Getting Started

Where would I start if I want to learn to fly a model airplane?

Learning to fly a remote controlled aircraft (R/C) is an ongoing process, but choosing your first airplane is one of the most important decisions you will make as you begin to enjoy the hobby. The choices available are split into two groups, kits and ARF (Almost Ready to Fly).

The simplest ARF designs use a two channel radio and electric motor to power them. They are quite small (1 meter) and should be flown in near-to-still wind conditions.

One of the most recent beginner designs is the Parkzone Super Cub. The kit comes complete with a three channel radio, airplane, electric motor, battery and charger. They are designed for the person who doesn't want to make a large cash outlay to find out if they are going to enjoy the hobby. They are also good for the younger audience who simply can't afford a "proper" R/C trainer.

Kits require extensive construction and on average take approx. 40 hours to complete. The instructions and plans that come with good quality kits are excellent and don't require that you be a woodworking expert to complete them. They require only basic tools and no extensive cutting or shaping of wood pieces is required.

If the prospect of building a kit holds no appeal for you, then one of the ARF models may be a better fit. These semi-assembled kits will take anywhere from 2 to 10 hours to complete. They only require simple gluing or bolting together and are ideal for the person who would rather spend their time flying then building.

Trainers are most commonly .40 size. This means they use a .40 cubic inch gas engine for power and typically range from 60 to 70 inches in wing span. The reason this class size is so popular is because they are large enough to fly properly, still small enough to transport easily and are a visible presence in the sky, which helps for proper orientation when learning to fly. Most trainers require a 4 channel radio which operates the throttle, rudder, ailerons and elevator.

There are many different kits on the market to suit everyone's needs and like any manufactured good, some are certainly better than others.

The Sig Kadet LT 40 is one of the most current designs in trainers and features many laser cut plywood and balsa pieces. The latest assembly techniques are used throughout providing for simple problem-free construction.

The Kadet is also very complete in that it offers many of the accessories that you would pay extra for in other kits. The fuel tank, spinner, pushrods and wheels are all part of the kit.