Flight Instruction | AMA | Plane & Radio | Field Equipment | Frequently Asked Questions

Flight Instruction

We have approximately 6 instructors at any given time during the season and we are happy to provide free flight instruction to all club members.

Some students learn quickly (a few weeks), but most will take a couple months to solo depending on how much training they are able to put in. Although it's REALLY hard to estimate how much flight time it will take before you are able to solo, you should count on 50 fifteen minute flights to start. You can expect 2 to 6 flights a day on an average Saturday or Sunday.

If you wish to learn to fly with us, get in touch with one our instructors so they can answer your questions and discuss the process. You can then meet at the field and begin learning how to get your gear into the air! Since our instructors are available at different times, you may need to contact two or more to find one who's schedule matches yours.

Remember Two Things:

 

The Academy of Model Aeronautics

The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) is the world's largest sport aviation organization representing a membership of more than 170,000 from every walk of life. It is a self-supporting, non-profit group whose purpose is to promote development of model aviation as a recognized sport and worthwhile recreational activity. The AMA is open to anyone interested in model aviation and is the official national body for model aviation in the United States.

AMA charters more than 2,500 model airplane clubs across the country. It offers official contest sanctions, insurance and assistance in getting and keeping flying sites. AMA is the voice of its membership, providing liaison with the Federal Aviation Administration, the Federal Communications Commission and other government agencies. AMA also works with local governments, zoning boards, and parks departments to promote the interests of local chartered clubs.

The AMA sanctions more than a thousand model competitions throughout the country each year and certifies official model flying records on a national and international level. It is the organizer of the annual National Aeromodeling Championships, the world's largest model airplane competition.

In addition to representation, insurance and information, the AMA offers its members a monthly color magazine, Model Aviation... and Sport Aviator, a electronic publication specifically designed for the new modeler.

For liability insurance reasons, AMA membership in good standing is required in addition to MMAC club membership. An AMA application can be found in the membership section of our Club Info page, or at the AMA website. For more information you can contact:

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Your Plane and Radio

There are many different types of trainer planes, engines and radio systems available to the new pilot. A trip to a local hobby shop or an evening spent browsing on the Internet will probably create more questions than answers. We highly suggest meeting with an instructor at the field before you purchase anything. He can then not only speak about the equipment, but also actually show you. This way you can feel confident that the items you buy will be compatible with each other and appropriate for a novice.

Once you have purchased the gear, your instructor will be happy to answer your questions...but will encourage you to assemble the kit yourself. This is one way that you can begin to understand the workings of a model aircraft. Once complete, however, you MUST have your aircraft & radio system checked by a flight instructor before you attempt to fly. Our experience says that 3 out of 4 new planes will need some additional work that should not be done at the field...due to either a mechanical or safety concern. It could be as simple as an uncharged battery or as dangerous as a cracked glue joint that went unnoticed. Virtually all of these issues can be fixed with a little time and effort. Unfortunately, the plane may not fly that day.

One way to avoid disappointment is to take your plane and radio to a club meeting and have it inspected there. You could also contact your instructor and arrange a time to have your plane checked prior to heading to the field. With a pre-inspected and "pre-fixed" plane, your first training day will be much more enjoyable!

All our instructors prefer to utilize the "Buddy-Box" method to train their students. This tandem radio system allows you to hold a radio transmitter when flying, while at the same time, your instructor holds the primary transmitter. If you experience difficulties your instructor can assume flight control with the flip of a switch. This saves the confusion caused by having to pass a single transmitter back and forth. The actual Buddy-Box is an almost empty transmitter that connects to the primary transmitter via a cable. Although several instructors own Buddy-Boxes, we recommend that each student supply their own as it will help maintain the proper trim settings from session to session. Buddy-Boxes are available for around $50...much less than the cost of an airplane. Training with this method versus the the hand-it-back-and-forth method significantly adds to the pleasure of learning.

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Field Equipment

Much like the process of choosing an aircraft and radio, selecting the proper support equipment can be overwhelming. Once again, look to your instructor for guidance. He can help you choose good quality, basic gear to get you started. Much of this equipment will last you for forever...some will be replaced over time as it wears out or you discover personal preference for one item over another with experience. The important thing to remember is that you need only the basics to begin training.

You will require fuel and pump, a electric starter and a glow ignitor for the engine, a restraint device to secure the plane when the engine is running as well as spare props and assorted tools. In addition, you will need an 12-volt battery to power some of these devices and a box of some sort to carry everything.

All of your equipment can be purchased either at a local hobby shop or online. Also, rest assured that anything missing from your kit can be borrowed at the field as long as you remember to return the item when finished. Most of us can clearly remember our early days in the hobby and are willing to help a student in any way possible.

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