Getting Started with R/C Airplanes
Introduction
We strongly recommend learning to fly at an established R/C flying field
where others fly and can help you. Many fields have radio control clubs. The
club may even have members dedicated to instructing. If so, by all means
join the club and take advantage of the training.
An easy way to learn to fly is with an Electric Airplane. Today
technological advances have made electric flight possible and practical. At
the head of this EP (Electric Power) movement is the 400 size motor. This
craze of R/C electric flight started with the Mabuchi 380 motor just a few
years ago. Since then, motor and battery development have made this class of
plane (coined Speed 400 by Graupner in Germany) the most popular portion of
EP aircraft.
A good first electric is the new Ready-to-Fly Sky Scooter beginner aircraft
package. Requiring only 15 minutes to assemble, the Sky Scooter incorporates
a good-looking, super stable airframe made of durable, easily repairable EPP
style foam. Its powered by an electric Speed 400 motor, using a 3-1 gearbox
and custom folding prop. The Sky Scooter is very quiet, so it can be flown
at most any park or schoolyard. This includes everything needed to fly
Plane, Radio, Motor, Battery, Charger and instruction on how to fly!
When you're ready to learn to fly, there is a list of flight instructors
that can be found on the AMA's web site, www.modelaircraft.org and many AMA
Chartered Clubs have instructor programs for newcomers to the hobby/sport of
aeromodeling. Be sure to check out their website for an instructor in your
area.
The AMA also has an Introductory Pilot Program that caters to newcomers.
This program allows a non-AMA member to fly at a club field and be AMA
insured for liability coverage provided the new flier is under the
supervision of a chartered club designated Introductory Pilot.
Academy of Model Aviation (AMA) membership may be required before you will
be allowed to fly with the club on a regular basis. AMA supplies
supplemental insurance coverage that most flying field owners insist upon
for field use.
For membership info, telephone AMA at (800) 435-9262, extension 296 or 297,
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Eastern) weekdays.
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