Ready for take-off?

Sound like fun?

If owning a handmade radio-controlled aircraft is something you've always dreamed of, SP Flying Club can teach you everything you need to make that dream a reality.

"I guarantee that you will take home a ready-to-fly aircraft at the end of the day," says Tawan Jeamprachanarakorn, 21, an instructor at the club.

Tawan and his friend Trissada Tunyawong, 21, teach clients how to create a Trainer Two-Channel radio-system aircraft.

Both instructors hold a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from King Mongkut University of Technology Thon Buri.

"If you are new to radio-controlled aircraft, it's better to start with the basics and learn to fly aircraft like the Two-Channel system. Moreover, the cost of a Two-Channel aircraft is not too high, around Bt1,500, and allows a learner to buy the material and create a new one at home after finishing the course," says Tawan.

The one-day course is divided into two sessions - one focusing on theory and one practical. Students first learn about the mechanics involved in aircraft components, as well as aerodynamics (what keeps the aircraft in the air) and radio-signal transmissions (used in controlling the aircraft). After that, it's time to learn how to cut synthetic foam into the shape of an aircraft's fuselage, wings, rudder and elevators.

No previous experience or knowledge of aviation or mechanics is required to join the workshop.

"You need to be a little bit careful to avoid getting blisters on your skin from the heated wire used for cutting foam. Otherwise, there's no danger," says Tawan.

Finally, students learn to assemble all the parts, including attaching the propellers and motor. Once everything is finished, it's time for your aircraft to take off.

If nothing goes wrong during the production process, your aircraft should be able to fly at an altitude of up to 600 metres and over a range of 300 metres from where the controller stands.

More than 60 students have attended the workshop since the club opened a year ago.

Thanayos Songsa-ard, a 35-year-old participant, was pleased with the knowledge and advice given by the instructors.

"They delivered the fundamentals of aviation quite well and used only easy-to-understand language for the students. They taught us step-by-step how to assemble the aircraft, and this even helped me to pass on the knowledge to a member of my family."

The radio-system aircraft workshop costs Bt3,600. All required materials are prepared in the class but students must bring eight AA batteries for the handheld control.

Classes are opened per request. Reservations are required as each class is limited to three students.

SP Flying Club is located at 512/21 Flora Ville Village in Soi Chalermprakiet 14, Sukhumvit 103 Road (Udomsuk). Call (081) 345 6440, (02) 747 2633 for information.

Watchara Saengsrisin

The Nation