Don't condemn the entire sport because you had two clubs that didn't live up to your expectations. They have reasons for being the way they are. Meetings once a year? Not that uncommon since most members would rather fly than waste time in meetings.

Our club (in Frederick, Md by the way) addressed this problem by creating a "provisional" membership. Once we recieve a persons application, dues, and verify AMA status, we allow them to use club facilities. We have two fields, one in Frederick and one in Emmitsburg, both privately owned and leased by the club. To operate and maintain those facilities costs us about $2700/year. Dues are the primary means of covering club expenses. We'll let someone come out and check out our field, and if they're AMA members they're allowed to fly as a guest under the supervision of a current club member. After about 3 visits though, we believe they're just taking advantage of our goodwill, and require them to join.

As for the provisional membership, the only thing they're not allowed to do is vote on club matters until they are voted into full membership. And thats usually the first order of business at our meetings, which we hold a few times during the year, and never during flying season.

I try to get every club member to make sure nobody has a bad experience at our field when visiting. Introducing yourself, giving them a phone number or email address for the club trainers if necessary, and spending a few minutes chatting go a long way.

I make it a point to find local flying clubs whenever I travel around the country. I have met many very nice people, some of whom have even given me the opportunity to fly their planes. I've seen clubs on private land and public land. I've never been ignored, but many times I had to make the first contact. And I've always been asked to come back and bring a plane next time.

Brad