The second round of the AMA Foundation's 2026 Club Training Day Starter Kits is sponsored by Willy Nillies, a company owned by Doug and Becky Hart. On August 3-4, Doug and Becky visited AMA Headquarters in Muncie, Indiana, to deliver all 77 kits for distribution to AMA Introductory Pilot Program (IPP) clubs across the country.
Focused on building, the second round of Club Training Day Starter Kits obtain an exclusive build kit from Willy Nillies: the Spirit 250. Designed by Doug specifically for this initiative, the Spirit 250 is a wonderful aircraft that will go far in providing newcomers with an easy-to-understand, unintimidating entry into the process of building a model airplane. In addition to the Spirit 250 build kit, each Club Training Day Starter Kit will also obtain balsa gliders, educational pamphlets, and helpful club resources.
For the final round of 2026 Club Training Day Starter Kits, 77 build-focused Willy Nillies kits will be available. Applications will open on August 31, and all club officers of eligible IPP clubs will receive a direct link to apply via email at that time. Kits will be awarded to eligible clubs on a first-come, first-served basis, though priority will be given to AMA IPP clubs who have not yet received a Club Training Day Starter Kit this year. The AMA Foundation encourages club officers of eligible clubs to keep an eye on their email; we expect all kits to be reserved quickly!
The AMA Foundation greatly appreciates the support that Doug and Becky have offered to this initiative. From designing a brand-new build to traveling many hours to hand-deliver each kit, their support has been a driving force behind the AMA Foundation's ability to make our Club Training Day Starter Kits as impactful and effective as possible. Thank you, Doug and Becky, for all that you've done!
Special for this round, all eligible applicants will have their name thrown into a raffle for the chance to win a Motion RC Skynetic Altura 1320mm Wingspan RTF airplane! Three of these airplanes were generously donated by Motion RC to heighten this initiative's impact on providing helpful training resources to AMA IPP clubs, and the AMA Foundation is confident that their donation will do just that.
The AMA Foundation extends its thanks to Motion RC for their eagerness to get involved and contribute to our Club Training Day Starter Kit initiative. It's through support like this that our ability to support AMA IPP clubs across the country will continue to flourish.
For questions about 2026 Club Training Day Starter Kits, please contact AMA Foundation Chief Communications Officer Clarissa Poston by emailing clarissap@modelaircraft.org.
