RE: Has the extreme Heat stopped your flying
Haven't flown since January, The heat, Humidity, and not to mention the constant wind every day are just to much for me this year, Just to much trouble to load everything up to get to the field at the crack of dawn and only get a couple hours in before the heat and humidity becomes unbareable. Plenty of time to fly in the fall.
Posted on: 7/7/2012 8:20 AM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11146425

RE: Taylorcraft crash
[quote]ORIGINAL: lopflyers I think if this is a design flaw there are more planes out there with the same problem. And if that is the case you can be certain they (Horizon) know already. It would be nice to ask on these forums if someone else had a similar problem, that would be case solved for you.[:@] [/quote] +1 we would see alot more problems with this plane if this was a design flaw, I'm sure they sold thousands of these by now...
Posted on: 7/5/2012 10:59 AM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11144058

RE: AMA, What are you Thinking?
my oh my. I better not get started on this one lol, what about you Biggs?
Posted on: 6/8/2012 9:12 PM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11111937

RE: Congress acts to protect model aviation from burdensome regulation
In the famous words of chicken little " THE SKY IS FALLING " NOT............
Posted on: 2/9/2012 5:09 AM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10951043

RE: Teir Membership, should safer groups pay less than higher risk groups?
I'm sure you all got this e-mail Model Aviation gets a new look! Coming to your mailboxes in March is the redesigned edition of Model Aviation. Readers will notice the magazine has a cleaner and more modern aesthetic look, with new color-coded content arrangement, a new contemporary logo, new featured articles, and a new cover complete with large imagery and exciting cover lines and teasers. Although you will see great changes, the goal of Model Aviation will remain the same: to inspire, inform, and instruct enthusiasts who share a passion for modeling. Model Aviation will maintain its position as an information-providing leader in aeromodeling, reflecting the AMA's position as the world's largest model aviation organization. I guess they need to spend more money on a magazine that looses money already. What a joke.....
Posted on: 2/8/2012 5:06 PM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10950397

RE: Teir Membership, should safer groups pay less than higher risk groups?
[:D]
Posted on: 2/7/2012 5:21 PM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10948814

RE: Teir Membership, should safer groups pay less than higher risk groups?
[quote]ORIGINAL: K-Bob [quote]ORIGINAL: Flexnbeef + 1[:D]..... Funny how this thread dried up when nobody can deny the obvious after looking at the AMA financial records.. [/quote] Maybe it's because this subject has been argued Ad nauseam for years on end in the AMA forum. [/quote] Well maybe it's time we do something about it instead of just aurguing amongst ourselves.. Start sending
Posted on: 2/7/2012 4:58 PM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10948780

RE: This is crazy dangerous!
[quote]ORIGINAL: Desertlakesflying Someone better explain this is dangerous to Bill Hempel in Tucson this year.......Sheesh [/quote] Right.. This is the same kinda stuff you see from some of the big names in the hobby at events all over , just because some no name individual does it it somehow becomes more dangerous. Go figure...
Posted on: 2/6/2012 3:17 PM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10946979

rcplaneswarehouse.com
Be aware of this site, rcplaneswarehouse.com They offer planes and equipment that have improper and downright wrong discriptions of included items and availability . I ordered a electric jet that was listed as available and after several weeks and numerous calls to customer service being told order was shipping several times just got an e-mail saying they cancelled my order because item was unavailable. Extremely shoddy customer service.
Posted on: 2/6/2012 12:41 PM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10946740

RE: Teir Membership, should safer groups pay less than higher risk groups?
+ 1[:D]..... Funny how this thread dried up when nobody can deny the obvious after looking at the AMA financial records..
Posted on: 2/4/2012 5:57 PM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10944140

RE: Teir Membership, should safer groups pay less than higher risk groups?
Here it is , http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2010/520/799/2010-520799408-07b3088e-9.pdf check it out for yourselves..
Posted on: 1/31/2012 8:32 AM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10936799

RE: Teir Membership, should safer groups pay less than higher risk groups?
This is the kind of stuff that is ruining this country, I don't care if it is legal.... Here you have a self serving organization that does nothing for the general popualtion, says its not for profit yet has over 17 million in assets and pays a measly 150 thousand in payroll tax. And for such a small staff it sure has some unbeleivable operating expenses. Talk about a money laundering machine. Oh, and lets not overlook the fact that they spent over $81,000 in travel expences for the year, Two and a half times more money then they gave out in grants, something they always brag about mind you. Al Capone would be proud.. And come on, What equipment are they buying that looses 80% of it's value in a year, and I know times are tough but I also know most property values haven't lost 50% of there value within a year either. I'm ashamed to have to participate in the funding of such a dispicable operation... [:'(]
Posted on: 1/30/2012 10:20 PM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10936311

RE: Teir Membership, should safer groups pay less than higher risk groups?
After reading the financial info I'm even more appaled. You would think that if a business was loosing money then you would start cutting fat. Running in the red is the american way. I really like the $500.000 in non itemized expences. Top three officers making a combined $300.000 + salary in a not for profit organization is excessive in my opinon..
Posted on: 1/30/2012 7:49 PM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10936168

RE: Teir Membership, should safer groups pay less than higher risk groups?
Looks like they were based on 2010 info supplied by Hossfly..You can ask him about it in your daily phone conversations....
Posted on: 1/30/2012 4:23 PM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10935843

RE: Teir Membership, should safer groups pay less than higher risk groups?
Well , Biggs even if you could get alternative insurance you wouldn't be able to use it to fly anywhere because all the flying sites are locked up in the "CHARTER SYSTEM". and you know darn well the AMA is not about to loose it's feeder clubs in the process... And as far as pm's are concerned Hossfly, I never said I knew it all, I simply told you I would like another option. Yeah and maybe I would spend time reading the info if I really gave two sh@&%, but I don't... I had to join the AMA just so I could enjoy a hobby that I have already invested thousands in. What a racket... If somebody were to ask me today if they should get into this hobby I would say, Don't waste your time or money on planes, get into cars or trucks, at least until they find a way to wring every cent out of you in that catagory... But like all the rest of us I drank the koolaid already and now if I want to fly with my friends I have to feed the monster..... Ckecks in the mail............ BAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH
Posted on: 1/30/2012 4:15 PM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10935824

RE: Teir Membership, should safer groups pay less than higher risk groups?
Here, Drink some more koolaid.... [:D]
Posted on: 1/26/2012 11:19 PM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10930045

RE: Claims thru AMA
The information I would like to see such as what district the claim generated from and what time of year is something thats unavailable on the web site
Posted on: 1/26/2012 11:18 PM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10930041

Claims thru AMA
So recently I was told by district VI VP Charlie Bauer that AMA claims have increased accross the board but he was unwilling to give information on what districts were generating the most claims. This site has members from all districts and I was wondering how many of you have made successful claims against the AMA, Please no"I know a guy responses, I would like some real info. Pretty simple. Lets see all those claims that the AMA is pertaining to..
Posted on: 1/26/2012 10:27 PM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10929557

RE: Teir Membership, should safer groups pay less than higher risk groups?
[quote]ORIGINAL: ira d [quote]ORIGINAL: Flexnbeef Well , Well, Look what I found. Right here in my little AMA magazine it states that when said magazine is included with membership $18 of the dues are for the subcription NOVEMBER 2011 pg 171 bottom right paragraph. If thats the case then why don't we have the option not to choose the magazine? Same issue page 145, AMA 2012 application
Posted on: 1/26/2012 10:23 PM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10929994

RE: Teir Membership, should safer groups pay less than higher risk groups?
[quote]ORIGINAL: Hossfly Some notes: 1. I have fought and fought for years the AMA's position of publishing a magazine that loses more money than the cost of the AMA Liability Insurance program, I have run for AMA office a number of times, being soundly beaten. ([i]That does not include the '79-82 time period when I was elected over the incumbent and then by write-in the second time.) [/i] The membership now doesn't seem to want a fiscal conservative in their AMA. Last year I could not even get on the ballot. Then the premier candidate for President was soundly beaten by a majority of just the small percentage of the AMA members that voted. I find this statement hard to believe. Just thumbing thru a single 172 page issue I came up with 67 pages devoted to AMA type news or events, 37 full page adds for products not related to the AMA, 63 small adds, "under half page or less" for non AMA related products, 37 pages of informative articles, 17 pages of misc info and 16 pages devoted to events. So you have over half the magazine devoted to product advertisements and you say the magazine is running at a loss. Wow, Then I guess it would be benificial to stop the presses immdiately, or just print the 67 pages of AMA related material. If the magazine is being printed at a loss like you say then deleting 105 pages with be benificial..
Posted on: 1/26/2012 10:21 PM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10929989

RE: Claims thru AMA
So 35 annual claims, 20 minor and 15 serious in a 150,000+ member organization. Thats minimal at best..
Posted on: 1/26/2012 9:51 PM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10929963

RE: Teir Membership, should safer groups pay less than higher risk groups?
[quote]ORIGINAL: KidEpoxy [quote]Really, there is no picking your favorite items, and you are not in the majority in your request. Now if you get 100K signatures (I used any number) asking for a change, maybe they study the feasibility of what is requested.[/quote] I dont remember any 100k signature petition to AMA asking for the $29 Cutrate Tier to be created, yet the discount cutrate-insurance tier was indeed created by ama No picking favorite items? True or False: Within existing member classes folks may choose to pay for ama without the magazine for less dues than if they choose to get the magazine? Tiers Tiers Tiers all through out the membership classes right now. [/quote] ? I don't recall that option... EDIT...TRUE
Posted on: 1/26/2012 9:32 PM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10929924

RE: Teir Membership, should safer groups pay less than higher risk groups?
Well , Well, Look what I found. Right here in my little AMA magazine it states that when said magazine is included with membership $18 of the dues are for the subcription NOVEMBER 2011 pg 171 bottom right paragraph. If thats the case then why don't we have the option not to choose the magazine? Same issue page 145, AMA 2012 application for membership. Only option to omit magazine subscription is available to the Park Pilot Program, Youth membership and Affiliate membership, All these at a reduced cost without magazine subscription... So whats up with the double standards and no option to omit a unwanted publication ??????. Ok, I know I said I was leaving but this is new evidence [:D] ...
Posted on: 1/26/2012 9:26 PM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10929948

RE: Teir Membership, should safer groups pay less than higher risk groups?
[quote]ORIGINAL: Silent-AV8R [quote]ORIGINAL: Flexnbeef My word. No...... My basic aurgument is I want what I am being charged for, I guess that's a difficult concept for a koolaid drinker to grasp.[/quote] That pretty much ends it for me. If you are unable to discuss something without resorting to insults, well, then there is nothing more we can talk about. [/quote] LOL, since
Posted on: 1/26/2012 4:01 PM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10929453

RE: Teir Membership, should safer groups pay less than higher risk groups?
"If you don't stand up for something you will fall for anything" [:D] BAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH, checks in the mail.......
Posted on: 1/26/2012 12:38 PM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10929115

RE: Teir Membership, should safer groups pay less than higher risk groups?
So If I pay for a membership in july why can't I get the entire 12 months becoming due again in july of the following year. Don't tell me it's impossible because of admin costs or logistics, Most things are done with a touch of a key on a computer. It basically comes down to the AMA not willing to offer alteratives because it would cut into the bottom line. If the AMA is truly for it's members then why can't this be a viable option. After all we already pay for it... Do something for your members and stop using the excuses " That's the way everyone else does it". We are supposed to be a members for members based organization. Lets walk the walk AMA...
Posted on: 1/26/2012 12:22 PM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10929086

RE: Teir Membership, should safer groups pay less than higher risk groups?
[quote]ORIGINAL: Silent-AV8R So in summary you were upset because you did not get a magazine that you do not like in the first place for the period of time you were not a member? Then that morphed into being unhappy that the AMA does not offer a variety of membership lengths? I think the AMA should perhaps publish a statement that says if you do not renew by a certain date you will not receive all 12 issues for the next year. But if you wait to renew until later in the calendar year how can you be upset you did not get the magazine for the time you were not a member? It appears you either want a selection of different membership durations (3, 6, 9, 12 months) or perhaps feel that membership should be prorated monthly ($4.83 per month)? And somehow you have gone from that to being irritated about the monuments AMA has built in Muncie (metaphorically speaking) to feeling that AMA is some sort of financial scam designed to make the leadership rich on the backs of the poor underserved membership. [/quote] My word. No...... My basic aurgument is I want what I am being charged for, I guess that's a difficult concept for a koolaid drinker to grasp..The other issues were a afterthought when the district VP called me and started speaking down to me. I want either a concrete dollar amount stating what the actuall cost is for a membership based on a breakdown of insurance cost and magazine cost. If your going to charge $36 for a magazine to a non member and offering it to members free then you are either ripping off the non member or including the cost in the membership.. So what is it? These are all answers that the AMA refuses to address.. Also I think the AMA should invest more time and money into offering these alternative choices for members and not buying buildings and property in Muncie Indiana that most members will probably never see or enjoy. Is that a tough concept for you to grasp
Posted on: 1/26/2012 8:29 AM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10928723

RE: Teir Membership, should safer groups pay less than higher risk groups?
Yes, It was a issue with the magazine subscription. For the past few years I've renewed my membership to the AMA late in the year due to work schedual and not having time to fly, Well the magazine is supposed to come with the membership yet when you renew late you don't get the full year of the subscription. As I posted earlier I don't really care for the magazine based on it's outdated material. So The membership is $58 with Model Aviation included. Non member Subscription rate for the magazine is $36 for 12 months, That leaves $22. Now is that the actual cost of a membership without the magazine? Information that was impossible to get a straight answer on. If you renew late no matter what the circumstance is you only get the issues from the date of paid membership til end of year. So basicly your paying for something your not receiving. I wanted a direct answer to this issue but all i got was handed down to a useless individual. This may seem like a trivial issue to you AMA koolaid drinkers but do you go to the store and pay for a dozen eggs only to get home and find ten of them are empty useless shells? I want what I pay for. Either pro rate my membership like they did the first year I joined or give me the whole year subscription to the magazine or refund the difference.. Pretty simple solutions. Charlie Bauers only solution was "Renew early like everyone else and get your 12 months or don't get all you issues, Pathetic take it or leave it answer at best.. Also raised the issue of 3,6,9 month memberships for members that live in area's that don't enjoy the privilage of year round flying, I myself live in the midwest and only fly 6 or 7 months out of the year so why can't I have a choice in length of membership?. All legitimate issues that were raised and only got hostile and negative responses. I keep seeing people posting " It's only $58, well it's my $58 and your $58 and all the other members $58 and that adds up to quite a bit of $$$$. I invested alot of money into this hobby and don't want to waste another $58 for no results policies and answers.
Posted on: 1/26/2012 7:40 AM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10928616

RE: Teir Membership, should safer groups pay less than higher risk groups?
Look, my basic issue with the AMA is that I had a legitimate membership issue that I took up with Membership Director Shawn Grubbs on the AMA website. After getting a form letter answer and no results I was pushed down to my district vp, Charlie Bauer who called me and by his own admission said he had no authority to address said issue and pretty much told me if I didn't like the results or answers I was getting to file a petition with the AMA and then proceeded to tell me he didn't have time to aurgue with me about it after calling me mind you. Why call me then? 1. You have no authority to deal with the issue at hand. 2. You had no intention to resolve said issue. I guess you just wanted to talk down to a measly little member. I don't think this is the kind of leadership I want to or should have to pay a fee for, A bunch of old geezers locked in an archaic and useless method of dealing with member issues, even the AMA magazine is full of outdated material and self serving articles. Hmm, sounds like the same thing that goes on in DC. So it's time for a change with other options and methods of advancing the hobby besides being told " Here it is, it's worked for us so far' Take it or leave it". Not good enough anymore. So thats where I'm coming from...........
Posted on: 1/26/2012 6:15 AM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10928505

RE: Teir Membership, should safer groups pay less than higher risk groups?
[quote]ORIGINAL: AugerDawger [quote]ORIGINAL: Hossfly [quote]ORIGINAL: AugerDawger If you can demonstrate valid homeowners coverage you should get a discount. AMA is excess/ subordinate to your homeowners policy. Many flyers don't own a home or homeowner's liability insurance. [/quote] Now here is a quote that presents absolutely no comprehension as to what the AMA's Liability Insurance is about. Liability Insurance is for the person that suffers a hurt be it bodily, or property or other. People buy extra liability insurance to protect their assets should said people be levied payments beyond their financial reach or that reach where they may suffer less than their desired lifestyle. That helps YOU should you injure someone or something, and the court renders you liable. It helps the harmed person to have resources to cover or help cover his injuries be they person or other. So you have a Homeowner's policy. I have two as I have two homes, still the liability funds would be peanuts should I run a big gas-burner into your back side at some flying facility or just ''somewhere''. You may be bed-ridden or wheelchair the rest of your life. I definitely would be horrified that I did such to you, and you would be worse than that, especially if you had a family that depended on you to put food on the table. Now look at this: Let's ''pretend'' ( I like that word ''pretend'' as my 5 year old granddaughter asks ''PaPa'' to do so every day we are together [;)] ) that I had little assets and just the day before my Home Owner's paltry $300,000.00 policy had been canceled and my home/s been foreclosed on. No money for you from my being broke so it's ''Sorry Old Chap, Bye Bye!'' [/quote] Don't tell me I have no comprehension then go on to bolster my very point. Your homeowners insurance pays out first to its limits and any excess claim the AMA kicks in. If you have significant homowners coverage you may never even get to use AMA. [/quote] Hey, Don't worry. Give them some more $ and you get your name printed in the back of the magazine with all the other koolaid drinkers.. ain't that special....
Posted on: 1/26/2012 4:13 AM by Author "Flexnbeef" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10928399