I guess that I had extremely good Parents. They always made sure that my Brother and I were able to chase our dreams and desires growing up. Did we get everything we wanted? No. But, they made sure that I was able to get to the flying field from the time I was 11-17. I wasn't allowed to have my DL and drive on my own until 17. Both of them worked a lot too. Dad owning his own business put in at least 70+ hours per week and Mom was up around 50+. But, they always made sure that I got to the flying field, and my Brother got to whatever sports practice and games that he was involved. At one place that we lived, a neighborhood boy my age started flying planes too. Both of our parents would car pool us. One would drop us off, the other would pick us up. As we all know, there are definitely people out there that shouldn't have had kids and don't dedicate the time to them. But, I still think that there are good parents out there that will do what it takes to get their kids to their desires. And, yes, sport parents are dedicated too.

Jester; I am glad to hear that kids still do work for what they want to buy. Most of us older folks on here started with paper routes on bicycles, mowing the neighbors lawn, which here in Florida isn't ever done by kids, I even painted a neighbor's house at 16!! So, I always worked for my hobby. Not saying that I didn't get kits, or engines, etc at Christmas or BDay. Some of the issues with kids getting into the hobby too, is the over protective parents! I started to fly CL at around 8-9 years old. How many parents would let their 8-9 year old start a Cox engine unsupervised? Yet, willing to give them a more dangerous electric motor with an APC prop. I also think that due to some smaller, cheaper flying stuff under a $100 is all done at home in the back yard or at the ball field, if you can get onto one. I have done a lot of primary training over the years. I even started to teach the older guys at the field when I was a teenager. I learned, as most of us older guys, without the assistance of buddy boxes and simulators. So, it did take 40-50 flights to solo. Jester, my rc instructor was my shop teacher. I will always remember his help and influence with aviation. So, you have more impact then you might think. Now a days learning r/c is mostly learned on the sim and followed up at the field. If they are young, then soloing in less then 10 hours is very achievable. I even soloed one 22 year old in 2 flights. For the older men, 50+, even with the sim, may still take the 50+ hours. I have found that when I am working with older, well, guys my age now......lol.....that they aren't real diligent about getting their eyes checked. So, if a guy is just not getting it, I always ask them when they had their last eye check up. Most of the time it is years. After the student gets new glasses or cataracts removed, they will solo in just a couple flights. Another thing that I see is that amazes me, is how many men have NO mechanical skills at all. I guess our society and technology is to blame. But, some of the men that I have worked with truly have no idea on how to fix their planes or ARF's. I've always made my primary students build at least one kit to flying stage. Most everyone did it too. I told them that it taught them how to fix their ARF's now.

Flier, I also looked to see where you are located. Trying to promote a hobby shop in a town of 20-30K population out in the middle of no where is going to be difficult. Especially with online mail order. I visit a hobby shop about twice a year. Since I only fly turbines, the local hobby shop doesn't have what I need. I see in another forum thread that you are even giving free flying lessons. Maybe as a suggestion on trying to get younger kids flying are different outings for them from school. Different Clubs that I have belong to over the years will sponsor The Civil Air Patrol, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and members would volunteer their time, trainers, fuel, etc for a day with them. Provide a cook out with hamburgers and hot dogs. With Civil Air Patrol, the kid already has an interest in aviation. Another idea is to go to the local VA and work with the Veterans. Have a sponsored Veterans' Day. If I see any kids at our field, it is because their Dad is flying r/c. One kid that comes out, doesn't even fly. Not sure why, but maybe his Dad.