Introduction

There are seven Levels in the Pilot Proficiency Program of the International Radio Control Helicopter Association (IRCHA). Established by the Executive Committee, they have been designed in ascending complexity as you progress from Level I through Level VII. The program has been designed so that each member may develop his own piloting proficiency with radio controlled model helicopters by participating in this program on an individual honor system basis. Since the program has been designed to enable you to develop your own piloting skills to the highest degree possible, there would be little point in submitting the appropriate form if you have not, in reality, successfully completed the Level steps. Since the upper levels do require you to use skills learned at the lower levels, it would soon become apparent to other fliers that you had not actually completed the Levels for which you had been certified.

If you are an absolute beginner in radio controlled helicopter flying, or are just beginning to learn to hover, many of the steps in the various Levels will seem impossible to you. In truth, none of them are impossible and almost all standard helicopters today are capable of performing the maneuvers prescribed in the various Levels. It is up to you to develop your own piloting skills to a point where you can actually perform the prescribed maneuvers. Some of the more advanced maneuvers in the higher Levels may require slight modifications to your helicopter.

Do not let yourself be discouraged and do not worry about how long it takes to complete the program. It has been deliberately set up so that the highest Levels are extremely complex and, to the best knowledge of the Executive Committee, there are only very few individuals in the world today who can actually complete Level VII. But, since these individuals have come to a point of proficiency during the past few years where it is possible for them to accomplish this Level, it is also possible for you to work towards the same goal. It’s not going to be easy and it’s not going to come overnight. It might take 3, 4, or more years to reach Level VII.

The goal of the Program is to encourage each and every R/C helicopter flyer to participate in a uniform program that will enable him to gauge his own learning curve and to wear with pride the Level achievement patch which will be awarded by the Executive Committee upon receipt of your properly completed and witnessed Level Program sheet.

Accompanying this packet is your form for working towards Level I in the achievement program (coming online soon). IRCHA recommends that you go at it slowly and methodically until you have completed the program and had it duly witnessed. A witness may be anybody that understands what the maneuver you are trying to perform looks like. You only need one witness if that person has qualified for the level you are working toward or a higher level. Two witnesses are required if they are not IRCHA members or they have not yet qualified for the level you are attempting. At that time, return the form to the IRCHA address and you will receive your Level I achievement certificate and patch or pin along with the forms for Level II. No member of IRCHA may begin a higher Level until he has completed the lower levels and has filed the appropriate paperwork.

Good luck and don’t be discouraged. What you will learn by continual practice through the various phases of this program will more than offset the minor setbacks and discouragement’s you may incur as you attempt to complete each phase of the Program. As you work your way up through the different levels you can join the ranks of other pilots that have come before you. And you can be proud of the skills you have mastered. 

Let’s all work together to become better helicopter pilots. And, above all, let’s fly in a safe manner with constant consideration for the safety of spectators, pilots, their property, and for yourself.

I would like to personally thank Jim Holbrook, Gary Wright, Don Dewey, Cliff Hiatt, Tom Dooley, Jeff Robb, Sr., David Harkey, Ray Hostetler, Shaun Ettinger, Todd Bennett, Louis Hlousek, and Mike Smith for their input into this program, without their help and guidance this program would not exist.

All best wishes and good flying.

Sincerely yours,
Bill Schatz
IRCHA Secretary

P.S. Since we are just starting this program, we would like to hear from you, the member, and help us decide if you would like to have different patches or pins to denote the different levels of this program. There may be a cost associated with either patches or pins but we would like to know which you would rather have.

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Objectives

Pilot Proficiency Program
31 March, 1998

PURPOSE:

To both measure and increase pilot proficiency by providing a measurable and observable manner of comparison and documentation. Provide motivational stimulus to encourage pilots to improve their proficiency. Provide a pilot with some recognition for their hard work.

GOALS:

I. Define a program identifying the levels of proficiency and the components of those levels.
II. Provide a method in which to give a pilot recognition for work.
III. Provide a program that is clear and definite in its purpose.
IV. Levels must be attainable.
V. Levels must be observable.
VI. Levels must be measurable.
VII. Program must be modifiable when necessary.
VIII. Program must be relatively easy to administrate.

OBJECTIVES:

I. Level I - is the most basic of the program and is characterized by the pilot becoming SAFE and Proficient in a Hover and its related phases. Pilot position for most of the maneuvers shall be from the position of Tail-in towards the pilot. Class I of the AMA Competition Rules contains most of the core ingredients with which to build.
II. Level II - is an intermediate level of proficiency and completion of this level takes the pilot to a well-rounded pilot capable of performing Basic Flight skills. Intrinsic to this level is successfully completing all components of Level I, then advancing to the ability to FLY the Helicopter in circuits.
III. Level III - is an advanced level of proficiency and should be characterized by the pilot's ability to perform both Level I and Level II maneuvers, plus the addition of basic acrobatic maneuvers to include the Autorotation and Nose-In hovering.
IV. Level IV and above - are highly advanced levels of proficiency characterized by having the pilot involved in Freestyle Flight.

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