JR quite correctly pointed out to me my use of the term AMA Introductory Program in a PM and I have corrected it in the post to the correct title of Introductory Pilot Program.

Yes Hoss I certainly agree the program is worthless and only serves as a form of 'instructor abuse'. when the program was first introduced I participated (no I can,t remember the year) and after just three individuals ran up to the thirty day limit and still no AMA then just disappeared only to surface at nearby clubs training still without a card I simply said no more and why should I have to do all those reports just for people who only want to stick it to me, the club and the AMA.

Yes I still instruct and love it just as I did in full scale, It is an extremely rewarding activity for the instructor too. However I have my own personal standards on who I will work with and its not that hard to spot the 'Users' with no intention of contributing to the sport/hobby in any way.

As far as the newbie going to a local club website and picking an instructor based on any club program or the Introductory Pilot program is in fact worthless. The quality of various instructors at every club in the country can vary from awful to the finest avaliable in any venue. This is irregardless of any local or Intro pilot program. I have seen many clubs that all three of the allowed intro pilots (at least it was three when I was involved) were indeed awfull while at the same time there were people in the same club that were superb instructors. Selection of club designated instructors all to often based on politics and not real world qualifications or actual teaching skills.

My suggestion for anyone seeking an instructor is to get your Butt out to the field and certainly more than once, talk to people (anyone that will listen) and indeed watch. You will soon know who to seek out. Forget any weight given to some political program or website. Do the research.


John[8D]