AFJROTC Regulations
22 September 2014
AIR FORCE JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS REGULATIONS
COMPLIANCE WITH THIS PUBLICATION IS MANDATORY
R/C Club Commander:
As R/C club commander you must have the flying experience and skills needed to train new cadets how to fly. An Academy of Model Aeronautics is also recommended, in case a plane is crashed and property insurance is needed. The commander must also be able to take a leadership role among the members of the club and promote teamwork and unity.
Table of Contents
Chapter One - Preparing the classroom (Page 3)
1.1-Arrival
1.2-Preparing the flight simulator and planes
1.3- Assembling the planes
Chapter Two - Using the flight simulator (Pages 4-5)
2.1-Introduction to flight
2.2- The electronics and controls
2.3- Using the flight simulator
Chapter Three -Solo flight test/guidelines (Page 6)
3.1 - What is required to pass the test?
3.2 - What is gained by passing the test?
Chapter Four - Flying the planes (Pages 7-8)
4.1 - Preparing the planes for flight
4.2-Using the buddy box
4.3-Flying the planes
4.4- Disassembly and packaging
Chapter Five - Dismissal (Page 9)
5.1- Attendance
5.2-Storing the planes
5.3-Dismissal
Chapter One -Preparing the Classroom
1.1 - Arrival
a. All of the cadets will meet in the assigned classroom. The cadet nearest the door will call the team to attention when either the commander or assistant commander walks into the classroom with the command: R/C, Attention.
1.2 - Preparing the flight simulator
a. Once either the commander or assistant commander arrives, they will go get a key from one of the four instructors to unlock room B126G.
b. The commander who unlocked the room will retrieve the planes and flight simulator from room B126G (The planes and the flight simulator can be found on top of the shelf to the left). The commander will then return the key to the instructor who gave it to them.
c. Once the commander gets back into the room with the planes and flight simulator, he/she will hook up the flight simulator to the computer and click the icon labeled “RealFlight G5” to launch the simulator.
1.3 - Assembling the planes
a. The club members will carefully remove the planes from the boxes and arrange the parts for each plane. They will then assemble the planes according to the instructions included in the box. Only the planes necessary and appropriate for the daily instruction will be assembled.
b. It is only necessary to assemble the planes after all or the majority of the club members have passed the solo flight test, described in chapter three.
Chapter Two-Using the flight simulator
2.1-Introduction to flight
a. Before allowing any cadets to use the flight simulator, the basics of flight must be taught. The commander should first highlight the expenses of the equipment and the level of seriousness that should be taken before flying. During this time the commander may also desire to overview the first few weeks of the club’s activities.
b. During this time, the commander should also ensure all cadets obtain an AMA license. Cadets may apply for this license at
c. The commander should walk the cadets through each step that must be taken to obtain a license so as to minimize confusion. The commander should first click “join/renew” and then click “free youth membership”. After they have entered all their credentials they may send off the application. If any cadets do not have Internet access at home, the commander may allow them to apply after the meeting. The licenses should arrive in the mail within two weeks, and the cadets should show the commander their licenses once they receive them.
2.2-The Electronics and Controls
a. After introducing flight to the cadets, the commander and assistant commander should teach how to use the transmitter, and the electronics that control each control surface.
b. Although it may not be necessary for trainer planes, every channel of the airplane should be taught. These channels include ailerons, elevator, rudder, and throttle. Not only should the commander teach how to control these surfaces from the transmitter, but also how the inputs affect the plane’s movement.
2.3-Using the Flight Simulator
a. Once all of the cadets are knowledgeable on the subject of controls, they are ready to begin use of the flight simulator. A high wing trainer design should be selected in the model screen such as a J3 Cub or Cessna 172 and the cadet may begin flying.
b. Each cadet should receive five to ten minutes on the simulator per practice, depending on the amount of club members. The first few days should be spent practicing level turns and straight flight. Once mastered, the cadets may move on to practicing takeoffs. If the cadet can takeoff and fly basic patterns, then they are ready to attempt landings. Special care should be taken in teaching landings, as they are one of the most dangerous aspects of flying and one of the most difficult to master. Around four practices should be entirely devoted to simulator practice, however, the commander may desire to schedule more if the cadets are not yet prepared to solo.
Chapter Three- Solo Flight Test and Guidelines
3.1- What is required to pass the test?
a. Before flying with the buddy box, the commander should detail what is necessary to pass the solo flight test so the cadets are aware of what to practice. In order to pass the test, a cadet must takeoff smoothly, execute four turns (two in either direction), fly straight and level for a combined minute, and land gently with a proper landing flare.
b. The cadet should be proficient in both the simulator and on the buddy box before attempting the solo flight test.
3.2-What is gained by passing the test?
a. Once a cadet has passed the solo flight test, they gain the freedom to fly planes without a buddy box. The commander or assistant commander is still required to observe the cadets while flying in case of an emergency and to monitor their improvement.
Chapter Four -Flying the planes
4.1 - Preparing the planes for flight
a. The commander should the charge the plane’s batteries the day before practice. Only the batteries for the planes that will be used in the upcoming practice should be charged. The commander is responsible for bringing these batteries to practice the following day.
b. Directly before flying the planes, the commander should perform a control surface check, ensuring that all surfaces work and are not reversed. If any abnormalities occur, the commander should immediately resolve the issue.
4.2- Using the buddy box
a. The buddy box cable should first be plugged into the commander’s transmitter while powered on. The cable should then be plugged into the cadet’s transmitter while powered off. At this point the commander should be able to give the cadet control of the plane while holding down the trainer switch on their transmitter.
b. The buddy box allows the commander to take control of the plane only in dire situations. The commander should allow the cadet practicing to control the plane the majority of the flight so as to allow them the maximum amount of flight time possible.
c. After all the cadets have practiced on the buddy box, the cable should be unplugged and the transmitters powered off as soon as possible.
4.3 - Flying the planes
a. Once use of the buddy box has been mastered and all cadets have passed their solo flight test, various activities may be performed while flying. The commander may desire to teach cadets acrobatic maneuvers such as rolls, loops, snap rolls, etc. Other activities such as group challenges, where the club splits into two groups and performs competitive tasks are another option. For example, each group could design and build their own planes, and then have a test to see whose design is superior.
b. If multiple transmitters can be obtained, the club can take turns flying in formation or practicing acrobatic maneuvers.
c. Another option for activities is practicing first-person view, or FPV, flight. This style of flight utilizes a camera and video transmitter/receiver to wirelessly transfer live footage from air to ground. FPV equipment may be purchased online or by contacting C/Logan Richard.
d. The commander should arrange a field trip to the LCRC John’s Island flying club on the day of their winter Fun Fly. This trip will give cadets an opportunity to practice flying in a more crowded airspace and to observe larger, gasoline-powered planes. All cadets wishing to fly at this event must have an AMA license, covered in chapter 2.
4.4 - Disassembly and packaging
a. Each plane used should be carefully disassembled and packaged into their appropriate boxes, in the same manner that they were unpackaged. The commander should allow cadets to perform this process, however, he/she should observe the cadets work.
Chapter Five -Dismissal
5.1 - Attendance
a. The assistant commander should keep track of attendance for each club practice. They should write down the names of each club member that attended that day on a sheet of loose-leaf paper, and keep these papers in chronological order stored in the RC club binder.
5.2 – Storing the planes
a. Either the commander or assistant commander will get a key from one of the four instructors to unlock room B126G.
b. The commander will then unlock room B126G and carefully stack each box and/or simulator on the left shelf. They will then return the key to the same instructor who they received it from.
c. The commander will promptly return to the club once the planes have been stored.
5.3 – Dismissal
a. In order to dismiss the cadets, the commander will call the club to attention with the command “R/C, Attention” and then the command “Dismissed.” The cadets will file out of the room in an orderly manner.
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