This may be controversial, but I guess forums are for posting opinions as well as information.
I have been reluctant to post this, but I feel it needs to be said.

I have read some posts from people complaining that "Instructors" refused to help student pilots. I can't speak for others, only for myself. I have never refused to teach or assist students provided their plane was airworthy (safe) and student signs the required AMA disclaimer form.

These alleged instructors may have declined assistance for one or more of the following reasons:

1. Student's plane was not safe to fly, I have "red-tagged" many planes in the past.
2. Student refuses to first learn flight basics (ground school).
3. The "instructor" might not be qualified, or doesn't feel comfortable flying student's plane for some reason. Not all experienced flyers are "Instructors", nor do they wish to be.
4. Student refuses to sign the AMA disclaimer form ( form is for liability reasons)
5. Student refuses to, A. use an appropriate flying site, or B. to obtain AMA membership and insurance. (Most, if not all, instructors feel more comfortable teaching if student is a member).
6. Instructor may not have the time at the moment, student should be willing to make an appointment for a set day, place, and time. The best approach is to contact a local club for assistance. All clubs have a roster of qualified instructors.

Some myths:
"The instructor's insurance will cover the student" FALSE....That's the purpose of the disclaimer.
"Having AMA insurance is protection for all incidents. FALSE.... The AMA does not condone flight over or near people, in public streets, around vehicles, crowded parks...AMA general rule #3 states..." I will not....fly... in a ...dangerous manner." So what constitutes "dangerous"?.... Think about it.
"These small park flyers are not dangerous" FALSE...any airplane can seriously injure someone.

The currrent trend toward "backyard, park, street flyers etal", could put a blemish on the sport of model aviation. Enough instances of planes hitting cars, houses, fences, or perish the thought, PEOPLE, ...WILL cause public dissention, and could even lead to local legislation forbidding flight in public places.

I am not criticizing those who attempt to teach themselves to fly. After all, it's their money. I am just asking them to please not mess it up for the rest of us. Remember your actions reflect on all of us. Nor am I condemning "park flyers", I fly electric also and love it. However, as a rancher airspace is not a problem for me, so I probably can't appreciate the problems of urban pilots. Nonetheless, I always practice safety.

I hope I haven't stepped on some toes, but as the old adage goes, "If the shoe fits, wear it".
I would encourage and welcome comments and questions from students and instructors alike. I probably should add....These are my opinions and comments, I respect your right to disagree, just keep it positive.
BO-

"I would rather be on the ground wishing I was up in the air, than to be up in the air wishing I was on the ground".

Hallelujah to that. I have a varied fleet, including several electrics and a few glow planes, from slow to fast, and from 29" span to 63" span, and I fly them all only where appropriate. Anything fuel powered only gets flown at the club field. The electrics get flown more, since there is less prep involved, but again, only where and when appropriate, ie, the slow stick and tiger moth can fly in a school parking lot at night(they're lit, slow, and practically fly themselves). The faster or more demanding ones, like my wasp or a GWS warbird, I won't fly at a public park if it's occupied, because even it has enough kinetic energy to hurt someone if I got really unlucky or had dumb thumbs. I know I'm off on a tangent from your topic, but my thoughts are the same. RC pilots need to have common sense, and USE IT! BTW, my experience with the instructor (I only had one lesson; a checkout flight on a kadet) at our club was overwhelmingly positive, because I used common sense, and played by the club's (and AMA's) rules.

Right

Matt, I think you stayed right on the topic, and said some things I wanted to, but ran out of space (and time). This morning my wife asked me why I was up so late...it took me a long time to condense my thoughts. Having done a lot of public speaking in my life, I tend to be long winded hehe.

You mentioned "rules", yes all activities require rules or there is anarchy and confusion. To paraphrase a famous quote...."ask not what this hobby can do for me, what can I do for the hobby". I have had a good life of flying (50 years) and would like nothing better than to spend every day teaching others. Unfortunately the pay would not support me in the manner to which I am accustomed. [8D]

BO