Most hovercraft owners decide to teach themselves how to operate their hovercraft. By consulting your manual, you can train yourself. Universal Hovercraft has instructions on its website describing how to pilot most types of hovercraft vehicles. The instructions include water, land and slope information. They are a useful supplement to self-training.
You may be able to find volunteer instructors or another user willing to donate his time to teach you. Check with different hovercraft clubs and hovercraft youth organizations. Hoverclub of America is the biggest hovercraft club in the United States and has resources available for new and experienced drivers alike.
Neoteric Hovercraft, one of the main hovercraft manufacturers, offers hovercraft piloting courses. Their training program goes over flight training on both land and water. The course also includes information on basic repair and troubleshooting. This training program offers both within-classroom and hands-on training; students get the opportunity to witness hovercrafts in use and practice their own piloting skills. Other companies, including Universal Hovercraft, offer specialized instruction upon request.
Many military and rescue organizations employ hovercrafts to perform rescue and patrol operations. Their specialized courses can be tailored to specific hovercraft uses and often include ice operation, flood rescue and whitewater rescue. Although this training is not generally made available to individuals, organizations can inquire about specialized advanced programs.