Learning to Fly R/C

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 Ready-to-Fly Easy Star beginner aircraft package. Requiring only 15 minutes to assemble, the Easy Star incorporates a good-looking, super stable airframe made of durable, easily repairable "Elapor" foam. It’s powered by an electric Speed 400 motor, and mounted on the top so hard landing won’t break the prop or hurt the motor. The Easy Star 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.