RE: Why the AMA is not growing...........

RE: Why the AMA is not growing...........
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RE: Why the AMA is not growing........... - 7/21/2007 2:09:15 PM

jollyroger

Posts: 262
Joined: 3/10/2002
From: central Lake, MI, USA
Status: offline

What may hel[ the AMA is for younger people( less than 60 yrs) to step up to the plate and get involved directly with the organisation. That means wilingness to run for officers and maybe even president or associate VP for your district.
Now I,m not knocking our senior pilots. That are the clubs asset for newcomers and to maintain some sort of organisation, but, many of them are not tuned in with todays kids, or even able to use a computer. There are many in our club that have no computer and have no idea what some of us are talking about when we mention websites.
There does need to be a change of thinking in the AMA and I feel if younger people were directly involved, as they may well be more in tune with the situation regarding getting kids into the arena.
What I'm trying to say is that the Dave Browns, etc, etc may be so involved with the manegerial aspects of the AMA and other duries or persuits, they may well be neglecting to investigate other avenues to increase membership. BTW their website does not work very well.
The AMA needs to update its entire organisation. It needs to become more aware of the situation such as the park flyers, and not just moan about the fact they do not feel the need to join the AMA.
As president of our club, it behooves me to say this but sometimes the AMA can be their own worst enemy..

(in reply to mr_matt)

Post #: 351

RE: Why the AMA is not growing........... - 7/21/2007 11:25:56 PM

flycfii

Posts: 764
Joined: 2/17/2005
From: Roselle, IL, USA
Status: offline

jollyroger- you are definitely right about needing to get the younger people involved. But I can tell you this- I'm a 34 y/o, white midwestern male, and I will never belong to a club. I have no personal interest in the AMA except for the necessary insurance (I fly in public places that are designated for RC aircraft, all you need is the card).

Now, I'm not saying that the AMA isn't necessary, but there is the thought that it is necessarily an old man's game, since I and many of my peer-group flying buddies have at least 50 things that we'd rather do than go into small-time AMA politics. In other words, we're not retired.

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#26 Club Saito
RIP, W.R.

(in reply to jollyroger)

Post #: 352

RE: Why the AMA is not growing........... - 7/22/2007 12:38:05 AM

Red Scholefield

Posts: 4902
Joined: 12/8/2001
From: Newberry, FL, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: flycfii

I can tell you this- I'm a 34 y/o, white midwestern male, and I will never belong to a club.

Never is a very long time.

_____________________________

Red S.
AMA 951 Leader Member

(in reply to flycfii)

Post #: 353

RE: Why the AMA is not growing........... - 7/22/2007 12:46:05 AM

combatpigg

Posts: 9527
Joined: 11/22/2003
From: arlington, WA, USA
Status: offline

Memberswhip wise, what is the critical number before the AMA becomes too small to exist? I don't care how young, brilliant or influential the leadership is that the daydreamers here want to insert into the leadership......no amount of salesmanship, bribery or anything else will convince todays' young men that they need to join the AMA. Either the advantages of being a AMA member can sell itself on its' own merits, or it can't. Sure, the AMA could send videos out to public school libraries, as well as public libraries. They can also make their presence known very easily and inexpensively in other ways already discussed [over and over], it doesn't take very talented or age specific leadership to carry this simple stuff out.
I'm thankful that for only $60 I can fly at most any club field in the US.......if the cost of insurance was to triple because of a lack of membership, I would still ante up if flying at sanctioned fields was important to me. Point of all this is that the AMA isn't growing because many flyers don't need it to enjoy the hobby.

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Led Zeppelin is NOT "old fogie" music.

(in reply to flycfii)

Post #: 354

RE: Why the AMA is not growing........... - 7/22/2007 12:54:45 AM

Red Scholefield

Posts: 4902
Joined: 12/8/2001
From: Newberry, FL, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: combatpigg

Membership wise, what is the critical number before the AMA becomes too small to exist?

Ask this in any organization that has been established to promote their sport/hobby/whatever. NRA, American Motor Cycle Association etc.

We are in an era where cohesiveness in a cause is practically non-existent. So many people are intellectually incapable of grasping this.

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Red S.
AMA 951 Leader Member

(in reply to combatpigg)

Post #: 355

RE: Why the AMA is not growing........... - 7/22/2007 2:34:26 AM

fliers1

Posts: 534
Joined: 11/30/2001
From: Lockport, NY, USA
Status: online

It seems like everyone is missing the point as to why AMA isn't growing.

If non instructors recruit newcomers, the active instructors might not appreciate non instructors sending more and more beginners to the active instructors. Instructors might strongly suggest to the non instructors, "if you don't do the instructing, you better not do the recruiting."

CCR

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(in reply to Red Scholefield)

Post #: 356

RE: Why the AMA is not growing........... - 7/22/2007 4:45:35 AM

combatpigg

Posts: 9527
Joined: 11/22/2003
From: arlington, WA, USA
Status: offline

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.

What makes you think that you can recruit people to join the AMA? First you would have to locate where non-AMA flyers are out doing there thing. Second, you would have to physically approach them and I suppose perform some kind of mesmerizing hypnosis on them so that they will whip out their checkbooks and willingly hand you drafts for $58, then I suppose after the effects wear off they will resume their activities....which basically amounts to guys flying "as happy as clams" over private property, which is something that I do everyday.

Ain't gonna happen in the world I live in.

_____________________________

Led Zeppelin is NOT "old fogie" music.

(in reply to fliers1)

Post #: 357

RE: Why the AMA is not growing........... - 7/22/2007 5:37:51 AM

badaml

Posts: 20
Joined: 1/23/2007
From: tucson, AZ, USA
Status: offline

Since this thread has some recent posts, and the fact that I just stumbled across it, I will add my 2 cents. I do not fly, I have rc cars only. 1st, clubs are still popular, look at the amount of drift, offroad, and rock crawling clubs that are flourishing. Most clubs do well because people have an interest in being with others who have the same interests.
I thought about flying many years ago, I have a few buddies who would like to try it. Is it the expense that is the main obstacle? My one buddy has a tmaxx, a 1/8 buggy, and a few electrics, so I don't think it is the expense that is stopping him. Go to any park where people are running cars, most are much more friendly than the fliers. If I am interested and want to know more, am I able to do the research myself? Certainly. Will I research something knowing that the majority of people who have the same interests will be unfriendly, and too absorbed to share some of their passion and insight? Most likely not. There are many posts here about younger people wanting instant gratification. Saving money to purchase a new rc vehicle and learning how to tune (nitro) and maintain it is not instant gratification, sorry. So having that attitude and trying to make it seem like YOUR hobby is some magical skill that will take many years to master, well, how many people do you think will have an interest? Most people know where to find rudeness and unfriendly/unhelpful people, why does anyone think it would be worthwhile for them to spend time searching for more of that (AMA Members)?

Most newcomers would be happy to spend a little amount to go fly where others are, have some friendly competition and receive help and advice. Most people will not do this if they are uncertain about what type of experience they will actually have. Almost all hobbyshops charge a fee to practice on their track, and also to race. I do not see too many people complaining about this, and most are quite willing and happy to drive a fair distance and pay the fee to enjoy racing against others. Why do you think it is that many are opposed to paying to join the AMA?

(in reply to combatpigg)

Post #: 358

RE: Why the AMA is not growing........... - 7/22/2007 6:33:38 AM

combatpigg

Posts: 9527
Joined: 11/22/2003
From: arlington, WA, USA
Status: offline

Badaml, by the time you were done doing everything the "AMA way" as a newcomer, you would be out quite a bit of cash and time before you earned your wings, no question about that. I have seen plenty of newcomers waiting patiently at the local club field, sitting on their tailgates waiting for "certified" instructors who never showed up. What a shame. Have also seen a couple of certified instructors pre-flight check newcomers' planes, then proceed to crash same plane, both newcomers never returned. Alternatively, you can buy a $30 plane at a drugstore, go to a hay field or school yard and then see if RC flight appeals to you. In the meantime, you might also learn the basics of flight control.

Hmm, tough to choose which way to go here

.

_____________________________

Led Zeppelin is NOT "old fogie" music.

(in reply to badaml)

Post #: 359

RE: Why the AMA is not growing........... - 7/22/2007 2:58:04 PM

flycfii

Posts: 764
Joined: 2/17/2005
From: Roselle, IL, USA
Status: offline

Exactly. The club flyers that I have met (with a few exceptions) have been rude, or egotistical, or have exhibited any number of behaviors that say "I'm better than you; you don't belong". I have finally come to the conclusion that their hobby is all they have left in life, and they will not willingly let some new guy show up and make it look easy.

When I had to lay off of full-scale flying, I decided to take up RC. Bought a NexStar package and field equipment, got AMA, and headed to the local field. Right away it was clear that there was an Inside Group, and they were the self-proclaimed Rules Enforcers. Except they seemed to be exempt from the same rules- flying over the pits, taxiiing to and from the pits, things like that. But oh-so-quick to point out the mistakes of others.

I left. Got on the Simulator and practiced. Returned a few weeks later and soloed. To hell with those guys, I don't need 'em

I have since progressed to more advanced flying and kit building. Thankfully I fly on public land that has been designated for RC aircraft! I don't need anybody's permission to be there.

Conclusion- RC Airplane Clubs are havens for has-beens and retired dreamers who never really achieved their dreams. Mean-spirited old farts who would rather see someone fail than to step up and help the hobby. And you all wonder why the young ones avoid you like the plague!!

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#26 Club Saito
RIP, W.R.

(in reply to combatpigg)

Post #: 360

RE: Why the AMA is not growing........... - 7/22/2007 3:25:38 PM

Jim Thomerson

Posts: 2788
Joined: 10/9/2002
From: Austin, TX, USA
Status: offline

flycfii, I would argue with you based on my experience in the two clubs I belong to. Problem is that they are control line clubs and I am 72.

(in reply to flycfii)

Post #: 361

RE: Why the AMA is not growing........... - 7/22/2007 3:34:20 PM

Red Scholefield

Posts: 4902
Joined: 12/8/2001
From: Newberry, FL, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: flycfii

Exactly. The club flyers that I have met (with a few exceptions) have been rude, or egotistical, or have exhibited any number of behaviors that say "I'm better than you; you don't belong". I have finally come to the conclusion that their hobby is all they have left in life, and they will not willingly let some new guy show up and make it look easy.

Conclusion- RC Airplane Clubs are havens for has-beens and retired dreamers who never really achieved their dreams. Mean-spirited old farts who would rather see someone fail than to step up and help the hobby. And you all wonder why the young ones avoid you like the plague!!

This is very strange. In my 60 years of modeling I have visited many clubs, from East coast to west coast, north to south. None match your accessment.

A guy new in town entered the local hobby shop. He asked the owner if there was a club in the area and what was it like? The owner asked him where he came from and what was the club like there. He replied that the club was terrible, a real bunch of jerks so he never joined it. Whereupon the hobby shop owner said, "I'm afraid you will find the same thing here."

On another day another new guy in town came in and asked the same question. The owners response was the same, what kind of club did you have where you came from. The guy replied, "Greatest bunch in the world, I really will miss them." The owner told him not to feel bad as he would find the same thing in the local club.

< Message edited by Red Scholefield -- 7/22/2007 3:35:39 PM >

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Red S.
AMA 951 Leader Member

(in reply to flycfii)

Post #: 362

RE: Why the AMA is not growing........... - 7/22/2007 4:48:01 PM

combatpigg

Posts: 9527
Joined: 11/22/2003
From: arlington, WA, USA
Status: offline

That is a great story and there is a lot of truth to it. However, I have witnessed the inner circle thing, especially when the newcomer doesn't have the "right" equipment or fly the "right" kind of planes. Especially true if the newcomers' stuff looks a little bit dangerous to them. I've seen the motions at the club meetings to limit model speed to 80 mph, ban hovering, etc. The "inner circle" are also usually the same guys who donate their time to keeping the field as neat as a pin, or appearing in court to defend the club. or in contact with angry neighbors to disfuse a conflict or to pull a plane out of the roof. There is always a story behind the story that many newcomers can't appreciate.....all they can see is the grumpyness on the surface. Most of the club elders I've ever met were very congenial and loved to see the young whippersnappers bring out the high performance gear, if not put on a show themselves.

flycii, your experience might change 180 degrees if you were to visit the same field at a different time of the day or week. RC plane flyers might appear to be edgier and more anal than the car guys, but let's face it....how happy-go-lucky would you be if your plane cost $2000 and was capable of killing a spectator or a passing motorist?

_____________________________

Led Zeppelin is NOT "old fogie" music.