10 Reasons To Join an RC Club
Spring is here, and you want to get outside and shake off the COVID fog; why don’t you join an RC Club?
Here are ten reasons why it makes sense:
The camaraderie of like-minded hobbyists. - Regardless of your level of commitment or time for the hobby, joining a club gets you the camaraderie of other flyers. Just the ability to interact with other like-minded pilots, being outside, enjoying others, and growing in the hobby. What could be better?
Learn from Others – I know our club has designated beginner nights where experienced pilots come out and help newer members or those interested in the hobby. The ability to Buddy-Box with an experienced pilot allows you to grow in confidence and reduce the worry of crashing that brand new plane.
There is something called latent learning, where you learn from watching others and can put that knowledge and skill to good use. Don’t discount the learning you get from watching others fly, asking questions, and getting those little tips that will significantly improve your flying.
You get to fly on a designated RC field. - Typically, the field is Academy of Model Aeronautics (“AMA”) https://www.modelaircraft.org/ certified and insured, has a designated runway (paved or grass), and the fields have areas to work and prep your planes. It beats flying at the local park out of the back of your car, worrying about the families playing, people walking…
Fun Flies – Fun Flys are events typically around a theme (warbirds, 3d planes, a give holidays) where the club shows up, and they have food and fly—a great way to meet fellow club members, learn and see the latest planes.
Insurance As a member of AMA, you and your fellow pilots are covered by AMA insurance. As of 2021, the current coverage is:
Liability Coverage for the Operation of Model Aircraft, Boats, Cars, and Rockets
$2,500,000 Comprehensive General Liability Protection for model activities for members, clubs, site owners, and sponsors
$25,000 Accident/Medical Coverage for members
$10,000 Maximum Accidental Death Coverage for members
$1,000 Fire, Theft, and Vandalism Coverage for members
Try before you buy – Unless you benefit from a local, well-stocked hobby shop, you are relegated to looking at planes, tools, etc., online. Wouldn’t it be great to see that plane in person? Someone at the club may already have it.
We all crash. I don’t know how many times I’m at the field and need a small part or tool, and someone has one. That can be the difference between flying and packing up to go home. The ability to share tools, repair and maintenance insights is fantastic.
Many clubs and fields are multi-discipline - (RC airplanes, Helicopters, and RC cars). Wouldn’t it be great to have all those facilities? The wind kicks up, and you can switch to cars. You might be interested in exploring helicopters, and you can walk over to the helli section and ask questions.
Charge me up, baby – most fields have a charging station. You need power to fly. Unless you stay up all night charging your batteries, the ability to charge while you fly will keep you in the air for much longer. And you don’t have batteries stored a full power which isn’t good for them.
One person’s discards are another’s Treasures - Ability to buy, swap planes, transmitters, etc. Wouldn’t you rather get a used plane or piece of gear from someone you know? Exactly!
I hope this helps, so get out there and find an RC Club to join. What are some benefits you see from your club?
Add them in the comments below.