It is the intent of the Training Staff at the Colonial Virginia Aeromodelers RC Club (CVA) to provide assistance and equipment for potential new pilots, help them enjoy the RC aviation hobby and learn to safely control their airplanes. We feel it is important to help student pilots learn the skills necessary to “solo” and minimize the potential for damage to equipment. By giving this help, we make the learning experience more likely to succeed, much more pleasant, and much safer for everyone. Our Training Staff is a very friendly and helpful group of experienced pilots who will guide you through the learning process at a pace suited to your desire and ability, in a professional and enjoyable manner. RC flying is FUN, and we enjoy helping people to discover the thrill and join us at our excellent flying field.
There are some prerequisites for learning to fly at our field. The first is membership in the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). The second is membership in the CVA. There is minimal paperwork and reasonable cost associated with each, and each can be accomplished quite quickly. The potential student can join the AMA online HERE. The application for membership in our club can be downloaded HERE.
The major components of our Training Plan include: inspection of the student’s aircraft to assure it is airworthy and safe; guidance (if necessary) as to what must be done to improve the plane’s safety or performance; and actual hands-on instruction using the “buddy-box’ method to speed the learning process. Using the “buddy-box” method means that the instructor will hook up a second transmitter that is compatible with yours so that the he can fly the "trainer" aircraft to a height and in a direction where you will be able to briefly take over control to start to get the feel of the plane. Should you need help, or to prevent an accident, the staff member can immediately take control of the aircraft and fly it to a position where you can be given control again. If you are a real “natural”, or have plenty of time using a joystick, you may be able to do considerable flying quite soon. Remember, the instructor is there to get you out of trouble if necessary and you need not worry about crashing.
The next section on this web site is the “Student Guide” which outlines the steps we use to help the new pilot progress to the point that he/she can “solo”. That section also contains “Safety Tips” which we believe to be prudent and essential.
If you think you have an interest in trying (or even just watching) RC flight, you are welcome to come visit us at our field anytime. Members are there most afternoons and weekends when the weather is decent.
Directions to the field can be downloaded HERE on this web page.
Contact information for training staff members is as follows:
