I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

I wont join AMA because i can fly R/C electric at any park............ANYWHERE. Plus all the crap that go's on at R/C flying fields from the people that runs them. I think most R/C fields are on public lands, not privet ,no to AMA. I bought a trainer and went out to the field..........."YOU CANT FLY IT HERE...........YOU DONT BELONG TO AMA............AND I CANT HELP YOU........"
SO I SAY BUY ELETRIC, SHOW SOME FRIENDS AT WORK, HELP PEOPLE WITH QUESTIONS AT THE PARK.FUN IS FUN WHEN AMA IS NOT TELLING YOU WHERE AND HOW AND WHAT YOU CAN FLY.

RE: I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

i came across the same situation as you, i went to a club in crestview florida with a trainer, wanting some help hoping someone would fly it for me and maybe teach me a little something. oh no i had to be ordained into the priesthood of the club and a.m.a. they then ignored me and left
me for dead, probably because i was so young and they were so old and miserable with their lives. for many years i flew about two miles away
from the club on a private 10 acre hey field. and they hated it but nothing they could do about it. i later joined a club called eglin aero modellers and have met some of the nicest people in my 35 years of living and been happy ever since.

RE: I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

And you hold the AMA accountable for this? I've said it 100 times, it's not the AMA, it's the members. What your saying is very typical, I've seen it myself. But I don't think it's really worth smearing the AMA because of the attitudes of the club members. Also consider that if the AMA does fall apart, there might not be this right to fly anywhere, anytime. The AMA keeps the RC flyers in check with the federal gov't, whether you believe this or not, they do.

RE: I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

More BS...Man you never quit.

Sure the AMA shares in the responsibility of club attitudes to some extent. It is absurd to think otherwise. STL you are so full of it...according to you…on one hand AMA influences the whole world including the government about the hobby but are rendered harmless when it comes to any blame when clubs are less than appealing. That my friend is a double standard.

Either AMA has influence or they don't...you can't have it both ways!~

RE: I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

well I can tell you I belong to a great club here in Texas. they offer training by most of the seniors who provide plane, fuel, & advice Free!!!!!! they suggest Joining the A.M.A. for the fact of the insurence as I would hate to face paying for a nice car I damaged due to a battery failure or radio hit out of the clear blue & crashing into someones $40,000 car or heaven forbid some body. I've found the people at our field to be most Hospitable in all things. http://www.fwthunderbirds.org/so I would say the people make the club not the A.M.A.

RE: I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

LCS-
Dont forget Futaba & Hitec etc
I don think they just sit back & hope the AMA keeps the feds from banning the sales & use of their product line. Who has more invested in keeping the freqs free, AMA or the radio companies? Last time I checked, Futaba dont sell Control Line radios but the AMA has a strong CL & FF contingency: If the Freqs went away, the radio companies would have to retool to become a pizza shop or deli, and the AMA would just keep flying CL/FF. My opinion is that Futaba/Hitec/JR etc are not just sitting back & letting AMA keep the US freqs open for them.... and they have a few dollars of Profit to motivate them to do something themselves.


Sopjih-
Look for another ama club. Some AMA clubs are jerks, some are great guys... you roll the dice with each club you look at. I like the guys at my club, but dislike the Imperial Palace at Muncie

RE: I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

Let's see...I won't give to organized religeon because all they want to do is get rich. They don't do anything else other than preach and take money. I won't join an Elks or Moose Lodge because all they want is for me to give them money and donate my time. And all the other organizations that do mostly the same thing AND have some people in them I can't get along with. Until that time I can find a group that's 100% politically correct, never offends anyone, and only sees things from my perspective and nobody elses then I will stay off in the corner, all by myself, and gain or contribute nothing from or for anybody. Oh, yea, whatever organization I decide to hook up with will have to be absolutely free because I'm ulra cheap.

Yes, that was completely sarcastic...

RE: I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

OK so the AMA does not work with the FCC and the FAA directly? If so please post your proof instead of calling me full of it. I have lots of documented proof if you want me to actually pull all that information into this discussion, 76 years worth of direct involvement of the AMA with the FCC and FAA, which are FEDERAL organizations.

Like I said ... it's the members .... your one of them.

RE: I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

Perhaps I missed something there, sopjih. Your heading makes reference to low numbers, yet you made no specific mention concerning your meaning. Let me assure you, low numbers are not joining, we joined years ago, or we were Contest Directors who joined years ago. That's the way one gets to be a low number. Lest we forget, there is such a thing as the Leader member...also a low number. What's the problem??? did someone urinate in your cereal this morning? If you join the AMA, and subsequently become a club member, then you can assist in running things as well. One member, one vote. It's really that simple. RC clubs are private entities, and as such, they can, and do make whatever rules they wish. If the club membership decided that AMA membership is a pre-requisite for membership, that is their perrogative. They are a private entity. AMA membership does not preclude your being able to fly electric powered model aircraft at the club flying field. Your lack of membership in the AMA does. Pay up, join up, or just dry up. Quit whining. It's most unbecoming for a young man.

Bill, AMA 4720
WACO Brotherhood #1

RE: I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

There are several fields around that are full of *****holes that don't want you around. Not all fields are that way. You must look around and shop for what you want in a flying site. I drive up to 250 miles, round trip to fly sometimes. If you can't find a place, outlaw may be the way. Your right, you don't need AMA, but if you can not afford 60 bux a year, your in the wrong hobby. If its not the money, you should join.

Blaming the AMA for *****holes at the field is insane. Asking the AMA to dictate that you must be nice to people is equally insane.

We the people in the hobby are responsable for bringing in new people, not the AMA. The AMA has no idea where to find people and seem to spend money in very bad areas. In fact, AMA has ditched the Air Show Team program and it was the single biggest prospecting opportunity on the planet for the AMA. They do not relize it or they don't care, either way, we all loose.

Wait a second, AMA doesn't know how to get new memebers and is run by a bunch of the same folks at the fields we were already talking about, hmmmmm.

Please join the AMA, we need the vote.

RE: I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

Oh yea, it ain't a new thing. Just read the 1st post; http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2485036/tm.htm

RE: I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

You know you have a twisted view of life. Next thing maybe you should do a little research before you shoot off your mouth. You can not blame the AMA for what happened at that flying field you went to.

Don't expect to do very many different organized activites in your life if you plan on having the type of attitude you have. Almost any type of organized activity has some type of organization you have to join to part take, if you know what I mean.

Just keep this in mind, you can find *****holes just about anywhere. Don't run the whole group of people that belong to clubs or are AMA members in the ground because you came across a few bad eggs.

RE: I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

Well i for one am really impressed. You won't join the AMA. You badmouth the AMA. So stay off the AMA discussion forum. Oh yeah have a nice day.

RE: I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

One thing you may be missing is.

From an outsider view point the AMA and the clubs are the same.

The AMA does not represent it self to the outsiders the clubs do, and how does a person walking in off the street know that.

I've been tinkering in this hobby for the last 30 years, I have real bad experiences as a teenager with a club and then 20+ years later when re entering with electric.

And as a person who just for the first time joined the AMA (last month) I will tell you, it wasn't until this summer when I came to FULL realization that the AMA and the clubs are 2 separate entities (you assume we already know the AMA only charters fields and have no control over them and their behavior).

I've done some road trips this summer to met some long time on line RC buddies (prompted by an early passing of 1), I was invited to 2 charted fields during these trips and was welcome even thought I was not an AMA member, it was this action by these NICE guys that made me see the light.

SSOO when you take issue with someone saying they will never join the AMA, don't bash them, they don't know there is a difference.

OOHH someone mentioned "Elks VFW, etc", Well I'll tell you, to keep those names above the door, the manor a member is to greet the public is spelled out, and SWIFT action is taken against those who DO NOT represent those clubs in a good way to the public.

I'll pass the talking stick along

Brent

RE: I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

I swore I would never be involved in one of these AMA/club bashing threads. However, I just have to say that I hope prospective members will take these threads with a grain of salt. PLEASE take the time to visit some local clubs and actually meet some of the members before passing judgment. I know a lot of people have had bad experiences, but not everyone has.

There are three organized clubs in my area (one in my city and two within a 30 minute drive) and ALL three provide and an absolutely terrific experience. The members are friendly, helpful and welcome people of all ages and flying types (sport, pattern, 3D, electric, heli, etc...). I guess the fliers in our area are just fortunate.

When prospective members show up at our field with a new plane, we do everything we can to help them set it up and/or check it out. We offer three free lessons--no club or AMA membership required--before they have to make a decision. We'll also provide the plane if they don't have one.

Based on my experiences, it's almost hard for me to believe some of these other situations exist. It sure is unfortunate.

RE: I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

Sopjih:

I am sorry you had such a bad experience. Let me share with you something that happened today at our club, and happens quite frequently. A young man
about 18 yrs. old has been visiting our field for the past summer. He was invited to "buddy box" on the club trainer and did so several times. He was
very excited and wanted to learn to fly, but he had no plane and is in his first year at college so funds ave very tight for him.

Our club president gave him a old club trainer that needed some work and encouraged him to fix it up. It was complete with most things he needed. I think
our president did it to see if he was really sincere in wanting to learn. Sure enough, he showed up this afternoon with the plane. He had repaired it.
He had a gas tank, but it and the receiver and battery were not installed. He needed some tubing, foam, etc. Members of the club came to his aid and
helped him. Before it was over the president and our safety officer worked on the old engine for over an hour and finally got it running satisfactorily.

However, he did not get it maidened today, because he had not centered the servos before installing the control arms and it was getting dark. But they went
over what he needed to do this week so that he could return next weekend and get to fly his own airplane.

Another member donated a starter and power panel box to him because he had none.

I am sorry to hear that some clubs are rather "closed." They are truly missing a blessing. To see the joy and expectation on this young man's face
makes life worthwhile. As someone stated above most (probably 99.9%) of the members of clubs and the AMA are super nice, generous people.

I know your feelings must be hurt. But swallow it and let it go. If their requirement is that you must join AMA (which is a good thing) then join and
return, and ask for help.

My dad used to say: "Don't let them get your GOAT, and they can't, unless you show them where it's tied."

Chin up and get back out there. Don't let anyone spoil your love for RC flying and your enthusiasm for the sport.
Just "smile" them to tears.

Good luck, best wishes,

Jim
In God We Trust

RE: I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

Our club has an open door policy and we try to accomidate new fliers. Sometimes it really does not work out. One of the primary problems is that the student wants instant gratification and gives up on following the instructors lead. I personally will not continue instructing anyone who wants to shortcut, in the end they can fly but have a lot of difficulties landing safely or becoming confused and scaring the H#$% out of everyone on the flightline and pits.
In case you don't know, AMA only covers two student flights and if you are really serious you join. Why should the instructor risk violating the insurance terms and risk being sued himself?
In most cases I have observed that most people screaming loudest are those who are trying to avoid paying for AMA, they scream and make excuses to make it look like they have a problem with AMA to avoid paying and looking cheap.

RE: I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

I had an experience at a club last Summer before joining the AMA. I thought they were being too arrogant at first, and I didn't feel welcome. Well, I decided to study the situation more before going back. First, the day I visited was on a Sunday and there were no instructors present. Second, the AMA insurance is mandatory even for introductory flights, at that club. And third, training night is on Wednesdays, which is when the instructors are at the field. After I got the AMA card, I brought my plane back to them and they gladly went over it, and helped me set it up. Their instructor was excellent, and the guys were very friendly for the most part. What made things different the second time around, is that I played by THEIR rules, and not MINE. And my time at their club as a guest was very pleasant indeed. In all honesty, I misjudged these people, and I apologize. What more can I say? I'm gonna join 'em!

NorfolkSouthern

RE: I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

You know i missed something in his earlier post. This was his only post look at the number one. So he she or someone else changed there name just for this as in trolling to stir things up. Or for their one and only post their an angry person.


I vote we close this thread before it gets to stupid. Or would that be stupider?

Dennis

RE: I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

TROLLING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RE: I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

I think you will find that the vast marjority of flying clubs in the USA or chartered by the
AMA, while most rc flyers are a nice group willing to help newcomers the AMA tells clubs
not let people fly at their fields unless they are AMA members.

RE: I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

It is funny...well sad actually... and gives credence to the original poster’s point but another post was made in this thread by a first time responder (cadmn) but you guys did not label him a troll or cast aspersions on his character.

I guess only those that are critical of AMA or a club can be a troll but those that are supportive of the status quo or counter point is held in the best of regards and is above reproach.


That is wrong and unfair!

RE: I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

Oh no, I assume all are trolls.

Where is JR?

RE: I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

I apologize. i was wrong and unfair. I did not see the other person on their first post. I'm bad. I guess i forgot one time i had a first post. What i do remember is that i did'nt go badmouthing. Not on the first post. THe second post maybe but not the first.

Dennis

RE: I will never join AMA and why low #s joining
 

What's wrong LCS? Got caught in the cookie jar? Erased the "cookies" and tried with a different name, or use another computer to sign-in a different name? It's not an infrequent thing, and can be detected if one observe's the styles.

Who are you to judge what is wrong or what is right? You can judge opinions as to what you like or don't like, but then even that is just YOUR opinion.

FAIR? What has "Fair" got to do with anything when some person shoots off his mouth about something he has no clue to what he speaks of? I consider it very fair when the monthly SOS / DD question, such as the initial posting here, is again posted and gets shot down. Life is not "fair" and I can see that every day all around me. I have life very good, Many many have it far better than me, OTOH Millions and millions have it so much worse than me, so what is fair for those that suffer each day? [sm=angry.gif]

Whatever they get on this forum will not make a difference in anyone's real world. As it has been stated. "All's fair in love and war." So when one enters this battleground and expects "FAIR" then one is darn well in the wrong place.

AND to sopjih, the thread originator: If you can't take the heat, then stay the _ell out of the kitchen.
This SOS / DD comes very regularly from somewhere, and so you do as you feel you need to do. 'Nuff said!