Training Information

It is vital that those new to the hobby are instructed properly for their own safety and that of the public. Being a member of MAAA means you are fully insured anywhere in Australia. Model aircraft can be very dangerous in the hands of the untrained - they are not a toy. Having said that, flying model aircraft is a very enjoyable, safe and relatively inexpensive hobby. You will meet a friendly group of helpful people, who are always willing to share information and help you. There is no age limit to learning. We have taught people from 11 years of age into their 70's. Recommended learning age is from about 15 upwards.

WAMASC has nationally accredited and qualified MAAA Instructors who can teach you in a structured way to maximise your enjoyment and minimise your learning time. Most instruction is free. With an instructor the risk of damage to your model is minimised. Should you decide to teach yourself, total destruction of your model is almost guaranteed in short order.

WAMASC strongly recommends the use of a trainer (buddy box) system. This minimises risk of damage to your model while making your rate of learning much faster. Our legacy clubs own several buddy boxes to allow our instructors to teach people not wishing to purchase their own buddy box. Please speak to your instructor for further advice.

Here are some photos of instructors and students using the trainer system. The instructor is the person with the transmitter antenna extended. The student is connected via a cable to their transmitter (which has the transmitter section disabled). Click on each picture for a full sized view.

It is recommended that you contact the club first before purchasing any equipment.

Members wishing to be scheduled for free tuition must first contact the training officer or an MAAA qualified instructor (at the field) who will give you a safety briefing and other relevant information regarding training. Please do not be disappointed as the number of instructors is limited, often there is a waiting list and you may have to wait a short while until an instructor becomes available. Our club instructors are very busy and it is not just a matter of fronting up expecting free training. Remember - they are doing it voluntarily and are there for their own enjoyment too!

MAAA proficiency ratings can only be assessed by a qualified MAAA Instructor. We have a number of qualified MAAA instructors at the WA Model Aircraft Sports Centre (WAMASC) who would be more than willing to help you achieve any of these proficiencies. It is important to note that Bronze Wings is the minimum level that you must achieve to be permitted to fly your aircraft solo at WAMASC. This allows you to fly unsupervised and be insured when flying within permitted areas. As you become more experienced and proficient, you may wish to move up to Silver Wings and then on to Gold Wings. If you feel like you would like to put something back into aeromodelling, we would love to see you become a MAAA Instructor yourself. Ask any MAAA instructor for more information on the Wings you may wish to attain.

The information below relates to fixed wing operation. For information on rotary wing operation, please contact one of the Helicopter special interest groups.

Now for a bit of humour - please don't be like this potential student! You would not believe how often our instructors have had similar discussions: RC Flying Newbie

Getting Started - for the beginner ( a must read) ( PDF)

MAAA Bronze Wings Test Form ( PDF)

AWA Silver Wings Test Form ( PDF)

MAAA Gold Wings Test Form ( PDF)

For more information, please ask any club member while down at the field or ring any of the Executive Committee Members