How to Learn to Fly an RC Airplane

When setting out to learn to fly an RC airplane, it can seem like a daunting task since RC airplanes are expensive and easily wrecked. Whether you want to make your childhood dreams of flying RC airplanes a reality, you are just beginning to take interest in the hobby, or you just crashed your first plane, here is a step by step guide to getting that first successful solo flight.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• local hobby shop
• local flying club
• yard, park, or flying field
• computer training program (optional)
• online resources

1. Since it is impossible to learn to fly a RC airplane on your own, your first step should be to locate a local flying club. There are several ways to go about contacting a flying club. You can stop by your local hobby shop and ask about club information, you can locate a club through the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), or you can stop by a local flying field and begin politely asking questions.

2. Ask your local club members questions to get a feel for what flying interests you might have and which options are feasible for you. There are three types of flying: yard, park, and approved field. Each is appropriate for the space required and dictates what kind of plane you will fly. For instance, you would most likely not be able to fly a glider in an average backyard. Be respectful, and make friends with experienced club members that can help you learn to fly an RC airplane. They are your greatest resources for, have them describe what they are doing and how they are doing it while they are flying their planes.

3. As you prepare to buy your first radio controlled plane, familiarize yourself with the AMA and purchase a membership. As long as you follow the AMA rules, the membership will supply you with liability insurance. Furthermore, the AMA is a great learning resource for beginners just learning how to fly RC airplanes. Currently, you can buy a park membership, for a plane under 2 lbs and 60 mph, for $29 and a standard membership for $58.

4. Buy or borrow a computer simulated training program for RC planes. This will let you practice flying different models in different conditions without worrying about crashing the real thing! A simulator will run about $200, but remember, this is comparative to the cost you will suffer in one crash.

5. Purchase your first RC airplane. You should look for a "trainer" that will help learning to fly go more smoothly. For a guide to finding and picking out your first plane please see the resources below.

6. If you bought a kit with detailed instructions, use them to acquaint yourself with the radio control and plane. Have an experienced club member help you "trim" your plane and prepare for the first flight. You can arrange to meet the member at a flying field, local park, or one of your yards, depending on the scope of your airplane. Have him or her fly your plane so they can feel how it handles and give you flying tips for that particular model. Don't forget to buy your mentor lunch to thank him or her!

7. Continue practicing both on the simulator and on your airplane with mentor guidance and it won't be long before you're flying solo! Remember that gratification won't be instant, but in the long run, the rewards will be worth it.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be afraid to ask questions and get instruction, learning to fly a model RC airplane cannot be done without help.

Resources

• Guide to Buying Your First RC airplane
• Academy of Model Aeronautics Website and Membership Application

[Diligent77]

on 1/23/2009 Good tips on how to fly an RC plane. 5*

[Susanh]

on 10/11/2008 This sounds like a lot of fun.

[bar10dr98]

on 10/10/2008 Great tips, thanks for the article!