When I read about flying events in Model Aviation (AMA's rag), I am interested to know how some of the children or adults who are not AMA members are able to get flight time on the buddy chord. I was under the impression that even if you were on the chord you still needed your AMA membership. I would like to know cause sometimes I feel compelled to let kids that come out to the field fly via buddy box on one of my aircraft just to give them a feel of it.

I asked this exact quesiton to AMA Headquarter about 5 days ago as I wanted to put on an event where non-AMA members could try RC flight.

AMA's HQ response was, if an AMA member uses thier own equipment, i.e., radios, trainer, etc., they can give one flight to non-ama members on a buddy box. In such cases, the AMA feild and AMA individual insurance is still in effect. I'm satified with who I talked to on this issue becasue I have a paper trail (email) from the AMA on this issue. However, you may wish to confirm with others before you host your own event. Cheers!

std22, JW is correct for the average AMA member.

In addition, simply get your Club to designate you as an Introductory Instructor pilot, special procedure, and you can then instruct (Buddy Cord) any non-AMA individual for 30 days.
The procedure costs $5 per year, and there are paperwork requirements, however it provides options as there are no aircraft restrictions concerning whose model.

Check with AMA or look up the docs. in the AMA document files. I don't have the numbers right here, but you can find them.

I am a instructor in this program and they will allow up to three instructor per club i belive. It's great for getting more folks involved in the hobby.

I had an in depth discussion with the AMA about giving instruction to (or by) non-AMA members.

If you use the AMA member's model, you are covered. Not for just one flight either... That address label you pull off a magazine and stick in your model or what ever method you use to meet the AMA's "name address and AMA number in or on the model" requirement needs to be met for the insurance to be valid.

You have to substantially be flying within the AMA's Safety code rules. (which basicly adds upt to... don't be stupid on purpose.)

You don't have to use a club's field, just an appropriate site for the model being flown, with the site owner's permission to fly there.

One of the stated purposes of the AMA is promotion of the sport/hobby. Very hard to be promoting interest by preventing members from helping non-members.

The limitation of three instructors has been removed recently.

Know your student and your equipment.

The AMA rules are only one consideration in deciding how many flights I will allow a beginner to have on my equipment. I don't allow over-concern for the insurance regulations to limit me in giving multiple flights to non AMA members, using my own equipment, including a plane specifically built and equipped for this purpose, so long as club, or flying site rules permit.

However, in doing so, I recognize the risk that after the first flight, I will be personally liable in the event that the "student" crashes the airplane. As long as I have my finger on the trainer switch, I am pretty confident that I will be able to seize control long before the student hits someone, or causes damage to the property of others with the plane.

I follow a few rules: I do all takeoffs and landings, I never let the "student" fly below three mistakes high, and I gauge my student.

If it is a person truly interested in learning to fly, I will use my plane for instruction, even until just before solo until they have completed their own airplane and demonstrate that they have joined the AMA, at which point, we switch to the student's plane for takeoff, landing, and post-solo instruction.

On the otherhand, if the "student" appears reckless, or is deliberately trying to crash my plane, buzz people, animals or property, or repeatedly fails to fly at a sufficient altitude, or distance from the flight line, I disconnect the cord, the lesson is over, and they do not get another. Someone else can teach them to fly.

The AMA is not going to sue you, ground your airplane, or take away your birthday if you allow a non AMA member to fly your airplane more than once. However, they can refuse to insure you if the non-AMA member kills someone with your airplane. So, consider that risk and then use your judgment.