When getting started with the radio control model airplane hobby, there are a number of things to consider.
You need to chose your plane, your engine, your radio and your accessories. The comments below are of a general nature and based on what is commonly seen and used by the members of the club. As with any advice, it can generate plenty of discussion and debate.
Choosing your planeThe plane should initially be a "trainer" type of plane, the World Models Sky Raider is recommended by many members in the HMFC club. http://ecsvr.com/twm/shopexd.asp?id=1103
Before purchasing your first plane, come to our flying field and talk to members of the club before deciding on what model is best for you. Trainers have high wings and are generally more stable than more advanced stunt models. But rest assured, the trainer will still allow you to do many stunts and provide hours of flying fun. There are a number of experienced members who still show up from time to time with their original trainer.
Most trainers come in ARF - Almost Ready to Fly. These planes are mostly assembled and require about a days work to complete. This typically involves adding the landing gear, putting the fuel tank in place, fitting the servos and control linkages and installing the engine.
Choosing your engineMost new flyers get started using 2 stroke motors. The O.S. Max AX .46 is quite popular. http://www.osengines.com/engines/osmg0547.html
Choosing your radioStarting in 2007 a new type of radio was released: 2.4GHz DSM (Digital Spectrum Modulation). These digital radios provide much better reliability and are recommended for any new comers to the hobby.
When you purchase a radio, you will need to choose between what is called mode 1 and mode 2. In Australia, mode 1 seems to be the most popular and most members of the HMFC club fly with mode 1. Mode 2 is more popular in the U.S. One area of consideration is the club helps beginners get started with the help of a number of more experienced members who are the club trainers. More of the trainers have mode 1 so you increase your chance of getting a training flight if you are on mode 1.
What is the difference?
Mode 1 has the Throttle and Aileron on the right stick. The Elevator and Rudder are on the left stick.
Mode 2 has the Aileron and Elevator, the two main controls, on the right stick. The Throttle and Rudder are on the left stick.
When learning to fly, you use mostly the Aileron and Elevator which makes some people prefer mode 2.
Choosing your accessoriesTo start flying, you'll need some accessories. As a minimum you'll need a glow plug starter, a fuel bottle and a fuel pump (hand crank is fine). Some small hand tools, pliers, screw drivers, allen keys, etc are often handy. Many members also have electric starter motors and fancy flying boxes to store their accessories.
Another useful accessory is a flight simulator. This is a program that runs on a personal computer and specifically simulates model aircraft flight. Many new members have commented on the help they got from practicing on a flight simulator but be careful as you can get over confident as to your abilities, flying in the real world is quite the leveler.
Your first flight(s)Once you have your new plane built you are ready to take to the air! Club rules and safety considerations dictate that you do this under the careful guidance of one of the club trainers. This starts off using what is called a buddy cable. The buddy cable connects your radio transmitter to the transmitter of the trainer. The trainer is then able to take the plane off and get it circling in an area just above the flying field. You will start off at a height we call "3 mistakes high" which will give you and the trainer plenty of chances to correct any problems you have.
Once you've proven you can control the plane well with the buddy cable, the trainer will typically start flying with only one radio, yours. The trainer will take off the plane and get it to a good height and then hand the control over to you. Once you've flown around for a while (up to 10 minutes is the usual duration), the trainer will take the radio back off you and land the plane. If you are in any sort of trouble in the middle of the flight, it is common for the trainer to take the controls off you well before the planned landing time.
The club trainers are friendly and helpful and they also have plenty of good advice to hand out. It is in your interest to listen to their guidance and do your best to follow it.
Once you are competent at flying and the trainer can see that you are in good control of the plane, you'll start doing your own take offs and eventually your own landings. Progress can seem slow at times but the best thing to remember is that more stick time flying is the best thing you can do to learn. Try to get out and fly as often as possible.
The next stepOnce you are competent at flying, take offs and landings, you can progress to getting your bronze wings. Once you get your bronze wings, you are qualified to fly without a trainer by your side. The test to get your bronze wings involves a number of procedures, take off and landing. Good luck!
Useful link Basic flight instruction - Advanced Maneuvers This gives you something to dream about. Imagine doing these maneuvers once you get a bit more skilled. |