Learning To Fly?
Discussion
I fancy getting into R/C aircraft and have little to no idea how to start. I found myself in our local model shop (specialising in R/C) contemplating a prop powered trainer type plane complete with 4 channel radio and everything - £160.
Now, the bloke in the shop seemed to think you can pretty much teach yourself with the help of a book and a wide open space. I find this difficult to believe. Even if I could get it into the air and circle around a bit (unlikely), I am pretty sure I'd spread my £160 across the local countryside when it came to trying to land it.
Do model flying clubs do lessons? I think someone talking you through it as you fly would be better than all the books and YouTube videos in the world. Or am I wrong?
How did you all get started? And was it an expensive or a relatively painless experience?
Cheers gang,
Darren.
Now, the bloke in the shop seemed to think you can pretty much teach yourself with the help of a book and a wide open space. I find this difficult to believe. Even if I could get it into the air and circle around a bit (unlikely), I am pretty sure I'd spread my £160 across the local countryside when it came to trying to land it.
Do model flying clubs do lessons? I think someone talking you through it as you fly would be better than all the books and YouTube videos in the world. Or am I wrong?
How did you all get started? And was it an expensive or a relatively painless experience?
Cheers gang,
Darren.
Cheers both, it's all things to look into. Take it "FMS" is some sort of simulator? Is it good enough to prepare you for flying solo or just preparation for actual instruction?
I like the look of these ducted fan "jets" and that's what I eventually want I think. Are the propellor driven trainers relevant to these or is it a different discipline completely?
Sorry for daft questions, just trying to gather good information.
Thanks again.
I like the look of these ducted fan "jets" and that's what I eventually want I think. Are the propellor driven trainers relevant to these or is it a different discipline completely?
Sorry for daft questions, just trying to gather good information.
Thanks again.
All good stuff chaps, thank you. Keep it coming.
I'm trying to recall what the trainer I looked at was called, it was pretty big to be honest (or at least looked it to me) - About a 4' wingspan.
I think it was a "Wing King" or something equally cheesey sounding. What did appeal was that all the parts were readily available as spares
I'm trying to recall what the trainer I looked at was called, it was pretty big to be honest (or at least looked it to me) - About a 4' wingspan.
I think it was a "Wing King" or something equally cheesey sounding. What did appeal was that all the parts were readily available as spares
banx22 said:
...i'd recommend a phase3 F16 as a first ducted fan but only after you have really mastered how to fly to avoid disappointment.
Sorry, I may not have worded it well. I didn't mean learn with a ducted fan, I was wondering if learning on a prop Cessna type thing has much relevance when you move onto a DF. But you seem to have answered that question, cheers 
An update...
I'm now the excited owner of a trainer, one of these. It's all put together andpatiently impatiently waiting in the garage. It includes a second set of "sports" wings to move onto once you've mastered the training set up, plus the radio/battery/charger etc. I've set it up as best as I can to get the control surfaces lined up in their neutral positions and such like and that's as far as I can go on my own. Ideally I could do with someone who knows a bit to check it over before a flight but no hurry for that as yet.
Does anyone know a good club in the Swindon area, I've emailed a few as asked and not had any replies at all in a fortnight? I'd like to pop up on a flying day (without my plane) to get chatting and just watch over someone's shoulder with a view to joining. Currently, finding someone to speak to is proving challenge enough.
Any help is appreciated as always,
Darren.
I'm now the excited owner of a trainer, one of these. It's all put together and
Does anyone know a good club in the Swindon area, I've emailed a few as asked and not had any replies at all in a fortnight? I'd like to pop up on a flying day (without my plane) to get chatting and just watch over someone's shoulder with a view to joining. Currently, finding someone to speak to is proving challenge enough.
Any help is appreciated as always,
Darren.
dave_s13 said:
Just find a large, deserted field and give it a whirl. You'll be fine!!
Just make sure there is bugger all wind.
Not sure you're serious but that's where my thinking is now. I've sorted the landings on the simulator, although I struggle with making sure it's flying straight on there - the dodgy graphics and lack of reference points on there don't help but I suspect that aspect of it will be easier in reality. Just make sure there is bugger all wind.
Been busy, apologies for late reply. I get it (INternal Combustion that is), thought by IC you meant a type of construction, been racking my brains. Doh!
As it happens the chairman at one of the clubs emailed me back apologising as he'd been away and arranged for me to go up as a guest. The first time was a bit windy for a beginner but he flew my plane for a quick shakedown to see if its airworthy. Was up again Sunday and flew myself under instruction for three batteries worth and even logged a couple of landings.
Hooked now, can't get enough
As it happens the chairman at one of the clubs emailed me back apologising as he'd been away and arranged for me to go up as a guest. The first time was a bit windy for a beginner but he flew my plane for a quick shakedown to see if its airworthy. Was up again Sunday and flew myself under instruction for three batteries worth and even logged a couple of landings.
Hooked now, can't get enough
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