Getting Started Archives - Page 2 of 4

Your First Workshop

From our friends at RTL Fasteners: Like anything else, learning what’s involved in a new hobby is the first step to taking it on. From figuring out what tools you’ll need, finding a place to store essentials and creating an organized place to work and play, it’s always important to do some preparation. That is […]

Stay in Control 10 Top Radio Programming Secrets

The devil is in the details. After installing your servos according the manufacturer’s directions, you might find that when the servo arm is placed on the spline, it isn’t at a perfect right angle to the servo casing. Or, after you’ve hooked up the various linkages, you discover there is too much or not enough travel […]

Pro Tips for First Flight Success

Learning to fly is always easier and more fun with the aid of an experienced instructor. He will help you avoid those first few beginner mistakes and will help your airplane live a lot longer. The Sportsman S+ RTF with SAFE Technology from Hobby Zone is one of the new generation trainer/sport fliers that […]

The keys to flying smooth, consistent moves every time

Last summer I flew noon demos at several RC events and was alarmed by how many pilots struggled with or lost control of their models during simple turns, leading therefore to additional difficulties trying to line up with the runway, handling wind, etc. As one who diagnoses pilots’ flying skills for a living, it was […]

Fly better with dual rates, expo & mixing

Utilizing your radio’s built-in programming will let you fly better with more control of your model. This article is intended for new and intermediate fliers and higghlights three important features you need to understand, dual rates, exponential, and mixing. LET’S GET STARTED First of all, when holding your radio during your flight, it’s a good […]

Pick your power: electric, gas or glow!

There’s an old saying that suggests, “If in doubt, add power!” And we have to admit, there are some Model Airplane News editors who do believe there’s just no substitute for horsepower. But when it comes to selecting which kind of power system to use, many RC modelers can use a little help. Model Airplane […]

Covering Wingtips made Easy

Covering a wing panel with film covering is fairly simple and easy to do, even for those with little skill; that is, until you get to the wingtip. Of course, all wingtips are different shapes, and not all fall in the category of difficult to cover. Some have a gentle taper to a rounded […]

Don’t cook your ESC!

Avoid these common power system mistakes Electric fliers all have one thing in common regardless of the size or type of models they fly—the electronic speed control (ESC). It doesn’t matter if you fly helicopters, airplanes, giant-scale, indoor, or micro models; at the heart of your power system is the speed control, and if it’s […]

Getting Started with E-Power

Today, our hobby is enjoying a literal “Golden Age” of RC electric flight. The amount of quality motors, batteries, controllers and connectors is just about limitless as are the types and sizes of airplanes you can fly with E-power. Even though there are plenty of plug n play packages out there where you get everything […]

Anatomy of First Person View (FPV) — What’s needed for that “from the cockpit view”.

Once you get involved with RC airplanes, it doesn’t take long for you to hear the term “FPV,” and many have already discovered how much fun this onboard video feature can be. The acronym “FPV” stands for “First-Person View,” and the equipment needed to enjoy that “from the cockpit” video experience has become one of […]

Model Airplane Fuel Systems Explained

Radio control model airplanes rely on two basic systems to fly, the radio system and the power system (excluding gliders). When you have a nitro-burning glow engine if your engine loses its fuel supply, you’ll find yourself in a dead-stick situation with a plane that wasn’t designed to be a glider. To prevent dead-stick landings, […]

Hand Launches made Easy

Don’t have a perfectly manicured runway? Don’t sweat it, you can easily hand launch your plane to get it airborne. Here are five easy steps to perfecting this handy technique. Remember to always launch your model while facing straight into the wind. Don’t throw your model downwind (with wind at your back), this will cause […]