If you want it to be, absolutely. Nowadays there are companies like FliteTest that have beginner laser cut kits for $25-$65 dollars, are easy to assemble, and have step by step paper instructions and video guides online. With some cheap electronics from Amazon or even Aliexpress/Temu, you can get into the hobby for under 200 dollars. Even cheaper, you can go with a micro RC ready-to-fly kit from FMS or Volantex for $120 or less (aliexpress has these same kits for even cheaper) and comes with everything you need to fly out of the box, the airframe with electronics and even a gyro stabilizer (which is a must for beginners who want to avoid crashing as much as possible), batteries, extra propellers, landing gear, charging unit and radio transmitter. These kits allow you to get into the hobby and get the much needed muscle memory and directional orientation practice you need to get comfortable and move your way up to bigger, faster, and more expensive models without the lack of skill! Also RealFlight makes a great computer simulator for around 100 dollars that is a great tool if you have a gaming controller or PC plug in compatible radio transmitter to get practice in without crashing in real life! It has never been easier or more affordable to get into RC flying, especially with companies like FlySky, RCbattery.com, FliteTest.com, Volantex, and technology like gyroscope stabilizers and buddy box to assist beginners and give that edge of confidence! 

Technically, yes. There's no other way for me to officially answer this. BUT, LISTEN! 

First timers are encouraged to show up and fly with us without one, we can supervise you and you can see if this hobby is for you, without committing to an annual AMA license fee. See the about section to see specific times when the club is gathered (Wednesdays). Also, if you contact our Facebook page or club representative from this website (see club member section), we are more than willing to find a time that works for us to meetup and get some stick time together. 

That being said, the AMA license is nothing more than a piece of paper that you purchase from the AMA and it's basically insurance that covers yourself, your equipment and liability damages if you wrecked into someone else's property (never seen this actually occur before). 

This is a both Pekin Park District requirement and an AMA requirement since we're sanctioned by them. The cost is $85 for adults, $75 for a senior, and kids under 19y/o is only $15. 

The advocacy and usefulness of the AMA is debated upon by hobbyists in its current form today, but nonetheless the rules are the rules for Pekin Park District. 

If anyone asks for you to prove your licensure, make sure you first ask them to prove theirs too (if they intend to fly as well), but a paper copy or electronic PDF file on your phone are both valid ways to carry your license! In the end, its peace of mind and an extra way to protect yourself and your equipment if something went really REALLY wrong, and nobody can ever get on you for not following the rule. 

Yes, but please check the RULES section, the Pekin Park District strictly adheres to FAA regulation, TRUST and Part 107 on this matter. FAA airplane registration rules DO NOT apply to us at Pekin RC Club as we are an FAA recognized FRIA site! Drone users are not exempt like the rest of us are!

FAA airplane registration rules DO NOT apply to us at Pekin RC Club as we are an FAA recognized FRIA site! Drone users are not exempt like the rest of us are!