| There are several methods of rc airplane training, and | | | | The Futaba 4YF radio system, for example, is a |
| this page will give you a brief insight into each one. The | | | | popular choice for buddy box use. |
| methods given here also apply to rc helicopters, but for | | | | RC flight simulators |
| the main part we'll stick with airplanes. | | | | An ever increasing method of rc airplane training is to |
| The important thing to remember when learning to fly | | | | use a rc flight simulator. |
| radio control is that it will take you some time to gain | | | | This is a realistic 4 channel radio control transmitter |
| confidence and better your flying skills. | | | | that connects to your home computer. The simulator |
| As with everything in life, everyone who wants to | | | | includes powerful software to generate the very |
| learn something new has to start on the very bottom | | | | realistic graphics that let you practice your rc flying, |
| rung of the ladder! | | | | without leaving the house! |
| RC airplane training is no different, and you need to | | | | RC flight simulators are very popular for obvious |
| learn to walk before you can run, as they say. | | | | reasons - you can practice without the worry of |
| The beauty is that these days many rc airplanes and | | | | crashing your model. |
| helicopters are very user-friendly, and there is a huge | | | | A simulator helps you gain the reflexes and |
| choice of RTF (Ready To Fly) trainers available as | | | | co-ordination that you need for rc flying, and this is |
| entry-level models. | | | | especially true for rc helicopters. |
| The 3 main rc airplane training methods described | | | | Simulators are an excellent training aid if your budget |
| below are: | | | | will stretch that far. |
| Club instruction | | | | Self teach |
| RC flight simulators | | | | You could be forgiven for thinking that teaching |
| Self teach | | | | yourself to fly rc airplanes and helicopters is a very |
| Club instruction | | | | difficult thing to do. |
| Without doubt this is the best method of rc airplane | | | | The fact is, many RTF models these days have been |
| and (especially) helicopter training, and is the only | | | | designed with the complete newcomer in mind and are |
| realistic option if you want to jump in at the deep end | | | | very simple to fly. |
| with a gas model rather than electric. | | | | Airplanes such as the electric 1 or 2 channel 'Park |
| Getting yourself along to a local rc flying club is a great | | | | Flyer' style ones can be flown pretty much out of the |
| idea, if you want to take the hobby seriously. Clubs are | | | | box, and they make an excellent introduction to the |
| very common and there may be one closer to home | | | | hobby. They can be flown without experience, but |
| than you think - visiting the website of your country's | | | | following the manufacturer's instructions is of |
| governing body for rc flying should help you locate a | | | | paramount importance when you start out. |
| club in your area. | | | | Similarly, many electric rc helicopters are aimed at the |
| All clubs have rc flying instructors, or at least pilots who | | | | beginner. |
| are willing to teach, and many clubs even have a club | | | | The dual rotor models such as the Blade CX, from |
| trainer airplane especially for use by new members. | | | | E-flite, are particularly stable and can be mastered |
| If learning to fly radio control at a club, there are two | | | | after a few flights. |
| methods that you'll probably encounter. | | | | Many, including the CX, also come with their own flight |
| The first one is the traditional method of side-by-side | | | | simulation software which is a great idea and incentive |
| instruction, sharing a single transmitter. The instructor | | | | to purchase such a model. |
| will show and tell you what to do, and if you get into | | | | With gas airplanes, however, it's a different story. Gas |
| difficulty he will take the transmitter from you and | | | | planes are bigger and faster, and so self teaching isn't |
| regain control of the airplane. | | | | really recommended. |
| When your heart has stopped racing and you can | | | | If something goes wrong with a gas plane in the air, |
| breathe normally again, he'll hand back the transmitter | | | | the results can be quite nasty. For this reason, learning |
| and you can have another go. | | | | to fly a gas rc airplane and particularly a gas helicopter, |
| The second method is the buddy box system. This is | | | | is best done under club instruction. |
| far better, but not all clubs have buddy boxes available. | | | | How you choose to undertake your rc airplane training |
| The buddy box system consists of two transmitters | | | | is entirely up to you, and the kind of model that you |
| that are joined together by cable. The instructor holds | | | | want to purchase also makes a big difference. |
| the master transmitter while you, the student, holds the | | | | Of course, you can combine all the methods talked |
| slave. | | | | about above and accelerate your flying training! |
| With the flick of a switch, the instructor can hand over | | | | The bottom line is, there are no hard and fast rules but |
| or take away complete control from you, without | | | | the thing to remember is to be responsible, but have |
| having to take the transmitter from your hands. | | | | fun while learning your new hobby! |