Effective February 25, 2023, all MAAC members operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS, must comply with all Canadian Aviation Regulations, including CAR Part IX.
Learning to Fly RC
The NRMFC fully supports the MAAC "Wings program. Through our volunteer instructors we offer
free flight training to student pilots.
Our instructors are also able to offer advice on selecting an appropriate first model and radio system as well as provide assistance with your model set up and radio programming.
We utilize a "Buddy Box" system where two transmitters are connected together, either through a wired or wireless connection. This arrangement allows you to fly your airplane, while the instructor has the ability to quickly take control, should a problem arise.
Although there are never any guarantees, this usually means that damage to your model will be minimized or normally completely averted.
Come out to our flying field or drop in to our monthly club meeting to find out more.
free flight training to student pilots.
Our instructors are also able to offer advice on selecting an appropriate first model and radio system as well as provide assistance with your model set up and radio programming.
We utilize a "Buddy Box" system where two transmitters are connected together, either through a wired or wireless connection. This arrangement allows you to fly your airplane, while the instructor has the ability to quickly take control, should a problem arise.
Although there are never any guarantees, this usually means that damage to your model will be minimized or normally completely averted.
Come out to our flying field or drop in to our monthly club meeting to find out more.
Wings Program
The Niagara Region Model Flying Club has developed this training program based on the M.A.A.C. Wings Program. This program is intended to assist new members in learning the skills necessary to safely enjoy flying radio-controlled model aircraft.
This training program has been designed to provide a basic standard of flight instruction and safety. We believe that through a consistent teaching approach, students will attain a high-level of flying skill while maintaining interest and enjoyment in the hobby. We also believe that learning the essential skills of safe and responsible flying will ultimately provide long-term satisfaction in this hobby.
Safe, responsible operation of our models is the cornerstone to preserving our ongoing flying privileges.
Instructors are volunteers appointed by the Executive who have demonstrated a high-level of flying proficiency and a willingness to help others learn to fly. In order to become an instructor, a candidate must exhibit safe and competent skills in flying a trainer type R/C aircraft.
As the student progresses through the Wings Program, they will become less dependent upon the instructors "saving" their model as they are challenged to perform more difficult tasks. Once they have achieved a level of proficiency that the instructors believe will allow the student to take-off, land and fly safely they will be asked to perform a solo flight test, witnessed by at least two club instructors. Upon successful completion of the flight test, the student will be granted “Pilot’s Wings" and be given permission to fly on their own.
Earning Pilot's Wings does not necessarily mean that the training is done. We always encourage new pilots to seek out advice and any help necessary to facilitate the tranisition to more challenging aircraft.
More information about the Wings Program can be found here: New Member Instruction Guide
This training program has been designed to provide a basic standard of flight instruction and safety. We believe that through a consistent teaching approach, students will attain a high-level of flying skill while maintaining interest and enjoyment in the hobby. We also believe that learning the essential skills of safe and responsible flying will ultimately provide long-term satisfaction in this hobby.
Safe, responsible operation of our models is the cornerstone to preserving our ongoing flying privileges.
Instructors are volunteers appointed by the Executive who have demonstrated a high-level of flying proficiency and a willingness to help others learn to fly. In order to become an instructor, a candidate must exhibit safe and competent skills in flying a trainer type R/C aircraft.
As the student progresses through the Wings Program, they will become less dependent upon the instructors "saving" their model as they are challenged to perform more difficult tasks. Once they have achieved a level of proficiency that the instructors believe will allow the student to take-off, land and fly safely they will be asked to perform a solo flight test, witnessed by at least two club instructors. Upon successful completion of the flight test, the student will be granted “Pilot’s Wings" and be given permission to fly on their own.
Earning Pilot's Wings does not necessarily mean that the training is done. We always encourage new pilots to seek out advice and any help necessary to facilitate the tranisition to more challenging aircraft.
More information about the Wings Program can be found here: New Member Instruction Guide
Training Schedule
Student training takes place at Walkers Field Tuesday and Thursday evenings – May until Labour Day from 6pm to sunset (Weather permitting). The club will try to provide a minimum of 2 instructors on each training night.
Choosing an Appropriate First Airplane
The choice of aircraft for the beginner is one of the most important factors in successfully learning to fly RC. Almost every new pilot has a favorite airplane that they dream of flying. Whether it is a classic antique heavy metal warbird or high performance jet, they all have one thing in common, these make very poor trainers.
The ideal trainer is inherently stable, relatively slow flying, easy to maintain and usually less expensive.
There are an abundance of airplanes marketed as trainers available as unassembled kits, Almost Ready to Fly (ARF) and Ready to Fly (RTF). Although some are sold as "trainers", not all of them really live up to the claim for various reasons. Historically, most instructors and experienced pilots agree that the ideal trainer be a balsa built, high-wing design powered by a .40 to .46 glow engine. However, more recently there has been a shift towards ready to fly, electric powered foam trainers; largely driven by popular manufactures movement away from balsa and towards foam construction.
There are many suitable aircraft for training purposes and before purchasing an airplane, the student should feel free to discuss options with any qualified club member.
The ideal trainer is inherently stable, relatively slow flying, easy to maintain and usually less expensive.
There are an abundance of airplanes marketed as trainers available as unassembled kits, Almost Ready to Fly (ARF) and Ready to Fly (RTF). Although some are sold as "trainers", not all of them really live up to the claim for various reasons. Historically, most instructors and experienced pilots agree that the ideal trainer be a balsa built, high-wing design powered by a .40 to .46 glow engine. However, more recently there has been a shift towards ready to fly, electric powered foam trainers; largely driven by popular manufactures movement away from balsa and towards foam construction.
There are many suitable aircraft for training purposes and before purchasing an airplane, the student should feel free to discuss options with any qualified club member.
