Before Flying Solo


Before flying solo at one of our fields, student pilots must demonstate their skills by passing our Basic Flight Skills Test. (For instructor assignments, please contact Dave Eltringham.) We offer free weekly training (as weather permits) to new RC pilots at Sisk Field in Coatesville, PA. Our AMA certified trainers will help you get started in the hobby by doing the following:
Check your plane out thoroughly on the ground.
Range check your radio.
Check the decibel level of your engine to assure that it is within the field limits.
Explain anything to you about your radio controls that you don't understand.
Explain the qualifications for being certified to fly on your own.
Get your plane in the air, and once it has been "trimmed out," allow you to control it, usually using a "buddy box" trainer system.
Please Note: We currently have Futaba buddy boxes which work with both Futaba and Tower radios. If you have another brand of radio, you will have to provide your own buddy box.
How to Get CCRC Training
If you are completely new radio controlled model aircraft, budget for roughly $500 total to get started in the hobby. This will buy your plane, radio control system, electric prop starter, glow plug starter with a meter, a 12v gel cell battery, fuel, a field box and other assorted small supplies, club dues, and AMA membership.
A four channel radio setup (with ailerons) is required for our training program. A "40 size" plane is the most economical to get started in this hobby. The Hobbico Avistar and most other ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) Airplanes are excellent choices for getting started in the hobby. We recommend that you start with one that's pre-built for your first airplane.
Charge the batteries in your transmitter and receiver with the overnight charger that came with your radio for at least 16 hours, most preferably the night before to obtain the best charge.
Bring your own fuel. Typical RC airplane engines run on 5-15% nitromethane fuel, available at most local hobby shops.
Bring a starter, #64 rubber bands if necessary, glow plug starter, etc. (Although others present will have these if you do not.
Join the AMA to obtain liability insurance. Other than an initial introductory training day, club insurance does not cover student pilots unless they have AMA membership.
If you're confused about all of the details with getting started, just show up at the next training session or attend one of our club meetings and one of our many knowledgeable club members will help you out.
A great online resource to learn about these basics is at Sport Aviator.

See you at the field!
All guests must be accompanied by a member to fly.

All current AMA cardholders are welcome as guests.

For more information about this great sport, see our links page.

To contact us regarding flight instruction please email us at info@chestercountyrc.com .