Three-Day RC Airplane Training Syllabus (Buddy-Box Instruction)

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

• Introduction & expectations: Discuss goals (solo, takeoff, landing), pace, and safety-first mindset.
• Field safety: Flight line etiquette, pit area, no-fly zones, and emergency procedures.
• Aircraft overview: Show the trainer aircraft: wings, tail, control surfaces, landing gear, CG, and power system.
• Radio & buddy-box: Explain transmitter layout (sticks, trims, switches), buddy-box operation, and how you will “give” and “take” control.
• Orientation concepts: Nose vs tail, left/right when the airplane is coming toward vs going away, and importance of keeping the model in front and high enough.

Block 2 (45–60 minutes): First Flights – Basic Control

• Instructor takeoff: You perform the takeoff and climb to a safe altitude.
• Buddy-box handoff: At altitude, give the student control in calm, straight flight.
• Stick familiarization: Practice:
  • Gentle aileron/roll inputs to bank left/right.
  • Coordinated turns (bank + slight up elevator).
  • Maintaining altitude with elevator and throttle.
• Instructor role: You keep the pattern safe, step in when needed, and verbally coach each input.
• Short flights: 2–3 short sessions with breaks to avoid fatigue and overload.

Block 3 (45–60 minutes): Rectangular Pattern & Orientation Drills

• Pattern introduction: Explain the standard rectangular traffic pattern: upwind, crosswind, downwind, base, final.
• High-altitude pattern practice: At a safe height:
  • Student flies gentle rectangular circuits, keeping the airplane in front of the flight line.
  • Emphasis on smooth turns and consistent altitude.
• Orientation drills:
  • Airplane flying away vs toward the pilot—practice gentle corrections.
  • “Freeze and think” moments: pause inputs, verbally identify airplane attitude and direction before correcting.
• Instructor landings: You handle all approaches and landings today, narrating each step so he hears the logic.

Block 4 (30–45 minutes): Debrief & Mental Rehearsal

• Debrief: Review what felt easy vs challenging (orientation, turns, altitude control).
• Key concepts to reinforce: Small inputs, staying ahead of the airplane, keeping it high and in front.
• Mental rehearsal: Talk through a full flight: takeoff, pattern, approach, landing—so he has a mental map for Day 2.
• Homework suggestion: If he has a simulator, assign 20–30 minutes of pattern flying and gentle turns that evening.

Block 1 (30–45 minutes): Review & Pre-Flight Briefing

• Review Day 1: Ask him to describe the pattern, control inputs, and what he remembers.
• Landing theory:
  • Explain approach segments: downwind, base, final.
  • Throttle for altitude/energy, elevator for attitude and flare.
  • Importance of stable, shallow descent and not “yanking” the elevator.
• Takeoff theory:
  • Line up on runway centerline.
  • Smooth throttle advance, slight up elevator as speed builds.
  • Maintain heading with rudder/aileron as needed.

Block 2 (60–75 minutes): Takeoff Training (Buddy-Box)

• Instructor demonstration: Perform 1–2 takeoffs, narrating each step:
  • “Throttle up… keep it straight… gentle rotation… climb out.”
• Student-assisted takeoffs:
  • First few: you control throttle and initial roll, then hand off as the airplane lifts off.
  • Progress to full student takeoffs: student controls throttle and elevator from the start.
• Repetition: Aim for multiple takeoff cycles:
  • Short flights: takeoff, climb to safe altitude, brief pattern, then you land.
  • Focus on smoothness and staying centered on the runway.
• Instructor safety margin: You keep the buddy-box switch ready; if the airplane veers or rotates too early, you take over and reset calmly.

Block 3 (60–75 minutes): Landing Training (Buddy-Box)

• Instructor demonstration landings: 2–3 full approaches with narration:
  • “Downwind leg… reduce throttle… base turn… line up on final… small corrections… flare… roll out.”
• Student-controlled approaches:
  • At first, student flies downwind and base; you take over on short final and flare.
  • Gradually extend his control: let him fly final and perform the flare while you hover on the switch.
• Full student landings:
  • Goal: several complete landings where he controls throttle, elevator, and alignment.
  • Emphasize: “small corrections, don’t chase every bump, keep the nose slightly down until flare.”
• Use of go-arounds: Teach that an imperfect approach is not a failure—add power, climb, and try again.

Block 4 (30–45 minutes): Consolidation & Confidence Building

• Stringing it together: Aim for at least 2–3 full circuits where the student:
  • Performs the takeoff.
  • Flies a stable pattern.
  • Executes a full landing.
• Debrief: Discuss what felt good, what still feels “busy,” and where he wants more practice.
• Positive reinforcement: Highlight his progress from Day 1 to Day 2—especially any smooth takeoffs/landings.

Block 1 (30–45 minutes): Briefing & Goal Setting

• Review: Ask him to describe the full sequence: pre-takeoff, takeoff, pattern, approach, landing.
• Set Day 3 goals: For example:
  • Consistent, centered takeoffs.
  • Stable patterns with good spacing.
  • Landings that are repeatable and calm.
• Discuss home-field transition: How he will work with his club’s instructors and what to practice first.

Block 2 (60–75 minutes): Full-Cycle Flights (Takeoff to Landing)

• Student-led flights: For each flight:
  • Student performs takeoff.
  • Flies 2–3 pattern circuits.
  • Executes a full landing.
• Instructor monitoring: You stay on the buddy-box, ready to intervene but aim to let him complete each cycle.
• Focus areas:
  • Consistency of approach height and distance.
  • Use of throttle to manage descent and energy.
  • Smooth flare and rollout.

Block 3 (60–75 minutes): Variations & Light “What-If” Scenarios

• Pattern variations:
  • Slightly longer or shorter downwind legs.
  • Adjusting base turn timing to correct for being too close or too far.
• Approach corrections:
  • Practice minor crosswind corrections (if conditions allow).
  • Use of go-arounds when approach doesn’t look right.
• Calm recovery mindset: Emphasize that “add power and climb” is always available if he feels behind the airplane.

Block 4 (30–45 minutes): Final Assessment & Next Steps

• Assessment flights: 1–2 flights where you minimize verbal input, observing his natural decision-making.
• Feedback: Provide clear, encouraging feedback on:
  • Strengths (e.g., smooth takeoffs, good pattern discipline).
  • Areas to watch (e.g., tendency to flare too high, over-controlling on final).
• Home practice plan:
  • Recommend starting with instructor-supervised buddy-box flights at his club.
  • Focus on pattern, approaches, and landings before flying solo in busy conditions.
• Positive close: Reinforce that this is a long-term, enjoyable hobby and that his progress over three days is a strong foundation.