Want to learn to fly?
For training, you have options.
At our West Field location, the public training program begins Monday June 6th, 2022 and will be held weekly through Monday, August 29th, 2022.
At the EPJ location, training is scheduled by appointment (see instructor contact info to the right). Instructors and equipment are available from 6pm until dusk. You can attend this program for up to three nights.
At West Field, we request the minimum age is 14 years old. At EPJ the minimum age rule can be waived at the instructors’ discretion.
There is no cost and you do not need any equipment. This program is intended to introduce new people to the hobby and let them decide if they want to take up the hobby and buy their own equipment.
The time required to learn to fly radio control models varies with each person. Some people pick it up very quickly. Others take more time. Either way, we want you to enjoy the hobby as much as we do and will help you learn the skills you need. Learning seems to work best for people who can schedule their training sessions close together over a short period of time.
If you decide you want to take up the hobby, we offer additional options. These options require that you acquire your own equipment and join the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics). You must buy equipment that is trainer or “buddy box” capable. Joining the AMA is necessary in order to provide liability insurance coverage. Also, registration with the FAA is required. You can do this at www.faa.gov/uas and the cost is only $5 for a 3 year certificate. While you are learning to fly, you are welcome to attend all club meetings and events.
Option 1 – Introductory Pilot Program
Our club and the AMA offer free membership for 60 days under the AMA Introductory Pilot program. You are entitled to fly with us and get personalized instruction from one of our qualified instructors. Training sessions are arranged between you and your instructor and can be done anytime you and your instructor can work out a time. You will not have full access to the field and you cannot fly by yourself. You must be with an instructor. At the end of your 60 days, you can decide if you want to become a full member in the club and AMA.
Option 2 – Full Club/AMA Membership
Our club and the AMA have two membership options; full membership and park flyer membership.
Full membership in the AMA is $75 for adults and free for youth 18 and under. Club membership is $100 for adults and $15 for youth under 18.
As with the Introductory Pilot Program, you can receive instruction from our qualified instructors. Your instructor will work with you until you have successfully soloed and demonstrated that you can safely control your aircraft. Once your instructor has signed your solo certificate, you will be granted full, unrestricted access to our club facilities.
The AMA membership options are explained more fully on their website at www.modelaircraft.org. Information about our club and our application can be found on our website at www.desmoinesmodelaires.com.
West Field
Our Monday training nights will begin on June 6th and will continue on every Monday night until August 29, 2022. The training nights begin at 6:00 p.m. and will continue until dusk and are open – no appointment needed.
EPJ Field
If you would like to have a lesson at our EPJ field, please contact one of these fine instructors for an appointment:
Jim Lewis (Airplane)
clone2tb@gmail.com
(515) 289 1144
Doug Griffith (Airplane) duggriff@yahoo.com
(515) 480 1585
Kelly Brown (Helicopter) kbrown@brownsmedicalimaging.com (515) 494 4884
Matt Coleman (Airplane & Helicopter)
colemn615@gmail.com
(515) 782 9499
Resources
The modelaires proudly recommend Hobby Haven and Hobbytown as your local sources for all your equipment needs.
Hobby Haven
(515) 276-8785
2575 86th Street
Urbandale, IA 50322
Website
Hobbytown
(515) 964-0443
1701 SE Delaware Ave, Suite 100
Ankeny, IA 50021
Website