Chinook Winds welcomes new members interested in our hobby. To maximize field safety, Chinook Winds offers prospective new pilots a “Wings Training Program” with instructors to guide you through the hands-on program, helping you earn your Wings.

To get started with this program, the following items must be addressed before training can begin:

• Purchase a Chinook Winds membership.
• Purchase a MAAC membership.
• Contact an instructor before purchasing a plane to ensure the best choice is made.
• Complete Flight Box Training with a club instructor (required for all pilots).
• Complete a pre-flight maiden inspection for all planes prior to flying at the Chinook Winds Field.
• Read and understand the Chinook Winds safety requirements.
• Read and understand the MAAC safety requirements.
• Ensure identification is marked either inside or outside all your planes with your name and MAAC #.
• Read the “Wings Program” to understand future testing requirements.
• It is recommended that you purchase and use an RC Flight Simulator to speed up your training process and boost your confidence in your skills (this could save you money in the long run). Practice using the ground view rather than chase or cockpit views for the best results.

Some Humor:

• The amount of runway behind your plane is not as important as the amount ahead of it.
• The amount of altitude above your plane is not as important as the amount below (unless inverted).
• The size of a plane's fuel tank is not as important as how much fuel is in the tank.
• Taking off is optional; landing is mandatory.
• It's better to have your plane on the ground and wish you were flying than to be flying and wish you were on the ground.

Finally, the Chinook Winds members hope you enjoy your student pilot experience and look forward to flying with you in the future.

• NEVER turn on your transmitter until both Chinook Winds and MAAC membership cards have been placed on the frequency board and you are sure the frequency is not being used. Failure to do this could cause a crash and make you responsible for replacing a plane (72 MHz only).
• The pit area (between the fences that separate the spectators from the pilot stations) is the setup and assembly area. Tables are provided for your use, and all equipment should be stored here.
• Engines and motors are not to be started in the pit area.
• The start-up areas at the ends of the pit area have starting stations for holding your planes. This is the only area where engines and motors can be started.
• The start-up areas are for starting only, not for tuning.
• Tuning areas will be assigned each day depending on the wind direction. Tuning is best done when planes or helicopters are not in the air, as engine noise can cause hearing issues.
• Ensure that you have no loose clothing when starting any engine. Transmitter straps can be particularly dangerous.
• NEVER start an engine or motor unless the plane is restrained by one of the systems provided in the start-up area.
• NEVER reach over or around a rotating propeller. All adjustments must be made from behind the propeller.
• NEVER stand directly at the side of a rotating propeller, as a failure could cause injury.
• NEVER smoke around gas or fuel engines that are being fueled, or around gas or fuel containers.
• Electric motors can start instantly at full power and cause serious injury. Electric motor batteries should be connected while using the same start-up restraints as fuel engine planes, depending on size.
• All planes must be able to be shut down with the transmitter.
• Always remove your plane and equipment from the start-up area after each flight to allow others to use the provided equipment.
• If planes are flying, you must use the same runway as the existing planes in the air.
• If planes are flying, request permission to take off from the other pilots before entering the runway.
• Ensure all flights are within the flight box outlined in your membership package.