Electric RC airplanes (Electric Power or ‘EP’) have been responsible for attracting a large number of people in to the radio control flying hobby in recent years, and it’s easy to see why.
Basics Of Radio Controlled Plane Flight: Things to Keep in Mind
Radio controlled planes can be expensive considering the different things you have to buy in order to enjoy the hobby. You have to buy the plane model itself, as well as all the radio and motor equipment to keep it in the air. Then you have to buy gasoline, or pay for electricity to charge the battery.
So here’s a checklist that will ensure your hobby doesn’t burn a big hole in your pocket.
- When flying your plane for the first time, choose the day and the place carefully. An ideal day would have clear skies, with little to no wind. You should operate from a place that offers some sort of good take-off point. Sidewalks and roads are perfect for this. You should also try to look for an area that is low on houses, trees, and preferably doesn’t have many people around.
- Check and double-check everything before you send the plane up. Make sure the landing gear is secure, and that it will be able to withstand the force of impact when the plane touches the ground after you are done flying. Also check all of the connections between the motor and the fuel supply or batteries. Test all of the radio equipment to make sure that every motion is interpreted by the plane. Hold it in your hand as you or a friend tries all of the levers and knobs.
- Set your plane on some sort of surface that will act as a good runway. If you’re in a park with sidewalks, find a large strip of sidewalk that will give your plane plenty of room to roll, gather speed, and take off. Just make sure there are no people walking in the way. Get up to speed, and if everything goes right you should lift smoothly in the air. Hopefully you will have read through the manual that came with your plane.
- After the flight you need to do yet another inspection of the equipment. If you notice something wrong, try to fix it rather than wait until you notice it the next time you come out to fly.
- Follow all of these procedures, along with any local laws or regulations that may affect your flying session.
Foam Vs Balsa Radio Control Model Airplanes
Until several years ago, radio control aircraft models were almost exclusively constructed from balsa wood. Balsa wood’s low cost, light weight and ease of use made it a natural choice to build any type of model plane.
Foam RC models have recently entered the scene in the form of ready to fly aircraft. Foam fabrication methods are ideal for smaller park flyer and indoor micro radio controlled aircraft.
So what is the best method to construct a radio control model airplane – using foam or balsa?”
Here’s more about the two materials.
Foam
Foam is usually a first choice for park flyers due to its lower weight and ability to produce just about any aircraft shape you can dream up. By injecting the liquid foam into a carefully crafted mold, manufacturers can rapidly produce a wide array of uniquely formed model planes.
These “foamies” are very affordable and fly well. They appeal to the RC pilot who likes variety and the ability to get airborne quickly. Some of these designs are so well laid out that the radio control electronics are buried inside the fuselage and are not accessible to the pilot. Many of these foam micro models can be ready to get airborne within minutes of opening the box.
The foam used for park and indoor model aircraft is strong enough for the maneuvers and flight loads they will encounter. There is typically no need to reinforce the aircraft structure.
However, Foam can be a limiting factor if you wish to modify your airplane. The use of the wrong type of glue or paint can quickly attack and dissolve the foam. Always be certain the adhesive or paint is “foam friendly.” A better approach is to experiment on a piece of scrap foam before working on the main parts of the model.
Balsa
Balsa and plywood are traditional model aircraft construction materials. They have proved their worth for over a century of use in free flight and radio control model airplane designs. Balsa is well understood by the hobbyist. Balsa is easy to work using common hand tools. Differing grades and strengths of balsa provide the opportunity to produce any type of aircraft from the smallest indoor flyer to a large, quarter scale plane.
Balsa accepts a much wider range of adhesives, paints and heat shrink coverings as compared to foam. An RC pilot can achieve a much nicer outer finish with a balsa structure. Balsa construction does not require the need to make a mold as with foam models. Balsa is also more suited for making a model airplane from a set of plans.
It is not common to see ready to fly RC models made from balsa. This is starting to change with the use of computer aided design technology coupled with laser cut production and assembly techniques. The main limitation with balsa and factory made models is the higher costs associated with the amount of labor required to create the final product.
While difficult to quantify, many RC pilots have an affinity towards balsa and ply construction. They are more comfortable dealing with these wood products. Many of these modelers embrace foam models as an addendum to their flying fleet. Another important consideration is that balsa models are typically easier to repair after a crash as compared to foam.
As you can see, there is no clear cut winner here, as to which is better for an RC model plane, foam or balsa?. A modeler who prefers known construction techniques and materials they are familiar with will gravitate towards balsa. An RC pilot who has not constructed balsa wood models, a flyer who likes a variety of aircraft, or one with little time to build their own planes will typically favor foam airplanes.
Both balsa and foam can produce exceptional aircraft. Try operate with both types of materials, you will gain greater enjoyment of the hobby and be a more informed pilot by flying all types of radio control aircraft.
Buying a RC Plane
Fortunately the process of selecting the right plane for your needs can be kept simple so long as you keep a few basic guidelines in mind. Many RTF electric planes are designed for the beginner, but there are also many that are not.
An RTF (Ready To Fly) airplane is a better option if you have no modelling experience.
A plane with a wingspan of between 30 and 50 inches is the optimum size for beginners. Smaller size, and you’ll have trouble seeing what it’s doing, bigger would be too much to handle. Having said that, micro-size planes do have their place for beginners, especially if you’re limited with your flying area size and/or budget.
Check out availability of spare parts before you buy – you will need them at some time or another. A proper replacement part is a safer option than a bodged repair. Choose an RC plane that is durable and easily repairable after minor damage; for example, foam planes are tougher and easier to repair than balsa wood ones.
Funtoyworld is a family-managed website with me (Ben), and my wife doing most of the work. We are proud parents of two wonderful kids and love reviewing toys. We have a firm but friendly “democratic parenting” style and offer several practical suggestions backed by extensive research. Our own experience with raising two children prompted us to share our knowledge. Read more.
Leave a Reply