Beginner RC Airplanes -
Tips and info for Beginners

* RCPlaneTalk 2005
* Beginner's Guide to Getting Started (Part 1)
* Upcoming RC Events

RCPlaneTalk 2005

Hi,

I would like to thank you for visiting rcplanetak.com. This newsletter is dedicated to the RC hobbyist and the thrills that come from flying radio controlled airplanes and helicopters. So please be sure to read each issue, as it contains the latest info and tips on the latest goings on in the RC world.

This month we will lay out some of the steps necessary to safely get started in flying radio control airplanes.

Once again, thank you for giving me the opportunity to introduce you to this wonderful and exciting hobby!

Happy flying!

Donald

Beginners Guide to Getting Started with Radio Control Airplanes

1. Instructor led - The best way for a beginner to start learning to fly is to use an instructor, if this is not possible, the next preferred method is to get a flight simulator and practice, practice, practice. It's cheaper in the long run crashing a simulator than it is your airplane.

2. ARF - Probably the easiest way for a beginner to start is to choose an almost ready to fly (ARF) plane since they require very limited building skills. These planes usually come with everything installed except the tail, wings, and the radio equipment. Most of the time all you will need is some glue to assemble it.

You should start with a trainer that has a high wing design with plenty of dihedral. Dihedral simply refers to the upward angle of the wings from the fuselage when looking at the model from the front. The more the wings are angled up the more stability you'll have.

A very good one is the "Thunder Tiger Trainer 60 RTF Super Combo Nitro Airplane - TTR 4503-F12" It is especially geared toward the beginner and everything is included.

Many beginners initially start with an ARF kit such as the one above, so that they can get started flying relatively fast. While they're learning to fly, they'll buy a kit so that they can build it while they are learning. The kit really does help you learn how the model works and also how to repair it once you crash it (and you will crash it sooner or later).

3. Engines - If you decide to go with a kit version, you will need to purchase an engine and a radio. Engines that are most common in trainers are the .40 size, .46, and .60 size engines. They come in 2 stroke or 4 stroke. 4 stroke engines sound more realistic and they have more torque, however they cost more, whereas a 2 stroke sounds more like a weedeater and provides less torque.

4. Radios - I recommend Futaba or JR. These radios are very good. You will also need servoes, one for each control surface, such as ailerons, elevator, rudder, and throttle. Most trainers are equipped with these 4 minimum channels.

5. Propellers - Propellers are very important from a performance standpoint as well as for safety. I recommend you get one that's made out of nylon with no sharp edges. Propellers can do a lot of damage. so be careful.

Propeller Sizes
.40 - 10X6
.46 - 10X6, 10.5X6, 11X6

6. Field Equipment

Electric starter
12v Battery for Electric Starter
Glow Starter
Gloves (safety)
Tool Box
- Pliers
- Spanners (for glowplug, prop nut, etc.)
- Screw drivers
- Spare Props / glow plugs
- Spare bits + pieces (pushrods, celvices etc.)
- Screws, nuts, bolts
- GLUE (CA + epoxy)
- Allen wrenches

That conludes part 1 of getting started in RC airplanes. This has been an overview of what you can expect when building an RC airplane from a kit. Next month we'll take a closer look at each task in the building of a kit plane.

I hope you have fun with the hobby, and please pass this email to your friends and mailing list.

Many thanks.

Don

RC News

This year there are plenty of RC activities to satisfy the RC enthusiast. To check out where the latest trade shows are being held go to 2005 Tradeshows.