Spirits of St. Louis R/C Flying club has active an flight training program. We have actually set Thursday nights as training night from May to Oct. We instruct using ‘buddy boxes’ with a designated training pilot at the master controls and you flying on the buddy box. The instructor holds a lever on his transmitter and you have control of the plane. Get into a situation that you need help with, the instructor pilot releases the lever and they have control of the plane again, will right it, then hand the controls back over to you when ready. So come out and learn to fly with an experienced pilot supporting you! If Thursday isn’t a good night for you, read on…
Step 1 – The Introductory Flight:
All you really need to get started is to simply have a passion to learn to fly model airplanes! There are several members of the Spirits that have been designated as “Introductory Flight” certified. What this means is they have been approved by the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) to take flyers up so that they can experience the awesomeness of model aviation without any investment whatsoever. If you are interested in experiencing model aviation, shoot us an email and we will make it happen!
Step 2 – Joining the AMA:
If your going to fly your own model airplane and do it safely you need to join the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). If your under the age of 19, it won’t cost you anything. If your are more of a “kid at heart” it will cost you a modest annual fee, ($75/year at the time of this article). The benefits of a Full Membership outweigh the investment and you’ll enjoy the following:
- Fly any type of model aircraft. (internal combustion, electric, heavier than 2 lbs, faster than 60mph).
- $2,500,000 in personal liability insurance coverage.
- $25,000 in Medical Coverage – AD&D and a $10,000 Death Benefit
- $1,000 in Fire, Theft, or Vandalism Coverage
- Model Aviation Magazine (print or online)
- Flying privileges at thousands of AMA Chartered Clubs with appropriate club memberships
- Ability to fly in sanctioned competitions
- Voting privileges
- Access to the National Model Aviation Museum
- Access to members only-features online
Step 2 – Join the Spirits of St Louis Radio Control Club:
You can fly three times as a guest of a Spirits member but to enjoy the field anytime during regular flying hours you must become a member. Its a simple process, just do the following:
- Fill out the Spirits Membership Application,
- Attach a copy your AMA membership card,
- Take the FAA TRUST test and register with FAA,
- Write a check (or PayPal) to the Spirits of St. Louis R/C Club,
- Bring it to our monthly meeting or mail it to the membership chair.
- Links to everything can be found here: What you need to fly
Step 3 – Find an instructor to help you:
Nothing is worse than venturing out on your own and destroying a new plane on the first flight. We want you to get started on the right path so we have members skilled in providing flight instruction. Going this route we will have you flying your new plane in no time and you will find a lot of enjoyment in this hobby.
