Are you new to the hobby of RC model flying and wondering how to get started?
If the answer is “YES” then this page is for you!
Learning to fly a model aircraft of any type is a rewarding experience but it can be very frustrating if you try to go it alone. By far the best way to start is to visit a local club to get a better idea of how model flying works. Based on the type of flying you want to do they will be able to recommend suitable models and radio equipment to give you best chance of succeeding. Be aware though that learning to fly is not something that can be done in a day. You must be prepared to commit seriously to the hobby if you are going to succeed.
The most important advice we can give is DO NOT BUY ANYTHING until you have joined a club where you will get valuable advice and support, including training. Our club is no exception.
All model flyers should join the British Model Flying Association (BMFA) which provides third party insurance cover and BMFA membership is a requirement for all our club members.
Types of Model
Model aircraft fall into three main categories:
- Fixed Wing aircraft. This includes models designed for training, sports and aerobatic models and
scale models. It also includes gliders which these days are often equipped with a small electric motor to get them airborne without the need for a tow line. - Helicopters. These range from small twin rotor models designed for indoor flying through to large and powerful highly aerobatic models and scale models.
- Multi-rotor aircraft (Also known as drones). This is a relatively new category that has become popular recently. It includes tiny toy models the size of your hand that can only be flown indoors, larger models designed for racing, and very large models, often with up to eight rotors designed for carrying large cameras for professional photography.
Power source
Traditionally, radio controlled model aircraft were always powered by miniature piston engines, initially diesel but more recently glow plug engines. Large models can also use petrol engines. However, in the last 10 years or so, electric power has become a viable alternative thanks to dramatic developments in battery and motor technology. Multi-rotor models are only possible thanks to these developments so electric power is the only option for these models.
For someone new to the hobby the obvious choice is electric power, unless you have a particular desire to operate an internal combustion engine.
Fixed Wing Models
The best choice is a high wing model, with a wing span of at least 1.3m. These models are more stable in flight, are less inclined to stall, and are more forgiving for a beginner. The best training models will also have the potential to move on to more advanced flying once you have learned the basics.
For a beginner we suggest an ARTF (Almost Ready to Fly) model. These are pre-built models that require minimum build skills and come with a comprehensive hardware pack. The range of suitable models is always changing, and we can recommend the best options to any new member, including suitable radio equipment.
We can provide training from beginner level up to the BMFA “A” and “B” test standard on fixed wing aircraft. For complete beginners this will start with the “buddy box” system in which an instructor has a handset linked with your own in a dual control setup.
Helicopters
Helicopters tend to be expensive to buy, maintain and repair. Additionally, they are much more difficult to learn to fly compared with fixed wing flying so it takes much more practice and time to become competent to fly them.
Our club has a number of experienced helicopter flyers who can offer guidance and advice for pilots who have already learnt the basics of flying but we cannot offer helicopter training for beginners. If you are a beginner, you will need to learn the basics at a specialist training facility.
Multi-Rotors
There are too many choices and possible setups to recommend anything specific here. Above all, DO NOT jump on to Ebay and buy something that looks good on paper for £30-£70. Generally it will be a ‘toy’, you won’t be able to get spares for it and its flight performance will be poor. You should consult with a club member who flies multi-rotor before buying anything because so much depends on the type of flying you want to do. Things to look for:
- How big is it? 450mm is a good size to start with. (Or 250mm for a racing quad).
- Does it have brushless motors? It not – stay away from it. It’s a toy!
- Are there lots of spares listed for it? (motors, flight controller, frame parts , props etc) If not then it’s still a toy.
- Google the product: Is there a support forum or a Facebook group to support it? If not then how are you going to fix it after you crash it?
Once you have found your chosen multi-rotor you’ll need to buy some spares for it at the time of purchase:
- Bulk packs of spare propellors. Get at least 10 clockwise (CW) and 10 counter-clockwise (CCW) rotating props. (You’ll be breaking several a day when you start).
- A spare pair of motors (one CW and the other CCW rotation) sooner or later you will bend one of them so you’ll need a spare.
- At least two or three extra flight batteries (Flyers in our club typically keep at least six of each type but three is a good starting point). There is no point in going to the field if you only get one or two flights.
Bottom line – Seek a recommendation from a multi-rotor flier before buying anything otherwise you could spend a lot of money on something that just doesn’t work for you.
First Person View.
FPV is great fun. A camera mounted on the model sends video back to the pilot who then views it on a screen or with goggles. It is the nearest experience you can get to real flying without the risk of anyone being hurt. Before trying a multi-rotor your first FPV aircraft should be a fixed wing trainer because this should be inherently stable. However, before you get started with FPV you MUST learn to fly. If you can’t fly then all you’ll have is a terrifying experience and a broken aircraft at the end of it!
Now read about the legal requirements.
You will also need to be aware of our Club Rules.