Introductory Pilot Program
AMA Introductory Pilot Program
Applies to all categories of model flying
This program is not intended to alter or replace any training program offered by AMA chartered clubs for their AMA members. Instead, this program is designed to introduce the non-AMA member to aeromodeling while providing liability insurance coverage to the non-AMA member and the chartered club. Club participation in the AMA Introductory Pilot program (IP) is encouraged but not required.
This program affords liability insurance protection for the non-AMA member as long as he or she is flying under the direct (one-on-one) supervision of a club-designated Introductory Pilot Mentor (IPM). The IPM must be a current AMA member, and his or her AMA membership card will display the “Intro Pilot” designation.
The program allows for a learning period of up to 90 consecutive days, starting the day of the first flying session. If you are using the non-AMA members equipment, the IPM should carefully check the model and controls before use. It goes without saying, that high performance models are not appropriate for training. Buddy-box use is recommended, but not required.
The liability insurance benefits afforded to the non-AMA member provide the same coverage that protects AMA member. The non-AMA member will also receive organizational emails from AMA to learn about the association and the various benefits provided with membership. The non-AMA member will not receive an AMA membership card and cannot participate in any organized AMA/club event. Participation in this program is limited to a one-time basis.
To designate a club member as an IPM, a current club officer must complete the Introductory Pilot Instructor Designation form and submit it to AMA HQ by email, by fax, or through US Mail. Signing up online can also easily be done at anytime on our Web site. Click here for mentors or here for students.
An AMA member may be an IPM in more than one club. The designation will renew automatically each year. At the time of an individual’s first-time designation, AMA will verify that the designee is a current member. In subsequent years, it will be the club’s responsibility to verify and assure that all of its designated Intro Pilot Mentors are current AMA members prior to any non-AMA member student training.
All record keeping is the responsibility of the chartered club and its designated Intro Pilot Mentors. AMA will provide forms to help the club and the IPM 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 Mentor status is at the sole discretion of the chartered club. Requests to remove IPM designations can be made by either the individual mentor or by the applicable chartered club and have to be submitted in writing to the attention of AMA’s introductory pilot program, intropilot@modelaircraft.org.
When flying at a chartered club flying site, the Intro Pilot Mentor must instruct the non-AMA member in club-related site safety rules. Each non-AMA member must also be given a copy of the AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code, and a copy of this document, along with any other introductory material the club feels is appropriate.
Liability policy limits for model aircraft are $2,500,000 per occurrence involving bodily injury and/or property damage. This coverage is provided as “excess” to other applicable coverage the non-AMA member, club or Intro Pilot Mentor may have including homeowners insurance. The $250 property damage claim deductible is waived by AMA and is not the responsibility of either the Introductory Pilot Mentor or the non-AMA member student during this training period. Neither AMA, the chartered club, nor the Intro Pilot Mentor shall be liable for any damage to a non-AMA member’s aircraft.
A report to AMA HQ of any incident is the responsibility of the Intro Pilot Mentor and the chartered club. A telephone report by the close of business the following business day, followed by a written report, is required. During normal business hours call (765) 287-1256 or email AMA HQ at claims@modelaircraft.org.
Clubs are encouraged to develop and implement their own formal training program. Contact AMA for information, suggestions, and samples of programs being used by other clubs.
Summary of Introductory Pilot Program
Instructions for Clubs and Pilots
Clubs:
1. The Intro Pilot Mentor designees must be a current member of AMA and should be experienced instructors. Three-month trial members cannot be designated Intro Pilots.
2. Fill out Form #1, the Intro Pilot Instructor Designation form or register on the AMA website for mentors here. The form must be completed by a club officer.
3. When the Designation Form is processed, the Intro Pilot Mentor will receive a supply of Student Registration Forms. Xerox copies are acceptable, you can request more copies from AMA HQ. For students, click here.
4. As your Intro Pilot Mentor sign up students, keep copies of their Student Registration Forms in the club’s files.
5. Official Introductory Pilot Program rules and regulations should be kept on hand by each Club, and every Intro Pilot Mentor should be familiar with the rules.
Intro Pilot Mentors:
1. Once you’ve been designated as one of your club’s Intro Pilot Mentors, you need to have a supply of the Student Pilot Registration Form. You should also have a supply of the “Welcome to Aeromodeling” package provided by AMA. These can be requested from AMA HQ.
2. Have your student fill out the Student Pilot Registration Form #2.
3. Send the Registration Form to AMA HQ. The forms can be submitted online here; faxed to (765) 286-3303; emailed to intropilot@modelaircraft.org; or mailed to AMA HQ. It’s important for the Student Registration Form to be submitted to AMA HQ within 48 hours of the student’s first flight.
4. Give each student copies of the official AMA Introductory Pilot Program outlining its procedures and the AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code.
5. Proceed as usual with your program of flight instruction. The student is covered under the AMA’s liability insurance policy, as long as he/she is flying at the club site under your direct, one-on-one supervision, for a period of 90 days of the student’s first flight.
6. If there is an incident that may involve a claim on the AMA’s insurance policy, it is the responsibility of the Intro Pilot Instructor and/or club officers to make a telephone report to AMA HQ by the close of business the following business day. A follow up, written report is also required.
Questions?
Call AMA HQ between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Standard time, Monday through Friday. (765) 287-1256; Fax (765) 286-3303; E-mail intropilot@modelaircraft.org.