NOTICE BOARD

Don't forget, to fly solo at our site, you must hold an 'A' certificate minimum.

PLEASE NOTE - Watch this space for details of the 2012 evening sessions.
training can continue on Saturday afternoons if instructors are available.

Although we will train club members at any time, we have decided to hold special training sessions
on Wednesday evenings during the summer months (lighter nights)
On these training evenings, general sport flying will be discouraged in favour of the trainees.

We aim to train members to both 'A' & 'B' certificate level

Please read the 'Up & Away' publication (click to view)
This is the BMFA Approved Flight Training Manual for R/C Power Flying -
Although this manual states that most people fly 'mode 2',
the majority of PANDAS members fly 'mode 1' (throttle on the right stick)
But we do have instructors who do fly mode 2.

   
The second publication is 'A test schedule (fixed wing)' manual.
The third publication is 'B test schedule (fixed wing)' manual.

When you have these manuals on your screen, you will be able to print them off for future reference.

It would help your instructors if you prepare your model as detailed in the above manual
before turning up at the flying field

If you do not yet have a suitable model or equipment for flight training,
consult our instructors for advice on 'what to buy'

The eagle eyed among you may have noticed in the 'BMFA News' that some trainers
were to be given away to deserving clubs. The committee put a case forward to the BMFA,
& we have been awarded an electric trainer, ready to fly, including battery & charger, plus a second transmitter.

For the first years (2011) sessions we had a total of 24 members enrol for training,
the maximum number at any one session being 15.
Of these, 8 have attained their 'A' certificate.
Congratulations to pupils and instructors for a splendid effort.

'A' CERTIFICATE

So that all instructors are 'singing from the same hymn sheet'
we will try to make the lessons follow a set pattern.
These levels of achievement can then be checked off on a record sheet.

STAGE	DESCRIPTION
Stage 1	Model checked over for build quality, control surfaces moving in correct direction, linkages checked, balance point correct, motor running correctly Brief description of flight patterns expected, & how to fly them. Note ! - If the model has been changed, modified or repaired, it must be re-checked
Stage 2	Simple circuit The instructor will take off and land during this stage. The pupil will fly an 'oval' pattern - that is a circuit with two parallel legs that are parallel to the flight line with semi circular ends. This must be flown at a constant height (not too high). When this pattern can be flown confidently, including in a wind, & in both directions, then this stage will be deemed to be complete.
Stage 3	Rectangular circuit. Similar to stage 2, but with 'flat ends' in place of the semi circular ones
Stage 4	Figure eight. This is easy to do, but very difficult to do correctly ! - Two circles, in opposite direction at a constant height, & equal size. and crossing over directly in front of the flyer. They do not have to be exact circles (save that for the 'B' test), they can have an 'X' crossover. Note the changed direction in this configuration - this is the best way to attempt your first figure 8, because the ends turn are AWAY from the flight line NOT a lazy eight. Figure 8 as in schedule ---------- Acceptable figure 8 ---------- Lazy 8 is not acceptable
Stage 5	Landing Landings are easier than take offs, so we do this first. Landings can be done before stage 4 (i.e. as part of the rectangular circuit stage) if required. During this stage, overshoots are also incorporated. Also we will do simulated dead stick landings, & in both directions.
Stage 6	Take off Take off should always be parallel to the flight line, with the pilot AT the flight line (not behind the model) Left & Right hand take offs should be achieved.
Check form	This will be the form that we use during your training period. Download your own copy here
.	All you have to do now is read your BMFA handbook & know the answers to half a dozen questions.