The buddy box thing is a great idea...fields should offer this to any newbies who are interested, and maac should find a way to accomodate this that is easy, ie you don't have to sign up for a year, which can be a daunting prospect for a newbie! As far as paid instructors go, I see your points but on the other hand current instructors may not be too enthused by an influx of new flyers, what with their baggy clothes, gangsta rap and all the rest. we can hardly expect an old-timer to want to take on lots of students. As well, there are many among us who would literally cackle at the idea of being paid to fly and if they were paid they would be more able to dedicate greater amounts of time and energy to teaching enthusiastically. There are many who would love to learn, but we need to be more inv iting/ market our hobby better. People expect more these days.

I like the fact that you didn't automatically dismiss all my ideas, thanks![8D]