Follow the links below to learn how to get started
Visit a local Flying site: Modelers are usually very willing to share information about their hobby. You can get information on Clubs, flying sites, and what it takes to get started.
topJoin a club: Joining a club will give you access to information but most importantly there are members who provide one on one flight instruction. You will find members with different skill levels, many are in the training stages, others just enjoy sport flying, some may compete at national or even world levels. It usually takes about one season to successfilly takeoff, fly, and land an airplane. I belong to the Fox Valley Aero club in Saint Charles Illinois: www.FoxValleyAero.com
topTrainers: There are many, many trainers on the market, don't just walk into a hobby shop and purchase one. Many hobby shop employees have no actual flying exprience, the best advice will come from local flying sites. The typical trainer has a high wing, usually about 60”, a mid size glow engine, and a 4 channel radio. Complete packages can be purchased for around $350.00.
Build: The advantage of building is, you will have gained the experience of constructing your own model. The disadvantage is it takes more time.
Buy: Today the majority of the models are in ARF form, these models are of exceptional quality, and the purchase price is the same or less than if you were to build it yourself. For a trainer I would strongly recommend an ARF. These can easily be repaired or replaced in the event of a crash while learining. The photo shows a typical ”Almost Ready to Fly” trainer.
Practice: Fly as often as possible, you should be at the flying site at least once a week. If you cant make it to the flying field, purchase a simulator. The simulators run on your pc, and have a transmitter like controller. These simulators are so close to actual models they make very effective training tools.
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