So, you have seen the planes hanging in the hobby shop or you have seen planes flying around at the club. Wow that's neat, how do I get started??? Well here is all of the info you need to get started.
Beginners
First- Here is a little information on R/C Planes. Planes have 3 power sources, Electric, glow power or regular fuel. Electric and glow is what most people start with. They both have there advantages and disadvantages.
Second- Planes are kits that require assembly or Arfs, arfs stand for "almost ready to fly" they require some installation of engine, radio components and some basic assembly. Planes can be built out of Balsa wood and covered with a heat shrink film or can be built out of types of plastic (SPADS) SPAD info on the SPAD page
Third- The other main component is the Radio system. It composes of a transmitter, a receiver and servos, servos are what actually move the control surfaces on the plane.
A beginner plane is called a "Trainer Plane" they are basic planes, and really don't look that great or cool. but they are designed to be slow and forgiving flyers. A beginner really needs a slow plane to learn the controls and how the plane reacts. A P-51, which is the most coolest plane IS NOT a good trainer plane. Once one masters the trainer plane, then they advance to a faster, more aerobatic plane such as a four star 40 or an ugly stick. the on to a next level plane after that.
The most important thing you can do is get to a club for info and training. DO NOT attempt to fly a plane without an instructor. An out of control plane can be very dangerous and could cause injury or death.
Here is a picture of the average trainer. there are many good trainers that can be purchased. They can be Kits, if you like to build or ARF's if you don't or are in a hurry. It can take at least a month thou get a kit built. an average Arf can be ready in about ten hours
Here is a link to a list of recommended trainers
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4537845/tm.htm
Power. Since I an a "glow powered" engine guy, thats what I am going to talk about. We will get into electrics on the electric page. Glow engines are internal combustion engines that run on glow fuel. They are 2 stroke engine and 4 stroke engines. the 2 stroke are the easiest and most common. they are sized by "cubic centimeters" . The most common sizes are from .20 to .60 and the .46 is the most popular. So a "forty size plane" would take an engine from .40 to .50 in general. There are many brands of engines and a wide price range. Also there is a wide range of quality. For a new flyer it is best to get a better engine. It will make the learning experience much more enjoyable when your engine runs good and is dependable
O.S. 46 AX
The final major component as the radio system. There are 3 or 4 brands of Radio systems that can be purchased. They go from the most basic to very complex. They are categorized by channels. The smallest air radio is 4 channel. Each channel performs a separate function. Aileron, elevator, rudder and throttle are the most common. The receiver, in the plane, picks up the signals and sends them to the servos. Each function or movement requires a servo. The servos take the signal from the receiver and turns it into motion. Its best to find out what brand most guys are using at the club and buy that brand, That way they can help you more because they know how that brand works. There are two common frequency's that the radio's operate. The most common is 72 MHz. It has been around for a long time. The other is 2.4 MHz. it has been out for about 2 yrs. 72 MHz is divided into channels. The same channel from two different pilots CANNOT be flown at the same time. they will interfere with each other and it will be a dangerous situation. 2.4 can be flown with other 2.4 & 72MHz operators without any interference or dangerous actions. We recommend a 6 channel or better for your first radio. You may not need 6 channels but the other features on the radio are well worth the extra money and they are features that are needed soon and very desired for flying. A four channel would be a very short term radio
Futaba 2.4 6 channel.
There are other things that will be needed to learn to fly. Field gear like a glow plug igniter, fuel and fuel pump An electric starter is also really nice to have to get a stubborn engine started. propellers, reamer and wrench. rubber bands for trainer wing. field box, screwdriver neadlenose pliers, allen wrench set and other small tools will be needed and the most important thing is AMA insurance, don't fly without it.
This is just the tip of the iceberg on beginner information. get to the club, talk to the instructor. There are a couple of really good forums on the net for info also
www. RCUniverse.com www.RCgroups.com
http://www.gettingairborne.com/ excellent site for beginner info
All of the equipment can be purchase at your Local Hobby Shop
