1.Noise is a major factor, do you like the sound of a chain saw or dirt bikes even a 1/2 block away all day? Internal combusion model engine noise must be muffled better. Certain noisy electric models can also be as loud and irritating as 1/2A IC engines.
2.City fathers feel that it is their duty to protect the city from the cost of inury liablilty suits so they pass anti-model flying regulations and post signs everywhere. AMA and homeowners insurance helps some but not if most park flyers have no coverage.
3. We lost our wonderful Mile Square Park, Fountian Valley, CA, flying area because the county thought they could make money with another golf course. If they had not spent the money to make the golf course, and charged each of us $200 each per year instead, they might have been money ahead, but there was the noise issue too and liability fears too.
4. Corny TV shows often portray model airplane, rocketry and model and boat car activity as frenetic, toy-like play activity, laughing at crashes, with irritating R&R music in the background. We need to convey (somehow) that this really worthwhile, challenging and fascinating activity that leads youth to techinical careers and that others can easily become involved in.
5. Many modelers are chronically underfunded and really can't afford club and AMA dues. Many others are enjoying the hobby "on the cheap" and won't pay club or AMA dues. Others make non-club/non AMA membership a "holy grail cause". With such lack of organizing ability and lack of strength in numbers, it's no wonder we don't get new flying sites and lose the ones we have.
6. Community involvement in fund raising for charities, getting youth involved in constructive modelling activity, involvement with schools etc are all helpful things that require work and involvement by modelers.
7.Lack of recent support from aircraft and aerospace firms is shameful. We need to get them involved and they could really benefit from many public relations standpoints.