Originally posted by POJack
Rule #3 states that all guests must be licensed by the AMA. Who would want to join the AMA first if they didn't know if the hobby was for them or not? Unless the AMA has a rule for newcomers like being covered for you first few flights without being a member.
Although I am a Canadian, I know the AMA has a Introductory Pilot Program, discussed in detail on page 21 of their manual
http://modelaircraft.org/templates/a...memanual03.pdf
This program allows a non-AMA member to fly at a club field and be AMA insured for liability coverage provided the new flier is under the supervision of a chartered club designated Introductory Pilot. The designated Introductory Pilot must be an adult AMA member and the chartered club must submit the Introductory Pilot application designating him or her along with the $5 Administrative Fee.