Merlin spit Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 ive been thinking about joining a club for a while ,i fly on my own mostly belly landing electric models from a rough field 5 mins away from home.ive been thinking how nice it would be to have a runway and be able to ROG take offs and have other people to talk to about the hobby. a few things have been putting me off ,the clicky type clubs which dont like new members much ,the fact i may not be allowed to fly on my own till ive passed a test(i can understand this) ,i find it hard with new people at first ,im not shy as such but find it diffcult to make small talk which may not be the best way of getting to know people. there are a few clubs locally but i never seem to see anyone flying much at the times id have free(week days mostly) ,may be id be on my own anyway ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Grigg Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 What area are you in Austin.I was the same as yourself and joined a club to advance my flying in the comfort of a permitted area.Same as you Im not used to clubs so my initial problem was flying in front of other people.The best thing is visit the clubs and get to know the people before you join.You find the people who arent into newbies take there time and insructors tend to be more approachable because they put so much back into the hobby.Yoy can the n decide which group of people youd best like to join.I joined 1 club and never visited them.You learn a lot from joining a club and the best way to fly on your own is go there when no one is about, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Clarkson Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 Where are you in the country Austen? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin spit Posted July 18, 2009 Author Share Posted July 18, 2009 hemel hempstead ,hertfordshire Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myron Beaumont Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 austen rover Don't worry . I have always flown on my own -totally self taught - since the 50's . I joined a great club in Cornwall though where I lived for about 30 odd years .We even took our own home brew ! Some of you guys have heard this before :- Any way -I joined a club up here in the NE -Went to a meeting where I first heard about certificates etc . They told me about the "A" Cert. I said "Would you like me to do it inverted ?" I got such funny looks that I've never been to the field or another meeting NOW then -I recently discovered Ken & Jim on the forum so after 3 years of paying subs for insurance I will be there very soon -ie When it stops raining Myron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Grigg Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 Myron your in a class of your own,classic story and superb punchline,get the guit,ar out and give us a song," I didnt do my "A" cause they wouldnt let me do it inverted" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Harris Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 Myron Interesting reaction ... I used to solo fly my Addiction before I got my 'A' I tried to join the local club with not quite the same result. I went to the field several times before I found some members, Then asked if I might show them my 'A' practice. The result was that I could fly as a guest if they were about and join once I'd got my 'A', but they didn't have an examiner spare. I also joined a club about 30 miles away. The reaction wasn't the same. I took a small electric for the first visit, got a scary lecture about transmitter control in the car park. Suggested I demonstrate my 'A' practice, they grounded everything and off I went. Did the whole thing at 10 metres or less and in a space less that half a football field with the passes about a metre from the flight line. Finished to a chorus of 'simulator flying' and 'it'll be alright, we'll sort you out'. They did, I took my 'A' with them and also joined the local club. Austen I like both clubs, one is close by has acres of space and is often empty. The other has a tight field, busy sessions and flying standards I aspire too. Joining is good. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin spit Posted July 24, 2009 Author Share Posted July 24, 2009 well im still not convinced either way,i do find it a bit boring flying on my own at times Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ken anderson. Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 hello austen--sell up and move up north-join BVRMC............blyth valley radio model club...probably one of the best club's in the BMFA.....we are well known for our friendly laid back atmosphere........i'm slightly biased as the chairman..but as also a member for 20 year's......made load's of friend's.....and got all the help(still do)needed...... ken anderson........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Ashby - Moderator Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 You don't know till you try Austen, what have you got to loose? It may well turn out to be the best thing you've ever done Some clubs can be funny old organisations I'll admit and which is normally down to poor leadership but when everything is right they can enhance your enjoyment of the hobby enourmously. Get stuck in, listen a lot, smile a lot, and you'll quickly find friends. Edited By David Ashby - RCME moderator on 24/07/2009 19:24:22 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin spit Posted July 24, 2009 Author Share Posted July 24, 2009 well if there is anyone whos a member of a club in my area (hemel hempstead) please say hello. ken i would move up north if i could talk the rest of the family into it ,mainly because of house prices and a lot to do with the people and great countryside Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul@scc Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 Hi Austen Myself and a mate have decided to join a club as we are now getting into larger planes. I would also like to get an A certificate.I have emailed a club in Chesham. Hopefully they will let me know if there are any places available. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin spit Posted July 24, 2009 Author Share Posted July 24, 2009 Hi paul ive looked at the chesham club theyve got a good site between berkhamstead and tring also another in pednor chesham ,let me how you get on .where do you fly now maybe we could meet up for a flight or two? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul@scc Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 Thats the one. More interested in the Pednor site as thats nearer.I normally fly at a small field in Chalfonts or a bigger site near High Wycombe called Kingsmead. Not very convenient for you.At the moment I'm working at Leavesden studios, so I'm sure we could arrange a meet somewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin spit Posted July 25, 2009 Author Share Posted July 25, 2009 hi paul , i fly at a field near berkhamstead but the farmers already said he dont want me bringing people up there ,looks like il have to join chesham as well ,let me know how you get on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul@scc Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 Hi Austen.Popped over to the club today. What a bunch of gentlemen. We were made to feel very welcome and the atmos of the place was very relaxed. We are definitely going to join.One of the guys thinks there are a couple of people on the waiting list, so there may be a short wait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin spit Posted July 26, 2009 Author Share Posted July 26, 2009 sounds good Paul ,let me know how it goes with the waiting list looks like i better go down and say hello pretty quick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Williams Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 its the social aspect mate, since joining my club last year I have been threatened with divorce because there is always some one holding a sim and chat night or similar event. made loads of good friends who stop me making silly purchases. It get boring on ya own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartinN Posted July 29, 2009 Share Posted July 29, 2009 Hi Austin, I'm another local close to the Tring Station and am waiting for a place to come up at the Chesham site. Unlike you though I've no flying experience except on Phoenix RC. Currently waiting for my engine to arrive for my Irvine Tutor and will then be waiting on a call from the club. Fingers crossed they'll be taking new members any time soon! Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin spit Posted August 7, 2009 Author Share Posted August 7, 2009 hi martin ,you wont have far to go to the newground site ,ive got a tutor to ,ive converted to electric now though ,if you need any pointers feel free to ask Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartinN Posted August 10, 2009 Share Posted August 10, 2009 Thanks austen! No doubt I'll take you up on your offer at some point. I've heard from Chesham, they're taking members again so I'll be getting my forms off to them shortly. Just fitted the tailplane and fin to my tutor...fingers crossed it'll be complete by the end of the week Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly boy3 Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 Hi Austen,you have done very well so far, what with teaching yourself to fly and actually flying on your own. You should also consider the safety factor.Props bite and cause bad wounds and bleeding. If you are on your own you could end up in a potentially serious situation. I suggest you join a club, or at least have a partner in case of any problems. Flyboy3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul@scc Posted September 24, 2009 Share Posted September 24, 2009 Austen and Martin.I got my membership card this week for Chesham and was wondering if you guys had joined up.? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Gates Posted September 24, 2009 Share Posted September 24, 2009 I have not yet joined a club but have enjoyed flying with a group of lone fellow fliers. Great fun without any of the clique issues. I visited a club locally and was less than impressed. The "best flier" in the club ploughed his twin engined machine through a set of trees on his approach for a fast downwind run. I saw another modeller land a machine so fast that it ran the full length of the runway and into the rough. Another very nice model suffered a engine cut, and landed out. The modeller retrieved the model, checked it over for damage, restarted the engine and flew again. Another engine cut (no suprise) and another out landing, this time damaged so no more flying. These fliers all had A certs as part of their requirement to fly unescorted at this club. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin spit Posted September 27, 2009 Author Share Posted September 27, 2009 hi paul ,ive not joined a club yet mainly due to being unable to work (slipped disc)for 3 months the funds for menberships and the bigger planes i wanted have been saved for now anyway how much is it to join chesham and how you been getting on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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