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Frequently Asked Questions
For as long as motorized vehicles have been in existence, people have been
enthralled with the idea of operating them by “remote control”
(also known as R/C) without actually being inside the vehicle.
Thanks to microelectronics, R/C is a fast growing hobby that anyone
with average skills can enjoy.
Questions
answered by the Sky Ranch Flyers
I
want to fly an R/C model aircraft! How
do I start?
Find out if there are any R/C flyers in your area and where they
fly. The Sky Ranch Flyers will be happy to give you this information.
Our club president may be reached at (262) 689-8852
R/C
model clubs.
R/C model clubs can be a great help to the newcomer.
Go to their flying field and talk with the club members.
Don’t be shy! Ask
for advice and learn from their experience!
Model airplane magazines are also excellent sources of information.
R/C has its own language of terms and nicknames, and reading model
magazines will help you learn the terminology.
How
much does it cost?
Like any leisure time activity, R/C has some one time costs.
The initial investment might seem high to the newcomer, but once
you are established with a model, engine, and radio, the cost stabilize
and can be as much or as little as you want to spend.
The average cost start you with a 40 Trainer, 4-channel Radio,
Engine and fuel for approximate cost of $400.00.
How
far do they fly?
Modern radio control systems have a range of 1 or 2 miles.
However, it is very rare that a model airplane is flown that far
away. A model with a 5 or 6
feet wingspan will become a small speck in the sky at ½ mile out.
How
fast can they fly?
A typical trainer usually flies in the neighborhood of 60 mph.
More advanced stunt models will fly a little faster, about 80 to
100 mph. And for the real
expert R/C racing models, over 200 mph can be reached.
What happens when the engine stops?
A common misconception among the general public is that control of
the model is lost. This is
not true! The radio system
will still function normally since it is powered by its own on-board
battery. You simply glide the
model in for a landing.
Can
I buy an airplane that is ready to fly?
Yes. There are many
fine ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) aircraft on the market.
These can get you flying with only a few hours of simple assembly.
Are
model airplanes hard to build?
No. Balsa model
airplanes are not difficult to build by someone who can master a few basic
woodworking skills…primarily the use of adhesives, a modeling knife, and
a sandpaper block. A typical
kit includes all the parts to build a model and step-by-step instructions
for putting the parts together. Average
construction time is about 50 to 75 hours.
Do
I need a license to fly R/C aircraft?
No. However, there is
a governing body for all model aviation activities in this country called
the Academy of Model Aeronautics
(AMA). The
AMA works closely with the Federal Communication Commission to see that
certain frequencies are set aside for the exclusive use of modelers.
Why
do I need an instructor?
An instructor serves two purposes. First, he will check and fly your model the first time to
make sure it is performing properly before you try to fly with it.
The second reason for an instructor is to correct any mistakes you
might make when you take over the controls for the first time.
A radio with a trainer cord option is recommended, DON'T TRY IT
ALONE!
The
sky’s the limit! Soon you will be
flying by yourself with little thought to the moves required.
It will come naturally! As
your reflexes become trained to R/C flying, you will be able to adapt to
the faster flight of aerobatic models.
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