AMA District 1 New England

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AMA District I
Academy of Model Aeronautics

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont

NEWCOMERS TO AEROMODELLING

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.

1. 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 following AMA Club Finder:

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. Ask when you might be able to visit, which will help when you are considering a club to join.

2. 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. Whether you are a seasoned flyer or new to model airplane building, the Academy of Model Aeronautics has something for everyone.

The most appreciated benefits of AMA membership follow:

MODEL AIRCRAFT FLYING IS AWESOME
MEMBER, CLUB, & SITE INSURANCE
LIABILITY INSURANCE UP TO $2.5 MILLION
WHEREVER MODELS ARE PERMITED TO FLY
2,450 AMA CLUBS IN USA
ACCESS TO 2,800 SAFE FLYING SITES
110 AMA CLUBS IN NEW ENGLAND
OVER 2,000 USA SANCTIONED EVENTS/YR
FLY MORE TYPES OF MODEL AIRCRAFT
NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS
AMA CLUBS/EVENTS WITH ALTITUDES WAY OVER 400 FT, 700 FT, 1200 FT, 2000 FT AGL.

CRAFTSMANSHIP SATISFACTION
CAMARADERIE WITH OTHER HOBBYISTS
FLIGHT TRAINING PROGRAMS
STEAM YOUTH EDUCATION
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS
AMA SAFETY PROGRAMMING
TURBINE JET WAIVERS & CERTIFICATION
LARGE MODEL AIRCRAFT & PILOT CERTIFICATION
NO REMOTE ID REQUIRED AT FAA APPROVED AMA FRIA SITES

Your Passion - Your Hobby:

For nearly a century, our hobby of aeromodeling has expanded into dozens of disciplines, sports, and special interests. Yet no matter what we fly, one thing unites us:

A shared passion for this dynamic hobby and the community it brings together.

One Community.

Become part of the world's largest non-profit model aviation community and learn from experienced enthusiasts by joining today.

Full membership

All the best of AMA for the aviator in you.

$89 / year

($79 / year ages 65+)

Park Pilot membership

The perfect fit for small- field and indoor aviators.

$52 / year

Three-month Trial membership

Try AMA, test the air before you takeoff $23.95 for 3 mo.

Youth membership

Start a life-long passion for aviation and learning.

$20 / year

(under age 19)

3. What should you purchase and where?

When you choose your first RC aircraft, consider what products major suppliers, such as Horizon Hobby sell - Ready to Fly (RTF) (Trainer RC Aircraft); Motion RC (Trainer Aircraft); AMain Hobbies, (Trainer Aircraft); Tower Hobbies, FMS RC Trainers and retail 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.

A selected group of RTF RC trainer airplanes and their specifications follows:

Choosing Your First RC Model Aircraft:

When selecting your first RC aircraft, it’s important to explore the offerings from major RC suppliers and local hobby shops, particularly their entry-level Ready-to-Fly (RTF) electric-powered trainers

Carbon Cub S2 1.3m RTF Basic

HobbyZone - HBZ320001 $329.99

This is the most versatile, capable and easiest to fly scale RC trainer airplane yet! It's equipped with SAFE® and can be upgraded to SAFE Plus GPS-enabled technology to make learning to fly even easier.

Apprentice STOL S 700mm RTF with SAFE

HobbyZone - HBZ6100 $229.99

The HobbyZone Apprentice® STOL S 700mm is the most capable, durable and easiest-to-fly ultra-micro trainer yet! Scaled down from the popular Apprentice 1.5m and 1.2m models, it’s perfect for first-time pilots to fly in more places and smaller spaces.

Apprentice STS 1.5m RTF Basic Smart Trainer with SAFE

E-flite - EFL370001 $359.99

An exciting evolution of the world's favorite "club" trainer, the E-flite® Apprentice® STS 1.5m is equipped with SAFE® technology—and can be upgraded with SAFE Plus technology and a Landing Assist Sensor—to make learning to fly easier than ever before!

AeroScout S 2 1.1m RTF Basic with SAFE

HobbyZone HBZ380001 $269.99

The HobbyZone® AeroScout™ S 2 makes learning to fly an RC (Radio Controlled) airplane easier and more fun than ever before! It's extremely durable and features exclusive SAFE® technology that helps to prevent crashes so nearly everyone can learn to fly successfully.

FMS 1500mm Maule with Floats RTF

SKU:FMS114RF $359.99

The FMS 1500mm model Maule replicates the low-speed handling and short take-off and landing (STOL) features of the real Maule to the greatest extent possible. Aided by lightweight and durable EPO foam and functional flaps, FMS Maule is capable of taking off in 3 meters.

Perfect appearance, excellent performance.

FMS 1500mm Cessna 182 RTF

FMS148PBU $299.99

Faithfully reproduced scale details.

Metal shock-absorbing landing gear set, adding strong adhesion damping silicone oil.

Ultra-short takeoff distance. Superior low-speed maneuverability. Pre-installed high-intensity LED navigation lights. RC System, Battery, Charger.

FMS 1220mm Ranger EP V2 Reflex V3 RTF

FMS147PRD-REFV3 $229.99

The Perfect RC Airplane For Beginners

As the newest member of the FMS multi-purpose aircraft lineup, the 1220mm Ranger V2 retains all of the fantastic features that pilots have come to expect from FMS stable flight characteristics, ease of assembly, and realistic general-aviation inspired design.

FMS 1300mm PA-18 Super Cub Reflex V3, RTF FMS138R-REFV3 $269.99

Thanks to its functional flaps, high-lift airfoil, rugged landing gear and oversized pneumatic rubber tires- the 1300mm PA-18 Super Cub has impressive short take-off and landing (STOL) performance, allowing it to operate from just about any terrain.

4. 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!

YouTube RC Flight Training Videos

While YouTube offers helpful insights, it is no substitute for the muscle memory gained through hours of RC flight simulator practice and the essential, hands-on 'buddy-box' instruction provided by certified AMA club mentors." What follows is a list of popular and highly-rated YouTube videos and series covering the spectrum of learning to fly RC aircraft.

Comprehensive Beginner Series:

Learn to Fly with Finn (Episode 1): A 5-part training series that walks through everything from assembly and radio setup to takeoff and landing.
SteffenRC: How to Not Destroy Your Plane: Part 1 of a detailed 5-part series focused on minimizing damage during your first flight.
A Beginner's Guide to Flying RC Planes: A comprehensive 20-minute guide by Two Brothers Radio Control that covers the "must-know" fundamentals for any new pilot.

Flight Training & Technique:

Learning to Fly—Airplane Controls: A concise, high-level overview of the four primary airplane controls for absolute beginners.
How to Land RC Planes for Beginners: A tutorial specifically dedicated to one of the hardest skills in the hobby, including both classroom theory and flying demonstrations.
How to Fly an RC Plane in Less Than 1 Hour: A fast-paced tutorial focusing on modern stability systems (like SAFE) that make flying much more accessible today.

Improving Skills

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.

The Role of Simulators & Instructors:

RealFlight Trainer Edition Buyer's Guide The perfect tool new RC pilots can use to learn to fly successfully in less time and with fewer crashes of “real” models. Fly 6 of the most popular trainer airplanes from HobbyZone and E-flite, and 2 helicopters from Blade — plus Virtual Flight Instructor lessons.
The Importance of an RC Instructor: A video from TimMcKay56 that discusses the learning process and why finding an instructor at an AMA club is highly recommended.

Recommended RC Flight Simulators:

RealFlight Trainer Edition RC Flight Simulator with SLT6 Transmitter/Controller: $99.99 - Featuring Virtual Flight Instructor lessons, many of the most popular trainer airplane and helicopter models – plus unlockable reward content including “Next Step” models and fields – RealFlight® Trainer Edition is the perfect tool new RC pilots can use to learn to fly in less time and with fewer crashes of their “real” models!
RealFlight EvolutionRC Flight Simulator with InterLink DX Controller: $199 -The long-standing #1 World’s most popular RC flight sim with a modern user interface while adding dozens of fields and more than 100 additional aircraft models. It also gives you access to new models and fields that are released quarterly!
SeligSIM 2024.5: A highly accurate simulator (formerly FS One) that is currently free to download and use.
PicaSim: A popular free option, particularly well-regarded for learning slope soaring and basic flight.
Wings Simulator: A newer, budget-friendly option often recommended for those starting with Flite Test-style models.

AMA Introductory Pilot Program (IPP)

Discover Model Aviation—Risk-Free!

The AMA Introductory Pilot Program offers a free, 90-day opportunity for non-members to explore the world of model aviation under the supervision of a certified Intro Pilot Mentor (IPM). This program includes liability insurance and is open to all categories of model flying.