Ready to Fly Model AIrcraft

RC RTF planes, or RC Ready to fly planes, are the most common models used by novice RC plane enthusiasts. RC RTF planes come pre-installed and ready to operate, in a box and all you have to do is to put a few outer parts like wings,tail and fan together, to get your RC airplane going. This is one of the main reasons for the popularity of RC RTF planes with starting RC airplane enthusiasts.

The first RTF RC planes were created in 1960s when transmitter technology became cheaper. This made it affordable to build devices with RC technology on a large scale basis, as people could afford it now. The RTF RC models range was very limited at that time and all of them were gas fuel powered. Since then, there has been a tremendous progress in the field of RC RTF planes, with many electric models becoming a huge hit with enthusiasts.

Unlike RC kits or published plans which take hours to complete, it is extremely easy to get an RC RTF plane on the field. RC RTF planes come fully equipped with all the essential parts like the plane, the remote control device, the antennas, the engine etc. It takes only about fifteen minutes to put everything together and you don't have to be an expert in RC models to do this job. The instructions are given with model and you just have to follow them to the dot. RC RTF planes are best for people who don't have the time or patience to put a RC plane together.

RC RTF models are also a great way to introduce the RC model hobby to your child or friend. As these provide a completely hassle free flying experience, you will be able to enjoy the art of flying RC models to the fullest, without the need for extreme technical knowledge. In order to find the most suitable RC RTF plane for yourself, you should first conduct a survey on the best models available, and your budget. If you are buying your first RC RTF model, then you would be pleasantly surprised with the range of planes which are available in the market. From small gliders to big jets, you can find any type of aircraft in RC RTF model. They come in both electricity and gas fuel versions. Some popular manufacturers include Megatech, Hobbico, Vortex and Aspire.

The first time RC RTF flyers should make sure that they buy a RC RTF aircraft which is easy to handle and operate and as they get experience in flying, they can progress to the more complex models. So, what are you waiting for? Go to your local hobby store or just log on to an internet site that sells RC RTF models and get one.

How to operate model aircraft engine?

Setting Up, Operating and Maintaining Model Aircraft Engines
Having a reliable power system in your model airplane is critical to your fun if not the aircraft's health.  The power system should be dependable, consistent and provide years of service with little maintenance or tinkering.
The average sport airplane is designed to have the engine and tank installed as ideally as possible while providing good access to the engine for maintenance.
These pages should help you avoid confusion as to what you need, what you do not need and to dispel some myths.  Hopefully this information will get you on the right track by helping you avoid problems or wasting money.
I e-mailed Clarence Lee, the Engine Clinic columnist for Radio Control Modeler magazine, and asked if he would use some of his valuable time to read over these pages to ensure the information I am providing is correct.  He replied with excellent feedback that I have included in sidebars on the appropriate pages.
The following pages give specific information about engine mounting, propellers, spinners, throttle linkages, fuel tanks, lines, fuel and air filters, hand starting or using an electric starter and general maintenance suggestions.

Jet Engine RC Helicopters

RC Helicopter Direct Drive Turbines

RC Helicopter jet engines spin their axels at far to great a speed to directly hook up to the rotors, so the most obvious way to slow them down is a gear box. In the direct drive design, the turbine shaft is directly connected to a gear box, which slows down it’s rotation speed and powers the main rotors. This is the most obvious and simple design, but it has a few problems that have caused another, more sophisticated one to gain popularity. For example:

1. All the thrust produced by the jet engine is wasted. Because the only work done by the engine comes from it’s main turbine shaft, all the thrust from the engine is left unused. The thrust from the engine is usually channelled outside the RC helicopter.
2. The wasted thrust can lead to unwanted motion. RC jet engines produce a lot of thrust, and forcing it outside the RC helicopter creates unwanted forces that have to be cancelled out.
3. Direct drive jet RC helicopters are very inefficient. Only 20% of the total power produced by the rotor blades actually goes into turning the rotor blades.

With all the problems present in direct drive turbines, most jet RC helicopter enthusiasts are turning to another design:  two stage turbines.

RC Helicopter Two Stage Turbines

Two stage turbines use the thrust produced by the engine, instead of simply venting it as exhaust. Recall that a jet engine has a main turbine shaft, which is used to compress air and keep the engine running. A two stage turbine leaves the first shaft free to spin, and then adds an additional turbine to the end of the engine, where the exhaust is emitted and thrust is produced. The second turbine spins another shaft, which then drives the gearbox that powers the main rotors. What’s the benefit of using two turbines instead of just one? There are actually quite a few:

1. A two stage jet engine is about 80% more efficient than the direct drive design.
2. Less thrust is wasted, so there are fewer unwanted forces caused by venting it.
3. The engine has to carry less load. Overall, it’s better if the jet engine doesn’t have to directly power anything. Harnessing the thrust produced by the engine reduces vibrations and wear.

The only problems with the two stage design are that two stage turbines tend to be heavier than their direct drive counterparts, and they’re also a little more expensive.

Buying one..

Buying a plane is like buying a car, golf clubs or a tennis racquet. There are subtle differences in them, and the right one for you is determined by your unique abilities and preferences. You are best off talking to an experienced rep from TBM because we can ask the right questions and put you into the model which is outfitted with the components which best fits your needs. We point out an endless amount of variations in the planes, servos, engines, and electrical systems on our website, but we can't put in perspective which advantages outweigh which without a one on one consultation with you. So please read up as much as possible so you have a good knowledge as to what to look for, and then call or e-mail us for our recommendation for you.

Flying Jet Engine RC Models

The model jet engine (gas turbine)

A true rc model jet engine (turbine) adds the ultimate touch of realism to an rc jet, and commercially produced units for radio control use are now widely available and becoming more commonplace.
Turbine rc jet flying has become a big thing in recent years and there are some spectacular models around, but this aspect of the hobby is not for the novice! Endless hours of flying experience and an impressive budget are needed to actively participate in flying radio control jets with real gas turbines. Even the smaller model jet engines can cost upwards of a thousand dollars - and that's on top of the cost of the jet itself, radio gear and all the other bits needed. So it's serious business indeed but ultimately has to be one of the most rewarding ways of enjoying rc flying... if you can afford it!
Incidentally, rc model gas turbines are also used in larger scale helicopters but, from a personal point of view, I don't find these too realistic because of the sound - rc helicopters running on a turbine sound more like jets than helicopters (again, just a personal opinion!).

Shown right is a JetCat model turbine, one of the more popular commercially produced model jet engines readily available. JetCat USA are at the forefront of this remarkable technology and offer some excellent turbine units.

Before model jet engines appeared on the radio control flying scene, rc jets always lacked the authenticity of having a true gas turbine; previously radio control jets had to be powered by either gas or electric motors with a propeller (thus spoiling the look of the aircraft) or noisy IC ducted fan units. Pulse jets were another option but these are more rocket motors than anything else, a pulse jet runs at full throttle for a short time and then the jet glides.
But now model jets can be powered by a fully functional and realistic looking and sounding jet turbine, thanks to manufacturers like JetCat!

How model jet engines work

A model jet engine design can vary slightly from one manufacturer to another but they all work on the same basic principle. The most common type nowadays is the centrifugal flow turbine as opposed to the lengthier axial flow turbine.
The big difference between centrifugal and axial flow turbines is in the stage of compression. In a centrifugal flow unit, air entering the turbine is thrown outwards as it passes over the spinning impeller, or compressor. The air hits against the inside of the can and so is compressed greatly before passing into the combustion chamber. This intense compression increases the pressure and hence temperature of the air, making it more effective when it mixes with the fuel.
The kerosene based fuel, commonly called 'Jet A1', is introduced into the combustion chamber as a very fine mist and so mixes easily with the now highly compressed air. This fuel/air mixture is then ignited by a small glow plug, much the same as the one found on a 2 or 4 stroke model airplane engine.
As the fuel/air mixture ignites and explodes within the chamber the coned shape of the chamber and the incoming flow of new air forces the mixture rearwards towards the turbine; the rapid flow of the fuel/air mixture spins the turbine which in turn spins the compressor at the front of the jet engine (the turbine and compressor are connected by a central shaft).
The gases (exhaust) finally get squeezed through the narrowing jet pipe at the very rear of the engine, exiting at great speed and pressure thus generating the high levels of thrust.
The drawing below shows the basic principle of a centrifugal flow model jet engine:

Model jet engines need to be started with compressed air to initially power-up the turbine. This can be supplied from a diver's oxygen tank or a similar source. Only when the compressor has reached the necessary revolutions per minute (RPM) can the fuel be introduced into the chamber and the engine operate normally.

Scale RC Models

 Scale R/C Models is a new company dedicated to the Scale enthusiast for providing scale drawings, airplane kits, and accessories for kits from the early days of flight to the modern day of Jet aircraft. Its sole purpose is providing, as accurate as possible, aircraft of the different period for today’s scale builder with the scale accessories for completion of his miniaturized dream.  With this in mind, Mike Beaulieu got together with two of friends, Mike Goolsbee and Paul Stelly, both interested in scale modeling.
     Mike Beaulieu has been modeling for over 40 years, from the early Johnny Walker Fireball control line days to todays radio control models. In the early1970's, I did my 1st. Scale control line for ½ A's engines of the P-61 Black Widow and it was published in one of the major model publications. In the early 80's, I prepared the Mylar's for publication for the national magazine " Scale R/C Modeler" and have shipped scale drawings all over the world.
  
 
   
 

 
        SCALE R/C Models will offer to builders of scale aircraft, the scale drawings plus accessories and also scale kits from major kit manufactures for WW1, WW2 and Jet aircraft. Scale R/C Models will also handle scale drawings, kits and accessories from small kit manufactures and designers who wish to have a market outlet for their products. Presently we are representing Arizona Models, Jet Hangar Hobbies, M.C. Beaulieu Plan Service, Dynamic Balsa Inc., and Unionville. Anyone wishing to use this outlet for his or her products can reach me at (207) 768-3471 after 6:00 PM, any evening.

The Most Amazing Indoor RC Aircraft by Kyosho

Kyosho
Minium

EDGE 540 (Red)
Readyset

Lightweight speed and maneuverability controlled with a 3-channel 2.4GHz R/C system.
Aileron equipped for sharp control that will please even expert-level fliers.

The most amazing micro R/C airplane the world has ever seen now flies even higher with its fusion of light weight and maneuverability. Able to fly in stronger breezes than before, the sharp flight of the new MINIUM can also be enjoyed outdoors. Its secret lies in the fuselage designed for slow flight and the change from a cambered wing to a flat bottom main wing with ailerons that deliver greater speed and maneuverability. Also, the 6mm coreless motor has been replaced with a high-power 8mm version that drives the new specification gear unit and propeller. Combined with the special Li-Po battery included, the MINIUM EDGE 540 realizes its more powerful and dynamic flight capability with the ailerons allowing control around the roll axis. This fully pre-assembled model is loaded with an ultra-small control unit with built-in amp, receiver and two linear stroke servos and has all the linkages pre-set. The 3-channel system provides elevator, aileron and motor control for the full scope of flying experiences. Control is managed on the worldwide standard ISM band 2.4GHz frequency with a system that automatically scans for clear frequencies to use. Simply switch the power ON and the system automatically scans a 79 wave spectrum for a free band to secure a radio signal free of interference. Even expert level fliers will be amazed at the flight performance and maneuverability of the palm-top sized MINIUM EDGE 540.

Biplane RC Aircraft

RC Biplanes

RC Biplanes are multi-wing aircraft that tend to be stable and fly slower than conventional models due to their extra wing area. Many of these models are scale aircraft. A biplane can take off in a shorter distance than conventional wing planes because of the extra lift supplied by 2 wings. Struts between the wings are usually functional and provide support.

Scale Models...

Scale R/C Models is a new company dedicated to the Scale enthusiast for providing scale drawings, airplane kits, and accessories for kits from the early days of flight to the modern day of Jet aircraft. Its sole purpose is providing, as accurate as possible, aircraft of the different period for today’s scale builder with the scale accessories for completion of his miniaturized dream.  With this in mind, Mike Beaulieu got together with two of friends, Mike Goolsbee and Paul Stelly, both interested in scale modeling.
     Mike Beaulieu has been modeling for over 40 years, from the early Johnny Walker Fireball control line days to todays radio control models. In the early1970's, I did my 1st. Scale control line for ½ A's engines of the P-61 Black Widow and it was published in one of the major model publications. In the early 80's, I prepared the Mylar's for publication for the national magazine " Scale R/C Modeler" and have shipped scale drawings all over the world.
  
 
   
 

 
        SCALE R/C Models will offer to builders of scale aircraft, the scale drawings plus accessories and also scale kits from major kit manufactures for WW1, WW2 and Jet aircraft. Scale R/C Models will also handle scale drawings, kits and accessories from small kit manufactures and designers who wish to have a market outlet for their products. Presently we are representing Arizona Models, Jet Hangar Hobbies, M.C. Beaulieu Plan Service, Dynamic Balsa Inc., and Unionville. Anyone wishing to use this outlet for his or her products can reach me at (207) 768-3471 after 6:00 PM, any evening.

How to...

A guide to fiberglassing model aircraft using water based polyurethane
(Fiberglassing without epoxy)

Fiberglassing model aircraft is a well known method of adding considerable durability and strength to a given model airframe. A lot of people would like to apply fiberglass to their model aircraft but are either not willing to part with the cash involved to pay for a good epoxy resin system or simply cannot use epoxy for reasons of health, ie allergic reactions to the various catalysts used. Fortunately you can still use fiberglass for a lot of items without having to use epoxy resin.

Water based polyurethane paints are very cheap, have a good shelf life can come in a wide variety of colours and have very low toxicity, especially compared to epoxy. So, what is water based polyurethane? It's quite simply what you know as water based paint, sold in all hardware stores and a lot of larger supermarkets and stores. Most modellers opt for clear varnishes and apply their desired colouring over the top, though many tints are available even for clear paint. Due to the massive variety of brands, it's suggested that you trial various types until you find one that you're happy with. For the purpose of this article we'll be using Cabots Crystal Clear.

Okay, so let's get going and do some fiberglassing!
To be utterly honest, there's not a lot to detail here, using WBPU makes things very easy and can be conducted at a fairly relaxed pace, so first up there's no need to rush. If you've never done fiberglassing before then consider doing a simple piece to start with, rather than risk your entire model aircraft. Perhaps try glass a simple curved canopy or curved block of wood.

Prepare your workpiece The better you can prepare the surface of what you are glassing, the better the finish will be. Glassing will not magically fill out dents, so if you have any then now is the time to fill them in. Sand back your surface with at least 400 grit before considering to glass it.
Secure the workpiece There's many really good ways to make an utter mess of your hard work, not securing it while you glass is high on that list. If your item is not secured there's a very good chance that it'll fall over and land right into the thick of grit, muck and dust - which will of course totally ruin it.
Cut fiberglass to size Cut your fiberglass slightly oversize for your job, typically allowing up to 20mm all around is a good idea. If you cut it too close you may find that the cloth will start to pull its threads out (use pinking shears if you have them to assit in preventing thread pulling).
Prime the surface Because balsa is porous and WBPU is water-based there is a strong absorption factor. Excess absorption of WBPU means excess weight which is something we don't want in nearly all cases. There are several options for priming/sealing the surface; A single coat of thinned dope A light coat of WBPU, allowed to dry to 'touch dry' status (so that it forms a sealing layer) It's also been suggested a light spray of solvent-based paint (clear) Once we've sealed the surface we will have prevented a major weight gain avenue.
Apply the 'tacking' layer When glassing with epoxy, a lot of people apply some sort of spray on adhesive to the glass or worksurface to make the glass cloth stick. Instead of using expensive sprays we'll simply apply a thin coat of the WBPU and let it sit for long enough that it becomes sticky (usually about 5~10 minutes). Do not attempt to apply the glass before the WBPU has gone tacky else the glass cloth will simply slide around and cause you frustrations.
Laying of the glass cloth Now that the tack layer of WBPU is sticky we can apply the glass cloth onto our workpiece and move it into position.
Applying first layer of WBPU to glass A note to make here - most of the weight in water based polyurethane is in the water so you can actually apply a reasonably liberal amount of WBPU to the glass without worrying too much. Start painting on your WBPU to the workpiece, starting from the center and working your way out, smoothing down the glass as you go. Now is where you learn why we waited for the initial tack coat to become tacky before applying the glass, for if you had not your glass cloth would now be sliding everywhere as you try to paint on the WBPU. In the case of the Cabots crystal clear WBPU, when applying it is of a milkshake consistency and a diluted milky colour. Keep applying the WBPU until the entire work surface is covered, additionally make sure about 5~10mm of the cloth beyond the work surface is also soaked with WBPU (this should happen normally, but do be aware of it), this is so that when the WBPU is dried we can easially cut the excess glass cloth from the job without splinters of glass going everywhere, which is both irritating physically and mentally.
Removing excess WBPU from the workpiece Although WBPU dries to be fairly light, we should still attempt to remove what excess we can. The process of removing excess WBPU additionally assists in the saturation of the glass cloth due to the pressuring effect when using a squeegee. There are many things you can use as a squeegee, a lot of people like a discarded credit-card. Again, working from the center of the job, using light pressure, scrape away the excess WBPU, the cloth weave should show up distinctly after the squeegee has passed over. Don't worry about taking too much or little WBPU from the job as we are going to have at least one more coat, possibly two (to cover over the cloth grain). Watch out for excess paint building up in beads on the sides and undersides of the job. Make sure also that the glass is remaining stuck to the workpiece.
.... wait .... Depending on the particular brand and variety of water based polyurethane that you used there will be a period of time to wait before the next coat can be applied, in other words, read the instructions on the can of paint, don't just assume. Typically there's about a 3 hour wait - go do something else and don't be near the job, else you'll probably bump into it or stirr up dust which will leave the surface all dirty.
Applying the second coat Now that you've waited the required time for the next coat, you will probably notice that there are a few white "dry" spots on your job, you can try wet them out by dabbing and forcing more paint in that area however generally it's probably just to leave them alone and learn to be more careful on the next job. Quite often they go away with another couple of coats. Depending on the state of the surface, you may wish to give a light sanding back with 400~800 grit paper. Don't go overboard though else you'll start cutting into the glass cloth and make things worse. You will require a lot less paint on the second coat due to the glass having already been mostly 'filled'. Again, as with the first coat, start appling the WBPU from the center and working your way out. If you are sparse with your application you will probably find you don't need to squeegee off any excess but do watch out for dribbles or beading on the sides of the job.
[optional]Third coat Depending on the thickness of your weave, you may require more than two coats of WBPU to seal up all the pinholes in the cloth. At this point it's a matter of personal preference and experience.
Trimming and sealing Trimming your job is best done with a very sharp knife, the sharper the better. Try to cut from the outside to inside, that is, the handle of the blade should be on the glass side of the workpiece as you cut through, this help prevents the glass pulling away from the job. After you've trimmed away the excess glass you may notice that the edges have gone slightly white, this is normal and does happen frequently, simply run a small dash of WBPU along the edges, this has two purposes; Seals the edge to prevent glass shards breaking off Adheres the edge to the job
All finished.

About RC Helicopters

Radio-controlled helicopters (also RC helicopters) are model aircraft which are distinct from RC airplanes because of the differences in construction, aerodynamics, and flight training. Several basic designs of RC helicopters exist, of which some (such as those with collective pitch, meaning blades which rotate on their longitudinal axis to vary or reverse lift) are more maneuverable than others. The more maneuverable designs are often harder to fly, but benefit from greater aerobatic capabilities.
Flight controls allow pilots to control the collective and throttle (usually linked together), the cyclic controls (pitch and roll), and the tail rotor (yaw). Controlling these in unison enables the helicopter to perform most^{[citation needed]} of the same maneuvres as full-sized helicopters, such as hovering and backwards flight, and many that full-sized helicopters cannot.
The various helicopter controls are effected by means of small servo motors, commonly known as servos. A piezoelectric gyroscope is typically used on the tail rotor (yaw) control to counter wind- and torque-reaction-induced tail movement. This "gyro" does not itself apply a mechanical force, but electronically adjusts the control signal to the tail rotor servo.
The engines typically used to be methanol-powered two-stroke motors, but electric brushless motors combined with a high-performance lithium polymer battery are now more common and provide improved efficiency, performance and lifespan compared to brushed motors, while decreasing prices bring them within reach of hobbyists. Gasoline and jet turbine engines are also used.

Love RC Aircraft

Radio Control Airplane Freaks!
The founder of Hobby Heroes is an absolute radio control airplanes “freak” so consequently - we are too. We love all types of rc planes, and rc helicopters too for that matter. If it moves through the air and has a radio to guide it we’ve dreamed about it, obsessed about it and probably flown it.
At Hobby Heroes we carry all types of radio control airplanes from trainers to aerobatics and gliders through to flying wings, large scale and warbirds. We carry most of the major brands like Great-Planes, Top-Flite, Parkzone, World Models, ASM, Black Horse, CMPro, E-flite, Sebart, Phoenix, Seagull and many more.  Of course Hobby Heroes can also supply all of the radio equipment, the various forms of motors and accessories to get and keep your beloved rc planes into the blue beyond.
Years of RC Plane Experience
On top of a huge range of aircraft and accessories we have years of collective experience, which we’re all too happy to share through our Hobbypedia and friendly staff. For those problems that need a more hands on solution there’s our in-store workshop where we have a number of services ranging from building and repairs through to tutorials. We even have bench time where you can build your own model under the experienced eyes of our airplane-obsessed staff.
If you’d like to learn to fly, we also carry a range of simulators for radio control airplanes from Great Planes, Real-Flight, Ikarus, Aerofly Professional and E-Sky, which are an invaluable tool for both the budding pilot and the expert alike. We’re able to put you in touch with professional instructors too, who will guide you into the skies with the least damage possible.
At Hobby Heroes we know, all too well, that what goes up must come down. So, whilst there are no guarantees, it’s our mission to help you experience the absolute exhilaration and thrill of successful flight.

Remote Controlled Aircraft

RC Airplane World

- your complete Guide to flying
radio control airplanes & aircraft

Learning to fly an rc airplane, helicopter or other aircraft is something that appeals to many people around the world. But for those who don't know where to start, trying to get off the ground can be a nightmare in more ways than one!
The number and variety of radio control models available these days is just mind-blowing. Which do you choose? How do you choose? Which ones are good, which ones aren't?!

Fortunately for you, visitor to this RC Airplane World website, your life just got a lot easier! The aim of this site is to promote the exhilarating hobby of radio control flying and to help the beginner to the hobby get started quickly and safely.

And your timing couldn't be better! Flying rc airplanes and, especially, helicopters has rocketed in popularity in recent years with electric powered aircraft becoming cheaper, more widely available and easier to fly than ever before. It's these electric power (EP) models that have drawn so many newcomers to the hobby lately, but of course internal combustion (IC) models are still widely available and still have the huge following that they always have had.
This website will get you started step-by-step all the way, regardless of whichever power type or model type you want to fly!