Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Preparing to Take Off
Begin your takeoff preparations by making sure that your plane's balance is correct. Balance the plane by putting one finger under the balance points underneath each wing (these will be clearly indicated). Stay still, and wait for the plane to come to rest. It should balance in either a level position or with the nose barely pointed down. If the tail is pointed down, your plane's balance is off. Adjust the balance by either moving the battery pack forward or adding some small weights (lead fishing weights or clay are good options) to the front until proper balance is achieved.
Check to make sure that everything on your plane is secure. You do not want anything to be able to shift during flight, so verify that your receiver and batteries don't move when you tilt the plane. Also, check that any removable components (such as wings) are not loose. If anything moves, fix it before moving on.
Test your plane's controls. Turn everything on, and verify that you have full range of motion in your controls and that your motor responds to the throttle. Don't fly if you notice any sticky points anywhere along the range of motion.
Check your remote control's reception. Walk a good distance away from the plane (at least 30 steps), and with your transmitter on, check that your controls respond properly. Do this test with your antenna down. Also, check that no one else is currently in the area with a transmitter that is using the same channel as yours. Do not fly if your plane does not respond properly or if some else is on the same frequency.
Take your plane for a test glide. Before the first time you fly for real, or the first time you launch a new plane, it's a good idea to give your plane a test glide. Face into the wind and give your plane a steady level push forward from about shoulder or head height. Don't throw it too hard, and do this over a soft surface. Steer your plane, if needed, using the rudder. If your plane's glide path is smooth and steady, it's ready to fly.
Taking Off
Be sure your launch area is safe. Make sure that you have a smooth surface to launch from in a large area that is not obstructed by trees or power lines. Check that your plane isn't going to interfere with others.
Set your plane on the ground, pointed into the wind, and get directly behind it. Give a final control check.
Bring the engine up to full speed. As the plane accelerates, you may need to use gentle pressure on the rudder to keep it going straight. As your plane picks up speed, it will begin to lift off. If your plane has elevators, give it just a little bit of up elevator now.
Keep the engine at full speed as the plane takes off. Make sure that any other control inputs you give it (rudder or elevator) are very gentle.
Fly your plane. Make sure you are watching the plane at all times. Begin your first turn at around 35 feet or so off the ground (neither too low nor very high). Keep your control inputs gentle, and make sure you keep your speed up or you will stall.