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 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 at all times, or we all get a bad name!

Of course accidents can 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

• 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 in this web site should give you the right idea.
  
  
• Select your flying field carefully, and always check to see whether flying an rc airplane is permitted at the area that you want to fly.
  
  
• Check whether any kind if liability insurance is needed (it usually is for club flying). If your model damages property or, even worse, people, then you could be in for a multi-figure damages claim.
  
  
• Search out any local clubs if there are any. If you don't want to join, at least talk with members about flying outside of their space.
  
  
• 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 aware of your radio gear battery levels. 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.
  
  
• Keep it safe, be sensible and responsible but have fun!
  
  

Some RC flying don'ts

• 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.
  
  
• 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 model is doing.
  
  
• Fly the model too far away - it doesn't take long for an rc airplane to become a tiny dot in the distance, and you have no idea of what the model is doing.
  
  
• Fly on windy days. Different models can handle different strength winds, but for a basic electric park flyer a wind of 10mph 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 on this page.

Related pages

Ground school - the basic stuff that you should know before you start flying model planes.

Training methods - the main ways of learning how to fly radio control planes and helicopters.

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.

RC flight simulators - the safest way of learning.

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