About the Hobby
Some Basic Information on Aeromodeling (Updated 4/8/24)
A lifetime of fun!
This page is for those that are interested in getting involved in radio-controlled aeromodeling but don't know where to start. We'll cover how to start off on a path that will result in success while keeping your investment reasonable. With today's technology, there's never been a better time to get involved in the hobby.
So, let's get into some of the ABC's of radio-controlled airplanes!
Trainer Airplanes
The ideal aircraft for a beginner falls in the trainer category. Trainer airplanes are designed to have gentile and predictable flying characteristics suitable for a beginner. Examples of trainer airplanes can be found here.
The AeroScout and Apprentice are popular options. While smaller than the Apprentice, the AeroScout is a very robust airplane with great flight characteristics and is our top recommendation for getting started.
Starting with a trainer model is key.
Trainer models are designed to have gentile, predictable flight characteristics and fly at speeds that are easily managed by beginners. They're also are easier to land and many are designed to correct themselves to straight and level flight if the control sticks are released, aiding in recovery if you're in a bad position. Beginners learn much faster and have so much more enjoyment when they're learning with the correct type of model. Further, if you buy a Ready to Fly (RTF) set-up, everything you'll need to get started will be in the box. There's no need to buy equipment individually.
There are always beginners in the hobby who fall in love with the idea of starting out with a military warbird or an aerobatic model. They're cool looking, fast, highly maneuverable and they definitely can be more fun to fly than a trainer (for an experienced pilot). However for a beginner, learning to fly on one of these models is unnecessarily challenging and will definitely slow the learning process. Also, you are much more at risk of crashing it during your training. Starting with a trainer model will assure that you learn more quickly and minimize the risk of damage as you learn. Minimizing stress and maximizing enjoyment during the learning process is the goal. It's a hobby, it shouldn't be stressful!
How does training work?
The student and the instructor both have transmitters that are linked together (either by cord or wirelessly). The instructor has the ability to give and take back control of the airplane from the student. This way, if the student runs into trouble, the instructor can immediately take back control and correct the airplane to straight and level flight.
Instruction always starts with the basics on the ground. Focus is on preparation of the airplane (pre-flight inspection), understanding the basics of flight (the differences in pitch, roll and yaw for example) and last but certainly not least, field rules and SAFETY. For the initial flights, the instructor will take-off and land the aircraft, giving the student control of the airplane while in flight. Early lessons will start with focusing on straight and level flight along with how to properly turn the aircraft.
As the student progresses, they will learn how to fly a pattern around the airfield, with focus on maintaining altitude and performing consistent turns (also learning how to not "cross control" the airplane). From there, the student will focus on the skills for ground handling and preforming a consistent take-off roll and climb-out. Then, the skills for landing are introduced. Once the student can successfully demonstrate all needed skills repeatability and with consistency, they'll be ready to fly solo!
Start out by joining a flying club. No better way to learn AND have fun...
There are examples of beginners who were self-taught. Some had a relatively easy go and some found it very difficult. However, the best option - hands down - for having a positive and successful experience when starting out in the hobby is to join a flying club. Benefits of joining a club include:
A safe and appropriate location to fly - Flying clubs set-up their sites with safety in mind. Their sites are designed and dedicated for flying models. Provided the rules are followed, the risks are very low of someone being injured and you don't have to worry about being chased away due to flying being prohibited.
Flight Instruction - Many flying clubs have members who volunteer to teach beginners (at no cost). There is no better way to learn and have success than to be guided by experienced club member. They also provide guidance on equipment purchases and maintenance, giving the beginner confidence in knowing what to buy and how to care for it.
Fun and Camaraderie - What's more fun than flying? Flying and hanging out with people who love flying as much as you do! There is so much enjoyment in flying with other hobbyists and you learn so much from each other. It's a completely different dimension than flying by yourself and once you're enjoying the hobby in a communal atmosphere, you can't imagine not being part of a club. Clubs also have cookouts, fun fly contests and other special events that make the hobby even more fun and interesting. Click here to learn more about CMRCM and see if we're the right club for you.
AMA Membership / FAA Registration/ TRUST testing
To fly at most all aeromodeling clubs, including CMRCM, pilots are required to hold a Full Membership with the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). Among its benefits, AMA membership includes liability insurance. The AMA Park Pilot Membership does not meet CMRCM requirements.
Additionally, all pilots of aeromodels are required to register with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in order to be in compliance with federal law (Section 336) for operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle.
New for 2021 is the FAA's TRUST safety test. All recreational model pilots must complete this safety assessment as part of being current with FAA regulations. The Academy of Model Aeronautics is an authorized test administrator.
Want to Learn more? Come visit us, we'd love to talk with you...
If this little intro has you interested in learning more, there are four great ways to gain more information:
Come visit us at the flying field - Our flying field is located right off of Lyman St. on the Northborough/Westborough border. Click here for directions. You'll find the most activity on Saturday or Sunday mornings and members are always happy to talk with your when they're not flying.
Join one of our monthly meetings - We meet monthly via videoconference. Reach out to trsiwek@gmail.com If you'd like to join one of our meetings.
Visit your local hobby shop - Google "hobby shops near me" to find the one closest to you. Call ahead to see if they sell radio-controlled airplanes before stopping by. These shops will have plenty of expertise to help guide you.
Visit the AMA Website - The Academy of Model Aeronautics website is loaded with information for beginners that will provide guidance for getting started. In particular, visit the AMA Flight School.