How do you learn to fly an R/C plane without crashing it horribly on your first attempt?
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ANSWERS: 5
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One answer to this is using an instructor! Believe it or not, R/C plane remotes can use what's called a "trainer cable" which you can plug into the remote control of your instructor, so he or she can override your control and save your precious plane from burying itself in the turf. -
A lot of model shops can put you in touch with a local club. Most can sell you a trainer plane which is stable and easier to fly than more experienced people may use Also there are some flight sims available for a PC that you can fly in a view from the ground. This would be like trying to fly a remote control plane but without the problem of crashing an expensive model
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There are also computer r/c simulators, which use a controller identical to the actual r/c two-joystick controller (in fact, maybe they do use an actual controller, connected via the buddy-cable, not sure). While the "feel" may not be exact, these sims are good at helping with things like the confusing situation of maintaining directional control when the plane is flying toward you.
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I'll echo some of the other answers. An RC simulator is an excellent way to get a feel for things, such as attitude, landing and so forth without the cost of the plane. Using a simulator helped develop my feel for flying much faster and far cheaper than crashing real ones. And then there is the local flying field which can be a great resource in getting started. But you need to understand this. You are going to crash. Period. The hobby consist of those who have crashed, and those that will crash. Its the nature of the beast, even if you're a good flyer, there's always the chance for an engine or servo to hiccup, a battery dying, any number of things. It will happen so don't be upset when it does. The best advice I can give.. no matter if all seems lost.. KEEP FLYING THE PLANE! I've dodged a few crashes with that wisdom..
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Buy a cheap, preferably durable RTF or ARF. I learned on a $35 foam flying wing glider and a $50 2 channel pusher prop. The Pusher prop is easy to fix, and the wing is indestructible. The Radio gear for the wing can be switched into my better airplane when I fly it.
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