Getting Started in RC Flying

Flying model aircraft is an awesome hobby — fast, creative, social, and surprisingly addictive. Whether you’re into jets, warbirds, gliders, drones, or just want to try something new, there’s a type of flying for everyone.

At Twin Cities Model Aero Club, you’ll see gliders, electric foamies, scale warbirds, helicopters, seaplanes, indoor models, pylon racers, and more — all in one place.
The best way to start? Come visit the field and see it in action.

Why Join a Club?

Flying RC planes isn’t like flying a toy drone at the park. In Australia, model aircraft fall under CASA regulations, and you can’t fly in public places like parks or schools. Fines can be huge.

Joining a club gives you:

• ✔ A safe, legal place to fly

• ✔ Free instruction from qualified club instructors

• ✔ Club insurance (very important!)

• ✔ Access to advice, events, and a friendly community

Trying to learn alone usually ends with one thing: a crash. Learning with an instructor means you progress faster and spend way less money on repairs.

How Long Does It Take to Learn?

Everyone learns at their own pace, but here’s a good guide:

If you fly around 4 flights once a week, most people reach solo standard in about 5 weeks.

You’ll need to show:

• ✓ Basic aircraft knowledge

• ✓ Safe flying awareness

• ✓ Take-off

• ✓ Trim and controlled flight

• ✓ Figure-8 pattern

• ✓ Landing

There’s no shortcut — but practice makes perfect, and our instructors make it fun.

What’s in a RC Plane? (Quick Breakdown)

A model aircraft works just like a full-size one, just controlled by radio instead of a pilot in the cockpit.

Main parts:

• Fuselage: the body

• Wing: provides lift

• Ailerons: roll/turn the plane

• Elevator: pitch up/down

• Rudder: yaw/steer

• Motor + prop: forward thrust

• Receiver (RX): takes commands

• Servos: tiny motors that move the control surfaces

• Transmitter (TX): the controller in your hands

Modern radios have huge range — far more than you’ll ever need.

What Plane Should I Start With?

Everyone dreams of flying a Spitfire or jet on day one…
…but trainer aircraft exist for a reason.

Beginner-friendly trainers are:

• ✔ Slow and stable

• ✔ Forgiving

• ✔ Easy to control

• ✔ Designed to survive mistakes

Look for:

• High-wing aircraft

• Foam construction

• Electric power

• SAFE or Beginner Modes (optional but great)

Many modern trainers have Auto-Level, SAFE Mode, and Panic Recovery — perfect for new pilots.

A great place to start is your local hobby shop, Albury RC Models & Hobbies, where the team can help match a trainer to your budget and goals.

Want Help Choosing?

Just come to the club. Any member will point you in the right direction — we love helping new pilots get started.

Main club day:
Sunday mornings, 9–11am

What Happens Next?

Starting is super simple:

1. Visit the club and say hello

2. Ask a committee member for a quick tour

3. Have a trial flight with an instructor using the club trainer (Aero Scout S2)

4. Ready to join? Scan the QR code or tap here  to fill out the membership form. 

You don’t need experience. You don’t need equipment.
Just bring enthusiasm — we’ll help with everything else.