We
hope you would like to join the Beltzville Flying Machine Society.
To join just print our membership application (PDF), fill it out
and mail it in with a check made payable to BFMS. New
members pay a one-time $12 initiation fee plus $3 per month for the
remainder of the calendar year. For example, a new member joining
in May would pay $36; $12 initiation fee plus $24 for the eight months
of May through December. Renewals for adult members are $35 per
year. Membership for junior members is $12 per year.
Membership for additional family members is $12 per year.
BFMS Membership application
Note:
To join the Beltzville Flying Machine Society, you must first
join the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Their application can be
found at http://www.modelaircraft.org/
Field Flying Rules
1.
All pilots must register and have a FCC license if flying in the six
meter band and a current Academy of Model Aeronautics member
2. No spectator is permitted beyond the designated spectator area.
3.
Each pilot, on arrival at the field, shall place his transmitter in a
safe place, designated by Society, and secure from the general public.
4.
No transmitter may be removed from this safe place (except to leave)
unless frequency control pin is in possession of the pilot*
5.
The use of frequency control pins is mandatory, the appropriate pin be
affixed to the transmitter for any testing or flying activity.
6. The starting of engines shall be restricted to the flying field or designated starting area.
7.
Pilots and guests on the flight line shall have AMA membership.
Exception to this is students covered under the intro pilot program.
8. All flying shall be done in the area designated as the flight line by the field control officer,
9. Pilots shall avoid passes over the set-up, spectator and parking areas. Flying which is dangerous will not be tolerated.
10.
Upon completion of each flight, pilots shall return their equipment to
the set-up area by the shortest, safest route. Taxiing shall be limited
to the taxi-way and no taxiing may be continued into the set-up area.
11. All users are responsible for maintaining the designated premises in a neat and orderly condition.
12.
All Aircraft are subject to inspection by the Field Safety Director or
his appointed helpers according to the attached Minimum Standards of
Aircraft Safety.
Getting Started in Radio Control: Common questions often asked by beginners
Q. I want to fly an R/C model airplane. How do I start?
A.
Most hobby stores selling R/C equipment post lists of area clubs. R/C
magazines may also have listings. If these sources do not work out,
write the Academy of Model Aeronautic at 5151 E. memorial Drive,
Muncie, IN 47302 or call (800) 435-9262. You can also go on line at
www.modelaircraft.org for a list of clubs in your area. Once you have
located a club, visit the field and ask lots of questions. The people
there will be more than happy to help you get started.
Q. How much does it cost?
A.
Like any new hobby, there are initial start up costs associated with
Radio Control. The initial costs may seem high to the newcomer, but
once you are established with a model and support equipment, the costs
stabilize and can be as little or as much as you want to spend. Engines
and radios last for years and with a little maintenance, they rarely
wear out. You can transfer your engine and radio equipment from model
to model as you advance.
Lets look at the basic beginner set up for the typical cost to get started. You will need:
Mid size R/C Trainer Model Kit -$100.00
0.40 Cu. In. 2 stroke engine - $85.00
4 Channel Radio Control System $150.00
Glue covering and accessories - $55.00
Fuel, basic field equipment – $40.00
Approximate Startup Cost - $400.00 - $500.00
You
can bypass the model building stage by buying an ARF – Almost ready to
Fly plane that is nearly completely built structurally, needing only
final assembly and installation of the radio gear and engine. This will
cost a little more but you will not have to buy the building supplies
and tools so that the cost ends up being about the same and you can be
flying much sooner.
As an alternative, a new generation of small
electric powered small planes called Park Flyers has come onto the
scene in the last few years. These planes can be purchased as complete
setups (radio, battery, motor and plane) for between $100.00 and
$200.00. The drawbacks are that because of they are smaller they can be
harder to see at a distance and do not fly well on a windy day. Because
they are electric, they are quiet and can be flown in more public
places such as parks, hence the name Park Flyers.
Q. Can a beginner teach himself/herself to fly R/C?
A.
Although you can learn to fly yourself, it is recommended you find an
instructor to teach you for a couple of reasons. Learning to fly can
get expensive and frustrating fast if you crash several planes learning
to fly. Also, you are a safety hazard until you learn to maintain
control of your airplane.
Q. Why do I need an instructor?
A.
An instructor can help you in several ways. He can check your plane to
make sure it is performing properly before you try to fly it. When a
new R/C model takes off for the first time, there is no knowing how it
will behave- some models will want to dive - others want to climb. They
may also want to go right or left. There is nothing wrong with the
plane in most cases, but these minor differences must be “trimmed
out” so that the plane flies properly and an instructor is the
best person to do this since he can anticipate and react to the plane’s
movements. After the plane is trimmed out, the instructor can fly the
plane to a safe altitude before turning the plane over to you. This
will give you room in case you make a mistake and will give the
instructor tome to save the plane before it crashes.