A Beginners' Guide to Aerodynamics

a guest post by John LeGrand

Introduction

Aerodynamics is the study of forces and motion of objects through the air.

Basic knowledge of the aerodynamic principles is highly recommended before getting involved in building and/or flying model aircraft.

A model aircraft that is hanging still in air during strong winds may be subject to the same aerodynamic forces as a model aircraft that is flying fast during calm weather.

The aerodynamic forces depend much on the air density.

For example, if a glider glides 25 meters from a given altitude during low air density it may glide 40 meters during high density.

The air density depends on the atmospheric pressure and on the air temperature. The air density increases with decreasing of the air temperature and/or with increasing of the atmospheric pressure. The air density decreases with increasing of the air temperature and/or with decreasing of the atmospheric pressure. A flying aircraft is subject to a pressure depending on the airspeed and the air density. This pressure increases exponentially with increasing of the airspeed.

How To Avoid Crashing Your First RC Plane - 10+ Essential Tips

a guest post by Eddy Murano

There are very few things as enjoyable on a nice sunny day as taking out your remote control airplane and having a nice leisurely flight. If you happen to take your kids along they will have a great time and it will also make for a great family experience as well.

Some people think of RC airplanes as toys and some of them are. But other RC airplanes are complex and state of the art machines that rival the performance and appearance of their real life counterparts. From small 2 channel basic airplanes to full function jet engine fighters, the hobby has them all!

Contrary to popular belief, flying one of these airplanes is not difficult. It does take some practice and it helps if you have a little upfront knowledge and insight as far as what you are going to encounter and that is where this book will come in handy.
A lot of people spend a lot of money on their planes only to have them sit on a shelf because they don't have the first clue how to get them up in the air and back down in one piece. Well, we are going to show you how to do all that in this article. By following the simple tips provided on this page you will get a great start on great hobby and leisure activity

First, you should buy a trainer that is easily repairable, in case of damage. To have a crash is common, especially in the initial days of training and learning. Hence, your plane should be easy to repair and not take away the fun from your hobby. Secondly, buy a trainer, whose parts are readily available, so that in case you need to replace a part, you don't have to wait till you lose interest in flying, before getting the spare part.

Radio Control - The Beginners' RC Planes Guide

A guest post by John LeGrand

The R/C pilot controls the model by a radio link, which means by using electromagnetic radiation. Basically the R/C equipment consists of a Transmitter operated by the pilot and the airborne units consisting in a Receiver together with one or more Servos depending on the number of channels used and a Battery pack.

The picture shows a four channel RC Transmitter, Receiver, 4 Servos, Battery pack and Switch.

A typical RC Transmitter has about 4 to 6 channels with at least 4 of them being proportional, which means the controlled surfaces or devices will move proportionally to the movements of the control sticks. Additional channels may function only in "on-off" manner like a switch, and are usually used to actuate retractable landing gears, airbrakes, lamps, etc.

RC Helicopters vs. RC Airplanes

 

Flying RC Helicopters and RC Airplanes can be a fun and rewarding experience! This is a technical hobby and incurs some cost, the initial purchase typically being the big cost. Many people enjoy racing RC cars or dabble in boats, or planes and helis.

Two common questions arise with regard to RC Helicopters vs RC Airplanes. Most want to know which is harder to fly, and which one is a better investment. Price-wise, it depends a lot on the model and size you decide to purchase. It is my opinion that it is much harder flying an RC Helicopter compared to flying an RC Plane. However, I also think that flying RC Copters is much more fun and exciting.

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Radio-controlled helicopters do not require largely paved or mowed runways like radio controlled airplanes. As long as you have a fairly open flat area, you can lift off and land your heli in this area. Radio-controlled airplanes will maintain a constant elevation after a certain height is reached until the throttle is lowered.

This is not the case with helicopters.

Where Should You Buy Your First Radio Controlled Plane?

Buying options for your first radio controlled plane are rather simple, as in general, you have two options: Offline and Online.

Offline, the best option is your local RC hobby store, specialized in what you’re looking for. You might find these planes from the “toy-stores” too, but those are not the places for a true RC hobbyists, are they?

Online, you should look to make your purchase at

• the websites of the RC plane manufacturers
• can cost you a bit more, but you get
• direct contact and support from the people who designed and built the plane
• other trusted sellers
• Amazon, which many manufacturers use as a “web-store” and
• Well-ranked eBay sellers, who often sell the new planes with the most competitive prices

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Buying Used or New Radio Controlled Plane (as Your First Aeroplane)?

As a beginner, do not buy an used RC plane. An used radio controlled plane might be perfectly fine, but to ensure you an enjoyable experience with your first radio controlled plane, we recommend that you look for a new model as your first radio controlled plane.

How To Build An RC Model Plane

Flying an RC model plane is an excellent way to enjoy the weekend with family and friends. These planes are made to simulate real-life flight, which makes controlling them very enjoyable. Building RC plane kits can be just as fun as flying it, since it is a step-by-step process that requires patience and perseverance. Although some crafts make take a long time to build, the end result is very rewarding.

Building a RC plane is an excellent way to get the whole family together. Constructing these planes is a big project, so there will be a job for everyone. Even younger children will enjoy simple tasks like applying the decal stickers and gluing items together. More complicated tasks like the electric work and engine assembly should only be done by individuals with qualified experience.

Start by choosing the type of plane you want to create. There are all different kinds of RC model aircraft available, so you should be able to find something that suits your taste. From camouflaged designs to futuristic models, there is a style for everyone.

RC Model Plane Flying Safety Tips

Radio controlled model airplanes provide a taste of flying that you will cherish forever. But to keep it fun, it's worthwhile to keep a few safety tips in mind.

First - always make sure *before* you turn on your radio that no one else is using your frequency, on the ground or otherwise. If you power up your radio and it is on the same channel as another RC flyer, you're likely to knock their plane out of the sky - destroying the airplane, and putting people and property in harm's way.

Second - make sure you're properly fueled up. If you're gas, make sure the tank is full. If you're electric, make sure the batteries are charged. If your plane falls out of the sky for lack of fuel, it can become a dangerous air to ground missile.

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Third - Preflight your airplane. Check control surfaces and internal mechanics. I've made this mistake before, after a particularly rough landing, one of my rods shook loose, rendering my right aileron inoperable. I had no problem getting airborne, but getting that airplane back on the ground was an exercise I never want to experience again.

And the fourth tip for RC plane safety - If you're at a club field, read the posted rules. Know the rules, especially around emergency procedures. If you're not at a club field, make sure it's legal to fly, and that you have plenty of room.

Finally, if you're brand new to the sport of RC flying, I highly recommend practicing with one of the many available computer simulators. You'll crash and burn your virtual aircraft with no harm to person or property.