FAQs

1. How do I go about getting into radio control models ?
2. Where can I find my nearest club ?
3. What is the BMFA ?
4. How do I learn to fly ?
5. When can I fly ?
6. What type of models are flown at the club ?

How do I go about getting into radio control models?

It's simple, however you have to make some decisions, decide which area of model flying you wish to get into eg. fixed wing, helicopters, gliders.
The club offers training in flying some of the above examples, and is affiliated to the British Model Flying Association. Whichever area of flying you decide to get into you need to enter the sport at the right level. Many people make the mistake of seeing beautiful scale type aerobatic models which appear simple to fly, they are made to look simple due to the many hours of practice the pilot may have dedicated to achieving this.
What you will need to do is select a good quality basic trainer there are certain kits of this type that have stood the test of time and are recognized for their excellent slow flying ability. Building this type of model does not usually present to many problems and of course there are the proliferation of many ARTF (almost ready to fly models) on the market. Again there are many engines but choose one of a suitable size not necessarily make as recommended by the kit manufacturer and aim for reliability. When choosing radio equipment you do not need the all singing dancing equipment that does everything bar fly the model for you but do choose carefully. Think what you might want to achieve after you have been flying for a while, that 5th or 6th channel may not be necessary now but soon you may want to expand your building on to more complex models adding flaps, individual aileron control, airbrakes, retracts etc. when the extra facilities will become necessary, however you still don't have to buy the latest fully computerised equipment to achieve this and in some ways it can be beneficial to learn without all the gadgetry. Again there is a vast amount of choice.
The club has buddy box facilities (ability to connect 2 transmitters together, see How do I learn?) for Futaba and Sanwa radio equipment
Study the magazines and check out your local model shop.
If you can spare an hour on Saturday or Sunday afternoon I would suggest you come to the club and there will always, weather permitting be some one there to help in your choice and offer advise.
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Where can I find my nearest club?

Check out the BMFA (British Model Flying Associations Web site) www.bmfa.org or your local dealer should have some contact names and telephone numbers. Also many members of one club are members of others.
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What is the BMFA ?

The British Model Flying Association (BMFA) and the Society for Model Aeronautical Engineers (SMAE) represent the national voice for model flying of which the management committee spend a high percentage of their time working with government bodies, local authorities and other agencies in order to safeguard model flying interest. Although the BMFA is a non profit making organisation it does have full time employees.
The (BMFA) is also the governing body responsible for all aspects of model flying and has been established for over 70 years. The Mereside club is associated to the BMFA for many reasons the most important one for the new comer is that when you join the club you also become insured under the BMFA's insurance scheme. This insurance is accepted both nationally and internationally at many venues. The BMFA are responsible for promoting all aspects of flying from novice level to national competitions. They delegate, empower and facilitate clubs to ensure the correct training and safety procedures are adopted. Many clubs will not allow you to fly solo unless you have taken their test of competence.
For further information contact:-
BMFA,
Chacksfield House, 31 St Andrews Road, Leicester, LE2 8RE
Tel. 0116 2440028
E-mail admin@bmfa.org
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How do I learn to fly ?

The Mereside Club has excellent facilities and instructors. The club owns its own trainer which is used to give people a taster of what its like to fly a model and help with an individuals training.
There are buddy leads available for Futaba and Sanwa equipment. This enables your transmitter to be linked to the instructors transmitter allowing the instructor to pass or retake control at the flick of a switch, rather than if the trainee makes a mistake having to pass the transmitter over to the instructor, in many cases to late. You would be amazed at the reluctance of a trainee to let go of a transmitter when things are going wrong and it only takes seconds to put your precious latest production back into kit form, as well as the prospect of endangering fellow modellers.
Don't go it alone, its not worth it to you, your fellow modellers and most importantly members of the public.
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When can I fly ?

You can fly at any time throughout the week providing you are a member and if on your own you achieved the BMFA 'A' Certificate.
If your learning then you have to be accompanied by one of the recognised instructors who are usually available at weekends and Wednesday evenings. Please bear in mind they to want to fly their own models but I can assure you they are incredibly patient and have taught many pilots from beginner to advanced level
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What type of models are flown at the club ?

Many types of model are flown including simple free flight, electric gliders, trainers, fully aerobatic pattern ships and just recently the fascinating jets. If it can fly we are interested!
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