I'm interested in the hobby, where should I start?
The best way to get started is to contact our club and come visit us in person to see what we do! You will get to see firsthand all the possibilities the hobby offers, and we will help you take your first steps as easily and safely as possible.
A Smooth Start to Your Hobby:
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Personal guidance: We help you choose the right way to start without making unnecessary wrong purchases.
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Basic training included: You receive the necessary basic instruction as part of your club membership.
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Great membership perk for beginners: First-year membership is offered to new members at half price!
I want to buy a radio-controlled model plane or helicopter—what kind should I start with?
There is a huge variety of equipment on the market, but not all of it is suitable for a beginner. You shouldn't always trust sales pitches blindly, as a device suitable for a beginner requires specific flight characteristics.
Avoid Wrong Purchases—Do This:
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Contact the club: Come check out our activities before making a purchase decision.
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Ask experienced members: Our club's enthusiasts are happy to help you choose equipment that gets your hobby off to a safe, successful start without unnecessary wrong purchases.
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Buy from a specialty shop: High-quality starter packages with reliable spare parts availability are best purchased from knowledgeable specialty hobby shops.
Is flying a model airplane or helicopter difficult?
Not at all—anyone can learn to fly with practice! Steering a radio-controlled model airplane or helicopter follows the exact same laws of physics as flying a real aircraft, so the basic principles can easily be learned.
Here is how you get off to a smooth start:
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The right equipment: For a beginner, it is essential to choose a model with forgiving flight characteristics and user-friendly controls.
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An experienced instructor: Guided by an experienced club pilot, you will learn the basics much faster—and your gear stays in one piece.
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Support for building and maintenance: Building, tuning, and repairing models is an essential part of the hobby. With tips and support from experienced members, you will pick up the best tricks in no time.
Is this an expensive hobby?
Flying radio-controlled model aircraft is a surprisingly affordable hobby to start, and its costs adapt completely to your own budget.
Costs in a Nutshell:
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Startup costs: The initial purchase typically costs between €200 and €500. This package includes the aircraft itself as well as all the equipment required for flying.
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Options for every budget: There are also more affordable starter sets available, as well as naturally more expensive gear for advanced enthusiasts.
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Annual costs: An active enthusiast usually spends a few hundred euros per year on equipment and maintenance.
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Long-term enthusiasts: Large, technically complex, or specialized models for advanced hobbyists can cost thousands of euros.
Who can join the club and how much does it cost?
Anyone interested in aviation and model aircraft is warmly welcome to join Porvoo Aviation Club!
Joining and Shared Rules
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Open to everyone: Anyone interested in the hobby can join the club—no prior experience is required.
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Shared principles: Membership requires a commitment to good community spirit, compliance with club rules, and adherence to safety instructions.
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Working together: Through shared rules and an active approach, we create a safe and functional framework for everyone's hobby.
Membership Fee
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The amount of the membership fee is decided annually at the club's annual meeting.
What are the benefits of club membership?
Porvoo Aviation Club offers its members excellent facilities and an active community for the aviation hobby.
Membership Includes:
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Two model flying fields: Access to two large flying fields located along good transport routes.
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Indoor flying sessions: The opportunity to practice and fly indoors during the winter season as well.
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Training and events: Guidance, training, joint events, and trips on offer.
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Hobby companion: A relaxed, helpful community of like-minded enthusiasts to share your hobby time with—the best part of membership is the great company!
Who can use the model flying field and drone track?
Porvoo Aviation Club's model flying fields and drone track are intended for club members, and using them requires completing safety training. This rule ensures the safety and smooth operation of activities through clear, shared guidelines. The field area is reserved strictly for hobbies involving model aircraft, helicopters, and other flying scale models.
Usage Rights and Visitors
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Equal access: All club members are on equal footing regardless of age, experience, or equipment.
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Visitors: Visitors are welcome at the field when invited by a club member. The host is responsible for ensuring that the visitor has valid third-party liability insurance and that their activities comply with the field's safety instructions.
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Visitor fee: The field fee for visitors is €15 per visit, payable in advance to the club's bank account.
Important Things to Remember
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Member tag: Keep your member tag visible at all times when moving around the field.
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Use of the area: The field area may not be used for activities other than model aviation hobbies.