Flight Training:
Skymasters maintains over 30 active instructors to assist in the learning process. From the newcomer learning to fly for the first time, aerobatics training, test flying a new bird beyond your capabilities - we have club members willing to help you! Flight Instruction is included in your membership - there is no additional charge for our instructors time. The student is responsible for providing an aircraft and necessities for flight (battery, fuel, etc). We do typically have trainers available as 'backups' to use in the event of equipment problems, or to give a newcomer a first taste of flying before they purchase their own plane.

Membership Director and Flight Instructor Gary Weaks put together a document on Learning to Fly with Skymasters. Included here is the introduction from his work, and a link to the complete PDF file.

Introduction and Purpose of a Training Program by Gary Weaks It's right there on our web site and in our club advertising, "We'll Teach You to Fly". These are not empty words. One of the things that the Skymasters have a great reputation for is flight training. With Wednesday student nights, a host of instructors, and even club-owned training equipment available to all, the effort put into training is a defining element of our organization. Why invest so much in training? Even small models have the potential risk for damage and injury and therefore deserve the respect that comes from understanding how to operate them safely, both in the air and on the ground. This is the most compelling argument for a successful and regulated training program within the club. It is difficult to count the airplanes that did not crash, the fingers that did not get cut by a propeller, and all the other mishaps that did not happen as a result of a training program. However, we know that it is well worth the effort. I also suspect that not many hobby careers would survive without flight instruction of some type. Young and old are lured to this great hobby by seeing accomplished pilots enjoying flying and making it look easy. I was attracted to it as a youngster by watching the neighbor kids fly control line models. Today there are so many choices. Models come in a variety of sizes and power options. Gone are the days when you had to build a standard trainer. Building is now just one of the choices we have. Power options alone are mind-boggling. Some students have already made a purchase while others seek some advice prior to a purchase commitment. Either way, the Skymasters training program is there to ensure a safe and successful hobby experience. Finally there is an ambassador role to training. As a club we share and demonstrate the hobby to the public at events such as Orion's Barn Daze and when visitors often to stop by the Scripps Road Field. Can you imagine just walking up to any gun club, golf course, or windsurfing club and be invited to "give it a try" like we do with our airplanes? We truly have something unique and important to offer the hobby. Download R/C Flight Training with Skymasters

Students are welcome anytime! We do set aside Wednesday's from Memorial Day to Labor Day as "Student Nights" where instructors will be available (weather permitting). You are encouraged to make arrangements with instructors to meet on other days/times. You can of course always stop out and see if an instructor is present as well.