First Airplane:

Some people would consider a glider as the obvious selection for the first model.

Although a glider frequently flies slower and is supposed to be more forgiving,

I think that is just a matter of taste.

 

Being a capable glider pilot doesn't necessarily mean being also a capable

Powered aircraft pilot and selection vice-versa.

 

Assuming that a powered model was chosen, the beginner is notified to start

with a so-called trainer.

 

This type is frequently a high wing aircraft model with nearly flat bottom airfoil

that makes high lift, letting slow landing speeds without stalling.

It also has some dihedral angle to give a good lateral stability.

 

However, a flat bottom high wing with dihedral is more sensitive to crosswind gusts, so the

first flights should be done all through calm weather.

 

A beginner should stay away from wings with too sharp leading edges, as it will worsen the stall characteristics

 

 

A well-rounded leading edge is therefore preferable, as it better conveys the

airflow onto the upper wing surface allowing higher angle of attack at low speed.

 

A trainer model shouldn't be too small, as it would be complicated to pile up and

maintain and would be more sensitive to strong winds.

 

 It shouldn't be too large either, as it would be complicated to transport, need a larger

 flying field and would be more overpriced.

 

 

A reasonable size is about 150cm wingspan (60 in) with a high aspect ratio,

which signifies the wingspan being about 5.5 times the wing chord.

 

A square wing is advisable, as it distributes the weight of the aircraft evenly

over the entire surface of the wing.

 

In order to allow a reasonable low landing speed without stalling, the wing

loading shouldn't be greater than about 60g/sq.dm (19-oz/sq. ft).

 

Wing loading is the aircraft's weight divided by the wing field.

Some degree of wing washout also enhances the stall characteristics.

 

 

The basic parts of a trainer model:

 

Engine - provides the power to rotate the propeller.

 

Propeller - (also Prop) is attached to the engine's shaft to convert rotational motion into thrust

and speed, which relies on the Prop's diameter, pitch and the Engine's power.

 

Spinner - streamlined part that covers the end of the Prop shaft.

 

Fin - (also Vertical Stabilizer) provides directional stability (stability in yaw).

 

Rudder - moveable part fitted to the Fin's trailing edge is used to convert the aircraft's direction.

 

Stabilizer - (also Horizontal Stabilizer or Stab) provides longitudinal stability (stability in pitch).

 

Elevator - moveable part fitted to the Horizontal Stabilizer’s trailing edge is used to make

the aircraft climb or dive.

 

Ailerons - movable parts on both sides of the wing, are used to make the aircraft roll about its

fore - aft axis. When one aileron moves up the other moves down.

 

Wing - provides the aircraft's main lifting force.

 

One may achieve a model aircraft based on drawings (plans). This needs some

building aptitudes and time and effort to decipher and pile up the materials needed

for the construction.

 

An easier approach (albeit more expensive) is buying a package of parts.

There are too many kits on the market with different levels of prefabrication depending

on their price.

 

The cheaper packages have most of parts included, but some pieces come either pre -

cut or printed on sheets of wood, so the builder is expected to do some extensive

job, such as to cut out the fuselage formers and wing ribs, glue the parts together,

apply the covering material, etc.

 

For those who aren't so keen on construction, there are almost ready to fly (ARF)

kits with an extensive prefabrication, requiring one or two evenings to pile up.

 

There are also ready to fly (RTF), which frequently come complete with the power

plant and radio preinstalled.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Flight:

 

It is incredibly recommended to have an experienced teacher beside you during

your first flight; however, it is not impossible to be succeeding by doing it alone.

Max wind speed recommended is 5 - 8Km/h (3 - 5mph) this includes gusts.

Check the CG location with empty fuel tank by supporting the model with your

fingertips underneath the wings.

 

Find the position where the fuselage gets level or its nose is pointed slightly

downwards.

Transmitter range verify should be performed on the field before each flight.

This is frequently done with the Transmitter aerial collapsed. The control surfaces

should respond without glitch at a distance of about 80 meters (263ft).

 

This distance is only a more or less guide line, as the actual range may vary

depending on the background.

 

The efficient range may only be half of this value if located at mountain bowl site

or more or less a public radio transmitter, radar station or similar.

 

The range may undergo adverse effects if the receiver aerial is more or less metal parts

or model things reinforced with carbon fiber.

 

Some transmitters allow the aerial to be incredibly collapsed inside a metal case,

which also may lower the radiation.

 

In this case, the reduce section of the aerial should be extended all through the test.

 

The verify should be repeated with the power system running, alternating the

throttle setting between idle and full-throttle.

 

The range will be much higher when the model is in the air, frequently about 1Km

or as far as one can see the model.

 

Take-offs:

 

If you hand launch your model, throw it contrary the wind horizontally and

straight ahead, not up.

 

If you take-off from the field, taxi the model towards the wind and facilitates the

model gain field speed prior applying elevator.

 

Once in the air try to climb at a incredibly small angle, not rapidly upward, which

would achieve loss of airspeed and stall.

 

The model is more sensitive to the motor torque effect all through the relatively

low take-off speed and may begin to turn left (or right).

 

Use the rudder or ailerons to prevent the model from turning all through the climb

stage, otherwise the model may initiate a spiral dive.

 

Do not try any turns until the model has gained speed and reached a "safe

altitude".

 

First time fliers should seek help from more matured filers, getting the aircraft

trimmed for straight and level flight.

 

A marvelous way to familiarize yourself with the controls and the function of the

aircraft is to find a field at the flying field where you can practice doing a figure 8

habit going in both directions.

 

Be incredibly gentle with the controls and practice gentle turns high in the

air prior you try to land, it is a good practice to make lots of approaches prior you actually try a landing.

 

To prevent losing altitude when turning the model, just give little up elevator

at same time you make a turn.

 

Try to keep the model in sight and don't fly too high or too far away.

 

You may lower the throttle while high in the air so you may get an idea how

the model behaves at low speed.

 

To prevent getting confused about which way to turn when the model flies

towards you, turn your back to the model a little while keeping watching it,

so you can imagine "right" and "left" from the model's opinion.

 

Some trimming may be necessary in order to lower or eliminate roll, bank and/or

pitch tendencies.

 

A flat bottom wing often tends to "balloon" up into the sky, keeping climbing

when full throttle is applied. This may be decreased during the flight by adjusting

the elevator trim or by reducing the throttle.

 

In worst situations, it may be necessary to expand the motor's down-thrust angle

and/or reduce the main wings incidence angle.

 

Landings:

Reduce throttle to about half so you have to a little pull up the elevator to keep

the altitude.

 

Turn the model towards the wind and facilitates the model sink gradually towards the

landing field by easing the elevator.

 

During the last fifteen to twenty meters (45 to 60 feet) of descent, (which

depends on the model's characteristics) you should idle the throttle.

 

The model will start sinking at a higher rate now. Try to keep the model in a

shallow dive and don't use the elevator to gain altitude or to prolong the

flight at this stage, otherwise stall is likely to occur.

 

Just keep a downward attitude all through the final approach in order

to maintain the airspeed.

 

The higher the wing loading, the steeper the approaching angle may be

however, it is not recommended approaching angles greater than 45 degrees.

 

If you decode that the model is sinking too fast or is too low to reach the landing

field - just expand the throttle first prior applying elevator to maintain or gain

altitude to prolong the flight or to repeat the landing approach.

 

Pull up the elevator a little about 30-60cm (1-2 ft) prior the touchdown so

that the propeller or nose gear doesn't hit the field.

 

Be prepared to repeat unsuccessful landings lots of times, since it is often a

matter of trial and mistake before one gets used with how the model behaves.

 

Do not try to land in a precise spot, stay away from turns when the model is flying low

or at low speed. Just facilitates your model glide into the field straight-ahead.

 

Avoid the proximity of buildings, roads and electric power lines.

Do not fly more or less or towards buildings, public highways, people or animals.

 

The bigger the field for your first flight, the greater will be your chances

for victory.

 

It is advisable to join the nearest model aircraft club there you may meet

experienced flyers who can assist you with your first flight and landing.

 

 

Enjoy!