I have always wanted to get into RC flying. Back when I was a young boy, I spent many evenings building control line planes and flying them at a home made field down the street from my home. Even then I thought that IF I could only "cut the lines".....Wouldn't that be grand....Now many years later, I have the time, to again, get into my hobby. For now, I just got an electric park model and have flown it at a few Athletic fields around my home. There is an actual flying field, not far from my home, that is supported by our county forest preserve, however it requires a permit. While I have no problem paying for a permit to use this facility, the application requires an "AMA license"....
While surfing these boards I have seen references to the AMA and have seen applications to join.....But I haven't seen anywhere where it says anything about having a license.
So, here are my questions:
1. Is one required to have a license to fly planes?......I realize that for many of the larger, more powerful planes, it is logical.
2. I only plan to fly electrics. For now, probably park models.....However, what determines a park model, from any other
3. At some point in time, I would like to build my own planes, from kits and maybe, my own design. Where does one find out what restrictions there or, regarding this.

I know these questions seem pretty stupid, but IF I don't ask, I won't know.
I've seen many replies to questions on these boards that say.....JOIN A CLUB......I am not much of a joiner......I won't say never, but I'm inclined to say that I won't be joining any club, in the forseeable future.....I just want to build and fly my planes....