Our club is actively teaching new members to fly, and is present in the community in public displays, flying events and educational demonstrations.

So many ways to enjoy Radio Control Modeling!

Although most club members start into radio control modeling with a variety of “trainer aircraft”, the directions to take the hobby from there are almost limitless!  Just look at some of the ways to have fun

Aerobatic flying is more popular than ever, and many members take part in annual flying contests at our field and other clubs

Fine Scale Modeling is a rewarding aspect of the hobby. There is no limit to the detail you can build into an exact replica of an historical aircraft.

 Radio control combat. This heart-racing sport keeps you on your toes. Strap on a streamer, fly as fast as you can, and don’t let the other planes get your streamer.

Model Helicopters take concentration, aeronautical understanding, and practice, practice, practice

WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO GET STARTED?

Learning to fly is now easier than ever before, and most people will start with a simple flying lesson to dispel any concerns about the skills required before purchasing a training aircraft set-up.  One good way to begin is with a flight simulator, this is a great tool that removes the fear and risk while speeding the learning process. These are available at your local hobby store and can be played on your home computer. Another way is to take lessons on a simulator at Hover Haven Hobbies in Chatham. The results have been great, beginners commonly learn to fly in 5 to 8 one-hour lessons. The training is conducted one on one; a combination of theory and simulator practice results in a very productive hour covering multiple topics in each session.

RC Flight Simulator Training Standard Aircraft Topics 

· Flight Theory

· Transmitter Control

· Ground Taxi

· Pre Takeoff Check and Takeoff

· Straight and Level Flight

· Climb and Descent, Power Change

· Elevator Trim and Control of Airspeed

· Gentle Turns

· Steep Turns and Spiral Dives

· Stalls and Spins

· Slow Flight

· Accuracy Maneuvers and the landing Circuit

· Landing Approaches

· Landing Flair, Touchdown and Rollout

· Sideslip and Crosswind Conditions

· Emergency Procedures

Don’t choose what may be your ultimate dream machine, start with a trainer, you need to work towards your goal in stages because the wrong choice may be too fast, responsive, complicated and unforgiving of a novice flyer.

What Types of Aircraft are Available?

Park Flyers

Generally electric powered, smaller and simpler to assemble and fly.

Sailplanes/Gliders

Typically non-powered or may be powered by an electric motor or engine. Unpowered, they can be launched hundreds of feet into the air with a simple bungee-type system. They may also be hand launched from a hill, or, with skill, towed behind a powered airplane to altitude. 

Almost or Ready to Fly (RTF / ARF)

The most common choice for a first time flyer. More capable in windy conditions due to increased size, speed, range and control. Only basic final assembly requiring as little as an hour to a few evenings. Commonly fuel powered but electric also available.

Built from a Kit

Great choice for someone with time and driving desire to learn building skills.  Will cost a bit more due to the investment in materials and tools. A wealth of information and understanding will be gained not to mention the satisfaction in the end. Time required varies but an estimate of one to three months to build ready for flight is common. Caution, many kits have been purchased and never quite finished, or finished and the builder was overly hesitant to fly the model for fear of damaging the finished pride and joy.

Helicopters

Small Electric to large glow fuel engines

A blast in the back yard for small electrics larger ones should be flown at a club field

With your first aircraft properly chosen, you will enjoy a rewarding lifelong Hobby and Sport.

You will need to join a local club and you will need to join MAAC, Model Airplane Association of Canada. See the Membership page for details

Wings Program

The Chatham Aeronauts use the MAAC Wings Program to teach new pilots, see the MAAC web site for more details at    www.maac.ca/docs/2006/doc_wings_program_e.pdf

Instructors

The following Chatham Aeronauts are volunteer flight instructors.  Please do not hesitate to contact them, or approach them at the flying field.  They will be more than happy to assist you earn your "wings"

Don McLellan    (519) 436-0914    goneflyin@ciaccess.com
Art Reaume    (519) 352-2627    mreaume@cogeco.ca
Adam Snow    (519) 784-7669    asnow@snownet.ca
Brad Slaughter    (519) 351-1969    bslaughter@cogeco.ca
David Carrick    (519) 360-0503    flight@davidcarrick.ca

Aeronaut Ambassador Program

The following Aeronauts will assist anyone who has an interest in model aviation, to become acquainted with our hobby.  They will help you meet club members, answer questions and introduce you to R/C flight.  Basically they will guide you through your beginning steps.  If you are interested in this hobby, these are the people to contact.

Adam Snow    (519) 784-7669    asnow@snownet.ca
Cliff Russel    (519) 352-6108    rcman@bell.net
Art Reaume    (519) 352-2627    mreaume@cogeco.ca