BASIC REQUIREMENTS
What you need to
train with us
We are certain that your number one aim in wanting to learn to fly radio controlled helicopters is to have FUN! That's great but while you are with me, my priority must always be the safety of you and those around us. Many of the following requirements reflect this.
You must be fit and able to fly safely, e.g. you should have sufficiently good eyesight (with corrective glasses if necessary).
We like to teach students to fly using their own helicopters. We can teach you to fly using one of ours with a buddy lead but we believe that this is not such an effective method.
Your helicopter must be in a fit state to fly. Although we can (and will) perform an external check of the machine prior to starting, we cannot see inside the aircraft or how it was assembled (for example whether or not you have used thread retaining compounds as directed by the manufacturer). You will understand that we cannot be held responsible if your helicopter (or you) fail in any way. If we think that the helicopter or you are unsafe, the lesson will stop. (We are happy to help rectify mechanical problems if this is possible.)
If you are just starting out you should have some sort of training undercarriage for your helicopter. This can either be of the 'crossed stick' or 'hoop' variety and can usually be improvised.
A training undercarriage can be made quite
easily
For reference, you should bring along the instruction manual for any radio or ancillary equipment that you will be using, e.g. transmitter, gyro, engine governor, etc.
For outdoor flying instruction, you must be a member of the BMFA. This requirement does not apply for indoor tuition for models such as the Hirobo XRB or the Hoverfly.
You must observe the normal safety precautions as laid down by the BMFA. If you don't know what these are we will guide you through them before we start.