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Anyone is welcome to visit the club (see contacts page) to view what we do and to discuss possible models and training. Once in membership, the training from complete novice to safely competent flier is free.
Ideally the complete beginner will contact the club for advice about his/her choice of model, motor and radio gear before spending any money. It is important to start with a model designed as a trainer - most of these come ready-built and require only motor, radio and servo installation before being ready to fly. Some even have the installation virtually complete.
The traditional setup of a high-wing trainer with “46” glow motor is still good – the model is cheap, will fly well, and the engine etc can be used in future models.
The alternative is an electric-powered model sold specifically as a trainer - these are usually made of tough foamed plastic and have the motor etc installed.
If radio gear is bundled with the model it should be compatible with the club’s buddy-box system, a form of dual control in which the instructor can take over operation of the flying model when it gets into difficulties. At present we can link to Spektrum, JR or Futaba radios, so the trainee should have one of these - they are all good popular makes and the gear will be useful for more complex models later. There are two frequency bands in use – 2.4 GHz and 35 MHz. “2.4” is the newer system and is recommended as it has usability and safety advantages.
We inspect the trainee’s model to make sure it is safe to fly and to give the trainee the best chance of success. We make sure the basics of model flying and, most importantly, safety, are understood, and then start to fly!
The Training Officer is Steve Rice, who also calls on certain other members to assist with training.
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