| There are several methods of rc airplane training, and | | | | |
| this page will give you a brief insight into each one. | | | | RC flight simulators |
| The methods given here also apply to rc helicopters, | | | | An ever increasing method of rc airplane training is |
| but for the main part we'll stick with airplanes. | | | | to use a rc flight simulator. |
| The important thing to remember when learning to | | | | This is a realistic 4 channel radio control transmitter |
| fly radio control is that it will take you some time to | | | | that connects to your home computer. The simulator |
| gain confidence and better your flying skills. | | | | includes powerful software to generate the very |
| As with everything in life, everyone who wants to | | | | realistic graphics that let you practice your rc flying, |
| learn something new has to start on the very | | | | without leaving the house! |
| bottom rung of the ladder! | | | | RC flight simulators are very popular for obvious |
| | | | reasons - you can practice without the worry of |
| RC airplane training is no different, and you need to | | | | crashing your model. |
| learn to walk before you can run, as they say. | | | | A simulator helps you gain the reflexes and |
| The beauty is that these days many rc airplanes and | | | | co-ordination that you need for rc flying, and this is |
| helicopters are very user-friendly, and there is a huge | | | | especially true for rc helicopters. |
| choice of RTF (Ready To Fly) trainers available as | | | | |
| entry-level models. | | | | Simulators are an excellent training aid if your budget |
| The 3 main rc airplane training methods described | | | | will stretch that far. |
| below are: | | | | |
| Club instruction | | | | Self teach |
| RC flight simulators | | | | You could be forgiven for thinking that teaching |
| Self teach | | | | yourself to fly rc airplanes and helicopters is a very |
| | | | difficult thing to do. |
| | | | |
| | | | The fact is, many RTF models these days have |
| Club instruction | | | | been designed with the complete newcomer in mind |
| Without doubt this is the best method of rc airplane | | | | and are very simple to fly. |
| and (especially) helicopter training, and is the only | | | | Airplanes such as the electric 1 or 2 channel 'Park |
| realistic option if you want to jump in at the deep | | | | Flyer' style ones can be flown pretty much out of |
| end with a gas model rather than electric. | | | | the box, and they make an excellent introduction to |
| | | | the hobby. They can be flown without experience, |
| Getting yourself along to a local rc flying club is a | | | | but following the manufacturer's instructions is of |
| great idea, if you want to take the hobby seriously. | | | | paramount importance when you start out. |
| Clubs are very common and there may be one closer | | | | Similarly, many electric rc helicopters are aimed at |
| to home than you think - visiting the website of your | | | | the beginner. |
| country's governing body for rc flying should help you | | | | |
| locate a club in your area. | | | | The dual rotor models such as the Blade CX, from |
| All clubs have rc flying instructors, or at least pilots | | | | E-flite, are particularly stable and can be mastered |
| who are willing to teach, and many clubs even have a | | | | after a few flights. |
| club trainer airplane especially for use by new | | | | |
| members. | | | | Many, including the CX, also come with their own |
| If learning to fly radio control at a club, there are | | | | flight simulation software which is a great idea and |
| two methods that you'll probably encounter. | | | | incentive to purchase such a model. |
| | | | |
| The first one is the traditional method of | | | | With gas airplanes, however, it's a different story. |
| side-by-side instruction, sharing a single transmitter. | | | | Gas planes are bigger and faster, and so self teaching |
| The instructor will show and tell you what to do, and | | | | isn't really recommended. |
| if you get into difficulty he will take the transmitter | | | | |
| from you and regain control of the airplane. | | | | If something goes wrong with a gas plane in the air, |
| | | | the results can be quite nasty. For this reason, |
| When your heart has stopped racing and you can | | | | learning to fly a gas rc airplane and particularly a gas |
| breathe normally again, he'll hand back the transmitter | | | | helicopter, is best done under club instruction. |
| and you can have another go. | | | | |
| The second method is the buddy box system. This | | | | How you choose to undertake your rc airplane |
| is far better, but not all clubs have buddy boxes | | | | training is entirely up to you, and the kind of model |
| available. | | | | that you want to purchase also makes a big |
| | | | difference. |
| The buddy box system consists of two transmitters | | | | |
| that are joined together by cable. The instructor | | | | Of course, you can combine all the methods talked |
| holds the master transmitter while you, the student, | | | | about above and accelerate your flying training! |
| holds the slave. | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | The bottom line is, there are no hard and fast rules |
| With the flick of a switch, the instructor can hand | | | | but the thing to remember is to be responsible, but |
| over or take away complete control from you, | | | | have fun while learning your new hobby!If you'd like |
| without having to take the transmitter from your | | | | to read a lot more about many aspects of this |
| hands. | | | | pastime, is a comprehensive 'Getting Started' Guide |
| | | | to the hobby.Pete CarpenterAuthor/owner of and a |
| The Futaba 4YF radio system, for example, is a | | | | general 'rc head'! |
| popular choice for buddy box use. | | | | |