How to Fly RC Airplanes
*Things You Need To Know First*
LEARNING HOW TO FLY RC AIRPLANES is something you will enjoy your whole life. Please don’t make the same mistakes a lot of people new to the hobby do, which is seeing a real cool plane in their local hobby shop and buying it as their first plane to learn on. Big mistake! And could be a costly one as well. So please read on and we’ll take you through the proper steps to starting in the radio control hobby as smoothly as possible.
*CHOOSING YOUR FIRST RC AIRPLANE…
Learning how to fly rc airplanes will take a stable, forgiving and durable plane. But not to worry. You will be flying that cool plane hanging in the hobby shop before you know it. The first rc airplane you will want to buy is called (you got it) a rc trainer. These planes are usually larger (for stability) and made of balsa wood. They can be powered by nitro which is gas for small airplane engines or electric motors. And require a large area to be flown safely. Keep in mind that these planes are not toys and can be dangerous. So be sure to work with an experienced radio control pilot when starting to learn. Now, park flyers are another option to train with. They are usually less expensive and require less equipment than a nitro powered RC trainer. They can also be flow in a small area such as a park or your back yard if you have a little space. Now these planes tend to be a little more durable than a balsa RC trainer. And through some trial and error you could train yourself on a park flyer. But it is always recommended to have an experienced pilot train you. It will save you time, money and frustration. I also recommend that you read this 6 Chapter Aeronautical Training Course
Chapter 1 :
RC Model Airplane Nomenclature –
This chapter discuss the basic components of an rc model airplane. It illustrates the functions of each components on how it is used to control the airplane and what part provides power.
Chapter 2 :
Why and How RC Model Airplanes fly -
This chapter will discuss the aerodynamic forces acting on an rc airplane. It will discuss a little bit more on the fact that the wings makes the airplane fly.
Chapter 3 :
Stability and Control -
one of the most important aspect of flying is controlling the rc airplane in the sky as well as on the ground. To be successful on flying the model airplane, it should be stable and controllable. Without these, it will be impossible to land it in one piece.
Chapter 4 :
Weight and Balance -
a light weight and perfectly balanced rc model airplane is a sureball on successful flying. This chapter explain the importance of weight consideration and how and why you should balance the rc airplane.
Chapter 5 :
Airplane Powerplant -
power or thrust is a moving force that makes an airplane fly. The wings generates lift because it moves through the air by means of the powerplant. This chapter will explane the components of the rc airplane powerplant.
Chapter 6 :
Choosing My First Model Airplane
-learn why you should choose an ugly model airplane on your first trainer rc airplane and why not the beautiful scale model airplane that you’ve always dreamed of. Chapter 2 : Why and How RC Model Airplanes fly – This chapter will discuss the aerodynamic forces acting on an rc airplane. It will discuss a little bit more on the fact that the wings makes the airplane fly.
*ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS…
If you choose to fly a nitro powered RC trainer you should become a member of the AMA. By the way, most model airplane clubs require that you have your AMA license to fly at their field. With your AMA license you will have $2,500,000 of insurance for any damage or injury caused by your airplane, as long as you are following the AMA’s Safety conditions. The license will cost $58.00 per year which also includes a subscription to Model Aviation magazine.
My Home Club – OSCEOLA FLYERS – Kissimmee, Fl
*JOINING A CLUB…
If you’re going to be flying anything more powerful than a park flyer (a nitro powered RC trainer or a large rc electric airplane) you really need to join one of the rc airplane clubs in your area. You can check in the clubs and events section of this website to locate a club near you. You can also go to the academy of model aeronautics website if you don’t see one here. If you don’t you will regret it. Please have a qualified instructor take you up the first few times. This will save you some heart ache and money. Many clubs will have a training device called a buddy box. This is a dummy transmitter attached to the pilots with a cord, and if you get in any trouble all he has to do is flip a switch to take control of the plane. This is by far the safest way to train. And the chance of wrecking or damaging your plane is greatly reduced.Another reason to join a club is to meet like minded people that enjoy the model aviation hobby. You will also find a wealth of knowledge there as well. You also get to see a wide variety of remote control airplanes fly. And will better be able to make a decision on what your next rc airplane might be.
*FLIGHT SIMULATORS…
Flight simulators are a great training tool. They will greatly minimize the chances of crashing your real plane. RC simulators look and feel just like the real thing. Each plane you pick is designed to fly with its real versions flight characteristics. Simulators come with a controller that looks and feels just like the one you will fly your radio controlled plane with. Some simulators actually use the same controller you fly your plane with. One of the most challenging things to learn at first is flying towards your self. If you think about it your left and right reverses, right is left and left is right. It’s much easier to learn this on a simulator because when you crash all you have to do is hit the space bar and the plane magically fixes itself. It’s no consequence learning, you can’t beat it. But remember a flight simulator is not a replacement for a instructor. And it will shorten your learning curve and help you keep your plane in one piece.
Check Out These RC Airplane Articles:
How To Get Started Flying RC Airplanes
RC System – Understanding how it works
Servo – Installation into fuselage & wings – extensive pictorial *****
“What Happens When I Wiggle The Sticks” -
Beginners’ Guide to Model Aircraft ***
Beginners guide to RC – The original
FAQ for beginners as per the Flying Penguin
General Tips – The R/C Proving Grounds
Student Pilot Flight Instruction Manual
Tips and Techniques – RC Proving Grounds
*WORDS TO TAKE TO HEART…
I want to help you enjoy learning how to fly rc airplanes to the fullest. Most everything you need to know about the hobby is in this website. It takes more than knowledge to learn how to fly rc airplanes. “It takes experience.” These planes are very quick. You don’t get a chance to think about what you want to do. You have to just do it. It has to become instinct. If you take an extra second to think you will end up with a pile of balsa wood. So please get the help of a experienced pilot. And join one of your local rc airplane clubs. They will be more than happy to take you through the process to be a confident pilot in no time. The other people you fly with are one of the most enjoyable things about the hobby. Also check out RC Aeronautics 4 DoDos for more information on RC Aeronautic Basics.
Well good luck with your first flight, just don’t blame me when you get addicted!!!
AMA- for beginners wanting to learn how to fly rc airplanes
