A different thought process :
1)Parkflyers are the fastest growing segment with mini UAVs in the rc world (excluding ground/water vehicles)
2)they are flown in baseball fields , parks and any place that one feels they can take off .
3)EPO planes in general from overseas & now some US distributors are a trend that is not even visible to many dedicated RC flyers , veteran warbird guys and definitely misunderstood . Most still think of foam as "beer can coolers"
4)Non -club non AMA rc participation is probably at an all time high as this segment sees no need to join a club , the AMA or the rules that encompass both .
5) Surprisingly many , yes many as the segment is not only growing on new consumer entry but on repeat consumer purchase are learning to fly without the help of the salty seasoned veteran or typical RC expert that would scare off a Top Gun Competitor with preflight tips lol .
So my point is that AMA membership is not growing because the AMA membership is not adding value to the newest entry into RC .Some clubs are not growing because they dont care to add value to the hobby by inviting more of the curious onlookers into the water (remember I said some) .
THe AMA best
PR person is a RC enthusiast , but one that is also a club member that can tout the benefits of club friendship, help, competition and everything that should go with a club. However because we are human in nature , clubs and how they are perceived is all up to its members.
I personally know some accomplished RC modelers /builders that will either drive 60 mins out of there way past one club , to fly at another that is more welcoming then the one they drive past .
Again , this reflects on the club and who is the club sanctioned by =====AMA .
A non RC example , Ice Hockey is governed by USA Hockey , if a minor club is not behaving and following the rules best suited for the general population of the kids that play , that club can loose it USA sanction and right to league play.
In this day and age if a membership is not adding value outside of the obvious "insurance" then many will question this as an un nessasary expense needed to fly at a club and I wont need that as I have no intentions of joining a club.
Again look at the trend in RC , its from one extreme to another . Its small park flyers epo , thru 1400mm EPO planes (some larger but the 1700 size is not the trend . Then look at the opposite end , you have Giant Scale ARFs . I would doubt you find any non-AMA-Non Club members in the realm of Giant Scale ARfs , but I would venture to bet that 75% and more of the epo parkflyers are flown by non-club non AMA members .
THis is not a political statement but a statement of affairs on trends in Rc and there impact on the current and past face of RC .
Good news ? yes , this same 75% of non-club non ama is trending much younger in age , something that despite the best efforts of club and ama could never achieve .