RAMAC Flight Training Syllabus

The following is a guide for instructors and students.  Students can expect the instructor to cover all of the items (often more than once), but not necessarily in the order as listed, although there is obviously a logical order to most of the lessons.  There is no set schedule for how long it will take an individual to master model flying to the point where the instructor is ready to recommend the student for the solo test.  The student should just relax and enjoy the thrill of learning to fly, and the rest will come in due time.

 1 - Radio and Field Procedures

 Review of the AMA safety guidelines.  Review of club field and safety rules,  impounding of transmitters and the club frequency control system. Instructor and club disclaimer for responsibility of lost equipment due to accident or mid air collision.

 2 - Aircraft Familiarization 

 Ensure the student understands basic aircraft aerodynamics and control surface functions.  How to pre-flight the model, looking for deficiencies that could cause an accident or safety hazard. Techniques of fueling, starting and adjusting the engine.  Range check and proper radio operation.

 3 - Flight Familiarization

 The flight instructor will test fly the aircraft to verify its airworthiness and handling qualities.  Demonstrate response of flight controls during flight.  The instructor will explain the 'buddy box' or transmitter transfer technique.  Now is the time for the student to get a little air time and have some fun, so relax and enjoy the excitement.  The student will attempt to keep the aircraft in the air with the

instructor intervening where needed. 

Basic Flight Maneuvers 

            Level flight, left and right

            Left and right turns

 4 - Accuracy Maneuvers

 Left and right turns at constant altitude and figure eight’s. Throttle control; slow down and speed up. Left and right climbing turns.  Left and right descending turns. Left and right approaches over the runway.

Go around’ s. 

5 - Take off 

            Taxiing,  low and high speed.  Proper climb-out attitude and direction control.

 6 - Recovery from unusual attitudes

            Slow flight

            Stalls

            Loops

            Rolls

            Spins/spirals 

7 - Approaches to landing 

The student must make both left and right approaches (downwind, base leg and final), high at first with go-around’s. Ultimately, smooth landings on the center line and in the first half of the runway. 

8 - Emergency Procedures

            Cross winds

            Dead stick landings