Economic comparison
#51
Thread Starter
.Fair enough, but I contend that if nobody is flying because they can't get easy access to flying sites, doesn't that eliminate any possible need to be a member of the AMA?
That's a personal choice decision. Lots of folks are AMA members who choose to do so just to support the organization.
Again, but if they're too far away or too expensive, will more people use them? Or fewer? If the latter, at what point will they collapse under the economics? On the other hand, if you can fly within walking distance, and are happy living with the limitations due to size and type, again, no need for AMA membership to enjoy the hobby.
Again, that's a personal choice decision. Too expensive and too far is different for different people.
The AMA, state governments, and the federal government incentivize individuals to organize for the purpose enjoying model aircraft activities. What individuals do with that incentive is a personal choice decision. Some clubs have enjoyed decades of great success and others have failed miserably. What sets them apart is the people involved. Just imagine if Elon gave up after his first or even hundredth failure.
That's a personal choice decision. Lots of folks are AMA members who choose to do so just to support the organization.
Again, but if they're too far away or too expensive, will more people use them? Or fewer? If the latter, at what point will they collapse under the economics? On the other hand, if you can fly within walking distance, and are happy living with the limitations due to size and type, again, no need for AMA membership to enjoy the hobby.
Again, that's a personal choice decision. Too expensive and too far is different for different people.
The AMA, state governments, and the federal government incentivize individuals to organize for the purpose enjoying model aircraft activities. What individuals do with that incentive is a personal choice decision. Some clubs have enjoyed decades of great success and others have failed miserably. What sets them apart is the people involved. Just imagine if Elon gave up after his first or even hundredth failure.
As you said, it's a personal choice how people get involved. All I'm saying is that for some, they expect a flying site within a reasonable distance. What's reasonable? That's another individual decision. However, I still contend that if the distances become to great, or the cost becomes too high, the basic economic theory will take over and you won't have enough people willing to spend the money or willing to travel the distance.
#52
Banned
My Feedback: (8)
Franklin...why do you continue to give these guys an audience...?
Take this thread for example.
Look at how they can take such a simple, matter of fact observation on your part and turn it into a full blown Congressional Hearing where your motives, your integrity, your wisdom, etc. are questioned instead of simply providing examples of their own situations [in this case, field access] and being content to leave it at that.
Believe me, if you could just stop giving them the time of day, they will seek a new host to feed off of.
Take this thread for example.
Look at how they can take such a simple, matter of fact observation on your part and turn it into a full blown Congressional Hearing where your motives, your integrity, your wisdom, etc. are questioned instead of simply providing examples of their own situations [in this case, field access] and being content to leave it at that.
Believe me, if you could just stop giving them the time of day, they will seek a new host to feed off of.
Nobody is forcing anyone to comment here, or respond to any comment. I'm guessing Franklin continue to discuss as he wants no?
#53
Banned
My Feedback: (8)
I am in a similar situation as Franklin. Baseball fields less than a block from my house and the Elementary School 1/4 mile away with lots of land to fly from. Plus I can fly from the top of a 1000 AGL hill 3.5 miles away with 20+ miles visibility. My club field is exactly 22 miles from my driveway to the club field. 14 of those miles are twisty, up and down back roads (beautiful drive). 44 miles round trip. I don't get there a lot, but it is where I fly all my glo planes and my 450 heli. It's also a beuatiful field in the middle of absolutely nowhere. It's nice to have a private field where you know you don't have to worry about anybody bothering you or getting in the way. It also gives me a comfortable place to teach my son to fly without any distractions. I guess I like having the best of both worlds; fields close to home and a private AMA field I can use whenever I want if I don't mind the drive. I will say my club dues are less than 1/2 what Franklin pays and that includes my sons junior membership.
#54
Thread Starter
A privately owned club out in the middle of nowhere...how sweet that must be. I see some of them out in the central and midwestern states with the huge crisscrossing runways and covered areas for the members, man that would be nice. One club I belong right by my house has dues of 25.00 which is a steal, however there is nothing there other than a port-o-john, the "field" is actually a turf farm. The main club I fly at is 80 to join, and 65 a year which I think is a steal as well considering what the club has. Over half our dues go to cutting the lawn.
I think it's a valid question that points back at my OP. How many others will, like me, choose to switch the type of flying they do to something they find just as enjoyable yet comes without so much financial or logistical overhead? In all cases, for the die-hards it won't matter. But will there be enough die-hards long term?
#55
Banned
My Feedback: (8)
One of the things I do is try to think things through to a logical conclusion, sometimes perhaps years in the future. One factor I wonder about with respect to the long term health of the AMA is the consistency of the "user experience" from the member's perspective. Now, I fully realize that not everyone will be able to have the Muncie experience. However, I do think there should be concern over what happens if gap between the "haves" and the "have nots" becomes too large? Especially when folks are paying $100 a year for a grass field with limitations and no permanent shade, etc. compared to others you get paved runways, covered prep areas, and toilets with running water for that same amount?
I think it's a valid question that points back at my OP. How many others will, like me, choose to switch the type of flying they do to something they find just as enjoyable yet comes without so much financial or logistical overhead? In all cases, for the die-hards it won't matter. But will there be enough die-hards long term?
I think it's a valid question that points back at my OP. How many others will, like me, choose to switch the type of flying they do to something they find just as enjoyable yet comes without so much financial or logistical overhead? In all cases, for the die-hards it won't matter. But will there be enough die-hards long term?
If your OP was just a garden variety comparison and an explanation of your own choice, that would be one thing. Nobody can dispute your choice is wrong for you, it's your choice. It makes sense for what you want. But once again we see this isn't just a comparison for comparisons sake, you've loosely tacked on this idea that golly this might happen more and more and what will be come of the AMA and the hobby once this comes to fruition. More supposition and prediction of dire times ahead for the AMA. C'mon.....
If anything, the shrinking of open and available space would probably make people seek out clubs, as those might be the only areas available to fly.
Now that I'm thinking about it...perhaps the AMA is behind all those local initiatives across the country to ban flying in their parks. Perhaps we'll see another baseless accusation that the AMA is behind all of this and taking bribes and kickbacks to make it happen.
#56
If someone wants to give AMA money w/o flying, that's their choice. Just because I choose not to do that doesn't make me wrong.
No one stated you're wrong. I'm just beside myself trying to understand why someone who previously stated they have a six figure income would be so elated about saving $75 a year. I could be wrong, but I'm guessing there's a lot more too it than just $75 year.
As you said, it's a personal choice how people get involved. All I'm saying is that for some, they expect a flying site within a reasonable distance.
Who are they expecting a flying site from? Is it the AMA's fault that "some" individuals moved to a location without a "convenient" flying site an now it's the AMA's responsibility to provide one?
What's reasonable? That's another individual decision.
It is. Many folks I know travel quite a distance to enjoy the hobby.
However, I still contend that if the distances become to great, or the cost becomes too high, the basic economic theory will take over and you won't have enough people willing to spend the money or willing to travel the distance.
You're entitled believe whatever you want. After over two decades in the hobby I haven't seen any evidence of that happening. Many of the clubs in my area with capped memberships have very healthy waiting lists.
No one stated you're wrong. I'm just beside myself trying to understand why someone who previously stated they have a six figure income would be so elated about saving $75 a year. I could be wrong, but I'm guessing there's a lot more too it than just $75 year.
As you said, it's a personal choice how people get involved. All I'm saying is that for some, they expect a flying site within a reasonable distance.
Who are they expecting a flying site from? Is it the AMA's fault that "some" individuals moved to a location without a "convenient" flying site an now it's the AMA's responsibility to provide one?
What's reasonable? That's another individual decision.
It is. Many folks I know travel quite a distance to enjoy the hobby.
However, I still contend that if the distances become to great, or the cost becomes too high, the basic economic theory will take over and you won't have enough people willing to spend the money or willing to travel the distance.
You're entitled believe whatever you want. After over two decades in the hobby I haven't seen any evidence of that happening. Many of the clubs in my area with capped memberships have very healthy waiting lists.
#58
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Canisteo,
NY
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A privately owned club out in the middle of nowhere...how sweet that must be. I see some of them out in the central and midwestern states with the huge crisscrossing runways and covered areas for the members, man that would be nice. One club I belong right by my house has dues of 25.00 which is a steal, however there is nothing there other than a port-o-john, the "field" is actually a turf farm. The main club I fly at is 80 to join, and 65 a year which I think is a steal as well considering what the club has. Over half our dues go to cutting the lawn.
Here is a view from 395ft.
#59
Thread Starter
There isn't a person (or let's say virtually none) that are struggling to make ends meet, while also being in this hobby. If it's that bad financially, and they still spend their money on toys, well that's on them. This is all about personal choice, and disposable income. Absolutely everything purchased for this hobby is done so with free will. Are some members better off than others, sure, but I have yet to hear of any of the members at my club that haven't rejoined because they can't swing the dues. We have seniors on fixed incomes that have been members of the club over 30 years.
If your OP was just a garden variety comparison and an explanation of your own choice, that would be one thing. Nobody can dispute your choice is wrong for you, it's your choice. It makes sense for what you want. But once again we see this isn't just a comparison for comparisons sake, you've loosely tacked on this idea that golly this might happen more and more and what will be come of the AMA and the hobby once this comes to fruition. More supposition and prediction of dire times ahead for the AMA. C'mon.....
If anything, the shrinking of open and available space would probably make people seek out clubs, as those might be the only areas available to fly.
Now that I'm thinking about it...perhaps the AMA is behind all those local initiatives across the country to ban flying in their parks. Perhaps we'll see another baseless accusation that the AMA is behind all of this and taking bribes and kickbacks to make it happen.
If your OP was just a garden variety comparison and an explanation of your own choice, that would be one thing. Nobody can dispute your choice is wrong for you, it's your choice. It makes sense for what you want. But once again we see this isn't just a comparison for comparisons sake, you've loosely tacked on this idea that golly this might happen more and more and what will be come of the AMA and the hobby once this comes to fruition. More supposition and prediction of dire times ahead for the AMA. C'mon.....
If anything, the shrinking of open and available space would probably make people seek out clubs, as those might be the only areas available to fly.
Now that I'm thinking about it...perhaps the AMA is behind all those local initiatives across the country to ban flying in their parks. Perhaps we'll see another baseless accusation that the AMA is behind all of this and taking bribes and kickbacks to make it happen.
#60
Thread Starter
.If someone wants to give AMA money w/o flying, that's their choice. Just because I choose not to do that doesn't make me wrong.
No one stated you're wrong. I'm just beside myself trying to understand why someone who previously stated they have a six figure income would be so elated about saving $75 a year. I could be wrong, but I'm guessing there's a lot more too it than just $75 year.
As you said, it's a personal choice how people get involved. All I'm saying is that for some, they expect a flying site within a reasonable distance.
Who are they expecting a flying site from? Is it the AMA's fault that "some" individuals moved to a location without a "convenient" flying site an now it's the AMA's responsibility to provide one?
What's reasonable? That's another individual decision.
It is. Many folks I know travel quite a distance to enjoy the hobby.
However, I still contend that if the distances become to great, or the cost becomes too high, the basic economic theory will take over and you won't have enough people willing to spend the money or willing to travel the distance.
You're entitled believe whatever you want. After over two decades in the hobby I haven't seen any evidence of that happening. Many of the clubs in my area with capped memberships have very healthy waiting lists.
No one stated you're wrong. I'm just beside myself trying to understand why someone who previously stated they have a six figure income would be so elated about saving $75 a year. I could be wrong, but I'm guessing there's a lot more too it than just $75 year.
As you said, it's a personal choice how people get involved. All I'm saying is that for some, they expect a flying site within a reasonable distance.
Who are they expecting a flying site from? Is it the AMA's fault that "some" individuals moved to a location without a "convenient" flying site an now it's the AMA's responsibility to provide one?
What's reasonable? That's another individual decision.
It is. Many folks I know travel quite a distance to enjoy the hobby.
However, I still contend that if the distances become to great, or the cost becomes too high, the basic economic theory will take over and you won't have enough people willing to spend the money or willing to travel the distance.
You're entitled believe whatever you want. After over two decades in the hobby I haven't seen any evidence of that happening. Many of the clubs in my area with capped memberships have very healthy waiting lists.
I don't expect the AMA to provide me a flying site; in fact, I'm demonstrating that I've found a way to enjoy the hobby without one. Others may do the same, others may not.
Yes, some folks do indeed drive a long distance to enjoy the hobby. I'm just not one of them. I could, but I've found ways to enjoy it just as much and lower the logistical "overhead."
On the two decades and no evidence of economic theory. Ok, but neither can we ignore the comment in last month's MA where Dave Scott said "Starting approximately 15 years ago, many model airplane clubs began seeing a decline in membership..." I don't know how much of that is attributable to economic theory, but can the organization really just assume that's not some part of it?
#61
Thread Starter
No crisscrossing runways. Just one big grass rolled and short cut runway. 1 pit area. 1 parking area. 1 porta potty. 1 flight shack where you can sit inside for some shade. 1 covered pavillion with a couple picnic tables and counters for food. 1 grill. No electric. No water. We live in the country so come prepared! lol. Club is gated about 1/2 mile from the field. Only members have keys. It is on top of a large hill with ridiculous visibility. 40.00 for the year.
Here is a view from 395ft.
Here is a view from 395ft.
#62
My Feedback: (7)
I think it's more a convenience factor than economical for most flyers, I believe.
Here is a example, I have another hobby; Astronomy, but not as much as RC. I have 3 large scopes that can see pretty much anything in the sky that is visible to a scope, but they are big and cumbersome to setup. I have a smaller 6" scope that can't see as much as the larger ones, but since it's smaller and convenienant it gets used the most.
So yes I actually fly my foamies more than I do my large aircraft because i can just drive the 1/4 mile to the empty school field to fly.
I rather fly my larger Gas and Nitro aircraft, the associated cost to fly them; I accept and don't mind paying. With my life schedule and all, I'm lucky to get to my flying field 3 times a month to fly my larger planes. I would rather be flying them, but to satisfy my flying bug till I can go fly my larger planes, I fly my foamies at the local school yard. So I'm getting minimal need for my AMA membership is no big deal for me, I don't mind paying the cost, just like my motorcycle insurance, I don't ride all year and only ride mainly on sunny weekends, but I still pay the insurance during the winter time when it's sitting in the garage with no riding.
Most people who are in the hobby, know the associated cost to fly. For me cost is no issue, just time/convenience...
Here is a example, I have another hobby; Astronomy, but not as much as RC. I have 3 large scopes that can see pretty much anything in the sky that is visible to a scope, but they are big and cumbersome to setup. I have a smaller 6" scope that can't see as much as the larger ones, but since it's smaller and convenienant it gets used the most.
So yes I actually fly my foamies more than I do my large aircraft because i can just drive the 1/4 mile to the empty school field to fly.
I rather fly my larger Gas and Nitro aircraft, the associated cost to fly them; I accept and don't mind paying. With my life schedule and all, I'm lucky to get to my flying field 3 times a month to fly my larger planes. I would rather be flying them, but to satisfy my flying bug till I can go fly my larger planes, I fly my foamies at the local school yard. So I'm getting minimal need for my AMA membership is no big deal for me, I don't mind paying the cost, just like my motorcycle insurance, I don't ride all year and only ride mainly on sunny weekends, but I still pay the insurance during the winter time when it's sitting in the garage with no riding.
Most people who are in the hobby, know the associated cost to fly. For me cost is no issue, just time/convenience...
Last edited by GSXR1000; 05-31-2016 at 12:11 PM.
#63
Well, it's more like $175 - every year. That adds up. Despite a healthy income, this is just one of my hobbies. And again, it's my money to spend or not spend. I'm finding that I can do just about everything I want to do in the hobby w/o spending that money. For me I'd rather put that money into something else.
Again, personal choice. For me, $175 is insignificant.
I don't expect the AMA to provide me a flying site; in fact, I'm demonstrating that I've found a way to enjoy the hobby without one. Others may do the same, others may not.
Glad that's working for you. My preference is for a dedicated private flying field to conduct my model aviation flying activities and I'm happy to pay for it. In one local club it takes over a year to become a member and requires quite few visits to the field as well as meeting attendance and participation in club events. It's not just about the field, but the membership as well. The long road to membership is intentional to weed out those individuals who do not contribute to the success of the club.
Yes, some folks do indeed drive a long distance to enjoy the hobby. I'm just not one of them. I could, but I've found ways to enjoy it just as much and lower the logistical "overhead."
Glad it's working out for you. Does this mean you will definitely not be renewing you AMA membership next year or taking them up on their offer for refund?
On the two decades and no evidence of economic theory. Ok, but neither can we ignore the comment in last month's MA where Dave Scott said "Starting approximately 15 years ago, many model airplane clubs began seeing a decline in membership..." I don't know how much of that is attributable to economic theory, but can the organization really just assume that's not some part of it?
We certainly cannot ignore it. I suspect many clubs are experiencing declining participation/membership. I'm not convinced it's all economic. I feel a lot of it is due to an aging population and poor marketing on the clubs' part.
Again, personal choice. For me, $175 is insignificant.
I don't expect the AMA to provide me a flying site; in fact, I'm demonstrating that I've found a way to enjoy the hobby without one. Others may do the same, others may not.
Glad that's working for you. My preference is for a dedicated private flying field to conduct my model aviation flying activities and I'm happy to pay for it. In one local club it takes over a year to become a member and requires quite few visits to the field as well as meeting attendance and participation in club events. It's not just about the field, but the membership as well. The long road to membership is intentional to weed out those individuals who do not contribute to the success of the club.
Yes, some folks do indeed drive a long distance to enjoy the hobby. I'm just not one of them. I could, but I've found ways to enjoy it just as much and lower the logistical "overhead."
Glad it's working out for you. Does this mean you will definitely not be renewing you AMA membership next year or taking them up on their offer for refund?
On the two decades and no evidence of economic theory. Ok, but neither can we ignore the comment in last month's MA where Dave Scott said "Starting approximately 15 years ago, many model airplane clubs began seeing a decline in membership..." I don't know how much of that is attributable to economic theory, but can the organization really just assume that's not some part of it?
We certainly cannot ignore it. I suspect many clubs are experiencing declining participation/membership. I'm not convinced it's all economic. I feel a lot of it is due to an aging population and poor marketing on the clubs' part.
#64
Banned
My Feedback: (8)
Combatpig ( the guy who earlier made a comment about feeding off of hosts etc) made that allegation of bribes and kickbacks. Rather than rebuke or even question that comment, Init4fun added on about ad revenue somehow being involved, nefarious of course.
So yes, you had nothing to do with that, nor have I ever seen you stoop to that level of rumor mongering.
#65
Thread Starter
Sorry, I should have clarified. You never made any comments regarding that. i was alluding to a specific comment CP made.
Combatpig ( the guy who earlier made a comment about feeding off of hosts etc) made that allegation of bribes and kickbacks. Rather than rebuke or even question that comment, Init4fun added on about ad revenue somehow being involved, nefarious of course.
So yes, you had nothing to do with that, nor have I ever seen you stoop to that level of rumor mongering.
Combatpig ( the guy who earlier made a comment about feeding off of hosts etc) made that allegation of bribes and kickbacks. Rather than rebuke or even question that comment, Init4fun added on about ad revenue somehow being involved, nefarious of course.
So yes, you had nothing to do with that, nor have I ever seen you stoop to that level of rumor mongering.
#66
Thread Starter
Well, it's more like $175 - every year. That adds up. Despite a healthy income, this is just one of my hobbies. And again, it's my money to spend or not spend. I'm finding that I can do just about everything I want to do in the hobby w/o spending that money. For me I'd rather put that money into something else.
Again, personal choice. For me, $175 is insignificant.
I don't expect the AMA to provide me a flying site; in fact, I'm demonstrating that I've found a way to enjoy the hobby without one. Others may do the same, others may not.
Glad that's working for you. My preference is for a dedicated private flying field to conduct my model aviation flying activities and I'm happy to pay for it. In one local club it takes over a year to become a member and requires quite few visits to the field as well as meeting attendance and participation in club events. It's not just about the field, but the membership as well. The long road to membership is intentional to weed out those individuals who do not contribute to the success of the club.
Yes, some folks do indeed drive a long distance to enjoy the hobby. I'm just not one of them. I could, but I've found ways to enjoy it just as much and lower the logistical "overhead."
Glad it's working out for you. Does this mean you will definitely not be renewing you AMA membership next year or taking them up on their offer for refund?
On the two decades and no evidence of economic theory. Ok, but neither can we ignore the comment in last month's MA where Dave Scott said "Starting approximately 15 years ago, many model airplane clubs began seeing a decline in membership..." I don't know how much of that is attributable to economic theory, but can the organization really just assume that's not some part of it?
We certainly cannot ignore it. I suspect many clubs are experiencing declining participation/membership. I'm not convinced it's all economic. I feel a lot of it is due to an aging population and poor marketing on the clubs' part.
Again, personal choice. For me, $175 is insignificant.
I don't expect the AMA to provide me a flying site; in fact, I'm demonstrating that I've found a way to enjoy the hobby without one. Others may do the same, others may not.
Glad that's working for you. My preference is for a dedicated private flying field to conduct my model aviation flying activities and I'm happy to pay for it. In one local club it takes over a year to become a member and requires quite few visits to the field as well as meeting attendance and participation in club events. It's not just about the field, but the membership as well. The long road to membership is intentional to weed out those individuals who do not contribute to the success of the club.
Yes, some folks do indeed drive a long distance to enjoy the hobby. I'm just not one of them. I could, but I've found ways to enjoy it just as much and lower the logistical "overhead."
Glad it's working out for you. Does this mean you will definitely not be renewing you AMA membership next year or taking them up on their offer for refund?
On the two decades and no evidence of economic theory. Ok, but neither can we ignore the comment in last month's MA where Dave Scott said "Starting approximately 15 years ago, many model airplane clubs began seeing a decline in membership..." I don't know how much of that is attributable to economic theory, but can the organization really just assume that's not some part of it?
We certainly cannot ignore it. I suspect many clubs are experiencing declining participation/membership. I'm not convinced it's all economic. I feel a lot of it is due to an aging population and poor marketing on the clubs' part.
As you consider what you call "the long road to membership" consider the economic theory of rational choice...make it too hard and people will choose something else.
My membership renewal. You seem very concerned about that. Why?
I'm not convinced it's purely economic (dollars), but when individuals are faced with competing choices, and when one gets difficult, expensive, or both, there's a finite chance they're choose another hobby - or if other options are available - like me choose to drop club membership and fly local. Demographics are changing too, and I think that's a component as well. Only time will tell how that changes over time.
#67
Thread Starter
I think it's more a convenience factor than economical for most flyers, I believe.
Here is a example, I have another hobby; Astronomy, but not as much as RC. I have 3 large scopes that can see pretty much anything in the sky that is visible to a scope, but they are big and cumbersome to setup. I have a smaller 6" scope that can't see as much as the larger ones, but since it's smaller and convenienant it gets used the most.
So yes I actually fly my foamies more than I do my large aircraft because i can just drive the 1/4 mile to the empty school field to fly.
I rather fly my larger Gas and Nitro aircraft, the associated cost to fly them; I accept and don't mind paying. With my life schedule and all, I'm lucky to get to my flying field 3 times a month to fly my larger planes. I would rather be flying them, but to satisfy my flying bug till I can go fly my larger planes, I fly my foamies at the local school yard. So I'm getting minimal need for my AMA membership is no big deal for me, I don't mind paying the cost, just like my motorcycle insurance, I don't ride all year and only ride mainly on sunny weekends, but I still pay the insurance during the winter time when it's sitting in the garage with no riding.
Most people who are in the hobby, know the associated cost to fly. For me cost is no issue, just time/convenience...
Here is a example, I have another hobby; Astronomy, but not as much as RC. I have 3 large scopes that can see pretty much anything in the sky that is visible to a scope, but they are big and cumbersome to setup. I have a smaller 6" scope that can't see as much as the larger ones, but since it's smaller and convenienant it gets used the most.
So yes I actually fly my foamies more than I do my large aircraft because i can just drive the 1/4 mile to the empty school field to fly.
I rather fly my larger Gas and Nitro aircraft, the associated cost to fly them; I accept and don't mind paying. With my life schedule and all, I'm lucky to get to my flying field 3 times a month to fly my larger planes. I would rather be flying them, but to satisfy my flying bug till I can go fly my larger planes, I fly my foamies at the local school yard. So I'm getting minimal need for my AMA membership is no big deal for me, I don't mind paying the cost, just like my motorcycle insurance, I don't ride all year and only ride mainly on sunny weekends, but I still pay the insurance during the winter time when it's sitting in the garage with no riding.
Most people who are in the hobby, know the associated cost to fly. For me cost is no issue, just time/convenience...
#68
Banned
My Feedback: (8)
Your points are all valid. For me, in between other demands on my time, I'm lucky to get a couple hours to go fly. I can spend half that time drive to and from or I can spend most of it flying. I choose the latter. Now, if it does come down that more and more public places prohibit flight, then I'll face a different choice, give up the hobby entirely or "pay to play" and give up the time going to / from a club. For now though, I'm giving up internal combustion fixed wing RC. I'm having just as much fun, flying more, and putting my money into flying and not into memberships.
#69
Thread Starter
The one thing that may cause me to rejoin a club is a Golden Era 60 kit I have. Originally planned to put a Tower 75 in it, then thought about gasser, now that I've got some 6S batteries for helos, I'm thinking electric. All the rest of my stuff will be electric (an Ace Pacer kit), a Shark XV (Raindave design), and a SureShark kit (0.049 ish electric).
Last edited by franklin_m; 05-31-2016 at 02:32 PM.
#70
Your points are all valid. For me, in between other demands on my time, I'm lucky to get a couple hours to go fly.
Perhaps a time analysis should be the next item on the agenda.
I can spend half that time drive to and from or I can spend most of it flying. I choose the latter.
I tried that, but for me, it's about the quality of the actual flying. I can only achieve that at my club's private dedicated flying field. I never have to worry about pedestrians or others using the field.
Now, if it does come down that more and more public places prohibit flight, then I'll face a different choice, give up the hobby entirely or "pay to play" and give up the time going to / from a club.
Good chance that will happen. With more and youth sports activities looking for playing fields they are becoming scarce.
For now though, I'm giving up internal combustion fixed wing RC. I'm having just as much fun, flying more, and putting my money into flying and not into memberships.
Sounds like significant sacrifices I wouldn't be willing to make. What will happen if others show up to use your public field who do fly nitro?
Perhaps a time analysis should be the next item on the agenda.
I can spend half that time drive to and from or I can spend most of it flying. I choose the latter.
I tried that, but for me, it's about the quality of the actual flying. I can only achieve that at my club's private dedicated flying field. I never have to worry about pedestrians or others using the field.
Now, if it does come down that more and more public places prohibit flight, then I'll face a different choice, give up the hobby entirely or "pay to play" and give up the time going to / from a club.
Good chance that will happen. With more and youth sports activities looking for playing fields they are becoming scarce.
For now though, I'm giving up internal combustion fixed wing RC. I'm having just as much fun, flying more, and putting my money into flying and not into memberships.
Sounds like significant sacrifices I wouldn't be willing to make. What will happen if others show up to use your public field who do fly nitro?
#74
I'm reading about how much some spend on AMA and club dues and driving distances and thinking(No offense intended Franklin) GEESH, I can drive in excess of 300 miles one way to race boats and use a whole weekend on one race. You can add to that campground fees at some sites and then, on top of that, I spend around $75 per year for my NAMBA membership, $15 PER COMPETITION BOAT for yearly registrations or developmental fees for every boat I'm building(anywhere from $10 to $40 per triannual), and that's before the $20 per boat racing fee AT THE POND. Now, if I were to add aircraft into the mix, and I do have one under construction, I'd be looking at another $100+ for AMA and club dues.
Needless to say, if I didn't have fun racing, I wouldn't be doing it. BTW, if you want to see what I presently race, here you go:
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1...8d0a973d93.jpg
Needless to say, if I didn't have fun racing, I wouldn't be doing it. BTW, if you want to see what I presently race, here you go:
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1...8d0a973d93.jpg
#75
Thread Starter
I'm reading about how much some spend on AMA and club dues and driving distances and thinking(No offense intended Franklin) GEESH, I can drive in excess of 300 miles one way to race boats and use a whole weekend on one race. You can add to that campground fees at some sites and then, on top of that, I spend around $75 per year for my NAMBA membership, $15 PER COMPETITION BOAT for yearly registrations or developmental fees for every boat I'm building(anywhere from $10 to $40 per triannual), and that's before the $20 per boat racing fee AT THE POND. Now, if I were to add aircraft into the mix, and I do have one under construction, I'd be looking at another $100+ for AMA and club dues.
Needless to say, if I didn't have fun racing, I wouldn't be doing it. BTW, if you want to see what I presently race, here you go:
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1...8d0a973d93.jpg
Needless to say, if I didn't have fun racing, I wouldn't be doing it. BTW, if you want to see what I presently race, here you go:
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1...8d0a973d93.jpg
Last edited by franklin_m; 06-01-2016 at 02:23 AM.