You can fly an R/C Airplane

How do I get started?

1. Check it out:Knowing what you are getting into helps. Reading the rest of this article is a good start. Other sources that are available include:
   • Books on the subject
   • Videos that cover all aspects of
     • Building Model Aircraft
     • Flying Model Aircraft
     • Aerobatics of Model Aircraft

2. Find an instructor: With an instructor, you'll learn the art of the hobby faster and with less frustration. There are a number of differnt ways to find one
   • Check with friends in the hobby
   • Check the phone book for flying clubs
   • Attend Fun Fly Events listed in local newspapers and free circular flyers
   • Just ask around!
   • Call the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)

3. Locate the local hobby shop: The best place is to look in the Yellow Pages under "Hobbies". You can also find info and order materials directly from the web. Check out these sites:
   • Tower Hobbies
   • Omni Models
   • Balsa USA
   • Dubro Products
   • SIG Manufacturing Co
   • R/C Country (currently under construction)

4. Pick your Power: Traditinally, power for R/C aircraft has been a 2-stroke engine that is powered by "glow fuel". However, there are other sources of power available. Below are listed the most commonly used.
   • electric motor

A few things to think about:

• How much does it cost?

  The beginner will spend on the average, for a complete no frills package, $200.00 to $300.00. (Costs can range from $100.00 to $1000.00)

• How fast does a model travel?

  Trainers will cruise at 25-30 mph and usually land at speeds of 12-15 mph. There do exist unmodified aircraft that have reached speeds of up to 200mph!

• How far can a model fly?

  The range for a modern R/C transmitter/receiver system is about 1 mile. In order to maintain control, you must be able to see what your aicraft is doing. Even an aircraft with a wingspan of 6 feet looks very tiny at a distance of 1/2 mile.

• What happens if I run out of fuel while flying?

  Even if your plane runs out of fuel and your engine stops, you still have control of the aircraft. You must glide your plane in for a "dead stick" landing. The radio system contains its own batteries for power.

Choosing your first plane

Design characteristics affecting the aircrafts flight envelope are the main criteria to consider when selecting your first plane. Trainers are designed for easy building and flying. They also give the first-time pilot what they lack the most: confidence. Construction is simple and design features include the following:

• High wing location above fusalage - models weigh is suspended below the wing aiding in a more stable model
• Flat bottom wing - developes most lift at low speeds
• High wing area of 550 sq inches or higher
• Dihedral build into wing - increases model stability
• Thick wing section - creates more drag so model will fly slower
• Landing gear - tricycle gear (nose wheel with two main wheels located under the wing) makes takeoffs and landings easier.

At the flying field

Once your trainer is built, covered and ready to go, there is only one thing let to do, FLY IT! In order to accomplish this task, you'll need some additional equipment. The basic field package consistes of:

• fuel bulb gallon of glow fuel
• chicken stick
• a qualified instructor