The Cost!
The Way Forward
Getting The Gear The Aircraft The Engine The Radio Starting Gear The Cost True Story
There are two invisible costs that haven't even been mentioned yet.
Presumably you thought the guys down at the flying club were real helpful not to mention pretty cool! Joining the club is essential because unfortunately, the flying fields have to be maintained, rent has to be paid and so on and this all costs money.
How much to join a club? This will vary over the country and will also depend on the facilities the club has to offer. Clubs, if they're lucky and well-managed, will turn a very small profit over a year but generally speaking the cost is low - D.M.A.C.'s current annual membership fee is £24.00.
When you think about it, it's less than the discount you can expect to get if you buy all the gear etc. we've outlined in these pages!
The second invisible cost is insurance. All clubs will insist that you are covered by adequate model flying insurance before they allow you to fly at their site.
At D.M.A.C., the insurance is generally provided through an individuals membership of the Scottish Aeromodellers Association - (S.A.A.) and, in a few cases, the British Model Flying Association - (B.M.F.A.) which is currently £27.00 and £29, respectively.
| Club Membership (Annual) | £24.00 |
| S.A.A. Membership/Insurance (Annual) | £27.00 |
| Training Aircraft & Accessories | £90.00 |
| Engine & Accessories | £70.00 |
| Radio & Accessories | £150.00-£200.00 |
| Starting Gear (including fuel) | £90.00 |
| Total (Approx) | £450-£500 |
Probably a bit more than the £250 you thought! Our figure is closer to what you will spend to be up and running as opposed to your initial outlay.