Are you interested in learning how to fly Radio Control Planes? Have you bought a plane already, but don't know where to start with it? You've come to the right place.
The STARS RC flying club, founded in 1979, has been training students to build and fly RC models for several decades. The Flight Training Program that this page is about was officially kicked off in March 1990. We instruct students in safety practices on the ground and in the air, how to fly RC planes and, more importantly, how to get back down in one piece.
Flight School for 2026 starts May 7th and will run every Thursday to September 10th. Flying starts at 5:30 PM and goes until dusk. We start to gather at 4:30, sometimes earlier, to get setup and to grill up food. Students are encouraged to come early to enjoye dinner with us.
We also have a Pre-Flight School Workshop every year, two weeks before the Flight School starts. In 2026 the workshop is on April 23rd from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.
If the Flight School evening needs to be canceled for weather, we will post this on our Website and Facebook page. We will also email those students who are on our email list.
Adults and kids are welcome to enroll. We offer training for free to our students. Membership in our club is not required. However, you do need to either be a member of AMA or be signed up for a free, one time, 90-day temporary membership option available to Introductory Pilot Students (signup handled in person, at the flight school).
While students are encouraged to purchase and fly their own models during Flight School, the club does maintain equipment for use during Flight School so people can learn without the up front cost of purchasing a model, transmitter, batteries and other equipment. Students can complete training using this equipment or they may opt to purchase their own at some point during the program, once they're confident in their interest in the hobby. And, of course, we will guide you on purchasing your first model and associated equipment, if you need help. There are often sales of used models and equipment that can dramatically reduce the cost to entry for newcomers to the hobby. Sometimes we have donated equipment available to give to students, as well.
Lastly, minors must have a responsible adult present with them during training nights. Also, some kids are too young or lack the necessary attention span to learn and fly safely and responsibly. We reserve the right to deny anyone training based on our judgment.
If you'd like to find out more about the Flight School, our curriculum, and what you will be doing at Flight School, please take a look at our Flight Training Program Manual. We also have a Facebook group that you can contact us through for questions. You can also reach out to Gary Natali, Paul Volcko, or any of the instructors listed in the manual.
Workshop Event
Training Manual