Frequently Asked Questions

When and where are the regular club meetings?
We meet the 2nd Sunday of the month at 2 pm. Even if you don’t see an event about a meeting, assume that we are going to have a meeting. The field is located at: 14665 County Farm Road, Gulfport, MS 39503 (From I-10 Exit 28, go north 6.25 miles, the field is on the left.)
How do I become a member of the Mississippi Coast Radio Control Club?
The short answer is to talk to our treasurer! Click here for more details about membership.
What is AMA membership/insurance?
AMA stands for Academy of Model Aeronautics. AMA membership is required to fly at our field and at any AMA field. Virtually all legitimate flying fields are “AMA fields.” The AMA is the national organization in charge of the RC flying hobby. Membership in the AMA implies your agreement to follow established safety rules when flying and assures that you have liability insurance when you fly. Youth membership in the AMA is FREE! You can read more about joining the AMA by clicking here.
If I'm just visiting, can I fly my plane at the Bob Miller field?
Yes, you can. All we require is that you have an AMA license and follow our safety rules.
The gate is locked! How do I get in?
All members of the club have a key. If there are no members flying, the gate is locked. If you are a visitor and you want to fly, just try driving by the club during the weekend. If the weather is nice, people are probably flying. If you enjoy flying at our field, please join the club and you’ll get your own key.
What time do you normally fly?
Most of our members show up on the weekends. Saturday sometime after noon. On Sunday, the flying can start sometime before noon. Of course, all this is dependent on the weather. Most members show up for our meetings held the 2nd Sunday of every other month at 2 p.m.
How do I get started in the R/C hobby?
We will help you! Come hang out with us on the weekend. We have some very experienced club members, and many are more than willing to give you all the advice you can handle.
I have a plane and I want to learn how to fly, do you have instructors?
Yes, we have “Intro Pilot Instructors” who volunteer their time and talents to teach new pilots. When learning to fly, we like to use a “buddy box” system with the instructor and student connected together to keep control of the plane. We do ask that after a reasonable amount of time of flying at the club, you join our membership. Fill out the “Contact Us” form and we’ll get you in contact with an instructor. Or–you can just call them yourself (check the footer of the website for contact information).
Do you allow helicopters to fly?
Yes. Helicopters occupy the airspace differently than planes, so just be considerate of others. We also allow quad-copters, flying wings, and even flying surfboards!
Do you have restroom facilities and snacks?
We have restroom facilities. We have drinks for sale and a refrigerator, coffee maker, and microwave for club membership use. We also have a grill for club events.
Can a lithium polymer (LiPo) battery be fast-charged safely and if so at what rate?
You have to use a charger that is meant to charge LiPo’s and you typically charge them at 1C amp rate. Ex: If the battery is a 1000mah battery, then you charge it at 1 amp or less. Some batteries can be charged at a higher rate, but charging as described is safest.
I don't have a big fancy plane. Can I fly my _____?
Absolutely! Every one of us started out with a beginner plane and each of us knows how great it feels to fly for the first time. We’ll help you with any plane you have. Even if you don’t have a plane at all, our intro pilot instructors have planes they use just to teach beginners. Don’t let anything hold you back!