Training - North Berks Radio Model Aircraft Society

The NBRMAS Training Scheme is available to club members. The target of the training is to allow members to learn the skills required to pass the “A (FW)” certificate. The club training officer oversees all training.

It is very important, when buying your first model and radio equipment that you first speak to the head trainer for advise. this is to make sure that it is possible to link the trainers transmitter with the students transmitter. This can save hundreds of pounds in models. If the trainers are unable to link their transmitters they will be unable to help.

For non-members, the NBRMAS will allow two flights with an instructor a taster session. All our instructor’s time is free of charge. If the training scheme scheme is full, new and prospective members may have to join a waiting list until space becomes available. Once on the training scheme it is expected that you will purchase your own trainer model and radio equipment as the A(FW) test has to be completed on your own aircraft.

Training will be organised most Sundays when training instructors are available.

The NBRMAS Training Scheme

1. Safety talk.
2. Model setup.
3. Using a ‘buddy box’ system, your instructor will get the aircraft flying and pass control over to you. This means if you get into difficulty, they can release a button and retake control.
4. You will learn how to do circuits in both directions whilst maintaining a uniform height.
5. You will learn how to fly an equal figure of eight at a uniform height.
6. You will learn to take off and land.
8. You will learn the A(FW) schedule required for the test.
9. Once training team are happy, you will then be passed over to a proficient Club member (who holds a A(FW)). They will stand with you while you practice your schedule.
10. Your instructor will submit an application to take the A(FW) test when they are confident that you are at a suitable standard to pass it.

The ‘A’ Fixed wing Schedule. This can be found on the BMFA website

1. Carry out pre-flight checks
2. Take off and complete a circuit and overfly the take-off area.
3. Fly a ‘figure of eight’ course with the cross-over point in front of the pilot, height to be constant.
4. Fly a rectangular circuit and approach with appropriate use of the throttle and perform a landing on the designated landing area.
5. Take off and complete a circuit and overfly the take-off area.
6. Fly a rectangular circuit at a constant height in the opposite direction to the landing circuit flown in 4
7. Perform a simulated dead-stick landing with the engine at idle, beginning at a safe height (approx. 200 ft) heading into wind over the take-off area, the landing to be made in a safe manner on the designated landing area.
8. Remove model and equipment from take-off/landing area.
9. Complete post-flight checks
10. Answer 5 Supplementary Questions on local flying rules.

For more information please contact the Training Officer below:

Example multichoice questions for D.M.A.R.E.S.

Some questions have more than one correct answer

Can you, lawfully, fly your model aircraft out of sight behind trees?

Yes, because the aircraft is quickly back in view.
No, because you must be able to see your aircraft at all times.
Yes, so long as you have checked behind the trees first.

You are flying your model aircraft safely at a safe height but there are other people in the vicinity. You notice an air ambulance (or other manned aircraft) flying in your direction.
What should you do?

Attempt to gain the attention of the air ambulance to warn them of your aircraft.
Attempt to gain the attention of the air ambulance to warn them of your aircraft.
Quickly fly your aircraft out of the way of the air ambulance and either wait or land safely.

You want to fly in an empty field near to an airport. The field is outside the airport boundary fence, so is it OK to fly there?

You must check that the field is outside the airport’s flight restriction zone before you fly.
You can fly in the field because it is outside the airport’s boundary.
As long as you don’t fly over 400ft (120m), you are safe to fly in this field.”

Which of these is the main reason for not flying above 400ft?

Because it’s impossible to control your drone or model aircraft at that distance.
Because it’s cooler at that height and your drone or model aircraft may fail.
Because the airspace above 400ft is used by other aircraft.

You are planning to fly from the top of a 150 ft high hill. Which of the following is correct?

You can fly up to 400ft high from where you are standing, but you may be able to fly higher if you are operating under a current CAA exemption.
You can fly as high as you like from there as long as nobody else is around.
You can only fly up to 250ft high from where you are standing.

You’re out flying your model aircraft in an area you know well.
You start to get worried that you might lose sight of your model in the glare of the low winter sun.
What should you do?

Land immediately as soon as your aircraft goes out of sight.
You can normally see your aircraft here and you know the area well, so it’s not a problem.
Steadily fly your aircraft back towards you until you’re sure you can see it. Then re-assess before deciding whether to carry on.

You arrive at a site and want to get ready to fly your model aircraft.
Which of the following must you check?

Whether there are any local byelaws that mean you’re not allowed to fly there.
That there are absolutely no other drone or model aircraft flyers around.
That the weather is going to be suitable for your flight.

Which of the following points about fuel and batteries for your model aircraft are correct?

You should make sure your controller has enough battery power before flying.
Some types of battery do not last as long in cold weather and this may reduce the amount of time you can fly.
You should always make sure you have enough fuel or battery power to last through your planned flight.