Nitro RC Airplanes and Helicopters

How to Build, Trim and Fly Them

Piloting nitro rc airplanes and helicopters powered by methane gas fuel is an extremely rewarding and exhilarating experience! Compared to electric planes, they are extremely fast. Take it from me, nothing compares to the thrill of flying a remote controlled airplane.

Whether you're interested in building, trimming or flying nitro rc airplanes and helicopters, the tips on this site will help you get the best service, reliability and performance from your model...


How To Get Started With Nitro
RC airplanes and helicopters

The selection of a proper nitro rc airplane trainer depends on whether or not you want to go it alone or use an instructor. If you decide to go it alone, I would recommend that you start with an extremely stable, slow flying electric model. If you do decide to go it alone, and you need extra help, you can join an rc flying club. The prime function of most rc clubs is to teach newcomers how to fly nitro rc airplanes or rc helicopters.

The proper nitro rc airplanes trainer will resemble a full sized Cessna 150. The wing will be high on the fuselage, mounted above the cabin area. This configuration gives the proper stability required. The wing area should be large in relation to the size of the airplane. the larger the wing area, the more lift created, which will enable the airplane to fly slower. This is ideal for the beginner.

The proper nitro rc airplanes trainer will have long moments-that is-the distance between the wing and the tail will be long. Also, the wing span will be long. A stretched out design like this will make the airplanes response slower to the controls, and that's what the beginner needs.

A tricycle landing gear is better for the beginner than tail dragger models because it makes take-offs and landings easier.

Many rc airplane trainers have a flat bottom wing air foil section. It provides for better lift. The symmetrical air foil can fly slowly if it's thick and the plane is light. It's also good for aerobatics after your initial flight training.


Model airplanes are designed for a particular range of engine sizes. In general, the larger the airplane, the easier it is to fly. I recommend a 0.40 or 0.60 size engine. Make sure that the engine has a muffler for quieter operation. You don't want any complaints anbout noise. Of course this would not apply to electric planes.

The most basic uncomplicated kind of airplane is a powered sailplane such as the one shown below. It will have a small engine in the nose, and only elevator and rudder controls...


I recommend a 4-channel Radio system in the beginning, even if you'll only be using 2 or 3 channels at first. That way you'll have the radio you need for more advanced rc airplanes in the future.

If you want to get into flying rc airplanes quickly, RTF (ready to fly) models are the way to go.

RC Plane Talk.Com - Remote Control Planes, R/C Hobby Shops, Tips and More. See our main page for more info on nitro rc planes and helicopters.





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