LC/RC TRAINING PROGRAM
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INTRODUCTION LC/RC would like to welcome you to the fascinating world of model aeronautics, a sport/hobby for all ages. Instructor-Student Responsibilities: Students should understand that the instructor should not and can not be held responsible for damages resulting to the student's airplane, or property or other people's property as a result of this instruction. Circumstances may arise that are not preventable. Your instructor will do his best to guide you through the teaching process. However, it is not possible for your instructor to control all unforeseen possibilities. This document is intended only as a guide, and is not offered to be the definitive manual for flight training. Under NO circumstances should a student attempt flying without the assistance of an instructor. Please note that instructors are not paid for their services, and sometimes like to fly their own planes too. Please don't demand an instructor's full-time attention for the entire day. On the other hand, don't be too timid. Make sure the instructor knows you are "ready and waiting" and are not there just to watch! This has been divided into nine tasks from the basic first flight through being able to solo. Each task will build on the previous lesson so as to get you ready to fly on your own. Everyone has a different pace, so try not to rush into it. Just take it one step at a time and have fun. Our primary goal is to prepare the new pilot for what most of us had to learn the hard way. You must pass a SOLO test by at least 2 certified members before you are allowed to fly at the club field without supervision. The following pages will give you a brief course outline of what will take place and when.
LCRC Flight Training Plan 2. A/C preflight and safety inspection3. Engine starting and handling.4. Level flight shallow turns and traffic pattern5. Trimming A/C and recovering from unusual attitudes6. Take offs and landing approaches7. Flight test8. Solo flight9 End of the day
Every one is required to read the AMA safety rules and the LCRC Safety Rules. Take some time to read them and understand them. They are not hard or unreasonable, just some common sense rules to make this a safe hobby. If you have any questions about them ask someone to explain.
Your preflight should start before you leave the house. It is much easier to repair defects there than it is at the field. I have made a checklist to help get everything you need to the field. Nothing will ruin your day more than showing up without a wing. Check ListBefore your first flight an instructor will perform a safety inspection. You should do the same inspection before each flying session. He is not trying to find fault in your workmanship. He is just trying to save your airplane. Most of these items he has learned the hard way. If your instructor tells you something is wrong, then respect his comments and fix it.
Propellers are extremely sharp and invisible when spinning. Extreme caution must be used when working around a running engine. DO NOT reach around, over or through the propeller. Make all adjustments from behind the aircraft. It is recommended to have a helper hold your airplane while starting. Avoid loose clothing or anything that can swing into a spinning propeller. After the safety inspection is complete you can prepare your aircraft for engine start and flight.
Carry your plane to the flight line and check that all rate switches are set. Check control movement one last time. Double check aileron direction, check wind direction, check for other planes landing, and announce to other flyers that you are ready for take off. You can now taxi into position and get ready for flight.
Flight Training Instructor will takeoff and do the initial trimming and flight-test as needed. He will also trim the buddy box on the first flight. It may take several flights to get your plane trimmed. Have patience you will be moving the sticks soon. If you want to track your progress you can print the progression checklist for your own benefit.
Level Flight and Shallow Turns Your first flying lessons will be learning to keep the plane on a straight line and making shallow turns. This will be done in a square box around the field called the traffic pattern. You will be required to make left and right turns. The object is to be able to fly the whole pattern at a constant altitude without loosing orientation of the airplane. When you have mastered this part and your knees have stopped shaking its time to move on. The main thing is to learn to relax and don't over control the airplane.
Trimming for level flight and recovering from unusual attitudes After you have become comfortable with level flight and are starting to get bored it is time to start flying. You will start making steeper turns (intentional ones) making figure 8 and "S" turns. You will practice trimming your own airplane for hands off flight. Learn to find your trim levers and move them with out looking at them. This is best done at home or in the pit area while you do some hanger flying. You will do some mild aerobatics (stalls, rolls, loops) and learn to recover from them. The purpose of this is not really to learn aerobatics but to teach you not to panic if you get your airplane upside down. It will not fall out of the air if you stay with it and keep flying. Never panic, this is the worst thing you can do. You will start to learn throttle control and how it affects the flight path of the aircraft. And get some windy weather experience.
Takeoffs and landing approaches Now it is time to start learning how to get your airplane in the air and back down safely. This is the hardest part but also the most rewarding. There is nothing prettier than a perfect landing. The secret to a good landing is a good approach. You did learn how to do a perfect traffic pattern didn't you? To read more about doing landings go HERE . After you can get to where you can make successful takeoffs and landings, your instructor will remove your buddy cord hand you your transmitter and tell you to practice.
Now is the big moment. T his is nothing that you haven’t already done. Just relax and take your time. You will be tested by two other flyers. You will have to start your airplane, take off fly the flight test pattern as shown in the field rules, make a few turns as requested by the examiners and make a safe landing. They will be watching for compliance with safety rules and positive control of the airplane. Don’t rush and get nervous. You won’t be failed for any minor screw-ups (making a right turn rather than a left) as long as you use good judgments and show your ability to recover from mistakes in a safe controlled manner. When they give a thumbs up you will be awarded your "Level A" You are now ready for solo flight. CONGRATULATIONS! You are now able to fly on your own. Continue to practice all the lessons you have learned till you are comfortable with all of them. Always remember the safety rules. There is no substitute for practice. When you have made a hundred solo landings, you can feel good about what you have accomplished and start planning for that second airplane. If you get nervous or something is not going right don't be scared to ask someone for help.
After a day at the field, it is time to clean up and put your plane away. This is the time to start your next safety inspection. Wipe your plane down with your favorite cleaner. As you do, watch for items that may have cracked during the day, fasteners that have came loose, bent landing gear, etc. Make a note to fix it when you get home so it is ready for the next flying session. Its easier to make repairs now, rather than waiting for that warm sunny day to come and find out you don't have the necessary parts to repair your plane. Have many happy landing! Copyright 2002 Lorain County R/C Club |