Help! Starting an RC Airplane Club at My School

[_Sparrow_]

Hi everyone,

My name is Cyrus, and I’ve been at Oklahoma Academy for 7 years now. About 4 years ago, we had a small group of 7–8 students flying RC airplanes together, but since they graduated, the hobby kind of left with them.

Now I’m working on bringing it back by starting a new RC club. We’ve already got about 12 people interested, and I’d love to build it into something lasting that can continue for future students.

I’m looking for advice on:

• How to structure a club that keeps people engaged.
• Fun beginner-friendly projects we can build together.
• Tips for managing costs (we’re students, so budget is always a factor).

Any experiences, stories, or resources would be hugely appreciated. Thanks to Flite Test for inspiring so many of us to take flight—excited to learn from all of you!

—Cyrus

 

[Houndpup Rc]

Hi everyone,

My name is Cyrus, and I’ve been at Oklahoma Academy for 7 years now. About 4 years ago, we had a small group of 7–8 students flying RC airplanes together, but since they graduated, the hobby kind of left with them.

Now I’m working on bringing it back by starting a new RC club. We’ve already got about 12 people interested, and I’d love to build it into something lasting that can continue for future students.

I’m looking for advice on:

• How to structure a club that keeps people engaged.
• Fun beginner-friendly projects we can build together.
• Tips for managing costs (we’re students, so budget is always a factor).

Any experiences, stories, or resources would be hugely appreciated. Thanks to Flite Test for inspiring so many of us to take flight—excited to learn from all of you!

—Cyrus

Sounds like a great project! How big of a area do you have for flying? Something that might help people to stay engaged is to start some sort of challenge or something....Depends of the age level of course

 

[_Sparrow_]

Yes, we are based at a high school that has a real flight program, so we have a full runway that's about 2,500 feet long. We have a ton of room to fly. For a workroom, we turned an old dorm room at the end of our hall into a hobby room. And the majority of us have little to no RC flying experience, but I have flown my FT Simple Cub. But like I said, we have had some guys previously who knew a lot about flying, and they left a lot of their materials like controllers, motors, servos, batteries, and receivers, also other odds and ends like wheels, wire, and foam. But other than that, I am not too sure where to begin.

 

[Houndpup Rc]

Yes, we are based at a high school that has a real flight program, so we have a full runway that's about 2,500 feet long. We have a ton of room to fly. For a workroom, we turned an old dorm room at the end of our hall into a hobby room. And the majority of us have little to no RC flying experience, but I have flown my FT Simple Cub. But like I said, we have had some guys previously who knew a lot about flying, and they left a lot of their materials like controllers, motors, servos, batteries, and receivers, also other odds and ends like wheels, wire, and foam. But other than that, I am not too sure where to begin.

Okay, sweet! I would say a good first [plane would be the FT Simple Scout...Since budget is a concern you may want to scratch build, here is the links to a whole bunch of free plans that you can print off on any printer and then tape them together...The foam you will want will be Adam's readi board that you get from dollar store

SP0NZ - Plans Index

FTCA PLANS FTCA Air Crew Members download ALL plans for FREE! https://ftca.flitetest.com/product/ft-3d-xl/ https://ftca.flitetest.com/product/ft-b-25-mitchell/ https://ftca.flitetest.com/product/ft-boomin-flerken/ https://ftca.flitetest.com/product/ft-ez-fantasy-pack/...

forum.flitetest.com

 

[Houndpup Rc]

For electronics you can find them all individually or buy FT's power pack kit...Or there is this good budget option that will get you started! I recommend the deluxe pack as that will give you more options to what planes you can build off it and I have always like a little extra power to allow to to pull out of crashes ect.

Links for FT's power packs:

Electronics - Power Pack Kits - Flite Test Retail Store

store.flitetest.com

Budget power pack option:

A2212 1000kv-1400kv | 30 AMP ESC 4x MG90s Mini Servo 3s ESC 30a ESC Props 9x6 | eBay

For both 1000kv and 1400kv Kits. This really puts the pep in those nice scratch build basic warbirds. A2212 1400KV 10T brushless outrunner motor 1400kv Motor kit includes Gemfan Prop 9x6 makes a nice smooth combo.

www.ebay.com

 

[Houndpup Rc]

For radio and receiver I recommend this:

Amazon.com: FLYSKY FS-i6X 10CH 2.4GHz RC Transmitter Controller with FS-iA6B Receiver Upgrade Cable for RC Boat Racing Drone (Mode_2) : Toys & Games

Amazon.com: FLYSKY FS-i6X 10CH 2.4GHz RC Transmitter Controller with FS-iA6B Receiver Upgrade Cable for RC Boat Racing Drone (Mode_2) : Toys & Games

amzn.to

 

[Mr Man]

Okay, sweet! I would say a good first [plane would be the FT Simple Scout...Since budget is a concern you may want to scratch build, here is the links to a whole bunch of free plans that you can print off on any printer and then tape them together...The foam you will want will be Adam's readi board that you get from dollar store

SP0NZ - Plans Index

FTCA PLANS FTCA Air Crew Members download ALL plans for FREE! https://ftca.flitetest.com/product/ft-3d-xl/ https://ftca.flitetest.com/product/ft-b-25-mitchell/ https://ftca.flitetest.com/product/ft-boomin-flerken/ https://ftca.flitetest.com/product/ft-ez-fantasy-pack/...

forum.flitetest.com

Yup, then you and your class could have a gotcha gaggle Sparrow!

 

[FlyerInStyle]

Hi everyone,

My name is Cyrus, and I’ve been at Oklahoma Academy for 7 years now. About 4 years ago, we had a small group of 7–8 students flying RC airplanes together, but since they graduated, the hobby kind of left with them.

Now I’m working on bringing it back by starting a new RC club. We’ve already got about 12 people interested, and I’d love to build it into something lasting that can continue for future students.

I’m looking for advice on:

• How to structure a club that keeps people engaged.
• Fun beginner-friendly projects we can build together.
• Tips for managing costs (we’re students, so budget is always a factor).

Any experiences, stories, or resources would be hugely appreciated. Thanks to Flite Test for inspiring so many of us to take flight—excited to learn from all of you!

—Cyrus

What I would say (as I have done myself for 2 years, is start with a couple of lectures about planes. Yes people will be bored, but then after when you start building an RC plane (which I recommend while the weather is good), they will see how it applies and be more interested. Then build chuck gliders and have them design their own, either in cad if you can teach it or just on paper with pencil. Past that, they would know enough to be able to pick their own project if you even have any time left. Another thing is, even if you have 12 people interested don't expect 12 to show up. For my club, 25 signed up last year and I got 4 consistent members, the others just couldn't make time. It's a terrible ratio, and I hope yours will be much better. For budget, if your school allows, do a couple of fundraisers like selling 3d printed airplane models or something like that. A lot of my stuff focuses around 3d printing and cad mostly cause that is a secondary hobby of mine. I can help with any other questions or issues you have about a club if you do end up having any.

 

[tomlogan1]

We have monthly meetings, same day (3rd Wednesday) same time. One of the highlights is "show & tell". People bring something they built, bought, found were gifted, etc. and describe it to the club. We also have a lawn dart trophy for the most recent crash. Both activities generate a lot of interest and attendance.

 

[Merv]

...But like I said, we have had some guys previously who knew a lot about flying, and they left a lot of their materials like controllers, motors, servos, batteries, and receivers, also other odds and ends like wheels, wire, and foam....

Sounds like you have everything you need to start.

Feel free to ask questions about the equipment you have on hand. Nothing is more cost effective than the equipment you already have.

Pick a trainer plane and build it, just follow the video.

I'd get in contact with a local flying club, I'm sure they will be happy to get involved.

 

[ithink2020]

I agree with everything that has been mentioned so far.

I also recommend the Simple Scout as a first plane! As well as a lot of sim time.

If you have personal computers, I would look into installing PhoenixRC Sim. It is a free (abandonware) sim that works really well. There are also a lot of Flite Test models here and on the web (search for "User-Built Models for PhoenixRC" plus the model you want to fly).

You can find more info about the sim at www.rc-thoughts.com/phoenix-sim/

I use the FlySky FS-i6x transmitter, which is connected via the cable that came with it. Instead of using a doggle, I used the emulator mentioned on the above site.

Use the instruction videos and other challenges in the SIM. Challenge each other to see who can do things better, etc.

I wish you luck on your journey!

 

[Mr Man]

Yes, we are based at a high school that has a real flight program, so we have a full runway that's about 2,500 feet long. We have a ton of room to fly. For a workroom, we turned an old dorm room at the end of our hall into a hobby room. And the majority of us have little to no RC flying experience, but I have flown my FT Simple Cub. But like I said, we have had some guys previously who knew a lot about flying, and they left a lot of their materials like controllers, motors, servos, batteries, and receivers, also other odds and ends like wheels, wire, and foam. But other than that, I am not too sure where to begin.

That's awesome that you have a runway to use.

 

[_Sparrow_]

Hey everyone,

Thank you so much for all the advice — it’s been incredibly helpful! I’ve learned a ton about getting a club started and keeping people engaged. Here’s what we’re going to do:

• Start with the FT Simple Scout as our first trainer plane and follow the build videos.
• Scratch-build with Dollar Tree foam board and free Flite Test plans to keep costs low.
• Hold weekly meetings with Show & Tell, maybe even a fun crash trophy.
• Explore fundraisers (such as 3D-printed planes) and reach out to local flying clubs for mentorship.

Thanks again to everyone for sharing your experiences and tips — it’s really making this club feel doable and exciting. I’ll keep updating as we get things rolling!

—Cyrus