Yes as noted above in many different ways you need to join the AMA. The benefits far outweigh the actual cost in $$. What you receive from the clubs will benefit you in more ways than you can imagine. Just getting a plane up and down in one piece (as you apparently have done) is just the beginning. Gaining skills and enjoying the hobby is what happens when you are enjoying it with pilots having the same interest. If you aren't interested in gaining from the experience of those who have spend time enjoying this wonderful hobby and sport that's your perrogative. Attending a contest or big fly in will widen the expereince even more.

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