New To RC?

So you want to fly Radio Control?

First things first!

If you do not have a plane or equipment, do not buy anything until you are assigned an instructor. Your instructor will help you make the best choice for a trainer plane. Choosing the wrong first plane will slow your training and make learning to fly less fun. An instructor will be assigned to you at no cost.

How much does it cost?

Ages 19-64
AMA annual membership $ 75
RRCC one time initiation fee $100
RRCC annual dues $100 *
Total first year $275

Ages 65 and older
AMA annual membership $ 65
RRCC one time initiation fee $100
RRCC annual dues $ 65 *
Total first year $230

Ages under 19
AMA annual membership $ 15
RRCC initiation fee Free
RRCC annual dues $ 15 *
Total first year $ 30
*Dues are prorated if you join after January

Training is FREE

There is no cost to you. Our Flight Training Administrator will match up your schedule with that of an instructor. He will teach you to be a safe RC pilot. Early in this training, a Club aircraft and transmitter are used. As you gain in aircraft knowledge and set-up abilities, you can transition to your own plane and equipment. We highly recommend the “Apprentice” as your first airplane. Cost is around $350 for the plane with extra battery and prop, available at your local hobby shop.

Websites and Contacts

AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics): www.modelaircraft.org

FAA (Federal Aviation Administration): www.faa.gov

RRCC Officers and Contact: Click HERE

Facebook group: Click HERE

Facebook page: Click HERE

Detailed information

Here is how you can join the Richardson Radio Control Club and learn to fly. There are just few simple steps needed to get you into the “pilot’s seat.”

First, go to www.modelaircraft.org. This is the RRCC parent organization, the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Click on Join/Renew and follow the instructions. The annual cost is just $100 for the adult membership and $65.00 for seniors (65 and older). Youth membership for those under 19 is $15. AMA membership is a prerequisite for membership in RRCC. AMA provides many benefits including a $2,500,000 liability insurance policy. If you join online, you can print off a temporary membership card which allows you to start flying now!

A few short weeks after mailing your application, you will receive a membership card from the AMA. Your AMA card will have your AMA number, which you will need for the RRCC application. Next, click on "NEW MEMBERS button on this page" and follow the directions. The cost is $100 for initiation and the annual dues of $100 for adult membership. Senior and youth membership are $65 and $15, respectively. After completing the application form, you can email it to treasurer@rrcc.org or mail it along with your check to the address shown.

To visit our flying field, you can find the map by clicking here. Our address is 6540 FM 546, Princeton, TX, 75407. This is on the East side of Lake Lavon. Come out any day that the wind is less than 10 to 15 mph to visit and talk with some of the members. Our facility is a showplace for model airplane flying and home to a friendly group of avid flyers of all ages.

Come to one of our meetings. Directions can be found on the main page of our website. With your membership application completed, we will talk with you about your need for instruction. An instructor will be assigned to you to teach you how to fly. This person will help you pick out a trainer plane. Do not go out by yourself and purchase a plane. While it generally takes just a few sessions for a new pilot to learn how to fly, it can be very frustrating (and dangerous) if you crash a plane during your first few flights. This is a very important decision. An instructor will have a transmitter connected to yours while you are learning, and will correct any mistake you might make. He will also give you really important tips. There is no charge for you to learn to fly. Your instructor will also help you estimate the cost of getting started including the plane, batteries, fuel, and all needed accessories.

Finally, our club views safety as our number one goal. Your instructor will direct you in this area. We have a safety director that oversees our flying and every member accepts the responsibility of helping others to have a safe day flying. Our number two goal is to have fun flying.