Hi I've been trying to get started in this wonderful hobby for some time. I've built a couple of kits (first one was a Herr P-51, then I learned that it was not a good selection to get started, then I built a Kadet LT-40). I've never flown a model plane; I just like this thing too much. I am 54, maybe a little late to get started, but just now I'm able to accomplish this old dream. Well, I live in an small town since september 2005, I moved here from Florida. There is an AMA club here, an small airfield as well, and a hobby store. I became an AMA member, but there is no way I can contact the club members. (As a matter of fact I did through e-mail, but all I got were vague responses, I would say elusive). I don't blame them, I understand that maybe it is an small club where all the persons are related or have known each other for a lifetime, and maybe they don't need or don't wish to have new members. I've been at the airfield several times. I find it very nice. I've been there different days, at different times, waiting to see if someone appears but no luck either. There is a sign that reads: AMA license required to fly at this airfield. Well, since I've been at this for 2 months now I wanted to ask in this forum if usually an AMA license is enough to fly (or try to fly) in RC airfields, or if a club membership is usually required. Also, since has been impossible to become a club member (and of course much less to contact a flight instructor) would someone dare to give some advice on how to flight my LT-40? I know that all the advices are against it, but I have 2 choices, learning for myself or forgetting model airplanes. I would like to find an online instructor. Anyone?
Thanks!

You said you contacted the club. Was it
JASON JUDT
NORFOLK NE 68701
Phone: 402-379-9242
email: [email protected]

I'd be persistant if possible unless they are just refusing to cooperate which I can't understand as that is not typical of the way modelers behave. Use the phone, you will be able to tell more in a voice than an email.
You can find rude store owners anywhere also.
If they field isn't chained off or posted "private" then one might assume that it was OK to fly there.

rinoldi,
The requirements for flying at a field are determined by who owns the field. If the field is privately owned then you will have to follow their guidelines. If they say club membership and an AMA card are required to fly then those are what you will need. If the field is publicly owned then whoever owns the field (i.e. city, state, US government) will outline the guidelines. If they are allowing a club to use a public field then they will usually defer to the club as to guidelines for use of the field.

For example. The field where I fly is located on an Army base. The requirements for flying there are that you have to an AMA card UNLESS you are active duty military, DOD civilian, or retired military. Since the army has set those guidelines we can't overrule them and have military members join the AMA. We encourage them to because of the insurance but we can't force them.

Hope this helps

Ken

Ken

Rinoldi,I too at a late age of 50 decided I was mature enough to get into this sport.I done everything the right way.I read and researched,bought a plane,joined the AMA,and the local club. I tried unsucessfully for 5 months to get someone at the club to teach me. In that time I stayed on the simulator that came with my plane.It was the Nexstar Select.I finally lost patience and went out to the field until I found it empty.I soloed on my first flight.I got 4 more flights in before I lost oreintation and planted the Nexstar.Anyway,to shorten the story,I have now been flying 17 months and made some good friends at the club.I have also made sure anyone I meet new that wants to fly I help them.I have taught sucessfully 4 people to fly.Don't give up.If you were closer I would be happy to help.

Sometimes small clubs can be hard to contact. People work, travel, etc. Just showing up at a field is usually the worst way to try to contact them. Keep trying email, and check the AMA website to see if there is a phone number for the club contact. I'm President, Instructor, and Training Coordinator for my club, and its often very difficult to find club members that are confident enough in their own abilities to try to fly someone elses plane. They understand the risks, and don't want to place themselves in the situation where they might crash someone elses plane. Perhaps the people you've contacted are just uneasy about helping new people. It sounds silly, but its understandable.

In the past couple months, I have maidened three new planes for club members that are just getting back into flying or just starting. In each case, I made sure before ever taking off that they understood the riskiest flight for a plane is the first. Make sure that if you're asking someone to help, you relieve them of any liability. You might want to watch them fly for a while to determine their competence. Do you really want to trust them with your pride and joy?

I second the simulator time, but discourage the solo without training approach.

Good luck. Persistence will pay off.


Brad

Fifty is not old. I just soloed last month and I am 73. It took me 75 days of elapsed time with me flying an average of 3-4 flights four days a week. I burned more than four gallons of fuel before I soloed. Stay with it and enjoy.


Hud
Ocala FL

Even in a small town, there might be other places to fly. Check the AMA club locator for other places in your area, let's say, within a 50 mile radius. As already stated, be persistent. They may not be avoiding you, just reticent and/or not aware you really might want to join. Unless it's a private club, the membership should be open.

Most clubs will let you fly as a guest several times before asking you to join up. I would NOT fly at their field without someone's permission. As for flying the LT-40, get an instructor, even if you have to drive a little. You'll plant it if you don't. I'm a member of two clubs. One is within 20 minutes and the other is about 45 minutes. I enjoy flying at both. The club farther away has a grass strip that is more forgiving on my Dr.1, while the closer club has a paved runway which is fine for my sport planes.

Keep pushing, the door will open!

Dr.1

I looked at the list earlier. The next LISTED club is 50+ miles away in South Dakota. Yes, there may be unlisted clubs too.

One other possibility while you are waiting for ananswer it so get a simulator like GREAT PLANES G3 and practice on your PC, takeoffs are fairly easy except in a crosswind, flying becomes easy when you can control the plane in the roll attitide when it is coming at you (ailerons are reversed) and landings are usually the hardest until you conquer the reversed aileron thingy and don't land too slow at first ( causes tip stalling sometimes) . AND if you crash on your PC there is no repairing, just push the button and start over...

Forget email. Call the phone number Bruce posted.
What do the people at the hobby store know about the club? When there was a hobby store in the little town where my club is located, the owner was a club member (he was also an instructor at the club).

I feel for you! But hey, at least you get a response. When I try and contact the club here, no response to email, and the listed phone # is not in service. I know someone flies there, the field got cleaned up this spring and stuff. The only way it seems for me to contact them is to manage to catch one of them there, which is hard considering I can't go out there on weekends. I would try calling the contact, it can't make things any harder for you

The hobby shop is your key.

The owner has an interest in keeping you active. He also should know just about everyone in the area who flies. Ask for his help if he can't help you get in touch with the club guys.

Don't give up !!! As stated keep trying at the hobby shop and call any numbers you can. One other thing you can try is to make up a sign with your name and phone number on it and post it at the field. Making small tear off's for your number might also help. Folks won't remember your number and most don't have pen and paper with them. YOU have to make ALL the effort till you pin them down. Then when you do it will all be worth the effort.
ENJOY !!! RED