3-Day Fixed-Wing RC Training Syllabus
Valley Flyers

This syllabus is designed for a motivated adult student (60+) seeking to safely solo a fixed‑wing RC trainer aircraft. All flying will be conducted on a buddy‑box system, with the instructor retaining ultimate control. Training takes place at Apollo 11 RC Airfield, featuring a long asphalt runway (~600 ft), wide pattern space, and proper flight stations.

Primary Goals:

  • End of Day 2: Student performs consistent takeoffs and landings on the buddy box.
  • Day 3: Reinforce all skills, refine smoothness, and prepare for solo progression at his home field.

Daily training time: approximately 3–4 hours including breaks, RealFlight simulator warm‑ups, and debriefs.


Day 1 – Foundations, Orientation & Basic Flight Control

Objective: Build a strong foundation in safety, orientation, and basic control. By the end of Day 1, the student should be comfortable maintaining straight‑and‑level flight, gentle turns, and basic pattern work.

Block 1 (30–45 minutes): Ground Briefing & Field Orientation

  • Introduce Apollo 11 RC Airfield layout: runway, flight stations, pit area, no‑fly zones.
  • Safety briefing: flight line etiquette, callouts, emergency procedures.
  • Trainer aircraft overview: 1500 mm wingspan, tricycle gear, flaps, CG, control surfaces.
  • Buddy‑box explanation: how control is handed off and recovered.
  • Orientation basics: left/right when approaching vs departing, importance of keeping the aircraft in front.

Block 2 (20–30 minutes): RealFlight 9.5 Warm‑Up

  • Basic stick familiarization on the simulator.
  • Straight‑and‑level flight, gentle turns, altitude control.
  • Instructor narrates inputs to build mental mapping before real flight.

Block 3 (45–60 minutes): First Flights – Basic Control

  • Instructor takeoff and climb to safe altitude.
  • Buddy‑box handoff for straight flight and gentle turns.
  • Practice:
    • Banking left/right with smooth aileron inputs.
    • Coordinated turns (bank + slight elevator).
    • Throttle management for altitude stability.
  • Short sessions with breaks to avoid overload.

Block 4 (45–60 minutes): High Pattern Work & Orientation Drills

  • Introduce Apollo’s rectangular pattern: upwind, crosswind, downwind, base, final.
  • Student flies high‑altitude rectangular circuits.
  • Orientation drills:
    • “Freeze and identify” attitude checks.
    • Approach vs departure orientation corrections.
  • Instructor performs all landings with narration.

Block 5 (20–30 minutes): Debrief & Mental Rehearsal

  • Review what felt natural vs challenging.
  • Discuss pattern shape, altitude discipline, and smooth inputs.
  • Mental walk‑through of takeoff → pattern → landing sequence.

Day 2 – Takeoff & Landing Mastery

Objective: By the end of Day 2, the student should be able to perform consistent takeoffs and landings on the buddy box.

Block 1 (20–30 minutes): RealFlight 9.5 – Takeoff & Landing Simulation

  • Simulated takeoffs: centerline tracking, rotation timing.
  • Simulated landings: downwind → base → final → flare.
  • Instructor narrates throttle/elevator coordination.

Block 2 (30–45 minutes): Takeoff Theory & Field Application

  • Runway alignment at Apollo’s long asphalt strip.
  • Smooth throttle advance, slight up elevator at rotation speed.
  • Use of rudder/aileron to maintain centerline.
  • Flaps introduction:
    • Discuss 10–15° flap setting for smoother rotation.
    • Explain how flaps affect lift and pitch.

Block 3 (60–75 minutes): Takeoff Training (Buddy‑Box)

  • Instructor demonstration (with and without flaps).
  • Student‑assisted takeoffs:
    • First few: instructor handles throttle, student rotates.
    • Progress to full student takeoffs.
  • Multiple cycles: takeoff → climb → short pattern → instructor landing.
  • Emphasis on smoothness and runway centerline discipline.

Block 4 (60–75 minutes): Landing Training (Buddy‑Box)

  • Instructor demonstration landings with narration.
  • Student controls downwind and base; instructor takes final.
  • Progress to full student landings:
    • Throttle for glide path.
    • Elevator for attitude and flare.
    • Flaps optional for slower, more stable approaches.
  • Teach go‑arounds as a normal, safe option.

Block 5 (30–45 minutes): Consolidation

  • Goal: 2–3 full cycles (student takeoff → pattern → student landing).
  • Debrief: highlight improvements and remaining habits to refine.

Day 3 – Refinement, Variations & Solo Readiness

Objective: Reinforce all skills from Days 1–2, improve smoothness, and prepare the student for solo progression at his home club.

Block 1 (20–30 minutes): RealFlight 9.5 – Pattern & Landing Polish

  • Simulated pattern spacing and approach consistency.
  • Simulated crosswind corrections if wind conditions allow.

Block 2 (60–75 minutes): Full‑Cycle Flights

  • Student performs:
    • Takeoff (with or without flaps).
    • 2–3 pattern circuits.
    • Full landing.
  • Instructor minimizes intervention but remains ready.
  • Focus on consistency, spacing, and energy management.

Block 3 (60–75 minutes): Variations & Light Scenario Training

  • Longer/shorter downwind legs.
  • Adjusting base turn timing.
  • Crosswind corrections (if conditions allow).
  • Go‑around decision practice.
  • Flap‑on vs flap‑off landing comparison.

Block 4 (30–45 minutes): Final Assessment & Home‑Field Transition Plan

  • Assessment flights with minimal instructor narration.
  • Feedback on strengths and areas to monitor.
  • Home‑field plan:
    • Buddy‑box flights with local instructors.
    • Focus on pattern and landing consistency before solo.
    • Use RealFlight for continued practice.

Notes for Older Adult Learners

  • Clear, calm narration during flight.
  • Frequent short breaks to avoid fatigue.
  • Positive reinforcement with specific feedback.
  • Visual diagrams on the ground to reinforce pattern geometry.

Instructor Considerations

  • Humidity may slightly affect density altitude; expect slightly softer climb performance.
  • 1500 mm trainers with tricycle gear are ideal for Apollo’s long runway.
  • Flaps can be introduced gradually—avoid over‑complicating Day 1.
  • RealFlight warm‑ups before each flying block help reduce first‑flight jitters.