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MAAC FAQs
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The MAAC FAQ answers all of the most common asked questions.
To view the answer to the question, click on the question.
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Answer: Aero-modeling is the umbrella title for the construction of all flying models.
This sport/hobby includes the categories of free flight, control line, radio control (R/C) and rockets. Gliders/sailplanes and rubber-powered aircraft are examples in the free flight category. Control line (C/L) aircraft are designed and built to be flown using control cables (usually two) leading from the wing to the pilot. Radio controlled (R/C) models are operated by a pilot that sends signals from the ground by a transmitter to a receiver on the aircraft. |
Answer: The Model Aeronautics Association of Canada (MAAC), a member driven organization (12,000 members) is the national governing body for model aviation. Affiliated through the Aero Club of Canada (ACCto the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), we support and promote recreational and competitive model flying, both locally and internationally.
We work with local and Federal levels of government to protect the rights, radio frequencies and flying fields of our members. We provide third party liability insurance for all of our members, provided that they fly according to our established safety protocols. Developing and publicizing comprehensive safety procedures is one of our highest priorities. A network of 360 individual clubs throughout Canada facilitates the activities. Whether you are a small child with an inexpensive and simple model, an adult with a complicated scale model or a retiree embarking on a new hobby, MAAC welcomes you as a member. |
| Answer: Aero-modelers build and fly aircraft in the entire aviation spectrum which ranges from free flight gliders to rockets, including airships and helicopters. The sizes and design match their particular interest and location which they will be flying at or in. Modelers have replicated in scale, every fully scale aircraft that has been flown since the Wright Brothers. Most models fly better than the original because they have been modified for aero-modeling flight. |
| Answer: The most interesting aspect of the aero modeler’s fraternity is the diverse background of life experiences and interests that each individual brings to the hobby. The students, the craftsman, the experimenters, the historians, the pilots and photographers can be found at any airfield, fun fly gathering or club meeting. They are people with a passion for aviation. The pilot/builders are drawn from every demographic and occupation. People who have mobility restrictions find this a very good hobby. It's easy to see why so many people enjoy this sport. Aero-modeling has it all—direction, diversity, challenge, and escape. |
| Answer: No. It is never too late or early for model flying. Some start as early as five years old and many members continue in the hobby well into their 90s. |
| Answer: A club listing with club contact names and information is found on the clubs tab on this MAAC website. |
| Answer: There is a longstanding erroneous preconceived notion that aero modeling is an expensive hobby. Like most modern sports and hobbies, you can spend as little or as much as you like. The annual cost of aero-modeling is very competitive with the expenditures require to pursue other potential hobbies. Small free flight aircraft including rubber models can be acquired for as little as a few dollars. A very small expenditure is required to become a fully equipped control line pilot. Although the initial investment for those who wish to fly Radio Control R/C aircraft is greater than for free flight and control line, it is not cost prohibitive. The truth is that a brand new ready to fly fixed wing trainer aircraft complete with a transmitter can be purchased for less than $400. A ready to fly helicopter can be purchased for about the same money. It is not always necessary always to purchase a new aircraft. There may be used club trainers which club members pass on or sell to new pilots. It is not necessary to purchase a complete field box and the support equipment. Club members are willing to share their equipment with the newcomer. Support equipment is acquired over time. Naturally, as the size and complexity of the aircraft increases so does the value of the aircraft. A small investment will provide a big return in a fun hobby. By comparison, an expensive negative return activity is smoking or going to a bar. |
| Answer: One of the benefits of membership in the Model Aeronautics Association Canada (MAAC) is the third party insurance coverage that is provided for each member. MAAC’s focus however, is to promote safe flying. Our third party insurance coverage has a limit of $7,500,000.00 with a deducible to the member and club of $500.00. The coverage can be denied if MAAC protocols and rules are not followed. Your best option is always to fly safely with a chartered club and at sanctioned events. |
Answer: There are a number of excellent ready to fly (RTF) high wing aircraft specifically designed for stable and forgiving flight training platforms. These entry level subjects are shipped complete with an installed electric motors or internal combustion engines and radio gear. While other, almost ready to fly (ARFs) require that you purchase the motor and radio gear separately. The third option is to build an aircraft from a kit. Check with the folks at your local airfield before you decide on which aircraft to acquire. Nothing is more frustrating or discouraging than trying to learn on an inappropriate aircraft.
These tricycle or nose wheeled equipped trainer aircraft have been designed for good ground handling and in-flight stability. They are ideal for learning the basic flight skills of flying patterns, figure 8s, approaches, landings and takeoffs. The aircraft are capable of doing loops and rolls.
The remote control trainer aircraft have the realistic look of classic full scale trainers. They are easily transported inside an automobile (including a smart car) because the wings are detachable from the fuselage. The wings are reattached at the airfield and held in place with elastics or plastic wing bolts. The aircraft are usually covered with brightly colored material and highly visible patterns. |
Answer: No one is an instant jet pilot or aerobatic air show pilot. The R/C pilot learning curve is the same as for the full scale pilot. The fighter pilot started on trainers and worked their way into increasing challenging aircraft over time. They master a specific skill set prior to moving to the next level. Flying skills will improve the more often you fly. The most important point, one which cannot be overstressed: GET AN INSTRUCTOR! You cannot learn on your own without crashing your aircraft and or probably hurting someone or yourself. It is always the best option to join a local club where one is available to you.
The most common method of learning how to fly involves the use of a buddy box. The student controls the model with the buddy box which is connected to the instructor’s transmitter. The instructor can take control of the students buddy box if and when necessary by the flip of a switch on the instructor’s transmitter. |
| Answer: Flight simulators are a very good learning tool for any RC pilot. However, they are not a substitute for hands on training with a skilled instructor. The virtual training enhances the eye hand coordination skill set required for successful radio control flying. Practice on simulators improves response time. Faster response time means fewer issues at the airfield. Another advantage of an RC flight simulator is that it extends the flying season. Flying skills are maintained during the winter blizzard season. |
Answer: Contrary to popular opinion, a R/C aircraft that collides with a tree or the ground is rarely a total loss. The vast majority of incidents only cause minor damage which can easily be repaired at very little cost. An aircraft wing or fuselage can be rebuilt with a small amount of glue, wood and covering. Propellers and helicopter blades are replaceable. Landing gear can be straightened. Engines only become a write off when they score a direct high speed diving hit on a rock or pavement (an extremely rare event). In a worse case scenario, the pilot/builder will salvage the aircraft radio system, battery, control linkages motor and servos to use them as a part source for the next building project. All is not lost.
Very few aircraft, be they full scale or RC models will ever be sold as a family antique or displayed in a museum with their original components. They all have been reincarnated or rebuilt many times since their original manufacturing date. |
| Answer: Pilots must be able to see their aircraft in order to make directional changes. It is also a requirement of Transport Canada that a R/C model aircraft remain in the direct line of sight of the pilot on the ground. Therefore, the distance from the pilot to the aircraft is very dependent on the size of the aircraft as well as the quality of the pilot’s eyesight. R/C transmitters have a range of over a mile, which is well beyond the eyesight of the pilot. |
| Answer: The airspeed of the aircraft depends on its design and propulsion system. Indoor rubber model aircraft may travel at walking speeds whereas turbine equipped R/C aircraft can exceed speeds of 300 KM/h. Helicopters flying envelop ranges from of a hover (no horizontal speed) to a cruising speed of 70 km/h. Turbine driven aircraft may reach top speeds of 400 km/h. Gliders have been known to exceed 300 km/h in a steep dive. An R/C aircraft must not exceed a speed of 100 Km/h during night flights. |
| Answer: The indoor flying height is normally restricted by the height of the ceiling. Depending on the location, there may well be restrictions on the maximum height to which a model may be flown. We must not endanger full sized aviation. It is always best to check to see if there are restrictions in your area. Note that there is a regulatory Rule 4.2#1 which states " R/C pilots shall yield the right of way of their model aircraft to man carrying piloted aircraft......”. Sometimes full size aircraft fly lower than they should and often large model gliders and even free flights fly more than a thousand meters high (normally this is done far from full size airports). Always check for limitations at the site that you wish to use. |
| Answer: The spectrum ranges from free flight micro aircraft whose weight is measured in oz/grams to multi-engine turbine aircraft and rockets whose weight is measured in pounds/kilos. The aircraft cannot exceed 35 KG or 77.2 lbs full up weight (aircraft and fuel) as per of Transport Canada Regulations. Aircraft beyond that range are no longer considered a model. They are classed as UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and are subject to stringent Transport Canada regulations, and the obtaining of a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) before being flown. |
| Answer: Canadian hobby shops, distributors and manufactures advertise in the bi-monthly MAAC magazine that is mailed to all MAAC members. In addition, product information and suppliers can be found on-line as well as in the various modeling magazines available at most magazine racks or shelves. Club members can and will recommend reputable suppliers and products. |
| Answer: Sailplanes/gliders may be hand launched, towed into the air behind a R/C gas powered tug aircraft, catapult-launched using an elastic bungee or electric powered ground winch. The sailplane/gliders ride on thermal lift or the winds generating on upslope hills known as ridge lift. |
| Answer: Many pilots move indoors in the winter to avoid the cold temperatures. Wind strength and wind direction have the greatest influence on the flying of aero-models. Some models such as micro-lights do not tolerate even the slightest of breezes. Whereas an aircraft design such as a Thunderbolt will fly in fairly strong prairie winds. Pilots wait for lakes to freeze to fly their ski aircraft and hot days to create thermals to fly sailplanes. Dressing appropriately is the key to pilot comfort. It goes without saying that no pilot will be standing out on an open airfield during a lightning event. Pilots avoid rain in order to protect their aircraft and electronics. The potential flight envelope is influenced by the position of the sun relevant to the runway and pilot comfort (too hot, too cold). |
| Answer: Fun flys are great opportunities for the builder/pilots and their families to get together, to renew old friendships, and make new friends. The events have many things in common with the old fashion church social or community picnic. They all involve great people, entertaining activities, super food and of course remote control (RC) aircraft. Each club hosts at least one “Gathering of RC aircraft” a year. These weekend events are open to the public. Some events may be theme specialized i.e. float aircraft, sailplanes, control line, helicopters while others are open to all styles of aero-models. The pilots are always happy to show off their aircraft and share technical information. The location and schedules of these events are listed on the events tab and the events calendar on this MAAC website. |
| Answer: There certainly is. Competition may range from simple events at local fun flys through official MAAC sanctioned contests flown to rules posted elsewhere on this website, all the way to World Championship events. Canada has a good record in International events with a few wins and numerous high placings. |
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