Getting Started
Suggestions to help you start flying your Radio Controlled Aircraft safely with us
Visit our Club Flying Field and/or attend a Club Meeting to meet our Members and ask questions.
Join our Club Membership. (Submit application form by mail, at a Club Meeting or the Flying Field)
Members are required to also join the "Model Aeronautics Association of Canada" online at www.maac.ca
Choose a model type right for you (see below) Other members will have many recommendations also
Review our Club's Members Handbook to learn the Safety Rules and a summary of the Flying Lessons
Start free Flying Lessons with any of our volunteer Flight Instructors to earn your "solo flying" status
Complete your model flying training and enjoy the hobby all year long
Deciding what type of flying model to invest in first
Electric Motor/Battery power or Engine/Nitro fuel powered flying model
High-wing style trainer or low-wing advanced progressive trainer
Indoor flying model (winter months) or larger outdoor model
Helicopters are more challenging to learn first, but a great addition to flying skills later
Multi-rotors are very popular. Add a camera and go racing.
FPV "first person point of view" on any model is another way to fly.
Hobby stores will offer a wide selection of model types to purchase. One could purchase the separate elements independently (model, engine/motor, radio system, etc.) or purchase a complete RTF (ready-to-fly) package.
RTF packages are available for both Electric power* and Nitro* power setups.
RTF packages are available as 'basic' high-wing trainers which are generally easier to learn to fly with, or as 'progressive' models which are more advanced that will allow easy training but also allow more advanced flying as skills develop (without having to purchase another intermediate model afterwards)
*** IMPORTANT *** Ensure that the flying model setup purchased includes a modern radio system that enables a "buddy-cable" hook up to another similar controller. This is required for training with an instructor.
* Below are some general descriptions to help decide between investing in "Electric" or "Nitro" models
* Also some recommendations of popular Model Airplane packages available.
Electric-Powered r/c model airplanes
PROS:
Convenience of just plug-in a re-chargeable battery and fly
No messy fuel/oil exhaust residue to clean up on your model
Quiet, clean, powerful and reliable motor performance
Scale models have clean engine cowlings with no cutouts
Greater range of models available including: Small “park flyer” models, larger electric models, indoor flat foam, powered gliders, helicopters, and more reliable multi-engine types
Never have to buy fuel and carry fuel pump, engine starter, starter battery, glow lighter, cleaner and wipes to flying field
Do not need to maintain / recharge a radio receiver battery
Ability to fly during noise restricted times / locations
CONS:
Initial cost of extra lithium battery packs and second battery charger to allow continuous flying between charges
Nitro-powered r/c model airplanes
PROS:
Traditionally more common as first r/c model
Nitro models are usually larger for same cost of power
Some people prefer the noise of liquid fuel engines
Flying times average a few minutes longer
Can fill up the fuel tank immediately to fly again if in a rush
CONS:
Must purchase a "pit kit" which includes engine starter, 12V battery, power panel, fuel pump, glow plugs, glow lighter
Must purchase nitro glow-fuel regularly
Engine mixture adjustments required to run consistently and reliably
Must maintain / recharge a radio receiver battery
Models require cleaning of messy lubricant fuel exhaust
Noise prohibits flying when restricted
Some Useful links
Basic Ground School and Introductions
Understanding control surfaces
Learning about the transmitter
Parts of a RC Airplane and what is AS3X and SAFE
Introduction to Real Flight v9.5 Simulator
Learning to fly with Real Flight 9.5
