Choose your aircraft.
Regardless of the type of aircraft you want to fly, learning from an experienced pilot using a trainer aircraft is an important first step. Computer-based model flight simulators are another awesome tool to help you learn to operate an aircraft using a transmitter. And you can crash your virtual aircraft as much as you want without damaging a plane, a person, or your wallet! Click and explore the types of aircraft below to help you get started!
You’ll need an open space. It could be an AMA club field, your own backyard or a large indoor space (like a gymnasium)—any place that’s large, legal and safe will do. Wherever you choose to fly, ensure you have permission from the property owner and that you are following local and national laws.
Consider an AMA membership.
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Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, and other model aircraft are increasingly available online and on store shelves. Prospective operators—from consumers to businesses—want to fly and fly safely, but many don’t realize that just because you can easily acquire a drone or model aircraft doesn’t mean you can fly it anywhere, or for any purpose.
Know Before You Fly is an educational campaign that provides prospective users with the information and guidance they need to fly safely and responsibly. The campaign is organized by the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), and the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).