How to Buy Radio-Controlled Powered Aircraft

Earthbound aviation buffs can soar with the aces by powering up a scale-model airplane replica. Choose an historic scale model like the P-51 Mustang or a modern aerobatic replica like an Extra 300S, and take wing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet Access
• R/C Model Engines
• model engine supplies and accessories - fuel, glow plugs, chicken stick, batteries, remote control transmitter
• R/C Modeling Construction & Operating Publications
• Model Aviation Subscription
• R/C model airplanes - Top Flite, Pica, Goldberg, Hangar 9, GPM and Hobbico

1. Make a budget. A beginning model flyer can easily outfit a trainer for less than $500, but an experienced enthusiast can happily spend several times that amount if he desires.
2. Join a scale-model flying club.
3. Take part in club activities.
4. Develop friendships with experienced members and attempt to find a mentor.
5. Attend flying events sponsored by the club.
6. Subscribe to scale-model publications and use the Internet, gathering information to make the best purchases.
7. Visit the hobby stores in your community and those on the Internet, like eHobbies.com.
8. Get to know the store owners and knowledgeable clerks.
9. Study, study, study. Learn about airplanes and why they fly. Learn about engines and how they perform.
10. Choose a model that relates to your skills as a constructor and a pilot.
11. Remember, "almost ready to fly" (ARF) models are a good choice until you gain experience in model construction.
12. Sign up for flying lessons from a qualified instructor to avoid crashing expensive models and becoming discouraged.
13. Check with your instructor for a recommendation about your first scale-model purchase. You'll want to begin with a stable, high wing GPM PT-40 (ARF) with tricycle landing gear.
14. Invest in a four-channel control transmitter, one based on the "1991 System," which uses the radio frequencies then authorized. It'll give you control of the ailerons, elevator, rudder and throttle.
15. Practice, practice, practice. Fly your trainer and develop your skills.
16. Move up to an exciting World War II scale model, like a F4U Corsair, a P-51 Mustang or a Spitfire by Top Flite or Pica.
17. Branch out to the unusual, like the Goldberg Ultimate Biplane or the Kyosho Catalina PBY Seaplane.

Tips & Warnings

• Many experienced scale modelers recommend that newcomers to the hobby begin by building a trainer scale model to get a better feel for the basics of the hobby.
• Some instructors recommend starting with a two-control channel glider or sailplane, moving to a powered glider and then on to a four-channel powered scale model.
• A popular trainer is the "40 size" in a high-wing configuration with tricycle landing gear. It will have a 0.40-cubic-inch engine and a wingspan of about 50 inches, assuring good visibility.
• Youngsters should be accompanied by adults when flying scale models. The fuels used are volatile, and the propellers spin fast enough to injure a finger or hand.
• Wise modelers use a "chicken stick" to manipulate the propeler during the starting procedure.