How to Buy Control-Line Model Aircraft

Enthusiasts call control-line model airplane flying "a hemisphere of fun." Simple physics allows the flier to put her model airplane through complex aerobatics by manipulating a pair of control lines running from her hand through the aircraft's wingtip.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet Access
• Computers
• Hot Glues
• Glue Guns
• Internet Explorer
• Spray Glues
• Airplane Glue
• Single-edged Razor Blades
• Superglue
• Artist's Brushes
• Dremel Rotary Tools
• Razor Saw Sets
• Razor Plane Sets
• Model Engine Supplies And Accessories
• Modeler's Tools And Supplies
• Airbrush Kits
• Model Aviation Subscription
• Laminating Glue
• Intro To Control-Line Building And Flying Video
• Nut Drivers
• Electric Screwdrivers
• Screwdriver Bits
• Needle-nose Pliers
• Phillips Screwdrivers
• Slotted Screwdrivers
• Pliers

1. Do a bit of research. Start slowly and practice before deciding what aspect of control-line flying will appeal to you.
2. Find a control-line model flying club.
3. Attend meetings, get acquainted with model fliers and take part in club activities.
4. Ask knowledgeable club members about the simplest, most economical way to begin in the hobby.
5. Check out hobby shops and online retailers such as eHobbies.com to learn about model availability, necessary tools and other supplies.
6. Develop a rapport with knowledgeable merchants and clerks.
7. Remember that control-line flying is a sophisticated hobby, and many fliers proceed to aerobatics, model combat, speed runs and team racing.
8. Note that other modes may end in model damage. For example, model combat requires a competitor to trim a trailing paper streamer from an opponent's aircraft tail by using her own aircraft's propeller.
9. Check out the specialized control-line models from manufacturers such as Brodak, Cox, Carl Goldberg, Perfect, Sig, Sterling and Sullivan.
10. Begin with a trainer model. Trainers have their weight distributed forward and have large tail surfaces. Control inputs are mechanically slower, because novices are often prone to overcontrolling.
11. Find a friendly and patient mentor. Control-line model airplane flying looks simple, but it requires a special touch. Better to be humble, listen and learn than to buy and build several new model airplanes.

Tips & Warnings

• Check hobby stores and out-of-print book retailers for "Flying Around" by Jim Harris, considered the best illustrated book on control-line model flying ever printed.
• Also recommended is "How to Fly U-Control" by Dick Mathis.
• Control-line flying models and equipment can be a more economical purchase than radio-controlled model aircraft.
• Control-line flying requires less space than radio-control flying.
• Youngsters interested in control-line model flying need experienced adult supervision. A 3- or 4-pound miniature airplane spins around within 50 to 70 feet of the flier at speeds that can exceed 100 mph. Significant line pull is generated.
• New control-line fliers invariably become dizzy during their first flights, but as they gain experience and learn to concentrate on control-line input, the sensation usually disappears.
• Control-line, wet-fuel model engines lack throttle control and generally cannot be adapted to radio-control flying.