View Poll Results: Are you an AMA member because you want to be , or because you have to be ?
Voters: 144. You may not vote on this poll
Poll , Are you an AMA member because you WANT to be , or because you HAVE to be ?
07-16-2018, 06:06 AM
#76
I was being sarcastic! However, a thought occurs to me. A flying site has something to offer. So approaching it as a stranger is not unlike a potential customer entering a store. How many times have you gone into a store looking for something but couldn't find it? But while looking you encountered numerous employees of the store. Yet not a one of them asked if they could help you.
Would you buy anything at that store?
Would you buy anything at that store?
07-18-2018, 05:48 AM
#77
Banned
funny you should mention this. not too long ago I walked around an unfamiliar hardware store looking for something for quite while,...didn't find what I wanted and decided to leave. as I approached the exit door, an employee that was sitting at the cash register talking to the cashier casually asked me if he could help me,....I calmly and shortly answered "nope" and continued out the store. i'll bet that employee just thought to himself, "man,.... that's why I hate dealing with the public".
Problem is you find these attitudes everywhere at every age.
09-21-2018, 06:18 AM
#79
Banned
I support the idea of an organization like the AMA. But I believe the current organization has a number of serious issues and has basically missed the boat on several occasions.
09-21-2018, 10:49 AM
#80
Was an AMA member because it was required by the club I flew at. Will be again for the same reason when I can start flying again. WISH I could find a stretch of desert out here smooth enough for takeoff and landing then I wouldnt have to be out the nearly $100 for AMA and the over $100 to join the dang club..
09-21-2018, 02:04 PM
#82
Was an AMA member because it was required by the club I flew at. Will be again for the same reason when I can start flying again. WISH I could find a stretch of desert out here smooth enough for takeoff and landing then I wouldnt have to be out the nearly $100 for AMA and the over $100 to join the dang club..
I have an outstanding RC facility 15 minutes from my house and get bored in 15 minutes if there's nobody to hang out with and most of my circle of friends I hang out with socially are members. Not all of course, but most especially the regulars. But i work from home so hanging out with someone from the office means walking the dog.
09-21-2018, 02:24 PM
#83
Interesting.
I have an outstanding RC facility 15 minutes from my house and get bored in 15 minutes if there's nobody to hang out with and most of my circle of friends I hang out with socially are members. Not all of course, but most especially the regulars. But i work from home so hanging out with someone from the office means walking the dog.
I have an outstanding RC facility 15 minutes from my house and get bored in 15 minutes if there's nobody to hang out with and most of my circle of friends I hang out with socially are members. Not all of course, but most especially the regulars. But i work from home so hanging out with someone from the office means walking the dog.
09-21-2018, 02:52 PM
#84
Interesting.
I have an outstanding RC facility 15 minutes from my house and get bored in 15 minutes if there's nobody to hang out with and most of my circle of friends I hang out with socially are members. Not all of course, but most especially the regulars. But i work from home so hanging out with someone from the office means walking the dog.
I have an outstanding RC facility 15 minutes from my house and get bored in 15 minutes if there's nobody to hang out with and most of my circle of friends I hang out with socially are members. Not all of course, but most especially the regulars. But i work from home so hanging out with someone from the office means walking the dog.
Likely the occasional museum patron visiting the RC strip doesn't happen any more, but I dunno I haven't been there in over 8 years. I live in Mesa AZ now, and will likely be flying off the club field that is about 20 min from my house.
Its going to be a slow rebuild for me though, money is as always tight so I will have to build my collection one part at a time. Engine radios and fuel being the final parts just before I spring for the AMA so I can use the club strip. I'm looking at a year or two, maybe more. But then I've been away from the hobby going on 9 years, I guess I can wait another couple to do it right this time.
09-21-2018, 03:03 PM
#85
I was very impressed with the R/C field there at the Evergreen museum. Not to mention the workshop the club enjoyed in the second museum building. Since the field was right there at the airport they were limited to 400' altitude. That may have something to do with the lack of usage. I was there on a Sunday afternoon returning home from Portland and there was just one guy there flying. That was only two years ago.
09-21-2018, 04:23 PM
#86
Well, I must admit I did enjoy the social aspect VERY much. The trouble is, at the field I flew at in Oregon there was seldom anyone there unless an event was happening or the monthly meeting night was upon us. Any other time, weekday eve, Saturday, Sunday etc.. the field was usually empty. I bored holes in the sky alone, save for the museum goers that would see my plane in the air and walk out through the trees to see what was what. The RC field was directly behind the Evergreen Aviation Museum, with a small grove of trees between it and the museum proper. My understanding is it was moved farther away, but on the same properly.
Likely the occasional museum patron visiting the RC strip doesn't happen any more, but I dunno I haven't been there in over 8 years. I live in Mesa AZ now, and will likely be flying off the club field that is about 20 min from my house.
Its going to be a slow rebuild for me though, money is as always tight so I will have to build my collection one part at a time. Engine radios and fuel being the final parts just before I spring for the AMA so I can use the club strip. I'm looking at a year or two, maybe more. But then I've been away from the hobby going on 9 years, I guess I can wait another couple to do it right this time.
Likely the occasional museum patron visiting the RC strip doesn't happen any more, but I dunno I haven't been there in over 8 years. I live in Mesa AZ now, and will likely be flying off the club field that is about 20 min from my house.
Its going to be a slow rebuild for me though, money is as always tight so I will have to build my collection one part at a time. Engine radios and fuel being the final parts just before I spring for the AMA so I can use the club strip. I'm looking at a year or two, maybe more. But then I've been away from the hobby going on 9 years, I guess I can wait another couple to do it right this time.
09-22-2018, 05:08 AM
#88
Interesting.
I have an outstanding RC facility 15 minutes from my house and get bored in 15 minutes if there's nobody to hang out with and most of my circle of friends I hang out with socially are members. Not all of course, but most especially the regulars. But i work from home so hanging out with someone from the office means walking the dog.
I have an outstanding RC facility 15 minutes from my house and get bored in 15 minutes if there's nobody to hang out with and most of my circle of friends I hang out with socially are members. Not all of course, but most especially the regulars. But i work from home so hanging out with someone from the office means walking the dog.
09-22-2018, 02:32 PM
#89
Banned
But then someone would bit@% if we took up a collection to pay for it. Too many members expect the club to pay for all the food all the time.
Then they bit@% again when asked to cut the grass or paint the facilities. They expect us to hire people to do that.
Then threaten to quit the club if the dues is raised.
Probably bit@% if the porta john was out of TP......................
11-29-2018, 01:59 PM
#90
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Redstone, CO, USA
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I think the reality of it is, that without the hook of the club and insurance, the AMA would cease to exist. The only caveat to this would be those who wish to compete.
I support the idea of an organization like the AMA. But I believe the current organization has a number of serious issues and has basically missed the boat on several occasions.
I support the idea of an organization like the AMA. But I believe the current organization has a number of serious issues and has basically missed the boat on several occasions.
Late to the party & I rarely post in “comment” forums.
My sole reason for AMA membership is that it is REQUIRED for the one or two events a year that I attend........
Social aspects? Nah, my thing is flying models not sitting around polishing them and shooting the breeze.
Flying sites? Sure, ask the drone guys or park flyer fiasco guys.
Do I expect the amatures at AMA to do anyting but beat their chests about the excellent job they are doing with the FAA and the drone/sUAV issues? No.......corporate UAV and FAA big brother are bending Muncie over.
”Growing” the AMA via drone/quad members? Yea, right, the numbers speak for themselves.
IMO the AMA is quite analogous to AARP, nothing but a glorified insurance organization.
Thanks, but my personal liability insurance will protect me long before AMA finally kicks in.
11-30-2018, 05:24 AM
#91
If AMA survival is dependent on people who like to fly sUAS AND be social, it's an even smaller pool of potential members.
12-01-2018, 06:00 AM
#92
Banned
I grew tired of the rule Nazis badgering others over rules they themselves do not understand. The mis-information is rampant and extends to forums like this. I dare say there are people here (and at the field) who would misunderstand it when I say, "The Sky is Blue!"
And some of them do so intentionally simply because that is the way they are!
I go to a field to fly. Flying by myself is relaxing and saves me the time of waiting for a spot and avoids the rule Nazis. If I want bickering, I'll move to a neighborhood with a HOA.
And some of them do so intentionally simply because that is the way they are!
I go to a field to fly. Flying by myself is relaxing and saves me the time of waiting for a spot and avoids the rule Nazis. If I want bickering, I'll move to a neighborhood with a HOA.
12-01-2018, 08:04 AM
#94
Banned
I've been in clubs with periods of peace and quiet. But that can change oh so easily and oh so fast. Probably the best is the first one I belonged to in Germany. We averaged 10-20 members, German and American with a core of some 4 Americans and 3 Germans. We put on shows for the local Dutch Army post, the annual Bremerhaven German/American VolksFest and others. We had an indoor club area provided by the Army. A building table over 20 feet long x 8 foot wide. Club owned Shop tools and a paint booth. Never a conflict in the 4 years I was there. Not so for the clubs in Virginia and Alabama. Texas wasn't as bad but did have some issues. Alaska simply tried to stay warm. But I flew Helicopter, Kavan Jet Ranger, in an empty maintenance hanger capable of housing several 707's (KC-135's). Second club in Germany I think I flew twice in four years thanks to my deployment schedule. Yes, I have experienced coming home to be greeted by my 2 year old daughter with that "Who the heck are you?" expression on her face. Last club in Virginia was thrown under the bus by the AMA. Little more than lip service from Muncie as we fought for a flying site.
A long time ago I made a decision to be able to afford my own flying site in retirement. I recently purchased it. The runway is laid out and will be smoothed and seeded come spring. AMA discouraged!
12-01-2018, 11:24 AM
#95
Nice you will be able to enjoy your own flying site. We get reminded every monthly newsletter that we can`t fly at our field or at some function somewhere else unless we have a current AMA card. Dang, mine expired 11-30
04-05-2019, 09:37 AM
#96
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2019
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I've been a member for nearly 30 years because I WANTED to be a member. In the past, I have really believed in the AMA as a whole and thought it was a relevant organization, worthy of expenditure of my discretionary $$. The last few years, I have strongly been considering not renewing because of the direction the AMA seems to be going as well as the fact that they do not seem to be listening to the entire membership. Not only are they not listening to the whole membership, they seem to be digging their heels in and actually ridiculing those that have/are questioning their direction. NOT GOOD!
I do not understand the, "we must grow at any cost" theory that seems to have been adopted by our leadership as well as some members. We are and always have been, a relatively small, grassroots community. The AMA was created in order to bring some organization, consistency and cohesion amongst our small group and to be the voice for our collective group where necessary (remember the frequency threat that we faced?). While it is nice to have a financially healthy organization that can provide scholarships and assistance to clubs, it is simply not a necessary function of the AMA. This is a pay-to-play hobby just like any other. Furthermore, it is each of our responsibilities to be good stewards and advocates of our hobby in order that we ATTRACT new interest and members to ensure the hobby doesn't die, NOT the AMA's. They are simply there to support US and our efforts and to advocate for our privilege to use the NAS where needed.
I am so on the fence right now that I can't vote either way!!
Regards,
Astro
I do not understand the, "we must grow at any cost" theory that seems to have been adopted by our leadership as well as some members. We are and always have been, a relatively small, grassroots community. The AMA was created in order to bring some organization, consistency and cohesion amongst our small group and to be the voice for our collective group where necessary (remember the frequency threat that we faced?). While it is nice to have a financially healthy organization that can provide scholarships and assistance to clubs, it is simply not a necessary function of the AMA. This is a pay-to-play hobby just like any other. Furthermore, it is each of our responsibilities to be good stewards and advocates of our hobby in order that we ATTRACT new interest and members to ensure the hobby doesn't die, NOT the AMA's. They are simply there to support US and our efforts and to advocate for our privilege to use the NAS where needed.
I am so on the fence right now that I can't vote either way!!
Regards,
Astro
05-03-2019, 02:56 PM
#97
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Elkland, MO
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I was hoping for a "Not a member because I don't have to be" option in the poll. AMA left me with a bad taste in my mouth when they squeezed the Sport Flyers Association out of existance.
05-03-2019, 03:35 PM
#98
AMA did to SFA what businesses have been doing for years , eliminate threatening competition . Did you know the inventor of FM radio , a man by the last name of Armstrong , committed suicide over the repeated unfounded lawsuits brought by the owner of RCA , a man named Sarnoff . Sarnoff and his RCA was of course heavily invested in AM radio and needed the newer , better , FM radio killed in the cradle . Thanks to RCA's meddling , FM radio , invented in the 1920s , never saw the light of day till the late 1940s / early 1950s as a practical broadcast mode .
Like I said , when money is threatened , money does what money does best ......
Last edited by init4fun; 05-03-2019 at 03:39 PM.
05-03-2019, 06:15 PM
#99
Two weeks ago I visited the Molalla R/C club. One of the local hobby shops provided me with contact numbers of the club officers. When I arrived at the field there was nobody there and the gate was locked. I decided to give the club Vice Persident a call to see if he expected anyone to be out flying soon. He asked when I planned to be at the field. When I told him I was already there his reply was " Cool, Imwill be there in 10 minutes to let you in ". Keep in mind that at this point I had not committed to join this club. After I set up and made a fligh he decided to drive back home and load up an airplane leaving my wife and I there to continue to enjoy the field. He returned with an airplane and a couple other club members showed up and were very kind to my wife and I.
Today I had a great experience. I walked into the local hobby shop ( Coyote Hobbies ) and joined the Molalla club right there in the store! As I have said before, AMA's best asset are the members. Of course the relationship you enjoy with your fellow club members is like any other relationship, you only get out what you put in.
Today I had a great experience. I walked into the local hobby shop ( Coyote Hobbies ) and joined the Molalla club right there in the store! As I have said before, AMA's best asset are the members. Of course the relationship you enjoy with your fellow club members is like any other relationship, you only get out what you put in.
05-05-2019, 02:08 PM
#100
A great Sunday morning at a new site. I met a few more of the club population at the Molalla Oregon field. What a great bunch of guys. Did some flying and told some stories. They have an active helicopter group as well. Flying off of grass is a new experience for me as all my California sites were paved. The Reed Falcon handled it like a champ. I'm going to fit in here just fine. I simply can't imagine having such a great experience flying alone without my AMA brothers.
Last edited by speedracerntrixie; 05-05-2019 at 02:10 PM.