Learn To Fly Remote Control Aircraft
For The Beginner With No Modeling Experience.
WPMPA can teach you to fly with our club owned AeroScout aircraft. You can try flying R/C with our airplanes and radios, meaning you don’t have to invest several hundred dollars in equipment just to find out if this is the hobby for you. We have found the Aeroscout to be the best trainer available. All of our student pilots are taught to fly on this airplane using a buddy-box system, we do not train on personal aircraft. This approach allows the student pilot to fly the airplane under the supervision of one of our instructors, who can immediately take control of the airplane if the student needs some help. At the completion of their training, the student will know how to safely prepare an airplane for flight, be able to perform basic flight maneuvers, and takeoff and land the airplane.
If you are an experienced pilot with your own equipment, seeking to fly at the WPMPA field, you just need to demonstrate proficiency to one of our instructors. Using your airplane or ours, you’ll be required to demonstrate your control over the airplane, and conduct three takeoffs and full stop landings.
To contact our Instructor Pilots, please send and E-Mail to instructor@wpmpa.com. The email will go to all of our Instructor Pilots. This is the best way to arrange for R/C Pilot Training or to get cleared for solo flight within the WPMPA Club. Be on the lookout for a reply from any or all of them!
WPMPA Instructor Pilots
- Allen Vincent, Chief Instructor Pilot
- (727)389-2508
- butch.av@gmail.com
- Available Times Wednesday, Thursday
Access to Student Pilot Log System Requires A Password
This Section is for Instructor Pilots
Useful Modeling Data
Required Memberships and Registrations
West Pasco Model Pilots Association – WPMPA
Apply/Renew online.
$120 per year due in December – Pro-rated
Academy of Model Aeronautics - AMA
Join the AMA, $75 per year or $65 per year for seniors includes AMA Magazine
Display AMA number on exterior of plane
Includes $2.5 million personal liability, $25,000 medical, $10,000 life
Take Recreational UAS Safety TEST – TRUST
AMA TRUST test (Free)
Test takes 15 – 30 minutes and it teaches you answers.
At end of test print certificate or save digital.
Register yourself and at least one plane with the FAA
Register FAA link (Do not go to drone zone commercial company that charges $45)
Register under section "Exception for Recreational Flyers" – NOT Part 107 which is commercial use. $5 for 3 years
You will receive FAA number that should be displayed on exterior of plane
Flying Safety Rules, Tips and Hints
- Review this list often
- Turn Transmitter on first and plug battery in second
- Unplug battery first and turn off Transmitter second
- Throttle cut at all times not flying
- Balance laterally (side to side) will help tracking
- Keep everyone away from side and front of spinning prop
- Fly with copilot/spotter – must have visual contact at all times
- Do not practice at low altitude
- When trimming in flight, trim only until incorrect movement stops
- Unless landing “dead stick”, if approach is not right – GO AROUND
- Don’t fly too far away. It is easy to get disoriented.
- Maintain flight path when faster airplanes overtake you.
- If its obvious you will crash, kill the power to minimize damage
- If your airplane is headed for pit area or spectators, kill power and ditch it, don’t try to save it.
- If plane goes down, point Transmitter antena towards crash and place on ground.
- When recover plane, take the time to recover every little piece to aid repair
- Even after you solo ask for additional help or instruction
- Simulator practice helps especially for aerobatics
- “Dead Stick Landing” has right of way over other airplanes
- Don’t forget to check transmitter battery charge level
- Make sure propeller is balanced and no vibration when engine is run up
- Secure airplane while on table
- Discharge batteries to storage level
- Keep light between trees and plane