How to Buy a Radio-Controlled Sailplane or Glider

Soaring on the energy of thermal currents, a sailplane permits its pilot to mimic nature's majestic birds. A radio-controlled (R/C) scale-model sailplane brings that same thrill to a hobbyist's fingertips.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Internet Access
• R/C Modeling Construction & Operating Publications
• Model Aviation Subscription
• R/C Model Airplanes
• R/C Systems
• GPM Spirit 2-Meter Sailplanes
• Dream Catcher Sailair Gliders
• Goldberg Gentle Lady Gliders
• DynaFlites

1. Read, read, read. Subscribe to enthusiast magazines and use the Internet. Make an informed decision.

2. Visit a variety of hobby stores.

3. Talk to store owners and knowledgeable clerks.

4. Join a radio-control model flying club.

5. Take part in the club's flying activities and learn from the performance of the various sailplane replicas.

6. Find a mentor among flying club members.

7. Study the dynamics of flight. Sailplanes truly are miniature airplanes operating on the same physical principles as their regular counterparts.

8. Relate the various models to your skill level. A sailplane, by definition, has a large wing area and wants to soar, but you'll want to begin your hobby with a trainer model.

9. Choose a model that also relates to your skills as a constructor. "Almost ready to fly" models are available for inexperienced constructors.

10. Take flying lessons from a qualified instructor if you're new to the hobby in order to avoid crashing expensive models and becoming discouraged.

11. Check with your instructor for a recommendation about your first scale model purchase.

12. Remember, true sailplanes have no engines. Controls are limited to rudder, elevator and ailerons.

13. Judge basic stability and performance partly on wing shape, wing span and dihedral.

Tips & Warnings

• Gliders and sailplanes are "green" - no noise, no fuel, no mess.

• Sailplanes generally are less expensive than scale models with motors.

• Sailplanes can be equipped with small electric motors to get the aircraft airborne, but the simplest launch method is a "hi-start," a rubber band-stake-cord device that pulls the sailplane aloft like a kite.

• Launching a sailplane from a cliff or slope can be accomplished by simply tossing it into the wind. Sailplanes want to soar.

• You can purchase a basic sailplane for $40 for use with a two-channel radio control system.

• Experienced R/C flyers say sailplanes are challenging, but easier to learn. A pilot's flight time is limited only by the battery life of the control system.

• The best scale-model pilot may not be the best teacher. Look for an instructor with skill and patience.