ORIGINAL: metabolicmaggot
I have plenty of time to find and talk to locals and decide then but while I'm here, do you have to have AMA insurance and are there restrictions on where you can fly?
You cannot legally fly on or overfly public or private lands other than your own with most glow planes.
At best you could obtain permission from someone to use their field ( assuming you don't own a farm, etc. ) but then there are the liability issues.
Any neighbor could call the police and they could cite you with wreakless endangerment if you fly outside the perimeter, too high, around power lines, etc.
You could potentially give the rest of us a "black eye" so to speak, by your actions.
Most parks just barely tolerate SMALL electrics, and want nothing more to remove you and your plane from the area when possible.
Your best bet is to join a club, there are many, many benefits that you will not realize until well after you are a member.
AMA membership and insurance is usually required by most clubs. This is a good thing for you in case something ever goes wrong.
Most clubs will also provide FREE training, and sometimes trainer planes for you to use.
Most clubs will have sanctioned fields that are kept in good condition. You can usually fly there without the worry about being kicked out, neighbors, etc.
So take the advice being given to you, join a club.
That was one of the best pieces of advice I was given.