Every day of the year, there are hundreds of thousands of RC enthusiasts around the world flying RC model aircraft, and they have one thing in common – they all had to learn to fly! Well, learning to fly at LAM is easy. We have a structured training programme, and this is how it works:
First of all, we’ll put you in touch with one of our Club Instructors who’ll meet up with you at the flying field for your very first flight. Don’t think that you need to come along with a brand spanking new model and all the radio gear, because you don’t – we provide everything – all you need is you, and your enthusiasm. However, if you already own an RC model and radio gear, that’s fine; bring them along and we’ll check out if they can be used from day one.
LAM’s indemnity insurance covers first time visitors to the club who have no previous model flying experience and this insurance fully covers you for three separate visits. So, before committing yourself to join our club or spending your hard-earned cash on RC equipment, you’ll be able to come along and have three good sessions to see how you go on.
During these sessions, you’ll be flying one of our modern club training aircraft just like the one shown here.
You’ll also be using our buddy-box radio equipment. A buddy-box system is where two transmitters are linked together – one for the student and one for the instructor – a bit like dual controls when you’re learning to drive.
Before you know it, you’ll be taking off, flying straight and level, circling the flying area, completing a figure of eight, and landing, all in a safe and controlled manner, and with a bit of luck, before your third session ends, you’ll be flying solo and signed-off to fly unsupervised.
Our club instructors love coaching new flyers, and they give up their time freely to do so, however, after the three sessions end, and before you progress further in your training, the club would expect you to show ongoing commitment to the hobby by becoming a member of the club (if you haven’t already joined) and buying (or beg, borrow, or steal) your own RC model and radio gear.
The work of our training officers doesn’t end after the three sessions. If you’re looking to buy your own model and radio gear, they’ll give you all the advice you need to make sure you buy the right equipment that best suites your flying ability. And here’s a bit of very good advice… “DON’T BUY ANYTHING WITHOUT FIRST TAKING ADVICE FROM OUR CLUB INSTRUCTORS!” We’ve seen many a first model hit the deck because they were too advanced for a new flyer. Leave the jet or low-wing warbird for another day!
Have a look at the drop down menu First Model and First Transmitter; you’ll find some good tips in there.
Finally, if you’ve bought all your new gear but haven’t yet been signed-off to fly solo, your training programme will continue, while at the same time you’ll be getting familiar with your own aircraft and radio gear. Take a bow Dave Woodland.
