the club is when nobody is flying?

When I joined my home club, the first club I had ever joined as a new AMA member I started volunteering for stuff immediately. Coffee at meetings, parking at events, cooking, selling tickets, and eventually the monthly meeting notes/e-mail to members. 3 years in the "traditional" members played some games at a meeting after starting rumors about those "helis" and how they shouldn't be in the club. You know, they aren't traditional aircraft, etc etc. They got kicked out, and it caused a serious rift in the membership. I put together a team with 4 folks and decided to run for president. I'm not a heli fan, but I hated what was done and felt they should be part of the club. I promised the heli folks if they sat tight for a year and relax, we would get them back in, and two years later we did. Just took time, and building some bridges with the other folks and finding a way to make work. Moral of the story.....make it the club you want it to be. Given your technical background and your leadership skills, this isn't an insurmountable task.

Off to start preparing for our Giant Scale event next weekend. Hopefully the weather cooperates and we have a great turn out.
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Old 08-28-2016, 01:00 PM
  #3622  
franklin_m
 
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Originally Posted by porcia83
You quit a club noting the economics of it all, ie the $100.00 that you pay for the membership, but then go back to the same club 6 times to check on it. It's your time I guess, but I'd spend it differently. For instance, I went to 3 clubs today. Started at 7:30 and worked on getting this up in the air on it's maiden flight.



4 hours later, and lots of troubleshooting and electrical issues sorted, it went up and down twice, a fantastic plane to fly.

Packed up and headed to my home club, but stopped in along the way to smaller one with about 38 members. 3 were flying, said hello and chatted with them a bit. Incidentally, this club received a small grant from the AMA this year to help recover from significant damage to the grounds from a grub/Japanese beetle infestation. One form sent in with some pictures, and within 5 days, it was approved and a check on the way.

Next up, final stop at my home club. It's warm out today, low 90's, so only about 10 people flying fixed wing, an equal amount just talking. About 15 members and a few guests at the heli/quad track. Sponsored heli pilot and member Darrick Chekas was there holding court, amazing heli pilot, fixed wing as well, and recently migrated to quads.



Not a single complaint from any member or pilot in any club today about 2014 tax results, membership dues, AMA versus FAA , or traditional versus non traditional whatever. In other words, it was the samo samo, just a bunch of guys enjoying the hobby. Actually, some complained about being on a waiting list to join our club. we've gone from 125 to 214. First world problems, amiright? We have several clubs in the state hovering in the 200 member range. Some smaller of course, many in the 70-100 range. Yes, clubs with 25 members can survive just as those with 200, within a few miles of each other can.

Sorry to hear about your old club and/or whatever the conditions there that caused you to leave. Looks like somethings going on there and elsewhere in that area. Don't like it?, might I suggest redoubling your efforts as a member rather than quitting? Granted, I don't know the full extent of the issues, but with 6 visits back you're either missing it terribly, or perhaps hoping to confirming what an utter failure the club is when nobody is flying?

When I joined my home club, the first club I had ever joined as a new AMA member I started volunteering for stuff immediately. Coffee at meetings, parking at events, cooking, selling tickets, and eventually the monthly meeting notes/e-mail to members. 3 years in the "traditional" members played some games at a meeting after starting rumors about those "helis" and how they shouldn't be in the club. You know, they aren't traditional aircraft, etc etc. They got kicked out, and it caused a serious rift in the membership. I put together a team with 4 folks and decided to run for president. I'm not a heli fan, but I hated what was done and felt they should be part of the club. I promised the heli folks if they sat tight for a year and relax, we would get them back in, and two years later we did. Just took time, and building some bridges with the other folks and finding a way to make work. Moral of the story.....make it the club you want it to be. Given your technical background and your leadership skills, this isn't an insurmountable task.

Off to start preparing for our Giant Scale event next weekend. Hopefully the weather cooperates and we have a great turn out.
It's great that you have that kind of time. I don't. If that makes me a casual member, so what? You went to three flying clubs. I spent an hour and got in six flights at the park first thing in the morning, then went to the range to sight in two rifles before deer season, went to a baseball practice with my son, and took my daughter for some school supplies. Not looking for any sympathy, just pointing out that not everyone has the time to do all this volunteering you keep trying to push on me. I guess I'm of less interest to AMA since I can't devote that kind of time.

My point is this. If having successful club fields takes sizeable numbers of folks like you, ones who devote considerable time, can the whole club field model survive? Without quality facilities close to where people reside, work, and live the rest of their lives (schools, sports, etc.), are there enough members who are willing to drive an hour or more just to fly? I honestly don't think so.

What made McDonalds successful? It's not the great food. It's the consistency. The "user experience" is the same whether you stop at a store in Virginia, or California, or in one city, or the next. Contrast that with AMA club fields. I think there's a large variation in the "user experience" and that could prove to be a weakness in the business model. Quite simply, w/o quality clubs close, why should people join?

I wish I lived close to a vibrant club like yours. Within the limits of my work schedule and other commitments, I'd probably even volunteer. But I don't. I only have so much time to devote to the hobby, which means that there's a limit to how far I'm willing to drive. That probably makes me less of a member in your eyes. But the reality is there's a lot of folks like me. Folks who don't have the luxury or desire to devote entire days to flying most weekends. If AMA's model depends on folks like you, does it not run the risk of collapsing (figuratively) to select pockets around the country? These pockets being Goldilocks zones if you will, where there's just the right amount of members, of the right demographic with time to devote, and not too much urban encroachment?

Last edited by franklin_m; 08-28-2016 at 02:07 PM.
Old 08-28-2016, 02:40 PM
  #3623  
HoundDog
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Originally Posted by franklin_m
Yes, it was the same club. I thought I'd go out and see if there's been any change in the factors that caused me to end my membership. The AMA site lists 38 members, but have yet to see one out flying on Saturdays over several weekends.

You mention another club. That's also where we get into that concept of access that we've talked about. Using myself as an example, there's a certain group of folks out there who enjoy the hobby, but don't enjoy it enough to spend the better part of an hour (or more) driving just to get to the field. Is that wrong? Of course not. How many folks would join the hobby if there was a club closer? Is that a demographic that AMA needs to grow the hobby? I think so. And there it is, back to the issue of access close to where the members (or potential members) live.

The next three closest clubs are 43, 65, and 76 minutes away. Maybe some don't mind driving that far, but some do. I do. I'm balancing my hobby flying with three kids and their events. I'm also engaged in other hobbies, and some athletics. So there isn't the time to make trips of that length for one purpose. So not everyone is as dedicated, but can AMA survive only on the members that devote that much time to flying?

What about the folks that don't want to drive that far? If we're lucky, the AMA will capture those folks as park fliers. Others, like me, will move to flying things that don't require a club field. No club field requirement, no club membership required, and hence the 15 year declining trend in club membership that Dave Scott talked about.

You mention two clubs, with a lot of active members. I mention a club with very few members, and other clubs quite a distance away. Can AMA survive when there's such a difference between the AMA experience? When there's such a difference between the have's and have nots? I think it makes it tough.

BTW, total reported membership among all three other clubs I mentioned: 89
I belong to 3 clubs here in SE Wisconsin and 2 in AZ possibly 3 this next winter. Tow of the clubs here in WI. I don't fly at more than ounce or twice a year, Dues are $20/yr and$135/year and the share was $1200 25 years ago. The club I go to every morning that is flyable is just 5 miles from my house has 75 members and it the same 5 or 6 durning the week and maybe 12 to 15 on a week end. Some times none other than us regulars. Hope these NO SHOWS just keep paying their dues... The $137/year club is 18 miles and 75 members and they have tha same thing lack of membership participation ... But they pay up so who cares. The club in AZ has 250 to 300 members and it's the same 20 to 25 that fly. Some on Tuesdays and Thursdays or Monday or what ever. I go every day just to G.S. with whom is there... To me 90% of belonging to any club is the comradery so I don't care what it cost's me. The cost is irrelevant, If I had to worry about a couple of hindered extra dollars a year I sure as he[[ wouldn't be in this hobby. I've only had two hobby's more expensive than R/C ... Full Scale and Drinking and both were done seperatily and before I started in R/CC. Again this hobby is about the people not necessary to save money.
Old 08-28-2016, 03:38 PM
  #3624  
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Originally Posted by HoundDog
I belong to 3 clubs here in SE Wisconsin and 2 in AZ possibly 3 this next winter. Tow of the clubs here in WI. I don't fly at more than ounce or twice a year, Dues are $20/yr and$135/year and the share was $1200 25 years ago. The club I go to every morning that is flyable is just 5 miles from my house has 75 members and it the same 5 or 6 durning the week and maybe 12 to 15 on a week end. Some times none other than us regulars. Hope these NO SHOWS just keep paying their dues... The $137/year club is 18 miles and 75 members and they have tha same thing lack of membership participation ... But they pay up so who cares. The club in AZ has 250 to 300 members and it's the same 20 to 25 that fly. Some on Tuesdays and Thursdays or Monday or what ever. I go every day just to G.S. with whom is there... To me 90% of belonging to any club is the comradery so I don't care what it cost's me. The cost is irrelevant, If I had to worry about a couple of hindered extra dollars a year I sure as he[[ wouldn't be in this hobby. I've only had two hobby's more expensive than R/C ... Full Scale and Drinking and both were done seperatily and before I started in R/CC. Again this hobby is about the people not necessary to save money.
I don't begrudge folks that have the time and money to support a variety of clubs. I know that with my kids' sports schedules, my work, and mix in a few other hobbies, I didn't get to the club less than 15 miles away let alone those 40 or 50 or more.

I'm just asking if the club field based business model will remain viable.
Old 08-28-2016, 06:07 PM
  #3625  
HoundDog
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Originally Posted by franklin_m
I don't begrudge folks that have the time and money to support a variety of clubs. I know that with my kids' sports schedules, my work, and mix in a few other hobbies, I didn't get to the club less than 15 miles away let alone those 40 or 50 or more.

I'm just asking if the club field based business model will remain viable.
* would have expected that U were older.
Nothing more important than FAMILY ... Mine is grown and gone living their own lives. If U live long enough and plan right U to may be able to Retire and live the good life. Best of luck.

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