Originally Posted by
Tommy_Gun
Even before the multi rotors were available, the various manufacturers started producing the "Park Flyer" lineup with easy to fly and small aircraft that encouraged
the end users to fly anywhere but an AMA club field. Now take the group of folks that embraced that idea and give them an instant gratification toy such as the multirotors and it's all downhill from there. No skills learned, no education in aerodynamics, nothing but launching a toy that can be a safety problem to people and property with no education of either.
I know that the park flyers can and have been used in a safe manner at fields other than sanctioned AMA sites, But not all the users of such things take the time to consider whether or not the site they are using is appropriate for such use.
Just like multi-rotors, most park flyers were purchased as toys. The people that bought them either didn't know about the AMA or if they did, quickly decided that they didn't need the AMA. Telling these guys they need the AMA is like telling a twelve year old with his new bat and ball that he needs to join the NCAA. Had the AMA worked at distancing themselves from "toys", the membership might be happier today. Problem is, the general public can't tell the difference and the Government can't seem to, either. As a result, we all get lumped together and we all face the same punishment. I personally don't believe the AMA had the foresight or the means to avert this mess. Anyone that thinks the AMA will save us from Government regulation and control is delusional.