Training

RMAC, which has a large membership, is well resourced and financially sound. We encourage newcomers to the hobby as is evidenced by the size of the UK membership of The British Model Flying Association, to which all clubs in the UK are affiliated, approaching 40,000 members currently embracing all sections of model flying activities.

To cater for the newcomer, RMAC has set up four teams of instructors to train people up to 'A' level of proficiency, as laid down in the BMFA code of model flying. Each team has one club training plane of high wing configuration and medium powered, plus transmitter/ radios using the buddy box system. This equipment is for those members or prospective members who have not ventured into investing in a plane or radio of their own, either because of financial constraints or uncertainty over their level of interest or confidence. Perhaps, less often admitted, they would rather risk bending the club trainer than bend their new pride and joy. The only expense incurred being the £2.00 per flight using the club equipment and fuel. However, those new members who have already purchased or constructed a plane and radio are welcome to use their own plane and equipment, preferably with a buddy box. Some choose not to use a buddy box, depending on their level of experience, confidence or incompatibility of radio equipment. Instant retrieval of a hazardous flying situation in this instance is sometimes not possible. Either way no responsibility can be taken by the club or instructor for loss or damage to the plane as the reasons for flying loss or damage can be many and varied and not always conclusive.

If it is any consolation to the newcomer there is not a model flyer in existence that has not written off a model either through lack of confidence, over confidence, mechanical or electrical failure, disorientation, weather, visibility, diligence or mid-air collision. The only consolation with a model is that you were not in the cockpit when it crashed! !

So, for the preceding paragraph to be eliminated as far as possible, I congratulate the newcomer for the wisdom of joining RMAC as being the first step, in as painless a way as possible, of getting into model flying., Fun is the name of the game but it also has to be taken seriously. Flying, whether model or full size, demands a degree of personal effort and an enquiring mind. This means reading the model flying press, visiting model flying shows and picking the brains of one's own club membership. It could be argued that if the model flyer exercised the same disciplines as demanded by the full size activity in flying training that would be the ideal situation. Unfortunately that costs time and 'money, as well as more commitment, which the student may not be willing to give, bearing in mind the voluntary nature of the club training.

Recent years have seen the growth of model flying schools, based on the full size establishments, covering aerodynamics, metrology, principles of flight, technical terms, aircraft construction, types of engine, radio systems etc. The cost of  this inevitably puts these luxuries outside the resources of the average club modeller but enough potential model flyers patronise these professional model flying schools to make them commercially viable. These topics are included in our training activities, if not in such a structured way as the professional outfits.

The only additions I would like to see incorporated into the club system of training would be a log book of training progression covering:

INTRODUCTION i.e. elementary safety aspects, flight control functions,  engine operation, fuel systems, airframe construction, radio installation and operation.

FLYING DETAILS aircraft type, weather conditions -wet or dry -wind strength direction-flight duration, manoeuvres, ground handling, take offs, landings, use of airspace

ASSESSMENT Dual control, solo, progress and observation, remarks, ready for examining? 'A' test flying sequence, BMFA safety code

AWARD OF 'A' CERTIFICATE  BMFA records –BMFA certificate of achievement

RAMSEY MODEL AERO CLUB-flying training timetable:

SUNDAYS -9.00 am TO 1.00pm – MARCH TO OCTOBER

WEDNESDAYS - 5.00pm to dusk – APRIL TO OCTOBER

Training by arrangement i.e. three guest visits before becoming a paid up member, Includes BMFA membership and third party insurance.

Junior training to be conducted under the Young Persons and Vulnerable Adults Act, i.e.

Responsible adults approved and screened. In every case young people should be accompanied by an adult family member or friend.

So on behalf of RMAC come along and give it a go. You will be assured of a warm welcome and find it may be the start of a lifetime interest, as indeed it was in my experience.

Good flying-Robert Dudley-Training Officer