LCRC Training Program

GETTING STARTED
by Bill Tracy, Chief Instructor

R/C is a rewarding hobby for both young and old, male and female, but it is not something that you can learn on your own. To successfully and safely learn how to fly a R/C plane it is best to seek out a qualified instructor. The best place to do that is at a club that flies R/C planes. A club also offers more than just instruction. You will be able to draw on a wealth of information from members that have been flying for years. They will provide you with technical help on setting up your model, and give you some good advice on what products work and which ones are less desirable. Most clubs have activities during the year such as picnics or fun flys.

At LCRC we have a nice grass runway 400 x 100 ft. and 40 acres surrounding it that are clear of obstacles. We have several qualified instructors that put you through our Training Program. All that it takes is to join the club.

Considering the time and money that you already have invested in a new plane it only makes sense to join a club and get help learning to fly it. Most people that try it on there own the first time never make it past the first flight before their new plane is a pile of rubbish.

Learning to fly doesn't happen in one weekend either. It is going to take some time and effort on the student's part. Everyone progresses at a different rate so there is no set amount of time that it will take to learn to fly. But it will take several weeks. You have to be willing to commit a couple of evenings a week to learning to fly. Your instructors are donating their time for free because they love the hobby. Show them you appreciate their time by giving your own time to be there. You can't learn to fly if you only come to one lesson a month. Make sure you are willing to spend the time when you talk to your instructor.

If you haven't bought anything yet, and you just want to feel it out we offer a one time trial flight on a trainer plane with a buddy cord. All you have to do is contact our Chief Instructor to set up a time for a free flight demonstration.

If you have made it this far and want to get into the hobby, you are going to need an airplane. My favorite setup is the Sig LT 40 with an OS LA .46 engine and a basic 4 channel radio (JR or Futaba). Below are some links to other items that have worked well for us.