Ira, I don't think it was the AMA that is enforcing membership to club members. Property owners require some sort of liability insurance in order for the club to use the land. AMA has always been the most cost effective option to provide the insurance that the property owners require. Most of the flying sites in my state are located on county property and AMA is an easily recognizable organization within the county operators. I do agree that if somone is not interested in the club atmosphere then the AMA has little value to them. As I have stated before, this hobby is just as much of a social activity to me as it is flying.


I would really hate to see this thread go down the path of blaming the AMA for the current status of our hobby. There is plenty of blame to go around IMO. I think we have hit on the current technology taking the place of face to face interaction, I feel the the current business direction of our retailers is doing its fair share of damage as well. IMO we really do need to bring back the mom and pop hobby shops. Not because that is the easiest, least expensive way to get our supplies, but it would be the best way to reach the general public. Many many times when working the counter somone would walk into the shop that just happen to be there by chance or on vacation and " wanted to check it out ". More times then not that person became a customer.

I also feel that when we have the chance to mentor and pass our knowledge we should do so. We can all take on the role as ambassadors of the hobby. Enthusiasm breeds enthusiasm but it works the same way with negativity as well.