Brief introduction for non flyers: Club members build radio control models from kits, plans or from own designs. There are a variety of models flown, it's not unusual to see wingspans from 2 to 10 feet. Social events, barbeques, social evenings are arranged as well as flying competitions. A flying day at the field is normally a low key social event in itself where people can just chat, swap technical model info, gossip, banter or even fly their models!
We are always happy to give free instruction to any learners. Like most UK clubs we do not allow pilots to fly without supervision until they have achieved their BMFA 'A' certificate. There are a limited number of experienced flyers willing to teach newcomers, and the club has two BMFA examiners ready to take BMFA tests once people have learned to fly. Many pilots eventually go on to become instructors themselves. To allow the club instructors some time to fly their own models we limit the number of beginners at any one time in the club, an e-mailed enquiry to us will confirm the current availability.
Instruction is available subject to prior arrangement, we reserve Wednesday evening flying just for training. The club has instructors for both 'throttle left' and 'throttle right' modes and we also make extensive use of the buddy-box training system, which allows instructors and pupils to operate different modes.
It should be noted that whilst some instructors will help by using their own transmitters to set up a buddy box system this is not always possible. If you feel that you prefer the added safety to your models (and quicker learning curve) afforded by the buddy box system the best way to ensure its availability is to buy a cheap second transmitter and buddy box lead. This will cost no more than £50, an expenditure which will repay itself many times over when it saves your model from the inevitable crashes during training.
The club encourages new flyers to initially learn using electric models, please do not hesitate to e-mail us for further advice before buying your equipment. We currently recommend the Twinstar, as its lightweight polystyrene construction can be easily repaired and its flight characteristics are suitable for beginners.
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It is always best to ask about availability of membership as places for beginners are always in demand and it may not be possible to offer a place at that time due to demand.
Several club members own computer R/C simulators, so it is even possible to get a flying lesson when it's dark or raining!