Intro Pilot Ground School Is Now Live!

Greetings, everyone! I’ve been excited to share this news with you for some time now, but we had to ensure that the beta testing was completed! I am thrilled to announce that we have officially migrated the Intro Pilot Ground School training into our online learning management system, Moodle.

This isn’t just a digitized pamphlet. Our team spent months distilling the "secret sauce" from dozens of training manuals that are 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 successfully minted new pilots for seasons on end, and we aren’t here to tell you that 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.

Empowerment for the Solo Learner

While we always recommend that a newcomer connect with an experienced instructor or a local club for that first takeoff, we realize that the world is changing. Some enthusiasts prefer to tinker and learn the ropes at their own pace before heading to a flying field. This can be a costly choice, but it’s one we hear about time and again.

We will always push new pilots into a mentorship opportunity with expert Intro Pilot Instructors. By making this resource free and accessible on our website, we are providing a safe harbor of vetted information. Instead of relying on random and sometimes contradictory internet videos, a solo learner can follow a structured path that emphasizes safety, legal compliance, and the fundamentals of fixed-wing flight.

This launch is just the first step in a much larger vision for the AMA Education department. While this initial module focuses on traditional fixed-wing aircraft, our goal is to build a "one-stop shop" for all things model aviation.

Keep an eye out in the coming months as we launch new, focused ground school modules for other disciplines, including:

• Free Flight: Mastering the art of trimming and thermals.
• Control Line: Understanding the physics of the circle.
• Helicopters and multirotors: Navigating the complexities of vertical flight and advanced stabilization.

Bringing new pilots into the hobby and 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 who is 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 that the next generation of pilots starts the journey with their feet on the ground and their heads in the clouds—informed, prepared, and ready to fly.