RC airplane training methods
There are several methods of rc airplane training, and this page will give you a brief insight into each one. The methods given here also apply to rc helicopters, but for the main part we'll stick with airplanes.
The important thing to remember when learning to fly radio control is that it will take you some time to gain confidence and better your flying skills.
As with everything in life, everyone who wants to learn something new has to start on the very bottom rung of the ladder!
RC airplane training is no different, and you need to learn to walk before you can run, as they say.
The beauty is that these days many rc airplanes and helicopters are very user-friendly, and there is a huge choice of RTF (Ready To Fly) trainers available as entry-level models.
The 3 main rc airplane training methods described on this page are:
RC flight simulators
An ever increasing method of rc airplane training is to use an rc flight simulator such as the RealFlight G4, shown right.
This is a realistic 4 channel radio control transmitter that connects to your home computer. The simulator includes powerful software to generate the extremely realistic graphics and sounds that let you practice your rc flying without the worry of crashing your new model.
RC flight simulators are very popular for obvious reasons - you can practice in complete safety from the comfort of you home. A simulator helps you gain the reflexes and co-ordination that you need for rc flying, and this is especially true for rc helicopters.
Simulators are an excellent training aid if your budget will stretch that far.
Club instruction
Without doubt this is the best method of rc airplane and (especially) helicopter training, and is the only realistic option if you want to jump in at the deep end with a gas model rather than electric.
Getting yourself along to a local rc flying club is a great idea, if you want to take the hobby seriously. Use our club directory to see if there's one close to where you live.
All clubs have rc flying instructors, or at least pilots who are willing to teach, and many clubs even have a club trainer airplane especially for use by new members.
If learning to fly radio control at a club, there are two methods that you'll probably encounter*.
The first one is the traditional method of side-by-side instruction, sharing a single transmitter. The instructor will show and tell you what to do, and if you get into difficulty he will take the transmitter from you and regain control of the airplane.
When your heart has stopped racing and you can breathe normally again, he'll hand back the transmitter and you can have another go.
The second method is the buddy box system. This is far better, but not all clubs have buddy boxes available.
The buddy box system consists of two transmitters that are joined together by cable. The instructor holds the master transmitter while you, the student, hold the slave.
With the flick of a switch, the instructor can hand over or take away complete control from you, without having to take the transmitter from your hands.
The Futaba 4YF radio system, shown right, is a popular choice for buddy box use.
*The Ragland Technique is another method, developed by New York based rc flight instructor Clarence Ragland.
Clarence has been instructing rc for over 30 years and his method involves side-by-side instruction, but without using a buddy box or 'pass-the-box' system. For the Ragland Technique, the instructor holds and controls the tx sticks with thumb and forefinger, while the student places his/her thumbs on the ends of the sticks.
As the sticks are moved by the instructor, so the student can feel the amount of movement being made and see the response by the aircraft.
More detailed information on Clarence's technique can be read at www.raglandtechnique.com.
Self teach
You could be forgiven for thinking that teaching yourself to fly rc airplanes and helicopters is a very difficult thing to do.
The fact is, many RTF models these days have been designed with the complete newcomer in mind and are very simple to fly.
Airplanes such as the electric 1 or 2 channel 'Park Flyer' style ones can be flown pretty much out of the box, and they make an excellent introduction to the hobby. They can be flown without experience, but following the manufacturer's instructions is of paramount importance when you start out.
Similarly, many electric rc helicopters are aimed at the beginner.
The dual rotor models such as the Blade CX, shown below, are particularly stable and can be mastered after a few flights.
Many, including the CX, also come with their own flight simulation software which is a great idea and incentive to purchase such a model.
Above left, many Park Flyers and right, co-axial helicopters are suitable for self-teaching rc flying
With gas rc airplanes, however, it's a different story. Gas planes are bigger and faster, and so self teaching isn't really recommended.
If something goes wrong with a gas plane in the air, the results can be quite nasty. For this reason, learning to fly a gas rc airplane and particularly a gas helicopter, is best done under club instruction.
How you choose to undertake your rc airplane training is entirely up to you, and the kind of model that you want to purchase also makes a big difference.
Of course, you can combine all the methods talked about above and accelerate your flying training!
The bottom line is, there are no hard and fast rules but the thing to remember is to be responsible, but have fun while learning your new hobby!
Related pages
Ground school - the basic stuff that you should know before you start flying model planes.
RC airplane controls - the primary ones and what they do.
Flying model airplanes - tips for flying a simple 1 or 2 channel Park Flyer type airplane.
Basic rc airplane aerobatics - learn some easy stunts and impress your friends!
RC flying do's and don'ts - some basic safety tips.
RC flight simulators - the safest way of learning.
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