INTRODUCTION
Very basically what is a model aircraft or airplane?
A model aircraft is a smaller version of a full-scale airplane. Unlike its full-scale counterpart, model aircraft do not carry passengers.
Control can be achieved by several ways, but not by an on-board pilot. A model aircraft can be controlled in flight by a radio system operated by a pilot (modeler) who remains on the ground. Radio Control (or R/C as we simply call it) is our primary means of controlling (flying) a model aircraft in flight today. Model aircraft can also be flown by wires in a circular pattern. This is called Control-Line (CL) flying. It does not require radio control and is confined to a circle that is limited by the length of the control wires. Another form of model aircraft is the “Free Flight” category that employs neither radio nor any wires. The flight path of the model is pre-set while on the ground. Then the aircraft in launched and flies on its own ----- hence the name Free Flight! This QUICK START GUIDE will concentrate only on radio controlled model aircraft. Information on the other types can be provided on request.
Have you already witnessed a flight of an R/C aircraft?
Seeing a model airplane in flight must be your starting point in the hobby. Just looking at books, magazines, videos, simulators, etc. can not impart the same feeling you get when you actually see a model aircraft in flight, being controlled by a pilot (modeler) who remains on the ground.
If you are lucky you may have passed a flying field and seen a model airplane in flight. You likely were thrilled with what you saw. If you had a youngster along with you, that person may have been equally thrilled by the sight.
After seeing that flight the thought may have come to your mind --- what's it all about? How time consuming is this hobby? How expensive might it be? How long might it take me to learn to fly a model airplane? Is this hobby really for me? Can I participate without having any unusual skills or ability? The purpose of this entire GUIDE is to answer all of those questions and more.
Lets say you haven't yet seen a model aircraft in flight --- where can you hope to find one and get that first look?
Probably the first way is a matter of observation on your part. Larger size model aircraft are usually flown at more remote sites where there is less likelihood of contacting people, houses, automobiles and the like. These fields would typically be in the outskirts of cities in more rural, less crowded areas. Much smaller type aircraft and especially those powered by quiet electric motors are now being flown more locally in places like parking lots, schoolyards (where permitted) and even in large backyards, if it can be done in a safe manner without harming a neighbor or their property.
There are two good ways to pinpoint the location of these various flying fields. The first way is to locate and visit a local hobby shop or hobby dealer. Not every area will have a hobby shop, so this suggestion won't work for everyone. The best place to locate such a shop would be the yellow pages of your local phone directory. Recognize that the name “hobby dealer” can refer to many different type hobbies and not just R/C model aircraft.
Another way to locate these hobby shops is by using one of the popular search engines on the internet, such as Yahoo, Google and ASK. For example you might try the “ASK” search engine by first calling up this website. Then add to the location box your city and state or just your zip code. A list of hobby shops will follow for your area. You will have to sort out those that are arts and crafts types from those that deal with hobbies. Even then you may have to search for one that deals particularly with R/C model aircraft. But with a little effort you should be able to locate a hobby shop in your area, if there is one.
Once located, pay that hobby shop/dealer a visit. Since he or she sells hobby supplies to local modelers, it is likely they will know who is flying model aircraft in their area and where they fly (the specific locations of local flying fields). Armed with that information make a trip to one of these fields and witness a few flights of R/C model aircraft. That's the very best starting place.
It is possible that you may not find a hobby shop in your area. They can't be everywhere! In many rural or less populated areas, model aircraft enthusiasts may have to resort to mail order hobby dealers. That being the case for some, how do you still go about finding that local flying field? The answer to that is to look up and find a local R/C model aircraft flying club. Just about all of these clubs are chartered by the national organization, the Academy of Model Aeronautics (the AMA as we refer to it). First go to the AMA website and click on the ”Charter Club Locator” (or click here).
All you have to do is enter your own zip code for location and a list will immediately appear. It will have the names of local R/C model aircraft clubs, and the name, phone number and e-mail address of a contact person in that club. You will have to call the contact person and obtain directions to the field they use.
Locating a local model aircraft club in very important because the best way to learn to fly is to obtain the help of experienced model aircraft pilot/instructors. These people get enjoyment out of their hobby by helping others learn to fly on their own. If you live in a very remote area you might be forced to learn to fly on your own. But that takes considerable more effort and time. The easiest and best way is to seek help from local experts. The best way to do that is to solicit the help of local model airplane club members.
Now we have you to the point where you have witnessed R/C model aircraft in flight. That's only the beginning of the story. You need to know what the aircraft is like. What the control systems are like. Also you need to know about the power systems that allow the aircraft to fly. After all that you need specific recommendations on what you need to purchase initially to get to that first flight.
To continue, click here.
