| There is something about flying that excites and | | | | aircraft are very popular and provide an exciting |
| amazes certain people. Many people often dream of | | | | challenge. Sophisticated electronics and speed |
| flying, but resist following that dream because it seems | | | | controllers have now taken the controlling of an RC |
| too difficult and too expensive. However, the | | | | airplane to higher levels. These aircraft are no longer |
| excitement and dreams of flying have become a | | | | considered toys just to play around with. Jets |
| reality with radio-controlled (RC) aircraft. Actually, some | | | | commonly use ducted fans or micro turbines to power |
| of the RC aircraft today can give you the best flight of | | | | them. They are constructed of carbon fibre and fibre |
| your life. If you would talk to a dedicated RC plane | | | | glass. Jets can achieve speeds over 200 mph, |
| hobbyist, they would tell of the excitement of heading | | | | requiring quick reflexes and many hours of flying |
| to an RC field on a warm, sunny day to fly their planes | | | | experience. Helicopters are trickier to fly than planes |
| and to enjoy the camaraderie of other hobbyists and | | | | and are much less forgiving. |
| RC club members. It is always amazing to see the | | | | If you want to get started flying RC planes the |
| many different styles of aircraft and how they | | | | following information may help you: |
| maneuver through the air. | | | | Flying aircraft of any type is not a skill we are born |
| Radio-controlled planes have a rich history, and provide | | | | with. Purchasing any radio-controlled aircraft and trying |
| a suitable hobby for all ages and skill levels. Flying | | | | to fly without some basic knowledge may possibly |
| enthusiasts have a large variety of aircraft to choose | | | | result in the destruction of the model. When this |
| from, making the hobby more exciting for all hobbyists | | | | happens right off the bat, most prospective flyers get |
| from the beginner to the expert. You can pick and | | | | discouraged and pass on an exciting hobby. Flying RC |
| choose what you want depending upon your taste | | | | aircraft is not difficult but does require some practice |
| and the available money you have to spend. Generally, | | | | to become proficient enough to have your plane soar |
| the ideal choice of a particular RC plane depends upon | | | | through the skies and return for a safe landing. |
| a combination of style and pilot skill level. | | | | Teaching yourself to fly is possible; however, if you find |
| For beginners, park flyers are a great choice. The term | | | | a local flying club and seek some help from the |
| “park flyer” denotes small, primarily electric | | | | experienced flyers is the ultimate way to learn. A flight |
| planes. They are so named because they are small | | | | simulator can aid in learning the fundamental |
| enough to be flown inside public parks. The | | | | movements and actions of an airplane. It is an easy |
| recommended aircraft for beginners is an A-R-F | | | | and convenient way to practice the simplest turns to |
| (Almost Ready To Fly) high-wing trainer. A-R-F planes | | | | the most complex maneuvers. It must be remembered |
| are already built and don’t require a lot of time and | | | | that the flight simulator does just what it’s name |
| building experience to get ready for flight. A-R-F planes | | | | implies, it simulates the actions of an airplane. The |
| also have fairly large wing spans (60-70 inches) which | | | | simulator is not the real thing and most planes react |
| aid in better visibility and flight operation. | | | | differently in the air. |
| For intermediate hobbyists, there are glow plug engine | | | | Whether you are a kid, or just a kid at heart, flying RC |
| planes and electric powered planes. Glow plugs, which | | | | aircraft is directed at anyone who wants to relax and |
| are similar to spark plugs, ignite the fuel in the plane | | | | have fun. Get involved if you want a hobby that gives |
| operating as a small internal combustion engine. | | | | you a thrill! |
| For the expert pilot, jets, helicopters, and competition | | | | |