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| I’m interested, how do I start, what does it cost? |
Where to find information on this hobby about getting started? The following short discussion on the above is a beginning.
First and foremost, joining a club is the best way to get started, as club members are always willing to help out and are a wealth of knowledge on the sport/hobby. Almost all clubs will require you to also join the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). Here in the USA, the AMA is the National organization responsible for the governance of the sport/hobby. Besides governing, the AMA provides secondary liability insurance coverage for its’ members and insurance coverage for the site owner where the flying field is located. This is very important in aiding in obtaining and keeping places to fly for clubs across the nation. A part of your membership fee in the AMA also pays for one of the best publications on Model Aviation. Membership in the AMA costs $58.00 per year. The first year of membership in HR/CFC costs $50.00 and then $25.00 thereafter.
Secondly: It’s important to meet the people in the club and especially find a person willing to teach you how to fly and help you make decisions about what you need and how to proceed with your training. Your instructor will likely become a friend for life! Find someone who you feel comfortable with and gives you confidence.
What do the airplanes, engines and radios cost and where do I start? This is really only answerable by the individual. Complete airplane, radio, motor set-ups are available for less then $90.00. These are electric airplanes and may require an additional motor battery charger. Basic glow engine trainers are available for around $300.00 to $350.00, complete with glow engine and radio. Other ancillary equipment will be needed for this type of airplane, such as field equipment; Flight box, tools, power source, glow plug driver and glow engine starter. Now days it makes sense to go with a Ready To Fly (RTF) or Almost Ready to Fly (ARF) as your first choice for your trainer. RTF planes are basically ready to go! With ARFs, most of the work is done, the airplane will be true and the instructions are very thorough, teaching you how to set-up the airplane. However, if you built flying models at some point in the past, or, just like working with your hands and building things, you can still buy and build a kit! A realistic figure for getting started with a .40 sized airplane (maybe the most popular size) is probably $500.00 to $750.00. You will likely destroy your first airplane, maybe even your second and third before you become comfortable in the sky. Generally, the engine and radio survive the crashes and are transferable to your next airplane. Also, many times a beginner will think an airplane is totaled and the old hands at the sport will see that airplane as easily repairable! Listen to them and if you can find one of these guys willing to help you repair it, so much the better. The best way to look at model airplane longevity is to understand; if you fly it, it will eventually crash!
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