I don't mean to diss the local hobby shops, but this is towards the slight few.. And is a direction we should all take to help them.

They DON"T offer help, or even know where to go for lessons, let alone where the closest feild is or what MAAC or AMA is. $$$ is all they care about, and will do and say what ever to make the sale. Up here (Quebec) there are a few 'hobby stores' that are mostly toy stores; with the odd RC car, maybe a plane, a few radios and a few engines. They have the token 'hobby things' but rarely have the knowledge to educate & pass on. Well, the owner maybe, but the sales person rarely. The new plane owner dosen't know the consequnces, and what to really expect: "How hard can it be?" They are slightly overshadowed be the stars in their eyes about the new toy..

Sorry, As I said, I don't mean to diss all hobby shops, just the token few. Many times I've been shopping and have jumped into the conversation, only to correct the sales person, and educate the potential pilot. This has sometimes lost the sale for the store, the customer realising that the 'kit' isn't complete, and the F4U isn't the wisest choice for a first time build or flyer.

Newbies may not know, and if you don't now, you won't know to ask!