How to Get Involved in Radio-Controlled Flying

Scale model airplane replicas have different purposes and capabilities just like their full-sized sisters. Most scale model pilots, like people learning to fly real airplanes, move from trainers to intermediate aircraft and then on to high-performance airplanes.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Access
• R/C Model Engines
• How-to Video On R/C Airplanes
• model engine supplies and accessories - adhesives, batteries, glow igniter, fuel, radio systerm, servos, glow plugs, propellers
• R/C Modeling Construction & Operating Publications
• Model Aviation Subscription
• R/C Model Airplanes
• R/C Helicopters

1. Visit a local radio-control model-flying club activity day and watch the performance of the various replicas.

2. Get acquainted with the flying-model club members.

3. Find a mentor among them.

4. Visit various local radio-control hobby stores.

5. Talk to store owners and knowledgeable clerks.

6. Read, read, read. Subscribe to enthusiast magazines and use the Internet.

7. Remember, even the slowest trainer models are not toys. They are miniature airplanes operating on the same physical principles as their regular counterparts.

8. Relate the various models to your skill level. A 50 mph trainer is appropriate for a beginning model pilot while a 200 mph, turbine-powered jet replica demands the skills of an experienced pilot.

9. Choose a model also based upon your skills as a constructor. "Almost-ready-to-fly" (ARF) models are available if you're not handy with tools.

10. Plan on taking flying lessons from a qualified instructor if you've never flown a radio-controlled model aircraft previously. Models are expensive. Learning on your own may be discouraging and costly.

11. Ask your instructor for advice on your first purchase.

12. Remember, four channel controls are available - Rudder, Elevator, Throttle, and Ailerons - even though trainers can fly without the use of ailerons.

13. Learn to judge model aircraft stability and performance based partly on wing shape, wing span, and dihedral.

14. Remember that there are transition scale-model aircraft available as well, like the GPM Big Stick 40 from eHobbies, which allow a flyer to move from training to basic aerobatics.

15. Assume that scale-model replicas will mimic their full-size counterparts in handling and performance. A Top Flite F4U Corsair replica will outperform a Hangar 9 Cessna 182 general aviation scale model, but it will be more difficult to fly.

16. Master trainers and intermediate replicas, then move up to a Kyosho Catalina PBY Seaplane replica.

Tips & Warnings

• You'll be able to find everything from Cessnas to Corsairs in scale model form. There are biplanes, jets, helicopters and even multi-engine transports and military bombers.
• Increase your enjoyment of your model flying by taking photographs or filming the action with a video camera.
• A new enthusiast can outfit himself with a new trainer and accessories for about $400 to $500.
• Get involved with a model airplane flying club. There's no better source of help.
• Exercise caution. A flying scale replica of an airplane can cause serious damage if it crashes, both to the aircraft and to objects on the ground.
• Youngsters can enjoy the hobby, but they need adult supervision.

on 11/22/2005 1. Join the AMA (for insurance reasons).

2. Buy an electric Park Flyer.

3. Get help with trim and set up.

4. Fly.

You can get these little foam planes flying (with radio, batteries, and chargers) for about $150 - 200.

Advantages:

1. Low noise. You can fly in a park, schoolyard, etc. Neighbors won't complain about the noise.

2. The engine starts when you what it to. There is no breaking-in, and no frustration (as glow engines may give you.

3. Light planes made of foam are very tough and easy to repair.

Disadvantages:

1. You may have a hard time handling wind.

2. Longer flight times may require you to buy more batteries.

3. High performance and 3D is possible, but motors and batteries are still quite expensive.