Controlling model Aircraft

Flying is three dimensional. Therefore all Aircraft's operate on three Axis: Pitch, Yaw and RoIl.

Pitching control: The elevator which is situated at the rear (tail) of an aircraft is the main control surface which makes your model go up or down. When the elevator is moved 'up' the aircraft goes 'up' and it goes 'down' when the elevator is moved 'down'.

Yawing control: The rudder, located in the fin is the control surface for turning your model left or right.

When the rudder is turned 'left', your aircraft would turn 'left' and when the rudder is turned ‘right’, your aircraft would turn 'right'.

Rolling control: A pair of ailerons, situated in the wings is used for banking an aircraft left or right. Ailerons are generally synchronised to move in opposite directions i.e. when the left aileron moves 'up', the right one goes 'down', effectively pushing the left wing down and pulling the right wing up. Effectively, the aircraft tilts (or banks) to the 'left'; the opposite happens while banking to the right.

Control-line models are a stepping stone towards the radio-controlled models and are usually fitted with compression ignition engines from 1 to 3.5 cc capacity and are controlled by means of two metal cables, which control the elevators of the aircraft. A fixed rudder position in the design of the aircraft ensures that the aircraft flies in circles around the flyer but pulling away, to keep the control line taut at all times. Depending on the flight characteristics and the ease of manoeuvring, the control-line aircrafts may be trainers or aerobatic models or speed models. Trainer models are sturdy and have low speeds and sluggish controls to allow a beginner to gain experience in flying powered aircrafts. The aerobatic models are light weight, overpowered and have sharp controls which allow the flyer to perform in-f1ight aerobatics with the model. Speed models are racing models, generally used in competitions and are dedicated to very high speeds. Some of the aerobatic and speed models are powered by glow-plug engines for an extra boost of power.

Radio controlled models fly like real aircraft and are aeromodellers ultimate dream. They are remotely controlled by means of a radio transmitter. The receiver fitted in the aircraft picks up the transmitted signals and manipulates the flight controls to fly and even perform aerobatics. Generally a 4 channelled radio with 4 servos fitted on the aircraft gives the flyer (pilot) control of the elevators, ailerons, rudder and the throttle. The more the channels on your radio the finer control you can exert on the model. These models are powered by a single / mu1ti-cylinder glow plug reciprocating engine. There is a huge variety of engines available in several price ranges differing in their engine capacities, types (some are 2-stroke engines while others are 4-stroke), cylinder configurations, throttle controls and accessories.

What first attracts many would-be pilots to the idea of R/C flying is the thought of controlling a blistering-fast ducted fan jet or wicked WWII war bird. And there's no better way to put a quick END to your flying career than to start with such a model. They are simply not designed for anyone who hasn't yet developed sharp piloting skills. Model plane styles are available that duplicate virtually every kind of full-size aircraft. The best ones for the first-timers are, without question, trainers and trainer-Iike sailplanes. These are specifically engineered to fly slowly and smoothly. They will keep you out of trouble giving you time to acquire the skill and confidence you will need for those jets and war birds.