Learning to fly well can be challenging but is also extremely rewarding. RC flight is a skill that requires practice. The RCMB flight instructors and club members are here and ready to help you succeed. We have successfully taught pilots from 8 to 80 how to fly RC.
RCMB maintains a number of trainer aircraft and radio systems with buddy boxes for the sole purpose of providing introductory flights and flight training to new and prospective members. Our competent flight instructors (see Membership tab for instructor list) will guide you through the process from first flight to certification flight using club equipment. We can also assist you by recommending the right type of equipment to purchase and your first aircraft.
Please refer to the Membership tab for our membership application and requirements for student and new member pilots. If, after your introductory flights, you wish to continue flight training, you will need to obtain your AMA membership (for liability insurance) and shortly thereafter your RCMB membership.
No, you need to use the club trainers. RCMB uses a trainer method with dual controls having dedicated buddy boxes already connected to our transmitters. This is difficult to set up for every new plane and radio that shows up at the field. So, learn on our equipment and then transition to yours. This also keeps the fiddle time to a minimum and maximizes stick time.
Radio equipment has improved immensely over the past several years. The
days of sharing a frequency on 72 megahertz are long gone, along with the
risks of being “shot down”. Today’s radio gear operates on 2.4 gigahertz
using spread spectrum protocols and technology. Your aircraft is uniquely
bound to your transmitter allowing you to fly interference free.
Radio package deals are available and include the transmitter, a receiver,
and batteries for the transmitter and receiver and a simple 6 channel
system can cost less than $150. Adding extra channels (7,8,9 or more),
features, and fancy displays can quickly run up the cost. You will want to
choose from either the Spektrum or Futaba brands, as they are most
commonly used at RCMB and you can get the help you need setting up your
new model.
You can only control what you can see, and this distance is typically much less than the range of modern radio equipment. Keep in mind that some model systems (indoor and park types) have limited range and are not recommended for Kirk Field because of their shortened control range. You will need a full range transmitter.
Most training flights are completed at an altitude of 250 feet or less. The FAA has recently approved Kirk Field for flights up to 1200 feet.
Most flights are within 1000 feet of the pilot stations.
You will learn on a club trainer at between 25 and 40 miles per hour. As your skills and experience with types of planes increase, your flying speeds will increase to well over 60 miles per hour depending on the model type and power level of the aircraft.
Club instructors can offer recommendations for your first radio and aircraft as they know what works, what is reliable, and what novice flyers have success with. Your first plane will most likely be of foam construction, electric powered, and a slow flying high wing type. Larger planes tend to fly better and are less at the mercy of the wind. Get the largest plane your budget will allow and that you can easily transport. It is best to avoid snazzy planes such as electric jets, multi-motor models, warbirds, and planes with retractable landing gear for your first model(s). Ready to fly models are available for less than $500.
The club trainers are powered by glow fueled engines. They provide efficient training by allowing a fair amount of stick time with multiple take off and landings without long recharging times. Most planes are now electric powered using lithium polymer (LiPo) battery technology because of their energy density and low weight. The batteries power the radio equipment on board the aircraft as well as one or more electric motors turning a propeller or an impeller in a tube known as a ducted fan (electric jet). Other power options include gasoline for larger and heavier models and kerosene for turbines.
The certification flight simply demonstrates that you can safely fly within the boundaries of the field and execute take offs, approaches, and landings in both directions. You will learn these skills during your training flights. Every pilot, student or experienced, must complete a certification flight. Our field is in close proximity to a school bus depot, an interstate highway, and a solar farm.
Instructional material for getting started