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The Black Dirt Squadron Model Airplane Club Inc.
AMA# 3560 - IMAA #548

Are you new to R/C...?

Don't know how to get started...?

Want to know how much it costs...?

We at BDS would like to help you. In this section, we will provide you with the information needed to answer your questions and to get you started. Follow the web links below to read up on the basics of R/C, what you will need to get going, and what it will cost you. Then check out our recommendations on plane/engine/radio combinations. We also include some cost estimates. You can e-mail us at anytime to ask us any questions you may have.

NOTE: We deal mainly with gas/glow engine powered planes. Electric powered planes have become more popular, but very few of our club members fly them. So in this section we deal with gas/glow engines only.

The Basics

The following link is a good place to start reading and learning the basics:

http://www.easyrc.com/ - by Tower Hobbies

The following links provide some more detailed information:

Model Airplane FAQ - by:Gerrit Hiddink

Equipment Recommendations

These recommendations are based on the experiences of some of the BDS members. There are a lot of good trainers, engines, and radios on the market today. Here we have selected what we believe to be some of the finest quality equipment available today.

For the budget conscious - approximate cost: $320-360

Airplane		Duraplane trainer	~$110
Engine	(for asphalt runways)	OS 40LA	~55
	(for grass runways)	OS 46LA	~70
Radio		Futaba Skysport 4	~155

Better components for future use - approximate cost : $405-410

Airplane		Duraplane Trainer	~$110
Engine	(for asphalt runways)	OS 40FX	~95
	(for grass runways)	OS 46FX	~100
Radio		Futaba Skysport 6	~200

	I recommend purchasing the above equipment from a local hobby shop. There you should find knowledgeable people to help guide you through the building process.
	Hobby Shops
	I also recommend practicing on a flight simulator. This will help teach you the instincts you need to have to fly. There are free ones, as well as ones that cost over $200. Try searching the internet. I use FMS (free but you need a cable to hook your transmitter to your computer), and Ripmax. Great Planes also makes one of the best sims out there, with multiplayer so you can fly with friends over the internet.

Additional Costs (all costs are approximates)

There will be some additional costs involved with flying an R/C plane. While building your plane you will need tools and glues. When it's time to fly you will also need starting equipment and fuel. ~$50+

You will need to join a flying club so you have a safe site to fly at, and instructors to teach you. ~$30-200

You will also have to join one of the national orginizations who provide insurance: AMA or SFA (requirements vary depending on your flying club) ~$55

Our field is Dedicated to the memory of John and Glenn Lewis

Notice: Black Dirt Squadron Model Airplane Club Inc. is a not-for-profit group of modelers designated under the IRS code as a 501.C.7 organization. Contributions, even those made for public service or educational efforts, are not tax-deductible.

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