tesmith,
If the club tells you that you have to fly at their site, they too are mistaken. As John has already mentioned, your uncle was misinformed. The AMA simply says that you must follow the AMA safety code, which does spell out how the site should be laid out, where spectators need to be (behind the pilot); that sort of thing.

From what I've seen, many RCer's believe that the AMA requires you to fly at specific sites. I am not sure how this idea started, but it is in everyones' best interest that most flyers do (obvious safety reasons).

Personally, I'd be worried about flying my planes in my backyard if I knew there were people potentially flying 1/4 mile away. This is the reason many are concerned with all the Park Flyers that are cropping up. There's a park 1/2 mile from our club's field, and if a couple people start using the park, there could be problems with frequencies.

Anyway, you didn't say how long ago you were making those flights with your uncle, but I'm assuming it was about ten years ago. I'm betting you'll be flying after work, close to home, pretty soon. I'd guess something like 4 or 5 sessions, maybe 10 to 12 flights, and you'll be good to go.

Good luck, have fun, fly safe, and let us know how it goes!
Dennis-