Membership Introduction- Spring 2008 MINIATURE AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION OF WESTCHESTER
A printable PDF version of the MAAW Blue Book is located in the Membership Forms and Docs section of this website.
Welcome to MAAW! We hope we can help you learn to build and fly RCsafely. Please remember that it is essential that every one of us try our best to conduct RC flying in a way that is safe for everyone on or near our field. An accident can cost dearly in both bodily injury and property damage, not to mention loss of the field! Although accidents are rare, there are certain hazards that are an inherent part of RC flying. There is a chance of cuts from a propeller, burns from hot engines, irritations from fuels, glues and finishesused. There is also the possibility of being struck by a moving model inflight or on the ground. Because of these and other hazards, every modelermust obey the Miniature Aircraft Association of Westchester field safetyrules and the Academy of Model Aeronautics safety code at all times, and show good judgment at home and at the field.
To Parents Of Junior Members-
The MAAW is not responsible for minor children. A parent or guardian must be present whenever a child under 16 years of age is at the field. Parents must decide if their child is ready to handle the responsibility of Radio Control modeling. A parent or guardian must sign the application for anyone under 18.
2) The Maaw Club
3) The AMA
4) The MAAW Field
5) Your radio and frequency pins
6) The 78 rules of safe flight
9) Kids and RC modeling
10) Your first RC plane
11) The real truth about trainers
12) Engines & stuff
14) The buddy box
15) Your first flight
16) Your flight-training log
The MAAW CLUB-
The MAAW is an Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) chartered club. Our
main interest is in the building and safe operation of powered RC planes and helicopters. MAAW membership is open to all residents of Westchester County. Because MAAW is an AMA charted club all members must also be current members of the AMA Proof of current AMA membership is required prior to joining and at time of membership renewal.
Dues and Initiation-
The MAAW has two groups for membership based on age. Senior members are
all club members 18 years of age and older. Junior members are all club
members under 16 years of age.
Senior dues: $50.00 per year.
Junior dues: $15.00 per year.
Initiation for senior members only: $30.00
Membership Renewal-
Renewal starts in November for the following year. Renewal forms are
available on our web site; www.maaw.com. To renew you must show a current AMA card, or proof or AMA membership renewal, and pay
your dues in full. No memberships will be renewed without proof of
current AMA membership! If renewing through the mail a photocopy of your AMA card will be accepted, or you may fax a copy to the Membership Director. Checks should be made out to “MAAW”. If you do not renew prior to March 1, your will have to pay the initiation fee to rejoin!
Mail renewals to:
Fred Penichet
MAAW Membership Director
50 Walker Ave Rye NY 10580
914 835-3161
Meetings-
Our meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM at the
United Valhalla Methodist Church. During the winter months, meetings are occasionally canceled because of snow or icy weather. Call a club
officer or check the web site if you are not sure. Meetings between May and September are sometimes held at the field- watch for notices!
Directions To The Meetings-
From the north: Sprain River Parkway to the 100C Eastview exit, left at
light.
From the south: 287 West, take exit 3, Sprain River Parkway north,
follow left fork of ramp, 1 mile to 100/100C exit, right at light. Then:
go straight through first light onto Grasslands Dr., go 1.2 miles to
left onto Legion Drive, (tiny deli on left) go 1 mile to left turn onto
Columbus Ave. go .8 mile to church on right. The church address is 200
Columbus Ave.
Officers-
There are four elected club officers: President, Vice President,
Treasurer and Secretary. All Senior MAAW members are eligible to run for office and any member may nominate or vote in club elections.
Nominations are made at our November meeting, elections are held at the
December meeting.
President: (Acting) Fred Penichet 914 835-3161
fredpenichet@msn.com
Vice President: Dave Londin
Treasurer: Ed Mulligan
Secretary: Bob Bennett
In addition to these elected officers there is an elected Board of
Directors. Please direct your questions to the appropriate director.
Check our web site for the current Directors’ List.
The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)-
The AMA is the national organization for aircraft modeling. The AMA has
many jobs that directly affect every RC modeler. The AMA maintains
national modeling records, supervises contests, serves as the voice of aircraft modelers to the federal government and supplies insurance to clubs and modelers.
AMA membership is required for membership in the MAAW. The AMA is notoriously slow in returning membership applications. To get a quick reply from the AMA, fax your membership application to 1-765-741-0057 along with your credit card number. Most hobby shops will do this for you. The AMA will fax back your AMA number. Show this to the Membership Director when you are joining the MAAW. Contact the AMA on their web site: www.modelaircraft.org
Student and Solo Pilot Privileges-
The color of your MAAW frequency stickers indicate if you are a Student or Solo-Certified pilot. Student (yellow sticker) pilots MUST fly with an instructor. A Solo (blue sticker) can fly without an instructor, though it is highly recommended that low time pilots fly with another pilot nearby. Everyone, including experienced pilots, gets a yellow sticker when they join the club.
Everyone must demonstrate their level of flying ability prior to getting solo certification. When a student and instructor agree that he is ready to become a Solo Pilot, the student must fly with a MAAW director present. Only a MAAW director can sign-off on a solo certificate for a student pilot. The Student Pilot should then send the solo certificate to the Membership Director, who will issue the new blue frequency stickers.
The MAAW Field and The Westchester County Parks Department-
The MAAW field is located in the Croton Point Park in the town of
Croton-on-Hudson. It is an exceptionally well-built and maintained field that has been improved upon and protected for more than 25 years by the members of the MAAW. It has a 300' x 27' paved runway, a protected transmitter impound, sun shelters and tables to set up your
aircraft. The runway, impound and shelters were all built and paid for by the MAAW members. The MAAW club and its members have the responsibility to operate with safety and consideration for other Park users and employees. The County Police patrol our field and strictly enforce the posted flying hours.
Hours of Operation: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday & Wednesday:
10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Monday, Thursday & Friday: 10:00 a.m.- Dusk
Directions To The MAAW Field-
Cross County Expressway exit 3 to Sprain River Parkway north. Follow
left fork on exit ramp following Taconic Parkway north arrow. Go 4.1 miles to 9A/100 north exit. Follow Rt. 9A 6.2 miles to merge with Rt. 9, go over bridge, take Croton-Harmon exit on right. Turn left, go straight .3 miles to bridge to Croton Point Park. Follow park road to entrance booth, turn right onto road up hill. Follow road to parking lot and field fence and gate.
Parking & Gate-
Westchester County charges MAAW members a fee to use the park. You must
show a current frequency sticker to be charged a reduced rate. Do not park on the field or in the driveway. There is a gate at the bottom of the hill and a gate from the parking lot to the field. The combination to both locks is available from an Officer or Director. During the
winter season, the gate at the bottom of the hill must be locked every
time you go through it, so unauthorized people are not wandering around
the park. The field gate must be locked when the last MAAW member leaves at the end of the flyingday
The MAAW Web Site-
Our web site has a tremendous amount of information and items of interest for all club members. Please check it regularly and keep up to date on upcoming events, announcements, and important news “flashes” and other alerts concerning the club.The address is: http://www.maaw.com.
At The Field: Safe Handling Of Your Radio System-
It is extremely important that you make sure your transmitter is turned
off prior to arriving at the field. If it is not, when you approach the
park any aircraft flying on the same frequency will be rendered out of control (even those flying 2.4 Spread Spectrum units should make sure their transmitters are off). This could result in a crash and the total
destruction of an aircraft and possible injury to people on the ground.
Make sure your transmitter is off at all times unless it is your turn to fly. Even the quick turning on and off of the transmitter could have
disastrous results.
Frequency Stickers And The Frequency Board-
When you joined you were given a set of pre-printed frequency pin
labels. They are vital for safe operation at our field! We use them to
show: 1)If a flyer is a member of our club with paid up insurance
coverage; 2) If a flyer is a student pilot; 3) The frequency of the transmitters being operated at all times.
Set Up And Use of Frequency Stickers/Board-
The frequency pin may sound complicated, but it is very simple to set up and use. You only need three items: a clothespin, a 1.25” x 4” piece
of stiff balsa wood or cardboard, and one of the frequency pin labels
you received when you joined the club. You need one frequency pin for
each transmitter you own. Glue the clothespin to the back of the board
horizontally. Peel and stick the label to the front of the board. With a heavy black marker pen or self-stick vinyl letters mark the label with the channel number of your radio system.
The channel is a 2 digit number, both the transmitter and receiver are labeled with. Put the frequency pin in a place where you will always have it when you go to the field. If you have more than one radio system, make sure you have the right pin before leaving your home. When you arrive at the field, immediately bring your transmitter to the
transmitter impound shed, and place your transmitter on a shelf. Do not
turn your transmitter on for any reason for even a second with the
permission of a flight instructor! (Note- 2.4GHz Spread Spectrum units must ALSO have frequency pins on the board to identify the pilot).
On the front door the impound there is a white board marked with 50
boxes labeled with the channel numbers we use. Underneath it is an
aluminum bracket running vertically. Attach your frequency pins to the
aluminum bracket. If there are any other frequency pins on the bracket put yours at the bottom. Then, go find an instructor. When your instructor tells you it is OK, you may remove your transmitter from the impound and place your frequency pin on the correct channel number on the frequency board. If there’s a frequency pin on your channel number, DO NOT REMOVE IT, do not put your pin on the same box and do not remove your transmitter from the impound! Tell your instructor and he will find out when it will be safe to fly.
If you lose your frequency flags, send $2.00 and a self-addressed,
stamped envelope to the Membership Director: Fred Penichet. He will replace your flags. You will receive seven frequency flags from the club. You must have one for each transmitter you use. It must be on the frequency board every time you fly!
Safety-
The MOST important concern of the MAAW. There are certain dangers that are an inherent part of RC flying. There is a chance of cuts from propellers, burns from hot engines, reaction and irritations from fuels, glues and finishes used. There is also the possibility of being struck by a model in flight or on the ground. Because of these and other hazards, every modeler must obey the clubs safety rules at all times, and show good judgment at home and at the field- especially if you are a solo-certified pilot flying alone at the field!
General MAAW Field & Safety Regulations-
Pilot Privileges-
1. To fly at MAAW Field, a pilot shall be enrolled as an active
member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics for the current year.
2. To fly at MAAW Field, a pilot shall be enrolled as an active
member of MAAW for the current year.
3. NON-MEMBERS of MAAW shall be permitted to fly at MAAW Field
providing a) they are invited to participate in an MAAW-sponsored contest orother special flying event; or b) they are members of other AMA chartered clubs who are invited to fly as guests of active solo-certified MAAW members.
4. In all instances where flying privileges are extended to NONMEMBERS
the visiting pilot shall a) Display proof of current AMA membership;
b) Display proof of membership in another club that indicates he is a
qualified R/C pilot; c) Abide by all MAAW regulations relating to safe flight operations.
Identification of Radio Frequencies-
5. A transmitter frequency pin shall be attached to every
transmitter.
6. Each transmitter frequency pin shall display in large, clear, bold
numbers the transmitter's radio frequency. MAAW frequency pin
stickers shall be used while flying at our field.
7. Substitute pins or photocopies or facsimiles of MAAW
frequency pins shall not be permitted.
8. Frequency control board pins shall display in large, clear, bold
numbers both a radio transmitter's frequency and the pilot's name.
The Transmitter Impound Shed-
9. Anyone intending to use their transmitter for any purpose at MAAW
Field shall impound their transmitter and buddy box in the
transmitter impound shed until it is their turn to use a
transmitter.
10.All transmitters shall be placed in the transmitter impound shed
immediately upon arrival at MAAW Field.
11.Transmitters may be removed from the impound shed only for flying,
testing or when a pilot is departing from MAAW Field.
12.Only the owner of a transmitter is permitted to remove it from the
impound shed.
13.A transmitter cannot be removed from the impound shed and turned
ON until a proper frequency pin has been attached to the
corresponding slot on the frequency control board.
14.A transmitter shall be returned to the impound shed immediately
after each use.
15.When placing transmitters in the impound shed, pilots shall ensure
that their transmitters are turned OFF.
16. The use of any frequency is limited to 15 minutes from the
time a transmitter is removed from the transmitter impound shed to
the time a transmitter is returned to the shed.
The Frequency Control Board-
17.The frequency control board shall be the primary method used to
control both the radio channels in use and to simultaneously
maintain a fair and impartial flying queue.
18.After placing a transmitter in the transmitter impound shed, a
pilot shall enter the flying queue by placing his frequency
control board pin under the last pin placed on the aluminum bar
beneath the frequency control board. In the event all of the
available space is taken, a waiting list shall be maintained.
19.A maximum of FIVE frequency control board pins is permitted to be
placed on the frequency control board at any one time.
20.The maximum number of pilots permitted to fly at any one time is
limited to FOUR. In addition, ONE transmitter may be removed from
impound and used in the pit area while FOUR planes fly.
21.Any available frequency can be used by any pilot.
22.As slots on the frequency control board become available, all pins
shall be moved up the bar in the same order as originally placed.
23.Every pilot in the flying queue shall be aware of the position of
his pin and be prepared to place his pin promptly when a slot
becomes available. If a "call" for a slot remains unanswered, such
slot may be passed to the next pilot in the queue.
24.If the frequency at the top of the queue is not available when the
next slot opens, that pin shall retain its position while the next
eligible pin flies.
25.A pilot shall not have more than one pin on the frequency control
board or in the flying queue.
26.Pilots may change frequency while retaining their place in the
flying queue.
27.A frequency pin shall not be attached to or removed from the
frequency control board except by the pin's owner.
28.An UP-SIDE-DOWN pin attached to the bottom of the aluminum bar
beneath the frequency control board indicates that a pilot's
transmitter is in the impound shed but that he does not intend to
fly or otherwise use his transmitter. Subsequent pins attached to
the bar can be placed ahead of UP-SIDE-DOWN pins.
29.A red dot affixed to a frequency control pin shall indicate that the Solo-Certified owner of same is available as an Instructor.
30.A transmitter shall be returned to the impound shed and the
pilot's pin placed at the bottom of the flying queue after each
use.
31.In the event that an aircraft whose pin has been properly placed
is "shot down," the owner of the offending transmitter shall be
liable for replacing the damaged or destroyed aircraft and
equipment in kind.
Flight Operations-
32.The imaginary line formed by the pilot boxes on the field shall
delineate the flight line.
33.The flight line extends from the line on the field to infinity in
both vertical and horizontal directions.
34. The flight zone shall be defined as the immediate area around MAAW
Field.
35.Flying behind the flight line is prohibited.
36.Flying over the condos is prohibited.
37.Flying over the ball fields is prohibited.
38.Flying over the railroad yards is prohibited.
39.Helicopters shall fly off to the LEFT side of field and yield the
right-of-way to airplanes landing and taking-off.
40.No person is permitted on the flight line other than for purposes
of flying, spotting, training or aircraft retrieval.
41.Taking-off and landing behind the flight line is prohibited.
42.Pilots may elect to take-off while standing on the runway.
However, they shall clear the runway as soon as possible after
take-off.
43.All pilots shall stand in a pilot's station while flying.
44.A pilot shall intentionally crash his aircraft rather than risk
injury to any person or property.
45.A "dead stick" aircraft shall have landing priority over all other
aircraft in the air and any planes getting ready to takeoff.
46.All "hand launches" shall be made from the runway.
47.All take-offs, landings and traffic pattern maneuvers shall be
conducted parallel to the runway.
48.Flying in the proximity of full-scale aircraft is prohibited.
49.Full-scale aircraft shall always have right of way.
50.Taxing in the pit area is not permitted.
51.Extensive engine running or testing for tune-up or breaking-in
purposes shall be conducted in an area off to one side of the
pits.
52. GASOLINE FUELED ENGINES ARE NOT PERMITTED AT THE MAAW FIELD.
53. Fuel containers must be clearly marked as such, and designed as glow fuel containers- no substitutes allowed.
54.No spectators are permitted in the pit area unless accompanied by
a pilot.
55.Children shall be supervised by an adult and shall be kept well
away from the flight line at all times.
56.Spectators shall be financially responsible for any damage they
(or their children) inflict upon a pilot's aircraft or equipment, accidentally or otherwise.
57.No pets shall be permitted in the pit area unless securely leashed.
58.Spotters shall be employed whenever THREE OR MORE or more aircraft are in the air simultaneously.
59. Student Pilots may use their Instructor as spotters, if the Instructor so agrees. The Instructor, however, may require a THIRD member to spot for them, at his (the Instructor’s) discretion.
Field Announcements-
60."ON THE FIELD!" -- Shall be announced by anyone crossing the
flight line to place an airplane on the runway for takeoff or to
retrieve a plane, or for any other reason.
61."CLEAR!" -- Shall be announced when individuals re-cross the
flight line towards the pits or the pilot’s boxes.
62. "COMING IN!" -- Shall be announced by pilots when making an
approach and preparing to land.
63."DEADSTICK!" -- Shall be announced by a pilot when the engine of
his engine-powered aircraft unintentionally stops while the
aircraft is in the air.
64."HEAD’S UP!" -- Shall be announced by a pilot who loses control of
his aircraft either on the ground or in the air.
Sound Limits-
65.Mufflers are required on ALL engines including 1/2A engines,
excluding electric motors.
66.All model aircraft shall be tested with a sound meter prior to
flying.
67.The "sound testing procedure" shall consist of: A) Use of a Radio Shack or equivalent sound meter; B) The aircraft will be placed on the hard runway with the engine running at MAXIMUM RPM.
c) The meter will be held approximately TWELVE (12) FEET from the propeller on the exhaust side of the aircraft.
d) The maximum sound level CANNOT EXCEED 94DB during any portion of
the test.
Miscellaneous Rules-
68.No parking shall be allowed within the field area. The field area
shall be defined as anywhere inside the gate, including the pits,
behind the pits or on the gravel driveway.
69.The driveway inside the fence shall be used to unload cars only.
70.Field hours shall be posted on the entrance gate or the
transmitter impound shed.
71.Field hours are subject to change without notice.
72.There shall be no flying whatsoever outside of the posted hours of
operation.
73.No engines of any kind whatsoever shall be run outside of the
posted hours of operation.
74.The driving of any stakes or pointed objects into the ground is
prohibited.
75.No person shall be permitted to walk on the slopes adjacent to the
field except pilots and only then to retrieve downed aircraft.
76.The entrance gate shall be securely closed and locked at all times
when MAAW Field is not in use.
77.It shall be the responsibility of the last individual leaving the
field to ensure that the entrance gate to MAAW Field is closed and
securely locked.
78.No alcoholic beverages shall be BROUGHT TO OR CONSUMED by pilots or their guests at the MAAW Field.
79.MAAW field shall be evacuated immediately upon request by County
Park Officials.
Kids and RC Modeling-
Many kids have become successful RC Modelers. In fact, most kids have
been training to fly RC for years! Playing video and computer games has
given millions of kids “basic training” in the hand-eye coordination required to fly RC! With this kind of practice, and a sincere
commitment from both child and parents, you (or your child) might be flying RC sooner than you think!
What age can I begin flying RC?
We have seen great success by kids about 12 years and older. Kids at
this age require close supervision by parents, in both the building and
flying phases of RC. 14 and 15 year olds can start taking more
responsibility for themselves, especially if they have had a some
experience. The MAAW strongly recommends the use of Computer RC Flying Training Software (see below). This will shorten the learning curve considerably, and will save money and time usually spent in fixing crashed aircraft.
How much time does it take to learn to fly RC?
First of all, there is no race to fly, there is no usual number of
hours, you don’t fall behind anyone else. You learn to build and fly at
your own pace. Assembling an Almost-ready-to-fly model usually takes about 5 or 6 nights work. An adult should work with any kid building his first model. Show it to an experienced modeler before you attempt to fly. Like any organized sport or class, you will have to dedicate a certain number of hours to learning to fly. The flying season begins around April or May, and extends through October or November. Ideally, you should plan on spending about 2-3 hours at the field at least 3 times a month. Please note- the MAAW is not a baby-sitting service, and the members cannot be responsible for children left at the field. Parents must stay at the field, especially with younger children.
How much will it cost?
No one in the MAAW will ever ask you for money to learn to fly. We do it because we love the hobby and try to help others enjoy it too! However, you must buy your own plane and other gear. Look at the list in this booklet to guide you in what you need. You also need to become a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and the MAAW.
Can I learn to fly with a simulator?
A computer Radio Control Flight Simulator and attendant software is an invaluable aid for learning to fly RC. It should be an initial step, to help in transitioning to actual time in the air. As a student pilot, under no circumstances should you attempt your first actual flight without an instructor, no matter how proficient you may be with a simulator.
Safety Note For Parents-
Parents must be present at the field with any child under 16 years old.
Parents must decide if their child is ready to handle the
responsibilities of radio control modeling. The child must be
able to understand the dangers and safety rules involved. A parent or
guardian must sign the application for anyone under 18.
Your First RC Plane-
The best way of getting started in RC is to visit the field and observe
what’s going on around you. Watch how the flyers manage frequency
control, motor handling and safe flight. Ask about good primary
trainers, radios and equipment. Most RCer’s will be glad to help you and direct you to nearby hobby shops. Pick up a few of the magazines
that specialize in RC. These will give you invaluable info on current trends and sources for RC supplies. Kits and ARF’s (Almost Ready To Fly Airplanes) come in all different types and demand different levels of building/assembling experience.
Cost-
Including club membership, the cost of getting started in RC rangesbetween $300 $500. It may sound expensive, but most or the items you buy now can be used in many different planes and will last for years. Radios and engines will move from plane to plane as you step up. Don’t scrimp on these items.
Equipment-
Start with a .40-.46 cubic inch size RC engine (or equivalent electric motor) a gentle and stable trainer plane, and a basic four-channel radio. Your plane, radio and engine should be purchased new. Sadly, new flyers have shown up at the field with inappropriate or worn out “bargain” equipment. It is easy to buy damaged or unreliable equipment if you buy used.
The REAL truth about “Trainer” Planes-
First, there is no one approved trainer plane. It would be difficult for every new flier to find and set up exactly the same gear; kits, radios and motors go in and out of production. Furthermore, the MAAW does not require any particular model or product. We do strongly recommend the listed products, and you should try to follow the guidelines listed here.
Your Trainer Plane-
Your first model should be called a RC trainer. It should have a highwing, a boxy fuselage and tricycle landing gear; that means it has a
nose wheel. These planes fly slowly and take off and land with minimum fuss. It should have 4 channel control: throttle, elevator, rudder and aileron. A three-channel plane (throttle, elevator, rudder) is the bare minimum and is NOT recommended.
Types Of Trainers Available-
Kit built planes are built up from balsa wood and plywood, and coveredwith plastic film. They will generally require skill and some time to
build. ARF (almost ready to fly) planes are largely pre-assembled. The major parts of the models are pre-built. The modeler assembles these components in a few nights work.
There are also two or three companies that have combos that include not only the aircraft, but the engine and radio as well, completely installed. Final assembly requires less than an hour to join the
wing halves together, and mount the tail assembly to the fuselage. Warning: You should be aware that these “Ready To Fly” models currently STILL REQUIRE EITHER REPAIRS AND/OR ADJUSTMENTS that are best
made by experienced modelers. There is no difference in the flight of RF, ARF or Kit-built models. ARF models will get you into the air quicker, and are easier for those who don’t have the experience or confidence in building.
Do NOT Purchase-
Used planes, scale planes, “durable” planes, cardboard planes,fancy planes, tiny toy store planes or gliders. If purchasing an Electric powered plane, make sure it is designated as a trainer, and with 4-channel control as described above.
Recommended ARF/RTF Planes-
Hobbico NextStar .46 ARF/RTF, or the electric equivalent: NextStar Brushless EP (Both highly recommended), Avistar 40, Superstar 40, or Hobbistar 60 Select (ARF or RTF). Horizon Trainer 2000, Hobbico Airvista, Tower Hobbies Mk.II Trainers, SIG Kadet Senior.Recommended Kit Planes-
Great Planes PT 40
Midwest Aero-Star 40
SIG Kadet Senior
Radios
-A RC radio controls an airplane in response to the pilot’s movements of
the sticks on the transmitter. The transmitter sends a signal to the
receiver on the plane which controls the servos that move the control surfaces and throttle. Both the transmitter and receiver use rechargeable Ni-Cad or Ni-Mh batteries. A radio that operates 4 different controls on the aircraft is called a 4-channel radio. A trainer radio must include: 1) 4 channel control; 2) The ability to use a buddy-box; 3) Rechargeable batteries, and; 4) Servo reversing. More channels, computer radios and high-end servos are nice, but expensive and unnecessary, and they can be confusing. A buddy-box is a must when learning to fly (see below). Futaba, Airtronics and JR radios have buddy boxes available for purchase separately, or check with our Training Director as to rental units available from the club. DO NOT BUY A USED RADIO- You cannot tell if it’s been damaged or if the batteries are unreliable.
Frequencies
You will be asked which channel you want to use when you buy your radio. In this case, the dealer is talking about the frequency channel you want to use. There are fifty frequencies assigned to RC flying, and each frequency has been given a channel number. We use all fifty channels at our field, so you can buy any channel between 11 and 60. Don’t buy a radio with a channel number between 61 and 90! These channels are assigned to car and boat radios, and you will experience interference, which will destroy your plane!Note- The advent of 2.4 GHz Spread Spectrum technology has made the strict requirement of frequency selection no longer necessary. However, these radios are generally more expensive, and require receivers specifically made for 2.4 GHz compatibility. Your instructor or the Training Director can give you more information with regards to this type of unit.
Engines-
The basic RC engine is a 2-stroke .40-.46 cubic inch engine, with a throttle and muffler. There are quite a number of engines on themarket, most of which are suitable for your RC trainer. Do NOT buy a fancy or exotic engine! Engines that are intended for aerobatic or racing use are hard to set up and run and are not for a beginner. The price of a .46 RC motor can run from less than $60.00 to over $250.00! Therefore, you should buy the engine you need, not the fanciest in the store. Some of the terms you will hear about RC engines and what they
mean:
4-Stroke or 2 Stroke?
A 4-stroke engine runs with the same intake, compression, power and
exhaust cycle that a car engine uses. A 2-stroke engine uses the intake, power cycle that is used for some motorbike, chainsaw and outboard motor engines. Get a 2-stroke engine first time out. They are easier to use. Ball bearing or plain bearing: some engines have ball bearings supporting the crankshaft some engines have brass sleeves. Sleeve engines are cheaper and basically as reliable as ball bearing engines.
ABC, AAC or Ring
These terms describe the materials or design of the cylinder and piston. Ring engines are a little more forgiving of beginner mistakes and is probably a better bet.
Side exhaust, Rear exhaust, Front intake, Rear intake
The RC engine you get should have the intake (carburetor) in front and
the exhaust on the side. Other layouts are for racing engines and won’t
fit into a trainer plane.
Recommended engines
Supertigre GS-40/45 ring with muffler
O.S. 40 FP, 46 LA/LA-S, AX+FX
Magnum XL 40A
Engine Accessories you will have to get
Fuel: Glo-Fuel is mixed from Methanol (alcohol) nitromethane, oil and
additives. Every fuel is labeled with a percentage number that shows the amount of nitro in the mix. Beginners should get 10% or 15% fuel. Oil may be synthetic or castor oil. Synthetic oil in the fuel runs
a little cleaner. Fuel color means nothing. Good brands are: Powermaster, Omega, Red Max, Byron and SIG. Get a gallon to start out.
Glow Plugs
Glow Plugs resemble the spark plugs in a car engine and provide the heat needed to start the engine running. They are connected to a battery to start the engine that is disconnected for flight. Glo Plugs burn out and must be replaced occasionally. A RC glo plug has a metal bar designed to hold heat that helps the engine run smoother. Get a long plug. Good brands are: Fox RC long, O.S., McCoy or K&B. Get at least three glo plugs to start.Propellers
Propellers come in wood or plastic. A wood propeller is better for a beginner simply because they will usually break before doing any serious damage to your hand. Every propeller has a number written on it like this: 10-6. The 10 is the diameter of the propeller, the 6 shows
the pitch, which is the distance the prop moves forward every turn. Get a 10-6 prop for a .40 size engine. Props are the first thing to get broken on a beginners plane, so get 6 when you are starting out. Good brands of props: Master Airscrew, Top Flite, Zinger or APC.
Fuel tubing and fuel tank
The fuel tubing on a RC plane is made from a special compound that won’t melt when used with glo fuel. It is sold in three-foot lengths at the hobby store. Tanks are made by many manufacturers, and you should read the instruction that came with your plane to pick the right one. Engines are a critical part of flying RC, and a subject too complicated to be covered in detail here. Get a book like Harry Higley’s, All About Engine’s book to help you get started.Other accessories
When it is time to go to the field and start flying there are a numberof things you will need to do the job right. You need a pump to get the
fuel from the bottle into the fuel tank on the plane, a glo Plug lighter to heat up the glo Plug so it can start the plane, and an Electric starter and starter battery. The starter is a powerful electric motor with an adapter you hold against the prop spinner. Do not attempt to start a motor by flipping it with your fingers. It will probably not start, and at the least you will wind up with a sore finger. You don’t have to get all the accessories at once, club members will lend you stuff when they are helping you.
Recommended field accessories
A) Ni-Starter glo plug lighter.
B) Electric starter and starter battery.
C) 4 way glo-plug wrench.
D) Electric or manual fuel pump.
E) Hand tools, like screwdrivers and pliers.
F) Field box or container to carry this stuff in.
Some Local Hobby Shops
1) Bruckner Hobbies- Bronx
2) Red Line Hobbies- Harrison
3) Got A Hobby- Bedford Hills
The RC Buddy Box-
The RC buddy box is one of the most important pieces of equipment you will buy. It will speed up your flight training, and make it safer and more enjoyable. A buddy box is a special transmitter attached by cable to a socket on your plane’s transmitter. The student pilot holds the buddy box, and the instructor holds the transmitter. The instructor takes off, flies and trims the plane. He then flips a switch on the transmitter, transferring control to the buddy box in the student’s hands. The student’s flies, and the instructor can instantly take control if need be. Buddy boxes are very cheap, generally less than $40.00 with the cable. It is best to buy them at the same time so you can be sure your radio and buddy box match. The club has several buddy-boxes available for a small deposit. Here’s how you set up and use them-1) The buddy box must be kept in the impound when not in use.
2) The buddy box switch must always be off (We recommend removing the
battery from the buddy box).
3) Attach the correct cable between transmitters.
4) Do these checks before starting the engine. When your pin is on the frequency board, turn the Instructor Transmitter and the aircraft receiver ON.
5) Without activating the buddy box, Make sure all control surfaces
and the throttle move in the correct directions when the sticks
of the Instructor Transmitter are moved. (example: the right
aileron moves up when the aileron stick moves to the right and
visa versa.).
6) Τhe Instructor must then flip the buddy box switch. The student
must then move each control stick, making sure the control
surfaces and the throttle move in the right direction.
� Use the servo reversing switches to change the direction of
movement if need be.
7) Check that the TRIM positions are matched on the buddy box.
8) While flipping the trainer switch on the Instructor Transmitter,
set the trim controls of the buddy box until the control surfaces
do not move when the buddy box is activated.
9) Extend the Instructor Transmitter antenna and start the motor.
Set the motor trim so the idle speed is roughly the same.
Carry the plane to the runway, and the Instructor will take off. He will tell you where to set the throttle stick, and while flipping the buddy box on and off, will give you instructions to set your TRIM controls. You must be familiar with the sticks and the trim controls of your transmitter/buddy box. Become familiar with them before you come to the field. The club has a few buddy boxes available. Call Jon
Lerner at 725-7474 to check for availability and cost. Make sure you can get a buddy box for a radio before you buy it!
The First Flight…
THINK! Is your plane ready? Do you have the required ground equipment?
Do you have a buddy box and cable? Do you understand how the engine
works? Practice holding the transmitter and moving the controls to get the “feel” for it. Bring your plane to the meeting and let the other club members look it over. ASK QUESTIONS! Anything you fix before you go to fly will make that day easier. When you reach the field with your new plane, it is natural to feel both excited and scared at the same time. Relax everyone of us has gone through it. NO ONE has an inborn ability to fly RC. Plan plenty of time at the field-minimize distractions (don’t bring the kids, the dog and the camcorder)! and try to make arrangements to meet an instructor beforehand. First thing, place your transmitter in the impound, checking to make sure the switch is off! You will be responsible for “Shooting down” another flyer’s plane if you carelessly turn your transmitter on. Then put your plane and gear on a table and yourcar in he lot.
Introduce yourself to the one of the senior club members and explain your situation. They will help you or direct you to another club member who can. The member who agrees to help you will probably want to
inspect your plane. If he decides it needs changes before it flies he will either take the time fix it at the field or tell you what changes you must make at home. He will not fly it until he is sure that it is safe. Remember, he is taking time out from his hobby to help
you, and taking a risk flying an unfamiliar and untested plane. When
everything checks out on the ground, he will help you start the plane.
You will carry the plane onto the runway. He will then attempt to take
off and trim the plane for level flight. When, and only when, the
instructor decides it is ready he will activate your buddy box. If more
adjustments are needed he may land before you have a chance to fly. This happens all the time, so don’t be disappointed.
RC flying is an acquired skill, and you will feel extremely awkward the
first time you attempt to fly. Don’t worry about it! This is the
reaction almost everyone has. You can be quite satisfied if you fly a
little straight and level. It will take several lessons before you begin to feel confident turning. After that you will practice taking off. Landing is the most challenging part of learning to fly, and it will take some time before you “master” landing. Remember, RC planes can take some hard hits and keep on flying after some simple repairs. Trainers can get pretty banged up fairly quickly but as long as your model is structurally sound it will be OK. If in doubt, get the
opinion of another pilot.
MAAW Flight Training Log-
The following is a guideline for you and your instructors to progressyour flight training. Each section of the FLIGHT TRAINING LOG should be
signed and dated by that day’s instructor when completed. When this
entire program is completed it must be signed by the supervising solo
instructor and sent to Fred Penichet so the student can receive solo
pilot status. Even though instructors and test pilots have the students best interests at heart they ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR STUDENT AIRCRAFT. All risk and responsibility is assumed by the owner of the aircraft. Buddy boxes are required for all students and can be obtained through the club. Please remember training is done on a volunteer basis. You may have to wait at the field for an instructor. You can still learn just by being at the field asking questions watching airplanes both in the air and in the pits. Watch flights try to determine the path and speed just like you were flying. Your instructors are volunteering their time to promote the hobby. Please allow them to enjoy it themselves by flying their own aircraft and remember to show your appreciation. (i.e. bring extra drinks, snacks, return all tools
and spares, etc.) ALL MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING AIRPLANES TO CLUB
MEETINGS FOR CHECK OUT AND HELP!
Instructors
Please use your best judgment and experience in advancing students.Students should be able to repeatedly and confidently execute each
prescribed maneuver prior to advancing.
The Day Before You Fly-
Α ) Make sure TRANSMITTER IS OFF!B) Charge batteries according to manufacture’s instructions.
C) Make sure you have all components i.e. Frequency pin, AMA card,
MAAW card, wing, fuel, tools, buddy box, etc.
At the field-
1) Check again that the transmitter is turned off and place it in the
impound and check the frequency board for other members using your
frequency
2) Ask an instructor for help.
3) Assemble airplane and fuel.
4) Review flight log with instructor and plan today’s flights.
STEP 1 - CHECK AIRPLANE
A) Balance
1. Horizontal
2. Lateral
B) Hinges
1. Smoothly working
2. Strongly glued
C) Controls
1. Correct directions
2. Correct throws
D) Range check
1. Antenna down
2. Engine on and off
E) Engine
1. Correct needle valve setting
2. Reliable idle
Date Completed_________ Instructor_______________
STEP 2 - First Flight
A. Test pilot trims airplane as needed
B. Trim buddy box
C. Mechanically trim airplane and center transmitter trims
Date Completed_________ Instructor_______________
STEP 3 - Student flights - High throttle
1. Straight and level flight
2. Single direction turns
3. Progressing to constant altitude ovals turning in both direction
4. Turns in both directions.
5. Progressing to constant altitude figure eight’s
6. Turns coordinated with rudder
Date Completed_________ Instructor_______________
STEP 4 - Slow flight - 1/3 to 1/2 throttle
1. Straight and level flight
2. Figure eight’s
3. Constant altitude circles
Date Completed_________ Instructor_______________
STEP 5 - Stalls and Recovery
1. Start extra high and slow the plane while holding elevator until
it stalls then recover
Date Completed_________ Instructor_______________
STEP 6 - Take offs
1. Rudder Control
a) Taxiing practice (as traffic permits)
1. Elevator Control
a) Smooth lift of and climb out.
b) When to abort take off.
Date Completed_________ Instructor_______________
STEP 7 - Landing
1. learn the approach
a) pattern
b) direction
c) throttle control & rudder
2. Approach Practice
a) one mistake high
b) eye level
3. LAND
Date Completed_________ Instructor_______________
STEP 8 - Touch and Go practice
a) Both directions - 3 smooth passes in a to be ready for solo
b) On center of runway
c) Touchdown at feet
d) When to go around
e) How to dead stick
Date Completed_________Instructor_______________
Step 9 - Flight Training Log Solo Certificate:
Student Name ___________________________ Date Completed ______________
Instructor’s name _________________________
Signature______________________
Congratulations!
Please return this form to,
Fred Penichet
50 Walker Ave
Rye, NY 10580 to receive your Blue
Frequency Flags and your solo Certificate.
Good Luck!
Remember any landing that does not require more than changing
the prop is a good one.
Afterward
Radio control flying is a hobby and sport you can grow with andparticipate in for the rest of your life. As you struggle with
fuel, props, servos and a thousand other things you need to
learn, flying your own RC plane might seem an impossible goal
right now. Stick with it! Hundreds of thousands of other
hobbyists have learned to fly, and you can too!