EDUCATIONAL
RESOURCES
Education Through Aviation
By Kyle Jaracz | kylej@modelaircraft.org
I just finished writing an email to an AMA member whose club is doing incredible work getting the word out in its community about the hobby, the sport, and the rewarding career pathways that model aviation encompasses. That exchange made me realize that it’s been a while since I last shared these essential resources with the broader membership. Let’s fix that!
Whether you’re visiting a local classroom, partnering with a youth group, or hosting an open house, AMA has a deep library of plug-and-play tools to support your efforts. Most of these resources can be accessed directly through the AMA Flight School website at amaflightschool.org.
Hands-On Flight and Safety Certification
- AMA Introductory Pilot Program: Pair aspiring aviators with dedicated AMA Introductory Pilot Instructors. Beginners can learn to fly at no cost while enjoying full membership benefits for 90 days.
- Intro Pilot Ground School: This free, self-paced online course builds a solid foundational understanding of fixed-wing RC flight principles.
- The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) Certification: AMA is proud to provide this free, no-fail FAA certification for all model aviation enthusiasts. It provides the required baseline understanding of the National Airspace System rules and how to operate safely.
STEM Curriculum and Airframe Kits
- Discovery Drone Kits: Designed primarily for upper elementary students but highly adaptable for middle school, high school, collegiate, and adult learners, kits are purchased through Pitsco Education (pitsco.com). All accompanying build videos, lesson plans, posters, and webinars are completely free.
- Student Drone Kits: Tailored for high school students who are looking to dive deeper into multirotor technology, the build videos and STEM lessons are free. Best of all, the curriculum can easily be adjusted to fit other airframes if you already have equipment on hand.
- AMA ALPHA and BETA models: Teaching aerodynamics is effortless with these specialized builds. The AMA ALPHA is an accessible hand-launch, rubber-powered airplane, while the AMA BETA offers an ultra-stable platform for both indoor and outdoor flight. Free lesson plans are available for both.
- AMA Arconic K-12 curriculum: A comprehensive, zero-cost curriculum that is complete with teacher notes, educational standards alignment, classroom presentation materials, and video assets.
- Quick Projects Do you need something bite-sized? Quick Projects offer short activities for pre-K through adult learners.
- Virtual Camps: For self-directed learning, the AMA Junior Camps/Young Flyers Program provides free on-demand virtual camps that feature video tutorials, templates, and industry interviews.
I’ll cover youth clubs and student competitions, as well as how to support your passion, in my January 2027 column.
