Do you want to try the thrill and fun of flying radio controlled aeroplanes ? Let me tell you, as one who?s been there that it?s a wonderful hobby but to stop yourself being put off the whole thing before you barely get under way you need to take onboard the following tips.
Here's how not to do it. Your new RC plane arrives, you rip open the box, glance at the manual , start putting it together, plug in the batteries, charge down to the local field, launch and ... splat ! Your pride and joy has had a violent coming together with the ground. Many of us have done this and it's understandable but if you curb your excitement and calm down there is a better way.
Always read the manufacturers manual first - that's right, cover to cover. Probably best to take a friend along. They could help with the testing, launching and retrieval.
These tips apply whether you have a RTF (ready to fly) model or one you have built from scratch.
You have to make sure that your plane's CG (centre of gravity) is where it should be so that it is balanced correctly. It's usually about one third of the way back from the leading (front) edge of the wing, so by holding the plane there, with a finger under each wing tip, your plane should be level or with the nose slightly down. Nose up is no good, you must add weight to get it right.
Next make sure that anything that needs attaching is firmly in place. For example undercarriage, wings etc.
Flaps, the rudder and ailerons must be moving fully and easily.
Is the motor working from idling to full revs ?
Always switch on the transmitter first , then the receiver and have the antenna fully collapsed. At the same time that you walk backwards from your plane, about 30 feet, waggle the rudder stick around and check that the rudder on your plane is responding. If it isn?t working properly you need to sort it out before flying. This could be one or all of your batteries are weak or you are suffering from interference from other flyers operating on the same frequency.
Gently hand launch your plane into the breeze (windy ? try another day) keeping it level, do not turn on the motor, this is a glide into long grass. Use your transmitter with the antenna extended to keep it flying straight. You are looking for a level, graceful flight.
Now for the powered flight ! Probably best to hand launch again, we will get to ground take-offs later. Do all the usual checks again. Make sure the transmitter and receiver are on, switch the engine to full power and launch as before. Hold the transmitter with both hands and control your plane with small stick movements. Gently does it with your maiden flight - no violent twists and turns.
Don't fly close to buildings, trees, people, power lines or yourself ! At the same time keep it close enough to make sure that you can see clearly what it's doing.
Always keep the transmitter antenna pointing upwards at least 45 degrees too, as this ensures maximum performance of the rc gear.
Your plane should be able to fly straight and level on it's own, if it doesn't then, if possible, adjust the 'trim' tabs on the transmitter to fine tune it whilst in flight. Let the model fly on for a couple of seconds after trimming it to see what effect your 'trimming' has had.
Take-offs from the ground should only be attempted from a very smooth surface like tarmac, grass is rarely a good idea, most models just don?t have enough power. As usual it takes off into the wind on full power with you standing behind it, keeping it straight by adjusting the rudder.
Landing need not be scary ! If the approach does not look good turn it back to full power and go around again as often as it takes. Just remember to land into the wind, keep it straight and reduce motor revs or cut power altogether for a stress free touch down.
Remember when your airplane is coming at you the controls will be the other way round, this will not be a problem with practice.
If things look like they are getting seriously out of control usually the best thing to do is to cut the motor. If your plane is trimmed right it should gently glide to the ground.
Batteries, batteries, batteries ! Time and again battery failure is the cause your pride and joy having an unscheduled meeting with the ground - keep checking them !
You have under your control a little beast that can dawdle along at a few miles an hour or zoom past at 90 mph, has a fast moving propeller and can dive vertically. You must think of others, their property and pets, as well as your own safety.

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