Helpful websites for model aircraft pilots, gathered in one place. Click any underlined link to open it. To come back to this page afterward, use your browser’s Back button (the left arrow).

Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)

CRCS is AMA Chapter #1297. Every member must belong to the AMA.

• AMA home page
  News, insurance, safety and everything about the AMA.
• Join or renew your AMA membership
  Sign up or renew online.
• Check your AMA membership
  Enter your AMA number and last name to see when your membership expires.
• AMA Safety Code (PDF)
  The safety rules every AMA member agrees to follow.
• Model Aviation magazine
  The AMA’s monthly magazine, with articles and reviews.
• AMA Club Finder
  Find AMA clubs and flying fields anywhere in the country, handy when traveling.

FAA rules for recreational flyers

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets the rules for everyone who flies model aircraft and drones.

• FAA: Recreational flyers
  The FAA’s plain-language guide for hobby pilots, including the free TRUST safety test that every pilot must pass.
• FAADroneZone: register your aircraft
  Register aircraft over 250 grams (about half a pound). The registration number must be marked on each aircraft.
• FAA: Remote ID
  What Remote ID is and when your aircraft needs it.
• FAA: FRIA flying areas
  A FRIA (FAA-Recognized Identification Area) is a field where aircraft without Remote ID may fly.
• FAA map of FRIA fields
  An interactive map of approved FRIA fields.

Weather for flying

• Wind and weather at our field (ATIS Alerts)
  Current wind on our runway and a short forecast. The same report appears on our home page.

Local hobby shop

• K&K Hobby Shop, 3835 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte · 941‑883‑6931
  Airplanes, parts and supplies, and a drop-off point for CRCS applications and dues. Apple Maps · Google Maps

Online stores

• Horizon Hobby
  Spektrum radios, E-flite and other ready-to-fly airplanes, parts and batteries.
• Motion RC
  Electric airplanes, jets and warbirds, plus parts.
• Tower Hobbies
  A large general store for airplanes, kits, engines and supplies.

Forums: ask questions and swap tips

• RCGroups
  The largest online community for radio-control hobbyists.
• FlyingGiants
  Discussions focused on giant-scale airplanes.

Other clubs nearby

• Sarasota RC Squadron
  An AMA club in Sarasota.
• AMA Club Finder
  Search for more clubs near you or where you travel.

Know a useful website that should be listed here? Email secretary@charlotterc.com.