Flying Standard.
- Flying Standard Take Off, Circuit And Flypast Procedure Turn Circuit And Procedure Turn
- Circuit Rectangular Circuit And Land Getting It Together Dead Stick Landing
The Bronze Award is designed to ensure that you are a safe flier and that you know the basic "does and don'ts" at the flying field.
It may surprise you to learn that around half the assessment of your abilities is based on your behaviour on the ground. If you've been well taught, this is second nature to you anyway. Being on your best behaviour for one test flight is no use if you've been behaving like an idiot previously.
When it comes to your test day, behave as you always should do. Check your model out, do a range check, know the transmitter control system and local club rules - especially if you're at someone else's flying field for a Safety/Testing weekend. Give everyone around you a nice warm feeling that you know what you're doing. If you need assistance with holding your model etc., ask for it.
Do all the above and you're halfway to passing before you've started your engine!
When you fly the Bronze Schedule, you must compensate for any wind. In particular, don't let the wind force you further and further downwind. Way downwind is where all sorts of nasties happen so don't go there. Make the Examiner know that you are dictating where the model is going - not the other way round!
Although you're doing a test, you are unlikely to have the sky to yourself so make sure that any other flier is always aware of what you're doing - calling out the manouevres is a good idea. Just because you're due to land doesn't mean you have priority - someone else may have a "deadstick" or be on the runway. Know what's going on. If you have to abort a manouevre for safety reasons - or a perceived safety reason - abort and let the examiner know why.
Always fly the manouevres well out in front of you. The very closest you should fly (apart from take off and landing) is the far side of the take off area. Coming to the nearside of the flying area is an instant and automatic fail.
It's not a bad idea to get a friend to assist you with engine starting, carrying and retrieving the model and calling for you. Your friend can also help in "spotting" other models in the air for you. Always make sure that your friend is following your directions - you must ensure that he/she is acting safely with your model.