TalkingRChobbies.com

If you’re looking for your first radio controlled model airplane and you want to get started flying very quickly, then maybe a ready-to-fly trainer is right for you.  I will briefly introduce two fine RTF trainers.  Please note: I am not endorsing either of these two planes, just presenting an overview of what is available.

The Megatech Nitro AirStrike is a ready-to-fly trainer that is designed with the first time flier in mind.  With a light wing loading of 18 ounces per square inch, it is an easy plane to fly.  It is powered by a Megatech .46 ball-bearing nitro engine already installed.  The Airtronics 4-channel radio equipment is also installed.  Built from high quality balsa and model aircraft plywood, this model can be ready to take to the air in less than a half hour.

Another RTF trainer manufactured by Hobbico is the NexStar .46.  It has all the usual features for the beginning pilot as well as the Futaba AFS Active Flight Stabilizer.  And it comes with its own flight simulator so you can practice flying it on your home computer.   The OS .46 as well as the 4-channel Futaba radio are already installed.  This is also a stable, low speed trainer with gentle handling.  It should take you only 30 minutes or less to get this bird assembled.

Again, as I haven’t flown either of these models, I am not making any personal recommendations here.  But, from reading the reviews and talking with others that have flown these excellent trainers, you would do well to consider one of them for your first trainer.   You can check them out at your local hobby store or online.  Look at the features of each and ask questions to help you make the best decision.

As I have stated several times before, find an AMA sanctioned club and a qualified trainer to help you get started in this exciting hobby.  You will be up and flying sooner and with much more success.  See you next time.

Well, it had to happen sooner or later, you had an accident with your favorite radio controlled model airplane.  Now what?  Do not despair, most of the time even severly damaged model aircraft can be successfully repaired and will fly again.

The first thing to do after crashing the model is to carefully search the wreckage for parts that still look repairable.  Pay special attention to the on board radio equipment and disconnect the battery pack and turn off the switch. Also, remember to turn off the transmitter ( prevent the batteies from becoming discharged).  If the receiver or battery pack was seperated from the fuselage, make sure you find all the major components.  Today’s technology has developed a very durable, almost indestructible radio system.  It almost always will be serviceable after a crash.  Just be sure to check it out thoroughly to make certain that it still works correctly before flying with it again.

Carefully clean all dirt and debris from the engine.  It may be necessary to disassemble the engine and clean it thoroughly inside and out.  When checking the engine avoid the temptation to flip the prop over and over.  Doing so can cause severe damage if dirt and sand has entered the carburetor or exhaust port.  It is a good idea to have the crankshaft checked for straightness.  Even a slight bend can cause vibration at high rpms.  Depending on the nature of the accident it may be advisable to have someone with more experience verify the condition of the engine.

On to checking out the condition of the fuselage, wing, and the tail section.  The true extent of the damage to the plane may not be readily visible.  You may have to remove some areas of the covering material to examine the internal structure.  If the wing looks intact and the covering is not torn, gently twist and slightly flex it to see if you notice any crunching or rattling parts.  If you hear something moving around inside, remove the covering and inspect the damage.

After assessing the damage, you can make a judgement call as to whether it is worth rebuilding.   The engine cowl and windshield ( if the model has one) can usually be purchased from the model or kit manufacturer.  Estimate the amount of balsa and plywood that will be needed to replace the broken parts.  You will be able to get a reasonably close estimate as to the cost of the materials required to get it back into original condition.  Usually you can salvage the engine, radio, and servos and those items make up the most expensive components of the plane.  It will be your call, but you might be suprised how quickly and inexpensively you can get your radio controlled model plane running and flying like the accident never happened.  One important tip: when you first build or assemble your model be sure to keep all drawings and manuals just in case an accident happens.  See you next time.

In a recent post I mentioned having seen a remote controlled model airplane made from a cardboard box.  That was several years ago and more recently when I was at a local flying club’s ”fun fly”, I saw some “SPAD” combat models made from plastic rain gutter down spout material and corregated plastic sign making material.   They were pretty cool and right away I started thinking of what type of model I would like to build using the SPAD technique.

SPAD is an acronym for Simple Plastic Airplane Design.  The SPAD models I looked at were designed for aerial combat.  There have been many styles of radio controlled model aircraft designed around and built with these materials.  These different models range all the way from trainers to pattern ships and even 3D aerobatic planes.  I haven’t yet tried building one of these models, but I am contemplating building a pattern flying aircraft similar to a SIG Cougar.  Maybe I can do that yet this winter and spotlight it on this site.

There is even a web site that specializes in SPAD radio controlled model airplanes.  I am not sure of the address, but I’m sure you can find it by searching for “SPAD rc airplanes”.

Models designed and built this way are usually less expensive and will challenge your creative abilities.  If you would like to see my rendition of a SPAD airplane other than a pattern flier, leave me a comment and tell me what you think.  Comments are always welcome and I encourage your feedback.  See you next time.