Archive for the 'Airplanes' Category
Making my first choice of a first RC airplane was really fun but I was aware that this could be a difficult task and something to be taken very seriously. While not filled with dramatics, hopefully my research will be filled with good advice for new RC airplane hobbyist. I tried not to get myself too hyped and guarded my actions to keep me from running out and buying the first airplane that looked cool without understanding it features. Remember that choosing a RC airplane can be a simple process of research but recognizing your skill level is the key to enjoying your RC airplane journey. Having no experience, I chose a basic, beginner-oriented RC airplane plane, because anything more complex would ruin my RC airplane adventures. Like most new RC airplane hobbyist, I wanted to fly a sharp looking airplane plane with the capability to do all sorts of wonderful tricks and maneuvers. Yet being realistic, I knew that something smaller with less capability was the best way to go for enjoyment and success. Here are the things too consider for a Beginners RC Airplane:
(RTF) Ready to Fly RC Airplane Kits:
RTF RC airplanes are just about ready to go straight out of the box; you will probably have to attach the wings and tail, but since it was intended to be easily constructed there is nothing overly technical about getting it together. There are (ARF) Almost Ready To Fly RC airplane kits, but unless you are really sharp on physically building RC airplanes or adding your own special components to it, I would suggest that you start out with a RTF RC airplane kit.
Electric Powered RC Airplanes:
Electric powered RC airplanes are less expensive than gas powered RC airplanes. Just charge up the batteries, turning it on and you are ready to fly. Gas RC airplanes require special fuel, and it’s more difficult to maintain and fly. This is the primary reason why electric RC airplanes are a better choice for beginners.
Slow Speed RC Airplanes:
RC airplanes that travel at slower speeds are r easier to correct in flight, saving you the horror of veering off course and crashing into who knows what. You get more time to think and find out which control does what.
Choosing 2 or 3 channels RC airplane controls:
Get less with respect to the number of channels you consider for your RC airplane kit. Each channel controls a certain directional movement of the plane. 2 channels will allow you to control altitude (up and down) as well as turning to either side. 3 channels include the first two but also allow you to control the throttle or the speed your plane is travelling. RC airplanes also come with 4 channels, but as a beginner, stay with less and enjoy your flying time more. 3 channels should be adequate and more than enough to keep you on your toes.
RC Airplane Anti-Crash Technology:
There is a wonderful Hobby Zone invention that beeps as soon as its sensors detect that the plane is diving dangerously or out of control. The system takes control and adjusts the plane’s altitude giving time to regain control and avoid that big crash. It’s a great feature when you’re a beginning RC flyer and your reaction time has not been tested.
Your first consideration should be your budget or the amount of money you are willing to spend in pursuit of your new found RC hobby. Your first RC airplane does not have to be top of the line expensive and you will want to look into the cost of replacement parts. There will be hard landings and crash at some point so be prepared. If you can, go to a RC flying field and get some help. This will increase your chance of success. After you gain experience start shopping for an RC airplane upgrade. Hope this helps. Blue skies and happy flying!
Finally, a small break in the weather and a great day to head out to our local RC airfield. The time had come to fly my new HPI 456MB Delta Twin RC Jet airplane. I have been waiting all winter for this opportunity and was totally pumped. I was greeted at the airfield by an old friend who is considered to be an expert in flying RC jet airplanes and since this was my first RC jet, help was in order and welcomed. The Delta twin model I purchased was RTF brushless, so there was nothing to do but review the manual, checkout the engine, connectors and control transmitter and we were ready to fly. Taking the transmitter, my friend instructed me in the skills required of flying a RC Jet airplane. You should have been there to see this baby perform. Getting altitude, dives, loops rolls the whole nine yards. Here is the best part, after a brief indoctrination, I was flying this RC Jet airplane alone and with great confidence. What a great combination, learning and flying!
A few tips before you run out and buy your own RC jet airplane
First, if you are a beginner just getting into RC jet airplanes, do your research and learn carefully about all the different models currently available for sale today. The knowledge you gain will help you make a informed decision. Your local RC airfield is a great place to start. Experienced RC pilots will greet you with a warm welcome and answer your questions about this exciting hobby.
Don’t try to buy the fastest and most expensive RC Jet airplane out there. You can get a wonderful RC jet airplane for under $150. Like any other RC hobby, learn the basics first and when you are comfortable with the high speeds you will be able to progress. Radio controlled jets are fast and can fly at speeds of up to 100 miles an hour. You will need good reactions to maintain control. Beginning pilot thinking of flying a fast radio controlled plane should start off with something a little slower.
RC jets airplanes come in many different sizes, different engine types and plane shapes. As you would expect one of the most popular choices is the RC jet fighter airplane. You can get the popular ducted fan RC jets that are easy to fly in comparison to the other types. Ducted fan jets are safer to use since, both the propeller and engine are tucked away inside a duct out of harms way. Next would be the pusher versions. Pusher jets are a bit slower than the ducted fan jets and are easier to operate. This is your cheapest option. Pusher jets have their propeller right in the center of their backs and work in a simple way. The propeller pushes the RC jet through the air. So, even beginners can fly these RC jets and make the hard banking turns with unbelievably quick moves. Turbine ducted jets more challenging to fly. They use real jet fuel and will fly at incredibly fast speeds. They are the kings of the sky RC jets but you must have a great deal of experience to fly one. Turbine ducted RC jets are not planes for beginners; they can very quickly turn in to a lethal weapon if they get out of control!
Enjoy your RC Jet experience, what a thrill.
If you are looking to fly a fast RC airplane then there is no better choice than RC jets. Sleek and fast these wonders of the sky travel at such high speeds that I do not recommend them to beginning pilots because of the experience factor. RC Jet airplanes are difficult to fly and require help from an experienced RC pilot to get you started. If you are new to flying RC airplanes, then you should start with a electric or nitro powered RC airplane. If you decide to ignore this warning you could badly damage your aircraft. At least start with a RC pusher jet. They are the slowest RC jets and are the simplest to fly. When you have gotten an idea of how to fly RC jets on a pusher type then you can shift to the ducted fan type. Here is a description of the types of RC jet airplanes available for your flying enjoyment.
Pusher RC Jets
Pusher Jets have a propeller in the back that pushes the airplane through the air. There is an easy take off since, they are hand launched and travel at a speed much lower than ducted and turbine fan jets. RC pusher jets can have up to two electric powered pusher props. Some pusher jets are powered by a pusher prop driven by a glow engine. Glow driven pusher jets are capable of achieving some very fast speeds! If you really want a trainer RC jet then the Pusher Jet is for you!
Ducted Fan RC Jets
Ducted fan jets have a high powered fan engine that operates in a duct. This is a very popular type of RC Jet because it is quiet, smooth and super fast. The ducted fan is nothing more than a fan spinning inside of a tube. Ducted fans powered by an electric motor are called EDF’s, electric ducted fans. Ducted fans powered by glow engines are called GDF’s, glow ducted fans. If you are an experienced pilot and looking for a new challenge then get yourself a ducted fan RC jet and take off for new horizons.
Flying Model RC Jets
If you have some experience flying high performance RC airplanes then you can fly model jets! As suggested earlier, if you are a beginner get help from a instructor or experienced pilot at your local flying club or get a Pusher jet
RC Turbine Jets
RC turbine jets are powered by an actual RC turbine! These RC jets burn real aircraft fuel and can reach speeds in access of 200 mph!
Make the right choice and you will benefit with long hours of fun and enjoyment.
When you enjoy a variety of RC hobbies endeavors, you cannot help but be amazed at the technological developments that have occurred over the years. This leaves you stoked every day to find a new RC passion that will sparks your imagination and interest. Over the years, I have had many great RC airplane experiences but none like the experience of watching my first RC performance jet fly.
Approaching our local RC hobby flying field, I noticed a speck in the skyline that streaked across the sky, yet had the stall control to perform unimaginable maneuvers. Quickly leaping from my truck, I found the owner of this dazzling RC jet airplane, which turned out to be a Phase 3 Squall EDF 4-cell High-Performance ARF w/Fan/Motor/ESC. As she demonstrated; yes it was a young lady, the exciting rolls, turns and stalls captured my imagination. Curiously, I asked her about its performance, toughness and cost and found that all were consistent with search for excitement, quality, and reliability. Especially cost under $200.00! I marveled at this wonderful RC jet airplane as it performed several missions and at the end could only hope that my wife would understand the just one more time excuse. Have you experienced this RC jet airplane, if so, let us have your feedback.
I love flying RC electric airplanes and over the years, I have discovered a few things that have saved me a lot of money on repairs and replacement planes. Be forewarned, if you are a beginner, you will crash more often than you can control, so be prepared. Here are some tips to help you get airborne and with practice extend your flying enjoyment with this fantastic hobby.
- If you can’t locate a RC airplane airfield then find yourself an open field. Local parks, school yards, football fields and soccer fields should be your prime targets. If you don’t fly in an open field you risk crashing into obstacles such as tree branches, buildings, towers or the pavement below. All of these things are very destructive to a plastic airplane.
- Windy days are not for flying! Stay on the ground and await a better day. The best days to fly are when there’s little or no wind at all. Wind affects smaller planes more easily than larger ones.
- Never fly directly into the sun. You will in most cases lose sight of your airplane.
- Let your RC airplane climb a good 40-50 feet before executing turns. When you make turns the plane may lose altitude that will not allow you to pull up in time to recover air speed.
- Don’t fly your plane over rooftops or trees until you have the experience to do so. Judgment comes into play here. You may think you are high enough to fly over them but you are not! The distance your airplane is away from you will make it harder to judge how high you really are.
- A RC airplane will not respond to your turn controls instantly. Give it a few seconds and then it should start its turn.
- Make sure you have plenty of space to take off or land. It does take distance and time for a plane to take off or land safely.
- As always, I recommend getting lessons from an experienced RC pilot or instructor. If you can locate a RC air club, you will find experienced pilots that are more than willing to help you learn and experience the enjoyment of flying your RC airplane.
Generally, the emergence of an RC plane is credited to Alphonse Penaud, a Frenchman who is said to have created a plane dubbed a “planophore.” This model was debuted in 1871. It was hand launched, and the first flight was witnessed by a group of witnesses in Paris. Its wingspan was 45 cm, or roughly 18 inches, while its total length was 50 cm, or 20 inches.
Coming in at a meager 15 grams, the plane was powered by twisted rubber bands. Its initial flight took it 130 feet in 11 seconds. While this wasn’t technically an RC craft, it certainly laid the groundwork. As such, RC airplanes today undoubtedly have far superior technology, but they can credit that advancement to the original work of Penaud.
If you are into indoor RC airplane flying or thinking about it, you have to get a Megatech Avion RC airplane. I purchased one for my nephews 12th birthday present and once again was delighted with a Megatech product. Megatech’s Avion will make you think twice about indoor RC airplane flying. This is a high performance, precision controlled airplane that has outstanding maneuverability, comes ready-to-fly and proved itself to be very easy to fly. After opening the package and reviewing the excellent written instructions my nephew, who had no flying experience was able to quickly pick up how to makes the Avion fly and how to make adjustments to improve its flight quality.
The Avion can turn within three feet, bump a wall and keep on flying. We flew it in his mom’s high ceiling living room which holds her prized chandelier and other touch me not’s and avoided a tongue lashing during our flight experiences. Not breaking anything during your indoor flights is a good thing! The Avion is very precise and gentile which enable easy flying for RC airplane novice looking to learn more about flying. The plane charges from its transmitter and within10 or 15 minutes you are back in the air. Being the RC nut that I am, even I was very impressed with the Avion. Try the Avion; I think you will agree its sweet!
RTF (readt to fly) airplanes have the same basic characteristics, and are designed for the beginning pilot. Their high wing design and dihedral gives you a very stable aircraft. If you are a beginner and want to fly a user friendly RTF airplane then the Megatech Freedom Flyer is for you. This all-round trainer and ’sport’ flyer, with lively flight performance is very stable with an option to add ailerons for better flight performance, the Freedom Flyer has been a popular choice since its release by Megatech. There are many electric ARF trainers on the market, yet it is very difficult to tell the difference between a hobby grade airplane and a cheap toy. The RTF Megatech’s Freedom Flyer Trainer has proven itself to be a very competitive trainer. This RTF Airplane comes with a four channel FM Radio, micro electronics, battery, charger, and instructional Video CD.
The most important thing to remember when choosing an RTF model is the availability of spare parts. With the Freedom Flyer that problem is solved. There are replacement packs for engine, props, wings and undercarriage. Megatech has a solid supply of original spare parts that should be available from the shop where you purchase your Freedom Flyer. Always look at the availability of these items to prolong the life of your aircraft.
Getting help with flying your RC airplane is easy! I had just purchase my first RC airplane and decided to take a trip to my local RC airfield to get help. This was a special moment and learning experience in my life so, I rounded up some kids in the neighborhood and went for a test run. I wanted to impress the kids with my flying skills but, I did not have any. I did have an ace in the sky, a friend who was into rc airplanes and I had asked him to meet me there and give me some pointers. Over the years I have learned that if it’s your first time with any RC hobby it’s best to get help when starting out. I had the kids sit with us as he explained why flying an RC airplane is so much fun and how to get started.
Flying a RC airplane he explained is a truly exhilarating experience! There is so much adrenaline running through you because you know that a successful flight depends on you and the control you maintain with the correct movements of your fingers on your remote control. Heading down the runway he explained is a heart pounding experience as your rc airplane prepares to go up and away at speeds approaching 50+ miles per hour. During the flight you must be consistent with your controls and don’t attempt to overdo your maneuvers, just enjoy the beauty of your airplane and the feeling of control that you have over it. Often you will be wet with perspiration as you try to land your airplane safely without a crash. Be cautious he warned, this hobby can become additive because of the challenges and pure pleasure you can have with it. You will want to spend hours flying, maintaining, testing, and getting ready for your next flight! An added benefit is the friends you will make and help you can get as a result of this hobby. RC airplane hobbyists are there to enjoy their hobby and are more than willing to help people share their passion. There is so much to share and experienced RC flyers at any club will do whatever they can to help you get started!
RC airplanes, also known as a radio remote controlled aircraft, are a small model aircraft that are controlled with a remote, typically with a hand-held transmitter and a receiver within the craft. The receiver controls the corresponding servos that move the control surfaces based on the position of joysticks on the transmitter, which in turn move the plane.
Flying RC aircraft as a hobby has been growing worldwide with the advent of more efficient motors (both electric and miniature internal combustion and jet engines), lighter and more powerful batteries and less expensive radio systems. A wide variety of models and styles is available.