Flight Instruction

The club has many AMA Intro Pilot Instructors that can assist you in becoming a proficient flier. Fledgeling pilots are encouraged to attend a monthly meeting and meet the crew and make arrangements. Friday and Sundays are our usual trainer days at our flying field.

RC flying Do's and Don'ts

- some basic safety tips

The rc flying Do's and Don'ts listed below are just some basic tips that should keep your flying experiences as safe and enjoyable as possible.

They're not set in stone but go along the lines of general common sense. RC flying is a great hobby and will give you heaps of fun, but all rc pilots need to fly responsibly - or we all get a bad name!

Of course accidents can and do happen, but as the British Model Flying Association puts it... "Safe flying is no accident".

So please bear these rc flying Do's and Don'ts in mind when you're at the field with your rc airplane, and you'll have a much better day.

Some RC flying Do's

• If you're new to the hobby, do choose a suitable aircraft i.e. a model suited to your current flying experience, not the one that looks the best in the shop but you won't be able to control. Following the advice throughout this website should give you the right idea.
• Do select your flying site carefully, and always check to see whether flying an rc aircraft is permitted in the area that you want to fly.
• Do  belong to AMA. If your aircraft damages property or, even worse, people, then you could be in for a multi-figure damages claim. Yikes!

• Do be very aware of proximity to houses, roads, schools etc. and keep as far away as possible. The larger and clearer the open space for radio control flying, the better.
• Do try and carry out some kind of frequency check before you fly, especially if it's a popular place for rc models of any kind.
• Carry out those essential pre-flight checks and, very importantly, the range check.
• Do respect that not everyone likes rc models! Noisy airplanes should be flown at rc flying club fields or well away from the public ears.
• Do be very aware of your radio gear battery levels at all times. A drop in charge after lots of flying will result in the aircraft going out of range, and out of control. Very bad in a public place.
• Do write your FAA Registration  number somewhere on the aircraft (or use an address label). RC airplanes have been known to fly off by themselves, or get stuck up trees or lost in corn fields, and the finder has more reason to return it if there is contact information - and even more so if there's an offer of a reward.
• Do fly within your skill limitations. We all need to push the envelope a bit, that's how we progress, but pushing it too hard too fast can have nasty results.
• Always use common sense, keep it safe, be sensible and responsible - but have fun!

Some RC flying Don'ts

• Don't fly where flying isn't permitted.
• Don't fly too close to built-up areas or roads, or anywhere where you could be a nuisance to the public.
• Don't fly in an area with lots of trees, pylons, posts, power lines and other obstacles.
• Don't fly close to people who are out trying to enjoy the sunshine. Or anyone at anytime, for that matter.
• Don't fly over or close to animals, wild or domestic.
• Don't try and fly beyond your capabilities eg try advanced aerobatic maneuvers without mastering the basics first.
• Don't fly over your head and behind you - it's the quickest way of getting completely disoriented and confused with what the aircraft is doing. A truly horrid feeling when it happens, believe me!
• Don't fly the aircraft too far away - it doesn't take long for an rc airplane or helicopter to become a tiny dot in the distance, and you have no idea of what the aircraft is doing, which way up it is etc. Again, a sure way for disorientation to kick in.
• Don't fly on very windy days if your aircraft isn't designed with wind in mind. Different rc aircraft can handle different strength winds, but for a basic electric park flyer a wind of 5mph could be too much. No wind or a gentle breeze is ideal.
• Don't turn on your transmitter if you see other modellers around. Check which frequency they are using first.
• Don't forget your pre-flight checks and range check.
• Don't fly if you are in any doubt about your aircraft or your situation. Wait for another day instead, or choose a safer area.

The above rc flying Do's and Don'ts relate to flying in public places. Again, common sense should dictate how you fly anyway. If you're flying at a club field you should already have the club rules to hand, so obey those at all times!

If you need flight instructions or training to brush up your flying skills, please contact Denise Edkins or Steve Laughlin at Killer Planes. They offer private  one or two day intensive lessons at their flight school.  Steve says "Its a Crash Course".  Really!!!!!

denise@killerplanes.com

Killer Planes Training

Flight Club is the club's social media team.  At present we are experimenting with Virtual Winter Funflies on Sundays utilizing the simulators.  This is a great way to still fly with your club members while at the warm comfort of your home during the harsh Winter months.  If you are interested, contact one of the club officers for more information.