Park Pilot Beginner Friendly
WHAT’S THIS ALL ABOUT?
By Greg Gimlick | maelectrics@gimlick.com
THE EDITORIAL STAFF of Model Aviation thought this new column might be a handy resource for newcomers—not just those new to the hobby, but, perhaps for those who are transitioning from one genre to another within the hobby. You might have been flying for years but have never flown smaller park flyer-types of airplanes, or maybe you’ve never flown electrics.
Maybe you’re so new to the hobby that you don’t know where to begin. Maybe you’re just in the market to shop for a new radio. I hope to help guide you through some of the many decisions that you need to make and hopefully save you some work/pain/money in the process.
This column can be reader-directed, as I’ve tried to do with previous columns. My email is listed under the headline of this column, and I do my best to respond to every email that I receive. If you don’t hear back from me right away, don’t get mad; drop me a reminder so that I can look for your message. This is not my full-time job, so sometimes other things get in the way, but I make every attempt to respond. Send your questions, suggestions, gripes, etc. For now, I’m going to start at the beginning.
My Background
I’ve been modeling since I was a kid, which is a nice way of saying that I’ve been doing it my whole life—nobody would accuse me of being a kid now. Since 1994, I’ve written for a lot of magazines, and I found a home here when I started writing the “Electrics” column in 2005. It wasn’t easy coming in and following the legendary Bob Kopski, but the members were welcoming and it was a wonderful experience. I “retired” from column writing in 2020, and Terry Dunn ably picked up the mantle to write that column. I’ve continued to do features and reviews, but I guess column writing is near and dear to my heart because of the connections it develops with readers.
I’ve participated in almost all genres of our hobby, mastering some and abandoning others, but enjoying every one of them. If one genre became stale for whatever reason, I tried another aspect of the hobby. It still excites me, and the friends I’ve made have lasted a lifetime.
So, here we are ... let’s get started!
Where to Begin?
This is the million-dollar question that we all have when we begin something new. We enter it because we’re excited and want to dive in and get our hands dirty right away. If you’re coming to fly airplanes, you might have already been caught up in the common dream of performing aerial ballet with the most beautiful warbird in the world. It’s common, but I beg you to slow down! Take a measured approach and explore a path that will lead you to success.
Here’s a clue: Starting off with a fire-breathing warbird is not a choice that
you want to make. You’ll get there, but it’s going to take a bit of time and practice. Keep the dream.
Find a Club or Hobby Shop
The internet is full of places to buy things. Some online retailers will be cheaper than a local hobby shop, but if you can find a local shop, you’ll save a lot in the long run, especially when you are first starting out.
One thing you’ll find at the hobby shop is help finding a local club. Even if you intend to just fly smaller park flyers, a club will help you succeed at a much faster rate than doing it on your own. Hobby shops usually maintain lists of clubs and people to contact.
Visiting a club should be one of the first things that you do. Keep in mind that not
Local clubs will be a good source of information and ideas.
all clubs are welcoming right off the bat—some take time. Most are happy to see newcomers to the hobby and will have a list of members who act as instructors.
Stand back when you first get there and get a feel for what’s going on. Watch to see who is instructing people and who seems to be in their own world. Remember that everyone has a bad day, and someone at the field who doesn’t seem welcoming might be just the opposite tomorrow. Chances are that if you’re standing back and watching, someone is going to approach you and see whether they can answer any questions. I’ve never been to a club that shunned people, so don’t be afraid.
Some clubs have introductory programs for newcomers to see whether they’re really interested or not. This gives you a chance to get some hands-on experience before committing your hard-earned money. Some clubs have club transmitters and airplanes to help newcomers while they figure out what they need or want. Listed in “Sources” are two links to the AMA website that will help you find resources near you.
Be a Copycat!
Look around the club that you visit and see what everyone is using. What are the novice pilots flying? What radios are used most by club members? You don’t have to reinvent the wheel; do what successful people are doing while you learn where you want to go with the hobby.
One of your biggest investments is going to be a radio, so seeing what club members are using can help narrow that choice. There is no sense in getting a radio that nobody in the club knows anything about because you won’t be able to get help to learn how to use it. Look to see what the popular trainer airplane is because that’s probably what the club instructors encourage people to learn on. If they’re comfortable with it, they’ll be more likely to offer assistance.
The airplane that I learned most of my skills on wasn’t initially one that I was particularly fond of, but it was what an instructor gave me. It was perfect for what I needed at the time. Listen ... and then listen some more.
Next Time
Because radios are usually the first big question and expense, I’m going to begin there next time. I’ll look at options, what you need and what you want, and clear up some of the questions about what you “must have” and what you “think” you need. I believe you’ll be surprised at the number of options out there, but we’ll sort it out.
Until then, be safe, visit the flying fields and hobby shops near you, and get excited!
SOURCES:
AMA Club/Flying Site Search
www.modelaircraft.org/club-finder
AMA Hobby Shop Search
www.modelaircraft.org/hobby-shop-search
