As a spin-off from the UAS/RPAS (‘Drones’) on squadron thread,
I’m now looking to get my cadets flying model aircraft.
I’ve met with the chairman and other members of the local club, and the BMFA and it all sounds quite positive. As it’s coming to the end of the model flying “season” now I’ve got time to get all my ducks in a row prior to flying next year when the weather is nice again.
My question is for those who’ve done RC flying before, what aircraft would you recommend?
It’s a simple case of capacity. I haven’t managed to find time to do a full safety case for the helicopter element. More pressing matters at the moment.
It really depends on what your aims are from model flying? The model you have selected is using a 3 cell, 11.1v LiPo which when coupled to an ESC & prop is on par with a power tool (in my opinion, but I’m a cautious person). In our region cadets aren’t supposed to use power tools unless it comes with the RCo’s written permission. The model you have selected is likely suitable for a BMFA A Achievement Scheme if it’s over 1Kg mass being a high wing trainer it’s not ideal for the next stage up but likely a decent trainer.
In terms of flying links with your BMFA club . Our local affiliated club gave two of our cadets full working models on our visit. In an ideal world they may let you fly their club trainer with a buddy lead between transmitters save you buying anything Initially?
I opted for a much cheaper (£75approx) 4ch cub 500. It’ only uses a single cell 3.7v LiPo like the type on mini cheap indoor drones. It’s so small it’s not as easy to fly as big RC fixed wing but the easy setting gyros still make it easy to fly. A BMFA examiner may grant a basic proficiency certificate from such a small model but nothing more if flown safely and competently. Electric or Nitro flying can quickly become an expensive hobby, you always need to think are you okay with it being broken by a cadet or yourself.
I would suggest that this is overly cautious and that an RC would not be suitably aware of a situation to be able to give a yes or no answer. In a previous life I was a cub leader and we would quite happily allow 8-10 year olds to use a hand power tools with 1:1 leader/parent supervision and no higher approval . . . but anyway, RC flying
I don’t really know much about the BMFA award scheme atm, but personally I envisage RC Aircraft flying with the sqn to be very much an introductory thing up to the A “basic” level and that if cadets want to take it further then they purchase their own aircraft. The sqn simply does not have enough storage space for more than 1 or 2 trainer aircraft.
Sadly my local club doesn’t have “club aircraft” so the sqn will be looking to buy one. Something like the Cub 500 (link) looks great for beginners flying in a large indoor space, but I’d be concerned about performance when hit by a light gust of wind?
Your initial response gave me a chuckle not suitably aware…
My recommendation would be probably not to buy anything for what remains of this season as RC flying is very weather dependent and it would likely be gathering dust. You are thinking right to get your ducks lined up!
I wouldn’t recommend any specific RC product to anyone, they all have shortcomings, but I can give you some non binary advice! The RC fixed wing and drone type products have multiple reviews on YouTube, these are well worth checking out. The low price models don’t allow a master - trainer link between two transmitters (handsets). For models under 100g/£100 this probably isn’t so big a risk if the pilot is 14+, has flight sim experience and an experienced coach at their side giving suitable advice. Most RC planes have a +14yrs age recommendation on the box and the RPAS OM has followed the same age criteria.
I did get SMS approval for two RC outdoor flying events this year. We cancelled the second as it was a clone, incase of dodgy weather. 14 day weather foresight is problematic for SMS. On the basis a BMFA club host you, then the club instructor and safety officer are the key people who will make your event happen (or not) along with your OC, WG Av OF & Rg Av Of. You’d really need to think about becoming a BMFA member yourself long term or your model is likely to gather dust.
Certainly that’s how it used to be. We used to be able to get separate insurance to cover it (round the pole that is). It was outlined in ACP 300, I’ll see if it’s still there…
This is correct. The core insurance and MoD indemnity do not cover the ACTO 75 activities. These are covered by a stand alone specialist insurance held by 2 FTS as the RPAS Operator.
Round the pole flying is not covered by the RAFAC or 2 FTS insurance. It would be model flying and therefore BMFA membership would be required.
. Our local affiliated club gave two of our cadets full working models on our visit. In an ideal world they may let you fly their club trainer with a buddy lead between transmitters save you buying anything Initially?
not suitably aware…