Applications for AMA and The Flying Knights membership
are available on the "Resources" page.
Written By Tom Filipiak
In the year of 1977, I became interested in Radio Controlled (RC) Airplanes. I joined the Flying Knights Club to become more acquainted with the hobby of RC. To my disappointment I found myself separated from the club members and not learning much about RC. I vowed not to let this happen to anyone becoming interested in RC.
Elmer Gross approached me with the idea of forming a Membership Committee. I thought, here we go, my ambition is becoming a reality! The new visitors at our club meetings will not feel alone and separated from the club members any longer. They will become familiar with RC and happy they picked RC for a hobby and an escape of the dull realities of life. Some common questions from visitors are:
How do I become acquainted with RC'ers?
What do I build for my first airplane?
What are these RC terms they talk about?
Where can I get everything I need for this hobby?
What does the club do, and what can I do to help the club?
Who will help me?
Where can I fly and who will instruct me?
During any one of our regular meetings, the membership committee meets in a separate room with the new interested RC visitors. We feel that we are on a one-on-one basis with the visitor in this meeting. Each visitor should attend (3) meetings . Then if they feel they would like to become a member of our club they can do so. Let me point out at this time that the primary interest in these meetings is to acquaint the visitor with the full aspect of RC airplanes. We do not primarily want them to join the club, but we do want them to be completely involved in RC. Again if after 3 meeting they wish to join the club they may do so. Let me introduce you to the guide lines of a typical committee meeting or class, if you will.
First meeting
Introductions-Verify name, address and telephone number.
Discuss club operations, PR activities and what is expected of a member. Activities such as static displays at Mall shows, Boy Scout meetings, Church youth groups, and Schools with an arrangement for actual flying at a designated time and place.
Determine modeling experience, if any, of all newcomers
Talk about Trainer planes, Engines and Radios. Give an estimate of the approximate cost of entering the hobby.
Try to match the newcomer to a member in his neighborhood.
Introduction etc. of any new visitors.
Continue discussion on first airplane as to type and size.
Talk about flat and true building table or board, basic tools, equipment, adhesives, and covering materials
Discuss pros and cons of ARF models versus built up models.
Prospects who are definitely interested will be given a folder, which contains the following printed material:
Modeling tools, etc.
Standard radio control setup.
RC Flying-airplane, transmitter, and field box.
Flying Knights application for membership
Balsa wood by Sig mfg. Co.
Flying Knights rules for our two flying sites.
AMA identification stickers.
Glossary of common modeling terms.
Flying Knights getting started in RC modeling.
Flying Knights-Video library.
About the Flying Knights.
Flying Knights-student flight log
Safety checklist.
Maneuvers-trim features-trouble shooting.
AMA membership application.
Introduction of any new visitors
Determine progress and/or problems with building a model.
Discuss:
Importance of preflight inspection which may be done by the sponsor or at a regular meeting. I prefer this not to be done at the flying site, because it will tie up a radio transmitter frequency, should someone else need it for flying a plane at the same time as your preflight inspection.
Times and availability of instructors.
Field rules and use of the frequency board.
Importance of safety procedures at the flying field.
Accept application from anyone wishing to become a member of the Flying Knights at this meeting.
I cannot emphasize enough, the benefit you get, as a beginner in RC, to patronize your local hobby shop. If you decide to order from a magazine and have any questions pertinent to the RC hobby, the magazine does not answer your questions to your satisfaction. The local hobby shop sure helps you become a happy RC modeler. Always use an experienced instructor with a buddy box to help you learn to fly your first airplane. You will find them only too willing to share their experience of RC with you.