Wednesday, July 11, 2018

RC Planes - The Beginners' Guide

First Model


Some people consider a glider as the obvious choice for the first model. Although a glider normally flies slower and is supposed to be more forgiving, I think that's just a matter of taste. Being a skilled glider pilot doesn't necessarily mean being also a skilled powered aircraft pilot and vice-versa.

Assuming that a powered model was chosen, the beginner is advised to start with a so-called trainer. This type is usually a high wing aircraft model with nearly flat bottom airfoil that produces high lift, permitting slow landing speeds without stalling. It also has some dihedral angle to give a good lateral stability.

However, a flat bottom high wing with dihedral is more sensitive to crosswind gusts, so the first flights should be done during calm weather.

A beginner should avoid wings with too sharp leading edges, as it will worsen the stall characteristics.

A well-rounded leading edge is therefore preferable, as it better conveys the airflow onto the upper wing surface allowing higher angle of attack at low speed.