Flying planes are quite different from other types of vehicles because of their aerodynamics. Remote-controlled planes have facilitated this task and made flying planes fun.
Besides, different security agencies use these planes immensely to take photos and videos from risky places. Do you know how to fly an RC plane properly? If not, then don’t worry. Because I am going to discuss how to fly an RC plane precisely in this article.
Due to its simplistic design and easy operating system, flying RC planes has become one of the most exciting hobbies for enthusiasts around the world. People are overwhelmingly taking the idea of remote-controlled devices and making their attempts to fly an RC plane.
While professionals fly RC planes efficiently, flying an RC plane becomes a bit difficult for beginners. Due to lack of knowledge, a deficit of operating capacity, some people often roll over their planes in the air-space.
If you are new to RC planes, then you have come to the right website. Because this article will focus on how to fly an RC plane step by step. So that, even beginners can fly their RC planes successfully. Besides, you will know the precautions and answers to frequently asked questions. So, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What is an RC plane?
A Radio-controlled plane is an unmanned small aircraft that an operator can control via a radio transmitter in the ground. The transmitter sends signals to a receiver placed within the plane, ultimately directing the control panels. These planes use either electric motors or gas engines for power generation.
There are various types of RC planes available in the markets. Among them, trainer RC planes, sport aircraft, vintage RC planes are the most common ones.
Advantages of RC plane
There are several advantages of RC planes. Some key advantages may include:
- People can fly RC planes from any place, even from home.
- Flying RC planes enhance practical skills and concentration capacity.
- RC planes are less expensive and lightweight.
- They are convenient tools to gather data.
How to fly an RC plane?
There are great variations in the sizes and configurations of RC planes. These differences change the performance and controlling system of the plane. Therefore, people, especially beginners, need to follow some steps to fly an RC plane successfully.
First step:
Knowing the plane and remote Mastery of the key parts of an RC plane is the most vital step for flying an RC plane efficiently.
However, every RC plane has the following parts regardless of their difference in configurations:
- Nose: It is the front part of the fuselage.
- Fuselage: It is the main frame of the airplane which connects other parts of the plane together.
- Wing: Being attached to the fuselage, they are the main parts that maintain the stability of the plane. Ailerons are the edges of the two wings that direct the rolling motion of the RC plane in an upwards or downwards direction.
- Tail: the back part of the fuselage. The tail contains vertical and horizontal stabilizers.
- RC Transmitter: This is the device that controls the movement of the RC plane. There are generally four types of modes in a transmitter. But Mode 1 and 2 are frequently used by the pilots. The suitable mode depends on the plane’s configuration.
So, it is beneficial for beginners to follow the instructions to get the preferable mode before their first flight. It is wise to use a 72MHz frequency checker in a crowded place regarding frequency. However, the latest transmitters use a 2.4 GHz frequency.
Step 2: Assembling the electronic parts RC plane
One has to assemble the electronic parts of the plane before flying the RC plane for the first time. One can assemble as follows:
- Attach the battery and the electronic speed controller
- Seal ESC servo with channel 3 of the receiver.
- If you don’t have a glider, insert the battery in the BAT slide.
- Then attach the electronic speed controller with the motor.
- Connect the receiver to the transmitter, and you are all done.
Step 3: Find an appropriate place to fly:
Launching a flight in a suitable place is vital for a successful fly. It is better to avoid congested places with several impediments such as long trees and tall buildings.
Otherwise, the RC plane can bash with them and can get damaged. RC airplane clubs, private open lands, or public areas such as parks, sports fields are some of the greatest options in this regard. If several air vehicles are flying in the same field, know their frequencies to avoid clashes.
Step 4: Take off the plane:
If you have an MHz frequency, extend the transmitter antenna for taking off the plane. In the case of GHz frequency, one has to flatten the antenna. Make sure you are directing the plane in the direction of the wind to maximize its speed.
Moreover, it is wise to choose smooth lands for taking off the planes. Rough or long grassland creates impediments for the RC plane to fly.
Step 5: Fly the plane:
It is the period people long wait for. In this stage, you need to fly the RC plane in an upside, straight, and downside motion. Some cautions can facilitate this exciting journey. When you are up warding the RC plane, remain relaxed to avoid hand-shaking. Fly the RC plane with ailerons at this time since ailerons work as elevators.
Make sure, you are flying the plane in an open space to avoid a crash. Once the plane has reached enough height (generally 10 feet), reduce the power of the motor and move it in a straight direction. Because an increased level of power is not needed to move the plane in a straight direction. Then turn the plane to another direction. So, the general pattern of flying would be making a turn and directing it in a straight manner.
Step 6: Landing the plane:
Landing the plane is a bit more difficult than taking off, especially when you are newly familiar with radio-controlled devices.
However, the easiest way to land the plane is to turn the RC plane to a downwind leg whereby the pilot has to run the plane in the direction of the wind. It will provide the pilot with sufficient time to land. Then take a 90-degree turn to have a turn base.
Finally, one has to take another 90-degree turn for the final landing. At this time, the plane will be running just in the opposite direction of the wind, ultimately decreasing the RC plane’s motion.
Some Precautions:
- Make sure you are neither flying the RC plane too high nor too lowfrom the ground. Otherwise, you will eitherlose track of your plane or the plane can crash into the ground.
- Don’t fly the RC plane directly towards the sun to avoid temporary blindness.
- Always avoid congested places for flying RC planes.
- Most of the RC planes get damaged for beginners due to frequent movements of the remote. So, don’t rush while flying.
FAQ:
How do you fly an RC plane for the first time?
Flying an RC plane is not that much difficult, not even for beginners. One can maintain the following steps while flying an RC plane for the first time:
- know the functions of the different parts of the plane properly
- Grasp the steps of how to direct the plane in different directions
- Maintain the precautions and safety measures.
You can keep someone expert at flying RC planes with you during your first attempt to keep everything under your control.
What would be the best RC plane for learning to fly?
The term “best” varies from person to person. But in general, Trainer RC Airplane would be the best one for beginners.
Because these planes hold simple designs and are lightweight. Therefore, one can easily maintain the stability of the plane.
Are RC planes easy to fly?
Yes, RC planes are easy to fly. Nowadays, various types of RC planes are available in markets. Diverse features with newer technologies have reduced the complexities of flying planes. Moreover, these planes have fascinating safety measures to recover the plane from any bad situations.
How long can an RC plane fly?
The time duration depends on various factors such as materials of the plane, battery capacity, speed of the wind. However, average RC planes can fly for 15 to 20 minutes at a stretch while electric RC planes can fly for 10 to 11 hours.
Final verdict:
There is no doubt RC planes are another booming device in the aviation market. The lucrative features of RC planes will make anyone interested to fly them. As a result, more and more people are taking RC planes flying as their hobby. But flying an RC plane requires knowing the plane thoroughly including its components and operating processes.
Therefore, in this article, I have precisely explained: “How to fly an RC plane.” Besides, I have included the pros of RC planes, some precautions. So that, one can get all vital information in one place. Hope you have found this article practically helpful.