Frequently Asked Questions

• Do you all fly radio control?
• Most of us just fly radio control. The FunFlyers does host a control line circle, and a few of us fly mostly control line.
• Where do you fly?
• Our flying field is located at Milo McIver State Park. You can find directions to the park here. In the winter we also have two indoor-fly days at a local church gymnasium.
• Oooh, a state-provided flying field: that must be sweet!
• Well, it's nice, but in return for the use of the field we're responsible for all the maintenance, we keep an eye on things for the park, and we make a point of trying to be an easy tenant for the park to take care of.
• How do I learn to fly a model aircraft?
• Use a flight simulator and/or join an AMA club where other enthusiasts can offer help. The FunFlyers will be happy to help you learn.
• How hard is it to learn to build and fly a model?
• Some people find both easy, some find both challenging. Either way, we'll be happy to help you.
• Do I have to build my own model?
• No. While some people enjoy building models from kits or from scratch, some people just want to fly! The market has responded to this with "Almost ready to fly" (ARF) models that require minimal assembly, and ready to fly models that just require you to charge the batteries and turn on the radio.
• I want something unique, but still don't want to build a model.
• Fortunately for you, there are many modelers who enjoy building as much as, or even more than flying. Your local club can put you in touch with such people. The FunFlyers has a few members who can help you out in this regard.
• Do radio transmitters interfere with one another?
• Older transmitters do, indeed, interfere with one another. Newer transmitters use a technology called "spread spectrum" that allows them to work together without mutual interference.
• How can I tell what sort of transmitter I have?
• Older transmitters usually have long collapsible antennas, often over a yard long. They will be marked for a frequency of 27, 50, 72, or 75MHz (in the US). Newer transmitters have short stubby antennas, four to six inches long. They'll be marked "2.4GHz".
• Does interference matter?
• If you turn on an older transmitter that's working on the same channel as someone whose flying, and your signal is stronger than theirs, you can crash their plane. You should always make sure that you don't "shoot down" someone!
• How expensive are model aircraft?
• How much money do you want to spend? You can sustain a modest model airplane hobby for very little money if you're willing do do a lot of scratch-building and settle for what you can afford. On the other hand, if you want to get the biggest and latest, and if you crash a lot, the sky's the limit.
• Please just give me a ballpark estimate!
• If you stick to small, simple trainer-type airplanes and don't crash much, you can get by with $200 a year, or even less. If you fly helicopters and stick with the latest equipment, expect to pay $1200 a year or more.
• Will I crash?
• Probably.
• How can I keep from crashing?
• If you're learning RC, start by using a flight simulator. If you're already an accomplished pilot, approach flying with care and deliberation. A few people just never crash -- but most of us do.
• Are flying models safe?
• Models flown in accordance with the AMA safety code have an excellent safety record. However, there are safety hazards associated with model airplanes. Just as with skiing, driving, boating, or ball games, accidents can happen. The FunFlyers can help you learn how to be a safe pilot.
• Do I need insurance to fly, and how do I join the AMA?
• In general it is very smart to be insured. Accidents are few, but they can be expensive. The park requires us to be insured. The AMA provides insurance in the USA. Look on their web site for information on joining.
• I'm not close to you. How do I find an AMA charted club in my area?
• Look on the AMA web site, or ask at your local hobby shop.
• Can I join the FunFlyers? How?
• You are welcome to join our club. The best way to join is to come to a meeting.
• Do I have to be a member to fly at the field?
• You are welcome to come fly with us to find out how you like the field and the people. After you've been there a few times, we will ask you to join.
• How much does membership cost?
• We charge a $60 initiation fee that goes toward capital equipment and field maintenance. Club dues are $60 annually; if you join after January your first year's dues will be prorated at $5 per month.