Planes have been a fascination to the world since their invention in 1903. As a result, a good number of people dream of piloting aircraft across the vast skies. While you may not have chosen a career in aviation, there is no stopping your fascination for planes. Consequently, you will enjoy picking up the hobby of piloting RC planes, which are scaled-down models of the actual airliners. Controlled by radio and your discretion, you can explore the world from below.
Here is a beginners guide to radio controlled planes.
Radio Controlled Planes: How They Work
The miniature aeroplane’s body comes with a receiver and a couple of motors, which react with signals from a handheld controller. The controller acts as a form of a transmitter that releases radio waves — hence the radio-controlled properties. The body of the plane itself is often light to allow the ease of flight, but it is standard for professional models to carry a little more weight. When you purchase your first remote-controlled plane, you will likely have to do a simple parts assembly process to connect the landing system and main wing to the actual body. Apart from that, most RC planes are usable straight out of the box.
Radio Controlled Planes: Picking Your First Aircraft
The mechanics for operating RC planes involves a learning curve, which means that it would be detrimental to choose an expensive one right off the bat. There are budget models that work perfectly as training planes, which will allow you to get used to standard controls and the nuances of radiofrequency. While higher-end models can cost over $1,000, you can snag budget RC planes for about $170 to ease you into the system.
The main difference that sets RC planes apart, aside from price, is size. You ideally want to start with a smaller model to get a feel of the flight mechanism. Smaller sized aircraft are similar to drones, so if you have experience piloting those, the learning curve should be a lot less complicated. You can gradually expand your collection by picking out higher-end models that require a little more time to assemble once you have gotten the basics down.
Flight Mistakes To Avoid
The prospect of flying radio controlled planes may seem simple in theory, but they are quite tricky to operate. For one, you need to understand your environment, your physical and mental condition, and the weather to be able to control the plane with no problems. Trying to fly in the cold may slow your reaction time, which can lead to crashes and breaking your favourite aircraft. Meanwhile, you cannot fly RC planes in the rain, during strong winds, and on days when surges of gusts may affect your control.
Professionals and people who have plenty of experience with flying RC planes can work in the most extreme weather conditions, but as a beginner, you want to start by flying on days when the sky is clear. From there, you can gradually get used to less favourable situations.
Planes are fascinating but require a career investment to pilot. In contrast, scaled-down, radio controlled planes are fun, challenging, and stimulative, which make it an excellent hobby for people who cannot get enough of airliners. However, ensure that you take ample precautionary measures when you are trying it out for the first time.
Have you enjoyed this guide to radio controlled planes?
By Alice Johnson
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