We all love model aviation no matter what the form. Some like airplanes, some helicopters, some sailplanes or gliders, others like multicopters, cars and/or boats. No matter what form of model aviation you participate in or like to do, at one point in time there was someone to teach you the ropes and show you how to build, fly, or how to know what power system to use on your new model. We were not born with knowing how to fly model aircraft or knowing how to build a foam or balsa plane. That skill or talent was most likely taught to you by someone close to you, or someone you met at your local club. But for some, finding that person to teach them the necessary skills is not always easy to do.

I have found a solution which will make it easier for modelers to get help in their local area, and an easy method that allows providing and offering help to others in this hobby. I have coined the term for those willing to help others “Model Aviation (MA) Mentors.” The idea is quite simple and it uses an online map program that is available to everyone.
MA Mentors can volunteer to do many things. They can teach others how to fly, build airplanes, or helicopters, or multicopters or whatever you choose. Forums are great, but they lack the personal one on one ability and real time interaction that we get working with people face to face. And as you know, looking at a PC screen is no substitute for a real person.

This idea is great for AMA members because as a newcomer to this hobby some may be intimidated by showing up at a local club field unannounced and they may feel uncomfortable by all the members there with expensive models. This idea offers the AMA member a way to meet newcomers to the hobby and also introduce them to our sport in a "non-threatening" atmosphere.

The online Google Maps titled “Model Aviation Mentors; Model Airplane Builder Volunteers & Flight Instructors” allows MA Mentors to identify themselves with a location and contact information such as an email address, phone number, or RC forum link so modelers or newcomers in their local area can contact them if they are looking for help. Anyone looking at the map will not know your exact location or address; but they will know your general location to see if you are near enough to provide assistance. This is also a great way to get to know other modelers in your area that you have not met yet. The map is open to all forms of model aviators, model car and boat enthusiasts, as well as those into control line and free flight.

If you would like to volunteer to be a Model Aviation Mentor just let me know.

Map Link: https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...fa6f42a3de34bc

AMA Blog Link: http://www.modelaviation.com/modelaviationmentors


Thanks,

Frank

I'd be glad to volunteer my services. I'm a r/c flight instructor with Cabarrus R/C and Flying Aces. Unfortunately, most of the new folks I've encountered latley show little or no interest in learning the skills of kit building or even doing minor repair.
Chuck

Originally Posted by zx32tt

I'd be glad to volunteer my services. I'm a r/c flight instructor with Cabarrus R/C and Flying Aces. Unfortunately, most of the new folks I've encountered latley show little or no interest in learning the skills of kit building or even doing minor repair.
Chuck

Awesome! Thanks Chuck! I have added you to our map.

I do think that many people do not show interest because they simply do not know anything about making repairs or about building and that scares them. Many people get into this hobby with RTF planes and they never advance from there. Once that crashes or breaks they buy a new RTF.

Frank

Sign me up for Southern Nevada! I enjoy building and teaching. I have an AMA number but not associated with any clubs right now.

Originally Posted by Sweetrex

Sign me up for Southern Nevada! I enjoy building and teaching. I have an AMA number but not associated with any clubs right now.

You got it! Thanks! And you are our first from NV!

Thanks again,

Frank

Originally Posted by Murocflyer

You got it! Thanks! And you are our first from NV!

Thanks again,

Frank

It's an honor. Good luck with the list!

Sounds like a great idea!

I am one of a few who teach flying in my club on Long Island.

Bill S.

Thanks Bill! I hope this really catches on and we can get a lot of volunteers and also have people that need help which is the other side of this coin. I know it is hard for people to step out from behind their PC screen and ask advice from a real person.

Frank

Sign me up. I'm working with Kids in my community currently teaching RC flight but I will help anyone that wants help. I fly planes and Helis (Scale and 3D) and multirotors. Primarily electric but I have experience with nitro planes as well. Great idea Frank!

I do buddy box, assist with setups, can do some smulation in small group settings and assist with flights and equipment checks.

Vernon Horne
972-379-7290
horndoggtv@gmail.com
Youtube Channel: vmhorne
Augusta, Georgia

AMA Instructor Pilot for Rotors and Props Rc Club, Augusta, GA.
#964712

I think the idea is a great one! I am an instructor, club officer, CD and AMA Leader Member. Up for a mentor, can assist with building, setup, flight instruction. We have one of the nicest fields in SW Michigan. (KRAM)
Pm me with details you may need from me.
Mark

Vernon and Mark,

Thank you gentlemen! I have added you to our map and I (we) appreciate you volunteering! It is great to see folks like you who love the hobby paying it forward.

Frank

I would be happy to participate and currently have a few students I'm training.
I'm in Glendale CA and fly out of the Apollo XI field in the basin. I'm also very close, two mintues away, from the new Glendale field which should be opening soon.

I have a trainer and a buddy box setup, so I'm ready!

Regards,

Jamie

I have been in the hobby for approximately 40 yrs and have been instructing for Tri- County R.c in central New Jersey. I may be contacted at: ole38hatt@aol.com


Be happy to help

Larry K.

Sign me up!
PM me with any details.

I'd love to help in any way possible. I fly and can instruct electrics (planes, helicopters & multi-rotors) and sailplanes.

rod