Frequently asked questions about GCRCC

1. What does it cost to join?

2. Is an active AMA membership required to fly?

3. Can I receive help in learning to fly?

4. Can I get help learning to fly at any time outside the training program?

5. What benefits does my club membership provide?

6. When are club meetings held?

7. What are the hours of operation of the club flying site?

8. I already know how to fly.  Do I have to go through the club training program?

9. I want to learn how to fly a helicopter.  Is there an instruction program for this?

10. I still have questions about GCRCC.  Who can I contact?

Q:  What does it cost to join?

A:  Annual membership at the GCRCC is $50 for senior members (19 years of age and older) and $15 for juniors (ages 16-18).  For each senior membership your spouse and dependants under 16 can join for $1 apiece. If you join after October 1st, you will not be charged full membership fees because the instruction program has ended for the year.

Q: Is an active AMA membership required to fly?

A:  AMA Open or Park Pilot membership is required at all times for GCRCC members.  You must show proof of AMA membership when you pay dues to receive "flying status."  There is no substitution for an AMA membership.  Your homeowner's insurance will not cover you for any liability.

Q: Can I receive help in learning to fly?

A:   The greatest benefit to new GCRCC members is the instruction program.  This comprehensive training program is held on Monday and Wednesday nights from 6:30 PM to dusk from April through September.  Each new student is provided with a training manual containing all the basic information needed to begin flying.  The program is a skill-based instruction program that starts with the basics of straight and level flight and adds progressively more complicated skills as soon as the basics are mastered.  You will progress through turns and altitude management to take-offs, landings and mild aerobatics.  The instructor will maintain a step-by-step skill sheet to keep track of your progress.  When you are ready for your solo flight you will demonstrate safe flying skills and command of your aircraft to two designated instructors.  When this is completed you will be "signed off" and earn your wings.

Q: Can I get help learning to fly at any time outside the training program?

A:  Yes.  Most instructors are happy to assist students on weekends or other times during the year when they may be at the field.  The student may ask the instructor for assistance but PLEASE understand that the instructor may not be able to provide help at that time.  You will mostly be assisted because who in their right mind will turn down stick time on somebody else's gas?

Q: What benefits does my club membership provide?

A:  Your membership in GCRCC goes far beyond a flying field and a monthly meeting. GCRCC is a community organization.  We take pride in participating in various community and charity functions each year.  In fact, we participate in over 40 such events each year.  We are proud to support the Spina Bifida Association of Greater Cincinnati each year with the Kid's Fly.  Other events include support of the Boy Scouts, sponsoring community sports teams for children, volunteering to teach basic aerodynamics to young schoolchildren, support for local college projects in aerodynamics and and others.  Additionally, the club sponsors many flying contests that are both challenging and fun.  We have an annual banquet that is a fantastic evening for club members and their families.  Several picnics throughout the year provide a day of fun, food, and flight for the entire family.  The greatest event of the year is the annual "Flying Circus."  If you have never seen this show it is second to none anywhere in the US in crowd pleasing antics. This is three to four hours of a dozen airplanes constantly in the air performing chases, races and stunts such as the low level balloon bust.  Slow electric park flyers that fly at a walking pace to specialized racing airplanes with blistering 200+ mph performance wow the crowd.  Lastly, each member will receive the monthly newsletter, 'Flightlines' which contains club news and model related articles.

Q: When are club meetings held?

A:  Club meeting s are held on the last Thursday of the month with the exception of November and December.  These two months are combined into the first Thursday in December.  Indoor meetings start at 7:30 PM from November through April.  Check home page for current location.  Outdoor meetings are held at the flying site at dusk - to maximize flying time - from May through October.

Q: What are the hours of operation of the club flying site?

A:  The field is open to members 365 days a year.  Flying is permitted during hours with sufficient visibility for SAFE flying.

Q: I already know how to fly.  Do I have to go through the club training program?

A:  Experienced pilots do not have to go through the training program.  You will be asked to demonstrate SAFE flying skills and ground etiquette.

Q: I want to learn how to fly a helicopter.  Is there an instruction program for this?

A:  At the present time there is no official helicopter training program. There are several very highly qualified helicopter pilots in the club who can assist you in getting started.

Q: I still have questions about GCRCC.  Who can I contact?

A:  Various resources are listed on our contacts page.