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.  

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 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.

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 along with any other introductory material the club feels is appropriate.

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 Instructor 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 Instructor or the non-AMA member student during this training period. No liability protection is provided to the non-AMA member when flying away from the chartered club site, with or without the Intro Pilot Instructor. Neither AMA, the chartered club, nor the Intro Pilot Instructor 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 Instructor 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.