| For thousands of years man has dreamed of flight. | | | | longer to assemble. Plus, they require much more |
| Nothing has amazed people as much as flying | | | | maintenance and you have to continue to spend |
| machines have in the past century and there is still | | | | more money since you need special fuel, oil and |
| more to come. What is even more amazing though, | | | | some other small accessories. |
| is the progress in personal flight toys. You can fly | | | | Now that you pretty much know what type of |
| everything from a miniature helicopter, to a one 20th | | | | airplane you want to purchase, let me help you get it |
| scale Cessna, which you can build at home yourself. | | | | running and teach you some tips and tricks that you |
| The more amazing thing about today's RC airplanes is | | | | will find handy out on the flying field. |
| the fact that anyone can fly them, and some | | | | If you have never flown a model airplane or a real |
| airplanes are very easy to fly. For example, I bought | | | | airplane before, then you might have some trouble |
| a $50 Hobby Zone airplane and the controller had | | | | taking off, flying and landing. The first thing to |
| two controls, one that could steer the plane left or | | | | remember is that you need a good open field to fly |
| right and then the second was throttle (speed) | | | | at, unless of course you have a slow flyer or park |
| control. How can you get any simpler then that! | | | | flyer, which can be flown in small areas like indoors or |
| As easy as it can be, it still can be difficult for | | | | parks. A good local flying field can be located online |
| beginners to get started in this hobby. Since I now | | | | by searching through a search engine, like Google, for |
| have the knowledge that every beginner should | | | | a local club. Flying fields always have a club, and they |
| know, since I was a beginner once, I wanted to | | | | are usually full of friendly people who are willing to |
| share it with other people so everyone can enjoy | | | | help you learn. |
| the RC airplane hobby. | | | | Most of these clubs have flying instructors that will |
| The first thing a beginner needs to know is their | | | | either help you for free, or charge you a little money. |
| power sources. RC airplanes can be powered either | | | | Either way you will have a guide that can teach you |
| electrically or by an engine that runs on fuel called | | | | a lot. You also can be sure that if something goes |
| nitro methane. This is very important when deciding | | | | wrong with your airplane, people will be there that |
| on purchasing your first radio controlled airplane. You | | | | have the knowledge to fix it. |
| need some knowledge of both power sources, as | | | | Another way you can learn to fly is of course |
| they both have their pros and con's. First I would like | | | | teaching yourself, but that can be costly if you crash |
| to state that for all beginners' I recommend an | | | | a lot. If you are going to teach yourself, I suggest |
| electric RC airplane over a gas RC airplane. Why? | | | | you start off with a cheap $50 electric RC airplane |
| Because an electric airplane is cheaper, like under | | | | that has only left and right steering control and |
| $100 cheap, and much easier to operate. In fact, all | | | | throttle control. These types of airplanes can take |
| you have to do is plug in the battery and flick the | | | | off from a flat surface or can be easily hand |
| ON switch. They are also much quieter and produce | | | | launched into the air by applying full throttle. |
| no fumes in the air. Plus not much maintenance is | | | | After you get started, there will be no stopping you |
| required besides keeping it in a cool, dry place. | | | | and the rest will come naturally. There still is some |
| A gas powered RC airplane has its advantages to of | | | | other much needed accessories that I suggest no |
| course. If you are a realist and what an authentic | | | | beginner go with out. Like a good RC airplane book, a |
| looking and sounding remote control airplane, then an | | | | field box, a car charger for an electric plane, and |
| airplane with a gas engine is what you want. An RC | | | | extra batteries for your transmitter. With all these |
| airplane with a gas engine is bigger and bulkier then | | | | tips in mind, start your flying experience right and |
| an electric R/C airplane, so it is more to scale and | | | | keep the wind at your back. |
| realistic. It also sounds like a real airplane does, and is | | | | Michael Cottier has been flying RC airplanes most of |
| kind of like a real little miniature airplane since the | | | | his life and can help you get started in the hobby |
| engine requires fuel, tuning, and other adjustments. | | | | with his website, no matter what age the pilot is. |
| These types of airplanes cost a little more and take | | | | |