Training and instruction

Since you’ve read this far, it’s clear you are interested in learning to fly a model aeroplane.
Your interest may have developed over years, studying aviation, building plastic models, or
perhaps you have a license to fly full-size aircraft. HOW you come to have an interest in RC
models is less important than the fact that you DO!

One of the great features of this sport is the variety of people it attracts. Our club has a wide
spectrum of members – doctors, educators, tradesmen (and women!), students, labourers
and even some unemployed. There is no telling where the next member is coming from, only
that they will have an interest in model aviation. Within this eclectic group, there are people
wanting to design and build their own model, scaling it from photographs or drawings and
going the whole nine yards with detailing. Similarly, there are people happy to purchase an
Almost Ready to Fly (ARF) model from the local hobby shop and slap it together as quickly
as possible, barely waiting for the battery to charge before heading out to commit aviation!
And somewhere amongst these and the many others – is you!

Two of Skyhawks’ purposes, as defined by our constitution, are:

• The promotion and encouragement of model aircraft building and model aircraft flying
  in all aspects; and
• To assist and guide all members but in particular, younger members and newcomers
  in this hobby.

The Club views training and instruction as being core to the realisation of these goals.

Accredited Instructors

Skyhawks has a dedicated cadre of accredited instructors available for training pilots under
the leadership of our Chief Flight Instructor (CFI). Training is available for fixed wing aircraft
and helicopters and is offered free of charge for all members.

Your instructor will provide advice on the purchase and setup of your first model, as well as
initial trimming flight so you can then start learning on a properly set up model. Ultimately,
you will know how to do all this by yourself of course, but like all skills, it is just more difficult
to learn when you have multiple aspects to deal with at the same time….. Better to do single
tasks where possible, perfect those and move onto incorporating more complex tasks.

Since we are discussing instructors, there are a few points to consider. Firstly, your instructor
will have his/her own models they wish to fly occasionally. Also, they may well have other
students to teach. Be mindful that you cannot take up ALL their time at the flying field! In any
case, you will likely not want to fly more than four or five flights a day as a student because
the concentration required will leave you somewhat fatigued and you will find yourself
performing poorly when you’re tired. Better to get in a couple of flights and sit a few out while
watching and socializing. Then perhaps another couple of flights before you go home. Better
to go home wanting to fly more, than flying so much that you ultimately crash due to
tiredness or lack of concentration.

It would also be best for you to stay with the same instructor for the early flights, perhaps
until you’ve at least gone solo. This will afford you the consistency of only needing to satisfy
one instructor (we all teach differently, even though the subject is common). Once you’ve
become competent with basic handling and gone solo, you will likely benefit from flying with
the occasional different instructor. They will have different teaching styles and “pet-hates” or
areas that they concentrate their training more than another. This a good thing, and
eventually you will take on a variety of techniques to achieve the same manoeuvre etc.

While on the subject of learning to fly, pretty much anybody can learn to fly a model. As long
as you can hold a transmitter and understand basic instructions, you can be young or old,
able-bodied or in a wheelchair etc. Obviously, you might have specific challenges due to
your condition, but many of these challenges are overcome with determination and practice
and needn’t be a barrier to your training.

Lastly, if you’re getting into RC model aeroplanes, visit the local hobby shop and ask them
for advice – not only on a suitable model and radio system, but where the local clubs can be
found. Ideally, put off the purchase until you’ve visited the club, had a talk to the instructor,
and even had a try at flying our trainer to ensure this is something you want to do! It isn’t for
everybody, and it would be disappointing to spend good money on a model and radio system
only to discover that it’s the wrong type of model, or you just don’t want to continue…

Visitors to the Club are entitled to three sessions with one of Skyhawk’s instructors before
even applying to join.

How long will it take to learn?

This is the age-old “how long is a piece of string?” argument. We’re all different, with our own
time-constraints and family, social and financial commitments. For the average working adult
with most weekends available (at least one day), you can expect to be safe solo within a
couple of months. However, if you’re a teenager with lots of time playing computer games
etc and good eye-hand coordination, you might be solo after a dozen flights or even less!
Don’t make any assumptions about your ability though. Your instructor is best placed to
judge your readiness for solo, and you will eventually achieve this important goal.

From pilots who have never piloted a model aircraft before, through to experienced flyers
who are looking to further refine their skillset, instruction takes in all facets of the hobby –
understanding how the models operate, safety protocols, flight line etiquette and – of course
– flying techniques.

Our experienced instructors will discuss your goals in the hobby, assist in any purchasing
decisions and even help you set models up to make sure you have a great maiden flight.

MAAA Wings

Although Skyhawks does not require members to have earned their MAAA wings prior to
flying solo it is nevertheless a rewarding achievement and entitles members to fly at
locations where MAAA wings are required. We have combined our “Solo” test with the
requirements for MAAA’s Bronze Wings, so your instructor will not only give you solo
approval, but you’ll be issued a brand-new set of Bronze Wings to put on your shirt or hat!

From time to time, Skyhawks will host dedicated events focused on providing members with
the opportunity to demonstrate this proficiency and improve their flying skills.

Training equipment

Skyhawks has you covered here! We have a number of great trainers and more advanced
models that your instructor will use to get you airborne. We use a “buddy box” transmitter,
giving you complete control of the model via a separate transmitter. This gives the instructor
the opportunity to take over quickly if you need some help! This facility is also available for
your own model and transmitter if you want somebody backing you up on your first few
flights.

Come on out and talk with an instructor any weekend (weather permitting). Have a fly, and
see if you like it. We think you will!