RC Airplanes and Helicopters are a fun hobby where you use a radio link to control aircraft remotely. They range from small toys to large high speed aircraft.
Skills – Strength: 2, Balance: 1, Flexibility: 1, Agility: 1, Coordination: 8
Time needed: 30mins or more, Cost to try: £15+
A radio-controlled aircraft (often called RC aircraft or RC plane) is a model aircraft that is controlled remotely, typically with a hand-held transmitter and a receiver within the craft. The receiver controls the corresponding servos that move the control surfaces based on the position of joysticks on the transmitter, which in turn affect the orientation of the plane.
Flying RC aircraft as a hobby has been growing worldwide with the advent of more efficient motors (both electric and miniature internal combustion or jet engines), lighter and more powerful batteries and less expensive radio systems. A wide variety of models and styles is available.
Radio-controlled helicopters (also RC helicopters) are model aircraft which are distinct from RC airplanes because of the differences in construction, aerodynamics, and flight training. Several basic designs of RC helicopters exist, of which some (such as those with collective pitch, meaning blades which rotate on their longitudinal axis to vary or reverse lift) are more maneuverable than others. The more maneuverable designs are often harder to fly, but benefit from greater aerobatic capabilities.
Video of how to get started in RC plane and helicopters
Find out more about getting started in flying remote control panes and helicopters from the Cinechopper Youtube channel.
Getting Started With Remote Control Planes and Helicopters
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The first thing you need to think about before you buy a remote control aircraft is where you are going to fly it. Do you have a local park? Some parks have banned flying rc planes, due to the potential for hitting people. So, you will need to find some open space where either there aren’t people about, or if there are they don’t mind running the risk of being hit by a high speed buzzing aircraft.
You may want to start with something that is relatively easy to fly. a quadcopter is very stable, and can provide hours of fun as you get used to the controls. If you are not sure, visit a model shop that specialises in remote control planes. they usually have a flight simulator. This is a great way to learn and find out what you prefer. It uses a standard remote control unit linked to a computer. You can select what aircraft you want to fly, and it will then allow you to use the remote control to attempt to fly it.
Your choice of aircraft also depends on your budget. Are you going to be happy to spend lots of money if your brand new remote control helicopter crashes and burns on its first flight?
Find Out More about flying remote control planes and helicopters
Get yourself a book, visit a model shop that sells remote control planes, or visit a RC flying club. You can get plenty of ideas and advice on what you might like to start with, and how to progress onto more fun flying aircraft.
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