FAQ

General Questions

• When are meetings held?
  • PVMAC Club meetings have been suspended due to poor attendance.   Meetings will be scheduled on an ad-hoc basis so check the website or follow us on facebook to be informed when and where a Club meeting will take place. 
• Do PVMAC flying fields have handicap access?
  • Yes. PVMAC has facilities at both fields to support the handicapped. We have a handicap pilot station that is wheelchair accessible, as well as handicap accessible outhouses.
• Are there restrooms at the field?
  • Yes, there are portables setups that are maintained.
• What type of aircraft can I operate at Prado?
  • Non-turbine fixed-wing and helicopters may fly at Prado. The main runway is for nitro, gas or electric fixed-wing planes (electrics must be 40 size or larger) . We have designated areas for park fliers, less than 40 size,  all helicopters and Quadrotors. All aircraft must obey the 400 foot ceiling and no turbine aircraft can be flown at any time.
• How many people can fly at the same time?
  • Five aircraft can be flown on the main runway at a time.
• On average how much does a plane and radio cost to start?
  • You can buy a Ready To Fly trainer for under $400.00, depending on the size and components. 
• Should I start flying with electric or gas (nitro)?
  • It’s a personal preference. A small electric foam plane can be just as, if not more, expensive as a nitro RTF trainer. It depends on where you have to fly.
    If you have access to a local school or park and electric is great. If you only want to fly at a field, then nitro would be the way to start. It’s nice to have an electric for camping or a quick flight after work.
• Are Turbine engine powered aircraft allowed at Prado? 
  • No,  turbine engines not are permitted at Prado due fire hazards. 
• Are Helicopters and Quadrotors allowed to fly at the Prado field?
  • Yes, Helicopters are allowed. However, helicopters have a separate area behind the normal runway, where helicopters and Quadrotors can fly and hover without endangering fixed-wing aircraft. There is a Helipad available for takeoffs and landing. 
• Is FPV flying allowed at Prado? 
  • Yes, however you will only be permitted to fly FPV as long as you are accompanied by a spotter who will ensure you are not going to endanger other pilots or planes. You will also not be permitted to fly beyond visual range, and are limited to below 400 feet in elevation. 
• What are the Hours that I can Fly at Prado Airfield?
  • For members, the field is open From Sunrise to Sunset 7 days a week, unless otherwise posted.
  • For Non-Members, The field is open Saturday and Sunday from 9am-5pm only, with a $20 day pass, as long as a member is present. 
  • Night fling is not permitted at Prado Airfield, as contracted with the FAA and Chino Airport

Membership Questions

• What do I need to join PVMAC?
  • Current AMA membership,
  • completed application,
  • $200 payment of fees/dues. 
  • Current FAA membership Card
  • Fire extinguisher
• Where can I find the applications?
  • CLICK HERE to go to the Membership Page
• How much is an adult membership?
  • First year dues of $200 is required for new memberships and yearly dues after the first year are $100 per year. 
• How much does it cost for youth?
  • For a youth membership, you need to be under 18 and have a school ID.  The cost is $20 per year. The cost for the child of a current member (Child less than age of 18)  is $10 per year.
• When can I start flying?
  • Once you receive your membership card. This can take up to three weeks. 
• Where can I Mail my membership application, proof of AMA, FAA, Check and photo?
  •  P.V.M.A.C. 
     P. O. Box 2707 
     Chino, CA 91708-2707
• Can I email my Membership application and Documents?
  • No
• Can I use Paypal, Zelle or Venmo to pay for a membership or a membership renewal?
  • We are not accepting any forms of electronic payments at this time. 

Guest Flying Questions

• Is guest flying allowed for non-members?
  • Guests are allowed to fly at the PVMAC up to 3 times per year and requires a $20 day pass.
  • Starting in January 1st, 2020, The day pass fee was increased to $20, and now have a limit of 3 times per year. After 3 times flying as a guest, you will be required to attain a membership if you wish to continue flying at the PVMAC.
• What happens after flying as a guest 3 times in the same calendar year? 
  • You will be contacted and encouraged to join the PVMAC as a member, as you will no longer be permitted to fly at the PVMAC field during that calendar year without joining the PVMAC as a full member. You will be able to apply the $60 you paid as a guest, towards a yearly membership.  
• Where can I get a $20 day pass?
  • You can approach any member at the field and purchase a day pass. Hold on to your receipt, as this is the proof that you have paid for the day. 
• When is the fields open to the public?
  • On weekends Prado is open to the public from 9am-5pm, but requres a $20 day pass which you can obtain at the field.   Prado is closed to the public Monday through Friday. Members may bring guest(s) at any time, including during the week, however a day pass is still required. Club members are responsible for their guest(s) at all times, and resposible for collecting the $20 Day pass fee. 
• What is required of guest fliers? 

• • 1. $20 Day pass (limited to 3 per year)
    2. Read and follow the club and AMA rules. 
    3. Valid Current AMA card.
    4. Current FAA Card
    5. Each plane has FAA number on it (FAA requirement)
    6. Do not exceed 400 feet ceiling (FAA Requirement)
    7. Fire extinguisher.
    8. Treat the field as you would your own.
    9. Be courteous to our members.
• Who is required to pay day fees?
  • Any non-member flying solo or with a guest must pay the day fee of $20. No exceptions. Students on buddy boxes can fly at no charge. Please see a club member to purchase a pass. 
• My family member or friend is from out of state and flies solo. Does he/she still have to pay a day fee?
  • Yes, the rules for day fees apply to all guest pilots at all times 
• Where do Day Fees go?
  • All collected day fees with a copy of the day pass must be turned in to the strong box at Prado or to the Treasurer. They are deposited into the general fund and help pay for club expenses.
• Who collects day fees?
  • Any PVMAC member or Field Marshal can collect day fees. The receipt book is located in the small locked box next to the tan container. The guest is given the yellow copy for the frequency board, the pink remains in the book, and the white copy goes into the deposit slot on the tan container

Training Questions

• Do I have to be a member to get training from PVMAC?
  • No. PVMAC allows anybody to fly at the field while training as long as THEY ARE ON A BUDDY BOX WITH A MEMBER OF THE CLUB. You do however need to be a member to solo (Fly by yourself). 
• Does PVMAC provide training for new fliers?
  • PVMAC does not provide training services as a club. However PVMAC members usually provide training for new members. Your local hobby store may provide training. Please join our club meeting or ask an available field marshal for more details. 
• How much is training?
  • Training costs are determined by an individual trainer. 
• How much training do I need before I can fly by myself?
  • It may take one to several training sessions. The ability to fly solo depends on how often you train. Away from the field a foamy or R/C computer plane simulator (G3) builds confidence and ability to fly solo.

Safety Questions

• What are the double yellow line on the runway for?
  • During a normal right to left take off, no rotations can be performed until the aircraft passes the double yellow lines. This is to prevent aircraft from accidentally entering the spectator or pits area. 
• Can I fly over the runway after take off?
  • No. All aircraft maneuvers must take place north of the runway after take off. The runway area is strictly for take offs, landings, and approaches. Pilot must announce “Taking off”, “Landing”, or “Approach” when doing so. Properly alerting other flyers when accessing the runway area help avoid collisions. 
• How do I retrieve crashed aircraft?
  • Notify a Field Marshal to coordinate air traffic. Advise others not to take off and wait until all aircraft have landed. Close the runway and retrieve crashed aircraft. 
• Who is responsible for knowing the rules?
  • All pilots are expected to be aware of the club and AMA rules. 
• Who is responsible for enforcing the rules?
  • All club members have the duty to ensure all rules and regulations are enforced.