"How to fly" - Beginner, here are your first step!

"How to fly", written by Mateo Bruguera, Robin Hiemer.Corrector: Andy Blanco.

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Flying a radio controlled plane can be tricky.  These steps will help you figure out the basics of RC flying.

1) Decide on ready-built versus build-your-own. Do you want something pre-built, or want to assemble your own? RTF stands for Ready To Fly and includes everything including controller and battery, while ARF is Almost Ready to Fly (requires a little assembly). PNF stands for Plug-n-Fly, often requiring you to buy your own battery and controller separately.  Do you want electric or glow (gas)?  For the more challenging, kits are also available.

2) Buy a remote control plane. Many good beginner planes are typically electric RTF trainers in the approximate $50-$150 price range including battery and controller. A good Internet search is "RTF trainer", or visit your own local hobby superstore.

3) Build the plane (if assembly is required). Or rebuild it after you crashed it while trying to fly it without learning on a simulator first.

4) Pre-flight the plane.  Turn on the transmitter, then the airplane.  Check the direction of flight surfaces (have someone experienced check you).  Do a range check... with the antenna on the transmitter collapsed, walk 50-100 feet away and check that your control surfaces still respond without chattering or unwanted movements.

5) Determine approximate wind speed by tying a ribbon to the end of the antenna of the remote and holding the controller parallel to the ground.  Don't fly if the ribbon is parallel to the ground! Under 30 degrees is perfect.

6) Determine wind direction by throwing some grass clippings or other light material into the air. If possible, launch INTO the wind. If you are taking off from a runway and the wind is perpendicular to the runway, it is possible to take off, but not advisable for a beginner.

7) Slowly advance the power on your aircraft and wait for it to gain sufficient speed on the ground. If you're hand launching, advance the power to full and give the plane a straight level and firm (not too hard though) toss into the air and quickly grab the controls. If you are still learning, have someone else launch your airplane for you so you can keep your hands on the sticks.

8) Keep the throttle at 100% until the plane reaches a sufficient altitude for the size plane you're flying. I usually fly what we call 3 mistakes high, which is 150-200 feet up, then reduce the throttle to half power.

9) Use a very light touch. Just push the stick over for a split second and release. Simulator training will make you better at this.

10) Turn to the left or right by moving the right control stick left or right.  This will roll the plane slightly to the side. You will also need to pull back on the right control stick slightly to pull the plane through the turn.  To complete the turn, roll the plane parallel to the ground. Remember to always keep the plane upwind, this way it won’t blow away from you.(this only applies if you turn with ailerons.

11) Keep the plane as level as possible; if you raise the nose too much, it may cause a stall.

12) Practice an oval shaped flight pattern, keeping all turns in the same direction. When you find yourself comfortable with this pattern, try flying an oval in the opposite direction (let other pilots around know what you are doing so they know to avoid you if you are flying an opposite pattern).  When comfortable with both directions try a figure 8 pattern.

13) Land the airplane by first making note of the wind direction to land into the wind.  Reduce power slowly (don’t touch the right stick - to descend, simply reduce the throttle).  You want the plane to almost glide on its own. When the plane is about 5 feet from the ground, cut the throttle.

14) Flare just before the plane comes in contact with the ground by raising the nose at the last second so all three wheels touch at the same time.

Now you should read this TIPS:

- Refer to the manual for your exact model.
- Find an instructor, experienced flyer, or consider joining a flying club. Crashing on your first flight isn't a good way to start your flying experience. Allthough it's part from the hobby :)
- If you are flying electrically, bring the car charger to the field. Store lithium-polymer batteries safely. Do not leave lithium-polymer battery chargers unattended, especially when charging indoors.
- A Flight Simulator might help.
- Go easy on the sticks. When you're just learning how to fly, never push a control stick (except for the throttle) too far in one direction, especially in emergencies. Just keep calm, and get yourself out of the situation. Again, try a flight simulation.
- Fly into the wind for optimal performance.

WARNING!

If there are other model pilots on the flying field check the channel of their remote controls! If two pilots are using same channels at the same time the planes will be controlled by both transmitters and may crash. This happens on countries like here in Argentina because not all people fly with 2.4

Things you will need (no question in my mind):

- A lot of free space. e.g. a big field. Don't fly in parks where other people are until you are a sufficient flyer. You could seriously injure somebody. Or just go onthe early mornings.

- A good friend or assistant to start the plane and help you in dangerous situations.
- A remote control plane - check if everything is o.k. before every flight. Electric models are available as well as the traditional gas models.
- A transmitter - make sure the batteries are charged.
- All necessary equipment to maintain your aircraft.

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You may would like to see this episodes of our show..this may help you a bit:

This is a great radio for beginners!

A simulator that's going to be like your best friend!

A simple charger that will never let you down!

Just a simply tool box is what you need on the field!

Please remember to SUBSCRIBE if you haven't yet and comment and also LIKE if you want to! Remember that we upload new episodes every week! Have a nice day and see you next time...

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WE NEED YOUR HELP!

The P.A.S. is the "solidary action programm" of Mateo's international school programm. The P.A.S. is an intensiv 2 years program were you go to different fundations and schools to get young children to learn new things...normaly, those kids don't have their parents or they were never listened, so they wait us almost everyday  to get them new things to do. 

Mateo thought that it would be a great idea to continue with the FliteTest mission statement wich is "entertain, educate and elevate the world of flight". So he is getting some contact with Chad Kapper and Josh Bixler so that they can help him! 

AND YOU CAN HELP US TOO! If you want to donate something for the kids, please sent us an e-mail to yourhobbychannel@gmail.com ... this is only a voluntary thing! You don't have to do it if you don't want to but Mateo wants just to talk to this guys about the principles of flight, build some FT Speedbuild kits and then get to fly them...so please...THE CHILDREN NEED YOU! We are going to use everything you give us..but this is for FREE and it's something you have to do with pleassure. We can do this world just a bit better together...