| The hobby of flying model airplanes with remote | | | | to the plane as it moves around the field. After a |
| radio control and electric power has become very | | | | very few lessons, you'll be able to go up (and back |
| popular with the advent of efficient motors, batteries | | | | down) on your own - a very satisfying |
| and inexpensive radios. Ready to Fly (RTF) planes | | | | moment!What RTF electric plane would I recommend |
| and helicopters can be so inexpensive that almost | | | | as a start? A Piper Cub is hard to beat - easy colors |
| anyone can afford to buy one. But, of course, you | | | | to see, flies great and there are several available that |
| get what you pay for and sometimes a very cheap | | | | come with good motors and batteries and a very |
| price leads to a disappointing product.The magic dollar | | | | solid performing radio also included. All you need to do |
| amount for a RTF electric airplane is around $50 with | | | | is charge the battery (with the included charger), |
| offerings below that being mostly toys that fly for | | | | attach the wing with rubber bands (to allow it to |
| very short times and with minimal control. If you are | | | | come off in a crash) and you can be ready to go in |
| starting out, you'll want to get an RC plane that will | | | | minutes rather than hours.Because the power comes |
| withstand the rigors of harsh landings, that can be | | | | from a quiet, reliable, instant-starting electric motor, |
| repaired with spare parts available from the | | | | your flying field can literally be your front yard - the |
| manufacturer or retailer, that has a good battery - | | | | local park or schoolyard! Now, often for considerably |
| motor - radio package included and that is also big | | | | less than $200, people of all ages are getting involved |
| enough to be seen at a distance!The challenge of | | | | with the same hobby that originally introduced the |
| learning to fly these electric rc airplanes is that unlike | | | | Wrights, Lindberg, Earhart, Aldrin, Rutan, Yeager and |
| cars and boats, they are moving in 3 dimensions and | | | | so many other famous pilots to manned and |
| unlike a computer game can't stop in midair! So | | | | powered flight.For more information on the |
| recommended is starting with an experienced | | | | developments and the basics of electric rc model |
| instructor - pilot who can take over control before a | | | | flight, please visit my site at you are welcome to |
| disastrous crash occurs. This pilot can explain how the | | | | reprint this article, but it must be complete, unaltered |
| controls affect the path of the airplane through the | | | | and with original links intact. An email notifying me of |
| sky and can give you tips on how to keep oriented | | | | your use of the article would be gratefully received. |