The Club is keen to promote safe flying and to minimise disappointments resulting from mishaps during the process of learning to fly. The Club operates a training scheme designed to bring the novice flyer to a state of competence.
The Club allocates an experienced tutor who will take the new pilot through everything that is needed including:
- Checking new models;
- Set-up and trim;
- Engine operation;
- Safety checks; and
- Flying tuition.
Instruction will preferably be given on the pupil’s own model, but in some circumstances flying tuition will be given on the Club’s training aircraft – the ‘Club Tub’. This model is equipped with a dual transmitter “Buddy Box” system and enables safe flying, with recovery from difficult situations always being under the control of the tutor.
New Club Tub- WOT Trainer in action at our flying site. It’s powered with an SC46A IC glow engine
There are 3 proficiency standards recognised by the British Model Flying Association (BMFA):
- The Basic Proficiency Certificates provide a measure of competence for pilots operating fixed and rotary wing aircraft fitted with stabilisation technologies.
- The “A” certificate is awarded by one of the Club’s examiners when the student has demonstrated their ability to operate and fly the aircraft (fixed and rotary wing aircraft without stabilisation technologies) to a satisfactory standard and has a reasonable knowledge of the BMFA safety code.
- The “B” certificate is awarded by one of the Club’s examiners when the student has demonstrated their ability to operate and fly the aircraft (fixed and rotary wing aircraft without stabilisation technologies) to a higher standard and has a higher knowledge of the BMFA safety code.
NOTE: There is no charge for the tests.
Trainee and instructor working together using the clubs ‘buddy box’ system
It is a Club rule that no person is permitted to fly unsupervised unless they are in possession of at least a valid Basic Proficiency Certificate or an “A” certificate.
The “B” certificate is needed by a person who wishes to fly at public displays or in competitions. The “B” certificate demands a greater precision of flying and a competence in executing designated aerobatic manoeuvres . It is not an aerobatic test, but is designed to ensure that the pilot can fly the aircraft under complete control when it is in a variety of attitudes and positions in the sky. Again, there is no charge for the test.