jnatle3 listen for your best interest go to one of your local clubs , join AMA , you are covered with insurance , and you have a safe place to fly and enjoy with other fellow fliers like yourself , but it is your choice OK , there are people on here who want to bash AMA and i dont know why i have been a member for 20 years and have enjoyed every day of it , when you belong to a club sure it cost every year but that is for upkeep of the field , ours is 100 dollars a year and my AMA is only 58 dollars per year heck that isnt nothing for the fun enjoyment and fellowship with fellow pilots , guys at a club will welcome you give it a try !!!