How to Fly a RC EDF Plane
Radio-controlled electric ducted fan (EDF) planes are fun to fly and work off the same aerodynamic principals as other radio-controlled planes. These planes are fast and agile but need a little extra time to accelerate after launch. Follow these tips and you'll be on your way to enjoying one of the most exciting aspects of radio-controlled flying.
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Things You'll Need
- An EDF plane with an radio-controlled flight pack installed
- Fully charged battery pack
- Fully charged transmitter
- Large open field
Instructions
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1
Balance your plane at its center of gravity. The center of gravity information can be found on your plans or in the planes instruction manual. Use the plane's battery pack to change the balance point.
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2
Walk about 100 feet from your plane with the transmitter and receiver powered on and the antenna retracted. Make sure all control surfaces move freely and without jittering. Ask the other pilots what frequencies they are using and use a different one. Do not have 2 transmitters with the same frequency powered on at the same time.
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3
Hold your plane above your head and launch it. Give the plane a strong toss with the nose pointing slightly up. It's best if this is done from a running start into the wind. Have the throttle at about 80 percent of maximum to avoid the plane rotating after it's launched.
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4
Allow your plane to pick up air speed before you move the control surfaces. The plane will probably loose some altitude before it builds up speed. Once you see your plane start to accelerate you can give it some elevator and gain altitude.
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5
Pilot the plane to a comfortable altitude and throttle back to about half throttle. Use your transmitter trims to adjust your plane's flight so it's level and not rolling to one side or the other.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't be afraid to ask an experienced pilot for help. Most EDFs fly fast. Make sure you have plenty of room. Be patient after the plane is launched and allow it to accelerate. Add graphics to your plane that help you find the plane in the sky. You will need time to bleed off speed before landing your EDF plane. Make sure you plan for this.
Never fly a plane that is not properly balanced. Never fly near power lines.
