Originally posted by Heavybird
Is the transportation of model airplanes on commercial flights something that happens on such a regular basis that it in fact indangers all modelers abilities to fly our models? I am just curious. Why did the AMA (brass) feel the need to meet with the TSA or did the TSA call the AMA?
If the AMA took it upon themselves to make this trip, what did it cost us, does anyone know? And what are the benifits to us average guys?
This brings up an issue that I think the AMA has not (at least publicly) addressed. And it's an issue that many if not most local clubs have to deal with on a daily basis. And it's not specifically an AMA issue. It's part of the social change in the hobby that has taken place. It's the "All I want to do is fly on Sunday morning, I don't care about other clubs or events or contests" member. Unless it effects me directly, I don't care about it and it's a waste of time/money/effort/etc...
We have the premier scale event in the northeast here in Maine. The CD is well known and attracts some of the best scale modelers in the hobby - Charlie Nelson, John Chevalier, Tom Kosewski, Roy Valliancourt, Jack Buckley, Bill Killam; Nicky Zrioli and Bill Steffes have attended. For the past two years we have been EXTRA fortunate to have the likes of David and Jason Shulman attend and fly both in the contest and demos during the event. One would think, if you're into R/C and live in the area, THIS would be the place to be. The CD asks area clubs for a donation to help defray the cost. We as a club have given in the past. $100. For our treasury, no big deal. But lo and behold, there are always atleast a few who neither attend the event that our club supports with money, contestants, and man power but complain to no end about spending that money because it doesn't directly benefit them.
That attitude carries over into other R/C activities. I don't know what the AMA answer should be. Or even if there is one.