AMA in Action 2014/01

Early one Saturday morning, a young boy was awakened by his father. “Get up, there’s a model airplane event in town,” he said. “Let’s go watch!”
This was wonderful news. The boy first experienced RC models at a Blue Angels’ air show a few years earlier and he marveled at the maneuvers they were able to perform. He quickly got up, dressed, and ate breakfast. Soon, father and son were driving to the local flying field where the event was being held.
When they arrived, the site was full of vehicles and the sound of model airplane engines filled the air. Excited, father and son headed to the action. There was almost too much to take in! They were quickly greeted by several club members who showed them around and introduced them to others at the field. Soon they were making friends with other fathers and sons participating in the event.
The boy quickly hit it off with several other boys who eagerly answered questions and showed him how the airplanes and radio systems worked. The boys became best of friends. Father and son spent the rest of the day at the flying field and began what soon became a lifelong pastime.
With a few variations, this story has been repeated thousands of times throughout the years. This is often an individual’s first encounter with a local model airplane club. For this father and son it was a memorable moment and one they will never forget. It led to both of them to joining the club, purchasing their first airplane, and learning to fly.
They attended club meetings together and learned how to build. They learned how to choose the right engine, how to install the radio equipment, and how to set up the controls. They shared a love for this hobby that lasted a lifetime.
Sadly, this is not always the case or how it turns out for everyone. All too often we hear horror stories of how a family or interested person showed up at a local flying field only to be shunned and told they’re not welcome. Some brought ready-to-fly models in hopes of learning to fly and were told, “Take that junk somewhere else. We don’t fly that stuff here.”
How heartbreaking it must be for a newcomer to have such an experience, and what a terrible impression of modeling and modelers this creates. How many of these individuals left the flying field vowing to have nothing with hobby and ultimately supported or actively worked toward eliminating this activity from their community?
Do you recall your first time as a newcomer? All of us need do our part by encouraging youngsters, helping families to get involved, and welcoming others into the hobby. For most AMA clubs, this is a common practice. However, if your club lacks a little in this area, do what you can to help create a welcoming environment.