Aviation

Have you always wanted to fly a radio controlled (RC) aircraft? Maybe you thought it was too expensive or too difficult to learn. Fortunately, it is easy to learn to fly, and it is not that...

Doing acrobatics with an RC airplane is fun but requires some specific knowledge and lots of practice. Learning how to use ailerons is one of the first steps in the acrobatics process, as well as...

Thermal soaring is one of the more advanced techniques in an R/C glider pilot's arsenal. The main challenge lies in the fact that to be successful the pilot must be able to harness forces of...

It only takes a score of 70 % to pass the FAA knowledge examination for a private or sport pilot certificate. But, there is certainly some prestige in getting a very high score. Besides, if...

The beginner airplane modeler may be daunted by the challenge of adding exhaust stains, but for those wishing to create a truly authentic-looking model, it is necessary. Adding exhaust stains is...

In the previous articles (see the Resources section below), we taxied to the runway, took off and leveled off at traffic pattern altitude. Now we have to get this airplane safely back on the...

At the end of my "How to Taxi a Light Airplane" article (the link is in the resource section), I left us at the runway ready to take off. So, let's pick up where we left off and get this...

Today, in order for you to qualify to fly solo as a student pilot and to retain your regular General Aviation (GA) Pilot's Certificate, which allows you to fly all kinds of certified single engine...

Once you have mastered the basics of flying a remote control airplane, the obvious next step is to begin learning aerobatics. You should be familiar with monitoring throttle and have a feel for...

Fiberglass is a durable material that works well for RC airplane fuselages. It would be impractical to build wings or movable tail surfaces from fiberglass; these are best built of foam or wood....

Radio-controlled electric ducted fan (EDF) planes are fun to fly and work off the same aerodynamic principals as other radio-controlled planes. These planes are fast and agile but need a little...

Ultralight aircraft have become very popular over the past several years because of their affordability, ease of operation, short distance required for take-off or landing, and because no license...

An airplane has two sets of controls for steering. The yoke, a small steering wheel mounted on a column that moves back and forth, is found in most modern airplanes and controls motion up and...

Plastic model airplanes are the perfect decoration for the home of any airplane enthusiast. Building a plastic model airplane, whether it is a vintage WWI biplane or a modern, state-of-the art...

Flying remote control helicopters is a rewarding hobby that can be fun for both adults and children. It takes practice and time to learn how to fly a helicopter properly, but it is a skill that is...

Have you ever wanted to learn to fly?! This article will let you know what is involved and how to take the next step. You can learn to fly!

Always dreamed of becoming a pilot? Getting your Private Pilots License will be the first step in learning to fly. Here´s the dirt on what to expect from flight school, flight instruction,...

taking off is an ultralight airplane is very easy. Just follow the following steps. If you are scared try to get some experience flying simulators or take a flight lesson from an expert. If you...

This article helps you to create and understand a mini pulse jet engine. Making pulse jet engines can be dangerous for beginners and experts alike. Pulse jets are one of the more simple jets to...

The fox kite isn't only the best known and most popular form of kite, but it is also an excellent flyer that can withstand rough weather. This article will instruct you on the steps that should...

Flying a radio controlled (RC) plane is harder than it looks. The planes are not remote controlled, but actually radio controlled by radio signals that pass through the air from the transmitter...

Getting your private pilot rating can be a challenging and very rewarding adventure. Anyone who puts their mind to it can do it, but determination and dedication are critical.

Many private pilots own their own plane so they can experience the excitement of flying whenever they choose. A gently used, fairly new single-engine plane can cost over $100,000, so it’s...

The most common airplane to learn to fly on is the Cessna 152. This plane is a slower plane that allows the student to get the feel of an airplane, and Cessna has built it to withstand the...

Curious how you fly this extrordinary aircraft? Here's how.

Being able to fly is the dream of many people. The challenges of obtaining a pilot’s license and the expense of buying an airplane will put this dream out of reach for most. This...

The use of ultralight aircraft has put personal aircraft within the reach of the masses, and opens new doors to more new pilots every year. Although they can not travel as far as light aircraft,...

PC-based flight simulation has been around for a long time, and the capabilities of this technology have grown exponentially in recent years. In fact, the better simulators are now realistic...

Most airports offer at least a few planes for rent, and when you learn to fly, you usually have to rent a plane to learn the basics. What does it take to rent an airplane? Well, it depends on the...

Executing a slip when flying makes the plane descend faster without gaining airspeed. When landing, it's a way to get the plane lined up in a crosswind and put it just where you want it on the...

Navigating a helicopter is similar to the way early airplane pilots used to fly from one point to the next. Based almost entirely on your visual assessment of your surroundings, navigating...

One of the most fascinating parts of flying a plane is the takeoff. That is the moment where you realize that you are defying gravity, where "the rules no longer apply" and you're suddenly free of...

One of the fundamental operations that you have to undertake as a pilot is to keep your airplane straight and level at all times, unless you have a specific reason for changing direction or...

If you're like most private pilots, you've put a lot of blood, sweat, tears and time into earning your pilot's license. It's an accomplishment you're proud of, and rightfully so. Taking the next...

Crew Resource Management, or CRM, is a methodology for attempting to improve teamwork, mission effectiveness and efficiency, and safety in commercial airliners and military multi-crew aircraft. ...

If you've been considering becoming a pilot, but don't ever plan to fly for anything more than the pure fun of it, then you should consider becoming a Sport Pilot. Sport Pilots can fly airplanes...

Buying a hot air balloon can be a tricky experience. Finding a balloon that suits the needs of you and your family may take quite a bit of time and research. Anyone interested in buying a hot air...

If you've ever had a desire to soar through the sky, then try flying a glider. Gliders are silent and have no engines. They are engineering marvels that glide through the air using air resistance...

Building or designing experimental aircraft used to be an eclectic hobby. Today, however, people from many different backgrounds are interested in the idea of designing their own experimental...

The airframe of a powered parachute contains the engine, propeller and controls. It's suspended below a nylon parachute by multiple lines. Powered parachutes don't require an airport because of...

The problem with a short takeoff run is that the plane may not have enough space in which to get up the proper speed to create lift. Thus, your task is to make sure that this happens. Through a...

Most aircraft accidents occur during takeoff and landing. Being aware of the hazards associated with these phases of flight and knowing how to get yourself out of a bad situation can only make...

Runways vary in size from several miles to only a few thousand feet in length. For most light general aviation airplanes, pilots usually consider anything more than 5000 feet a long runway....

Exploring new and different airports is a great way to use your private pilot's certificate. There are many interesting airports the have only grass strips available. Soft field landings can be a...

During a preflight check, the pilot is making sure that every aspect of the airplane is ready for flight. With this much care and time spent before the plane leaves the ground, flights are, for...

When flying light general aviation airplanes wind plays a big role in the landing and taking off of aircraft. Ideally the wind would always be a light breeze directly down the runway. Generally...

The most enjoyable days to fly an airplane are the perfectly clear and cool days. However, sometimes clouds form when you are flying and you must rely on your ability to interpret and use your...

Passengers rate a pilot's competence and expertise based largely on the smoothness of the landing. Pilots know this is an unfair assessment due to the complexity of flight, but practice airplane...