Training

Introduction

Training is very often treated as a second rate activity for experienced flyers - what is forgotten is that these flyers were also Trainees at one time. This Training advice applies to fixed wing aircraft only.

Training standards range from downright bad to very good with most Clubs, so if you are not getting a standard you require, then discuss with your Club Instructor / Committee member.

The basics ;

a) Get a copy of a Flight Simulator and practise on the keyboard first. Later plug in the Transmitter to a PC port and use this instead of the keyboard.

b) Get a 4 CHannel Aircraft Tx as a minimum (low and high rates are useful) and a PC interface cable.

c) Get a second Tx to Buddy box to the first with cable.

d) Build a high wing Trainer plane and set up as per the Manufacturer's Instructions.

b) Join a Club which is BMFA affiliated.

c) Find a good patient progressive Instructor(s).

d) Plan your progress via the practise sessions. Do not fly circuits indefinitely.

d) Get as many sessions / flights as you possibly can in the shortest time. You want to spend 2 years prior to taking your "A" ?

Sounds easy, doesn't it .................................... it's not !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But there are ways to make the path easier - read on.

Starting Needs (IC)

a) Flight Box and Tools

Contents should include ;

Starter, 12V Battery,Power Panel, Glow starter, Rx battery checker, spare props., Fuel etc., Tools including screwdrivers, glow plug spanner, prop hole cutter, etc.

b) Transmitter (Tx)

A cheap reliable Tx is required with dual rates, and there are many on the market. A computerised Tx is not necessary at this stage so my suggestion is something like the Futaba 6YG. It's easy to use, battery lasts all day, and has six channels which is more than enough.

c) IC Engine with Spinner

This is more difficult as everyone has their favourites, but I have to go by my experience with OS,GMS,MDS,Irvine,ASP,Merco engines. However, what we want has to be ;

a) reliable

b) easy to start

c) easy to tune

d) does not need exotic expensive fuels

d) enough power for winds and a "draggy" Trainer plane.

e) enough power for later mild aerobatics.

An Irvine .46 is the best suggestion here.

d) Plane (Rx and 4 servos)

This is at best a guide as there are so many Trainer planes on the market.

However, these are the ones I have experienced.

Balsa : Irvine Tutor40 , Thunder Tiger Trainer40 (these need a hot 40 or .46)

Plastic : SPAD Debonair , ARC Ready2 (these need a 46)

Futaba Rx and 148 servos are pretty standard and reliable kit.

e) Peaked Cap

An absolute necessity if the sun is shining. You can use the peak to cut out the sun.

f) Sunglasses

Flying near or into the sun is dangerous as losing control is easy. The sun causes "flashes" or "blue" dot areas after exit. Avoid this by using sunglasses, or do not fly on sunny days !

The BMFA 

The governing body's tools, advice on Training, "A" and "B" test schedules are available for download at www.bmfa.org

The Club

Study the Club rulebook (assuming it's up to date) noting any local field rules etc. On your first visit to the field make sure that you identify a Club Trainer and get him to take you through the Club procedures.

These should include ;

a) Access to the field and car parking / animals (not them - they're flyers !) local rules. Flying times and noise observance.

b) Peg-on or Peg-off system

c) Field communication language.

d) Pits etiquette and procedures.

e) Starting the engine, testing and nose up testing.

f) Safety.

The Instructor

The Instructors job is hard enough. Remember that he is giving up his free time to coach you for free , so let's make his task easier.

a) Check batteries (Tx and Rx) are fully charged the night before the flying session (14hrs please).

b) Check all controls are operational and in the correct sense (move the correct way) prior to your appearance on the flying field.

c) Check propeller and spinner are secure.

d) Check radio operational if prior to first flight by carrying out a "range check". Only do this away from the field by at least 2 miles, or on the field after getting frequency clearance.

e) Check you have Sunglasses and Cap.

The First Session

Expect the following ;

a) Range Check.

b) Safety Check on the plane.

c) Rules Introduction.

d) General Safety.

e) Peg system.

The First Flight

Expect ;

a) The Instructor to take-off and trim out the plane until he is happy that it is cruising without losing height, and all controls are functioning properly.

b) If on a Buddy box, the Instructor will pass control to the Trainee on a pre-arranged signal, and monitor circuit progress. If the Trainee gets into trouble, the Instructor will take control and return it when the problem has been corrected.

c) If not on a Buddy box, the Instructor will give you the Tx at an appropriate height and it is up to the Trainee to give the Tx back in time to save the plane. This is fraught with timing and height difficulties and not advised. 

d) A short 5minute flight is usually enough for most Trainees as a first flight, depending on skill level and reaction time.

e) The Instructor will land the plane and compare notes with the Trainee.

Progress Tracking

It is imperative that the Trainee keeps a record of his progress for each Instructors use. (see example in the download section)

Improve Yourself

This is where your Flight Logbook comes in - practise your weaker manoeuvres until you can do them automatically. Mine was right circuit turns, the faster I flew, the worse they were. When you can complete the required manoeuvres smoothly, you should be able to take your "A" test.

Also, If you would like to know whether you are at that stage, ask your Instructor to take you through a simulated test, so you know what to expect.

The BMFA Web Site has useful information on Test components and manoeuvres required.

Useful Help (Downloads)

1) Flight Logbook  (BMFA) Appendix 2.    Download here :    (.pdf reader needed)

2) Safety Regulations (BMFA CAP658)      Download here :      (.pdf reader needed)

3) Going Solo (mine).                               Download here :      (Word needed)

4) The Unofficial "A" & "B" Test Guide.    Download here :      (Word needed) ( a joint effort -  updated by me )

5) BMFA "A" Test Guidelines                   Download at www.bfma.org.uk       

6) BMFA "B" Test Guidelines                    Download at www.bmfa.org.uk     

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