I would like to welcome to this demonstration if you are interested in getting into a very rewarding and challenging hobby. First, this is something that I’m writing on my own and is in no way sponsored by any organization. There are many questions that people have when they are interested in getting into this hobby. I am going to try to answer some of them. Getting started. I guess you are going to need two things: money and a commitment (to be blunt). I am going to stress the commitment first. Wanting to learn how to control an RC aircraft can take as little time to learn as a few weeks or as long as six months depending on your commitment. Financially, I’m going to have to say that usually for about $500.00 you can have every thing that’s needed to get started. I will itemize this for you. All clubs require a flyer to join the AMA. This costs $58.00 if you’re an adult, and I believe $2.00 if you are under 18 years of age. For this you’ll get 2.5 million dollar liability insurance coverage and a monthly magazine. You will, of course, need an RC Trainer Plane. You can buy a ARF (almost ready to fly) with an engine and radio at most hobby shops or RC mail order place for around $ 325.00. A couple of comments on your first aircraft: Please talk to a member of your local Club on what is the proper plane to buy. For example, a P-51 Mustang is not a good plane to learn on. Talk to people that do training and they will be more than happy to help you with your proper choice. Also, a lot of times there are members of the club that have planes that they used for training that are for sale and can be picked up for less money. Be careful when buying a used plane, making sure that it is in good condition and not something that might be fuel soaked or a used radio that might have problems. Like I said, a club member can help you with your first plane. Next, you will want to join a club. The Fond du Lac Aeromodelers membership for the first year is $100.00 for an adult and $60.00 a year after that. What do you get for that? First, you will have access to one of the best RC fields in the area. When you join our club we will set you up with a trainer to give you flight instruction. We will check out your aircraft & trim it out for you. Basically what we will do is try to put you on a schedule with an instructor for lessons. You will learn all the safety procedures that all clubs and the AMA requires to fly an RC plane. The last thing you will need to buy is some basic items:
· Fuel for your Plane, approx $15.00 per gallon
· Glow plug starter, approx $17.00
· Some wrenches, like a glow plug wrench
· Some screw drivers, a pliers and some allen wrenches
Also, one other thing: A person under the age of 18 that wants to join the Club can enroll into the Club for $25.00. The Club doesn’t require the $100.00 first year fee. Also, one of the members of our Club has donated some money for a sort of Scholarship for young members to get into the Club for free if they meet the requirements. These are just a few of the Members you can call for more information on RC flying & our Club.
Dave Elsinger daytime 923-3932
Evenings 926-0551
Tom Antlfinger 922-1009
John Fryman 922-4590
Armond Pahnke 921-2190
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