Get Started

The public is always welcome to visit our field and spend some time watching the flying and talking to the pilots. Only members and their invited guests who are members of the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) are eligible to fly at the club field, but if you are interested in learning to fly we’re happy to introduce you to the hobby and get you in the air safely.

If you are a newcomer to the hobby, you’ll want to take time to learn what equipment you should have, and where you can acquire it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of our members – they will be glad to help you get started the right way. Remember, we all started like you. Get involved! Come and talk to the membership, we’ll be happy to help you understand the methods of safe and fun R/C flying, which starts in your workshop.

All new club members, and guest flyers, whatever their experience, need to familiarize themselves with the club field rules and safety policies before flying. New members, and guest flyers, irrespective of their experience, will need to pass a check flight before being permitted to fly alone.

This site has more information on getting started in R/C that we’re sure you will find it very informative: Hooked On R/C Planes

You will also want to visit the Academy of Model Aeronautics’ website for information and to join: Academy of Model Aeronautics

Here are some recommended training aircraft and support equipment that will help with your transition into the exciting hobby of flying model aircraft.

 

THESE ARE ONLY RECOMENDATIONS

Glow (Nitro) Recommendations

Great Planes Avistar Elite GP/EP ARF 62.5″ (Glow)

Hanger 9 Alpha 40 GP/EP ARF 63.0” (Glow)

 

REQUIRES:

               Radio:       Spectrum DX6e (basic) or Spektrum DX6,

                                 Spektrum DX8/DX20 (better) 2.4Ghz radios

              Servos:      Four standard size ball bearing (don’t use flaps)

                                JR sport or Spectrum recommended

                                   (may come with radio)

              12″ (305mm) Extensions:    Two for aileron servos

              Glow Engine:    OS46AXII

              Propeller:      APC 12×5

              Fuel: Aircraft blend with 10-15% nitro content

              Receiver Battery: A123 Pack

                  (See club member Dennis Vollrath)

              Battery charger (A123 Capable)

              Glow igniter with charger

              Fuel pump

              Field box with misc. screwdrivers, wrenches, & tools

              Electric starter and 12V battery

                  (recommended, not required)

ALSO GIVE SOME CONSIDERATION TO GOING WITH A SMALL GASOLINE MOTOR.  LITTLE MORE EXPENSIVE TO PURCHASE, BUT CHEAPER TO OPERATE AND CLEANER TO RUN.   TALK WITH SOME EXPERIENCED CLUB MEMBERS.  Example:  O.S. GT10 – Same as O.S. .46AX & .55 AX glow engines.

Online at Towerhobbies.com (airplane and OS motor) and Horizonhobby.com (radio and servos)

Most instructors use the buddy box system for training therefore JR and Spectrum radio is recommended because that’s what is compatible with most instructors’ radios. If you choose another brand, plan one buying 2, 1 for you and 1 for your instructor.

 

Download Link – Glow (Nitro) recommendation  

Electric Recommendations

Great Planes Avistar Elite GP/EP ARF 62.5″ (Electric)

Hanger 9 Alpha 40 GP/EP ARF 63.0” (Electric)

   

REQUIRES:

            Radio: Spectrum DX6e (basic), Spektrum DX6,

                       or Spektrum DX8/DX20(better)  2.4Ghz radios        

           Servos:     3 standard size ball bearing (don’t use flaps)

                            JR sport or Spectrum recommended)

                              (may come with radio)

          12″ (305mm) Extensions: Two for aileron servos

           6″ (152mm) Servo Extension: One for ESC to RX

           Out runner Brushless Electric Motor:   Great Planes RimFire .46 (800Kv)

                                                                                Eflite Power 32 (770Kv)                                                          

           LiPo Battery: 30C 14.8V 4S, at least 3300mAh   (HobbyKing.com)

           ESC: Great Planes Silver Series 60A,

                    Castle Creations Phoenix Edge 75A,

                    eFlite 60A

          Propeller: APC 12x6E thin electric

          Battery charger (LiPo capable)

Online at Towerhobbies.com (airplane and OS motor) and Horizonhobby.com (radio and servos)

Most instructors use the buddy box system for training therefore JR and Spectrum radio is recommended because that’s what is compatible with most instructors’ radios. If you choose another brand, plan one buying 2, 1 for you and 1 for your instructor.

 

Download Link – Electric recommendation