RC transmitter modes for airplanes
When talking about rc transmitter modes we are referring to how the transmitter is set up to control the airplane i.e. which sticks operate which controls on the plane.
Four different modes are possible but only modes 1 and 2 are commonly used by the majority of radio control pilots around the world. Which mode you will fly with depends on a couple of factors...
1) buying your very first RTF plane will likely determine the mode
or
2) if you learn to fly at a club you will take on the mode of your instructor's transmitter.
Incidentally, rc transmitter modes only apply to radio gear with 4 or more channels, where each stick has both vertical and horizontal movement. The two-stick 2 channel transmitters are universally designed for left stick elevator or power control and right stick directional control (eg rudder or ailerons).
The four different rc transmitter modes for rc airplanes are illustrated below:
Mode 1
Stick controls are:
left stick operates elevator & rudder, right stick operates throttle & ailerons.
Mode 2
Stick controls are:
left stick operates throttle & rudder, right stick operates elevator & ailerons.
Mode 3
Stick controls are:
left stick operates elevator & ailerons, right stick operates throttle & rudder.
Mode 4
Stick controls are:
left stick operates throttle & ailerons, right stick operates elevator & rudder.
As you can see, mode 3 is the opposite to mode 2 and mode 4 is the opposite to mode 1, giving complete right handed/left handed user options.
Pros and cons of each mode
No rc transmitter mode is better than another one, but there are pros and cons to each setup.
Take mode 1 for example; the two primary controls (elevator & ailerons) are on separate sticks. This is good because if you move each control independently then there is no chance of you inadvertently changing one while moving the other.
But mode 2 has both these primary controls on the same stick which replicates the joystick, or yoke, of a real airplane, making the control of your rc plane more true to life.
It's worth saying that mode choice might also be influenced by earlier rc experiences; for example, I personally fly mode 1 and this is largely because, as I kid, I had a radio control car with a 2-stick transmitter which I then used with my first rc glider. So I was used to having elevator on the left stick and it was natural for me to continue that set-up when I bought my first 4 channel transmitter.
It is possible to buy an rc transmitter and change the mode yourself, but this involves dismantling the case and changing the position of the small gimbal springs in order to determine the throttle stick. Connections might also need to be changed.
This procedure isn't recommended unless you are very competent with this kind of delicate work. And besides, dismantling a newly purchased transmitter would certainly invalidate the manufacturer warranty. But having said that, some newer transmitters (the Spektrum DX8 for example) are only being manufactured in one mode and the manual offers clear instructions on how to change mode, with the electrical side of things being taken care of by the Tx programming options. In these cases the warranty isn't effected because the manufacturer expects and permits mode changes to be made.
Browse RC systems, if you're looking to buy.
Related pages
RC helicopter transmitter modes - the same info for rc helicopters.
Radio control gear - what it is and how it works, a general overview.
Radio control functions - extra functions and features of rc gear, for airplanes.
RC airplane frequencies - the designated frequency channels for rc aircraft.
Spread spectrum - the latest shake-up for rc systems.
