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Getting Started in the R/C Hobby
By Steve Liebl; Lancaster County R/C Club
So, you're interested in getting into R/C (Radio Controlled) aircraft as a hobby? With all of the hobby
stores out there locally and on the internet there is truly a wealth of information that can seem quite overwhelming
to a novice. What do you need to know before you jump in? Hopefully, this article will help you out with the basics
and help you make an educated purchase.
Airplanes or Helicopters? Well, that certainly depends on what you
enjoy. If you are mostly interested in airplanes, then that's the route to go. Likewise, if you are interested in
helicopters, then that's what you should focus on. You do not need experience with one before you learn the other. Although
it may help, it is not a requirement!
Let's talk airplanes first. As a beginner you definitely want to
start out with what is considered a "trainer". This airplane will be the most docile and forgiving in its flight
characteristics, and be the easiest to learn with. There are literally dozens to choose from, and most will easily take
you from your first nervous flights, well into mild aerobatics. These airplanes are available in several sizes,
commonly called 25 size, 40 size, and 60 size. This number refers to the size of the motor; 40 size being 0.4 cubic inches,
etc. Although there are other sizes available these are the three most common with the 40 size being the most prevalent.
The larger the plane, the easier it is to see, but also the more expensive it and it's engine will be.
All
of these planes are available in three basic different forms: Kit, ARF (Almost Ready to Fly), and RTF (Ready To Fly).
We'll take them in order.
Kit planes will be delivered in a flat box that upon inspection looks nothing like
an airplane. It will be a stack of balsa wood sheets, sticks, and die cut pieces. A kit will require the average builder
approximately 40-50 hours to build and cover. Obviously not for the impatient, or for the hobbyist that doesn't have
the space to dedicate to building a kit like this. Not to mention the tools and equipment necessary to build a plane
successfully. So, for this reason, I do not recommend a "kit" plane as your first endeavor into the hobby. Save that
for your second plane. The average 40 size trainer plane in kit form will cost between $50 and $100 for the airplane,
not including covering material, and the tools to adhere it. The total cost will depend on what you choose to use,
i.e. the type of servo, the engine and the covering detail, but in the end it will be about $ 300 plus all the little
tools. The good news is the tools are good for the next project. There is another advantage to the kit, although they
take time to build, it adds greatly to your knowledge of how the whole process works and it is a thrill to see that plane
fly for the first time. If you choose a kit ask for help from an experienced builder as they will help you avoid
the fatal errors, those that lead to a plane that is not stable in flight.
ARF planes are as the name implies, Almost Ready to Fly. But, that can be a misnomer since they still require
a few evenings to get ready for the flight line. Upon opening the much larger box, compared to the kit, the builder will
be presented with something that looks remarkably like an airplane. The fuselage will be fully built and covered
with colorful coating, as are the wings and the components that make up the tail. The steps for assembling (note I did
not say building) an ARF airplane will vary, but the basics are as follows: Join the wing halves with epoxy, fit the
tail pieces in their precut slots, install landing gear, install the radio gear and the engine, and you're basically
done. Average assembly time for an ARF airplane will be as little as 10 hours. Cost of the average 40 size ARF trainer
will be in the $110 - $150 range. A substantially more costly airplane, but the increase in cost pales in comparison
to all of the tools and materials necessary to get a "kit" plane in the air.
RTF planes are very similar to ARF airplanes although you are even closer than ever to your first flight
when you open the box. The RTF plane will require a similar sequence of steps to complete compared to the ARF, but the
radio gear and the engine will come preinstalled! Most of these RTF planes will actually have a lot of the components
attached using a simple screwdriver. The landing gear is often snapped into place as opposed to being glued. The jury
is still out on this somewhat over-simplified assembly process. Most of our instructors will recommend using epoxy
to join the wing halves, and to fasten the tail to the plane. That being said, many of these RTF planes can be flight
ready in as little as 4-5 hours. Plane on spending nearly $400 for an RTF plane. But, before you get too excited
at that price, remember that the RTF plane comes with the engine, transmitter, receiver, batteries, switch harness, etc
that you need to purchase separately for the kit and ARF plane.
If you decide to go with a kit or ARF airplane,
instead of the RTF, you will need to buy the following equipment, a minimum of a 4 channel radio (6 channel recommended
for compatibility down the road with your next planes), and an engine that fits the manufacturers recommendations for
your plane. Figure on spending $60-$120 for your 40 size motor. Again, the more you spend now, the more compatibility
you will have with future airplanes. Basically, if you buy a 46 size motor for your trainer, you will have more than
enough power for the trainer, but have a great motor for your first sport plane.
Your first transmitter (radio) can range from $89 for a simple 4 channel model like the ones included in
the RTF packages, up to $250 for an advanced 6 channel computer radio. These radios have the ability to store information
on several models so you don't have to reprogram your radio just to fly your second plane.
Alright then, maybe airplanes aren't what you're into. Maybe a helicopter is more your speed? Thankfully,
the price of helicopters has dropped in the last several years. Unfortunately, they are still significantly more expensive
than even the most expensive trainer plane. But, if you are into helicopters, you've got to pay to play.
There are also some additional costs associated with helicopters that you don't have with airplanes. First
off, you need a computerized 6-channel transmitter at a minimum, with 8-9 channel models being preferred. Costs will
range from $250-$600 for your average helicopter radio. You also need to install a gyro, ranging from $150-$375
depending on the features you choose.
Helicopters are also available in Kit form as well as ARFs. Your average "starter" helicopter
(30 size) will cost between $300 and $450, without the motor. Add in the motor at $150 and you get an idea how much you're
looking at to get started.
Since helicopters are literally marvels of engineering, it is highly recommended you
build your kit from scratch. The ARF versions come mostly pre-assembled, but having build a kit from scratch you will
be well versed in the steps needed for adjustment and repair should the need arise (or should I say when?!) A thorough instruction
manual will guide you through the steps of assembly. Your average helicopter will take 10-20 hours to assemble and setup.
If this is your first helicopter, it is highly recommended you seek the help of an experienced helicopter pilot for assistance
during setup and programming.
Ok, so now you've decided on an airplane or helicopter, built it, fitted it with a hot new engine and
got your radio gear all installed, now what? The only thing you need is some basic field equipment. So, how much more
are you going to have to spend? Well, the sky is the limit, no pun intended. After making you initial investment
in the hobby, funds may be a little tight so a very basic set of field tools in an old plastic tool box will suffice
to get started. Depending on your choice of airplane or helicopter, you're field box will be similarly, but not
exactly equipped.
With airplanes, you'll need, at a minimum, the following gear: an inexpensive hand cranked
fuel pump to get the glow fuel from the gallon jug into your plane ($10), a rechargeable glow driver and charger to get
the glow plug hot for engine starts ($20), and a "chicken stick" to keep your hands out of the prop during starting
procedures ($5). With the help of an instructor, and these simple tools, you can get your airplane started and ready
for it's first flight. More information on instructors later.
If you are looking to spend a little more money
and have a flight box with tools that will take you will into the future, you may opt for a package of flight line
accessories. This would normally include the following, a flight box, power panel, glow plug clip, 12v battery and charger,
electric fuel pump, and an electric starter. Coming in at a little over $100, this package is well worth the initial investment.
With helicopters the starting procedure actually requires the electric starter, so consider the "optional" airplane package
a MUST for helicopters. You will also need a starter wand that is compatible with your helicopter ($15-$30). Other
than that simple difference, the field box will be very similarly equipped.
Instructors, do you really need
one? You bet you do! Regardless of your perceived flight proficiency, you will be well served by enlisting the help of
a club instructor. The instructor will first go over all of the club safety guidelines. They will also show you
the proper technique for starting and tuning your new motor. The instructor will also use a device called the "buddy
box" during your training flights. The buddy box actually allows the instructor to transfer control of the airplane
from the instructors' transmitter to the one the student is using. This method of teaching permits the instructor to
take control of the airplane at any time if the student looses control. This will save the novice pilot hundreds of
dollars in repair parts, and an equal amount of frustration.
Once you have learned the basics of flight and the
club's safety rules, the instructor will give you a "green string" test. This test is not just a series of flight
maneuvers, but rather a complete competency examination that includes safe starting techniques, as well as understanding
the clubs safety policies. Once you pass this test, you will be given a key to the flying field, and solo flight
privileges.
With all the fun we have at the flying field, what are you waiting for? Get out there!
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