FIXED WING TRAINING


The Club offers free model and equipment checks as well as flight instruction for beginners. Training is provided, by prior appointment, on most Saturday and Sunday afternoons at Folly Farm. We have a team of at least six voluntary instructors led by the Club’s Training Officer. We work initially towards the BMFA ‘A’ Certificate which then entitles you to fly solo at A&DMFC fields. Trainee pilots are given a training log together with a copy of the BMFA booklet of guidance notes about the ‘A’ Certificate test. Click here to review and / or print the A&DMFC Training Log Form. You will need the Acrobat file reader to view / print this form. Click here if you need to download it.

Although the Club caters for a wide range of fixed wing interests including gliders and electric powered models, most newcomers opt for an I/C powered ARTF trainer and a minimum of four channel radio gear. Raw novices can, by prior arrangement, normally be offered “buddy box” facilities.

We cannot and would not wish to prevent prospective members from buying whatever takes their fancy or is offered for sale; however, the following list is based on actual experience and has helped many members to gain their ‘wings’.

MODEL – all of these are ‘ARTF’ (Almost Ready To Fly)

IRVINE TUTOR 40 - RIPMAX TRAINER 40 - BLACKHORSE EXCEL 2000 - VMAR TRAINER 40 - TIGER 40 TRAINER - or any ARTF ‘40’ size trainer.

RADIO


2.4Ghz radio gear is becoming very popular due to interference free operation. Spektrum, Futaba and JR all have reliable sets.

ENGINE


OS 46 LA - IRVINE 40 or 46 - Not the cheapest. However, the extra £15 or so spent on one of these will virtually guarantee reliable flying. You can more than make up for the additional cost by not buying electric starters, batteries, power panels or glossy extravaganza.

If you are serious about learning to fly, we strongly recommend that you visit our field at Folly Farm before joining the A&DMFC. You are welcome to contact our Training Officer, John McClarty, for a preliminary chat. You can contact John by looking in the “Committee” page and sending him an email.