Beginner's Page
frequently asked questions and answers

Q.  How do I get started?

A.   The best thing to do when you want to get into this great hobby is to find your local club.  The hobby shops in your area should have an idea about the local clubs.  Talk to the hobby shop and to the guys in the club about choosing your first airplane.  I highly reccomend the Sig Kadet LT40 ARF (almost ready to fly) or the Goldberg Eagle as your first trainer. Clubmembers can get you started and help you with any difficulties you may have along the way.  Do NOT buy a scale model for your first kit!!  The reason for this is because most scale models are harder to learn to fly and a lot easier to rekit (rekit = crash) until you have experience.. 

Q.  How much $$$ is this gonna cost me?

A.    Initial investment for plane, engine, radio, and ground support equipment should probably be  $4-500 for all new equipment.   You can certainly spend more, but it isn't really neccesary.  Used equipment may also be available, but make sure you are getting quality stuff at a fair price.  Once again, the advice of a trusted club member can help here.

Q.   What if it crashes?

A.   Sooner or later all airplanes crash.   Crashes can be caused by lots of things like radio interference, mid-air collisions, wind gusts, structural failure, builder error, or, most common, dumb thumbs (pilot error).  Most of the time, crashes aren't really all that bad.  A little glue and covering and maybe some balsa and it'll be flying again in no time.  This is where a kit that you built really pays off.  You already know how the plane was built and what materials were used which makes it a lot easier to repair.   Usually the engine and radio will survive a crash, but not always. 

Q.    Is size important?  How big of a plane should I get?

A.    As a general rule, bigger flies better.  Your first aiplane should be a trainer in the .20, .40, or .60 cu in. displacement size.  Keep in mind that you also have to be able to transport your plane to the field!  Lean toward the larger planes if you can afford it because they are easier to see and control. They also handle wind gusts better.  The Larger planes may cost a little more, but they are well worth it.

Q.    What do I need to fly

A.    Basically, you need AMA, a plane, engine, radio, fuel, and a small battery to light the glowplug.  An electric starter is also nice to have, but you can probably borrow one if needed your first few times out.  Aflight box to hold spare parts, extra props,  and all the field equipment is also real nice to have. 

Q.    What is AMA?

A.     AMA stands for the Acadamey of Model Aeronautics.  It is an organization dedicated to promoting all types of model aviation.  AMA helps modelers to obtain and retain flying sites, helps obtain frequencies from the FCC, and is generally speaking the "big brother" to us airplane nuts.   AMA also provides us with a secondary liability insurance in case a "mishap" causes injury or damage to property.  A side benefit of joining AMA is that you get a subscription to Model Aviation Magazine.

Didn't see your question,  Email me and I'll either post it, or respond personally.

I recently discovered a source for beginner information that does a far better job explaining things than I could ever hope to do.  Please check out the Best of The Yankee Flier newsletter of the Millis model airplane club. It is a super source for information!  If you like it, drop me a line and let me know.  If not, drop me a line and tell me what you dont like.  Thanks!