Benefits of Electric RC Planes

Electric RC planes have many benefits over fuel planes. This list shows some of the many reasons that you should choose electric power over fuel:

• Cheaper than fuel RC planes - In many cases, electric power is cheaper than a comparable fuel system.
• Just as powerful as fuel RC planes - Brushless motors are just as powerful as their fuel counterparts.
• Safer than fuel RC planes - Electric RC planes are safer than fuel. A hot nitro or gas engine can do serious damage to anyone who accidentally touches or gets to close to it. Electric RC planes use motors and propellers which do not inflict as much damage in the event of an accident.
• Electric motors are reliable - A good brushless electric motor is far more reliable than any fuel engine. Why waste time adjusting the mixture, idle speeds, and other settings when you can just plug in a electric motor and fly?
• Great way to get into RC - Electric RC planes are a great way for a beginner to learn how to fly because of their low cost and durability. Several beginner electric RC planes are available.
• Practical for 3D / Foam - Electric power is the only form of power that makes sense for 3D and foam electric RC planes. Fuel engines cannot be build small enough to power these models effectively.
• Indoor flight is possible - Many electric RC planes can be flown indoors. This is not possible with any fuel model due to the noise, mess, and danger.

Examples of Electric RC Planes

There are many different kinds of electric RC planes, so here is a list summarizing the basic types you will find.

Simple 2 Channel Electric RC Plane

Some electric RC planes use only a two channel radio system. These planes are a great way for kids to learn about RC planes, due to the simple design and low cost. The Vortex is a great example of this type of electric RC airplane. Everything needed to start flying is included in the box, and spare parts are available on our website.

More Advanced 3 Channel Electric RC Plane

More advanced Electric RC planes use a three channel radio, letting the pilot control the altitude, yaw, and pitch of the aircraft. The Vortex Extreme is a good example of this design, with a proportional radio system and a powerful electric motor. We recommend this electric RC plane to anyone interested in learning how to fly. Check out these articles covering everything from the basics of RC flight, to choosing your first electric RC plane.

4 Channel Electric RC Plane

Electric RC planes aren’t just for teaching beginners how to fly, there are many full control models available for serious pilots. These types of electric RC planes use a proportional 4 channel radio system, allowing the pilot to control the bank, pitch, yaw, and throttle. An excellent example of a 4 channel electric RC plane is the Multiplex Minimag. This airplane is perfect for anyone who wants a dependable plane to fly anywhere.

3D Foam Electric RC Plane

One of the most common uses of electric power is in 3D foam electric RC planes. 3D model airplanes are able to hover, due to their large power to weight ratio, and are an excellent choice for indoor and backyard flying. The Southern X-3 is a great example of this type of electric RC airplane, and is maneuverable enough to be flown inside a house! Indestructible takes on a whole new meaning with this airplane, due to it’s flexible foam construction it is able to survive almost any crash without damage.

How Electric RC Planes Work

Electric RC airplanes use several different approaches to radio and motor system design. Here is a list of some of the most basic components that all electric RC planes use:

1. Motor - The motor is one of the most important components of any electric RC plane. It is used to spin the propeller and generate airflow over the wings, which causes lift and allows the airplane to fly.
2. Battery - The Battery is what provides power to the motor and radio system of the electric RC plane. There are two main types of batteries used. The NiMh (nickel metal hydride) batteries are readily available, and are used in several electric RC planes including the Vortex and Vortex Extreme. Lithium polymer batteries use a different chemistry, and provide many times more power than NiMh batteries. Special chargers are required to charge lithium polymer batteries, due to the flammable chemicals that they use. Make sure to supervise these batteries while charging, and get a fire retardant sack to charge them in.
3. Radio System - The Radio system is used to control the electric RC plane. Radio signals are sent from the transmitter to the receiver in the airplane, which tells the control surfaces how to move and the engine how fast to spin.
4. ESC (electric speed controller) - The electric speed controller is used in electric RC Planes to control the speed of the engine. This is similar to the throttle on a fuel airplane, which opens or closes the carburetor air intake to vary the speed at which fuel is burned. The ESC varies the amount of power sent to the motor of the electric RC plane by altering the voltage of the current that passes through it.
5. BEC (battery eliminator circuit) - Some electric RC planes have a battery eliminator circuit. This is a device which powers the radio system of the electric RC plane using current from the main flight battery. Without a BEC, an electric RC plane needs a separate battery to power the radio system.

Electric RC planes can use other components, but these are the most common found in nearly every model.

Why Choose an Electric RC Plane?

You are beginning a great hobby, one which will require patience and dedication to be successful. Electric RC planes are a great way to begin, and experienced pilots will appreciate the fantastic 3D capabilities of electric foam planes. Have fun with your electric RC planes!

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Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
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Crashing your RC model airplane is normal, and it happens to everyone when learning how to fly. Because of this, the Vortex Extreme RC model airplane has been specifically designed to survive crashes with minimal damage. Follow this procedure to assess the damage caused by the crash, and repair your RC model airplane easily.

Right after the RC model airplane crash:

1. Do a search - Get all of the parts from your RC model airplane, including all broken pieces of foam and plastic. Most of the time, the broken RC model airplane parts can be repaired by re assembling these fragments.
2. Find all the parts - Do a thorough search of the crash site to make sure that you find all of the parts.
3. Take them home - Put the RC model airplane parts in a box or other container, and take them home. Don’t attempt to repair the RC model airplane at the flying field.

Assess the damage to your RC model airplane and make repairs:

1. Find a place to work - Now that you have all of the parts from your RC model airplane, go and find a place to work on repairs. You will want a large flat table, so that you can lay out all of the parts.
2. Check the wing and tail - Look at the wing and tail sections of the RC model airplane, are they damaged? Small chips and cracks can usually be repaired with epoxy and packing tape. If you find a chip, place the missing part back into the wing or tail, and lay a strip of packing tape over the top and bottom. Larger cracks and bends generally require the replacement of the wing. A rudder cracked at the root can be repaired using epoxy and packing tape.
3. Check the control surfaces - Are the rudder and elevator control surfaces still attached to the tail of the RC model airplane? If they have been knocked loose, just use some packing tape to re attach them. Bends in the pushrods can be corrected using a pair of pliers.
4. Check the tail boom - Is the tail boom of the RC model airplane broken? If it is, you will need to replace it. Get a replacement tail boom, and remove the old one from the airplane. Put the pushrods from the old tail boom into the new one, making sure that they are straight. Bends in the pushrods can be corrected using a pair of pliers. Hot glue the new tail boom into the fuselage, and screw it in place.
5. Check the RC model airplane landing gear - Bent landing gear can be repaired by bending it back into shape with your hands.
6. Check the RC model airplane propeller - If it is broken, replace it using the spare that came with your airplane. More spare propellers can be ordered through our website.
7. Test the RC model airplane radio - Do the throttle, rudder, and elevator respond to the transmitter? Check to make sure that they move in the right direction. If the radio does not respond, it has probably been damaged on impact. A replacement fuselage is available which includes a new radio system. Get this and install the non broken components of the airplane.
8. Perform a pre flight check to make sure that everything works correctly. Refer to Part III of this article for the procedure.

You have now completely repaired your RC model airplane, so that it is ready to fly again. If you want, you can print off this article, and keep it as a reference to use when repairing RC model airplanes in the future.

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Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
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By this time, you are probably excited to go out and fly your new RC model airplane. Before you read further, please make sure that you understand the information presented in part I and part II of this article. It is important to understand the basics of RC model airplane flight before going any further.

This article will show you what you can expect when you first fly your model, and will provide some checklists you can use to ensure that your RC model airplane is ready to fly. From now on, it is assumed that you have chosen Vortex Extreme as your first RC model airplane, but this information should still be useful when using other similar RC model airplanes. A good example would be the Multiplex Easystar RC model airplane.

Pre Flight Check List for Your RC Model Airplane:

After you assemble your RC aircraft using the included instructions, follow this checklist carefully. It will make any problems with the RC aircraft apparent before you fly.

Perform A Visual Inspection of your RC model airplane:

1. Inspect the airplane for any signs of damage. Check the RC model airplane’s wing and all foam parts for cracks, and make sure that the fuselage and tail boom are attached securely. Make sure that the wing and tail section are straight relative to the fuselage.
2. Check the rudder and elevator. Are they attached to their respective pushrods (the silver wires coming from the rear end of the tail boom)? Do they move freely?
3. Center the trim tabs on the transmitter (highlighted in blue), and push the elevator (vertical) trim tab several clicks down.
4. Make sure that the RC model airplane’s main landing gear (wheels) and tail wheel (the smaller wheel on the back) are attached securely. Does the airplane sit flat on the ground? If it doesn’t, bend the main wheels gently to correct this.

Test The Radio of Your RC model airplane:

1. Place a fully charged flight battery in the RC model airplane.
2. Place eight new AA batteries or 8 fully charged NiCd Batteries in the transmitter
3. Turn on the transmitter by moving the switch to the right. The two LEDs on the transmitter should light up. If they don’t, replace the batteries in the transmitter.
4. Move the stick on the transmitter in several full circles. Do the rudder and elevator move in the right direction? Test this by moving the stick to the upper right. The elevator should move down and the rudder should move to the right (when viewed from behind). If they don’t move in the right direction, use the reverse switches found near the bottom centre of your transmitter.
5. Collapse the antenna, and walk away from the aircraft while moving the control surfaces. If you can still control the elevator and rudder effectively at a distance of about 30 ft with the antenna collapsed, the radio is functioning correctly.

Test the Motor of Your RC Model Airplane:

1. If the propeller is installed on the RC model airplane, remove it.
2. Press the red arming switch on the side of the fuselage.
3. Increase the speed of the motor using the throttle control.
4. As long as the motor shaft spins relatively fast, you have a properly working motor.

Understanding Your RC Model Airplane Radio:

In order to fly your RC model airplane, you will need to be familiar with the different controls and features of your radio system. This color coded diagram shows all the different control functions, and where they are located on the transmitter.

• Red - Elevator and rudder control. Left and right motion controls the rudder, while up and down motion controls the elevator
• Green - Power switch. Moving the power switch to the right turns the transmitter on.
• Blue - Trim tabs. Move these to the centre before your first flight. They are used to make small adjustments to the elevator and rudder, so that the RC model airplane flies straight and level without additional control inputs.
• Yellow - Antenna. Make sure that it is fully extended before flying your RC model airplane, and collapse it for storage. You can do this by grasping the top part, and pushing or pulling it from the transmitter case.
• Pink - Servo Reversing switches. These will reverse the motion of the aircrafts control surfaces. They can be moved either up or down. Use these only if the default motion of the control surfaces on your RC Model Airplane is incorrect (I.E the elevator moves up when the stick is moved up.)
• White - Indicator lights. The red light is the power indicator, and turns on whenever the power switch is on. The green one is the battery indicator. It remains on as long as the batteries are full. As soon as it turns off the batteries will need to be replaced. Check that both are lit before flying your RC model airplane.
• The throttle is a small lever found on the back of the transmitter, on the opposite side of the main control stick.

Before you fly your RC Model Airplane

The RC model airplane flight battery will need to be properly cycled before flying. All of the NiMh batteries that we sell are new, so they will need to be “broken in” before they can be used to their full capacity. This can be accomplished via this procedure:

1. Charge the NiMh battery fully.
2. Plug the NiMh battery into your aircraft, and turn on the aircraft and the transmitter.
3. Remove the propeller, if it is already attached to the motor shaft.
4. Apply full throttle, until the aircraft runs out of power.
5. Repeat this procedure until the motor runs continuously 8 to 15 minutes.

This procedure will normally need to be repeated 3 to 5 times, and will need to be done once for each new battery that you use.

Your First RC Model Airplane Flight - How to Make It A Success

The first step to flying is to choose a suitable flying field. Football and soccer fields are ideal, especially ones with few surrounding trees. The Vortex Extreme RC model airplane is quiet enough to be flown inside cities, so you can find a park near you and go fly there. Get all of the batteries, spare parts and repair materials you will need, and go to the centre of the field. This will make it easier to keep the airplane away from trees and other obstacles. Follow this procedure to make your first flight a success.

1. Takeoff - This is actually the easiest part of flying RC model airplanes. Turn on the aircraft and transmitter, and then press the red arming switch on the side of the fuselage. Increase the throttle to full and throw the RC model airplane into the wind. It should fly itself upwards, and in a relatively straight direction. Correct any small deviations in the flight path of the RC model airplane using the elevator and rudder, but leave the throttle at full for now.
2. Straight and Level Flight - Level off from your ascent by very slightly pushing the control stick upwards. Keep the wings level using the rudder, and decrease the throttle to about 75%. Decreasing the throttle will slow the airplane and make it easier to control.
3. Turning Back - Turn the aircraft around by very slightly pushing the control stick to one side. If the aircraft is flying away from you, it will turn in the same direction as the control stick is moved. If it is coming towards you, then you will need to move the stick in the opposite direction of the desired turn. Don’t think to hard about this while flying, just move the stick and turn the airplane.
4. Flying - Try experimenting with some more turns, and use the elevator to climb and descend as needed.
5. Landing - This is the most difficult part. Line the aircraft up with the field and reduce the throttle to idle. Use the elevator to slow your descent, and correct any side to side movements caused by the wind with the rudder. As you approach the ground, slow the descent even more, and then gradually let the plane land. Any large control movements at this point are likely to cause a crash, so be careful not to issue commands too abruptly.

Congratulations, you have just succeeded in flying your first RC model airplane! Go recharge the batteries, and fly some more. Part IV of this article will cover crashes, and how to repair damage from them.

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Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
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Now that you have a basic understanding of how RC model airplanes work (discussed in part I of this article), you are ready to choose your first model and begin learning how to fly it. Before you make your decision, you should consider these two different methods of learning how to fly.

1. Learn to fly a Model Airplane with an Instructor

   One of the oldest and most popular methods is learning with an instructor.
   This usually involves using a large fuel or electric trainer, and two radio transmitters linked together via a training cable. The training cable lets the student control the airplane, while the instructor holds down a switch on his / her transmitter. If the airplane is in danger of crashing, the instructor lets go of the switch and takes control of the aircraft. Most radio systems used on four channel trainers have this feature included, but make sure before you buy.

2. Learn to fly a RC Model Airplane by Yourself

   Learning to fly your RC model airplane without the help of an instructor is also possible. If you choose to learn to fly solo, we recommend that you don’t use a typical four channel trainer. It is almost certain that you will crash at least once while learning how to fly. You will need to get an RC model airplane that can be easily repaired and has replacement parts available. Instead of a balsa and covering model, find a RC model airplane constructed out of one piece foam and plastic parts. Balsa shatters on impact, while foam breaks evenly into two pieces.

Choosing your first RC Model Airplane

Most beginners don’t have a huge budget to spend on their new hobby. If you plan on getting a four channel RC model airplane, and learning with an instructor you can expect to spend at least $400 on the airplane itself, and another $100 - $200 on additional tools and equipment. Fortunately, you can learn to fly model RC airplanes for less than half this amount!

Instead of getting a large and complicated four channel RC model airplane, why not start with a simple one and go from there? Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a four channel model, and an instructor willing to teach them, so we have designed an ideal first model for beginners to learn how to fly.

Introducing the Vortex Extreme RC Model Airplane

The Vortex Extreme is an ideal first RC model airplane, for several reasons:

• Easy to fly - The Vortex Extreme is designed to be a stable and reliable RC model plane
• Repairable - Since the Vortex Extreme is constructed out of foam and plastic parts, repairs are easy. In the event of a serious crash, replacement parts are available.
• Small enough to fly anywhere - Why drive out of town to fly your RC model airplane? The Vortex Extreme is small enough to be flown in soccer fields and parks.
• Electric power - A clean, quiet and powerful electric motor provides the reliability and ruggedness needed in a trainer aircraft, at a fraction of the cost of a comparable fuel engine.
• Fly solo - Because the wing of the airplane provides stability, first flights can be done without the help of a more experienced pilot. As long as you keep the wings level, the plane will fly in a straight line. An included DVD will tell you everything you need to know for your first flight.
• Stress free flying - Why worry about crashing an expensive airplane on your first flight? Crashing is normal, and it happens to everyone while learning how to fly. You can replace every part the aircraft is made of, due to it’s modular design. Even after a major crash, you can make repairs and be flying again in a couple of days!
• Low cost - As previously mentioned, a first RC airplane should be cheap and durable. There is no need to use a fancy radio system, and built up fuselage when you will likely crash anyway. The Vortex Extreme will teach you how to fly, where you go from there is up to you.

If you choose the Vortex Extreme RC model airplane, be sure to get some of the replacement parts you will eventually need. We sell all of the most frequently broken parts in an accessory kit, available on our website. This kit includes all the foam parts, a spare battery, and a plastic tail boom. It has all the parts required to repair damage from even the most severe crash.

We hope that you choose a Vortex Extreme, because we believe it is the perfect beginner RC model airplane. In part III of this article, we will cover your first flight, and the initial preparations necessary to make it a success.

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Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
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Like any other hobby or sport, getting into RC model airplanes can be a daunting task. There are many ways that you can learn to fly. Endless different types of model planes are available. This can make learning to fly confusing for a beginner, due to the sheer amount of information available about RC model airplanes. This article will provide the reader with a basic understanding of the hobby, and a direction to follow when first learning how to fly RC model airplanes.

How an RC Model Airplane Works

Before you learn how to fly an RC model plane, it is useful to understand how they work. This will make it easier to repair and fly your RC model airplane. Every RC model airplane is subject to four basic forces, which control its flight:

1. Lift – This is the upward force that causes the airplane to fly. Lift is created by the aerofoil, a special shape built into the wing. The aerofoil will create a difference in pressure between the top and bottom surfaces of the wing, which will result in lift.
2. Thrust – This is the force that causes the RC model airplane to move forward. The propeller on the front of the plane spins, and causes air to move over the wings. Thrust is changed by increasing or decreasing the speed of the engine. The throttle is the control function used to accomplish this.
3. Drag – This force is the opposite of thrust, caused by friction between the RC model airplane and the air it is moving through. Drag is the force responsible for slowing the airplane down in flight.
4. Weight – This is the force of gravity, which is constantly pulling the airplane towards the Earth. This force does not change, except for when the airplane burns fuel.

The four forces of flight (lift, thrust, drag, and weight) need to be balanced in order for the airplane to fly. All of these forces (except for weight) can be changed through the controls found on the RC model plane. Learn more about aircraft theory and control.

RC Model Airplane Control Surfaces

The direction of the plane is controlled by using control surfaces. Control surfaces are sections of the wing and tail that move, resulting in a change in airflow. Every control surface operates on the same principle – for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Because of this if the airflow from any part of the airplane is tilted downwards, the resulting opposite force will push that part upwards. By adjusting the amount of each force the RC model airplane is subjected to, flight can be controlled. A typical RC model plane has all of the following control surfaces:

• Ailerons – These two control surfaces are movable sections of the wing. By moving one of them upwards and the other one downwards, the amount of lift produced by each side of the wing can be changed. Applying aileron will result in roll, which is a spin around the horizontal axis of the plane.

• Elevator – The elevator is a movable section of the horizontal stabilizer (the horizontal part of the tail). When the elevator is moved upwards, the airflow from the tail pushes the tail down, and the nose up. The opposite happens when the elevator is moved down. By using the elevator, the pitch of the airplane can be controlled.

• Rudder – The rudder is a movable section of the vertical stabilizer (the vertical part of the tail). By moving the rudder left or right, the horizontal direction of the nose can be changed. Think of the rudder like a vertical elevator. It works in exactly the same way, but is mounted at 90 degrees to the horizontal plane of the aircraft.
• Throttle – The throttle controls the speed of the engine. In a fuel powered aircraft, the carburetor is opened so that more fuel is burned. An electric aircraft will increase the electric power sent to the motor. When the engine runs faster, the propeller will spin faster, and will move more air over the wings.

Conclusion

If you understand the four forces of flight (lift, drag, thrust, and weight) and how they are controlled, you are ready to pick out your first RC model airplane. Part II of this article will discuss how to choose a good first model.

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
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In this article, we will look at several different ways to learn how to fly your RC aircraft.

After you get your new RC airplane, you will most likely want to fly it right away. Most of the time, rushing to a first flight without being prepared leads to a crash. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can learn to fly RC safely.

Fly your RC plane with an instructor and join a flying club

The oldest and most common way of learning to fly is by flying with a more experienced pilot. The easiest way to learn with an instructor is to join a local RC flying club. There are usually at least a few members who teach students to fly. This is an absolute must if you fly nitro or gas models, even a minor crash with one of these can be very damaging to the model.

When flying with an instructor, the risk of a crash is greatly reduced. An experienced pilot will know what do do in almost any situation, without thinking. It is also beneficial to learn how to operate the aircraft safely, and learning to fly with an instructor will make this easier.

Share the transmitter with an instructor

There are two ways by which an instructor and a student can share the transmitter, the first, and simplest way is to hand the transmitter over in case of an emergency. This is a fine method, but a faster and more reliable one is to use what’s called a “buddy box”. When using a buddy box, two transmitters are linked by a cable. The instructor has the master, and the student has the slave. When the student is flying, the instructor holds down a switch on his/her master transmitter to give the student’s transmitter control. As soon as the instructor needs control, he/she just has to release the switch, and control will be transferred to the master transmitter. This way the instructor can anticipate a crash and save the airplane before it’s too late.

Get an RC flight simulator for your PC

If you can’t find an instructor in your area, then you can still learn to fly without risking your model. RC flight simulators are becoming more popular, and are a fantastic way to practice without the risk of crashing your real plane. Read these articles on www.rchelicopter.com about RC aircraft simulators, and instructions on how you can use your actual aircraft transmitter with your computer. This GWS Flight Simulator Kit is an inexpensive flight sim for your PC.

Buy an inexpensive, simple, 2 or 3 channel RC plane and go from there

It is possible to teach yourself how to fly airplanes. If you have a simple, ready to fly aircraft like the a two channel Vortex or a Venom Micro Park Fighter, then your first solo flights are likely to be a success. Find an instructor and practice on the RC flight simulator before trying a solo flight with a harder to fly aircraft like a 3, 4 or 5 channel model.

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Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
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Beginner RC Airplanes:

Beginner rc airplanes are fun and interesting to fly. They are a great way for kids to lean how to fly in a safe and inexpensive environment. These rc airplanes are generally constructed out of plastic or crash resistant foam, and have integrated internal electronic parts. These features make them ready to fly out of the box, without needing to buy or install anything separately. They are available in two or three channel varieties, and are most often RTF (ready to fly). RC airplanes of this type can provide many hours of fun flying, and replacement parts are available for most models.

The Vortex is a good example of a typical two channel rc airplane.

The Vortex has both throttle and rudder control, allowing it to move freely in three dimensions, without the pilot having to worry about elevator controls. This can reduce the learning curve, and prevent crashes. When you increase the throttle more air moves over the wings, increasing lift and resulting in a climb. Decreasing the throttle allows the rc airplane to descend. When you want the rc airplane to turn, the rudder will change the direction the nose is pointing.

The Vortex Extreme is like the regular Vortex, but with an extra channel been added for elevator control.

This is good for more advanced pilots because it allows the rc airplane’s pitch to be changed without using the throttle. When the elevator control surface on the tail moves, air is directed up or down resulting in the rc airplane changing pitch. When the elevator is used to change the pitch of the rc airplane different maneuvers are possible, such as loops and rolls.

Both of these models are easier to fly and less expensive than their more sophisticated counterparts.

These two rc aircraft use a pod and boom approach to fuselage design, resulting in a lightweight and durable model. The “pod” part is made of plastic and houses the electronics and engine, and also provides a mounting point for the wing. The boom is a carbon fiber rod with the rudder and horizontal stabilizer mounted at the end.

These rc models are an excellent choice for the beginner, as they are both relatively inexpensive and easy to fly and repair. Replacement parts for both are easily available. These rc airplanes are ready to fly right out of the box, and offer an excellent starting place for the someone new to rc airplanes.

Advanced RC Airplanes:

The beginner rc airplanes mentioned previously are fine for the casual flier, but eventually you will want a more advanced model. There are many different hobby class models available, and they all have several common qualities. The electric components that they use are most often standard, and replaceable as discrete modules. This increases the lifespan of the model, and the components can be reused in future rc airplanes. Most have at least three channels used, with extras being available for expansion.

These airplanes can come in RTF (Ready To Fly) form, or ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) form. ARF airplanes require some gluing and minor assembly.

The MiniMag is an excellent example of a serious RC airplane, with three fully proportional channels, and a tough foam airframe. Ailerons are included in the wing, making it expandable to four channel control (the receiver supports this).

The SX3 is another full fledged rc airplane, available with a lithium battery, brushless motor, and four channel receiver with three servos. This aircraft is capable of highly aerobatic flight, and is a good choice for a more experienced flier.

RC planes come in various sizes, but if this is your first model, try to get the largest one possible, it will be more stable.

If you are looking for an rc airplane, our website has many to choose from, and helpful articles.

——
© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
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——
© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
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If the plane slowly dives and does not increase in altitude and the plane does not pitch up, there is most likely an issue with the battery. If this is a new airplane, the battery will have to be “cycled” a few times before it will provide enough power to the aircraft. This is done simply by charging and discharging the battery. Fully charge the battery and then discharge it in the airplane by running throttle until it quits. Repeat this about 3 or 4 times and the battery should be putting out more power and running for a longer time.

If the airplane pitches up and then dives when launched it is probably due to the aircraft being not balanced. To fix this apply a small amount of weight to the nose of the aircraft. Normally applying 3 to 4 grams of weight to the top of the aircraft just in front of the canopy will be sufficient to keep the aircraft flying level. Different items such as plasticine or coins can be taped to the airplane for weight. You may need to experiment with different amount of weight to get the airplane flying properly.

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
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With the help of the previous article, Your First Radio Control Airplane, and a little work, your remote control airplane is ready to fly. But we have a little more preparation to do before you can send it skyward.

Your remote control airplane’s center of gravity (CG) is a vital setting. You determine where it is by balancing the remote control airplane – fully assembled, fueled, and ready to fly – at two points on the bottom of the wing. You are trying to find out where, front to back, the remote control airplane balances, so keeping both fingers (or sticks, whichever you use) at the same front-to-back location on opposite wing halves is very important. Once you’ve found that point, mark it somehow.

Now you know where you remote control plane’s CG is. The correct CG position depends on the remote control airplane, so check the manual. It should give you a range of acceptable CG locations. The CG for a typical trainer remote control plane is about one third of the width of a wing back from its leading edge. If your CG isn’t in that range, you need to make some changes. You can move rc equipment or the batteries around internally or add lead weight. Lead should be placed at the very front or very back of the remote control plane, where it has the most effect. Attempting to fly with a CG outside the range is a recipe for disaster.

The next check is to ensure the remote control airplane won’t fall apart or stop working once it takes off. You should give a firm pull on all sections of the remote control airplane to ensure the wind won’t pull them off or break them. Concentrate on the wing, ailerons, vertical fin, rudder, horizontal fin/stabilizer, elevator, landing gear, and motor.

We’re getting closer. Next, use your transmitter to confirm that all control surfaces (and throttle!) move in the right direction with the sticks. Pull back on the elevator stick, and the elevator should rise. Push the rudder stick right, and the rudder should move right (when looking at the plane from behind). Push the aileron stick right, and the right aileron should rise and left aileron should fall. Full throttle should fully open the carburetor or run the electric motor at full speed, and idle throttle should almost fully close it; it should fully close when throttle trim is brought all the way down or in the case of an electric motor the prop should slow to a halt.

Now the remote control plane is ready, but it is important to understand that it is possible to crash. Even if a crash occurs you don’t need to worry. The key question here is, how well will your remote control plane survive a crash, and are the spare parts you may need available? Some planes, like trainers, are very durable and designed to survive crashes. Two examples of easily available trainer replacement parts are Vortex 2 channel remote control airplane parts and Vortex Extreme 3 channel remote control airplane parts. Others, mostly sport planes, can suffer major damage and require hours of repair. If your remote control plane is the former durable type, then visit a large open tree-free field and start learning to fly.

For the other types of remote control plane, finding local experienced pilots to test fly your remote control plane and take over when you get in trouble is absolutely necessary. Find and join the local flying club, and your flying experience should be highly successful.

With the first flight under your belt, the remote control airplane becomes secondary. It’s now about improving your piloting skills and having fun. Protect your remote control airplane, diligently practice your landings, and enjoy the sky.

Thanks for reading our 4-Part Series: Introduction to RC Airplanes. Go Back to Post 1 »

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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Our last article, Fundamentals of the Sport / Hobby, prepared you for the decisions that lay ahead. With the context of RC airplanes in your pocket, let’s look at choosing your first airplane.

There are a lot of rc airplanes to choose from, and a ton of equipment possibilities. All you need to know is what you are looking for, what each option means, and then you can go shopping. Fortunately, there’s a market for entry-level rc airplanes and equipment. After all, every current RC pilot has at one time needed a first rc airplane.

One way to focus your rc airplane search is to look for rc airplanes designated as trainers. Trainer is the term used for rc airplanes that are designed to be simple, durable, easy to fly, and forgiving. You can spot them by their high wing position, abundance of dihedral, and large fuselage.

Dihedral is the angle between the two wings halves. An rc airplane with no dihedral has flat wings. An rc airplane with dihedral has the wing halves sloped upwards away from center. Dihedral induces slight roll stability, so the rc airplane will want to return to wings-level.

Once you’ve started to spot trainers that interest you, it’s time to choose between the two types of motors, nitro and electric. Nitro motors are internal combustion engines that burn an alcohol and nitro methane fuel. Electric motors are powered by batteries. They both work very well, so choose between them based on personal attractiveness.

As you know from the previous article, rc airplanes are controlled by their control surfaces. Each control surface requires its own radio channel. You will find radio systems and rc airplanes rated by the number of channels they use. A 2-channel system of throttle and rudder is the most basic – just enough for basic flight – and will limit the maneuvering that you can do with your rc plane. A 3-channel system offers good control for casual flight, and a 4-channel system is best for advanced sport and acrobatic flying.

RC airplanes are available in Ready to Fly (RTF) versions which only require minutes of preparation to plug the components together, and Almost Ready to Fly (ARF) versions in which the airplane is mostly assembled but may take a few hours of final assembly. Another option would be buying the airplane as a kit and building it yourself. This is a very labor-intensive process, expect to spend thirty to sixty hours building this type of rc airplane.

Whatever rc airplane you choose, it’s possible it may crash eventually. If that happens, you will need spare parts. Spare parts availability is important to the success you have in this hobby.

There’s one final tip I can offer to those in the market for an entry-level airplane. You can, in fact, try before you buy. An RC flight simulator, like FMS, has two benefits to you. By spending some time flying FMS Flight Simulator, you get a head start learning to fly and can try many different types of airplanes. Flying a flight simulator with a true RC controller is the best investment of time and money a new pilot can make.

The next article, Your First Flight with a Remote Control Airplane, will help you through your pre-flight inspections and first flights. Get that rc airplane assembled, there’s flying to be done!

Go to Part 4 of 4 in this Series: Introduction to RC Airplanes »

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
RSS: www.rctoys.com/pr/feed

You can experience all the joy of flying airplanes without being inside one. Using a few special technologies, you can pilot an RC airplane from the ground. It’s cheaper and easier to get into than full-scale piloting. As well, rc aviation is much safer and offers higher performance. It’s a great outdoor hobby where you will enjoy scenery, freedom, and friendship.

The first technology used is the radio control system. As an rc pilot, you hold a transmitter unit and move two control sticks. By moving these control sticks (which function like two joysticks on a game controller) you will control the airplane’s flight.

The transmitter communicates your stick positions, via a radio signal, to the rc airplane. The rc airplane contains a receiver, which decodes this transmission and tells the servos to move a position corresponding to what you commanded on the sticks. The servos are a cool piece of technology. They rotate to whatever position they are told to go to, and are very strong and very accurate.

How does a servo rotating make your rc airplane fly? This is where the technology becomes entirely mechanical. A linkage, in the form of a cable or strong rod, connects the servo’s rotating shaft and arm to the airframe’s flight control surface.

The flight control surface is literally a movable section of wing. By controlling the orientation of the control surface (the servo’s job), you can generate the fundamental airframe rotations that all aircraft since the Wright brothers have used for control.

Roll, pitch, and yaw are the fundamental airframe rotations. Each is generated and controlled by a specific control surface. Roll is generated by the ailerons, pitch by the elevator, and yaw by the rudder.

It’s a complicated process involving a series of interesting technologies, but when you’re flying, rc airplane control is as simple as can be. You move a pair of control sticks with your fingers, and the rc airplane immediately responds by changing its flight path. Piloting an rc airplane is a lot like driving a car or playing a video game.

Now that we have gone through the fundamentals check out the next article, Your First Radio Control Airplane.

Go to Part 3 of 4 in this Series: Introduction to RC Airplanes »

——
© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
RSS: www.rctoys.com/pr/feed