A great tool to inspire a love of the hobby, the sport,
and career pathways in model aviation!
Are you interested in resources that can help you learn to fly fixed-wing RC aircraft?
The AMA Education Team is thrilled to announce that we have officially gone live with our Intro Pilot Ground School training!
This isn't just a digitized pamphlet. Our team spent months distilling the "secret sauce" from dozens of training manuals used by successful model aviation clubs across the country. We’ve taken those decades of expert trainer knowledge and structured them into a comprehensive, modern resource. The best part? It is currently FREE for anyone to access!
A New Tool for Instructors
I know what some of you are thinking: “I’ve been an Intro Pilot Instructor for years; does this mean I have to change how I teach?”
The answer is a resounding no. We know many of our instructors have been successfully minting new pilots for seasons on end, and we aren't here to tell you there’s only one way to fly. However, we also recognize that even the best flight instruction can benefit from a formal "ground school" foundation.
Think of this as a force multiplier for your existing program. We’ve organized the material into digestible chapters. At the end of each section, the learner receives a certificate of completion. They can bring these to the field to show you exactly what they’ve mastered—from AMA safety practices to the basic physics of lift—allowing you to spend less time talking on the bench and more time on the buddy box.
Downloadable Forms
Oh, be sure to check out the downloadable forms that can help you guide students throughout the entire process! These are useful for individual mentors, club fields, as well as for the individual who is learning to fly. You can check these out by visiting this link!
Empowerment for the Solo Learner
While we always recommend that a newcomer connects with an experienced instructor or a local club for that first takeoff, we realize the world is changing. Some enthusiasts prefer to tinker and learn the ropes at their own pace before heading to an AMA chartered club. This can be a costly choice, but one we hear about time and again.
We will always push new pilots into a mentorship opportunity with expert intro pilot instructors. But by making this resource free and accessible at learn.modelaircraft.org, we are providing a "safe harbor" of vetted information. Instead of relying on random, sometimes contradictory internet videos, a solo learner can follow a structured path that emphasizes safety, legal compliance, and the fundamentals of fixed-wing flight.
More to Come
This launch is just the first step in a much larger vision for the AMA Education Team. While this initial module focuses on traditional fixed-wing aircraft, our goal is to build a "one-stop-shop" for all things model aviation.
In the coming months, keep an eye out as we roll out focused ground school modules for other disciplines, including:
Free Flight: Mastering the art of the trim and the thermal.
Control Line: Understanding the physics of the circle.
Helicopters & Multi-rotors: Navigating the complexities of vertical flight and advanced stabilization.
Bringing new pilots into the hobby, the sport, and even preparing them for future careers in aviation is the heartbeat of the AMA Education Department. Whether you are a veteran instructor looking for a way to streamline your syllabus or a curious newcomer who just bought their first foamie, this platform is for you.
Head over to learn.modelaircraft.org today to create your free account.
Let’s work together to ensure the next generation of pilots starts their journey with their feet on the ground and their heads in the clouds—informed, prepared, and ready to fly.
