• Basic Trainer
  There are many basic trainers available. If you have the time to build you might consider a kit the rewards of seeing an airplane fly that you built are great. If you want to get in the air quickly you might consider purchasing an ARF (almost ready to fly) kit

  The basic requirements are listed below.

  1. High wing airplane
  2. Constant cord flat bottom wing
  3. Four basic controls
     • Throttle (controls altitude)
     • Rudder (controls yaw)
     • Elevator (controls pitch)
     • Ailerons (controls roll)
  4. Tricycle Gear
  5. Be large enough to see easily (40 size or bigger)

• Engine

  A basic 2 cycle engine is all that's needed for your first trainer but there are always things to consider.

  Two cycle engines are offered in a varity of configurations. If you expect to use the engine in other aircraft after you've learned to fly. Then you may want to consider spending a little extra and getting an engine with ball bearings instead of bushings.

  Keep in mind that all engines in use at our flying site are subject to our maximum sound output of 98 dBA at 9 feet. Most modern 'training' type engines have a proper muffler and will meet this sound requirement when run with the recommended propeller. Some older engines may not. Please speak to a club instructor or officer if you have any questions about this.

• Radio System
  A basic four-channel radio system is all that's needed but again there are other considerations. Whatever radio system you purchase be sure it is buddy box compatible. If you purchase a four-channel radio you will probably end up buying a second radio with more channels and features. You can save yourself some money and aggravation by purchasing the more feature rich radio first.

• Support Equipment
  Support equipment can be broken down into two categories 1) necessary and 2) nice to have.
• Necessary
  • Glo Fuel
    Available with synthetic or castor oil and with varying amounts of nitro methan.
    Synthetic oil with 10% nitro content is fine.
  • Fuel Pump
    Available as hand crank or electric.
    Electric pumps require a power source such as a 12v battery.
  • Ni-Starter
    A ni-starter is used to ignite the glo plug on the engine so it will start.
    They are available with and without built in meters that measure the current to the glo plug.
• Nice to Have
  • Starter
    Used to start the engine.
    You can use a chicken stick or your finger to flip the prop.
    This is not reccomended for safety reasons.
  • 12V Starter Battery
    Used to run the starter and fuel pump.
    A small gel cell with at least 7amps is reccomended.

All of the above are suggestions only. There are unlimited combinations and sometime this can be quite confusing. Please feel free to direct your questions to our Training Coordinator.

Better yet come out to field and introduce yourself and ask all the questions you like, our members are always willing to help.