BURLINGTON R/C MODELLERS
WINGS PROGRAM GUIDE

1. INTRODUCTION
2. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE WINGS PROGRAM
3. ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
4. BRCM SAFETY CODE
5. RULES OF THE PROGRAM
6. WHAT AIRPLANE TO LEARN ON
7. INTRODUCTION TO THE PROGRAM
8. LEVEL 1 - GROUND SCHOOL
9. LEVEL 2 - PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS
10. LEVEL 3 - BASIC FLYING SKILLS
11. LEVEL 4 - TAKE-OFF AND LANDING
12. LEVEL 5 - MORE ADVANCED MANEUVERS
13. LEVEL 6 - SOLO FLIGHT
14. LEVEL 7 - THE WINGS TEST
15. ADVANCE FLIGHT TRAINING
16. A MESSAGE FROM THE BRCM EXECUTIVE
17. A GUIDE FOR INSTRUCTORS

Learning to fly an R/C airplane is a great deal of fun, but it is also a very serious business. R/C airplanes should not be thought of as toys. A badly flown R/C model has the potential to be a very dangerous object. Having said that, there are few greater pleasures to the hobbyist than watching his aircraft fly under confident control. To obtain this confidence the student should participate in a MAAC approved Wings program, like the Burlington R/C Modellers.

There is no set time to learn to fly an R/C airplane. Some students may get through the program in as few as five or ten lessons and others may require a number of seasons. In either case, a great deal of fun is had by both the student and the instructor.

The purpose of this guide is to prepare the student for the different categories and levels of the program, and to give a brief description of each area to be covered. Also included are the rules of the program which must be strictly adhered to. These rules have been developed over many years of R/C flying by many R/C pilots and are for the safety of the student, other pilots at the field and for the general public.

For those who wish to go beyond the basic Wings Program, the Club has developed levels of instruction up to competition level flying. Upon completion of your initial training program, you can ask your instructor for further information in this regard.

Good luck with your course of instruction and have fun !!!!

• Ground school must be attended by students before any instruction can begin.
• Ground school will be held Saturday mornings in May at 10:00 am. At the club house on King Road at Bayview Park. Depending on demand, further training may be scheduled in August.
• Anyone entering the Wings Program MUST have an aircraft ready to fly.
• No more than two student frequency pins can be on the board at any time.
• Instruction time will be arranged between instructor and student.
• If the student is unable to arrange a time with instructor for two consecutive weeks, he/she will be placed at the end of the waiting list.
• Students are not allowed to fly at the Bronte Park.

Other Club rules still apply, e.g. starting in designated area only, fly in the circuit of the day, etc.

Before any student can take part in the BRCM Wings Program this manual must be read and understood. The rules of the Club and this program must agreed to on the signed sheet, on the last page of this guide.

1. Membership in BRCM and MAAC is a prerequisite for this program. Details of both are available from any member of the Club Executive or the Wings Director.
2. Frequency control, noise and the Club’s safety rules are to be adhered to at all times.
3. Read and adhere to the MAAC safety code, a copy of which is contained in this manual.
4. To be included in the Wings Program, the student must register during one of the regular Club meetings or with the Wings Director.
5. Membership in BRCM does not automatically entitle a member to inclusion in the Wings Program, although it does bind a new member to adherence of the rules of the BRCM.
6. Burlington Radio Control Modellers or any of its appointed instructors are not responsible for loss or damage to a student’s airplane and/or equipment.

The safety rules are for the protection of the student, instructor, other pilots and the general public at large.

Any willful breech of the safety code will result in the suspension of the offenders’ membership. Membership renewal the following year will be at the discretion of the BRCM executives.

1. Never fly alone. There should always be at least one other member at the field when you are flying.
2. Follow the frequency rules. Never turn on your Tx until you are certain the channel is clear.
3. Student should fly with a qualified instructor.
4. Start engines in the designated area at either end of the pits.
5. Never leave aircraft unattended with engine running.

1. Flying over the pit area or the spectator areas is prohibited.
2. Always fly the established pattern for the day.
3. High speed passes should be made beyond the active runway.
4. Dangerous flying (with the chance of causing bodily harm or property damage) will not be tolerated.

These rules are designed to safeguard the student, other pilots and the general public at large. There will be penalties for any infringement of these rules.

The BRCM executives have sole control of the implementation of the rules and penalties as laid out in this manual.

1. SIGN UP
   Signing up does not necessarily guarantee that he/she will receive flying instruction in that year. It depends upon the number of enrollments and the number of available instructors. Every effort will be made by the Wings Director to include all new students and those that carry over from the previous year. It will be on a first come first serve basis. No reservation is allowed. Students will be taken from the waiting list when an instructor is available.
2. ENROLLMENT
   Once a student has been enrolled in the program and an instructor has been assigned, it is the student’s responsibility to arrange sessions and observe the following rules:
   1. Student has to attend the ground school prior to receiving flying instruction. No ground school, no flying lesson.
   2. If a student’s aircraft does not reach airworthy condition in a reasonable time from its first inspection, he/she may be bumped to the end of the waiting list at the BRCM executives’ discretion.
   3. If for any reason a student fails to arrange the consecutive lesson within a two weeks period , the instructor must be informed as soon as possible. If the instructor is unobtainable, the Wings Director should be contacted. Failure to do so, could place that student at the end of the waiting list, at the BRCM executive’s discretion.
   4. If a student does not show at the pre-arranged time TWICE and does not inform either the instructor or the Wings Director, the student will be placed at the end of the waiting list. Again at the discretion of the BRCM executive. This may be appealed if there are extenuating circumstances.
   5. If at any time during the season, a student’s airplane becomes not air-worthy, the instructor is to make a decision as to whether:
      1. Place the student on a waiting list until the airplane is once again airworthy, or
      2. Suggest a replacement airplane, new or borrowed, or
      3. Suspend lessons until the airplane is airworthy.
   6. The student is under the direction of the instructor during the flying session. The student should not question the instructor’s ability/intensions during flying sessions. Any disagreement should be discussed when the airplane is safely on the ground and in the pit area with the engine and radio shut off.
   7. A student should only fly with the assigned instructor. However, a student can notify his instructor that he is going to obtain further instruction at another time with another approved instructor. This will be at the mutual consent of the student and the instructor.
   8. The student is responsible for his/her own progress record, a copy is enclosed in this manual. Prior to a wings test, the student’s progress chart must be presented to the examining pilot. If the record is not presented at the time of the test, a suitable explanation must be given.
   9. During the course of instruction, if any major safety code is breached as a result of a student willfully ignoring directions, the student will be removed from the program for the rest of the season. An appeal can be made to the BRCM executives.
   10. It is strongly recommended that students purchase a radio with a buddy box system. The buddy box system should be used while the student is taking flying lesson if the radio is so equipped.
   11. Frequency Board Rules:
       1. Maintain the waiting section across the top of the frequency board with a restriction on line jumping. If there are more than 4 frequencies in use, the waiting line must progress sequentially. When there four or fewer frequencies in operation, jumps may be made, but only to a maximum of five active frequencies. This will always ensure the sixth frequency slot for the #1 position on the waiting line when his frequency becomes available.
       2. Only approved pins can be used on the frequency board.
       3. Pins are to be placed on the active board after they have been assembled, serviced and ready to fly and the appropriate frequency has become available.
       4. The transmitter must be turned off and returned to the impound with the frequency pin removed entirely from the board after each flight to allow others an opportunity to fly.
       5. A time limit of 15 minutes per flight is a must for busy days.

Choosing proper airplane type is very important. There are many types to choose from, but the best choice is a high wing trainer type airplane with a .40 ci glow engine.

The choice is very broad and the BRCM would not presume to recommend a specific manufacturer or model. However there are a number of models that should meet the needs of a student. Here are some examples:

• Carl Goldberg Eagle 2
• Midwest Aerostar 40
• Sig Cadet LT 40
• Thunder Tiger Trainer 40
• Skyward 40

It is up to the student to choose his/her aeroplane. It is however important that the student stays with a high wing tricycle undercarriage trainer type airplane.

Some of the models listed above are available in both kit form or in ARF (almost ready to fly) where the bulk of the construction is done by the manufacturer. This is a handy way to get started flying quickly but teaches very little about construction and repair.

The choice of engines is about as wide as for kits. Generally a good quality 40 size 2 stroke glow engine is recommended such as: O.S., Thunder Tiger, ASP, K&B or Super Tiger.

The Radio again offers a wide choice but it is recommended that you buy a popular brand name with a buddy box system.

If the student is in any doubt about what to purchase, check with any club member or instructor.

The program will take a very structured approach to the student’s progress through the various levels of obtaining the MAAC Pilots wings. The various Levels are listed below with a brief explanation of what is involved. A more in-depth discussion is found later in the manual.

Level 1 - Ground School
During this phase of the program, the student will be introduced to R/C flying. Some discussion regarding safety and etiquette will take place. The student’s aircraft will be inspected and checked out for airworthyness, safety and noise level.

Level 2 - Pre-Flight Checks
This level is designed to teach the student safety and starting and operating an airplane.

Level 3 - Basic Flying Skills
This level introduces the student to the different skills involved in flying i.e. turns, climbs, descents, figure 8 and oval patterns.

Level 4 - Take Off and Landing
The student learns to taxi, take off and land.

Level 5 - More Advanced Maneuvers
This level takes the student through stalls, recovering from stalls, procedure turns and a loop.

Level 6 - Preparation For Solo Flight
Once the student has mastered the basics of aircraft control in turns, climbs etc. more attention will be paid to controlled take-offs and landings under different weather conditions.

Level 7 - The Wings Test
On completion of the program, the student will be tested by a Wings Examiner.

Ground school must be completed prior to any flying lesson. It may be available for several sessions. It is important that the student completes this level as soon as possible. Instructors should not be tied up on ground school air worthiness changes when good flying weather and other students are waiting to fly.

1. The first stage will be a short discussion on aeronautic theory, the theory of flight, the effects and importance of control surfaces, radios and engines.
2. Personal and aircraft safety will be covered in some detail. The club safety rules, as contained in the club rule book, and the MAAC safety code, as included in this manual, will be covered in depth. Instructors will inform students of enforcement of safety rules by the club executives and the rights of all members to question safety infractions by any other pilot at the club fields.
3. Field etiquette will be discussed and its importance to the hobby to make it enjoyable to all, including any spectators.
4. The student will be required to present his/her aircraft to the instructor for examination for safety and air worthiness. If the instructor deems the aircraft unfit to fly for any reason (an explanation will be given to the student) then all of the problems noted must be dealt with before the second inspection. The instructor will offer advice on how to fix the problems.
5. When the aircraft is considered to be safe and airworthy, a BRCM approved test pilot will flight check and trim the airplane. At the same time the airplanes will be checked for noise. It must meet the club noise level of less than 85db at 7 meters. If this is not met, the instructor will advise the student of different ways to lower the noise level of the aircraft.
6. The final part of ground school will consist of a discussion on the penalties for infringement of the rules. (See Rules section of this manual).

At the beginning of all lessons, students must complete a pre-flight check. This check does not guarantee a trouble free flight. It is nonetheless necessary to find most of the problems that are likely to cause a fatal incident. The habit of performing a pre-flight check should continue once the student has qualified as an R/C pilot.

1. Batteries
   The first check is the condition of the flight pack battery and the transmitter battery.
   Once the student has acquired the use of a free frequency (see Frequency Control Section) the TX should be turned on and a reading of the output power noted. If insufficient power is available, no flight activity should follow. After determining the Tx battery is charged to a safe level, the Rx pack should be checked using an Expanded Scale Volt Meter. Again if the Rx pack has insufficient voltage, no flying should follow.
2. Wings and Fuselsge
   The aircraft should be put together with the wings firmly attached to the fuselage. The correct number of elastics or correct number and type of wing bolts should be used. The complete aircraft must be examined for wing warps, twists in the fuselage, warps in the wings, loose engine mounts, propellers and spinners, buckled or bent undercarriage. All the problems have to be fixed prior to any flying.
3. Range Check
   Turn on the radio and ensure all the control surfaces respond properly i.e. rudder and steering turn left for a left input at the Tx. Once the student and the instructor are satisfied with the aircraft, a radio range check must be performed. With Tx antenna down and the radio switched on (Tx and Rx) the student should walk at least 100 feet (approx. 30 good paces) from the aircraft and with the aircraft under control at all times. This basic check ensures that the Rx end of the system is able to receive a very weak signal.
   In addition to this , an instructor may ask a student to perform a range check with the engine running. This will ensure that vibration does not affect the operation of the radio.
4. Starting Engine
   Take the airplane and the starting equipment to the designated starting area. Ensure there are no obstacles in or around the airplane and no spectators. Inform any other close by pilots that you are going to start your engine. Make sure you have no loose clothing or equipment hanging which could come into contact with a spinning propeller.
   UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should anybody FLIP START AN ENGINE WITH THE FINGERS. Always use a chicken stick or an electric starter.
5. Final Checks
   Before taxiing out to take off, the student should check the integrity and direction of all control surfaces. The engine should be checked for reliable idling and a smooth progression through the rpm range in both pointing up and level position.
   The airplane is now ready to be taxied and flown.

On completion of this level, the student should learn some basics flying skill. This include flying level, making right and left turns, climbs, descents and throttle control.

The student will first learn to control the aircraft in level flight. The instructor will taxi the aircraft to the runway, take off and climb to a safe altitude before the student take over the control. The student will be given all basic instructions as the flight progresses i.e. right stick/left stick up elevator/down elevator and more throttle/less throttle. The student should follow these directions without question at all times.

The instructor will have control of the aircraft through the buddy box system. He/she will clearly indicate to the student who has control like "I have control", "you have control". The instructor will take over control when the student appears to be in difficulties or appears distressed.

If no buddy box system is used the instructor must be allowed to take over the Tx without hindrance or hesitation by the student. This is for safety purposes and for the good of the student airplane.

By the end of this Level, the student should be able to perform the following maneuvers with complete control of the airplane :

• Right turn without losing or gaining altitude
• Left turn without losing or gaining altitude
• Gentle climb from about 100 ft. to 200 ft.
• Gentle descents to previous altitude
• A reasonable figure 8 maneuver
• An oval flight pattern without losing or gaining altitude
• Turn in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction.

When the instructor is satisfied with the students ability to perform the above maneuvers in a safe and confident manner, the student may move on to the next level.

1. By the time a student reaches this level, it is assumed that he/she can control the aircraft in a normal flight maneuvers to the total satisfaction of the instructor.
2. The student will learn to slowly taxi the aircraft from the starting area to the active runway. Under the guidance of the instructor the student will then taxi down the runway with high speed, keeping the aircraft straight and on the ground. Before any take off, high speed taxi must be performed reasonably well. If other flyers are waiting to use the active runway the student must clear the area before making another attempt.
3. Once the above has been mastered, the student can now take-off climbing out at approx. a 15 to 30 degree angle. The student should try both left & right direction. The take-off roll should be smooth, throttle should be applied gradually and directional control should not be jerky i.e. over controlled or over compensated.
4. The landing should be tried out at this stage. Landing is probably the most difficult and most dangerous. The student should master the landing approach before actually attempting a touch down. Make several low passes at the runway until totally comfortable with the approach. Once the approach is mastered the student will then throttle back on the downwind leg before turning crosswind.
5. On the final approach, both the throttle and the elevator should be used to control the descend and the flaring of the aircraft . During the whole landing procedure, the student should be able to maintain directional stability using both rudder and ailerons.
6. The student should learn how to execute a successful touch and go with a roll of at least three feet.

At this stage, the student should be able to perform a solo flight while still on the "buddy box" or under the strict direction of the instructor. The pre-flight check, engine starting, taxiing and taking-off, landing approach and the landing itself should be done at least three times in a row to the total satisfactory of the instructor before proceeding with Level 5.

1. The student will learn to recover from a self-induced stall. The aircraft should be taken to at least three mistake height and then turns into the wind. Cut the throttle and put the aircraft into a slightly nose up attitude to induce the stall. The student must then recover from the stall and regain control of the aircraft.
2. The student should learn how to perform a procedural turn, in both directions and a loop. Both maneuvers should be carried out at sufficient height in case of error.
3. The student should now be ready for solo flight.

This level allows the student to fly solo under the watchful eye of the instructor but without the benefit of the "buddy box". The instructor will stand next to the student during this stage.

1. The student must carry out a pre-flight and safety check without any input from the instructor, prepare him/herself and the aircraft for flight, start the engine and taxi out for a take-off.
2. The student will make a take-off roll and climb out at the prescribed angle. A procedural turn will be made and the aircraft bought back in front of the student at a safe distance. At the other end of the runway, the student will make another procedural turn and will bring the aircraft around into the normal flight pattern for the day.
3. Several circuits should be made in both directions and two figure 8 maneuvers should be included. A reasonable loop should be performed on the downwind leg in front of the pilot. During this stage of the flight, a self-induced stall and recovery should be made.
4. Three successful touch and goes should be performed and at least two full landings and taxi back to the beginning of the runway for another take-off.

Once the instructor is satisfied with the student’s performance at this level, the student will be put forward for the Wings Test.

The Wings Test will be administered by a BRCM approved examiner. A list of examiners is available from the Wings Director. Arrangements should be made with the examiner and the instructor to take the Wings Test at a mutually convenient time.

The Wings Test consists of all stages at all levels covered. The examiner may however modify the test for his own purposes.

The student’s instructor should attend the Wings Test in case there is anything the examiner wishes to confirm or discuss with him. The student must present the progress chart signed by the instructor.

Once the Wings Test has been successfully completed, the student will be presented with his/her MAAC wings. The examiner should inform the Wings Director of the outcome of the test and the student will be presented with a Wings certificate at the next scheduled club meeting.

The new R/C pilot is now eligible to seek more advanced instructions. A list of qualified instructors will be recommended.

Although the BRCM does not run an approved or organized Advanced flight training program, it is possible to go beyond the basic Wings program.

The Club has a large number of extremely experienced R/C pilots who have progressed to national and international levels of competition in several areas of the sport. We are lucky enough to have several team Canada Modellers in Scale and several very accomplished pattern pilots. In addition there are some members who don’t compete but are very capable aerobatics pilots. We also have the occasional stunt pilot.

Once you have completed the Wings program, ask your instructor for recommendation in regards of the next step.

If it is the building techniques that you want to know, just attend the Club meetings during the winter where there will be many building seminars, or ask another club member for advice. There is a wealth of experience and knowledge available to you within the club membership.

Now that you have read all of this manual and said to yourself "is it all worth the trouble", the answer is a resounding YOU BETCHA !!! Although there are a lot of rules and regulations and some pretty severe penalties for breaking the rules, you will see as you progress through the program that they are very necessary. Also as you get used to them they lose some of their aggravation content and become like second nature. Go to the flying field any day and watch the experienced pilots go through their safety and pre-flight checks. They seem to do it without thinking and they usually have a trouble-free flight. You will also notice that they always have fun even if they have a crash.

The hobby and sport of building and flying R/C airplanes is without a doubt one of the most rewarding experiences you are likely to encounter. It is however not without its own moments. Crashes are an inevitable part of the hobby and can sometimes be very discouraging, but adherence to the rules and safety precautions and building a good model can minimize the eventuality of crashes. Just ask some of the veterans how many flights they have a particular airframe and watch the pride they have in saying "hundreds". Minor crashes can be repaired and there are always any number of fellow pilots to suggest the best ways to perform these repairs.

Club nights during the winter help keep you in touch with what’s happening in the hobby and with your fellow club members, many of whom will become firm friends. With a large number of members they want to put something back into the club (apart from membership fees) so they volunteer to sit on the executive or become instructors or simply to help out at events or field work parties. Or you may simply just want to come to the field to fly or talk about planes, that OK! Just so long as you are enjoying this wonderful hobby, we share that’s what is most important.

From your club executive and for the membership - "Welcome to the BRCM and the most exciting hobby in the world".

If the student is unable to arrange a time with instructor for two consecutive weeks, he/she will be placed at the end of the waiting list.

Instructors are responsible for the control and safety of the students and the student’s aircraft either on the ground or in the air.

The final Wings Test must be witnessed by another instructor.

Training evenings are assigned to a specific nights which become your primary night..

Instruction can occur any night but in the case of 3 instructors arriving at the field, only the primary night instructors will take precedence.

Weekends have been left free to allow instructors some time in the air.

Weekend instruction to students should be limited to 2 hours, preventing student fatigue causing accidents.

Wings Instructor Pre-Flight Check List

• MAAC Rules
• BRCM Rules
• MAAC and BRCM membership cards, Wings Guide, frequency pin
• Field etiquette - define: pit, start-up, flight line, markers for baseball, frequency board, Tx rack and etiquette, landing, going "on the field".
• Pre-flight battery checks
• Antenna no knots or chafing
• Transmitter sticker
• On-off switch away from exhaust
• Check control surfaces - correct and sufficient movement
• Check servo operations
• Servos secured, clevis secured
• Hinges
• Wheels aligned, free rolling and nose wheel travel
• Fuse straight
• Wings for warp
• Wing and tail incidence
• Elastic bands, effects of fuel and ultra violet
• Centre of gravity
• Balance of aircraft
• Fin and stabilizer structure
• Fuel tank, position, and klunk
• Fuel - best for that engine
• Fuel line - no kinks, tight
• Carb - adjustment - full/idle/off
• Engine bolts and mount
• Props for cracks
• Range check

Each student will be given a Wings Training Progress Chart that is filled out by the instructor at the end of each lesson.