I feel both ways about the issue. Late last fall I bought a plane, 2 radios, and tons of field gear. I go to the local field, and find out that their "Every Tuesday evening beginners classes" have ended for the year. So I'm stuck with driving 30 miles to the field on weekends and hoping there is a trainer there, and that I'm not bothering him. I'd have rather paid someone. I make $30/hr, and those trips to the field that were fruitless cost me plenty in time that I could've been working.

But during the summer, tuesday nights, 8? stations, lots of instructors, all for free, you gotta love it. Perfect for a non-dummy who, unlike me, waits to see if he likes flying before he buys everything. Then again, you still need AMA, and must be a member unless you're a guest. I imagine that newbies training get at least a few sessions as a guest. I think it should be offered both for free and for pay. The best way to promote the sport is however the student wants his training. My 2 cents. - Joe