Two of the most often asked questions are:

(A) How difficult are Aircraft to fly?

(B) How cheaply can I start the hobby?

(A) First, how difficult is it to fly? Think back to when you were learning how to ride a bicycle. At first, the task seemed hopeless, but once mastered, these skills become automatic. This resembles learning to fly, because at first you have virtually no control, and you don't think you ever will have. Then one day, you'll be able to fly Solo. Unfortunately learning on your own, away from a Club field usually ends in disaster.

Gravity is always there waiting to catch your mistakes, and despite how easy it looks, the skills required are all new.

Learning to be a good pilot takes a lot of practice, concentration and patience, but with a little dedication and good advice early on, most people eventually succeed.

(B) The second question - how cheaply can you get into this hobby?, is more difficult to answer, because much depends on the quality and type of equipment.

Typical Euro prices for the popular 40 size "Almost Ready to Fly" Basic trainer Aircraft range is €100. A suitable radio complete with the necessary rechargeable Batteries and Charger will range from €185 to €225. Finally suitable engines of this size will range from €80 to €120.

A few basic tools, Fuel and accessories will add a further €120, and you should be ready to fly.

Realistically, you should be prepared to have a budget of €500 for the finished model, with a further 150 to cover Club membership and Insurance.

The most popular models all pre covered with minimal assembly are the "Boomerang 40" , Tutor 40 Trainer and Ripmax Trainer 40.

Please remember that in the beginning you are looking for a nice flying model suitable for learning, so don’t be tempted to buy a model based on its looks, that comes later. I.e. Six-foot Spitfires are not for learning!

Larger models known as " 60 size " with 10 C.C engines are available but cannot really be recommended to the beginner in terms of both complexity and cost.

Second-hand Aircraft and equipment are often available but please be cautious and get advice where necessary. They make great bargains for a 2nd Model but as a rule will prove a waste of time and effort for a beginner if they are not of reasonable quality.

SAFETY: The engine of a model Aircraft is potentially very dangerous, it has to be treated with extreme caution at all times.

Proper construction is vital to safety. A poorly constructed model will almost inevitably malfunction, and go out of control, leading to unnecessary risk to you and your fellow fliers.

Never fly close to spectators and do not fly close to a built up area.

I hope that this short introduction to Aeroplanes will encourage you to pursue the idea.