Hobby Quality rc planes have high RPM nitro engines and electric motors. Some Planes can reach speeds of up to 140 mph. The most popular models are the almost ready to fly (ARF) and ready to fly (RTF).
The ARF model comes from the manufacturer with most of the building and finishing work complete. Usually, major sections, such as the fuselage & wings, are prebuilt (or require no building). Most of the hardware and accessories are included and installed. An electric ARF model may include a motor. A gas powered ARF model rarely comes with an engine.
Although ARF model rc planes cost a little more than a Kit, they're the ideal choice for beginners or modelers who have few building skills, or limited amounts of time!
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RTF model rc planes usually come as an ARF but includes all the equipment needed to fly it. Standard features will include the radio system, a motor or engine that is installed at the factory. A video and batteries for the radio are also included.
A nitro gas powered RTF model should include things such as, a glow starter, or a fuel bottle. An electric RTF should include a charger, a rechargeable battery, a speed control (mechanical or electronic) or auto cut-off. An RTF model usually costs more than a kit or an ARF model.
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The decision is yours as to whether you want an RTF, ARF, or build-it-yourself kits, nitro gas powered, or electric.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Buying Your First RC Plane (101)
RC Airplane World
Buying your RC airplane
As a newcomer to the hobby, choosing and buying your rc airplane correctly is going to have a big impact on your initial enjoyment of radio control flying. Why? Simply because if you choose and buy an airplane that's not suitable for a beginner, or is of a bad quality, you'll have a very bad time with it and I can promise you that it'll put you off rc flying for life! Don't let that happen!
What to look for in your RC airplane
For your first rc airplane, you need something that is stable and forgiving. This is so important, and many beginners are too tempted to buy an rc airplane that looks cool or can fly fast, without giving much thought to how easy the thing is to fly!
The perfect airplane to learn to fly on is a high wing trainer. By 'high wing' I mean that the wing sits on top of the fuselage, and this configuration means lots of stability in the air - exactly what you need when learning to fly radio control.
Above, HobbZone's Super Cub LP is the perfect trainer configuration
High wing airplanes are stable because the weight of the fuselage below the wing acts as a pendulum to stabilize the airplane. So, a high wing plane will always want to right itself naturally after a turn, and this action really helps you out.
The other thing you need to look for is noticeable dihedral. This is the upward 'V' angle of the wings, when viewed from the front. The more dihedral the wings have, the more stable the airplane is going to be. Again, this is because of the pendulum effect; the lower the center of gravity is in relation to the wing surfaces, the more stability there is.
look for the obvious upward dihedral angle of the wings,
when viewed from the front
So, for your first rc airplane you should be looking for a high wing configuration with good dihedral.
How many channels?
This is an important question and, again, choosing badly could determine how much fun you have with your new rc airplane.
For the simpler 'Park Flyer' type electric rc airplanes (the ones we're focusing on in this flight school), 2 or 3 channels are most common. Single channel rc airplanes are available, but they are more toys than anything else. For a true taste of radio control flying, a minimum of two channels is what you need.
An average two channel plane will most likely have either motor and rudder control or elevator and rudder control.
A 3 channel plane will have control to motor, elevator and rudder although an optional 3 channel configuration is motor, elevator and ailerons. A rudder is more commonplace on beginner rc airplanes though - ailerons tend to be on faster planes capable of more aerobatics.
Of course, there's nothing stopping you diving right in with a 4 channel trainer such as the E-flite Apprentice, for example. They're more expensive and harder to master, but maybe you already know how serious you are about the hobby. The Firebird Commander 2 , Super Cub LP and E-flite Apprentice.
Electric RTF rc airplanes - 2, 3 & 4 channels respectively and all meant for beginners
For the purpose of this flight though, we'll stick with a 3 channel airplane with motor, elevator and rudder control.
Kit, ARF or RTF?
The 'completeness' of your first rc airplane is purely down to your own personal preference.
A kit involves building the plane from a box of pieces and a plan. Very satisfying, but you need a fair knowledge of model building skills to do it well and you'll need to buy the motor, ESC, battery pack and radio gear separately.
If you buy an ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) rc airplane, it will be about 90% finished. You just need to buy the motor, ESC, battery pack and radio gear separately and install it all yourself; again, some modeling knowledge is required but there won't be much building to worry about.
Buying an RTF (Ready To Fly) plane is your best option if you just want to get flying! RTF rc airplanes come fully finished with radio gear installed and set up. There's nothing for you to do apart from attach the wing, charge the battery pack, install the transmitter batteries and fly.
Spare parts availability
It's a fact of the radio control flying hobby that crashing is all part of the action. When you're learning how to fly rc airplanes, the chances are that you will crash sooner or later - probably sooner.
Having an off-the-shelf supply of spare parts is very convenient, and when you're looking around at buying your first rc plane, do take the time to check whether spare parts are available. Certainly brands such as HobbyZone and ParkZone, for example, carry all the parts you could wish for.
If you buy an rc airplane that doesn't have a good back-up of parts behind it, you're in for some potentially dodgy repairs that could seriously impede the safety and performance of your plane, post-crash.
Where to buy your RC airplane
If you've got a local hobby store, the best thing you can do is pop along and have a chat. This website will give you all the info you need to understand what you should be buying, but talking face to face with an rc enthusiast is better. But beware! There are some unscrupulous shop owners out there who are interested in nothing more than getting hold of your hard-earned cash!
If you do buy from a shop, be happy that they're selling you something appropriate, and not just the most expensive model in their shop that you'll smash on its maiden flight, and so you'll be back to buy another...
Buying online is your other option, and that's perfectly acceptable. Stay close to the advice and info in this page and the website in general, and you won't go far wrong. But again, beware - we all know that the internet is a minefield. Stick to reputable stores such as, for example, Red Rocket Hobbies, eHobbies, Tower Hobbies, Hobby Lobby, Nitro Planes.
And of course there's good ol' eBay, but don't be tempted to buy something cheap and nasty from China or Hong Kong from a brand you've never heard of. If in doubt, do some research into the airplane you're thinking of buying - ask around, check forums, check out videos of it on YouTube - in short, just be aware of exactly what you're buying, and from who!
Buying your RC airplane
As a newcomer to the hobby, choosing and buying your rc airplane correctly is going to have a big impact on your initial enjoyment of radio control flying. Why? Simply because if you choose and buy an airplane that's not suitable for a beginner, or is of a bad quality, you'll have a very bad time with it and I can promise you that it'll put you off rc flying for life! Don't let that happen!
What to look for in your RC airplane
For your first rc airplane, you need something that is stable and forgiving. This is so important, and many beginners are too tempted to buy an rc airplane that looks cool or can fly fast, without giving much thought to how easy the thing is to fly!
The perfect airplane to learn to fly on is a high wing trainer. By 'high wing' I mean that the wing sits on top of the fuselage, and this configuration means lots of stability in the air - exactly what you need when learning to fly radio control.
Above, HobbZone's Super Cub LP is the perfect trainer configuration
High wing airplanes are stable because the weight of the fuselage below the wing acts as a pendulum to stabilize the airplane. So, a high wing plane will always want to right itself naturally after a turn, and this action really helps you out.
The other thing you need to look for is noticeable dihedral. This is the upward 'V' angle of the wings, when viewed from the front. The more dihedral the wings have, the more stable the airplane is going to be. Again, this is because of the pendulum effect; the lower the center of gravity is in relation to the wing surfaces, the more stability there is.
look for the obvious upward dihedral angle of the wings,
when viewed from the front
So, for your first rc airplane you should be looking for a high wing configuration with good dihedral.
How many channels?
This is an important question and, again, choosing badly could determine how much fun you have with your new rc airplane.
For the simpler 'Park Flyer' type electric rc airplanes (the ones we're focusing on in this flight school), 2 or 3 channels are most common. Single channel rc airplanes are available, but they are more toys than anything else. For a true taste of radio control flying, a minimum of two channels is what you need.
An average two channel plane will most likely have either motor and rudder control or elevator and rudder control.
A 3 channel plane will have control to motor, elevator and rudder although an optional 3 channel configuration is motor, elevator and ailerons. A rudder is more commonplace on beginner rc airplanes though - ailerons tend to be on faster planes capable of more aerobatics.
Of course, there's nothing stopping you diving right in with a 4 channel trainer such as the E-flite Apprentice, for example. They're more expensive and harder to master, but maybe you already know how serious you are about the hobby. The Firebird Commander 2 , Super Cub LP and E-flite Apprentice.
Electric RTF rc airplanes - 2, 3 & 4 channels respectively and all meant for beginners
For the purpose of this flight though, we'll stick with a 3 channel airplane with motor, elevator and rudder control.
Kit, ARF or RTF?
The 'completeness' of your first rc airplane is purely down to your own personal preference.
A kit involves building the plane from a box of pieces and a plan. Very satisfying, but you need a fair knowledge of model building skills to do it well and you'll need to buy the motor, ESC, battery pack and radio gear separately.
If you buy an ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) rc airplane, it will be about 90% finished. You just need to buy the motor, ESC, battery pack and radio gear separately and install it all yourself; again, some modeling knowledge is required but there won't be much building to worry about.
Buying an RTF (Ready To Fly) plane is your best option if you just want to get flying! RTF rc airplanes come fully finished with radio gear installed and set up. There's nothing for you to do apart from attach the wing, charge the battery pack, install the transmitter batteries and fly.
Spare parts availability
It's a fact of the radio control flying hobby that crashing is all part of the action. When you're learning how to fly rc airplanes, the chances are that you will crash sooner or later - probably sooner.
Having an off-the-shelf supply of spare parts is very convenient, and when you're looking around at buying your first rc plane, do take the time to check whether spare parts are available. Certainly brands such as HobbyZone and ParkZone, for example, carry all the parts you could wish for.
If you buy an rc airplane that doesn't have a good back-up of parts behind it, you're in for some potentially dodgy repairs that could seriously impede the safety and performance of your plane, post-crash.
Where to buy your RC airplane
If you've got a local hobby store, the best thing you can do is pop along and have a chat. This website will give you all the info you need to understand what you should be buying, but talking face to face with an rc enthusiast is better. But beware! There are some unscrupulous shop owners out there who are interested in nothing more than getting hold of your hard-earned cash!
If you do buy from a shop, be happy that they're selling you something appropriate, and not just the most expensive model in their shop that you'll smash on its maiden flight, and so you'll be back to buy another...
Buying online is your other option, and that's perfectly acceptable. Stay close to the advice and info in this page and the website in general, and you won't go far wrong. But again, beware - we all know that the internet is a minefield. Stick to reputable stores such as, for example, Red Rocket Hobbies, eHobbies, Tower Hobbies, Hobby Lobby, Nitro Planes.
And of course there's good ol' eBay, but don't be tempted to buy something cheap and nasty from China or Hong Kong from a brand you've never heard of. If in doubt, do some research into the airplane you're thinking of buying - ask around, check forums, check out videos of it on YouTube - in short, just be aware of exactly what you're buying, and from who!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Beachcraft and J-3 Cub
In this posting we take a close look at the new E-flite Beechcraft Bonanza 15e ARF, ParkZone Ultra-Micro J-3 Cub.
Preview - ParkZone's Ultra-Micro J-3 Cub
The new ParkZone Ultra-Micro J-3 Cub is going to be another of those very exciting tiny RC models we have all been having so much fun with. The new J-3 introduces a level of scale detail to these very small airplanes that we haven't seen before. The 18-inch wingspan Cub can be flown indoors at club gatherings for great fun or outdoors just about anywhere and it can be purchased as an RTF or a BNF model. Watch our video to learn more.
We Preview E-flite's Beechcraft Bonanza 15e
If there was ever a Cadillac of general aviation aircraft the Beechcraft Bonanza has been that airplane. Model builders have been so enamored with the Beechcraft that it ranks right at the top of everyone’s favorite airplanes to build "when I get the time." E-flite just released their new Bonanza 15e ARF. Of course ARF means you have to do a small amount of assembly (about 8 hours) and supply your own radio, speed control, motor as well as some optional accessories. The finished model is exceptional and the 15e size means it will fit in your car easily.
Preview - ParkZone's Ultra-Micro J-3 Cub
The new ParkZone Ultra-Micro J-3 Cub is going to be another of those very exciting tiny RC models we have all been having so much fun with. The new J-3 introduces a level of scale detail to these very small airplanes that we haven't seen before. The 18-inch wingspan Cub can be flown indoors at club gatherings for great fun or outdoors just about anywhere and it can be purchased as an RTF or a BNF model. Watch our video to learn more.
We Preview E-flite's Beechcraft Bonanza 15e
If there was ever a Cadillac of general aviation aircraft the Beechcraft Bonanza has been that airplane. Model builders have been so enamored with the Beechcraft that it ranks right at the top of everyone’s favorite airplanes to build "when I get the time." E-flite just released their new Bonanza 15e ARF. Of course ARF means you have to do a small amount of assembly (about 8 hours) and supply your own radio, speed control, motor as well as some optional accessories. The finished model is exceptional and the 15e size means it will fit in your car easily.
Chief Aircraft Com.
Extra 260 Combos Yak 54 Combos
Save big on Pilot RC aircraft with combo pricing.
Save even more with free shipping, flat rate shipping and flat rate truck freight
With any plane & motor combo take 5% off any additional items purchased.
Receivers, Servos, Batteries, Wing Bags, You Name It!
Offers valid through 12/31/2009 or while supplies last. Discounts will be applied at time of order processing. 5% discount excludes plane & motor combo and cannot be combined with any other offer. Free shipping, flat rate shipping and flat rate truck freight apply to combo pricing only and are dependant upon size and weight dimensions. Prices With * Include Ground Freight (48 States).
Save big on Pilot RC aircraft with combo pricing.
Save even more with free shipping, flat rate shipping and flat rate truck freight
With any plane & motor combo take 5% off any additional items purchased.
Receivers, Servos, Batteries, Wing Bags, You Name It!
Offers valid through 12/31/2009 or while supplies last. Discounts will be applied at time of order processing. 5% discount excludes plane & motor combo and cannot be combined with any other offer. Free shipping, flat rate shipping and flat rate truck freight apply to combo pricing only and are dependant upon size and weight dimensions. Prices With * Include Ground Freight (48 States).
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Hangar 9 P-51 MKII PTS
New – Hangar 9 P-51 MKII PTS
Hangar 9 surprised everyone with the original P-51 Mustang PTS. Now they are announcing the P-51 Mustang Mk II PTS that will come equipped with Spektrum’s DX6i 2.4GHz DSM2 6-channel radio which provides freedom from any concern about frequency restrictions or interference. The Progressive Trainer System (PTS™) will allow the pilot to advance from training to advanced sport maneuvers without purchasing a new plane. New larger plug-in wing panels make for easy transportation in small vehicles, slower flight and easy repair if needed. The PTS includes the very easy-to-operate Evolution® Trainer Power System which will make this airplane easy for everyone to start up and fly.
Hangar 9 P-51 Mustang Mk II PTS
Hangar 9 surprised everyone with the original P-51 Mustang PTS. Now they are announcing the P-51 Mustang Mk II PTS that will come equipped with Spektrum’s DX6i 2.4GHz DSM2 6-channel radio which provides freedom from any concern about frequency restrictions or interference. The Progressive Trainer System (PTS™) will allow the pilot to advance from training to advanced sport maneuvers without purchasing a new plane. New larger plug-in wing panels make for easy transportation in small vehicles, slower flight and easy repair if needed. The PTS includes the very easy-to-operate Evolution® Trainer Power System which will make this airplane easy for everyone to start up and fly.
Hangar 9 P-51 Mustang Mk II PTS
Thursday, December 17, 2009
HOW TO GET STARTED FLYING RC PLANES
What Steps To Take?
Here is what most modelers would recommend you do, starting out.
Find/Visit a Club
Purchase Equipment
Join AMA
Build/Assemble Plane
Find A Club
Start Your Instructions!
There are many good reasons for joining a club. First, you will be needing instruction, which clubs provide for FREE. Also, the things we are showing you here only scratch the surface of what you need to know. Things like: What kind of fuel? How do I get the fuel in the tank? What kind of starting battery? How tight should my propeller be? The list goes on and on and we don't even have the engine started yet! Another advantage to being in a club is that the other members will provide help in the way of equipment. Personally, I tell my students to get a plane, engine, radio, and fuel. I will let them use my fuel pump, starting battery, and my electric starter (it sure beats flipping a prop with a stick). Also, you may find that many club members have some used equipment they will sell at a good price and save you a few bucks. A club may even have a "Club Trainer" which is a plane that new members may fly with an instructor just to start getting their feet wet while they are building their first plane.
Ok, so where do you find a club?
You can look in the phone book for hobby shops. Try to find ones that specialize in R/C airplanes. Then stop in and ask where the local club(s) flies, or meets. Chances are someone there is already a club member.
You can also check here: AMA Club Search, but I think going to the hobby shop has a more personal touch. Besides, you might as well go and meet the guy who you will be giving all of your money to from now on. :-)
Once you go to the field and meet the guys, you can ask about club meetings, what planes / engines / radios they prefer, and who might be willing to instruct you. You will probably have to join the club before you are allowed to fly, but every club has their own rules about such things.
At this point it's worth mentioning club dues (which is something you will want to talk to them about while you're there). This amount varies greatly from club to club owing to things like whether or not they rent the field where they fly, or did they spend a lot of money for a paved runway, or a nice pit area? The club I belong to has a $100 per year membership with kids under 18 free and no initiation fee (this is considered pretty cheap). I've heard of club dues in excess of $200/year. So definitely ASK!
Purchase Equipment
What should you buy? Here is a list of things that you will need:
An airplane
An engine
A radio
Field accessories
Field accessories
Field accessories are all of those incidental things you will need to get your plane airborne. Things like Fuel, a Glow Driver, an Electric Starter or "Chicken Stick", Rubber Bands, Wrenches, Screwdrivers, etc. But don't go crazy buying stuff. Talk to the guys in the club first. I know that personally, if someone showed up at my field with an airplane and fuel, I'd be more than happy to loan him anything else he needs. Of course, you don't want to mooch forever, but if you talk to the guys first, they may be very willing to help you out - they may even have some good used equipment they would be willing to part with at a good price (or even FREE!). We'll go into a little more detail on field accessories in some of the other areas.
Join the A.M.A.
"AMA" is an acronym for The Academy of Model Aeronautics. This is an organization dedicated to the promotion of model aircraft flying (For a more in-depth description, Click Here). Aside from giving flyers a lot of assistance, they provide liability insurance in case you ever damage someone's property with your airplane. Dues are approximately $50/year, and most clubs will insist that you become an AMA member before you are allowed to fly at their field on a regular basis (Although many will let you fly there a few times with a certified instructor on a "Buddy Box". More on the Buddy Box in the "Radios" section).
Build/Assemble a Plane
With the help of this site, and/or your fellow club members, you will decide which plane is best for you, purchase it, assemble it, and bring it out to the field where some of the club experts can look it over to make sure that you haven't made any mistakes, and they will take it up for it's maiden flight to make sure that it is air worthy. Once your plane has been certified as "OK" by the club, you can begin your training.
Here is what most modelers would recommend you do, starting out.
Find/Visit a Club
Purchase Equipment
Join AMA
Build/Assemble Plane
Find A Club
Start Your Instructions!
There are many good reasons for joining a club. First, you will be needing instruction, which clubs provide for FREE. Also, the things we are showing you here only scratch the surface of what you need to know. Things like: What kind of fuel? How do I get the fuel in the tank? What kind of starting battery? How tight should my propeller be? The list goes on and on and we don't even have the engine started yet! Another advantage to being in a club is that the other members will provide help in the way of equipment. Personally, I tell my students to get a plane, engine, radio, and fuel. I will let them use my fuel pump, starting battery, and my electric starter (it sure beats flipping a prop with a stick). Also, you may find that many club members have some used equipment they will sell at a good price and save you a few bucks. A club may even have a "Club Trainer" which is a plane that new members may fly with an instructor just to start getting their feet wet while they are building their first plane.
Ok, so where do you find a club?
You can look in the phone book for hobby shops. Try to find ones that specialize in R/C airplanes. Then stop in and ask where the local club(s) flies, or meets. Chances are someone there is already a club member.
You can also check here: AMA Club Search, but I think going to the hobby shop has a more personal touch. Besides, you might as well go and meet the guy who you will be giving all of your money to from now on. :-)
Once you go to the field and meet the guys, you can ask about club meetings, what planes / engines / radios they prefer, and who might be willing to instruct you. You will probably have to join the club before you are allowed to fly, but every club has their own rules about such things.
At this point it's worth mentioning club dues (which is something you will want to talk to them about while you're there). This amount varies greatly from club to club owing to things like whether or not they rent the field where they fly, or did they spend a lot of money for a paved runway, or a nice pit area? The club I belong to has a $100 per year membership with kids under 18 free and no initiation fee (this is considered pretty cheap). I've heard of club dues in excess of $200/year. So definitely ASK!
Purchase Equipment
What should you buy? Here is a list of things that you will need:
An airplane
An engine
A radio
Field accessories
Field accessories
Field accessories are all of those incidental things you will need to get your plane airborne. Things like Fuel, a Glow Driver, an Electric Starter or "Chicken Stick", Rubber Bands, Wrenches, Screwdrivers, etc. But don't go crazy buying stuff. Talk to the guys in the club first. I know that personally, if someone showed up at my field with an airplane and fuel, I'd be more than happy to loan him anything else he needs. Of course, you don't want to mooch forever, but if you talk to the guys first, they may be very willing to help you out - they may even have some good used equipment they would be willing to part with at a good price (or even FREE!). We'll go into a little more detail on field accessories in some of the other areas.
Join the A.M.A.
"AMA" is an acronym for The Academy of Model Aeronautics. This is an organization dedicated to the promotion of model aircraft flying (For a more in-depth description, Click Here). Aside from giving flyers a lot of assistance, they provide liability insurance in case you ever damage someone's property with your airplane. Dues are approximately $50/year, and most clubs will insist that you become an AMA member before you are allowed to fly at their field on a regular basis (Although many will let you fly there a few times with a certified instructor on a "Buddy Box". More on the Buddy Box in the "Radios" section).
Build/Assemble a Plane
With the help of this site, and/or your fellow club members, you will decide which plane is best for you, purchase it, assemble it, and bring it out to the field where some of the club experts can look it over to make sure that you haven't made any mistakes, and they will take it up for it's maiden flight to make sure that it is air worthy. Once your plane has been certified as "OK" by the club, you can begin your training.
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