Frequently Asked Questions

As each new pilot brings his or her own past experience along with them, it is very difficult to provide one single document that can answer everyone's questions about the hobby of radio controlled model aircraft. Over the years however, we have learned to anticipate the basic "stuff" that people seem most curious about...and that's what we have collected below.

This page is intended as a general overview of the hobby. Specific questions about particular models, engines, radios and such should be directed to your instructor or another more experienced club member. If you would like to read more, you can download the Millis Model Aircraft Club's RC Model Aircraft: A Shopping Guide for Beginners. This detailed document (in Acrobat PDF form), will provide more specific information about the hardware you'll need to purchase to fully enjoy the training process. The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) also has a great deal of advice and information for the novice pilot.

 

Q: What is this toy plane stuff all about?

A: We prefer to call them model aircraft. The hobby is called model aeronautics...and we fly remote control model aircraft. They're just like full-scale aircraft in every way. Any maneuver a full-scale plane can perform, so can a model version of that plane. Model aircraft are subject to the same laws of physics as full-scale aircraft. However, even though you can scale down an aircraft, you can't scale down the air molecules in which it flys. This is what makes flying model planes a challenge. Many model aircraft pilots are also full-scale pilots and they'll tell you that's it's much more difficult to fly a model than the full-scale version. For one thing, flying a model gives you no seat-of-the pants understanding for what the aircraft is doing. You must rely on your eyes, ears and instincts to tell you what your gut or instrumentation would in a full-scale plane.

 

Q: Okay then...what is aeromodeling about?

A: People get into model aeronautics for different reasons. Some like to build model aircraft, some like to fly them...some like to do both. Some folks are into competition, some are into the engineering challenge and some want to build detailed replicas of full-scale aircraft. Some people are just looking for any excuse to get out of the house on the weekends.

 

Q: Should I first learn to fly a model plane or a helicopter?

A: Planes are easier to fly and less expensive to start with. They're also less complicated.

 

Q: How do you control these airplanes?

A: Standard model aircraft have four basic controls:

A basic radio control system has four channels with one channel for each control function. More complex radios can have as many as nine channels, but these extra functions are used for controls such as retractable landing gear or flaps. A basic radio system consists of a transmitter (which you use to control the plane), a receiver inside the plane that picks up and decodes your transmitter signal and servos that turn the decoded signal into a mechanical response as a result of your control stick movements.

Two planes on the same frequency can not fly at the same time or they'll interfere with each other. Radios come on a variety of frequencies also called channels (not to be confused with the control channels). Every flying field uses a frequency management system to prevent two planes on the same frequency from flying at the same time...usually this is a frequency board with channel pins. Most fields limit you to a fifteen minute use of the channel after which you must allow someone else on that frequency to fly. While you are not using the frequency your radio must be placed in an impound area to prevent accidental transmission. This is for your protection as you would not want someone to inadvertently shoot you down...and you don't want to shoot someone else down as you are obligated to pay for someone's plane if you damage it by turning on your transmitter when not authorized.

A standard four channel radio transmitter has two control sticks. The right stick controls the ailerons (left & right) and the elevator (up & down) and works just like a full-scale plane's control stick or yoke. Pulling back on the stick brings the nose up in flight, and pushing forward points it down. The left stick controls the rudder (left & right) and the throttle (up & down). Full-scale pilots are taught to fly using coordinated aileron and rudder. With most models smaller than 1/4 scale (70" wingspan) you can ignore the rudder except for takeoffs and landings. An instructor might not even suggest you use the rudder or throttle for the first few flights to let you concentrate on using the primary stick.

 

Q: What kind of engines do model aircraft use?

A: Model engines come in sizes from .025 cubic inch all the way up to four cubic inches. Most sport plane engines are in the .25 to .90 ci range. Typical are the two-stroke engines which provide power on every revolution of the crankshaft. These engines are simple, inexpensive and reliable. Four-stroke engines have push rods and valves just like an automobile engine. These engines are more complicated, heavier and more expensive than two-strokes, but deliver more torque to spin a larger propeller. Most model engines have a single cylinder, although some varieties come with two or more.

Some planes are designed to run on electric motors. Electric powered aircraft are becoming very popular because of the noise problem and mess associated with traditional model engines. Electric power is clean and the advancements in battery technology have made electric power much more like glow-power in terms of performance. Some larger aircraft also use true gasoline engines similar to what you would find in a weed-wacker or chain saw.

 

Q: What kind of fuel do traditional model engines run on?

A: Most run on methanol (a form of alcohol) with a small amount of nitro-methane (nitro) to allow easy starting and a good idle. This is known as glow fuel as it requires a glow-plug. Glow plugs screw into the cylinder head of the engine just like a spark plug. Instead of a spark, the platinum wire in the plug glows and causes a catalytic reaction along with the compressed fuel resulting in combustion. Since model engines don't have oil pans, 15 - 25% of the fuel is castor oil, synthetic oil, or some combination of the two to provide lubrication and cooling. This fuel is available in hobby shops with nitro percentages of 0% (also known as FAI fuel) to 55%. For sport flying 5 to 15% Nitro is all that's needed...any more would damage a sport engine. In the United States, 15% fuel generally costs about $15 per gallon.

 

Q: Do these airplanes crash?

A: Yes, and then some...get used to it. If you fly for any length of time you'll crash a plane sooner or later...it's just part of the hobby. There are some very strict rules about where you can fly at a field just for this reason. Generally clubs restrict your flight to within a box encompassing one side and the ends of the runway. Flying over the pilot areas, the pits area or spectators is strictly prohibited. When these rules are followed, planes generally crash in the area designated to fly and no one gets hurt.

Some crashes are worse than others and you can almost always salvage at least the radio and the engine. Never judge the re-build-ability of a plane right after a crash...it's too hard to judge it dispassionately. Pick up all the pieces and put them in a garbage bag to take home. Wait until you can look at it the next day or have someone more experienced decide if it's salvageable. Planes crash for a variety of reasons. Often it's pilot error or poor maintenance. Even experienced pilots will crash on occasion.

 

Q: Am I too old to learn?

A: No...many people get into modeling late in life. It is harder to teach a sixty year old than a twenty year old, but old dogs do learn new tricks. It's important to remember to take as many lessons as possible in one day to improve the learning curve. What better way to spend you retirement than being out in the fresh air doing something that is active, consuming and mentally stimulating?

 

Q: Are the airplanes hard to fly?

A: Flying model planes isn't easy, but it's not hard either. Trainers are specifically designed to fly slow and stable and practically fly themselves. It takes a while to teach your brain and hands the new reflexes you need, and even the sedate speed of a trainer will seem more than you can handle at first. Landings are the hardest thing to learn and even harder to learn to do right. A lot of beginners end up in the grass, sometimes cartwheeling the plane. It won't hurt anything, but just expect to straighten some bent landing gear on occasion. More than likely you'll break a lot of propellers to start with.

 

Q: Where should I fly?

A: You need to find a model flying field or club nearby. This shouldn't be a problem as they're everywhere. Many flying fields are private clubs and will charge you for membership. This membership fee pays for maintenance of the site and grass mowing.

 

Q: Can't I just fly in any large empty field?

A: You can, but you shouldn't. You should learn to fly from an instructor and you'll find them at the flying fields. Secondly, most flying insurance won't cover you unless you fly with the permission of the owner of the property. Also, it is illegal to fly within three miles of an airport or heliport without permission from the control tower. You can never know what potential radio interference might be nearby, while at an existing flying field it will be well documented. Finally, you should never fly alone. Should you be injured, it would be best if someone else was around to apply first aid, collect your equipment, and drive you to the hospital if necessary.

 

Q: What kind of plane should I buy?

A: A easy to fly trainer aircraft is best to start. Some are in kit form which can take 80 to 100 hours for a beginner to build. Almost Ready to Fly (ARF) models come 70 to 80% complete right out of the box. These generally take 10 to 20 hours to build (the manual may say a couple of evenings...but don't believe it). Generally, bigger models are easier it is to fly, but a .40 to .46 size trainer generally makes a good first plane. Don't be tempted to buy a P-51 Mustang for starters...it'll take a while before you're ready for that.

 

Q: What do I need to get started?

A: Patience, practice, insurance and more patience. You really need to carry insurance as provided by the Academy of Model Aeronautics. This protects you in case of an accident (your plane hits somebody, a car, a moose, etc.) and gives you personal injury coverage over and above your personal health insurance. You get this insurance by joining the AMA. Membership costs $50 a year (less for juniors) and you get a monthly magazine about all aspects of the hobby. You can find an application at most hobby stores or in the back of many modeling magazines. Your local club will be able to supply and application as well. You must carry your AMA card with you whenever you fly.

 

Q: What kind of equipment do I need to get started?

A: A plane (of course), an engine and a radio system. You'll also need a gallon of fuel, some kind of fuel pump, a box of #64 rubber bands to hold the wing on, a glow driver to heat the engine's glow plug for starting, an electric starter and someone who's willing to teach you how to fly. Don't try to teach yourself...go to the flying field and ask around. A good instructor will check your plane to make sure it's built right and safe to fly. He'll teach you how to start and adjust the engine, check the radio and maintain your equipment.

 

Q: Where can I get all this stuff?

A: Check out your nearby hobby store. They can sell you most everything. You might also see some used planes for sale. Most clubs have a bulletin board with used equipment for sale, so you might be able to buy a plane complete with a flight box and all the accessories for a good price. The Internet is a great resource as well...but nothing beats a conversation with a knowledgeable hobby expert.

 

Q: How much is all this going to cost me?

A: It's not really an expensive hobby. But like all hobbies, you can spend a lot of money if you get carried away. You should be able to get set up with a trainer and accessories for $400 to $500. Ask the other pilots at the flying field you're planning to use about equipment and supplies. They will most likely know the best way to get started.

 

Q: What should I wear to the flying field?

A: Platform shoes, bell-bottom slacks and a polo shirt (just kidding). You'll get messy out there so wear something grungy and comfortable. Jeans and a T-shirt will do. Wear an old pair of sneakers and socks as they're going to get oil on them from the engine exhaust. Take some sun-block along as you're going to spend some time out in the open. A hat helps shade your eyes and sunglasses are a must. Be sure to take your prescription glasses if you require them. And, don't forget the bug spray.

 

Q: I've got my stuff, where can I get an instructor?

A: Just ask some people in our club. Most clubs have a list of instructors you can choose from. An instructor should be an experienced pilot who's been doing this for a few years. There's usually some older guys who know everybody at the field...ask them about good instructors. When you find one, remember he's there to have a good time too, so let him fly his plane and take you up between flights. Sometimes he's got more than one student, so be patient.

 

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