Getting Started in RC Flying - Part 2

Flying remote control RC aircraft is a lot of fun and a fantastic way to spend quality time with friends and family. Crashes can be spectacular to watch, but they can result in expensive repairs. One of the best ways to develop flying skills with minimal damage to your plane or helicopter, is to train with an experienced pilot. Most RC fliers are happy to share their knowledge and many RC clubs have members who serve as instructors.

Joining a local RC club gives you access to a flying field to use and the enjoyment of sharing your past-time with fellow members. Many clubs have certified instructions trained to work with novices, either free or at a nominal cost, and some have club trainer planes that new members may use. An RC flight instructor will get you started with the basics, coaching you on everything from flight safety rules to understanding your transmitter, receiver and craft components. When it is time to actually take to the air, your instructor will:

Conduct a pre-flight check

Make any pre-flight adjustments needed and make sure your aircraft is properly trimmed and balanced

Provide side-by-side instruction using either a pass-the-box system or Buddy Box (more on this below)

Provide in-flight instructions and advice, taking over the controls if you get into trouble

Many skilled pilots who are flying today chose to learn on their own and succeeded. But that route is more difficult and can be costly. Crashes can be expensive. Having a good teacher will get you flying quickly and safely, with less frustration and more fun. For the location of a club near you and a directory of RC flight instructors, visit the website of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) or give them a call at 1-765-287-1256.

"Pass-the-Box" and "Buddy Box."

Pass-the-Box instruction involves the use of a single Radio Transmitter (TX). You and your RC flight instructor will both use the same TX and pass it back and forth.

Buddy Box instruction involves two Radio Transmitters (TX) linked together by a training cord. You hold one TX and your instructor holds the "Master TX." Transfer of control is made by holding down or releasing a switch on the instructor's master TX. This takes a lot of pressure off the beginning flier and allows your instructor to quickly and easily take the controls anytime you get into trouble. Here's how it works: when you begin your training, your instructor will probably take off for you, get the plane to a safe altitude, and then depress the switch on the master TX that allows you to take over. If your plane stalls or you run into some other trouble, the instructor can take control of the aircraft and correct the problem, then pass control back to you. You should keep working with the Buddy Box until you are ready to fly solo. All of the Airtronics SD models that we carry are "buddy box" trainer compatible with all other Airtronics SD models (e.g., SD-5G, SD-6G, SD-10G)

Good luck -- fly safe -- and above all, enjoy yourself !

The next articles in this series provide some advice on selecting your first RC airplane or RC helicopter.

Check out the great selection and prices you can find at RC Planes and Copters on RC Radios and Receivers