My clubs search for a flying site has gone on for a year now 
with little success.  Even though there are probably half a dozen 
potential sites within 10 miles of the old one we are constantly being 
turned down for one reason or another.  There are litterally THOUSANDS 
or acres of potential flying site that include land fills, prison 
buffer land, park land, Federal Government property of one form or 
another, and various other types of private and publicly owned 
property.
       In our efforts one of the main reasons that has been used 
against us has been a belief that we will bother the birds and animals 
in some way.  In one case they were afraid we'd wake up sleeping bats.
       We know we won't do this but, we have no experts.  We know of
no studies or research that shows this issue one way or the other.  
Because of this some lower level government employee can and has 
stopped us by simply saying, "I have made the determination that your
activities are incompatable with the purpose of the property."  Even 
though he has no studies to support his statement, he is not degreed by
any school in this area, he makes a determination and that is it, all 
the way up to the Secretary of the Interior
       This is where the AMA should be able to step in.  The AMA should
know of and have cataloged various studies that can help clubs fight 
for flying sites.  The AMA should be our EXPERT who can make a phone 
call to these types and challenge their determinations with cold, hard 
research supported facts.  But the AMA either can't do it, won't do it,
or simply doesn't care to do it.  And why should they?  Because they 
claim to be our experts.  They claim to represent us.  They claim to be
on our side.
       They have their flying site in Muncie so why should they bother 
to help one simple little club.  Wake up AMA.  This place is getting 
more and more crowded and land everywhere is at a premium.  If it is 
left to the individual clubs to do the needed research to hold onto and
obtain flying sites, this hobby is in deep, deep trouble.
       I for one will solve my problem the old fashioned way.  I 
eventually will move from this area.  I will buy enough land for my own
flying site.  And at the entrance will be a sign which will read, 
"Miniature aircraft flying site.  SFA Welcomed, AMA Tolerated."
       Thanks for the help AMA, or should I say thanks for nothing 
because that is exactly what we got from you, nothing.
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