generally what can i expect to pay for a flight lesson? im going to join the AMA and im looking for a club in my area.

JR16,

I've never charged for giving flight instruction. Every club I've been in has instructors that instruct for free - those are the members who have gained a lot from this hobby and just want to give something back. Some also do it just the enjoy teaching. If you find a club that wants to charge for instruction, look into a different club.

Hogflyer

haha, wow, i was expecting to hear like a 50-100 bucks a lesson which i dont feel is too bad.

That's one of the great things about this hobby. There are so many helpful people in it. I have instructed for years and wouldn't think of taking money for it.

You won't have a problem finding an instructor, but remember, you are taking up his time for flying. Be courteous and listen to what he says.

Welcome to the wonderful world of model aviation!

Rod

Like the others, I've been instructing for about 7 years now and have never charged a penny for it. Most clubs offer instruction for free.

Ken

The only time I was ever involved in teaching and charging for it was at our club trainer day... we charged 2 buck's a flight... our planes, fuel and support equipment... all the students had to do is show up with a few buck's and have FUN. When a new guy comes out with his own equipment and needs help/instruction it's ALWAY's given FREE OF CHARGE... I've even instructed a few people on my planes free of charge... they didn't think they would be able to fly and didn't want to spend the money to find out... most of them have planes now The only down side is I've spent many day's out at the field with my planes put together ready to go and never ran a drop of fuel through them... that's OK... makes um last longer

John

Been there, done that. More times than I care to even try to count. But I don't mind. If I'm helping a student then it's well worth it.

Ken

JR16,

There should never be a charge for lessons from a club instructor, but if you require specific scheduling and/or odd timing then buy the guy some glow fuel or a gift cert. to a LHS. I would shy away from an instructor who wants cash.

Most instructors do it for the love of the hobby. This hobby is filled with free advice and help. Some of it is good and some is BAD. In time, you will learn to tell the difference.

I agree that flight instruction should be free. In fact, I just finished repairing a Nexstar that another club member had crashed last year. I put my engine in it, purchased a new reciever and servos, recovered it with a custom job, and now have it solely for the purpose of doing demonstration flights. If someone calls me wanting and intro to the club, I'm ready to do it. Now if they want to contribute some fuel to the cause, I'm happy to let them!

Brad

I totally agree. There are enough people willing to help that you shouldn't have to pay.

That is a good idea and not unreasonable for someone to pay a little to cover expenses and help the club at the same time. I've seen lots of people drooling at the fence wanting to fly. It may be a good way to "set the hook"...LOL

Haven't we all been there! I don't instruct airplanes now days, there are new guys that are doing that, but I do instruct helicopters. If I did both, i'd never fly my own equipment!

Always thank your instructor as a matter of courtesy, even if it wasn't a great session! He will be back for more if you do.

Rod

If some "instructor" wants you to pay them, then they are not worth it. I know of this one club near me, HAS charged people before. They are wastes.

I'm testament to someone who "paid" for an instructor. He was out of a local hobby shop from the Salt Lake City area. He charged $25 for a half hour. During the 3rd lesson, my plane deadsticked after making half a circuit after take-off. Turned out it was the carberator hex head had stripped, and the carb came loose, leaning it out. He charged me the $25 anyway, and didn't offer to assist.

Luckily I knew what I was doing anyway, and tapped a little oversize on the hex head. He also didn't get another penny, and I bought a simulator instead. Don't pay anyone to instruct you, no matter how desperate you are to get into the air.

$25 for half an hour? I don't make that much at my job... and I have to WORK for it!!!! It's sad to see people doing this... I know the American way is to make a buck off anything... well for some of us anyway[>:] He wouldn't get away with that where I fly... he'd get so much Grief(putting it mildly) from the guy's like me he'd never show up at a field again... his students would be better off.

John

I think you'll find, as you have seen from these posts, that a charge for an instructor is highly unusual. Go to your local club and tell them you want to learn to fly and I expect you'll find their instructors thrilled to share the hobby with a newbie.

i thank you much for your replies im really looking forward to this spring. the owner of the hobby shop i goto is really into airplanes so i might ask him if he knows of any clubs in my area.

thanks
John

JR16, You can also search for local clubs right here on RC Universe. Look on the home page at the left side where the RED buttons are. There is a LOCAL CLUB button there. That will get you started.

Rod

I never charge for instructing either. I did have a student insist on giving me $5 the other day. I took it so as not to insult him but I told him not to try to do that again. I enjoy seeing new people enter the hobby. Besides, I can sell them all of my old crap. OK, just kidding on that one. [sm=bananahead.gif]

We have a guy that charges $75.00 for as long as it takes. A one time fee if you will. He supplies the buddy box and cord. What is your opinion of that fee.
Chopper man

About $75.00 too much. [:'(]

If he has to charge, consider charging him for the privilege of training you - about 25% more than he charges.

Hogflyer

There are enough people available to help, I don't think you need to pay him, unless you have enough money to throw away. I sure wouldn't. I feel he is taking advantage of people. Supplying a transmitter and trainer cord....big deal! You already have a transmitter and who doesn't keep a cord around? I bought mine just to transfer program to my other radios. I'll even loan transmitter and cord to other instructors if they don't have one.

Rod

One of my students flys JR, I fly Futaba, hence no buddy box. He went on fleabay and picked up another TX, identical to what he already has, for $30.00 w/o a crystal. He also went and bought a trainer chord - the set up worked fine for us over the weekend. I had to take the plane only once, but he really liked not having to hand the TX over. It will really pay for its self when we start patterns and landing.

I'd say spend the $75.00 on another TX like you already have along with a trainer chord, and find somebody who instructs for free. Those are usually the guys who enjoy it more anyway (have more patients and are probably better instructors).

Hogflyer

If he's on his own land he can do as he pleases. If he is at a club IMO the club should charge him $75 per student for using their facilities for a commercial venture.

Points well taken!! I would rather spend my money on a kit
Thanks
chopper man
P.S. I have been flying an Easy Star and seem to be doing just fine. I have purchased a glow trainer, which is my first. Should I gone on my own or seek free help.

Best way I've ever heard to drive people away![]

Rod

Chopper man,

Seek help. A nitro plane is a totally different critter. There will be a learning curve with it, so take advantage of others knowledge. Plenty of free help out there ripe for the pick'in.

Hogflyer