Hi Guys, I just bought a radio controlled airplane (UK) and am wanting to start flying it.?

Question

I have also paid for this remote control simulator that cost a fortune to get some practice. However I have been told you need insurance to fly the thing and I should join a flight club. They all look like they are full of old beirdy weirdy men with no life and I want to just go flying in a quiet field . Am i gonna be in trouble with the law. Obviously if i hit someone then fair enough but surely the old bill are gonna be more bust catching gits on minimotos than wastign time on a radio controlled plane. I just don't want to join a club with loads of old men. I am only 27 and am not ready fo flasks of tea and talk about the weather quite yet. Any advice please

Answer 1

Ok,I get your point about some of the people at the clubs but just remember that they have a hell of a lot of experience and can help you a lot. You might even manage to fly it for the first time without trashing it if you ask for help at a club! Most good clubs have a trainer plane you can use and someone willing to teach you. Simulators are OK but they are nothing like the real thing which is much faster and harder to control!
Do you know how to trim your plane? If not then you must get help otherwise you will trash it first go!
You must have insurance, if you hit someone or something with the plane, apart from causing a lot of damage you are going to get your *** sued big time. You wont get problems from the police but the potential to kill someone with a model is very high so please be careful where you fly it. You can join the BMFA (British model flyer's association) your joining fee gives you a huge amount of public liability insurance and also gives you access to a lot of knowledge.
You also have to be aware of the civil aviation authority rules on where and when you can fly, so no flying anywhere near the flight path of an airport! (by the way the CAA is far more scary than the police if they get on your case!).
Once you have joined a club and become a competent flyer then if you want to do your own thing you will be much safer and have more fun.
By the way I don't have a beard, I'm not weird, I'm 44 and my girlfriend is 25 (so I have a life!).
Good luck I hope you enjoy your flying as much as I do!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

You guys in UK have to have insurance? I guess not a bad idea.

I am the same way. Just like to go out by myself and fly in the farm fields (in Ventura County,Ca), maybe with a buddy. There is a club right down the road with the same "old guys". I just prefer not to pay the fees but it might be different in UK.
Its is possible to learn on your own. I did. Gave my non powered glider at least 50 throws into the wind until I got it. That made for a repair for every 3 or so throws. Under .049 gas power it was terrifying. Now if you have a gas powered balsa - its just plain dangerous to go at it as a novice. Even some elecrtics can do some damage. Those old dudes can help and I would seek some help from someone else if you dont want their help. This is coming from someone who DID learn by themself. Good luck!

Answer 4

DO NOT FLY WITHOUT INSURANCE, EVER. (See link). When you say "if i hit someone then fair enough" does that mean that by stuffing a flying model into the side of someones head is fair enough. Wlll you be in trouble with the law? you bet. Besides I can assure you that you will stuff it into the ground first time out without the help of one of those "Old Men". You cannot just go to a site unpack and fly, The "Old Men" won`t let you You will find that you will only be able to fly at designated sites allowed by local councils, unless you know a friendly farmer. You are going to have to change your attiude a tad if you are going to take model flying any further.

Answer 5

I fly rc planes and have for many years. I'm here to tell you you need some help - chances are you have no chance at all trying it on your own. You likely won't be in trouble unless you trespass on private property or kill someone.

Join a club be nice to the old folks and when you have mastered it you can go out on your own. I used to fly at Enfield and at Southend on Sea.

Answer 6

Success rate without assistance is dismal.

to put it in terms of baseball (US residents get it right away)

Strike 1 = a beginner
Strike 2 = an untrimmed model
Strike 3 = the motor starts.,

Models don't survive strike 4 so you better be perfect. if you want to try it without help.

Just 10 minutes of instruction can make a huge difference in your ability to succeed in learning to fly the model.

An instructor will inspect your model to make sure it is properly assembled and all the controls respond properly, then he/she will test fly the model and "trim" it to fly straight.

A beginner flying an untrimmed model is fighting a losing battle.

Regardless of the legality. Its just foolish to avoid the help that is available.

Answer 7

Yes mr Bailey you need public liability ins ,you are obliged to join a club ,in order to be registered,they are not full of old men ,some lovely ladies also take part.

Answer 8

Hey, Bailey, we old guys like to have fun, too. If you want to avoid pranging your new kite, I'd suggest you get friendly with one of those "old beirdy weirdy" (sic) men. Where do you think knowledge and wisdom reside?

Answer 9

This beardy old man hopes someone treats you with contempt sometime today.