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Your model most likely operates on one of the 72mhz band aircraft model frequencies allocated for use by the Federal Communications Commission. Or it could also use one of the 27mhz frequencies, however that frequency is used for both aircraft and ground models such as R/C cars. Please note that it is a violation of federal law to operate a car or boat on a 72mhz frequency, or a plane on the 75mhz band.

When you're preparing to fly your model, keep in mind that if two fliers are operating their R/C planes closer than about 3 miles from each other and are both using the same frequency, they could jam each other’s controls causing one or both models to crash. That could result in property damage, personal injury, and even death!

It's a very good idea to check with the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and your local hobby shops to find all the local clubs in your area, then contact those clubs and verify that your intended flying area is a safe distance from other flying sites. When you go out to fly, watch for other flyers in your area and check that your radio’s frequency doesn’t conflict with theirs.

If you take this responsible approach, not only will you save your fellow R/C modelers a lot of trouble, but you might make some new friends as well!

Remember: R/C models are not toys. They're real airplanes and they obey the same laws of physics. The only significant differences are that R/C models don’t weigh as much as the real ones, and the pilot is standing on the ground instead of sitting in the cockpit. R/C models still need to be built and flown with the same care and respect that you would give a full-scale aircraft.

Take the time to find an instructor to teach you how to operate your R/C plane. You wouldn't think of trying to teach yourself to fly a full-scale airplane, and it’s just as unrealistic to try to teach yourself to fly an R/C model aircraft. It can probably be done, but isn't life too short for you to repeat the same mistakes the rest of us have already made many times? Plus, you could damage your plane beyond repair. Find a good instructor or good simulator and you'll learn much faster, spare yourself much grief and repair time, and you'll probably still have an intact model when you’re done!

Even if you're an experienced full-scale aircraft pilot, don’t assume you can fly a model. The control inputs a model needs are essentially the same as a full-scale plane, however, the pilot is not actually in the airplane, and so the orientation skills required are different. Get a good instructor! You’ll be glad you did.

For the computer generation, flight simulators are excellent way to learn how to fly. Once you've mastered the simulator it is still a very good idea to find an instructor for your first few flights.

Your local hobby shop probably has contacts for instructors and local R/C plane clubs. You can also check with the AMA, the national organization that regulates and promotes model aviation in the USA to find groups in your area. They will be a tremendous source for help and information.

You can reach the AMA through their website at: www.modelaircraft.org

It's a good idea to join the AMA. In doing so, you will be supporting the national organization that stands up for your rights as a modeler. Many of the best flying sites in the U.S. would no longer be open for flying and we would not have the radio frequencies available to us had it not been for the efforts of the AMA. They have an excellent monthly magazine with all sorts of useful information, and they can help you find local modelers and clubs, as well as flying sites.

However, one of the biggest reasons to join is insurance. Your AMA membership automatically carries with it supplemental liability insurance coverage, in case you accidentally cause damage or injury through your modeling activities. All AMA sanctioned clubs and most city parks that officially allow model airplane flying require AMA membership as a condition to being allowed to fly there. In today’s legal environment, flying without insurance coverage is extremely foolish.

While you’re visiting the AMA website, take the time to read the AMA Safety Code. These are a set of guidelines for safe operation of your model. Their main points are based on the ideas of making sure your model is airworthy, that you fly it in a safe manner, and that you keep it away from things that are expensive and/or fragile -- such as people. Although some small modifications may occasionally be needed for specific flying sites, following the spirit of the AMA safety code will save you a lot of repair time and expense, as well as minimizing the odds that you will ever need to use that insurance coverage!

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