RC Airplane FAQ

Here are some common RC Airplane FAQ, and their answers:

How much does it cost?
This is one of the most common questions. The answer is: it depends. There are beginner packages available for as little as $100, up to expert aircraft costing as much as you have to spend!  A lot depends on your budget. You can spend as little as $100 or as much as $1,000 on the basic equipment. Average cost for a complete (but no frills) beginner package runs around $200-$350. Most people consider the cost a small price to pay for such a personally rewarding activity.

Is it easy to learn?
It’s been said that nothing worthwhile is easy. Success depends on: the student’s aptitude, preparation before trying to fly (ground school), the teacher, and the training aircraft. You can be flying with your instructor’s assistance on the first flight. Students can fly solo in as little as a few weeks, given enough practice.

What happens if I crash?
Crashes do happen, even to the top competition fliers. They just add to the excitement of the hobby, and create interesting conversation with your flying friends. Most aircraft can be rebuilt after all but the most severe crashes.

What fuel does it use?
Most model airplane engines use something called “glow” or “nitro” fuel. It is actually mostly of a type of alcohol (methanol, please do not drink), plus nitromethane to help burning, plus some oil to help keep the metal parts lubricated.

What type of battery does it use?
More and more modern airplanes use electric motors, instead of the traditional glow engines. These motors are powered by batteries: nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, and lithium polymer. For now, stick with the airplane manufacturer’s recommended battery. In addition to electric-powered airplanes, all rc models use a battery to power the radio receiver and servos.

Where can I get one?
Local hobby shops often stock radio control aircraft for beginners. These aircraft can also be found online.

Do I have to join a club to fly those?
No, but it could be a good idea. Consider joining up if there is a club near you. You will meet fellow pilots, have access to their flying facility, as well as be able to find a good instructor. If a club is not available or right for you, there are now slow-flying electric rc airplanes that can be flown in a large park.

What kind of tricks does it do?
Beginner aircraft are designed to be stable, so that it is easier for you to learn. These types can generally do a few tricks such as loops. When you have mastered your trainer, you may want to upgrade to a specialized aerobatic aircraft. In the hands if an experienced pilot, such an aircraft may be capable of everything you’ve seen at an airshow, and then some…

My dad/uncle/brother was/is a pilot. Where can I get a scale model of his cropduster/fighter/bomber?
Scale aircraft are generally fascinating to look at, but are challenging to build and fly. Models of scale aircraft generally do not fly as smoothly as the real thing, and so are best for more experienced pilots. Once you have the flying skill, the sky is the limit.

I have my private pilot’s license. This is a lot easier, right?
Actually, no. When you sit in the pilot seat of a full-size airplane, you are always moving in the same direction as the airplane. With an rc airplane, you stand still. This is fine when the airplane is moving away from, but when it turns and comes towards you, some of the controls get reversed! This is a very common cause of new rc pilot crashes, and we will discuss how to overcome this challenge in our learn-to-fly section.

How fast does a model go?
Trainers usually cruise at 25-30 mph and can land at speeds as slow as 12-15 mph. However, there are also unmodified, off-the-shelf airplanes that can deliver speeds of up to 200 mph!

How far can a model fly?
The range for a modern R/C system is about a mile. But to maintain control, you need to have your model close enough to tell what it is doing. Even a plane with a 5-6 foot wingspan looks tiny at half a mile.

What happens if I run out of fuel in flight?
Contrary to popular belief, you have control even if your engine stops running. You just glide your plane in for a "dead stick" landing. The radio system has its own batteries for power.