Originally Posted by Nitro Blast
Hmm really? Your recomnmendation reads differently to me:
You are reccomending pilots isolate themselves from sanctioned fields, and dedicated areas set up to provide a safe place to participate in RC activities.
That to me does read as anti-AMA, in a backhanded way, and is bad advice for any beginner.
Well, you are right, I am clearly against the AMA attempting to introduce a government sponsored legal monopoly requiring paid membership. I am fine with them existing for the benefit of voluntary members.
I am also fine with the government requiring compliance with some basic safety standards where it may pertain to protecting non-fliers from fliers. But not if it is for the purpose of revenue production - i.e. I would not be in favor of licensing fees, which is where this AMA action could lead--and the gov can smell that fresh meat a mile away.
I have not given any advice to beginners in this post. But I do recommend everyone flying RC models should have proper liability insurance or the ability to self-insure. I don't think AMA coverage is enough, as their total assets are limited, their listed limits are very low, and the application is narrowly extended. So again, you are right that I have a concern that AMA members might think they are insured by way of AMA membership, but in fact they have no significant insurance. But on that issue, I don't really care, that is their problem, not mine.
The AMA certainly has demonstrated benefits in sponsoring and organizing club events. I'm fine with that. I think that is what they should do, not collude with government to grow dues.