One thing I think the AMA is blowing is it's responsibility to match new modelers up with experienced flyers.

For a while now, I have been counselling new flyers over the internet to join AMA and...

" Once you start getting your AMA magazine, find out who your local VP's or Assistant VP's are (they are listed in the back of the magazine) and call them to find someone in your area to help you."

Apparently this doesn't work very well. AMA needs to keep and maintain a list of experienced flyers who are willing to act as mentors for new members. This list could be managed by zip code or perhaps a larger geographical area. New AMA members should be able to call, or email AMA HQ and say "I live in Palookaville and I cant find a club near me, can you give me the name of a flyer in the Palookaville area that would be willing to help me get started?"

The list of sanctioned clubs is not adequate for this, although it is a starting point. There are many excellent instructors out there who would be happy to help new flyers in their area, but are either not members of sanctioned club, or are not interested in participating in the politics of their clubs and are therefore not listed as AMA instructor pilots. Also there are many modelers who don't fly much but are still quite willing to help new flyers find their way, and even a novice sport flyer can be a great help to someone who is just getting started.

Renewing AMA numbers should be asked, via check box on their renewal slip, if they are willing to have the AMA release their name and contact information to new flyers, and new members should have the option of asking the AMA to send them a "new member kit" that would contain beginner information and a contact list of modelers in their area.