It's the annual question that everyone has a different answer for, " do I choose gas or an electric model'? The answer will depend on whom you ask! The DCRC training answer is glow. Why? Well electric powered models are constantly evolving and they are getting more and more powerful however there is still a lot of experimentation in this field and that is best left until after you have mastered the art of basic R/C flying. The glow engine is light, very powerful and will allow you to learn on a wide range of trainers.

How long will it take for me to learn?

That very much depends on you. If you have flown before or have a good working knowledge of aircraft that will help. That said the pace is up to you. You can learn in just a few sessions or it may take you many months or a year of DCRC flight training. We want you to succeed in becoming a competent and safe R/C pilot and our instructors will work with you to facilitate that happening in your own time.

Yes, please fill in the application form either from the web site or get one from the holders in the transmitter impound at the field. Hand that form in when you come to start training. Fee is $78 year. 

You need to be a member as it is the responsibility of the DCRC to ensure that the safety requirements, which are a condition imposed by Montgomery County on DCRC of using the field, are met. This means that the DCRC has to test all R/C pilots who want to fly at the field. The certified pilots at the field conduct the test for members of DCRC. These are the same club members who will teach you to fly your plane. After you solo you can take the pilot proficiency test and continue to enjoy the use of the field as and when you want to fly.

Do I need insurance?

Yes you do. You need liability cover to fly at the DCRC filed or any other Radio Control flying field. This is obtained by becoming a member of the AMA. An application form can be found at this AMA site www.modelaircraft.org. DCRC is an affiliated AMA club.

Please download and fill in the form from the AMA site and with the appropriate fee give this to either Kevin Jackson or Andy Kane at the DCRC field who will process you AMA membership at the same time as your DCRC membership. Alternatively you can mail this form direct to the AMA.

Should I buy a computer R/C simulator?

The answer to this is a resounding yes! It will allow you to learn key skills that you need to fly the real radio controlled plane. It gives you the same 'feel' of flying the plane as you experience at the field without the risk! You will be able to master the basic skills of flying as well as giving you lots of time to get used to the controls reversing everytime the planes comes towards you or moves away from you. Many members of the DCRC training team have the Real Flight Simulator from Great Planes but there are many to choose from on the market.

Where do I go to look for models and more information?

The Internet is the best resource for the information you need. Before you do anything else stop off at the AMA site, our national representative of the R/C flying Hobby: www.modelaircraft.org

Next Give these URL's a try:

www. towerhobbies.com ( for just about everything as well as the Tower 40 and 60 ARF trainer planes)

www.tiger.com.tw ( for Thunder Tiger and the TT40 and 60 ARF trainers )

www.carlgoldbergproducts.com (For Carl Goldberg Models like the Eagle 2 trainer kits)

www.hobbico.com ( For All Hobbico equipment and planes)

www.horizonhobby.com ( for a range of kits and ARF models)

www.realflight.com ( for the PC based Real Flight simulator)