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Welcome to Flight School 2025
Learning to fly a radio-controlled model plane is an exciting challenge. The Stetson Flight School will help you succeed.
To join Flight School, you must be a member of the Stetson Flyers club, but we are happy to welcome visitors to the field and to answer any questions. If you contact us in advance (see link below), we can arrange a demonstration flight (with dual instruction) so you can sample the RC experience.
The Stetson Flyers club requires that all members belong to the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada (MAAC). This ensures that we have adequate liability insurance, operate within a strict safety code, and comply with all applicable government regulations.
R/C flying is enjoyed by all kinds of people. Students range from 8 to 80.
Ground School
Regular Flight School sessions start in May, but before then we hold a one-evening Ground School. This year it will be from:
- 19:00 to 21:00
- Wednesday, April 16, 2025
- Pat Clark Community Centre, 4355 Halmont Drive, Gloucester.
- https://bit.ly/pat-clark-centre
Please make every effort to get your training off to a good start by attending this session. (If you can’t make it, don’t worry. All the topics will be covered throughout Flight School training.
Trainer Aircraft and Equipment
As a Flight School student, you will need your own aircraft and equipment. It’s important to have a trainer that meets Flight School requirements.
For more information, see the document “Getting Started in R/C Flying” available on this website HERE. We strongly recommend that before you purchase a plane, radio, or other equipment, you read that document carefully. If you have questions, we are here to help. See contact below.
Flight Training
For your flight training you will use dual instruction. An experienced instructor using the master transmitter will guide you on the student radio (and take over if necessary).
Regular Flight School sessions are held on Tuesday evenings, from early May to late September (depending on weather). Sessions start at 16:30 and run until the light gets dim. Other flying at the field is suspended for this period.
Check the front page of this website for details. Confirmation of each session is posted on the day of Flight School. When the weather is unsuitable for flying, Flight School may be deferred to Wednesday evening.
We aim to have at least one additional informal flying session each week, usually early on Saturday or Sunday morning. We also encourage individual students and instructors to get together outside Flight School.
Students are only allowed to fly under direct supervision.
To complete your basic training, you will take a flight test to demonstrate your skill in basic maneuvers. In addition, you will take a written test about MAAC and Stetson rules and be required to have a Transport Canada Drone Pilot license (see below). On successful completion, you will receive your pilot’s Wings and enjoy full use of the Stetson flying field.
Transport Canada Requirements
Radio-controlled model aircraft and their support are treated by Transport Canada as drones or “remotely piloted aircraft systems” (RPAS) and thus are subject to Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations. To fly independently you must have a Transport Canada RPAS Pilot Certificate (Basic or Advanced). This requires you to pass an on-line multiple-choice test covering a range of aviation topics. The Basic test is not difficult, but it does require preparation. As well, you must register any model weighing 250g or more.
Since your training will be supervised by an instructor, you don’t have to pass the Transport Canada test until you are well advanced in the training process.
See “Meeting Transport Canada Requirements” on this website.
Looking Forward to Seeing You
Come join us for the experience of learning to fly R/C. You can sign up for Flight School now, even if you are not yet a member of Stetson Flyers. You will be confirmed as a Flight School student when you join the Club.
Welcome to the hobby!
Nigel Chippindale, Chief Flying Instructor
Contact: CFI@StetsonFlyers.com