Originally Posted by fly24-7

As someone who's been a club instructor for many years, I can attest from first hand experience that holding license to fly full scale aircraft does not automatically make one proficient to fly a model aircraft. In fact, a couple of my students that took the longest to get the hang of it were full scale pilots. They found difficulty from always thinking through the "lens" of a first-person perspective (differences in judging position, banking, decent rates, etc. from behind the windscreen). Also, two little transmitter sticks do not equal a control yoke and foot peddles.

At our club, we have a proficiency requirement. EVERYONE is required to demonstrate proficiency and good judgement in operating their models. From the moment they assemble them for flight to the moment they're done flying for the day. Without this check-off, you fly on a buddy box. If ever I heard, "I don't need this sign-off, I'm a licensed ATP." My response would be, "Then you should be able to pass this proficiency evaluation in your sleep, right?" Then, I worry they have something to hide. If you're a proficient practitioner of model aviation, then you should be willing to demonstrate such...