| Click HERE to register for Flight School |
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Click HERE for Getting Started PDF |
Welcome to Flight School 2026
Learning to fly a radio-controlled model aircraft safely and skillfully is an exciting and demanding challenge. The Stetson Flight School exists to provide the training and practice you need to succeed.
R/C flying is enjoyed by all kinds of people, with students ranging from 8 to 80 and beyond. We at Flight School are always happy to answer questions from prospective students and to welcome visitors to the field. If you contact us in advance (see link below), we can arrange a demonstration flight (with dual instruction) so you can sample the experience.
(If you are an experienced R/C pilot joining Stetson Flyers, you will need to demonstrate your flying skills before you can fly unsupervised at the Stetson field. Please contact Flight School to arrange a basic flight test using the link below.)
Joining Flight School
To register in Flight School, you need to do three things:
- Sign up for Flight School and tell us about your interests and any previous experience. Please use the link above for online registration. It’s a good idea to get your name in early, as enrolment may be limited.
- Join Stetson Flyers Model Airplane Club using the Registration link [LINK] on this web site. You need to do this before your first flight training session
- Join Model Aeronautics Association of Canada (MAAC). This provides our insurance coverage and is required for all club members including Flight School students.
Ground School
Regular Flight School sessions start in May, but before then we hold a one-evening Ground School session. This year it will be from:
- 19:00 to 21:00
- Tuesday April 14th, 2026
- Pat Clark Community Centre, 4355 Halmont Drive, Gloucester.
- https://bit.ly/pat-clark-centre
Please try to get your training off to a good start by attending this session.
Trainer Aircraft and Equipment
As a Flight School student, you will need your own aircraft and equipment. It’s important to have a trainer setup that meets Flight School requirements.
For more information, see the document “Getting Started in R/C Flying” [LINK] available on this website. We strongly recommend that before you purchase a plane, radio, or other equipment, you read it carefully. If you have questions, we are here to help (see link below).
Flight Training
For most flight training we use dual instruction. An experienced instructor using the master transmitter will guide you as you learn to fly the plane on your student radio. Later you will get to “go solo” with the instructor or other qualified pilot providing only verbal guidance.
Regular Flight School sessions are held on Tuesday evenings, from early May to late September (depending on weather). Sessions start at 16:30 and continue until the light gets dim or batteries are exhausted. Other flying at the field is suspended for this period.
Always check 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 for training outside Flight School.
Students can only fly under direct supervision of a qualified pilot.
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. On successful completion, you will receive your pilot’s Wings and your MAAC status will be changed from Student to Pilot.
Transport Canada Requirements
Radio-controlled model aircraft are treated by Transport Canada as “remotely piloted aircraft systems” (RPAS) and are subject to the Canadian Aviation Regulations.
As a student, you will always be supervised by a qualified pilot, so don’t need a Transport Canada pilot license, but any plane you own weighing 250g or more must be registered to fly.
Once you earn your Stetson Wings, you must have a Transport Canada RPAS Pilot Certificate (Basic or Advanced) to fly without supervision. This requires you to pass an on-line multiple-choice test covering a range of aviation topics. Note that young people under 14 are not eligible for the license and must always fly under the supervision of a qualified pilot.
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