TRAINING MANUAL
BLACKPOOL & FYLDE RADIO CONTROLLED MODEL SOCIETY TRAINING MANUAL 1. INTRODUCTION CONTENTS 2. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRAINING PROGRAMME 3. ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS 4. INTRODUCTION TO THE PROGRAMME 5. B&FRCMS SAFETY CODE 6. RULES OF THE PROGRAMME 7. WHAT AEROPLANE TO LEARN ON 8. LEVEL 1 GROUND INSTRUCTION 9. LEVEL 2 PRE FLIGHT CHECKS 10. LEVEL 3 BASIC SKILLS 11. LEVEL 4 TAKE-OFF AND LANDING 12. LEVEL 5 MORE ADVANCED MANOEUVERS 13. LEVEL 6 SOLO FLIGHT 14. LEVEL 7 THE CLUB A CERTIFICATE 15. A MESSAGE FROM THE B&FRCMS COMMITTEE 16. AGREEMENT
INTRODUCTION Learning to fly an R/C aeroplane is a great deal of fun, but it is also a very serious business. R/C aeroplanes should not be thought of as toys. A badly flown R/C model has the potential to be a very dangerous object. Having said that, there are few greater pleasures to the hobbyist than watching his aircraft fly under confident control. To obtain this confidence the student should participate in a proper training program, like the Blackpool R/C Modellers scheme. There is no set time to learn to fly an R/C airplane. Some students may get through the program in a very short time and others may require a number of seasons. In either case, a great deal of fun is had by both the student and the instructor. The purpose of this guide is to prepare the student for the different categories and levels of the program, and to give a brief description of each area to be covered. Also included are the rules of the program which must be strictly adhered to. These rules have been developed over many years of R/C flying by many R/C pilots and are for the safety of the student, other pilots at the field and for the general public. For those who wish to go beyond the basic Program, the Club can point you in the right direction. Upon completion of your initial training program, you can ask your instructor for further information in this regard. Good luck with your course of instruction and have fun!!!! GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM Training will take place as and when an instructor is available Anyone entering the Program MUST have an aircraft ready to fly No more than two student frequency pegs can be on the board at any time. Instruction time will be arranged between instructor and student. Students are not allowed to fly on their own. Other Club rules still apply, e.g. starting in designated area only, fly in the circuit of the day, etc. ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Before any student can take part in the B&FRCMS Program this manual must be read and understood. The rules of the Club and this program must be agreed to on the signed sheet, on the last page of this guide.
1. Membership in B&FRCMS is a prerequisite for this program. Details of this are available from any member of the Club Committee. 2. Frequency control, noise and the Club s safety rules are to be adhered to at all times. 3. Read and adhere to the B&FRCMS safety code. 4. Membership in B&FRCMS does not automatically entitle a member to have tuition as and when required, although it does bind a new member to adherence of the rules of the B&FRCMS. 5. Blackpool & Fylde RCMS or any of its appointed instructors are not responsible for loss or damage to a student s aeroplane and/or equipment. B&FRCMS SAFETY CODE The safety rules are for the protection of the student, instructor, other pilots and the general public at large. Any wilful breech of the safety code will result in the suspension of the offenders membership. Membership renewal the following year will be at the discretion of the B&FRCMS committee. 1. Never fly alone, only fly with a competent member not just a member. 2. Follow the frequency rules. Never turn on your Tx until you are certain the channel is clear. 3. Student should fly with a qualified instructor. 4. Start engines in the designated area. 5. Never leave aircraft unattended with engine running. FLYING SAFETY 1. Flying over the pit area is prohibited. 2. Always fly the established pattern for the day. 3. Dangerous flying (with the chance of causing bodily harm or property damage) will not be tolerated.
RULES OF THE PROGRAM These rules are designed to safeguard the student, other pilots and the general public at large. There will be penalties for any infringement of these rules. The B&FRCMS committee have sole control of the implementation of the rules.. 1. SIGN UP Signing up does not necessarily guarantee that he/she will receive flying instruction in that year. It depends upon the number of enrolments and the number of available instructors. Every effort will be made by the Training Coordinator to include all new students. 2. ENROLLMENT Once a student has been enrolled in the program and an instructor has been assigned, it is the student s responsibility to arrange sessions and observe the following rules: a. If at any time during the season, a student s aeroplane becomes not air-worthy, the instructor is to make a decision as to whether: i. Place the student on a waiting list until the airplane is once again airworthy, or: ii. iii. Suggest a replacement aeroplane, new or borrowed, or Suspend lessons until the aeroplane is airworthy. b. The student is under the direction of the instructor during the flying session. The student should not question the instructor s ability/intensions during flying sessions. Any disagreement should be discussed when the aeroplane is safely on the ground and in the pit area with the engine and radio shut off. A student should only fly with the assigned instructor. However, a student can notify his instructor that he is going to obtain further instruction at another time with another approved instructor. This will be at the mutual consent of the student and the instructor. c. The student is responsible for his/her own progress record. Prior to a B&FRCMS A certificate test, the student s progress chart must be presented to the examining pilot. If the record is not presented at the time of the test, a suitable explanation must be given. d. During the course of instruction, if any major safety code is breached as a result of a student wilfully ignoring directions, the student will be removed from the program for the rest of
the season. An appeal can be made to the B&FRCMS committee. e. It is strongly recommended that students purchase a radio with a buddy box system. The buddy box system should be used while the student is taking flying lesson if the radio is so equipped. f. Frequency Board Rules: o o o o No more than 4 models should be in the air at one time and if there are more than 4 frequencies in use, the student must wait until an aeroplane has landed and the frequency becomes available. Pegs are to be placed on the frequency board after the model has been assembled, checked and ready to fly and the appropriate frequency has become available. The frequency peg must be removed entirely from the board after each flight to allow others an opportunity to fly. A time limit of 20 minutes per flight is a must for busy days.
WHAT AER0PLANE TO LEARN ON Choosing a proper aeroplane type is very important. There are many types to choose from, but the best choice is a high wing trainer type aeroplane with a.40 size glow engine. The choice is very broad and the B&FRCMS would not presume to recommend a specific manufacturer or model. However there are a number of models that should meet the needs of a student. Any club committee member would be glad to help you with your choice It is up to the student to choose his/her aeroplane. It is however important that the student stays with a high wing tricycle undercarriage trainer type airplane. Some models are available in both kit form or in ARF (almost ready to fly) where the bulk of the construction is done by the manufacturer. This is a handy way to get started flying quickly but teaches very little about construction and repair. The choice of engines is about as wide as for kits. Generally a good quality 40 size 2 stroke glow engine is recommended such as: O.S., Thunder Tiger, ASP or Irvine. The Radio again offers a wide choice but it is recommended that you buy a popular brand name with a buddy box system. If the student is in any doubt about what to purchase, check with any club member or instructor.
INTRODUCTION TO THE PROGRAM The program will take a very structured approach to the student s progress through the various levels of obtaining the club A certificate. The various Levels are listed below with a brief explanation of what is involved. A more in-depth discussion is found later in the manual. LEVEL 1 GROUND INSTRUCTION During this phase of the program, the student will be introduced to R/C flying. Some discussion regarding safety and etiquette will take place. The student s aircraft will be inspected and checked out for airworthyness, safety and noise level. LEVEL 2 PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS This level is designed to teach the student safety and starting and operating an airplane. LEVEL 3 BASIC FLYING SKILLS This level introduces the student to the different skills involved in flying i.e. turns, climbs, descents, figure 8 and oval patterns. LEVEL 4 TAKE OFF AND LANDING The student learns to taxi, take off and land. LEVEL 5 MORE ADVANCED MANOEUVERS This level takes the student through stalls, recovering from stalls, procedure turns and a loop. LEVEL 6 PREPARATION FOR SOLO FLIGHT Once the student has mastered the basics of aircraft control in turns, climbs etc. more attention will be paid to controlled takeoffs and landings under different weather conditions. LEVEL 7 THE A CERTIFICATE On completion of the program, the student will be tested by a Club Examiner
LEVEL 1 GROUND INSTRUCTION Ground instruction must be completed prior to any flying lesson. It may be available for several sessions. It is important that the student completes this level as soon as possible. Instructors should not be tied up on ground air-worthiness changes when good flying weather and other students are waiting to fly. 1. The first stage will be a short discussion on aeronautic theory, the theory of flight, the effects and importance of control surfaces, radios and engines. 2. Personal and aircraft safety will be covered in some detail. The club safety rules, as contained in the club rule book will be covered in depth. Instructors will inform students of enforcement of safety rules by the club executives and the rights of all members to question safety infractions by any other pilot at the club fields. 3. Field eti quette will be discussed and its importance to the hobby to make it enjoyable to all, including any spectators. 4. The student will be required to present his/her aircraft to the instructor for examination for safety and airworthiness. If the instructor deems the aircraft unfit to fly for any reason (an explanation will be given to the student) then all of the problems noted must be dealt with before the second inspection. The instructor will offer advice on how to fix the problems. 5. When the aircraft is considered to be safe and airworthy, a B&FRCMS approved pilot will flight check and trim the airplane. At the same time the airplanes will be checked for noise. It must meet the club noise level of less than 85db at 7 meters. If this is not met, the instructor will advise the student of different ways to lower the noise level of the aircraft. 6. The final part of ground instruction will consist of a discussion on the penalties for infringement of the rules. (See Rules section of this manual).
LEVEL 2 PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS At the beginning of all lessons, students must complete a preflight check. This check does not guarantee a trouble free flight. It is nonetheless necessary to find most of the problems that are likely to cause a fatal incident. The habit of performing a preflight check should continue once the student has qualified as an R/C pilot. 1. BATTERIES The first check is the condition of the flight pack battery and the transmitter battery. Once the student has acquired the use of a free frequency (see Frequency Control Section) the TX should be turned on and a reading of the output power noted. If insufficient power is available, no flight activity should follow. 2. WINGS AND FUSELAGE The aircraft should be put together with the wings firmly attached to the fuselage. The correct number of elastics or correct number and type of wing bolts should be used. The complete aircraft must be examined for wing warps, twists in the fuselage, warps in the wings, loose engine mounts, propellers and spinners, buckled or bent undercarriage. All the problems have to be fixed prior to any flying. 3. RANGE CHECK Check the instruction book of your radio as some radios have different ways of checking the range but the general method is: Turn on the radio and ensure all the control surfaces respond properly i.e. rudder and steering turn left for a left input at the Tx. Once the student and the instructor are satisfied with the aircraft, a radio range check must be performed. With Tx antenna down and the radio swi tched on (Tx and Rx) the student should walk at least 100 feet (approx. 30 good paces) from the aircraft and with the aircraft under control at all times. This basic check ensures that the Rx end of the system is able to receive a very weak signal. In addition to this an instructor may ask a student to perform a range check with the engine running. This will ensure that vibration does not affect the operation of the radio. 4. STARTING ENGINE
5. FINAL CHECKS Ensure there are no obstacles in or around the airplane and no spectators. Inform any other close by pilots that you are going to start your engine. Make sure you have no loose clothing or equipment hanging which could come into contact with a spinning propeller. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should anybody FLIP START AN ENGINE WITH THE FINGERS. Always use a chicken stick or an electric starter. Before taxiing out to take off, the student should check the integrity and direction of all control surfaces. The engine should be checked for reliable idling and a smooth progression through the rpm range in both pointing up and level position. The aeroplane is now ready to be taxied and flown.
LEVEL 3 BASIC FLYING SKILLS On completion of this level, the student should learn some basics flying skill. This includes flying level, making right and left turns, climbs, descents and throttle control. The student will first learn to control the aircraft in level flight. The instructor will taxi the aircraft to the runway, take off and climb to a safe altitude before the student takes over the control. The student will be given all basic instructions as the flight progresses i.e. right stick/left stick up elevator/down elevator and more throttle/less throttle. The student should follow these directions without question at all times. The instructor will have control of the aircraft through the buddy box system if available. He/she will clearly indicate to the student who has control like "I have control", "you have control". The instructor will take over control when the student appears to be in difficulties or appears distressed. If no buddy box system is used the instructor must be allowed to take over the Tx without hindrance or hesitation by the student. This is for safety purposes and for the good of the student. By the end of this Level, the student should be able to perform the following manoeuvres with complete control of the aeroplane: Right turn without losing or gaining altitude Left turn without losing or gaining altitude Gentle climb from about 100 ft. to 200 ft. Gentle descents to previous altitude A reasonable figure of 8 manoeuvre An oval flight pattern without losing or gaining altitude Turn in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction. When the instructor is satisfied with the students ability to perform the above manoeuvres in a safe and confident manner, the student may move on to the next level.
LEVEL 4 TAKE-OFF AND LANDING a. By the time a student reaches this level, it is assumed that he/she can control the aircraft in a normal flight manoeuvres to the total satisfaction of the instructor. b. Once the above has been mastered, the student can now practice takeoffs climbing out at approx a 15 to 30 degree angle. The student should try both left & right direction. The take-off roll should be smooth, throttle should be applied gradually and directional control should not be jerky i.e. over controlled or over compensated. c. The landing should be tried out at this stage. Landing is probably the most difficult and most dangerous. The student shoul d master the landing approach before actually attempting a touch down. Make several low passes at the runway until totally comfortable with the approach. Once the approach is mastered the student will then throttle back on the downwind leg before turning crosswind. d. On the final approach, both the throttle and the elevator should be used to control the descend and the flaring of the aircraft. During the whole landing procedure, the student should be able to maintain directional stability using both rudder and ailerons.
LEVEL 5 MORE ADVANCED MANOEUVRES At this stage, the student should be able to perform a solo flight while still on the "buddy box" or under the strict direction of the instructor. The pre-flight check, engine starting, taxiing and taking-off, landing approach and the landing itself should be done at least three times in a row to the total satisfactory of the instructor before proceeding with Level 5. 1. The student should learn how to perform a procedural turn, in both directions and a l oop. Both manoeuvres should be carried out at sufficient height in case of error. 2. The student should now be ready for solo flight.
LEVEL 6 SOLO FLIGHT This level allows the student to fly solo under the watchful eye of the instructor but without the benefit of the "buddy box". The instructor will stand next to the student during this stage. 1. The student must carry out a pre-flight and safety check without any input from the instructor, prepare him/herself and the aircraft for flight, start the engine and carry his aeroplane out for a take-off. 2. The student will make a take-off roll and climb out at the prescribed angle. A procedural turn will be made and the aircraft bought back in front of the student at a safe distance. At the other end of the runway, the student will make another procedural turn and will bring the aircraft around into the normal flight pattern for the day. 3. Several circuits should be made in both directions and two figure 8 manoeuvres should be included. A reasonable loop shoul d be performed on the downwind leg in front of the pilot. 4. Three successful overshoots should be performed and at least two full landings and taxi back to the beginning of the runway for another take-off. Once the instructor is satisfied with the student s performance at this level, the student will be put forward for the club A Certificate Test.
LEVEL 7 THE A CERTIFICATE TEST The Test will be administered by a B&FRCMS approved examiner. A list of examiners is available from the Training Coordinator. Arrangements should be made with the examiner and the instructor to take the test at a mutually convenient time. The test consists of all stages at all levels covered. The examiner may however modify the test for his own purposes. The student must present the progress chart signed by the instructor. Once the A certificate has been successfully completed, the student will be presented with his certificate as soon as practicable. The examiner should inform the training coordinator of the outcome of the test and the student will be presented with a certificate at the next scheduled club meeting. The new R/C pilot is now eligible to seek more advanced instructions if required.
A MESSAGE FROM THE B&FRCMS COMMITTEE Now that you have read all of this manual and said to yourself "is it all worth the trouble", the answer is a resounding YES!!! Although there are a lot of rules and regulations you will see as you progress through the program that they are very necessary. Also as you get used to them they lose some of their aggravation content and become like second nature. Go to the flying field any day and watch the experienced pilots go through their safety and pre-flight checks. They seem to do it without thinking and they usually have a trouble-free flight. You will also notice that they always have fun even if they have a crash. The hobby and sport of building and flying R/C airplanes is without a doubt one of the most rewarding experiences you are likely to encounter. It is however not without its own moments. Crashes are an inevitable part of the hobby and can sometimes be very discouraging, but adherence to the rules and safety precautions and building a good model can minimize the eventuality of crashes. Just ask some of the experienced pilots how many flights they have had with a particular airframe and watch the pride they have in saying "hundreds". Minor crashes can be repaired and there are always any number of fellow pilots to suggest the best ways to perform these repairs. Club nights during the winter help keep you in touch with what s happening in the hobby and with your fellow club members, many of whom will become firm friends. With a large number of members they want to put something back into the club (apart from membership fees) so they volunteer to sit on the committee or become instructors or simply to help out at events. Or you may simply just want to come to the field to fly or talk about planes, that OK! Just so long as you are enjoying this hobby, we share that s what is most important. From your club committee and for the membership - "Welcome to the Blackpool & Fylde RCMS and the most exciting hobby in the world".
As a student of the training program, you are required to sign the agreement below. I, have read and agree to abide by the Blackpool & Fylde Radio Controlled Model Society Club rules. I understand that the instructor and committee cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to a members model aircraft whilst under instruction Signed. Dated..