Learn to Fly at SPARKS!

SPARKS has an R/C Flight Instruction Program, this page describes how the program works and includes tips and suggestions.  Following the SPARKS program you will end up being a safe pilot able to handle most R/C aircraft.

To begin the flight instruction program you will need a trainer airplane.  This is typically a high wing airplane designed for stable flight and rugged enough to handle the occasional hard landing.  You don't want to try and learn to fly on a complex scale airplane!  You'll need fuel (Or a charger if electric) and a complete radio system inlcuding transmitter.  SPARKS has several "buddy boxes" at the field- that is a slave transmitter that allows the student to control the airplane, but also allows the instructor to take over to keep the plane from crashing.  You can bring your own if you want or use SPARKS'.

You also need a copy of the airplane checklist (see the documents section of this site to download and print it) or heli checklist (if you're learning helicopters).  You also need to be a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and you can find more information at their web site www.modelaircraft.org.  Finally, you will need to join SPARKS- again you can download the membership application from this site's documents page.

Tip:

Go to one of the local hobby shops (Archie's or Phil's) and BUY A FLIGHT SIMULATOR for your home computer!  Its worth the money- you can crash models on the simulator and it doesn't cost you anything more than pushing the reset button.  This is by far better than crashing your trainer model!!

Next you will need an instructor.  That can be difficult for a new member as you won't know very many other members.  But rest assured, ALL SPARKS Pilots are allowed to give flight instruction and you can feel free to remind them of that.  You should show up at the field and ask for any member pilot to assist.  Be sure and bring your AMA card, your SPARKS student card, and of course your plane and radio, etc.

What you want to do is start with the top of the airplane checklist and go over each manuver in sequence.  You need to make sure the instructor pilot understands that he will focus on one maneuver at a time and after you are able to demonstrate that you can repeatedly do that manuever, the instructor pilot must  initial that specific maneuver on the signoff sheet.  When you have all the maneuvers signed off, you are ready for a final check ride.

You will need to contact the chief flight instructor Tom Elder and arrange to meet him at the field along with your checklist.  A check ride consists of flying selected maneuvers from the checklist under observation by the chief flight instructor.  Safety is very important and the purpose of this check ride is to insure that you know the field boundaries, safety rules and can fly your airplane without endangering anyone.  Provided you pass the checkride, the chief flight instructor will approve your checklist by signing it.

You will need to get with an officer that can issue SPARKS membership cards and turn in your checklist.  You will receive a full member card allowing you to fly solo at  the SPARKS field.  Congratulations!