How to Learn to Fly Radio Controlled Electric Airplanes
Airplanes capture the imaginations of young and old persons alike, and radio controlled (RC) models put the magic of flight directly into your hands. Despite the way that RC aircraft may seem to perform effortlessly, learning to fly one can be more difficult than it looks. Taking the time to prepare yourself and your model properly will help to prevent the frustration, costly repairs and possible injury that a crash may incur.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Flight simulator with transmitter control
- Computer
- Ready-to-fly RC airplane kit
Instructions
-
-
1
Use an RC airplane flight simulator to familiarize yourself with the transmitter controls, which are counterintuitive for some people. Begin with a three-channel model, which will likely utilize the left stick to control motor speeds (by moving the stick up and down), and the right to control both the rudder (by moving the stick right and left) and elevator (by moving the stick up and down). Practice taking off by increasing the motor speed and using the elevator control, flying slow, large circles using the rudder and elevator controls, and landing by reducing the motor speed and using the elevator control.
-
2
Join an RC airplane club in your area, and receive training from an instructor. Hands-on learning with an experienced teacher will greatly accelerate your progress and build confidence, providing you with a deeper understanding of remote control airplanes that will prove invaluable as you select and begin to fly your own model. Practice with a "buddy box," or a device that lets another pilot take control of a model during a loss of control, to avoid crashes.
-
-
3
Select and purchase your own model and radio equipment. Talk with other hobbyists to decide on a slow-flying trainer with good performance characteristics in your budget range. A three-channel model with rudder, elevator and motor speed controls can perform many maneuvers without the need for complicated control systems. Purchase a ready-to-fly (RTF) model, eliminating the need to purchase separate radio equipment and the possibility of poor construction affecting the airplane's flight performance.
-
4
Charge your transmitter and airplane batteries, and make all wire connections. Confirm that the speed controller is in the "Off" position, turn on the radio and airplane power switches, and move the right stick in all directions to verify that the control surfaces function correctly. Release the control stick to its neutral position, and adjust the trim on the transmitter to align the control surfaces.
-
5
Select a large, grassy practice field away from wires and people with a nearby dirt or cement road if your airplane has wheels. Wait for a calm day, and make a final check of radio controls to confirm that no interfering signals will affect your flight. Using the skills you practiced with the flight simulator and your instructor, practice taking off, flying slow circles around the field in both directions and landing.
-
6
Experiment with increasingly difficult maneuvers as you improve, making sure to give yourself ample altitude and time to recover in case something goes wrong. When you notice the battery beginning to weaken, land the airplane to prevent a sudden loss of power. Charge the batteries and continue to practice, repairing any damage from crashes.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Ask an experienced RC pilot to fly your plane the first time as they will make final trim adjustments and comment on flight characteristics that may require special attention.
The most common error new RC pilots make is over-controlling their models. Make small adjustments as you learn to fly, tapping lightly on the sticks instead of pushing them all the way to their stops.
Directional controls will appear to be reversed when the plane is flying towards you; avoid confusion by turning your body in the direction the plane is flying, looking at it over your shoulder.
Avoid turning on the airplane's power before the transmitter is on as your airplane may pick up interfering signals and behave unpredictably, possibly causing injury to you or others.
Never fly near other people as spinning propellers can cut skin and cause injury.
Cold air temperatures negatively affect battery performance, so if you are flying in an area with low temperatures, warm the battery in your pocket before use.
References
- Photo Credit remote control airplane image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
