How to Fly a Model Airplane
Flying model airplanes is much more popular than most people realize. In fact, there are hundreds of model airplane clubs throughout the country for the weekend enthusiast. But there are skills involved that you need to master before you fly your first model. Furthermore, there are local ordinances in most areas of the country that affect where model airplanes can be flown. Here are the steps to becoming a talented pilot of model aircraft.
Instructions
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1
Learn airplane terminology before you try to fly a model airplane. Understand that a plane's ailerons control the plane's direction, and the flaps will help decrease the plane's speed. Then there is the landing gear at the bottom of the plane that is necessary when the plane returns to earth. Finally, you should know that the elevator is used to adjust the plane's height while the rudder makes the plane change direction.
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Practice taxiing your airplane after you are sure that all its elements are in working condition. There is no better way for you to feel how to control your airplane. In addition, when your airplane is coming towards you, you must use so-called "reverse steering" because the controls are reversed, so practice this technique while your airplane is on the ground rather than in flight.
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3
Watch your model airplane take off, because it is much easier than you might think. In fact, most models will take off by themselves when the throttle is fully applied. Rather than trying takeoffs down wind, it's best to try it into the wind. With full throttle, your airplane will head down the runway, and you must keep it straight by moving your rudder. As the airplane begins to lift off, let the nose rise by pulling back on the elevator control. Ease back that stick if the airplane exceeds about a 25 degree angle to avoid a stall. When it reaches about 125 feet, level it off.
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4
Learn how to turn your airplane. Using the aileron control, turn the airplane by making it go left or right by turning the plane to about 20 degrees from level. You must then increase the elevator to keep the airplane in the air and increase the speed slightly. Once the airplane is heading in the right direction, make the airplane level again by using the aileron and pull back on the throttle until your plane is flying at the proper speed.
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5
Land your model airplane and you have learned the most important skill, particularly if you want to prevent a crash. Before you land, the airplane should be going at a speed that's just fast enough to avoid a stall. In fact, before your first landing, you need to practice taking your airplane in and out of a stall to build your confidence. Keep the nose of the airplane up until you land. Then, as you are about to land, place your throttle in the "off" position and watch your airplane come to rest.
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