fliers1

Flite test is on the right track and something of what I had in mind. Rather than lamenting about the good old days, here's some food for thought.
Imagine if the aeromodeling industry had their own hands-on flight promoter/instructors, who were also AMA members. These industry members would have readily available flight promoter/instructors like auto dealers have salesmen. For example, Hobby Town USA would have instructors in every one of their stores. Also, a RC simulator kiosk setup to give customers a taste of RC flying and to provide training in store. Perhaps their own flying field in many places. They could train people to be flight instructors, maybe for a fee or for free. All store owners could require all customers to join AMA. Something on the order of Horizon Hobby's Flight School program. Wouldn't that help to attract more members for all clubs? Also, that would take the load off of club instructors. Win-win for everyone.