RC Planes Beginners Can Learn To Fly

Over the years I have seen so many newcomers to the hobby appear at a flying site carrying Spitfires, Mustangs, and other totally unsuitable rc model aircraft beginners think they can learn on. I have never understood what logic makes people think they can fly such planes without previous experience and tuition on more suitable types of trainer rc airplanes!

Let me ask you; Would you put a learner driver in charge of a high performance rally car or a racing car? I think not!

If you visit any model shop or consult with a reputable supplier of model equipment you will discover that there are a range of specially designed training types. My advice to anyone approaching the hobby for the first time would be to forget about scale or aerobatic types and concentrate on selecting a purpose designed trainer. These planes are relatively easy to fly and demonstrate characteristics that minimise the effects of the inevitable mistakes you will make as a rookie.

Important Consideration

Trainers come in various guises and configurations. The control choices available will generally be:-

a)   3 Channel – Rudder, Elevator & Motor

b)  4 Channel – Ailerons, Elevator, Rudder & Motor

Three channel types are generally easier to learn on but eventually you will need to progress to a Four Channel plane as a natural progression to more advanced types. I would suggest, therefore, that if you can afford it, a Four Channel plane will eliminate the need to invest in an intermediate trainer type at a later stage in order to advance your progress.

Construction

The combination of materials used in a trainer will generally be one of the following:-

a)  Traditional open structure using mainly Balsa & Ply.

b)  One of the many varieties of Expanded Foam.

c)  A combination of the two.



Occasionally you will encounter planes featuring moulded Fibreglass components or Vacuum  Formed Plastic but they are generally more expensive.

All have their pro’s & con’s. The final choice is yours but before choosing I suggest you read the following.

Valuable Advice

If you decide to join your local club there will be a concensus of opinion as to which trainers are favourites with the club tutors. This is invaluable information for you to base your choice on. The models popular with the people who do the training will give both you and them confidence in your ability to progress.

Attributes of Good RC Planes Beginners Can Learn On

The following design features are what we are looking for in the ideal trainer:-

Inherent stability

Self correcting hands off flight characteristics

Slow speed flight capability

Ruggedness

Readily available replacement parts

Ease of repair

High visibility

To name but a few.

Most good trainer planes will offer most, if not all, of the above and include the following design characteristics. Lets take a look at some of the features that facilitate the stability aspect.

1. High Wing

If the plane’s wing is positioned on top of the fuselage or at least where the majority of fuselage weight is below the wing there is a natural pendulum effect that acts to stabilise the plane in flight. Following a turn the plane will naturally want to level itself because it is ‘bottom heavy’. Planes featuring this design characteristic are therefore perfect for the rookie radio control pilot.

source: http://rookiercflyer.com/rc-planes-beginners-essentials/suitable-rc-planes-beginners-can-learn-to-fly