Matt,
Your last observations is exactly the impression I have been getting from several different places. That makes the AMA ignoring the e flyer a critical missed opportunity. I am on several different e flight lists and forums and silently watch to learn what the heck is going on. One of the big things I have learned (the hard way) is that in most of those places he who talks about AMA is viewed as someone who is trying to bring the hog to the front row of the church.

Dr. H. Sanford Frank, District VII AMA VP used to make comments to the effect that flying was a social event. I used to agree because the flying friends get more of my time and concern than anything outside family and work. However, now I am now wondering if it is the same for everyone as the Dr. implies. I am beginning to suspect that e flyers don't fit that mold very well, and that may be one of the reasons that there is observable movement toward light electrics. That class of flight does not need a formal flying field and all the added onerous things that comes with it. I have seen lone e flyers all over the place, but wet birds seem to be strictly regulated by almost everyone.

We see some of that right here where folks rail on and on against clubs and the AMA. We constantly see where someone has gone to a club and was not welcomed in a way they expected. These are some of the people who probably wind up supporting e flight growth.

I am beginning to wonder. I am sure some folks in their attempt to manage people made some serious errors at clubs and we are beginning to see the back lash created by the AMA moving into the wrong corner and becoming a tool those managers used to beat folks up. It did not used to be that way and the biggest reason is that until e fligh blossomed, those who felt like targets kept their mouths shut as the solution. Somehow we (AMA) need to become what we used to be. An organization to promote the hobby rather than an organization to promote the organization.