Originally Posted by
Chris P. Bacon
.Fair enough, but I contend that if nobody is flying because they can't get easy access to flying sites, doesn't that eliminate any possible need to be a member of the AMA?
That's a personal choice decision. Lots of folks are AMA members who choose to do so just to support the organization.
Again, but if they're too far away or too expensive, will more people use them? Or fewer? If the latter, at what point will they collapse under the economics? On the other hand, if you can fly within walking distance, and are happy living with the limitations due to size and type, again, no need for AMA membership to enjoy the hobby.
Again, that's a personal choice decision. Too expensive and too far is different for different people.
The AMA, state governments, and the federal government incentivize individuals to organize for the purpose enjoying model aircraft activities. What individuals do with that incentive is a personal choice decision. Some clubs have enjoyed decades of great success and others have failed miserably. What sets them apart is the people involved. Just imagine if Elon gave up after his first or even hundredth failure.
If someone wants to give AMA money w/o flying, that's their choice. Just because I choose not to do that doesn't make me wrong.
As you said, it's a personal choice how people get involved. All I'm saying is that for some, they expect a flying site within a reasonable distance. What's reasonable? That's another individual decision. However, I still contend that if the distances become to great, or the cost becomes too high, the basic economic theory will take over and you won't have enough people willing to spend the money or willing to travel the distance.