JUSTIFICATION:

The hobby/sport of building and/or flying RC aircraft requires an initial investment that can often be a substantial percentage of a person’s recreational budget. The initial costs typically include membership in AMA ($58) and membership in WAMAC ($50),  plus airplane, radio, engine, and an equipped (battery, starter, fuel pump, glow igniter, fuel) field box. Usually, the new pilot will also need some repair equipment/supplies. If the pilot is fortunate enough to find used equipment that is appropriate for a beginner, he/she might be able to purchase a plane, engine and radio for $250 to $300. The field box would add another $25 to $50 for a total initial investment of $350 to $375. If the new pilot chooses to buy new equipment, then the initial cost is probably closer to $500, perhaps more. If a person is not relatively certain that they are really interested in RC flying, the magnitude of the initial investment may be enough to discourage them, particularly if their recreational budget is limited.
1. Giving them hands-on flying experience before they have to decide to make the initial investment that entry into the hobby requires.
2. Provide flight instruction through solo certification.Because the program is conceived as a means for introducing prospective pilots to the hobby/sport, the Fledgling Flyer Program (FFP) will be 1. An introductory flight2. Flight training through solo certification by a WAMAC instructor
3. The FFP ends when the student purchases his/her own aircraft and field equipment, or when the student solos, whichever comes first. In no case will pilots be allowed to use FFP aircraft or equipment after they have been solo certified by a WAMAC instructor. IMPLEMENTATION:
1. Every new WAMAC or AMA member who is not yet received solo certification will be in the Fledgling Flyer Program and will be subject to all the perks and rules therein.
2. An FFP pilot must be a member of AMA (short-term memberships are available) to receive flight training.
3. WAMAC membership fees will be waived for FFP pilots for a period of 90 consecutive days or until solo, whichever is shorter.
4. At the end of 90 consecutive days or following solo certification by a WAMAC instructor, whichever comes first, a person must join WAMAC in order to continue flying.
OPERATIONS:
1. All flights, introductory and instructional, must be taken using a buddy box with an officially recognized WAMAC instructor operating the primary transmitter.
2. Prior to an introductory flight and the first flight lesson, the instructor will ensure: that the prospective pilot is introduced to WAMAC field rules that the prospective pilot is specifically informed that membership in AMA is required prior to commencing flight instruction and that short-term memberships are available. that the prospective pilot is specifically informed that membership in WAMAC is a requirement for flying following solo certification.
3. Any WAMAC instructor may use FFP equipment to provide a non-WAMAC member and non-AMA member with a one-time only experience of RC flying in accordance with AMA rules.
4 Any WAMAC instructor may use the FFP equipment to provide any WAMAC member with training for a period of up to 90 consecutive days.
5. Any WAMAC instructor providing an introductory flight or flight training will be personally responsible for replacement or repair of FFP equipment that is damaged as a consequence of reckless operations of the FFP equipment.