title_body: Is there a list of milestones to check off before claiming one can "fly" Is there a generally accepted set of milestones that one should &quot;tick&quot; off before claiming that they can fly ? Are there different guidelines based upon the craft e.g. fixed wings, quadcopter versus helicopter ? Are these published by the modelling associations or by legal bodies like the countries aviation authority ?
  My checklist is roughly :
  
  You crash beyond the first patch of khakibos in the veldt we fly in under glide
  You crash beyond the second patch of khakibos in the veldt we fly in under power
  You crash when you can fly across the veldt, where left is away from you and right is towards you or vice versa, and even return, where left is really right and right is really left and you understand the term &quot;spiral of death&quot;
  You crash in style reminiscent of &quot;Those magnificent men in their flying machines&quot; that you feel you could claim was a controlled decent to your friends and family without too much blushing after doing a series of &quot;Uppity up up ups and down di down down downs&quot; (or due to another attack by the resident bully of a hadida)
  
  I doubt this is authoritive in any way whatsoever and was wondering if there was a better set of guidelines to work against.
upvoted_answer: In the UK, the British Model Flying Association offer an Achievement Scheme which recognises a few levels of competence:
  
  
  The Basic Proficiency Certificates provide a measure of competence for pilots operating fixed and rotary wing aircraft fitted with
  stabilisation technologies.
  An FPV extension is also available to holders of any Basic Proficiency or ‘A’ certificate.
  The ‘A’ Certificate, which may be equated to a basic standard of safety and flying competence.
  The ‘B’ Certificate, which is designed to recognise a more advanced pilot’s increased ability and knowledge, and demonstrates a high level
  of safety.
  The ‘C’ Certificate, Aerobatics.
  The ‘C’ Certificate, Scale
  The ‘C’ Certificate, Gas Turbine
  
  
  As well as covering theory (air law/safety) questions, the flying skill required increases as the candidate progresses through the levels - from assisted flight, through holding level figure 8's and other manoeuvers, to being able to fly in aerobatic displays.