TEMAC

Program Details

The Toronto Electric Model Aviation Club (TEMAC) offers a radio control (RC) flight program to all members of the club. The program of instruction is unique and endorses the Safety Code of the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada. It is of particular interest to club members who want to learn how to fly radio controlled model aircraft, obtain MAAC Wings and develop RC flight skills. The TEMAC RC Flight program is offered by a small team of dedicated volunteers.
They’re enthusiastic and make flying model aircraft fun.

The Wings Program provides a step by step series of basic RC flight topics. While the program can be challenging at times, it is individualized and there are ample opportunities to practice. All that you need is a high wing electric trainer and some time.

Additionally, club members are encouraged to participate in the on-going feature of the RC flight program at TEMAC. The RC Flight Team can provide assistance with technical questions, check-flights and introductory aerobatic maneuvers. The members of the team are ready to help when asked.

Introductory RC Flights

Speak with the Flight Team Coordinator or any member of the RC Flight Team at TEMAC. Then arrange for an introductory flight, but caution is advised because the sport of model aviation can be addictive.

Selecting a Model Airplane

If you are new to the hobby of model aviation, consider starting with an economical, slow flying, high wing foam model airplane. Use the electric motor, battery and speed control recommended by the manufacturer of the model airplane or equivalent components. Avoid modifications and try to maintain a light wing loading. Today, there are kits available for the builder, almost-ready-to-fly models that require some of assembly and the latest trend… ready-to-fly models.

The GWS E-Starter, Multiplex EasyStar and E-Flite Apprentice are three excellent entry level foam trainers. They make learning to fly RC model aircraft easy. In fact, a student pilot at TEMAC can earn solo flying privileges with either the E-Starter or the EasyStar. An Apprentice can taxi, take off and land at the TEMAC flying site. It is available two ways, as a complete package including airframe, motor, battery, charger and radio system or more recently as an airframe only. The model uses four channels of control and is suitable for a student RC pilot wishing to obtain MAAC Wings.

The Radio Control Buddy System

Student RC pilots are encouraged to use a “Buddy System” for the Basic RC Flight Program. This system uses a second radio control box and allows the instructor to transfer and regain control of the model airplane quickly. Overall safety is improved and the risk of an incident is greatly reduced. The benefits exceed the cost of the extra equipment.

Basic RC Flight Program

There are four units in the Basic RC Flight Program. Each unit includes a series of sequential topics. The program starts on the ground with safety.  Students need to understand their radio equipment, programing features, etc., in order to reduce the time they spend of the ground, making adjustments and program changes.

 Practices for on the ground

  • Battery Charging and Care
  • Use of the Frequency Board
  • Preflight-Check of a Model Airplane
  • Radio System Range-Check
  • Checking the Radio Control Buddy Box System
  • Using a Radio Control Buddy System
  • Radio Control Stick Techniques
  • Arming the Electric Motor and Speed Control
  • Disarming the Electric Motor and Speed Control
  • Pit Area Routines
  • Moving a Model Aircraft to the Flight Line
  • Calling, “On the Field.”
  • Taxi Maneuvers
  • Measuring Wattage, Current and Voltage under Load

In the Air…

  • Flying in One Direction and Maintaining Altitude
  • Flying Parallel to the Flight Line while Maintaining Altitude
  • Turning Left Away from the Flight Line
  • Turning Right Away from the Flight Line
  • Climbing
  • Descending
  • Managing Power
  • Coordinated Turns
  • Flying a Circuit
  • Trimming a Model Aircraft in Flight
  • Slow Flight
  • Inducing a Stall
  • Stall Recovery
  • Flying a Figure Eight
  • Flying a Square Figure Eight
  • Flying in Traffic with up to Five Model Aircraft
  • Inducing a Spin and Recovery

Landing…

  • Flying Downwind
  • Slowing the Model on the Downwind Leg of a Circuit
  • Procedure Turns
  • Calling, “Landing.”
  • Establishing a Flight Path to Touch Down
  • Effective Use of Throttle
  • Stall Avoidance when Landing
  • Ground Effect
  • The Flare
  • Landing in Calm Air
  • Landing into a Moderate Wind
  • The Cross Wind Landing
  • Going Around
  • Landing in Sequence with other Model Aircraft
  • Slipping a Model Aircraft
  • Simulated Dead Stick Landing
  • Touch and Goes

Taking Off…

  • Calling, “Taking Off.”
  • Positioning a Model Aircraft for Take Off
  • Take off Techniques
  • Effective Use of Elevator
  • Effective Use of Rudder
  • Applying Power
  • Taking off in Calm Air
  • Aborting a Take Off
  • Climb Out and First Turn Away from Flight Line
  • Taking Off in Moderate Wind
  • Taking Off in a Cross Wind
  • Taking Off in Sequence with other Model Aircraft

Flying Solo…

Flying solo is a major milestone on the way to earning your MAAC wings.  After demonstrating care, control and responsibility when operating a model aircraft, a student RC Pilot may be asked by an instructor to fly solo, without buddy-box instruction and verbal direction (i.e. the Instructor will observe and supervise from a distance.)  The Chief Flight Instructor (or their designate) shall approve permission to fly solo.  Once a student has been approved to fly solo, they may fly their training model at any time when an Instructor is present at the field.  Solo flights by student RC pilots must follow the MAAC Safety Code and TEMAC Rules.

MAAC Wings… A student RC pilot shall demonstrate:

  • Compliance with the MAAC Safety Code and TEMAC Rules,
  • A satisfactory knowledge of model aviation,
  • Competency and control when taking off,
  • Consistent basic flying skills and
  • Good control when landing.

An Instructor and the current Chief Flight Instructor or in their absence a previous Chief Flight Instructor shall recommend to the President of TEMAC that a student RC pilot be granted their MAAC Wings.

The President of TEMAC shall officially award MAAC Wings to a student RC pilot.

April 2018