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Items in red can be used again in different
aircraft and should be considered as "one time costs" How Far Can They Fly?Modern radio control systems have a range of about 2 miles, however it is very rare that a model aircraft is ever flown that far away. A model with a "wingspan" of 5 or 6 feet will become a small dot in the sky at ½ mile out, so you will rarely fly at that distance because it is almost impossible to see what the model is doing. If you can't see it, you can't control it and the most likely outcome is a crash! Most pilots keep their models within 200 or 300 meters of themselves. How Fast Can They Fly?A typical "trainer" model usually flies in the neighbourhood of 60 mph. More advanced aerobatic models will fly a little faster, at about 80 to 100 mph. Pylon racing models often fly at 140 mph. or more, and jets 200 mph plus. On the other side of the spectrum some "fun fly's" can fly at a fast walking pace and if flying into a moderate wind can even go backwards in relation to the ground! (although air speed is still a fast walking pace). How Long Do They Fly For?Most IC models have enough fuel to fly between 6 and 12 minutes. Doesn't sound very long does it? Let me assure you, the level of concentration is so high especially when you're learning or doing aerobatics or 3D style, that you will feel quite exhausted after 12 minutes. Once you try flying a model aircraft you'll know what I mean. What Happens When the Engine Stops?Well it goes quiet.... The radio system still functions since it is powered by its own onboard battery and you still have full control over the "working surfaces". If the engine quits in flight you simply glide the model in for a "dead stick" landing. Can I Buy An Aircraft That Is Ready To Fly? Most models flown by "Sunday Flyers" are of the "ARTF"
variety. "ARTF"
kits have about 90% of the building done by the manufacturer.
You will need to complete the assembly of the pre-covered components,
and install your engine and radio equipment. Do I Need A License To Fly?The simple answer to this question is "No". However,
there is a governing body for all model aviation activities in this
country called the British
Model Flying Association. The BMFA
is recognised by the British Sports Council. What Kind of Radio Do I Need?When you start looking at radio control systems, you may be confused
at first by the many different brands, different styles, and different
features that are available. Check our "glossary"
section for a description on the most common items. Radio systems
are just like TVs, VCRs, or stereos, in that you can buy a basic
"no frills" unit or one with more "knobs switches
and dials" than you can remember how to use. As a newcomer we recommend that you look at less expensive "Sport"
type radio systems. Which Aircraft Should I Buy First?I recommend you get a specially designed "trainer".
A boxy looking trainer may not be beautiful to look at, it may not
be exciting to dream about, but it will have the flight characteristics
that are ideal for you learning to fly and when the inevitable "heavy
landing" happens (and it will happen) it's easier to repair. Can a Beginner Teach Themselves To Fly?Unless you are very rich, have lots of time on your hands or a
absolute natural (and lets face it there are a very few of us out
there who fit into these categories) the I don't recommend it. Flying
a radio controlled aircraft is not a skill you'll learn overnight.
It is very similar to learning to fly real aircraft in that you
should go through a learning phase with an instructor before you
try to pilot the aircraft yourself. Why Do I Need An Instructor?An instructor serves two purposes. Firstly they will fly your model for the first time to make sure it's "OK" and trim it before you try to fly it. The second reason for the instructor to correct any mistakes you
might make when you take over the controls for the first time. Let
the instructor get the model airborne and get it to a safe altitude
("several mistakes high" as the old saying goes) before
he passes control over to you. You will quickly find out that it
is very easy to over control a model and to get disoriented
EVERYONE DOES IT AT FIRST! If you get in serious
trouble on your first flight, quickly hand the transmitter back
to the instructor so he can rescue the plane. In addition to over
controlling, another problem that beginners need to overcome in
learning to fly is the left/right control reversal that appears
to happens when the model is flying towards you. For example, if
you were inside a full-scale aircraft and moved the control stick
to the right, the aircraft would turn to your right. Moving the
stick to the left would make the aircraft turn to your left. That's
not always true with an model! How Long Does It Take To Learn to Fly?Mmm a good question... How long is a piece of string? As with learning to drive a car, it all depends on the learner, some people pick it up very quickly and become the "Michael Schumacher" of model flying while other take a little longer and are the "Sunday afternoon driver" Most of us generally are of the "Ford to BMW" type. The modern flight simulators for computers are very good and are getting better all the time. I have seen a big difference in flying after people have practised a lot on these flight sims. How Often Should I Practice?Fly as often as you can. Nothing can substitute "stick time". After you get a few flights under your belt with an instructor at your side, you will begin to feel more comfortable at the controls. Most reputable clubs insist that learners are supervised by an experienced pilot with an "A Certificate" or greater. Soon you will be able to fly by yourself with little thought to the moves that are required. It will just come naturally honest! Don't get put off if you have a minor "heavy arrival", get the damage repaired and get back in the air as soon as possible. As your reactions become trained to flying, you will soon be able to adapt to the faster flight of more aerobatic models. Good luck with the hobby, and I hope you get as much enjoyment out of it as I have over the years.
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