Well, I've now visited my local flying field twice now. First time, 3 people were there, 2 of the 3 were leaving, and 1 was flying. The second time, it was empty.
I have to say however, I'm not very impressed. I'm actually disappointed a bit. The guys I talked to when I visited the first time, mentioned a membership fee of about 180 bucks (100 deposit, and around 80 per year), and I'm not sure if this inclued the AMA (is that right?) membership or not. This sortof worries me a bit.
Here's a description of the field..... Drive off the highway, down a long paved road with trailer parks, then the road turns into a very long gravel road, through swampy woods, then finally ends at the field. The field is nothing more than a cleared out stretch of land, with a fence on one side where you park, and a covered picnic area. The "flying" side of the fence has some tables for setups, and a few places for pilots to stand when they are flying. There's also a very tiny shed located beside the covered picnic area. The landing/takeoff strip is mowed grass.
What I envisioned of a flying field included a clubhouse, where you could buy refreshments, gas for planes, maybe even some parts and accessories. And a paved parking lot, and maybe even a paved runway, that isn't so far out in the boonies you feel you need a horse and buggy to get there. A bit more organizarion, such as newbie signups for instruction, maybe even some competition registration....you know a clubhouse (sortof like a golf course), with someone there with an actual telephone that works there at least on weekends or something.
I just find it very hard to shell out 200-300 bucks to some place just cause they have people to fly with......sometimes. I can't help feel my money would be better spent someplace else for membership.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to insult the field (I'm sure alot of work still went into getting it going), I'm just wondering if I'm getting ripped off by the price. Heck, I figured I could just go there for instruction for free lol, then when I'm ready to solo fly, then I'd join.
Thanks in advance