One of the most enjoyable things in life is to build and fly your own model aircraft as a hobby.
A model aircraft or remote control (RC) plane captures the imagination of many and gives the sense of freedom of flying your own plane whenever you want.
There are quite a few clubs in and around Johannesburg. In the South, you will find the Rand Model Aeronautical Club at the corner of Swartkoppies Road and Klipriver Drive, opposite the Mall of the South.
Considering to take this up as a hobby?
Here are a couple of tips for beginners:
• Ask the more experienced RC member to help you purchase the best RC planes and where you can get it from.
• Follow the guidelines on how to build you own RC place.
• Once ready, ask someone to help you learn the rules and regulations. The club will have a member who will help you launch and help you with controls.
• It is not advisable to go up too high on your first go. Don’t push the controls too far in one direction and, above all, stay calm. RC clubs are a great place to learn to fly.
• Always have your manual beside you to see what wind speed your plane can be flown in. Its best never to fly on a windy day.
• Ensure you don’t fly your plane out of range as you will lose control.
One can purchase RC planes at allocated shops and electric and the smaller ones are great for family days out.
The more advanced and powerful models are for those experienced flyers who enter competitions.
RC planes will provide you fun and will stimulate you once you have mastered the basics and go on to build more advanced ones, but they are there for your fun and as a hobby you won’t regret getting involved in this interesting sport.
