When this thread started with "I dont want to make any trouble.." I kept reading 'cause i knew folks would get fired up, I wasn't dissapointed
The AMA is neccesary because it puts a responsible and representative head onto aeromodeling activities for everyone in this country.  It seems so 'natural' how things are, but simple things like usable frequency designations, noise standards, general safety guidelines (ie flight lines etc.) were all formed or influenced by AMA activities, if the AMA didn't do this then the federal government would be dictating our lives (and giving us federal bail-outs to buy our votes but I digress....)  .Because of the 'big picture' I definately support the AMA in a philosophical manner and try to maintain my membership even when I live in the boonies and don't have acces to a toilet with running water.  On the other hand I am sympathetic to the person who gets stuck trying to fly at a new field and who runs into the attitudes of that field... so often these folks aren't helpful or friendly. but those attitudes are NOT the AMA or in any manner are they representative of that Golden Palace of Hope and Love that's in Muncie where the souls of all pilots go to when they die.

So on the one hand, the AMA, support it cause it supports you.  On the other hand the local clubs, fly there if you can because they need your positive attitude sometimes just to help their sour one.
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