MK7,
Welcome to the hobby! Once you get hooked up with your club and an instructor you will have a blast! I joined a club last year and have met some really wonderful people who all love to fly and talk about airplanes as much as I do. I even met a guy who taught me to fly a 'real' full-scale plane and takes me flying on a regular basis. Being a member of a club gives you 'ownership' over the flying field (which will become a very special place) and a say in how things are done. It has been totally worth every penny joining the AMA and a local club.


A side note: On the weekend of May 16 is a pattern meet in Jackson, NJ. Pattern is precision aerobatics and what the guys do with their planes is really impressive. If you are in the area you should stop by and check it out. There is usually some time for flying after the meet, which is on Saturday AND Sunday. I will be driving down for this.