Welcome to the Breezy Hill R/C Flyers -- Frequently Asked Questions

Breezy Hill R/C Flyers

		Frequently Asked Questions
Home Frequently Asked Questions Breezy Hill Flying Field / Directions 2010 Season Photographs Old Photos, 2 Events Join the BHRCF Contact Us / Schedule an Introductory Flight Links The Breeze		How much does it cost to get started in R/C flying? These days, for about $350 to $400 (about the same price as a Playstation 3 and 2 games) you can buy everything that you need to get into the air. If you can find used equipment to purchase, you can save some money over new prices. What is the range of the radio? How far away can I fly? With today's modern radio equipment, if you can see the airplane, you should still have control of it. Most radio manufacturers rate the range of their systems at 6000+ feet, which is well over a mile! A large model airplane with a 96" (8 foot) wingspan would be just a tiny tiny speck at that distance, if you could even see it at all. So, in reality, radio range is not an issue at all. How fast do the airplanes fly? "Trainer" aircraft typically have flight speeds of 25 to 50 mph. "Sport" airplanes usually fly a little faster, from 35 to 80 mph. Radio controlled pylon racers can hit speeds of 150+ mph. I love the P-51 Mustang (or, insert your favorite airplane here). Will it make a good first airplane/trainer? Probably not. Scale models of full scale airplanes typically have flight characteristis that make them challenging to fly, even for experienced R/C pilots. An airplane like this will not make learning to fly very easy at all for you. There is an airplane on the market right now that is advertised as a trainer that looks like a P-51 Mustang, but it has gotten mixed reviews on its performance as a real trainer. Your highest chance for success would be to buy a "trainer" type airplane that flies fairly slowly, with gentle flight characteristics. This type of airplane will give you the time to think about what the airplane is doing, and then react to it. I don't think I need an instructor, I'm sure I can fly this thing by myself. After all, it's just a toy airplane. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE! DO NOT let yourself fall into this trap! This line of thinking has caused the destruction of more good airplanes than probably all other causes combined. A Radio Controlled model airplane is just as much a real airplane as a Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet... it follows the exact same laws of aerodynamics and physics as a "real" airplane does. The only difference is that the pilot stands on the ground, instead of riding inside. You wouldn't climb into the cockpit of a "real" airplane and fly it without knowing how, would you?
		But, I'm a pilot in "real" airplanes... I know I can do it! In a real airplane, you not only have the visual cues to see what the airplane is doing, you also have the instruments, and the "seat of the pants" feel to help you control the airplane. With an R/C airplane, the only way you can sense what the airplane is doing is by observing it, and since you're standing on the ground, it is a totally different "perspective" from what you're used to sitting in the cockpit. Very, very few full scale pilots have adapted to this change in "perspective" successfully on their own. Get an instructor to help you learn... it's the cheapest insurance you can get for your R/C airplane... it's FREE :-) What Trainer airplane do you recommend? The Sig LT-40 and Hangar 9 "Alpha" trainers are really, really good trainers in our experience. You can't go wrong with either of these. There are many other trainers on the market as well that are probably also very good, but these two have earned the Breezy Hill R/C Flyers seal of approval. Our own club trainer is a Sig LT-40 ARF. Can I give R/C flying a try without buying all the equipment? Sure! The Breezy Hill R/C Flyers have a Sig LT-40 trainer set up and ready for you to try your hand at flying Radio Controlled Airplanes. Just stop by the flying field and let someone know that you're interested, or Schedule an Introductory Flight. How long before I can fly by myself? Well, that all depends. Some people can learn and progress quickly, others take a bit more time. But, R/C flying is not a "natural" endeavour... it does take some time and effort to learn. Like all things, the more you put into it, the quicker you'll see success. Just remember, every single one of us started out as a beginner, just like you.
		Can I fly R/C airplanes at my house? Maybe. It takes a large open area free of obstructions to fly your typical R/C airplane. Here at Breezy Hill, we have all that is required for maximum safe enjoyment of this great hobby, plus the helpful and friendly advice and assistance from our members that have been flying R/C airplanes for years, some for 25 years or more. When is the flying field open? Can I come by and visit? The flying field is open to members of the Breezy Hill R/C Flyers from 6:00am until dusk. Visitors are ALWAYS welcome! Am I too young/old to learn to fly R/C airplanes? Absolutely not!! There are competent R/C pilots across the country from age 4 to 99, and new ones starting out every day.
		What are the benefits of joining the Breezy Hill R/C Flyers? The Breezy Hill R/C Flyers have one of the premier flying sites in Southern Illinois. With a well-manicured grass runway, large pavillion building, and astroturf pit area with starting stands, our flying field is well equipped with everything you need to safely enjoy the wonderful hobby of Radio Control. We also have members who are willing and eager to help you learn, and you just can't beat the camaraderie of like-minded individuals pursuing their aeromodeling interests. What is the AMA? AMA is the Academy of Model Aeronautics. AMA is the world's largest model aviation association, representing a membership of more than 150,000 from every walk of life, income level and age group. AMA is a self-supporting, non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote development of model aviation as a recognized sport and worthwhile recreation activity. AMA is an organization open to anyone interested in model aviation. AMA is the official national body for model aviation in the United States. AMA sanctions more than a thousand model competitions throughout the country each year, and certifies official model flying records on a national and international level. AMA is the organizer of the annual National Aeromodeling Championships, the world's largest model airplane competition. AMA is the chartering organization for more than 2,500 model airplane clubs across the country. AMA offers its chartered clubs official contest sanction, insurance, and assistance in getting and keeping flying sites. AMA is the voice of its membership, providing liaison with the Federal Aviation Administration, the Federal Communications Commission, and other government agencies through our national headquarters in Muncie, Indiana. AMA also works with local governments, zoning boards, and parks departments to promote the interests of local chartered clubs. AMA is an associate member of the National Aeronautic Association. Through NAA, AMA is recognized by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the world governing body of all aviation activity, as the only organization which may direct U.S. participation in international aeromodeling activities. For more detailed information, contact the Academy of Model Aeronautics, Marketing Department, 5161 E. Memorial Drive, Muncie, Indiana, 47302 or telephone 1-765-287-1256.

Last updated 10/5/2010