IRAW: I am also from Richmond, Virginia and am in the process of soloing my second plane (the trainer met up with a tree) with a club in the area. I would like to know what club you have been going to if you don't mind telling me because I could send you a list of some other clubs and hobby shops in the area. The way that I get someone to help me take up my plane is just by bringing it out to the field and asking around to see who would like to help me out. I have yet run into a person that was not willing to help me out, but I just had to ask for their assistance. I would really recommend going to the club meetings and getting to know people because that will really help you with being able to find someone that can help you fly and also help you along the way in the hobby (building future planes, taking up new planes for test flights, or any questions you would have during the way. Again, go out to the field and to the meetings to get to know people and if that does not work, then I can give you some links to other club's flying fields in the area.