One of the 55 AMA Introductory Pilot Program clubs that received a Club Training Day Starter Kit from the AMA Foundation is AMA District III's Susquehanna Valley Modelers (SVM). Club President David Hughes provided the following write-up about his club's community event:
"On behalf of SVM #954, we wish to thank the AMA Foundation for the AeroScout Club Training Day Starter Kit. We held our Learn to Fly class on Saturday, July 25, 2025.
"Five students attended the class (3 youth and 2 adults). Two hours of class instruction and time on the flight simulators were held at STEAM Innovations Labs. SVM partnered with the Lab for community outreach for the model aviation hobby, as well as the Lab as a maker's space.
"The AeroScout of course was front and center, in the classroom, on the flight simulator, and in the air. The class then moved to our field for a club-provided lunch and an afternoon of buddybox flights. We had two AeroScouts, an Apprentice, and a Dynam Beaver.
"The students were very enthusiastic and engaged, and SVM is hopeful that both AMA and SVM will get a few new members."
SVM's event was captured in their local newspaper, The News-Item. On July 28, 2025, the newspaper published this article by Nick Williams about SVM's community event.
The AMA Foundation was thrilled to hear that SVM was able to utilize its Club Training Day Starter Kit to introduce both youth and adults to the hobby of model aviation. Thank you, SVM, for all of the time and effort that you put into making this event a success in your local community!
We're eager to hear how other AMA Introductory Pilot Program clubs have utilized their Club Training Day Starter Kits. If your club received a kit, let Chief Communications Officer Clarissa Poston know how it was utilized by emailing clarissap@modelaircraft.org.
