Frequently Asked Questions
I want to fly model planes, where do I start?
The best approach is to find a local club and talk to the members, even before you buy a plane. See what is involved and see what they recommend. You will find all club members from any club full of good information and most quite experienced and when they say start with a high wing trainer they don’t mean a ¼ scale Spitfire…..
What plane do you recommend?
Talk to the instructors at the club you intend to join, See what they recommend. The sort of plane you should be looking for is a high wing trainer preferably 3 channels, and around the 40 inch wing span with a 40 size engine. This is a very common size and you find almost all trainers this size. At Woking Model Flyers our instructors recommend a MFA Yamamoto, this does come in 3 or 4 channel, in our experience you will learn a lot quicker on 3. Other good choices are the Ripmax Trainer 40, and the Irvine Trainer 40 (almost identical- buy the cheapest!) - both are exellent, stable models, ideal for he beginner.
We also recommend a 40 or 46 size engine, why…? When you have learnt to fly and got your ‘A’ you will want to move on to an 4 channel aileron trainer and we recommend a Wot4, yep it needs a 46… Logical upgrade path..!
note 3 or 4 channel refers to the number of control movements on the model 3 channel = rudder ,elevator, and throttle 4 channel = ailerons, elevator, throttle and rudder,
And how much does it cost?
How much, well depending on what you get and make and model of engine, radio, etc. and you will need, plane, glue, covering, engine, radio, starting equipment, tools, and a few other odds and ends you will be looking at around £300.00.
The big expenditures are Model - £70, Radio - £100, a good engine(Irvine, OS) £70
What Radio do you recommend?
You will need a 35Mhz set for the UK and a minimum of 4 channels. Depending on what you want to do, you can get a cheapish 4 for around £100.00. This will be fine for the first couple of models, but if you plan on having loads of models then it may be more economical in the long run to get a computer radio. Apart from giving loads of extra functions it does allow you to program and set-up several different models. Ask for a MODE 2 radio (Trottle on the left).
Who can teach me?
In the club we have club instructors, BMFA instructors, and examiner's you are not permitted to fly on your own until you have passed your ‘A’ test, until then you MUST have an instructor or examiner standing with you. your instructor will take you through all the stages at your own pace, based on the BMFA manual, model flying should be an enjoyable experience even when learning, Damage to model's? in the initial stages it is unlikely that the model will come to any real harm, damage usually occurs when you start learning approaches and landings, the model is closer to the ground, less time for an instructor to take over control) but by this time your flying will be of a standard that any damage should be fairly minor, just bear in mind though even instructors can make mistakes!!! but far fewer than you will! and finally, DONT PANIC your instructor will do this for you, he's had year's of experience!!!!!!.
What does the test involve?
The A test consists of a series of simple manoeuvres to ensure you are in full control of the model at all times, Look at the BMFA web site, http://www.bmfa.org/handbook/index.html is the link to the handbook and look at the achievement schemes for fixed wing ‘A’, as part of the test you will also be asked some questions about safety from the BMFA handbook.
How do I join the club?
We do have limited space for learners as we have a limited number of instructors. But contact us and come along and talk to any of the committee members.
HOW TO FIND US - We meet at the Vine, Knaphill, during the winter months: MAP
The flying site is rather harder to find. Call the BMFA (http://www.bmfa.org/), who will put you in touch with a comittee member who will give instructions.
Where can I get more information?
Club members love to talk, your local model shop is also a mine of information (See Links Page) and of course there are web sites- http://www.bmfa.org is a good place to start.
The BMFA also have a FAQ page and is quite detailed http://www.bmfa.org/faq/index.html
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