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| -------------------- FAQ's---------------------- |
| Q: | Is learning to fly easy? |
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| A: | Yes and No. If you start with a trainer designed for a beginner and use one of our qualified instructors you could learn in a month or two. You will need to stick with it, don't expect to be doing what you see at the field after one weekend of being on a buddy box. Like any sport it's the time you invest in practice. |
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| Q: | What will I need to start the Hobby? |
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| A: | NUMBER ONE you will need an AMA membership. The AMA or Academy of Model Aeronautics, is a non-profit organization that provides insurance if you should damage anyone else's property such as crashing into their house, car, or person. You get a magazine, and the ability to fly at the national AMA field. It only costs $50 a year.
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| | You will need to know the rules of the field. |
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| | Then you will need a plane and equipment. |
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Note: Our Club will require proof of AMA insurance, and a Metro Board of Parks Permit obtained from Davison County.
http://www.modelaircraft.org --- Club Application |
| Q: | How much will it cost to get a plane? |
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| A: | The cost is entirely up to you. The plane and equipment is a combination of what you like and don't like. Our club instructors will steer you toward a full 4-channel control. This means that the plane will have: rudder, elevator, throttle and ailerons. This type of plane is easy for the instructor to teach you to fly and will have enough power to allow for a few mistakes. After your first solo this plane can perform some aerobatics. You will spend roughly 400 to 500 dollars for engine, radio and ground support equipment. Check local hobby shops that are listed on the website. You can get an ARF, (Almost Ready to Fly), or an ARC, (Almost Ready to Cover) or a kit. Remember: You are looking for a trainer. Aerobatic planes are more expensive. Biplanes are cute, But: Both are impossible to learn on. Buy a radio with a buddy box connector, and be sure the club can provide you a buddy box compatible with your radio. We have JR and Futaba trainers, But: Check to make sure they are working. |
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| Q: | How old do I need to be to learn? |
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| A: | You can be 8 or 80. Younger pilots learn very fast. Older pilots sometimes need more practice. Dads need to be involved with young pilots. A glow engine is like a skil saw without a guard. These toys can, will and have taken fingers off many seasoned flyers. Any club member can tell you a story about the emergency room, on a Sunday afternoon. |
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| ------------------ Getting Started ---------------- |
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| You've decided! Your still going to start flying RC. |
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| Instruction at our field is free for all new Club Members. |
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| Get insurance and Park Permit. Join the club. Send an email to one of the club instructors from our website and get help before purchasing a trainer. Or come to the field and ASK ANY Member for advice and assistance. They will be glad to help. Buy only after you talk with someone. The Hobby shop sells planes. But: does not take the time to instruct you with proper operation. |
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| Flight Equipment you will need to purchase |
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| 1. | Make sure you get a radio with a trainer cord connection, compatible with your instructors' radio or buddy box. |
| 2. | Buy a Trainer Plane |
| 3. | Ask for help during Assembly; Send emails to club members ECT. |
| 4. | Look for examples at the field. Some times seeing is worth 1000 words. |
| 5. | Ask questions, there are never any stupid questions. We want you to be safe. |
| 6. | Always Think Safety |
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| Ground Support Equipment You are going to need. Here is a basic list. |
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| 1. | Field box to hold all of the "stuff" (can be a cardboard box) |
| 2. | Fuel tank, pump, tubing (pump does not need to be electric) |
| 3. | Glow starter |
| 4. | Battery powered starter motor and 12-volt battery or chicken stick (No bare hand starts.) |
| 5. | Miscellaneous tools for adjustments and repairs |
| 6. | Fast drying CA glue, and 5 min epoxy |
| 7. | Rubber bands # 64, if Plane requires them |
| 8. | Paper towels and cleaner. |
| 9. | Learn the rules of the flying field. |
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| Click Here: For Gallery of Pictures of basic ground support equipment |
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| Before you get going, you will need plenty of patience, and you will need to be able to put all of your attention into flying. (Under age children should be left at home or have adult supervision other than the flyer.) |
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| Assemble your plane and gear. Head out to the field for a date with your instructor. Upon arrival at the field, you will want to have your plane inspected prior to assembly, by one or more of the instructors. They will make sure your plane is sound and will be safe for everyone. Follow the rules of the field. |
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| Note. | Sometimes novice pilots are disappointed when the instructors will not fly the plane first time out, due to some building error. This is for everyone's protection at the field. Do not take it personally. Learn from the mistake and move on. The instructor is responsible for everyone at the field, while you and your plane are under his watchful eye. |
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| Now you are almost ready for ---------------- ANYTHING!!! |
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| Have fun! Always be safe! |
Glowplug - March-April 2010 (127)
