Gas RC airplanes (nitro)-
choosing the right plane
The term gas rc airplanes is rather a generic one that is often used to cover all types of IC (internal combustion) powered planes, but this page talks about the most popular kind - nitro or glow plug planes as opposed to gasoline powered.
'Nitro' and 'glow plug' are two different names for exactly the same thing, and such planes account for the majority of models found at your average rc airplane club field, although it does have to be said that electric planes are quickly catching up in terms of popularity.
These days, building and flying gas rc airplanes is easier 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 DSM2, shown further down the page.
Both of these trainers have proved to be two very popular products. 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, while the newer Alpha Trainer comes with the latest DSM2 spread spectrum radio technology (hence its name!) - it's the first RTF gas airplane to be sold with a 2.4GHz radio set as standard.
Both have extremely stable flying characteristics - exactly what you need in your early days as an rc pilot.
The NexStar Select and Alpha Trainer DSM2 gas rc airplanes are shown below:
Above, the new Hanger 9 Alpha Trainer DSM2, and Hobbico's trustee
NexStar Select - two excellent rc gas trainers
RC airplanes like these are letting more and more people take to the skies with a proper multi-channel gas rc 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.
See the Alpha Trainer DSM2 and NexStar Select in more detail.
RTF trainers like these can be assembled quickly, which is a great incentive for anyone looking to start flying gas rc airplanes with the minimum amount of fuss, and in the shortest possible time.
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 basic trainers can have their small complexities!
Scale gas RC airplanes
Maybe you like the idea of flying scale gas rc airplanes? A scale model is one that has been modeled from a real-life plane.
The choice of scale RTF and ARF airplanes isn't quite as large as non-scale, 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 P-51 Mustangs and other warbirds, Piper Cubs, Cessnas and vintage planes.
A gas powered Piper Cub makes an excellent scale trainer and is very stable, forgiving 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 warbird like a P-51 Mustang generally 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 gas rc airplanes like a Mustang make them more exciting in the air, but more of a handful to learn on!
Having said that though, one exception to that rule is Hanger 9's PTS Advance Trainer Mustang, shown below:
A P-51 isn't good for a first-time trainer, but this PTS Advance Trainer Mustang has actually been designed with beginners in mind
This particular gas airplane features a few things to make it as stable as possible in the air, and easy to control at slower flying speeds. So, if you don't want to take the normal option of learning to fly on a high wing trainer, the PTS Mustang - especially in conjunction with the Hanger 9 FS1 simulator - would be a nice choice of model.
Scale gas rc airplanes are made all the more realistic by using a 4 stroke engine, instead of a 2 stroke. The quieter, deeper sound made by a 4 stroke engine is much nicer to hear in a scale model plane, especially at lower throttle speeds.
Important points to remember
Typical gas rc training airplanes ('trainers') generally follow a basic pattern; they are of a high-wing design with noticeable dihedral, which is the upward angle of each wing when viewed from the front.
They typically vary around the '40' or '46' size, that's to say that they are built to take a 40 or 46 (.40/.46 cu.in) 2 stroke glow plug engine, and have a wingspan of around 60 inches (the NexStar Select and Alpha Trainer shown above are very typical gas trainers).
This style of trainer is 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 airplane and work your way up to faster, more aerobatic (low wing) airplanes as you gain experience.
A few 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 rc club directory to try and find your local club. Only electric rc airplanes are acceptable in places like public parks.
- Gas rc airplanes do require certain items of field equipment because of the engine. You can read about these essential accessories here.
- Gas planes are not as simple as electric ones, the engine alone means a higher level of maintenance is required.
- Flying gas planes is more 'involved' than electric, but also more rewarding.
But with those points said, bear these further 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 your new found passion!
2. Although some accessories are essential, many of them can 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.
3. Higher levels of maintenance and involvement is never a bad thing; you get to learn a lot more about your plane and how it works, and as a result you'll know more about the hobby.
Gas rc airplanes will bring you lots of fun and excitement, but do be aware that they are a few steps up from simple electric models, both in terms of learning and cost. Having said that though, prices are falling and a fully RTF trainer with a 2.4GHz radio system for just a few hundred dollars is a very good sign of things to come!
So even if you're only slightly thinking about getting into this section of the hobby, why not try and contact your local club, pop along to their flying field and chat to some pilots to see how it's done.
The gas rc airplanes on this page can be seen in more detail here.
Related pages
Gas trainer airplanes - a small selection of suitable gas 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 you'll need.
Model airplane engines - learn the basics of model airplane glow plug engines.
RTF rc airplanes - the easiest way to get flying.
Electric rc airplanes - the cheaper, quieter and cleaner alternative to gas planes.
