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Getting Started FAQ's
How do I get started in R/C???
You need to do two things. First, you should join a club such as
ours, the SSRCC. This way, you'll get to know other people who fly
R/C, and you can reap the benefits of their experience as you start
out with Model Aviation. Take a look around our club website for
more information and links. Use the SSRCC Membership
Application on this website.
The second thing you need to do (whether you join
our club or any other area club) is to join the Academy of Model
Aeronautics (AMA).
The AMA is a national organization that oversees the R/C hobby.
Clubs usually require you to be a member of their club and the AMA
as well. The AMA Website has information on all aspects of the Model
Aviation hobby.
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Do I have to build my own plane before I can fly?
Only if you want to. You're probably interested in getting into
the air right now, not spending weeks or months building it first.
That's understandable. Today, almost everyone selects an ARF (Almost
Ready to Fly) or RTF (Ready to Fly) system for their first plane.
Of course, if you want to build your first plane from a kit, there
are plenty of those out there too.
An ARF is an airplane that's mostly built. This gives
you some flexibility in selecting the individual airplane, radio,
and engine that you want to use, or that your instructor recommends.
For example, you may want to start off with a moderately sophisticated
radio system rather than the simpler ones that are included with
most RTF's. That way, the radio might be 'expandable' and more versatile
to you as your fleet of planes grows. Expect to spend about 10-20
hours assembling an ARF and installing everything.
The RTF systems are usually "all-in'one"
with a plane that takes very little assembly time, with a radio
and engine included, and already mounted. You pay more, but you
get into the air faster. These systems usually have a less sophisticated
radio included with them, though the radio is still a good solid
performer.
As for kits, perhaps you're a born-again modeler who
enjoyed building at one time, and want to do it again. Many of us
like to build, so don't overlook this option.. Building is still
an important part of the hobby.
Just make an educated decision before you settle on
your first setup. Choose the route that's right for you. The pilots
at your local flying field will be able to give you some advice,
too.
Also, check to see if your local club is having a
"Field Day" sometime soon. Clubs usually have an open-house
of some sort once or twice a year to attract new members. You can
usually get a free 'ride' flying someone else's plane, to get a
taste of R/C. You can also ask a lot of questions. That's why they
do this.
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What is a good "first airplane"?
Your first plane should be a high-wing type with a medium-power
engine. Features to look for are a wingspan somewhere in the order
of 54"-70", not too fast, and a nose wheel (for easier
takeoffs) instead of a tailwheel. The wheels on the main landing
gear should be spaced far apart, 12"-14" or more, to make
landings easier. There are several good trainer airplanes to make
your selection from, but they're all basically the same. It's important
that you start with a slow-moving, light trainer so that the plane
gives you time to think as you're learning. Hold off on high-performance
aircraft (such as a racer, stunt plane, jet or WWII fighter) until
your skills improve.
For RTF systems, let me start with one very minor'Caution'.
As a marketing feature, all RTF's brag about their short assembly
time (usually under an hour), which is true. What the ads don't
mention is that, before flying the first time, the transmitter and
receiver need to be charged for a full 24 hours. Don't head to the
field and ask someone to put a 'quick charge' on them for their
first charge. This will shorten the life of the batteries considerably.
You'll also have to run a couple of tanks of fuel
through the engine on the ground to break it in for proper operation.
Don't skip these steps for obvious reasons.
There are several product reviews and forum discussions
about these trainers available at RC
Universe as well as other discussion boards on the web. Some
examples of trainer-type RTF's are the Hangar 9 Alpha
40 Trainer or the Arrow
40 RTF from Horizon Hobby.
Another nice get-started package is the Hobbico NexStar
RTF. This plane is completely built and covered, and includes
a "AFS" feature, which stands for Automatic Flight Stabilization.
If the airplane gets out of control, just release the control sticks
and (assuming that you have sufficient altitude) it will automatically
right itself. The package also includes 'airbrakes' which slow the
airplane down for easier control on the first flights. The NexSTAR
takes about 30 minutes to assemble the first time. It even includes
a CD with flight simulator software to let you practice flying on
your PC before you ever get to the field.
My favorite combination is a Sig LT-40,
a Thunder
Tiger Pro-40 engine, and a Futaba
6EXAS radio (more versatile) or a Futaba
Skysport 4 (more economical). The 6EXA might be a bit more radiothan
you need right now, but it will stay with you through many airplanes.
The engine, with proper care, will also last you through several
planes too. There are several other good manufacturers of planes,
kits, and engines that you can try out. This is just one example.
Ask questions at the flying field. The LT-40 is available as an
ARF or a kit, but as of this writing, is not available as part of
a RTF combination.
There are several good ARF's on the market such as
the LT-40,
the PT-40
or the Avistar.
Combine this with a good radio system (such as a Futaba 6EXA or
a Skysport 4), and engine (OS
.40 LA or a Thunder
Tiger Pro .46), and you have a great combination.
Note: While these systems are available via the Internet,
you might want to check local hobby shops (LHS) first, to get the
plane faster, and to take advantage of their experience. Check out
our "Links" page
to find local area Hobby Shops. Quite often, there isn't much difference
in price, and when you buy from the LHS, you can see it 'in the
flesh' and have it immediately. It also keeps your LHS in business,
so that he's always there when you need him.
Add to this the cost of your field equipment (Fuel,
fuel pump, spare props, glow adapter, starter, etc.). These can
usually be bought as package deals from various vendors, but you
might want to see what the folks are using at the local flying field
first, to get their advice about what's good and what isn't.
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How about a Scale plane for my trainer, such as
a Piper Cub or a Cessna 180?
That's not a good idea. While these planes are high-winged,
other factors make them unsuitable. For example, a scale Piper Cub
has a very narrow tread between its main wheels. That makes takeoffs
and landings difficult. It's also a 'tail dragger' which requires
more skill for takeoff. A trainer's wing has been designed to be
extra stable. Scale-like Cubs and Cessnas don't have that extra
stability.
Another though is that, if it's a Scale plane, you're
probably going to be putting that 'extra' effort into it. In real
life, your first trainer is going to take a beating. It'd really
be a shame to see your beautiful scale airplane beaten to death
as you learn. Save the Scale project for later on. We're going to
want you to stay in the Hobby for a good, long time.
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Can I teach myself to fly?
That is also not a good idea. Things happen too fast, even with
a slow trainer. Controls become confusing just when you need them
the most. It's best to join a club and let an Instructor help you
out.
The consequences can be too severe if the plane gets
out of control. At the very least, you will damage or totally destroy
your airplane within the first 10 seconds. At the worst, you could
injure yourself or someone else severely. That's not an exageration.
True, many pioneering R/Cers taught themselves to
fly alone, years ago. R/C was in its infancy then. There weren't
a lot of people around to help someone learn to fly. They HAD to
teach themselves. Those early pioneers will tell stories about how
they glued lots of balsa back together after the end of their first
flights. They laugh about it now, but way back then.....
If you try to fly at your neighborhood school or playground,
you may not be covered by Insurance if something goes wrong. Even
a slow flying airplane can cover a lot of territory in a very short
time. Please don't try to teach yourself to fly alone - it's frustrating
and potentially dangerous.
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How about Simulators?
There is simulator software on the market (check out our Links
page) to give you a head start learning to fly. But simulators are
no substitute for training with an instructor. If you can afford
the software, that'd be great - I encourage you to use it. But you
still need someone to coach you through your first flights. By the
way, if you happen to get some RealFlight G2 software, there is
a representation of the SSRCC field on our Links
page that you might find helpful.
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Where do I find a good Hobby Shop?
In our area, you can shop at Hanson Hobby on Rt. 27 in Hanson, Alex's
R/C Hobbyworks in Belmont, or Hobby Tower in Swansea. R/C Buyers
Warehouse is in Nashua, NH. In Rhode Island, there is Brands Hobby
and Nancy's Hobby, to name a couple. Online, you can try Tower Hobbies,
Quantum Models, Central Hobbies, and others. You may even find some
items on eBay, but it's best to ask the advice of a seasoned flier
to make sure that you get a good deal. And, some club members may
have some secondhand systems that they'd sell for a fair price.
Almost all of the above shops can be also found on our Links
page.
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Is there anything on the Internet?
There is a ton of useful information on the Internet - club web
pages, discussion forums, web shopping, etc. Again, look at our
Links page to see if any
of the sites mentioned are of interest to you. There are groups
in these forums specifically to help new pilots, but you'll want
to explore all the groups to find out what's happening in the hobby.
However, be advised... just because someone sounds like an expert,
it doesn't mean that he IS one.. But overall, most of the advice
you'll find is pretty reliable. Another resource is the AMA's web
E-zine aimed at the new flyer, Sport
Aviator.
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How about some R/C-related magazines?
Here are a few suggestions. Look up Model Airplane News,
R/C Report,
and Fly RC. They
are totally dedicated to R/C. There are other magazines that cater
to R/C as well as other different aspects of the R/C hobby, such
as Flying Models and
others. Also, when you join the AMA, you will receive Model Aviation
magazine as part of your subscription. There are more magazine suggestions
on our Links page.
Before you buy a subscription, buy copies at your
local news stand or LHS. Some of the magazines' main articles are
nothing more than glorified advertisements. Others have a lot of
'how-to' articles, and still others are more critical in their Product
Reviews. It's up to you to select the magazine that suits your taste.
And, take all Product Reviews with a grain of salt.
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How can I join your club? When do you hold
your club meetings?
Our meetings are held on the first Monday of the month at the Polish
Club in Bridgewater. Meeting time is 7:30 but come early and introduce
yourself. Check our website
to see if we've changed the date or location of the meeting for
any reason.
Directions: Click Here!
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