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How to Fly a Control Line Airplane

Control line flight of model airplanes was developed in the late 1930s. It was during this time that model diesel engines became available to hobbyists, making control line flying more popular. A control line airplane has two long control wires connecting the elevator to an oblong-shaped plastic handle contoured on the inside to fit the grip of the pilot's hand. The pilot stands in one spot and flies the plane around himself, rotating all the time with the plane. Subtle wrist movements change the airplane's flight direction, either up or down. Young and old alike can learn to enjoy piloting a control line airplane with a model airplane of their choice

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect the control lines for the airplane. Look for frayed or otherwise damaged lines, and make sure the line connections at the hand grip and the airplane are secure.
- 2
  Extend the control lines and have a helper check the elevator control surfaces for proper up and down operation as you move the hand controller back and forth. Make sure the control lines are not tangled in any way.
- 3
  Add fuel according to the manufacturer's safety and procedural recommendations for the particular model of control line airplane to be flown.
- 4
  Instruct your helper to start the engine of the airplane and hold it on the ground until you are ready to have it released for flight. Make certain the circular path of the airplane is clear of people and free of obstructions prior to flight.
- 5
  Hold the hand grip controller firmly and extend the control lines until they are slightly taut.
- 6
  Instruct your helper with a prearranged signal to release the airplane. Make sure that the helper knows to back out of the circular path of the airplane immediately after release.
- 7
  Tilt the top of the hand controller back slightly by flexing your wrist as the airplane begins to roll along the ground. This action will cause the elevator to rise, easing the airplane into the air for a smooth take-off. Avoid tilting the hand grip too far or too fast, as this will cause the airplane to lift off the ground at a sharp angle.
- 8
  Tilt the top of the hand controller forward by slightly flexing your wrist to bring the elevator back just far enough for straight, even flight. As you turn with the airplane, develop a feel for the hand controller and observe how the airplane responds.
- 9
  Adjust the descent rate of the airplane slowly when the engine runs out of fuel. A brief, sudden increase in engine speed along with sputtering indicates the engine is out of fuel. Keep the lines taut and keep the nose up slightly by bending the hand controller back until the wheels touch the ground.

Aviation