Originally Posted by
astrohog
You have made it very clear that you think I am "Anti-AMA" and an "AMA hater", etc., but that couldn't be further from the truth. You also make comments that suggest that I am always on the same page as your good buddy, Franklin, but that is not true either.
My Biggest (and really only) beef with the AMA is that they did not distinguish and advocate for both traditional and BLOS, autonomous flight separately. It is crystal clear to me and the vast majority of modelers I have spoken to, that there are distinct differences between the two disciplines of flight, both with who participates in each (yes, of course there are exceptions!), as well as how they interact with and affect the NAS. I have to believe that AMA HQ sees and knows the differences as well, but they chose to take the lump-em-all-together-and-make-them-all-join-the-AMA route. It is because of this and the potentially grave consequences of doing so, that I truly believe that AMA HQ could care less about its' membership, ALL of it. That actually stings a little bit and saddens me, Yes, traditional model aviation may be antiquated and for old fogies, but it is very much the vast majority of this hobby and its participants. I find it appalling that the AMA would jeopardize the majority of its' members because there was a potential bigger pot of gold.
That is how I see it. It is what I know to be true and what I believe. If you have any facts that support something different, you can try to change my mind, but it will be difficult!
Regards,
Astro
We may have more in common then we realize. I too think that the attempt to bring the MR/FPV crowd into the fold was a mistake. They would have done better IMO to stick with what they know. I can't blame them for attempting to boost membership, every business seeks to increase " sales ". I just think they made a series of bad calls. I am happy to see Flite Test and PMA trying to establish themselves as CBOs, the more organizations representing us the better IMO. As you may recall, my main argument in supporting the AMA was based in the fact that until recently they were the only organization fighting for us. This is no longer the fact.
The new CBOs have their work cut out for them. Their biggest hurtle is going to be providing insurance if that is even their plan. IMO $75 per year for secondary ( primary for many ) really is a great deal. I have to think that the long standing history of safe operation under the AMA has more then just a little to do with that rate. Something the other CBOs won't have when looking for a carrier.
As you know a big part of the hobby for me is Pattern and soaring competitions, without the coverage that AMA sanctions brings to the event, I'm not sure that clubs will continue to host events. Obviously I am going to support the avenue that lets me continue to compete in those events. Right now AMA and FRIA sites appear to be the most likely option.
Beleive it or not I am not trying to change anyone's mind. We all have the right to our own perspective. My issue is when someone is being shady and disregarding others experiences. We need to get over always being on the defensive. I have to beleive that you see how poorly Franklin speaks to anyone who opposes any of his opinions, how he works at discrediting people. Sure I have stooped to that as well at times but I feel for the most part it has been reactionary. I truly beleive he is the catalyst that for some reason brings out the worst in some of us. Not making excuses as I accept full responsibility for anything I have said on these forums.