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Skymasters Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
About Radio Control
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What is the youngest age to start flying?
Some of the younger accomplished pilots are pre-teens. However, there is no young limit in the Skymasters club. The youngster should have the attention span to watch/participate in a flight (approx 10 min).
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What is the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)?
This is the Community Based Organization that governs Model Aviation and is the insurance provider for our hobby.
Visit the AMA web site. for more information.
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Is it difficult to learn how to fly?
People learn at different rates. It depends on one's commitment and skills. Usually after a dozen or so sessions with an instructor, a student is successfully soloing.
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I have heard that R/C planes are expensive. What does it cost to be in this hobby?
Expect to invest between $300 and $600 to get started. However, swap shops or private sales often let somone get started at a very reasonable cost. Check the ads on our web site. Many people compare the cost of this hobby to joining a golf club, making this look like a relatively inexpensive hobby.
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How fast and how high can they go?
Most R/C planes will fly between 15 and 40 mph. Park flyers will fly much slower while some specialty planes are capable of speeds exceeding 100 mph. Height limits are imposed at some flying sites. All models are limited in height and distance by visual contact.
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How far away can a radio controlled plane be flown from its pilot?
The FCC limits the power of radio control transmitters for the R/C hobby to 1 watt. For most modern radios, that power will allow control up to a mile away. As long as the plane is in view, you should have positive radio contact with it.
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How are R/C planes different from the drones and UAV's that are in the news lately?
While many in the media are calling all radio controlled aircraft 'drones', the main distinction is a drone is capable of autonomous flight beyond line of sight. The operator merely instructs it where to go and the vehicle takes over from there.
An R/C aircraft relies on its pilot to provide basic flight control as well as constant course and altitude control. Even when flying First Person View (FPV - flying by camera on plane), AMA rules require a second pilot maintain visual line of sight with the model.
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Do they ever crash?
It's not a perfect world. However, with proper instruction and attention, most pilots find that accidents do not happen often enough to be discouraging. Beginners should be starting out with a trainer type aircraft, not that cool P-51 Mustang.
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Do I need a license to fly a radio controlled plane or helicopter?
The FAA requires anyone 13 and older flying an aircraft between 0.55 and 55 pounds to register as a UAS pilot. (Those under 13 must have someone 13 or older register for them.)
You can register online at sUAS Registration Service for $5. (Beware of other sites offering to 'help' you register!)
Radios available today are primarily on 2.4GHz. These - and the older 72mHz, 27mHz systems - do not require an FCC license.
Those operating radios on 'ham' frequencies on 50mHz and 53mHz are required to hold a technicians class FCC license..
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