Welcome to AMA’s District I, which is the home of nearly 100 chartered clubs and 8,000 members who share a passion for flying model aircraft.
Most of us can trace our passion back to a single moment of wonder: Seeing a model aircraft defy gravity and realizing that, from the ground, someone could control its flight path in the sky. Whether you are returning to the hobby or reaching for the control sticks for the first time, District I is here to help turn that "magic" into your reality.
Getting started is all about making choices that best meet your expectations.
Where can RC model aircraft be flown? If it’s permitted, local parks or fields might be convenient for safely flying models that weigh 2 pounds or less. AMA clubs require all members to maintain an AMA membership to fly at club fields, which are FAA approved for flying nearly all popular sizes and types of model aircraft. AMA provides Adult and Senior members with $2.5 million in liability insurance coverage. Clubs offer grass or paved runways, charging stations, pilot shelters, and, most importantly, flight instructors.
To locate clubs near you, use the AMA Club Finder by scanning the QR1 code below. Check the FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) box to list only the clubs that do not require a Remote ID module. Select "Yes" in the dropdown menu for "Club Intro Pilots," and then click the "FIND" button to display the list of nearby clubs. Click on "Club Details" to view a club’s website, contact information, benefits, and flying site locations. Email the clubs that you are interested in joining to ask about membership openings and instructor availability.
Finally, ask when you might be able to visit, which will help when you are considering a club to join.
Why join AMA? FAA regulations require remote pilots to fly all UAS/model aircraft under the safety guidelines of a community-based organization (CBO). AMA is the gold standard for safety programming for model aircraft. Yearly membership dues for Adults are $89, Seniors are $79, and Youth under the age of 19 are $20. To appreciate the benefits of membership, scan the QR1 code.
What should you purchase and where? When you choose your first RC aircraft, consider what products major suppliers, such as Horizon Hobby, provide to local hobby shops. It is always best to purchase products and seek advice and service from local dealers. If your budget is limited, choose a ready-to-fly (RTF) trainer that includes at least a four-channel 2.4 GHz RC system. For a few hundred dollars more, purchase a bind-and-fly (BNF) trainer and a better seven- or eight-channel transmitter, such as the Spektrum NX7e, to accommodate future aircraft that require more channels.
Modern trainers are constructed of EPO foam because it is durable, lightweight, and easy to repair. High-wing airplanes are ideal because the weight of the fuselage under the wing provides natural "pendulum stability." Models with 40- to 60-inch wingspans handle wind better than smaller airplanes and are easy to transport. It’s best to buy an airplane with an electronic stabilization system (such as AS3X) to reduce turbulence effects and to prevent over-controlling. Brushless motors that use 3S or 4S LiPo batteries provide the best balance of thrust and flight time.
To view a selected group of RTF RC trainer airplanes and their specifications, scan the QR2 code.
![QR code with text "QR2 [TRAINERS]" and a logo inside.](https://modelaviation.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/097-01-6a0e0e741ead3.png?VersionId=6wJFErDl_26pqPOC2_rHMXDxXDV6voKr)
Getting your wings: As a beginner, seek help from a club flight instructor to avoid crashing a new RC aircraft. They can evaluate issues, conduct test flights, trim for stable flight, and help you learn to fly.
The AMA Introductory Pilot Program (modelaircraft.org/programs/introductory-pilot-program) is an excellent option for nonmembers to learn to fly on a buddy-box system with an AMA Introductory Pilot Instructor. The program provides $2.5 million in liability insurance for 90 days while you are flying—and it is free!
One of the best tools for improving your flying skills is to spend many hours practicing on an RC flight simulator. To learn more, check out District I’s highly rated YouTube "Learn to Fly" videos and flight simulator reviews by scanning the QR3 code.
![QR code with a circular logo in the center, text "QR3 [WINGS]" above.](https://modelaviation.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/097-02-6a0e0e766c16b.png?VersionId=Tha4U_GL89sIadZnW4ogjL.ZzHgyD_ET)