 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Learning To Fly Radio control Aircraft
Learning to fly a radio control aircraft is fun and rewarding, it also requires a responsible attitude because these are not a TOY and can cause serious damage. This is why Nadmas has a commitment to ensure you enjoy your new hobby and to learn to fly in a safe environment.
The first thing about learning to fly model aircraft is buying the right equipment, this will ensure you will get good service and also to see you through from a beginner stage up to a intermediate level.
You will need to start with a trainer model that is easy to fly and have a forgiving flying style, a war bird like a Spitfire does have hidden problems not suitable for a novice. Such a training model nowadays are mostly ARTF (almost ready to fly) This means that the majority of the construction and covering has been completed by the manufacturer, and all you have to do is final assembly of the major parts: perhaps joining the wings and fitting the tail plane. You will still have to install the R/C equipment and the engine.
So Which is for You?
- For the beginner a trainer aircraft is the best approach, because it is designed to be more tolerant to the learning errors. All good model shops will sell or know of a good trainer aircraft, do not be tempted to go straight for that nice scale Spitfire, you are very likely to be disappointed. If you think the latest craze in 3D is going to be your thing, then there is a great choice of light weight aerobatic machines out there that can be set up as stable trainers, but you must remember they are built very light, so will not stand up to the type of abuse a trainer generally receives on it's first few outings !
ARFT's are great and get you in the Air quickly with very little construction time. -
But building a kit model has the advantage that it gives the beginner the in's and out's of all the components that operate inside the aircraft. -
Scratch Build is not ideal for beginners as the are less likely to have wood or accessories already to hand and will have to buy everything needed, these items may be specified on the plan but if not then you will have to choose and source all the necessary parts yourself.
The Radio Equipment
The Radio Equipment will comprise of the transmitter, a receiver with crystal, servos, receiver battery and switch and charger. It is worth noting here that Nadmas mostly uses Futaba buddy box systems during training and other systems may require a addition transmitter case. Please talk to a training coordinator who can give getter advise nearer the time.
Training
Training will begin with a full inspection of your model to make sure it is safe to fly and then a experience pilot will test fly the plane and if all is good will let you take control for the first time. Nadmas has a number of instructors as well as friendly members who will always help if required. It is worth noting that instructors give up there time to train, therefore we ask that trainees try to be ready when your instructors become available.
As briefly said earlier the club requires a buddy box systems where two transmitter are joined by cable, this gives the instructor the ability to give full control to the trainee by a push of a button but also means that should something go wrong the they can switch control back saving your model.
How long?
How long to learn to fly is a difficult question to answer. It depends on how well you get to grips to your understanding of both the theory and practicality of flight. It will also depend how much time you put in, the best situation is to fly once a week and at each meeting have a minimum of three flights.
To help quicken the progress there are new software packages on the market for the beginners use. These help you to understand how different control movements affect their model. You can then try maneuvers that you might not try on your real model to see what happens and then practice your recovery method. Hence helping you to relate to a situation and recover without loosing a model.
Depending on time and weather you should be ready to fly solo and take your "A" certificate within six to seven months.
The Initial cost
- At first glance the sport of model flying does not seem cheap, to buy everything needed to start you are looking to spend around £250. This will include all the necessary equipment required i.e. model kit, transmitter, engine, starting equipment and all other incidentals. The cost of purchase should be viewed as an investment as once you have the radio equipment, transmitter and engine, providing you look after it, you will be able to use these components in future machines you build as you progress in the sport. Additional costs required on a yearly basis would be your yearly subscription to a Club and Insurance through the BMFA. The sport is very rewarding and well justifies the initial outlay.
Your training will lead up to a small test made out by the BMFA to make sure you can fly safely in a club environment, this is called the A test .
Your test will go through the following maneuvers:
- Preflight Checks
- Take off and circuit
- Circuit with landing approach
- Figure of eight circuit
- Simulated dead stick landing
- Questions
After your training then what's next?
Well you enjoy your new hobby, and continue to learn. There are many areas you can get into and this hobby is a never ending.
Useful links
