New Members
Welcome to our new members page, we hope to answer here questions that you may have about learning to fly model aircraft (fixed wing, petrol / glow/ electric / turbine powered), Retford Model Flying Club, Joining procedure etc.
I want to learn to fly, what model should I buy ?
This is the easiest and cheapest question to answer initially - NOTHING . Contact us and arrange a visit first, you will see many different types of aircraft and power unit. Talk to members, instructors, committee etc, most people will talk you to death on this subject. You will then be in a much better position to know what to buy and where to buy it from.
What transmitter should I buy
The best advice on this is is simply the most expensive you can afford. The more you spend, the more facilities you get and more model memories. Model memories allow one transmitter to control more than one model in your collection. You should stick to the top two makes namely Futaba or JR. Have a chat with your potential instructor and stick with the make they have, this will allow the instructor to use a buddy lead enabling dual controls on a model aircraft.
Is it difficult
Yes, but far from impossible, if it was easy, everyone would fly radio controlled aircraft and no-one would get any real pleasure from it. It's a challenge, frustrating at times but so rewarding at others. It's no good expecting to be the Red Baron of radio control flight in a couple of hours, it takes time and effort to get there. The most important aspect is that it's enjoyable. At RMFC we have a club night every Wednesday in the lighter nights (and Mon, Tue, The, Fri, Sat & Sun if the weathers nice and our other half's allow), to down to the field, join in with the BBQ, have a few flights is just incredible, sheer bliss, utopia !
What equipment do I need:
Equipment List |
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| Suitable Aircraft - i.e. TRAINER |
| Engine |
| 3 or 4 Servo's depending on the model |
Transmitter 35 MHz (with crystal) or 2.4GHz
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Receiver to suit the Transmitter
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Glow igniter (power panel or glow stick)
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BMFA Membership (includes 3rd Party & personal injury insurance)
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Suitable 12v Battery for starting and charging
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Nice Accessories to have |
| Field Charger |
Sun Hat |
| Tools |
Sun screen (you get very burned looking up at the sky whilst flying in the summer) |
| Spares |
Warm waterproof cloths for winter flying |
| Flask |
Good sense of humour |
| Sun Glasses |
Good selection of jokes |
Is it OK to fly alone
It's NEVER a good idea to fly alone though many people do. You are at risk if a mishap occurs and there's no-one with you to call emergency services etc. It is a very social hobby anyway and a lot of the pleasure is derived from meeting up with other members etc. You should definitely not try to go it alone the first time, it's a 99% certainty that you will break something.
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