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A question that we are frequently asked is "how hard is it to fly model aeroplanes".  The answer is this. It is an acquired skill, some people are brilliant at it from the word go, a few people are pretty hopeless, but most people become proficient with a little practice. ( it's like riding a bicycle).

WHAT TO BUY

Several choices are available to the beginner. You would be well advised to purchase a high winged trainer aeroplane. These aircraft are designed to be easy to build, easy and stable to fly and have accessible engine and radio control compartments.  If you choose to build a spitfire for your first model OK. but be aware that you will probably not be able to fly it without first learning the basics with a trainer. (Just like the full size). Broadly speaking all of the trainers will fly with total stability at low speeds, this helps the tyro pilot to judge height, speed and distance, and goes a long way to ensuring success.

The conventional way is to build your model aeroplane from a kit.  These kits vary in content from totally built up balsa and ply construction, where a wooden frame work is covered with an airproof material (just like a full size Tiger Moth),  up to aircraft with a foam wing (this is a polystyrene core accurately cut on a machine and skinned with wooden veneer), generally with a  self jigging tongue and groove plywood fuselage. These kits are easier and quicker to build than the afore mentioned fully built up types.  More commonly these days people choose to purchase an ARTR ( Almost ready to run) aeroplane.  These are typically factory assembled and covered models which only require final preparation such as fitting the engine and radio control equipment. A few years ago this type of aeroplane was very expensive,  but mass production and volume in the market has made this type of aeroplane very competitively priced, and now top choice for most beginners.

The pros and cons of the various types are many fold, some modellers would insist on building every part of their aeroplane, others with less time available appreciate the ease and speed of getting airborne with an ARTR kit.  The price is similar, the choice is yours. Discuss it with us at the time of  your purchase.

Most customers prefer to bring the aeroplane into the shop after completion,  and allow one of our experienced staff to check over the fitting of the radio equipment and engine, to test the centre of gravity  and to ensure that the controls have the correct amount of freedom and movement, and work in the right sense.

RADIO CONTROL

Most beginners limit their choice of radio control system by price. Even the most basic four function radio system will operate all of the trainer aeroplanes. The cheapest systems will typically be supplied in dry cell format ( in other words you have to put batteries in to make it work) Far better to purchase a system that is supplied with it's own integral ni-cad batteries and charger.  Apart from saving you money, it gives peace of mind that your batteries will last throughout your flying session. The basic computer radio systems are well worth consideration (you won't be a beginner for long). These radios have various model memories and are compatible with both fixed and rotary winged flight.  In other words model memory number one could be set to control a trainer aeroplane, and by pressing a couple of buttons memory number two could be set to control a helicopter.

BASIC FLIGHT CONTROLS

There are four distinctive functions which control a model aircraft all of which are implemented by the two sticks on the transmitter.

1) The aileron control (they are the moving trailing edge of the wing that most people think are flaps) is capable of rolling the aeroplane around its axis. This is achieved by moving the transmitter joystick left or right.
2) The elevator control is moved forwards and backwards and controls the height of the aeroplane.  Push to dive, pull back to climb. A turn is achieved by a small left or right input of the aileron, and a gentle pull back on the elevator.  These two controls are generally on the same joystick ( As per full size)
3) The throttle control simple speeds up and slows down the engine upon command.
4) The rudder controls the yaw axis of the aeroplane and can be used in conjunction with the aileron control to enable smooth turns. The rudder is mostly used during take off and landing.
5) OK.  I know I said four controls but some aircraft use flaps. These are in addition to ailerons but are generally mounted inboard on the wing and are used to generate additional lifting power to the wing for take off, and additional drag for landing, rarely, if ever seen on basic trainers, but quite common on scale aeroplanes. Nice to play with!

If the above sound daunting, don't worry.  Most of us were flying trainer type aeroplanes before radio control was invented. Radio guidance was initially used to stop the aeroplane from flying away.  The models are stable enough to sustain flight without much help.  The correct trainer will be very forgiving.

SAFETY

A model aeroplane, as with any machinery, is potentially a very dangerous piece of equipment and should be routinely checked and maintained.  Animals, small children and the operators fingers should be kept well out of the way of the engine, and once again you would be well advised to join in with the activities of your local model club who will instruct you in the safe operation of your aeroplane.

WHERE TO FLY

Interested pilots should join the British Model Flying Association (BMFA) who will be able to help with insurance and supply details of local clubs.
They can be contacted on Tel: 0116 244 0028
or you can write to:

BMFA
Chacksfield House
31 St Andrews Road
Leicester
LE2 8RE

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The image(s) of products shown on any page are intended only to give you an overview of a specific model. DO NOT take this as an accurate reprsentation of items supplied (or not) with a model, e.g. (wheels, tyres, engine or motor, silencer, batteries, body mounts, or radio equipment). Please rely on the text of the page associated with a particular model for this information.