One of the 55 AMA Introductory Pilot Program Clubs that received a Club Training Day Starter Kit from the AMA Foundation is AMA District VI's Jasper RC Flyers. Club President Jeremy Church provided the following write-up about how his club has successfully utilized its kit throughout the last several months:
"The Jasper RC Flyers are deeply grateful for the radio-controlled training aircraft provided by the Academy of Model Aeronautics Foundation. Since receiving this generous donation, the HobbyZone AeroScout S has become an indispensable tool in introducing newcomers to our rewarding hobby and strengthening our community outreach efforts. We are excited to share how the aircraft has helped us accomplish our mission over the past several months.
I. Inspiring Youth Through Hands-On Learning
As part of our ongoing effort to inspire the next generation of model aviators, the training aircraft has been used extensively with our youth members. Two young aviators, ages 12 and 14, have made remarkable progress thanks to instruction from experienced club members and the safe, flexible buddy-box training system.
Even more encouraging, one of these new youth members was so enthusiastic about his training experience that he invited a friend to join in. This ripple effect has allowed us to welcome another potential lifelong flyer into our community—a wonderful example of how one positive experience can spread excitement for model aviation.
II. Expanding Community Outreach - Annual Fun-Fly (August 2)
At our well-attended Annual Fun-Fly event on August 2, the training aircraft was used. Using the buddy-box system, we offered free trial flights to a wide range of guests—many of whom had never flown an RC plane before. The hands-on experience proved to be a fantastic way to introduce visitors to our club and the joys of model aviation. We also used a portion of the social media advertising reimbursement to promote our Annual Fun-Fly on Facebook and had many engagements as a result.
III. Supporting Lifelong Learning for Adults
The AeroScout trainer has proven to be an outstanding tool not only for youth but also for adults entering the hobby at any stage of life. This August, our instructors worked with a retiree who is beginning his RC flying journey, using the trainer to steadily prepare him for solo flight.
We also welcomed a young man in his 20s who was eager to try flying for the first time. After an introductory lesson, he surprised everyone flying his very second flight by successfully taking off, flying, and landing the aircraft—thanks in part to the atability and confidence provided by SAFE technology. Achievements like this demonstrate just how powerful the trainer is in giving newcomers immediate success and motivation to continue learning.
These experiences, spanning both new youth members and adults, have fostered not only skill development but also vibrant camaraderie among our members—strengthening our club's community spirit.
Conclusion
Thanks to the AMA Foundation's support, the Jasper RC Flyers have been able to significantly expand access to model aviation. From inspiring youth and their friends, to giving first-time pilots the thrill of flight at our Fun-Fly, to empowering adult beginners, the AeroScout trainer has already made a lasting impact.
On behalf of our entire club, thank you for investing not only in our members, but in the future of model aviation itself. We look forward to sharing even more stories of success in the months to come."
Thank you, Jeremy, for sharing this write-up! It is clubs like the Jasper RC Flyers that will allow our hobby to thrive for generations to come. We at the AMA Foundation are thrilled that this club's Club Training Day Starter Kit has been effective in so many ways, and we can't wait to see what the Jasper RC Flyers do next!
The AMA Foundation is 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.
