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The Major - 12 Jun 2004 21:49 GMT

Greetings from Mesa, Arizona all. I just found this group today.

I'm interested in getting into the RC world. I have loved those small RC
cars you find at Toys-R-Us since a young age, and once owned an off-road 4x4
(7.2 volt)

I realize the vehicles I mention above are pretty ameteur, but I wanted to
say that I amcurrently interested in RC aircraft.

Hobbytown USA is a store here in Arizona, Phoenix to be exact, which a
friend of mine works at. His store has a "piper" trainer 3 channel aircraft.

What I want to acomplish is finding out as much information as I can. One of
the important details I need is WHERE in Mesa, Arizona I can fly such a
thing. I am told there are laws against flying them in just ANY park or open
field. Model rockets too!

If anyone in this forum could point me in the right direction, I would be
appreciative.

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John Graham - 13 Jun 2004 00:38 GMT

Since you are intrested in the aircraft side of the hobby, I would suggest
starting with looking at the AMA website since you will also need to look
into
getting a membership.
http://www.modelaircraft.org/templates/ama/
They also have a search tool that will allow you to find a local club, which
is the next step as a local club may have a trainer to help you get started.
Another resource is RCuniverse's website with a great bunch of fourms with
alot of information.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/index.cfm
Also another good website:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/index.php
Anyway have fun.
Got to head to our storm shelter they just issued a tornado warning.
John

> Greetings from Mesa, Arizona all. I just found this group today.
>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> If anyone in this forum could point me in the right direction, I would be
> appreciative.

Reply to this Message

The Major - 13 Jun 2004 01:13 GMT

Is a membership in the AMA required to get into the hobby?

(this is not a hostile question, I promise)

> Since you are intrested in the aircraft side of the hobby, I would suggest
> starting with looking at the AMA website since you will also need to look
[quoted text clipped - 35 lines]
> > If anyone in this forum could point me in the right direction, I would be
> > appreciative.

Reply to this Message

John Graham - 13 Jun 2004 01:23 GMT

A membership is highly recommended. Most sites that are controlled by a
local group will require it to use the field and or membership into that
club. The membership will give you added insurance incase something happens
i.e. you crash your airplane into someone's car or property.
John

> Is a membership in the AMA required to get into the hobby?
>
[quoted text clipped - 44 lines]
> be
> > > appreciative.

Reply to this Message

Flint Fredstone - 13 Jun 2004 02:39 GMT

> Is a membership in the AMA required to get into the hobby?
>
> (this is not a hostile question, I promise)

No it is not. And as far as most parkflyer types are concerned, it's not even
recommended. Just make sure to find out the local requirements and prohibitions
in your county where you are flying. On the other hand, if you seek more expert
advice and want to get into the hobby more deeply, joining the local club (and
most likely AMA) may be a good idea.

Reply to this Message

Mike R. - 13 Jun 2004 17:14 GMT

> > Is a membership in the AMA required to get into the hobby?
> >
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> advice and want to get into the hobby more deeply, joining the local club (and
> most likely AMA) may be a good idea.

Since when does joining a club and AMA makes you more deeply
involved in the hobby???????????

Mike

Reply to this Message

Flint Fredstone - 13 Jun 2004 20:21 GMT

> > > Is a membership in the AMA required to get into the hobby?
> > >
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>
> Mike

Where did I say that? My statement was that joining the local club gets you
more deep. And coincidentally, joining the local club most likely entails
joining the AMA.

Reply to this Message

Mike R. - 14 Jun 2004 06:59 GMT

> > "Flint Fredstone" <flint_fredstone@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:<3fOyc.7430$Y3.3054@newsread2.news.atl.earthlink.net>...
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
> more deep. And coincidentally, joining the local club most likely entails
> joining the AMA.

My view point and yours are different........sorry if I
misinterperted your statement the wrong way.

Mike

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Charlie H. - 13 Jun 2004 03:01 GMT

Hi Major,
I pretty much agree with John.
Check out the AMA website to look for a club in your area.
What the heck here are the links http://modelaircraft.org/templates/ama/
www.azmodelaviators.com
Your buddy at the hobby store should also be familar with the restrictions
on flying in your area too.
Before you join the AMA visit the club and see if you like the members find
out what they require to join the club.
There may be more than one club in your area to consider a membership in.
If the club membership is friendly you will have a blast, if not at least
you will know.
Assuming the membership is friendly then joining the club can be very
beneficial to the new guy, clubs generally have instructors that will help
you with everything. An instructor will save you a lot of money by landing
the plane until you are ready to do it for yourself. Visiting the club
before you make any purchase decisions is highly encouraged, you will get to
see a variety of planes and you will be able to find out what to buy that is
compatible with the instructors equipment.
Some clubs even have a club trainer to tweach the new guys on.
I don't know if your interest is in electric power or glow fuel powered
planes. Both have their unique positives and negatives, I am a fan of the
glow powered planes.
Chances are there may be a used trainer available for purchase from one of
the club members .... if it is in nearly perfect condition pay about 50% of
new price, if it costs more than that buy yourself a new one.
Good luck I hope you have fun.
Charlie

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The Major - 13 Jun 2004 09:08 GMT

> Your buddy at the hobby store should also be familar with the restrictions
> on flying in your area too.

Actually I must say that he deals mostly with their extensive collection of
plastic models... he deals in (and builds professionally) model jet
aircraft.

Reply to this Message

Mike R. - 13 Jun 2004 17:29 GMT

Hobbytown USA is a store here in Arizona, Phoenix to be exact, which
a

> friend of mine works at. His store has a "piper" trainer 3 channel aircraft.
>
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> If anyone in this forum could point me in the right direction, I would be
> appreciative.

I assume its the Parkzone J3 Cub you are talkin about. Its
not a "trainer"; but it is a step above the Firebird line. I would not
recomend it if you are starting out. The Hobbico Park Pilot would be a
better choice or a GWS Slow Stick.

Mike

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Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / June 2004

Newbie to the hobby!