As one of the CD's for Heli Spring Fling and Heli Mowdown in Virginia, I can honestly tell you, $125 is a really good deal for pretty much a whole week of flying. There is a lot involved with organizing an event and sure they can charge a lesser fee, but the atmosphere and experience would not be the same. We spend upwards of thousands of dollars on our hobby, but complain about $125? That could be a set of blades you damage on a maiden flight and forget about a week later versus the memories you'll remember at an IRCHA Jamboree and lifelong friendships you'll create.

Hmmm... Maybe. The only thing I might add is that a set of quality 710 blades cost $135 in 2003. 16 years latter they are about $115. If the price of blades had increased at the same rate as IRCHA landing fees, blades would be $500 a set.

Really? I think you're missing the whole point. We're talking $25/day if you showed up on Wednesday. Your blade inflation is based on wooden blades vs Carbon Fiber. The event is about having fun and brotherhood (or sisterhood). Bottom line is, if you can't afford it, you can't afford it, but if you can, more power to you. Personally, I could barely afford it, but scraping up the loot to be able to go was well worth it for my son and I to see friends we only see once a year at IRCHA. People forget that this is a hobby, the friends that have become like family are the reason we go to big events, otherwise, we can fly at any local club or "illegaly" at any open field.

I get it, money is a big deal for a lot of people, including myself. However, there are some things and experiences in life that are worth it and that's priceless.

I spend $1,000 a year on servos. But there are people that will have to sacrifice to manage these landing fees or not attend at all. Increasing landing fees 5 fold over 15 years, when most other items in this hobby have stayed level or actually declined (including blades), is NOT growing the hobby.