I am self-taught and flew for many years by myself. Then I joined a club and I enjoy chewing the fat with other modelers and seeing what they fly. Plus we have a club flying field; all my old haunts where I flew by myself are now dog parks, nature preserves, etc. So I'm happy to have a spot. Yes, I pay for AMA, but these days legislators are all hot to regulate drones, so I recognize the need to have an organization on our side. I still wind up flying alone about half the time, because on a lot of good days no one is at the field. Anyway, suit yourself and have fun.

Jim