As an AMA club, RIAC has implemented three (4) Levels of Pilot Ratings each with increasing privileges on each aircraft platform (Airplane, Helicopter, Multi-Rotor) in order to ensure the safety of our members and the general public. Each of these ratings are explained below:

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1. NOVICE - A novice pilot is an individual that has not yet earned advanced privileges by successfully completing the appropriate flight test for an advanced rating (below).  A Beginner pilot in the hobby. 

   1. Novice Pilot status is indicated on the roster posted at the field and a yellow sticker displayed on their AMA membership card.

   2. All novice pilots must have a RIA Certified Instructor present during all flying activities until
      satisfactory completion of novice training.

   3. RIA instructors are not infallible, so while novice pilots are being instructed, they cannot hold
      the instructor or RIA responsible for any damages incurred to their models.

   4. Fixed wing novices without “Buddy Box” capable systems will be trained at the discretion of
      the instructor. Not all instructors are comfortable training novices without a “Buddy Box” and
      novices in this situation must expect limited instruction.  (RIAC has a buddy box transmitter available for instruction.)

   5. Novices must satisfactorily complete and pass the Intermediate Pilot, Helicopter or Multi-Rotor Flight
      Exam (whichever pertains) prior to attaining “INTERMEDIATE PILOT​” status to fly without the assistance
      from a RIA instructor. 

   6. He/She will not be issued the gate code and is not authorized to fly without an instructor present with them during ALL flight operations.

   7. Previous members that have a lapse in RIA membership of three (3) or more years must prove
      their flying skills that meet RIA test standards with instructor(s) before they can fly alone.

   8. Flight instruction will only be by a RIA Certified Instructor.

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1. INTERMEDIATE PILOT - The intent of this test is to demonstrate your ability to operate a model aircraft/UAV in a controllable manner as to afford safe operations around others and staying within the rules and
   guidelines of this club.  Gyro Stability/Wing Leveling Technology may be used for the purposes of the practical flight test. Note: If the student can only fly with Gyro (Wing Leveling and Attitude Limiting) assist, he/she may not advance to Advanced Pilot status.

   1. Intermediate Pilot status is indicated on the roster posted at the field and a blue sticker displayed on their AMA membership card.

   2. Intermediate pilots have all the privileges of an advanced pilot Except:

      1. He/She may not fly alone at the field.  Another "Advanced Pilot" must be present in order to provide assistance if necessary. 

      2. He/She will not be issued the gate code as that are not authorized to fly alone  at the field.

      3. The Advanced Pilot need not be with the Intermediate Pilot during flight operations and may conduct his/her own flight operations. They also need not be an Instructor Pilot.  He/She just must be present and willing to help the Intermediate Pilot should they require assistance for some reason to maintain safe operations.

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1. ADVANCED PILOT - The intent of this test is to demonstrate your ability to operate a model aircraft/UAV in a controllable manner as to afford safe operations around others and staying within the rules and guidelines of this club.

   1. Advanced Pilot status is indicated on the roster posted at the field and NO sticker displayed on their AMA membership card.​

   2. He/She will be issued the gate code to be able to open the field and conduct flight operations in accordance with all RIAC rules and guidelines as desired.

   3. Advanced Pilots may conduct flight operations alone at the field.

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1. INSTRUCTOR - The intent of this test is to prove the ability of a seasoned pilot with well rounded experience
   piloting fixed wing, helicopter, and multi-rotor model aircraft.  You must have the willingness and ability to teach others, and explain flight aerodynamics and the safety elements of running and flying RC model aircraft. Additionally, in order to become an RIA instructor, you must be recommended by another RIA instructor and voted in by the membership at a meeting.

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Note:  ALL Pilots MUST visibly display their AMA card (with appropriate sticker) at the field AT ALL TIMES while conducting flight operations or acting in any club capacity.