ORIGINAL: stick
At the local field the other day I overheard a club officer (the president of the club) tell an interested spectator about the rules to become a pilot. The officer told the guy that he was alowed one flight on the club trainer with one of the clubs instructors. After that one flight he would have to join the AMA and the club before any more instruction was given.
Is this an AMA rule or just a club rule? IT was told to the guy as it was an AMA rule and the club had to follow it.
The reason I bring this up is that it is a chartered AMA club and I beleive that if the instructor is using a buddy box to train with then the student is covered as far as property damage or bodily injury is concerned. After all the instructor should take control before any distruction or injury shas occured.
>>>Don't get me wrong, I'm not against the AMA in any way. I would not fly without it because it's coverage is a benifit to me. But it is hard to get some people involved in a great sport when they feel that they are dealing with more politics instead of a relaxing hobby. <<<
Under the current tort system in these United states there is little room for what one thinks. AMA has to protect AMA. You want the coverage to protect yourself. AMA is trying to protect everyone. Big Job!
RCKen gave you the Intro. Pilot stuff. Here is some more that often keeps fliers somewhat confused. Easy to get confused if one doesn't review the written words every few months. Changes get made without knowing about them unless one reviews the material every so often.
AMA Document 911 Flying at a Chartered Club Site.
For non-AMA members wishing to experience a “hands-on” model flight, the Academy does allow this, on a onetime
basis per person ONLY, (with the use of a Buddy Box system for RC). During this one-time flight, the club is
protected through its liability coverage as long as the non-member’s supervised flying is in accordance with the AMA
National Model Aircraft Safety Code(s). Under NO situation should the non-member’s equipment or aircraft be used.
Introductory Pilot documents are 917 and 921. This is a different AMA program and subject to Club Control.
Under the Intro program, clubs can add their own limitations. That is a good reason for a Club Officer to be repeating information that may sound a bit different from AMA specifics.
As an Intro Pilot, I use my club's bylaws that require a person to join the club after 3 visits. That is MY personal rule to follow. WHY? Because early on I would get a guy to where he could take-off and make a fair landing every other approach. Then he would disappear, never to be seen again. (Lots of open country in this area on NE and East side of Houston.) Why should I waste my time and effort if the guy heads for some outlaw place to fly, rather than joining the Club, as soon as he can keep the wheels pointing towards the ground? [sm=devious.gif] I'm too old to waste time like that. I will not teach landings in that first 3 sessions unless the guy first joins the club.
The Club owns 50 flat acres with more all around it. The club has big expenses. If RC Wanna-Bee is going to use the facility, then like all others, he will - if I have a say - pay his way. I certainly have.
Edit: correct word, and try to get a smilie to work.