Park Pilot: Education

Author: Kyle Jaracz

Edition: Model Aviation - 2025/12
Page Numbers: 64, 65, 66

People flying model aircraft at an outdoor event

GIVE THE GIFT
OF FLIGHT

By Kyle Jaracz | kylej@modelaircraft.org

IF YOU’RE ANYTHING LIKE ME, early December might be when you start to think about holiday shopping. Sure, I have my ever-growing list of gift ideas for my loved ones that I start adding to at the beginning of the year, but no amount of planning ever truly prepares me for the holiday gifting crunch.

I have a great idea that might just save you from the last-minute purchasing panic though: What better gift can you offer to the ones you love the most than the gift of flight? Gifting your friends and family with a model aircraft will not only provide them with a hobby that will absorb most of their waking free time, but you can also provide them with your company! If you go this route, you’re not only giving them the gift of aviation—you’re also gifting yourself with more flying time.

Whether you and your lucky gift recipient are more inclined toward RC airplanes, Free Flight (FF) models, helicopters, jets, gliders, or any other model you can think of, there’s one out there with your favorite person’s name written all over it.

Remember, you don’t have to get all technical with an aviation gift. You can provide hours of fun with FF aircraft. I’m particularly fond of the AMA ALPHA and the AMA BETA FF models. Not only do they fly well, but they also include a 20:1 winder in the box, along with FAI-approved rubber motors. This means more flight time, less winding time, and longer, more efficient flights with the aircraft. AMA also has great educational resources associated with each of these airframes that are freely available on the AMA Flight School website, which is listed in “Sources.”

Next up, consider adding a bit more of a build to the process. There are so many great kits that introduce new pilots to build techniques, all while keeping cost efficiency in mind. Consider offerings from Retro RC, such as the Ritzy that the AMA Education department staff built.

After you experience the fun of building a small model such as the Ritzy, it might be time to consider getting into some more advanced builds that are still easy to accomplish and are accessible to new pilots. Old School Model Works has some great kits available that are fun to work through. While you’re there, don’t forget to pick up some earrings and framed artwork for some of the others on your list.

You should also take some time to work on your flight skills. You can accomplish a lot by incorporating some simulator time into your routine. I recommend the RealFlight simulator provided by Horizon Hobby. The HobbyZone AeroScout is also a great trainer airframe that will enable you to develop your skills and continue to provide enjoyment as you advance. Resist the urge to get that EDF or warbird as your first model! Work your way up and enjoy the process as you develop your building skills.

If your giftee thinks that there’s nothing better than tearing open the wrapping paper and seeing their brand-new model airplane, they haven’t even experienced the best part of the gift: flying! Pilots with experience might be able to rush right outside to take to the sky—weather permitting, of course.

Beginner pilots might feel a bit more comfortable after learning some flying basics. One pushing-off point is The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), a collaboration between the FAA and the UAS industry that provides educational safety material to recreational fliers. TRUST is a free, easily accessible, no-fail test that enables recreational fliers to legally operate in the airspace. AMA

Two people carrying model aircraft across a field — Sharing your favorite hobby with your loved ones is the gift that keeps on giving.

Sharing your favorite hobby with your loved ones is the gift that keeps on giving.

People sharing a model airplane hobby outdoors — By gifting a model airplane to someone special in your life, you’re providing them with a lifelong passion and lasting memories.

By gifting a model airplane to someone special in your life, you’re providing them with a lifelong passion and lasting memories.

Sharing your love for model aviation with your friends and family is a wonderful way to grow closer and spend more time in the sky!

Model airplane pilots flying and watching aircraft at a field — Sharing your love for model aviation with your friends and family is a wonderful way to grow closer and spend more time in the sky!

What better gift can you provide to the people who matter most than something that can take them up into the sky?

People preparing a model airplane for flight at an airfield — What better gift can you provide to the people who matter most than something that can take them up into the sky?

This valuable program is meant to introduce the magic (or, in this case, gift) of flight to the people you love the most in an accessible and safe way. After all, isn’t safety the best gift (after the gift of flight and your wonderful company, of course)?

The AMA Education team is always happy to help equip you, your loved ones, and even those who’ve ended up on the naughty list, with only the best model aviation educational resources around. If you are looking for information regarding IPP or other resources that AMA offers for model flying, reach out to the Education team at education@modelaircraft.org.

We wish you nothing but the most festive of flights!

is an FAA-approved test administrator for TRUST, and we offer a TRUST study guide on our AMA Flight School website that will provide test-takers with common TRUST terms and definitions, safety recommendations, and quick summaries regarding airspace and proper documentation.

The Introductory Pilot Program

The AMA Education team is also revamping an educational program that will assist beginner pilots through their new flying journeys. The Introductory Pilot Program (IPP) is a ground school that offers valuable and much-needed information and resources to support pilots from the moment they get their hands on their first model airplane to the moment they complete their first solo flight. This coursework provides new fliers with useful knowledge that they will benefit from as they grow as pilots!

The IPP will cover multiple online lessons that go over AMA clubs and education resources, the AMA Safety Code, and tips about safe conduct, standard aviation and model aviation terminology, important aviation concepts (such as the four forces of flight and control stick movements), pre- and post-flight basics, and important aspects of model flying, including taking off, maneuvering the aircraft, flying a pattern, and landing.