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How to Become a Radio-Controlled Aircraft Pilot

Have you always wanted to fly a radio controlled (RC) aircraft? Maybe you thought it was too expensive or too difficult to learn. Fortunately, it is easy to learn to fly, and it is not that expensive. Best of all, you can go out and buy a plane that is ready to fly now. If you are concerned that you won't be able to master the flight techniques, consider that people from all walks of life love to fly. At any local flying field, you may meet a retired airline captain, a teenage boy or girl, or a successful businessman who just wants to have fun. If you can walk and chew gum, you can learn to fly.

Things You'll Need

RC plane or kit
Gas for plane (if applicable)
Transmitter
Simulator (optional)
Buddy cord (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Visit your local hobby shop. Get acquainted with the owner, and learn about the finished aircraft and kit planes for sale. Ask about local radio controlled flying clubs. Two excellent sources for club information are: the Academy of Model Aeronautics and the Online Radio Control Forum.
- 2
  Meet the local RC club members. They fly on good weather weekends, and they will be glad to help you get into the air. Ask them about their first planes and the type of radio controllers (transmitters) they used. Spend some time watching them fly and absorb as much knowledge as you can.
- 3
  Decide when you want to start flying. This decision will largely be influenced by your level of patience. Option 1: Assemble a "kit" plane. A kit is a set of drawings and precut balsa wood that you assemble yourself. It can take months to complete and is not recommended for beginners. Option 2: Purchase an Almost Ready to Fly (ARF) plane with some assembly required. This assembly might include attaching the tail, wing and landing gear. This can usually be accomplished in an evening or two. Option 3: Choose a Ready to Fly (RTF) plane that only needs charged batteries for its first flight.
- 4
  Choose electric or gas power. Electric (battery-powered) airplanes are quiet and mess-free, but need charged batteries to fly. Gas-powered planes are noisier and have an oily exhaust that must be removed from the plane. However, you can fly almost continuously. Your choice may be influenced by the types of planes flown at your club. Because you will need an RC mentor, you should choose a plane with which club members are familiar. Many people find the ideal "trainer" to be a high wing aircraft with tricycle gear.
- 5
  Add some "training wheels." First, add a "buddy cord" to the package. A buddy cord is an electrical cord connecting your transmitter with your instructor's transmitter. If you get into trouble, your instructor can take control of the plane. Another great learning tool is an RC aircraft simulator. A simulator allows you to practice flying a model on your computer screen. Simulators are very realistic and useful for practicing aerobatic maneuvers once you become a more accomplished pilot.
- 6
  Use your local RC club as a resource. When you are choosing an airplane, don't overlook club members' stables of used aircraft. Most members have more than one airplane, and some have a trailer full of planes. It is possible someone might have an old plane they would be willing to sell at a discount price.

Aviation