Originally Posted by
acdii
Part of, if not THE issue is younger generations want it now, and wont take the time away from their phones and social media to learn to build. For many, building a plane and then flying it is what makes the hobby. Whats really sad is that technology today makes it possible to do things with our models that was impossible a couple decades ago due to weight. Full on lighting systems, GPS, easy train systems etc. are a few of the things not possible back then. Mini and micro servos for gear doors, bomb bay doors, and rack systems for realistic bomb drops were not possible back then, but look what can be done now. Heck we even have printers to make parts that were hard to get if they were even available like special hinges and such.
Between lack of interest to build and lack of available flying fields, it wont be long before the days of bringing something special to life are gone.
In my city, there are 3 schools that have RC aeromodelling STEM programs where every class is full of kids in the hobby. They designed, built, and flew RC airplanes in every class and then some. If a kid doesn't have a ride out to the field with his parents, he sure can't do much by riding his bicycle. If parents aren't already in the hobby or aren't interested, their kids won't be getting into the hobby. I have no trouble at all getting kids interested and inviting them and their parents out to the field, who are willing to drive them there. I'm ready, willing, and always able to give anyone RC flying experience at their convenience. I'm lucky to have a huge flying field not far from where I live. When I had my hobby shop, I had an RC flight simulator that I would insist that customers allow me to show them how to fly on the RC flight simulator.