EAST COAST SWAMP FLYERS

North Branford, CT



Sorry I cannot help myself... I love all the bells and whistles & Harry Potter~ Expelliarmus!

Hello everybody, Welcome to the flight class page,

David Teer (Flyingklown) here, Training Coordinator.

Hey guys,

Let me remind you to be sure to read down the WHOLE web page and learn all you need to know about the flight class/program! It will answer all of your questions!

Below is the area on the web page where I will make daily / weekly updates, weather reports, tell you if we are going to have class that day or not PLUS all announcements about the flight class right here in this area. So come often if you want to know what is going on! Cool...


NOTICE! ! !

Students & Instructors

CONGRATULATIONS To our newly signed off RC Pliots!

AL Slomba and Tony (I can fly anything) BOO

Great Job Guys you both worked hard!

We have a few more that are almost ready! So it won't be long guys. We have 4 new members coming and they will be in our instruction program. We FINALLY have two kids and they are eager! So the old students are getting their wings and the new guys are coming in for instruction. So all instructors PLEASE come if you can on Tuesday & Thursdays! We have a blast. If you have a year or more flying time and want to give back to the hobby... there are plenty of guys that need instruction. Come on down and teach!

Ok a few announcements. I will be out next Thursday the 29th. I may come if I can. If it is too hot I may not go at all. However, the Huck Fest is that weekend and I will probably will be making plans for a little trip to MA.

A guy that seems to have given up on learning how to fly. He was out there last year but he wasn't there a lot. I am trying to talk him into flying and not selling everything he has. He needs more time that he has put into it! But if he decides to just give up and sell everything I told him I would tell you guys. He has a new trainer, flight box everything that he wants to sell. I have asked him to come down and talk with us on instruction day. So hopefully he will come and change his mind and fly or if we fail to talk him into staying maybe selling his stuff here.

A BIG THANKS to JIM FEATHERS for helping out with the instruction program last Thursday. He gave a test and he flew with some of the guys. So THANKS JIM for helping out!

THURSDAY 07-29-10...

Hey ya'll! It is way too hot for me. I am going to the Huckfest anyway for the next 4 days. I will probably sit in the air conditioned room anyway. I probably won't fly! Just watch and fellowship! So I will see you next Tuesday! Have fun! A.J. and Dan should be there!

Your man

Dave


Some of the students and instructors

Chip, Mortimer, Ping

Jim, Al, JJ, Charlie,Ed, Dave,Boo, Wayne

Al

Boo

Tired Instructor


NOTICE: Thanks to Dennis Keegan he thinks he knows where the club’s trainer is. He said he would get it and get it airworthy. He said if he couldn't find it that he would donate one and have it ready for us. But remember this is the clubs Trainer. When you need it you will have to check it out through a club officer or me and will become responsible for it till you get your new one or yours repaired. We will put it in the clubhouse ASAP.... THANKS!

See you soon !

NOTICE: Thanks to Dan Fiasconaro for making copies for all the paper work needed for the instruction class. Dan you are the greatest! Thanks! I know that takes time and costs you to do that. The copies look like they are masters! Lets hear it for Dan the man! Thanks dude!

NOTICE: The last meeting was at Foxon was last Wednesday night... The next 2 meeting's will be held at the field... Make a note of it.

Dan Fiasconaro AND Jim Cyr said they will be coming every Thursday and Dan probably will be there earlier than 4:00 PM on Thursdays if you want to go earlier on Thursdays or if you made advanced plans with someone else earlier. That is if the weather is ok.

If there is any members that have one year or more of flying and would like to give back to the hobby get in touch with me, David Teer and I will be glad to sign you up!

Be sure to read down the web page and learn all you need to know about the flight class/program!

Your man

David


Ok read... important: Tuesdays & Thursdays are the training days. If you need another day get with an instructor and work something out! Sometimes it is hard to get down there on certain days. We try to make it easy for you as well for us too!

Remember, you must have a buddy box and cord to be a student. If you decide to not get a buddy box I am sure there will be someone that will take you up but not too many. You run the risk of crashing your aircraft if you do not have one. It is important to go ahead and get a buddy box and cord. You can always sell it after you finish your training.

Be sure to get there and set everything up. (The instructor will help those that do not know how to do this) Do a range check. Check all your links, batteries (are they charged)? Gas her up, have questions ready to ask. Take some deep breaths and be ready to have some fun! Be ready to take off when the instructor gets there. Doing all this will give you more time to learn and start a good habit.

Be sure to come to the flight class web site often, as the instructors will use this avenue to communicate with you guys about weather, wind, rain and announcements concerning instruction. All you have to do now is look on the flight class web page and see if we will be having instruction that day because of weather or things of that nature!

Joe the president has asked me to be sure that you know the rules of the field and club. If something comes up you will know what to do. So be sure you read them and know them.

If you are a new member and need flight instruction, be sure to let Dennis Keegan our Treasurer know to tell us that you are paid up and have your AMA and releases you for the training program!

Before training days you may want to see if you have everything... Such as; AMA card even if you are 2.4 you have to post it! Do you have your buddy box & cord? Have you checked your batteries, checked all your connections, make sure all push rods are in connected and good to go, charged your plane and transmitter, have you been getting some time in on the sim????

Also! You need to get with more than one instructor. All instructors have different ways and different things to bring to the student. So if they are on the list they are qualified and have volunteered to take you up and share their experience with you. Just because one does it differently than the other doesn't mean it is wrong. Take what you need and use what seems to work best for you. There are many talented pilots instructing this season. They are there to give back to the hobby. Most of all they are there for you. So go up with them and listen to them! I know we all have our favorites but switch up every once in awhile. It is good for you!

BE SURE to communicate with your instructor! Speak up if you see something wrong. We are good but bring things to our attention if we miss something! We are human!

Look at the web site flight class and see what we are saying about that certain day. Look at the weather... see what it is doing before you come. If you come down and you see the wind is blowing over 20 MPH chances are the instructors will not show up. If it is raining and is "set in" they probably will not be there either. Drop an e-mail but first look at the web site flight class page well in advance if you have any doubt it will tell you 100% of the time. You do not want to show up and no one will be there. Just wait till the next training day. The New England weather is crazy! However, we have all summer and it will not take you but some of it to learn how to fly. You will be out there before you know it if you listen to your instructor(s) and really want it!

If you have a simulator, get on it as much as you can. Put some wind into it. Throw some cross wind in it and shoot landings and take offs. Later throw some trouble into it and handle emergency situations but concentrate on taxiing, take offs and landings if you are just starting out. If you get there early and no one is flying leave your wing off and taxi around the field and learn how to taxi. Later you will put the wing on and taxi too.

I would like to say that it was nice meeting the new members and new students so far already this 2010 season!

Any questions, concerns etc... Be sure to let us know. If you do not ask or speak up we will not know!

See you Later.

Your man
David Da' Flyingklown!


Scroll down below to see a list of the instructors Fly Safe! Have Fun! The East Coast Swamp Flyers Flight Class


If you want to be an instructor and have at least a year experience and want to give back to the hobby, Contact us here


ECSF 2010 INSTRUCTOR LIST

  • Jim Cyr - Basic - Contact here
  • Dave Espositio - Basic Contact here
  • Dan Fiasconaro - Basic Contact here
  • A.J. - Basic Contact here203-606-9292
  • Dennis Keegan - Basic Contact here
  • Steve Ludwig - BasicContact here
  • Andrea Normandin - Basic Contact here
  • Chris Petriccione - Basic & Advanced Contact here
  • David Teer - Training Coordinator Basic & some advanced Contact here
  • Patrick Tuxbury - Basic Contact here
  • Ernie Vongher - Basic Contact here
  • INSTRUCTORS! I know I am missing several. Who wants to be put on the list? Just e-mail and I will put you down. Drop a e-mail to me. Also if you have at least one year experience and would love to give back to the hobby e-mail me and let me get you started as an instructor. We got a lot of students this year (YEA)! and we will need ya! Thanks. The Klown

    See you at the field,


Pick an instructor from the list above. Get with them. Pick a day and time you both can come. Tuesday's and Thursday's are the instructon days. But if you cannot make it on those days you can make other arrangments with an instructor. It makes it easier for everyone. We have several instructors they are good teachers so talk with them and get out there!

First let me say: All instructors have their own philosophy. This is what makes it so good because you are getting all the excellent knowledge from each instructor(s)!

We get you where you know your airplane and the basics of flight and can go home if something is wrong with your plane and fix it then come back instead of saying "it will be ok" and fly anyway... in other words when we feel like you can practice good safety acts plus you can take off / land, fly the pattern, do a figure 8 using rudder, doing a flat rudder turn and landing correctly. Then you can get signed off when you can do these basic things... Then get out there and get stick time when you want too on your own time!

In time you will probably know what direction you want to go in on your flying be it 3D, racing etc. We have a lot of talented pilots that are willing to teach you! You will find a lot of the pilots like teaching someone that wants to learn. Once we get you doing all that was mentioned by yourself, you can fly anytime you want without having an instructor. Of course the instructors will still be there to help you if you need them.

Learn the basics. Get some stick time! Get time in and the more time you get in (Stick time) the better you will become! So this is basically what we do is get you to this point and fly!

Make use of your training program that we offer at the club. This is a free service! It is pilots giving back to the hobby! They volunteer so keep that in mind! They are taking time out for you and teaching you for free. So be nice and work with your instructor the best you can because he is there for you. Most of all have fun!

Being in charge of the instruction program. I look at it like this: We are all there to teach and learn from each other! Each pilot has something different to bring to the runway. There is a lot of talent down there! I even learn from some of the new guys! Hey when I see it... I call it good or bad! I never quit learning and it can be from a guy that just started! So you never quit learning!

To sum it up, we are trying to guide the instruction program where it is convenient for each of you plus think up new ways to make it easier for all of us. If you have any ideas feel free to share them at the meeting as well at the field. Everyone can hook up and maybe get what they are looking to be accomplished.

If you feel like you cannot get it, or you crash a few times and want to give up, talk to us. We will tell you if you just are not cut out for flying RC. We will do all we can to help you!

AGAIN, LOOK at the list of instructors that is below. Scroll down and get with an instructor and make arrangements to meet and do your instruction. As we mentioned It doesn't have to be on a Tuesday or Thursday especially this time of the year. It can be any day, any time just long as you go by the club flying hours AND rules and regs.

If there is someone you want to get with, e-mail or call them and make arrangements to meet and go flying!

Ok hopefully we will get you all signed off! Sound good? Everyone knows now what is going on and have no questions? Let me know if you do. call us, e-mail us, see us at the field, see us at the meetings!

Your friends in RC

David "The flyingklown" Teer


CONGRATULATIONS to our last season students

IF I HAVE MISSED SOMEONE PLEASE E-MAIL ME! It gives me great pleasure to give CONGRATULATIONS to our students of the 2009 season signed off as an RC pilot! (In no certain order)

Mr. John Hart

Charlie Doan

Dave Esposito

Alan Esposito (Dave's son)

Mark that flies the Mustang LOL :)

Mike Esposito (I understand no kin to the other Esposito's)

We give an extra Congratulations to Mike Esposito! Mike was signed off last season after 37 years! He is finally a full pledge RC PILOT! There is a story here. You may ask him to tell you the story... !

Congratulations for being signed off as a RC airplane pilot of the 2009 season. Congratulations and go have some fun flying now! Good Job guys! We will be posting all the students as they get signed off in no certain order. Welcome!

Crashing

I get asked this question a lot by the new guys on crashing a plane. So here is a little something on crashing... "it sucks"! You are not alone. What ever happen(s) to you has happen to EVERYONE ELSE TOO! Just remember guys; all planes have a date on them no matter what so do not get get discouraged! As much as it does stink, It is part of the hobby. I think we have the best RC club and training program in Connecticut! It shows! Hope to see you soon!

In the meantime, practice on the sim USING YOUR RUDDER, Taxing, taking off and landing. Stick time, Stick time Stick time! The only way you will learn! So say we all!

C U @ the field!
Student Instructor Training Coordinator
(SITCO)


Any questions? Drop an e-mail at flyingklown

Be sure to come to the web site often, as the instructors will use this avenue to communicate with you guys about weather, wind, rain and announcements concerning instruction. All you have to do now is look on the flight class web page and see if we will be having instruction that day because of weather of something!

Joe the president has asked me to be sure that you know the rules of the field and club. If something comes up you will know what to do. So be sure you read them and know them.

Before training days you may want to see if you have everything... Such as; AMA card even if you are 2.4 you have to post it! Do you have your buddy box & cord? Have you checked your batteries, checked all your connections, make sure all push rods are in connected and good to go, charged your plane and transmitter, have you been getting some time in on the sim???? Just checking!

Ok see you at the field!

David


Fly Safe! Have Fun! The East Coast Swamp Flyers Flight Class


If you have any questions on equipment you'll need to get started, feel free to contact one of the club officers or visit your local hobby shop.

East Coast Swamp Flyers New Pilot Training Overview

Training Coordinator: David Teer

It is important that the new pilot understands both safety and common sense guidelines provided by the East Coast Swamp Fliers and the Academy of Model Aviation. You should immediately understand that all pilots take a careful and pragmatic approach to flying their aircraft prior, during, and after the airplane leaves the ground.

Our goal is to get you flying safely, responsibly, and with necessary skills to fly on your own.

We are pilots who teach patience, and guidance.

As a new pilot, you should provide your own aircraft to learn with (You must have your own buddy box and cord to your radio). You may need to make a few trips to the field getting your aircraft air worthy... and in the end, your hard work will pay off.

First of all you will need to familiarize yourself with the General Field rules and regulations. Sticking to the Field rules and regulations will keep things safe for all.

Then comes the Pre-Flight Checklist! It should be a practice prior to every flight of your aircraft. It's always a good idea to run through a list a few times, even starting with the night before the next trip to the airfield.

What we want to do with the new pilot training program is to help the new pilot understand RC flight and your airplane set up.

We will teach the essentials for a pilot to solo successfully and receive a sign-off then fly, fly, fly. The best practice is stick time, stick time, stick time!

General Field Rules

  • When you arrive at the field or finish a flight, turn off your transmitter.
  • Do not turn your transmitter on anywhere at the field unless you have your AMA card in the frequency slot, unless you are 2.4. Still it is a good practice to have that under control at all times just in case.
  • If there are other AMA cards in your frequency slot, find the person and get to know them! Take turns and be nice. Share the frequency pin. We are mature enough to take turns and enjoy equal flying time!
  • Only turn on your transmitter when you have your AMA Card in the frequency slot. During that time you have control of that frequency. Unless you are of course 2.4.
  • ALWAYS Have your Name, Phone #, Address and AMA number posted inside your aircraft. Also place your name and phone number on your transmitter in case it is ever left at the field.
  • Do not break in your engine in the pits. There is a picnic table on the North end of the field to do that.
  • Restrain your aircraft while the engine is running.
  • When running up your engine, TRY TO direct the prop blast away from other aircraft or equipment. I know that is so easy to over look.
  • You may taxi your aircraft as soon as you get it off the starting table.
  • When flying with other pilots call out your intentions (let other pilots know how you will be using the area on or above the flight area).
  • When flying in traffic, get someone to act as your spotter (essential for ALL pilots).
  • In traffic, fly with the pattern. Which ever the wind is blowing. It makes it easier.
  • Low passes over flying area must be called out.

Pre-Flight Checklist (Refered to prior to every flight)

Wing Safety Check:

  • Wing warp
  • Aileron servo installation
  • Aileron control surface gap
  • Servo screws in place?

Fuselage Safety Check:

  • Radio installation
  • Tank/radio sufficiently secured and supported with foam?
  • Control linkage & pushrods
  • Gap in control surfaces
  • Engine installation
  • Landing gear installation

Wing on Safety Check:

  • Plug in aileron servo and check direction of travel
  • Wing bolts secured? Sufficient # of rubber bands (12-14)?
  • Direction of travel on all control surfaces
  • Listen for any binding of control surfaces
  • Alignment of wing, stab, and fin
  • Center of gravity (C.G.)
  • Range on radio system
  • Batteries (voltage level)
  • Propeller/spinner tightened?
  • Engine run up and adjustments
  • Positive control check
  • Covering (tight,etc)
  • Control linkage
  • Aileron/flap hinges
  • Antenna routing (knots,etc)
  • Control horns and clevises
  • Control surface hinges
  • Fuel tank installation
  • No kinks in fuel lines
  • Servo screws in place?

Flight Lesson Agenda

  • Radio and field procedures
  • Aircraft familiarization
  • Flight familiarization
  • Flight maneuvers
  • Accuracy maneuvers
  • Take off
  • Approaches to landing
  • Emergency procedures

Flying Lessons

We will go mostly by what the AMA recommends with the training program

Field Procedures

  • Review of club rules regarding field use and club etiquette.
  • Instructor and club disclaimer for responsibility of lost equipment due to accident or midair collision. THE INSTRUCTOR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR CRASHED AIRPLANES!
Radio and Aircraft Familiarization
  • Pre-flight the model looking for deficiencies that could cause an accident or safety hazard.
  • Techniques on starting and adjusting engine.
  • Radio range check.
  • Student fuels, starts airplane.
Flight Familiarization
  • We will test fly the aircraft to verify its airworthiness and handling qualities.
  • Hook up buddy box, check control directions/throws, discuss response of flight controls during flight. Two instructors will trim out buddy boxes for the student before training begins.
  • Demonstrate techniques of taxiing.
Flight Maneuvers
  • Taxiing
  • Level flight in pattern
  • Left and right turns
Accuracy Maneuvers
  • Left and right turns at constant altitude.
  • Throttle control in flight.
  • Left and right climbing turns.
  • Left and right descending turns.
Orientation Maneuvers
  • Figure eights around the field.
  • Left and right approaches over the runway.
  • Go-arounds.
Take Off
  • Student will taxi aircraft onto runway and take off into a gentle climbing turn to enter flight pattern.
Recovery From Unusual Attitudes
  • Slow Flight
  • Stalls
  • Loops
  • Rolls
Approaches To Landing
  • Left and right approaches. High at first with go-arounds, gradually lowering altitude and maintaining airspeed control with ultimately smooth landings on the centerline.
Emergency Procedures
  • Cross wind flight
  • Dead stick landings
  • Downwind landings
Solo Flight
  • The student will conduct the flight starting from putting your AMA Card in the frequency slot, then starting the engine, taxiing, take off, left and right approaches, and landing in the upwind direction all without the aid of a buddy box (no mishaps). Solo flight must be administered by two instructors that you did not work with you during your instruction time. This is flexible.
  • See you at the field!



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