Originally posted by Dave Bowles
Neat question but impossible to answer, its hard to say how many fields are able to be simply because of the cheap cost of insurance with AMA ? Many clubs started because of competition supported by AMA. IMO if it wasn't AMA it would have been something else similar.
some more questions ?
Would we still be using 27 and 49 Mhz and only a handful of frequencies being shot down by C.B. radios if it were not for the AMA or similar organization.
Would the Hobby have grown as it has if it were not for the verity of frequencies and as a result the equipment we have today.
Would the expense of high insurance detour clubs from starting and landowners leasing their land.
IMO a Modeling organization was very instrumental in the growth and choices we have in the hobby at this time , and one of the main reasons the FAA or government has pretty much left us alone and self regulating, But it is quite clear that could or can come to an end if we don't do a little self discipline , as the saying goes, just because we can, dosen't mean we should.
The short answer, NO I don't believe the number of flying fields we can all fly at would be as high as it is today, and I believe that most fields would have be somewhat exclusive to club use if it were not for a model Organization joining us as one.
Nice post DB and a good point concerning the use (acquisition) of Frequencies from "uncle charlie"
BV