RC flying Do's and Don'ts
- some basic safety tips
The rc flying Do's and Don'ts listed below are just some basic tips that should keep your flying experiences as safe and enjoyable as possible.
They're not set in stone but go along the lines of general common sense. RC flying is a great hobby and will give you heaps of fun, but all rc pilots need to fly responsibly - or we all get a bad name!
Of course accidents can and do happen, but as the British Model Flying Association puts it...
"Safe flying is no accident".
So please bear these rc flying Do's and Don'ts in mind when you're at the field with your rc airplane, and you'll have a much better day!
Some RC flying Do's
Do...
- If you're new to the hobby, choose a suitable model ie a model suited to your current flying experience, not the model that looks the best in the shop but you won't be able to control. Following the advice throughout this web site should give you the right idea.
- Select your flying site carefully, and always check to see whether flying an rc aircraft is permitted in the area that you want to fly.
- Check whether any kind if liability insurance is needed (it usually is for club flying). If your aircraft damages property or, even worse, people, then you could be in for a multi-figure damages claim. Yikes!
- Search out any local clubs in your area. If you don't want to join, at least talk with members about flying outside of their space; frequency control is a serious issue and can't be ignored.
- Be very aware of proximity to houses, roads, schools etc. and keep as far away as possible. The larger the open space for flying, the better.
- Try and carry out some kind of frequency check before you fly, especially if it's a popular place for rc models of any kind.
- Respect that not everyone likes rc models! Noisy airplanes should be flown at rc flying club fields or well away from the public ears.
- Be very aware of your radio gear battery levels at all times. A drop in charge after lots of flying will result in the model going out of range, and out of control. Very bad in a public place.
- Write your name and phone number somewhere on the model (or use an address label). RC airplanes have been known to fly off by themselves, and the finder has more reason to return it if there is contact information and even more so if there's an offer of a reward.
- Always use common sense, keep it safe, be sensible and responsible - but have fun!
Some RC flying Don'ts
Don't...
- Fly where flying isn't permitted.
- Fly too close to built up areas or roads, or anywhere where you could be a nuisance.
- Fly in an area with lots of trees, pylons, posts and power lines.
- Fly close to people who are out trying to enjoy the sunshine. Or anyone at anytime, for that matter.
- Fly over or close to animals, wild or domestic.
- Try and fly beyond your capabilities eg try advanced aerobatic maneuvers without mastering the basics first.
- Fly over your head or behind you - it's the quickest way of getting completely disoriented and confused with what the aircraft is doing.
- Fly the aircraft too far away - it doesn't take long for an rc airplane or helicopter to become a tiny dot in the distance, and you have no idea of what the aircraft is doing, which way up it is etc.
- Fly on windy days if your aircraft isn't designed with wind in mind. Different models can handle different strength winds, but for a basic electric park flyer a wind of 5mph could be too much. No wind or a very gentle breeze is ideal.
- Turn on your transmitter if you see other modelers around. Check which frequency they are using first.
- Fly if you are in any doubt about your model or your situation. Wait for another day instead, or choose a safer area.
The above rc flying Do's and Don'ts relate to flying in public places. Again, common sense should dictate how you fly anyway. If you're flying at a club field you should already have the club rules to hand, so obey those at all times!
If you've inadvertently discovered some interesting Do's and Don'ts while out flying your rc airplane, please let me know via the contact page and the information may well appear in the lists above.
Related pages
Ground School - a few lessons to learn before getting airborne.
Training methods - the main ways of learning how to fly rc aircraft.
How to fly airplanes - RC flight school for beginners.
RC flight simulators - the safest way to learn to fly.
RC airplane controls - the primary ones and what they do.
RC flying FAQ - some common questions about getting in to rc flying.
RC flying glossary - meaning to common flying phrases and words.
