First thing to do is Grabb one of the instructors at the field, you do need one of them before you can think about Learning to fly. Never try to do it on your own !! you won't have a model left if you do ! watch this clip of someone with a Helicopter that did not have an insrtuctor.

A hint from me is Buy the Reflex Flight Sim, It is spot on with the way the models fly in the program, It can save you money to !!!!!!

The Next thing you do is MAKE SURE that the FREQUENCY you are using is Free !! Look at the Peg Board and if no one is using it put your peg on the number you are on...If there is a peg on there DO NOT turn on your Transmitter

First, Do the movment checks as outlined in the BMFA handbook and test all cleveses, make sure nothing can come loose or come off all together.

Second, Do the Radio range test (approx 40/50 foot should be fine) and when your happy that all is ok, fill the tank with fuel.

Three, When ready to start a plane, make sure the tail is held by a fork stuck in the ground , with a Helicopter make sure your holding the head tight and secure.

Four, Once the Engine has started you can unclip the Glow Lead, Keeping fingers clear of propelers, in the case of a heli make sure you keep hold of the head as it will try and turn !!!

Five, When ready CARRY your model from the pits to the take off Area !
Check the WIND direction and Face your Model INTO the wind ( all types of model and full size must take off into the wind.) there should be a wind indicator there by the pitts area.

Six, Redo movement checks (just to make sure) then power up the engine utill the model starts to move, with a plane at that point power up for take off speed, With a heli power up slowly until the model starts to lift off the ground.

seven, With a Heli, hover it with the nose facing into the wind, with a plane Once you have climbed to a flying height turn as instructed by your instructor.

As you fly your instructor will tell you things to practise, until you reach a level that you are ready to take one of the BMFA tests, until you pass the A test with either aircraft plane or heli you Must NOT fly SOLO (without an Instructor with you ) at any time !!

Once you have learnt to fly and passed the test set out by the BMFA you will do all this without thinking.

All the checks and tests may save your model from a crash, and flying safe is haveing fun and Thats what its all about.

Learning to fly can be frustrating to say the least ! but don't give up, Listen to your instructor and practise what he tells you, one day it will all come together and thats when you can realy relax and enjoy this fantastic Hobby.