Post from: Remote Controlled Airplanes, Helicopters and Jets

The first, and the longest, part of the process is to build the model. By itself, the model is no more than a bunch of wood, glue, and maybe a bit of metal in the shape of a plane. How much effort you spend on this will be dependent on what your goal is. Do you just want something that will get off the ground? If that’s the case, the style won’t matter too much to you. You can build a very basic box that will be able to lift off. However, most of the time hobbyists will create lifelike representations of existing airplanes. This involves creating an airframe out of a light material such as balsa wood, then covering up the sides with some kind of plastic. The dimensions are usually scale representations of whatever plane the model is based off of.

After the basic model is built, the builder will begin to bring the whole project together by installing the motor and radio components. They should always be easily removable, in case they need to be replaced. Get everything fit in to make sure you created the model correctly. Usually, you will buy all of the motors and radio transmitters in one set, and by following some quick instructions you can get it all pieced together. After you have installed it once to make sure, you should take it all out and finish the details of the model. Add decals, paint it, and do anything else that you have in mind. Once that is done with, put the motor equipment back in one last time.

Unless you have followed directions word for word down to every last detail, your plane probably won’t be ready to fly right away. At this point you can take it out to a field or a park and attempt a takeoff, but you shouldn’t hold your breath. You might have been lucky enough to get it right the first time, but you will probably need to make some tweaks. This is by far the most frustrating part of making a radio controlled plane. You will have to determine whether it is a problem with aerodynamics, or whether your radio equipment simply isn’t working. If you are stuck on this step, it’s a good idea to consult a radio controlled hobby expert to see if you can get a diagnosis.

The process definitely takes a lot of time and a lot of effort, but it is worth it in the end. When you can make a flawless takeoff and maneuver the plane through the air, you will be proud of the work that you have done. While you are toiling over building the model, getting everything to work right, and getting it to take off, just imagine that first moment when you are able to take off. Go out to the park one day, and see if you can catch another model plane enthusiast out flying his or her plane. Take a turn, and get a taste for what is coming in the future. If you keep reminding yourself of that, you will be able to remain inspired.

Post from: Remote Controlled Airplanes, Helicopters and Jets

The most common and preferred RC model is the car. But let this not limit your search and options. The concept and principle of the RC model is virtually the same, and all hobby grade models are simple and robust in design. Most require some practice to master the control. A car is a good place to start, and later you can invest in an airplane or other more advanced model. A person who has access to a free open ground (even a big football field is fine!) can safely invest in assembling a hobby grade RC airborne device since in the beginning stages, one requires lots of space to practice the control of the model.

There are dedicated hobby grade RC model makers who have hundreds of different models, and they will almost surely have one that suits your pocketbook and preference. It is a good idea to shop around at a few hobby grade RC model shops before investing in a model. This is because you might find a better model for your preferences, the cost might vary a little, and you will hopefully get to know more hobbyists that you can connect to by visiting these places.

The only limit to the amount that you can invest is solely based on your own capability. If you wish, you can invest in a low end model or you can go for the latest high end models with sophisticated circuits and controls. This is especially true with respect to the airborne models. But, wise investment is required and investment is NOT recommended if you are not a real radio controlled device enthusiast, since these hobby grade RC toys are costlier than the toy grade models available in retail shops. If you are questioning whether you can find time to play with the RC model, then the hobby grade toy is probably not for you.

In earlier times when internet was non-existent, face to face meeting was the only way the enthusiasts could contact each other. Even phone or snail mail was too clumsy to interact effectively. But the enthusiasts have always traveled long distances for the sake of their hobby just to meet one another. This is the indulgence in the hobby. But, the advent of internet has virtually reduced the world, your “arm’s length away” being just “a-click-of-your-mouse-away”. Real life meeting is not at all required, but still one can connect to another remote control hobby enthusiast from another end of the world. Real life groups are still the most effective means to get to pursue the hobby more effectively. Online groups can be of help to connect and to organize more extensive events, and to know about the various hobby related activities taking place.

Time is the most important factor when considering any hobby. A hobby is an activity that has grown more than just a “wish to try” activity, and you yearn to do it day in and day out. One might not always find the time, but the passion for the activity is what makes it worthwhile. If the thought of playing with remote controlled toys piques your interest, then it means you possibly have a flair for RC controlled models and you should  give a try.

Post from: Remote Controlled Airplanes, Helicopters and Jets

First you need to assess your own building skills. You can buy airplane kits that require you to build the entire thing from scraps of wood, or you can buy kits that just require you to snap a few parts together. If you want to make a huge, prolonged project out of your radio controlled plane, then you can buy one that requires full assembly. However, you should always be sure that your building skills are up for it. If you don’t want to spend the time required to do this, or if you don’t have the prowess to build it, then you can buy a plane that does not require any assembly at all. You just pull it out of the box, and you’re ready to go flying for the afternoon.

Next you will want to look for something that has stability for people without are flying for the first time. It may not seem like it, but to fly a radio controlled plane you need at least some skill. But, if you search for the right item you can find something that is more geared towards beginners. Slow flying speed is always a benefit, just as driving slow is a good way to learn how to control a car for the first time. You will want a light plane with larger wings that can catch the wind better. This will make takeoff easier. You will also want to look for planes that have flat bottoms, and wings mounted high on the body. If you get a plane that has all of these features, your maiden flight will be as smooth as possible.

Next you need to consider the model of the airplane you are going to buy. You can get model replicas of almost any type of plane, from the first Wright Brothers’ plane to modern military jets. If you are buying a model plane, you are probably already interested in planes to begin with. Think of what plane you are most intrigued by when you look through plane books, and see if you can find a kit that is modeled after that plane. This will give you a personal interest in the model that you are getting. When you fly it for the first time, it will be almost like being in the cockpit of the actual plane.

After you have decided on these issues when picking your plane, the rest is just up to personal preference. But if you pay close attention to these and pick your plane carefully, you will find that radio controlled flying is a great way to spend your time. It is a very rewarding hobby, and it can last you a lifetime if you choose planes that are compliant with your level of skill. After all, you don’t want to go out on your first flight and then crash your plane directly into the ground or a tree. So choose your first plane carefully, and you can avoid being immensely frustrated in the future.

Post from: Remote Controlled Airplanes, Helicopters and Jets

The most important part is to choose the day and the place carefully. On the ideal day, there are perfectly clear skies, with little to no wind. Hopefully it is also warm, but if it isn’t that won’t jeopardize your mission (unless you are shivering so much that you can’t effectively control the plane). You should go to a place that offers some sort of good take-off point. Sidewalks and roads are perfect for this. You should also try to look for an area that is low on houses, trees, and preferably doesn’t have many people around.

First you need to check all of your equipment. Even if you are a pro at handling radio controlled planes, nothing can save you from faulty equipment. Check and double-check everything before you send the plane up. Be sure to pay special attention to the landing gear. Make sure it is secure, and that it will be able to withstand the force of impact when the plane touches the ground after you are done flying. Also check all of the connections between the motor and the fuel supply or batteries. Test all of the radio equipment to make sure that every motion is interpreted by the plane. Hold it in your hand as you or a friend tries all of the levers and knobs.

Set your plane on some sort of surface that will act as a good runway. If you’re in a park with sidewalks, find a large strip of sidewalk that will give your plane plenty of room to roll, gather speed, and take off. Just make sure there are no people walking in the way. Get up to speed, and if everything goes right you should lift smoothly in the air. Hopefully you will have read through the manual that came with your plane. Every radio controller is slightly different, so I can’t give you detailed instructions on that aspect of the flight. You will have to read your manual to find out how to do it well.

After the flight you need to do yet another inspection of the equipment. If it was in good shape at the beginning of the flight and the flight went by without a hitch, it isn’t likely to have some sort of new problem that has suddenly shown up. However, you should always investigate anyways, and save yourself some grief in the future. If you notice something wrong, you can take the plane directly home and take care of it, rather than wait until you notice it the next time you come out to fly.

Follow all of these procedures, along with any local laws or regulations that may affect your flying session. Flying is a fun hobby, and if you are able to follow all of the guidelines that I have provided, as well as any other factors that may affect you personally, then you will find it to be a very enjoyable and worthy pastime.

Post from: Remote Controlled Airplanes, Helicopters and Jets