(Nitro) Gas RC airplanes -
choosing the right kind of model

Gas rc airplanes (also called IC, nitro & glow plug) make up the biggest sector of the radio control flying hobby. They account for the majority of model planes found at a typical rc airplane club, although it has to be said that electric airplanes are quickly catching up!

These days, building and flying gas airplanes is an easier thing to do than it ever has been in the past, with thanks going to the modern day RTF trainers such as the NexStar Select 46 and the Alpha Trainer, both shown below.

Both the NexStar Select and Alpha Trainer have proven themselves to be two very popular products. Both come with their very own rc flight simulation software, which is an excellent way of getting to know the airplane before you take to the skies!

The NexStar Select is packed with many features not found on other trainers, all designed to make learning to fly as easy and as safe as possible. And both airplanes have extremely stable flying characteristics - exactly what you need in your early days as an rc pilot!

The NexStar Select and Alpha Trainer are shown below:

Above, the Hanger 9 Alpha Trainer and Hobbico's NexStar Select - two excellent rc trainers

Models like these are letting more and more people take to the skies with a proper multi-channel gas airplane.
This kind of model is perfect as an introduction to gas powered rc flying, either from scratch or as a natural progression from electric rc flying.

RTF trainers like the NexStar Select and Alpha Trainer can be assembled quickly, which is a great incentive for anyone looking to get into gas rc airplanes with the minimum amount of fuss.
Having said that though, instruction manuals do need to be read, understood and followed thoroughly, and the completed airplane should always be checked over by a competent modeler prior to flight; even trainers can have their small complexities!

Scale gas RC airplanes

Maybe you like the idea of flying a scale model airplane? A scale model is one that has been modeled from a real-life plane.
The choice of scale RTF airplanes isn't quite as wide as non-scale ones, but there are plenty available. Certainly the majority of popular airplanes can be found in radio control form!

Popular scale subjects for rc pilots include Mustang P-51s, Piper Cubs, Cessnas and vintage biplanes.

A gas powered Piper Cub makes an excellent scale trainer and is very stable and easy to fly.
The real Cub is one of the most famous trainers of them all, and is loved by pilots the world over - reasons why an rc version is such a popular choice.

While a Cub makes an excellent trainer, a gas powered warbird like a P-51 doesn't and is better suited to a 2nd or 3rd model, after you've gained some experience. The faster flying speeds and lower stability of planes like a Mustang make them more exciting in the air, but more of a handful to learn on!
Having said that though, there are Ready To Fly P-51s around that are very 'flyer-friendly', such as the PTS Advance Trainer Mustang from Hanger 9, shown below:

A Mustang isn't good for a first-time trainer, but makes an excellent scale subject and is a model that you can aim for as a second or third airplane, after building some flying experience.

Scale gas planes are made all the more realistic by using a 4 stroke engine, instead of a 2 stroke. The deeper sound made by a 4 stroke is much nicer to hear in a scale model plane, especially at lower throttle speeds.

Important points to remember

Basic training airplanes generally follow a basic pattern; they are typically of a high-wing design and vary around the '40' size, that's to say that they are built to take a .40/.46 cu.in. glow plug engine (the NexStar Select shown above is a very typical gas trainer).
This is because these are the most stable in the air, which is exactly what you need when learning to fly. So it's best to start with this shape model and work your way up to faster, more aerobatic (low wing) airplanes as you gain experience.

A couple of other points to bear in mind are:

• flying gas rc airplanes might restrict you to flying at a model flying club if you don't know anyone with, or have access to, any private land (access with permission, of course!). Use our club directory to try and find your local club. Only electric airplanes are acceptable in places like public parks
  
  
• gas airplanes do require certain items of field equipment because of the engine. You can read about these essential accessories here

But with both of these points, bear these further two things in mind:

1. Joining a model flying club is a great thing to do; you'll make new friends, learn heaps of stuff and be able to share your enthusiasm with lots of folks who will actually understand you!

And...

2. Although some accessories are essential, many of them will be lent to you by fellow modelers that you fly with - especially at your local club. So in your early days, you can get away without buying everything in one hit.

Gas rc airplanes will bring you a lot of rewards and excitement, but do be aware that they are a few steps up from simple electric models both in terms of learning and cost.
But even if you're only slightly thinking about getting into this section of the hobby, why not try and contact your local club or pop along to their flying field, chat to some pilots and see how it's done...

You might just catch the bug!

Red Rocket Hobby Shop has a large selection of gas rc airplanes.

Related pages & resources

Gas trainer airplanes - a small selection of suitable gas trainers.

ARF rc airplanes - a couple of examples of ARF trainers.

RC flight simulators - the safest way to learn to fly gas models.

Gas vs electric rc flying - the fundamental points to consider.

RC airplane accessories - see some basic field equipment items you'll need for a gas airplane.

Model airplane engines - learn the basics of model airplane glow plug engines.

Red Rocket Hobby Shop - great store packed with top quality rc products, North American shipping only.

RC Discounts - online RC store that ships worldwide.

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