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Aeromodelling FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

How Do I Start?
"Err Mister... How Much Does It Cost?"
How Far Can They Fly?
How Fast Can They Fly?
How Long Do They Fly For?
What Happens When the Engine Stops?
Can I Buy An Aircraft That Is Ready To Fly?
Do I Need A License To Fly?
What Kind of Radio Do I Need?
Which Aircraft Should I Buy First?
Can a Beginner Teach Themselves To Fly?
Why Do I Need An Instructor?
How Long Does It Take To Learn to Fly?
How Often Should I Practice?



How Do I Start?

Model Shops
Your local model or hobby shop is a good place to start. To find your local model shop look in your local "Yellow Pages" or "Thompson" directories or on the web via "Yell.com".
Your model shop owner will know about all about local clubs in your area and can point you in the right direction.

Local Model Clubs
Most model clubs are on the web and the best place to find them is in the BMFA (British Model Flying Association) list of affiliated clubs.
Give them a ring, send them an e-mail or go to their flying field, don't worry, aeromodellers are on the whole a very friendly bunch of people who are generally very happy to talk to you, give advice and information. Tell them that you are thinking about getting started in R/C and ask for advice.

Model Aircraft Mags
Magazines like "RCM&E" or "RC Model World" are also a good sources of information. Radio Controlled aeromodelling has its own language of terms and nicknames, check our glossary for the most common ones.

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"Err Mister... How Much Does It Cost?"

Like any sport (Radio Controlled model flying as actually recognised by the British Sports Council) or hobby, flying radio controlled aeroplanes has some "one time" start up costs. The initial investment might seem high to the newcomer, but once you have a model, an engine, and radio, the costs can be as much or as little as you want to spend, depending upon how many models you want.
Engines and radios last for many years. With a little maintenance they rarely wear out. In fact, you can build and fly several different models and use the same engine and radio in them all. So the question "How Much Does it Cost?" will depend on your requirements of the hobby.
To start, let's take a look at the cost of a typical beginner's package. You will need:

 

.40 size trainer ARTF kit 80.00
.40 size 2-stroke engine 65.00
4-Channel Radio Control System 120.00
Basic field box & equipment 90.00
Model glow fuel (5% Nitro) 10.00
Total to get you airborne £365.00

Items in red can be used again in different aircraft and should be considered as "one time costs"


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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.
A typical "ARTF" takes about 20 hours to complete correctly. While an "ARTC" kit costs more than the traditional kit, but less than a "ARTF" kit, The good thing about an "ARTC" kit is that although you may have a popular kit, it will be as individual on the flight line as you want it.

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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.
While BMFA membership is not mandatory, it is a good idea and we encourage all new and existing flyers to join the BMFA. The BMFA have a section called "Model flying and the law" it's worth a read!
In addition to supporting the hobby, BMFA membership provides you with important 3rd party liability insurance protection in case your model should ever get out of control and cause damage to property or injury to people.
You will find that all reputable model aero clubs require their members to be a member of the BMFA for their mutual protection.

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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.
The differences between the basic and "Top-of-the-Range" systems will obviously be reflected in the price.

As a newcomer we recommend that you look at less expensive "Sport" type radio systems.
Most radio manufacturers market a basic 4 channel radio designed for the beginner or sport RC flier. Compared to even a few years ago, today's radio equipment is very reliable if installed correctly and protected against shock and vibration. In the UK the 35Mhz frequency band is allocated to radio controlled model aircraft. There are 35 channels available from 55 to 90. That means that if 30 people had 30 aircraft all on different channels, they could all fly safely at the same time. (Although 30 model planes in the air at one time would be hectic as there is only so much air!) When choosing your channel or frequency bear in mind that most clubs operate on "odd channels for power" and "even channels for gliders" as recommended by the BMFA.

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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.
Put the idea of a Spitfire with "retractable undercarriage" out of your head for now. The temptation to build your dream aircraft is great, but save that enthusiasm and the model for later when you are a more experienced and competent flyer.
The RAF doesn't start its flying cadets in Tornado's and you should take the same approach to learning to fly.
Your first model should be an aircraft that is specifically designed as a "trainer". It should be of the "high-wing trainer type" for stability. A high wing aircraft is more forgiving of pilot errors than any other type.
Your "trainer" should also have a flat-bottom wing so it can fly slowly which helps you to keep up with it. A generous amount of "dihedral" is another characteristic to look for in a good trainer design.

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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.
There are some companies who specialise in teaching people to fly like ATS (Aerial Training Services)

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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!
If the model is flying away from you, the controls are normal-right stick makes the model go right, left stick makes it go left. But when the model is flying towards you, the controls are now reversed-when you move the control stick to the right the model still turns to IT'S right, but now that actually makes the model travel to YOUR left. This can be confusing at first, but with practice you will come as a natural reaction. It's not difficult learning to fly, it just takes practice and be willing to listen and learn!
Remember the first time you tried to drive? It seemed completely awkward the first time, but once you learned how, it quickly became very easy and second nature. The same will happen to flying a model aircraft, one day it will suddenly "click" into place.

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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.

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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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