Please Note: This program is not intended to alter or replace any instructor program offered by AMA chartered clubs for their AMA members. This program is intended to introduce the non-AMA member to aeromodeling while providing liability insurance coverage to the non-AMA member and the chartered club. This program is optional.

A non-AMA member may fly at a chartered club site and receive member liability insurance protection as long as he/she is flying under the direct supervision of a club-designated Introductory Pilot Instructor. The Introductory Pilot Instructor must hold a current AMA Open membership with the “Intro Pilot” classification. Supervised instruction must take place at an AMA chartered club’s site, and must be closely supervised. The non-AMA member will have the same liability insurance coverage that other AMA members receive, solely while under the direct, one-on-one supervision of the Intro Pilot Instructor, for a period of 60 consecutive days starting from the first session. No other AMA benefits are provided to the non-AMA member.

Participation in this program is on a one-time basis only. This program covers assisting new modelers through education and training activities only, and does not constitute permission to fly in any organized event of AMA members or clubs, sanctioned or otherwise. No AMA card will be issued to the non-AMA member during the 60 day introduction period.

If the non-AMA member’s model is used, it should be carefully checked and the Intro Pilot Instructor should fly it until familiar with it. High performance aircraft should not be used for training. For radio control clubs, if the non-members radio is “buddy-box” ready, its use is recommended.

The restriction of the number of Intro Pilot Instructors per club has been removed. Chartered clubs are requested to have a reasonable number of Open AMA members as Intro Pilot Instructors each year. AMA HQ will verify that all designees are current Open members. There is a $5 per pilot administrative fee in addition to the Open member’s annual dues. A club officer must complete the Introductory Pilot Instructor Designation form and submit it to AMA HQ, either online, by fax, or through US Mail. A person may be designated as an Intro Pilot Instructor by more than one chartered club.

All record keeping is the responsibility of the chartered club and its designated Intro Pilot Instructors. Using forms provided by AMA, clubs shall establish and maintain up-to-date records showing date of enrollment and date of termination for each non-AMA member enrolled in the program. Neither the club nor the Intro Pilot Instructor is permitted to charge any training fees. The granting, duration, and revocation of Intro Pilot Instructor status is at the sole discretion of the chartered club.

The Intro Pilot Instructor must instruct the non-AMA member in club-related site safety rules. Each non-AMA member must be given a copy of the AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code, and a copy of this document. In addition, the non-AMA member should be provided with the “Welcome to Aeromodeling” package, provided to clubs by AMA, along with any other introductory material the club feels is appropriate.