The FPM Club Training Program runs throughout the summer every Tuesday evening from 5 PM to dusk (weather permitting)!
Proficiency Requirements
An essential part of the Fern the Prairie Modelers
(FPM) safety program is a requirement for those club members wishing to
use the club field, without the assistance of an FPM designated instructor
pilot, to demonstrate a minimum level of knowledge and skill in the operation
of a model airplane. To guide the implementation of this important part
of the safety program, the following pilot categories and proficiency requirements
have been established:
Fern Prairie Modelers Pilot Categories
Student Pilot
FPM pilots who do not yet have sufficient skill and experience
to safely operate their models without help and supervision.
Pilot
FPM pilots who have demonstrated to an FPM designated instructor
that they can operate their model safely and without supervision.
Instructor Pilot
FPM club members who have been designated and approved by FPM
club officers to assist student pilots in acquiring the skills
and knowledge
necessary to meet the FPM proficiency requirements.
Proficiency requirements to be designated an FPM pilot
Knowledge and understanding
* AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code
* Frequency control
* FPM special field rules
* Flight line etiquette
* Emergency procedures (dead engine, radio problems, landing priorities,
etc.)
* Airplane characteristics, engine operation, control system sufficient
to recognize and correct common problems
Demonstrated Proficiency
* Safely start and launch airplane
* Fly parallel with the runway in both directions
* Make left and right hand turns
* Safely land model, exit the runway and turn off engine
Once an FPM student pilot has
satisfactorily demonstrated to a designated instructor that they can meet
the club proficiency requirements, the instructor will issue a green FPM
sticker for their AMA membership card categorizing them as an FPM pilot.
They may then operate a model airplane at the club field on a solo basis.
