I don’t know about making a judgment about this club without hearing the other side. Most times there are two sides with the truth somewhere in the middle.

My own experience both in Canada and the US has been nothing but good. Most times I am towing my toy box (12 ft enclosed trailer) and when I am not I always have one or two smaller planes in the back seat.

I look for the opportunity to stop at new fields and get a flight or two in.

I always park off to the side in the spectator area so I do not look like I expect to be granted flying privileges.

I don’t wait to be approached it may not happen. I wander over and introduce myself. If no conversation comes naturally I may ask if there is a club executive present that I could speak to.

When I introduce myself I always let them know I would like to watch and if possible my passion is to fly with permission at the different clubs I visit.

I produce my MAAC card, two club membership cards and if in the US a page with the Reciprocal Agreement that shows I have insurance coverage in the US and the AMA recognizes this as being ok to fly. The website is clearly visible on the page so anyone may check it out if they wish.

Only after being invited to fly will I ask where it would be suitable to park to unload and fly.

Once set up and before attempting to fly I make sure to ask about the field rules, no fly zones and ask if someone would spot for me. Not only is the spotter a good idea when flying at a new site for the first time but best of all most times the conversation started during the flight carries on well after you have landed and parked your plane. What a great way to break the ice.

I am 66 years old and have been flying/modeling off and on since I was 11. I have lost count of the clubs, fields and hobby shops I have visited. I can say I can count on one hand the number of times I have seen anyone receive less than a polite, respectful greeting at any club. In every case it would appear that this was brought on by the person’s attitude/actions both past and present.

First impressions are sometimes the only ones you get to make!!!!!