Checkpoints Before Each RC Plane Flying Experience

As much as we'd all like to fly our model RC planes wherever and whenever we like, in practice, and for a number of reasons, it's not a good idea. The main reason is, of course, for the safety of people and animals in the area, but we also need to be watchful for ourselves and the aiRCraft, so be aware of roads and overhead cables, especially power ones.

Pre-flight Checks

Prior to the actual takeoff, it's wise to double check the plane itself, starting by making sure there are no lose parts - you certainly don't want things to fall off.

                                                   If the plane has any visible screws, ensure these are tightened;
                                                if the body is a snap together, make sure its fully clicked into place;
                                        if the motor has a propeller, be sure it's correctly attached and not broken.
                                                  And the most obvious step, make sure your RC plane is fueled up.

For nitro planes this means filling up with gas, while for electric it's simply a matter of being sure you have fully charged batteries.

Finally, check the balance point of the model is where it's supposed to be, as indicated on the instructions.

Initial Preparation

Having selected the area, perhaps a field or park, that you want to fly your RC plane from, you then need to ensure the take off is done safely and correctly. For starters, the ideal is face the plane into a head wind, rather than taking off with the wind. Flying directly into an oncoming wind increases the wind pressure around the wings, resulting in increased uplift, making it easier to get the plane up to a good height. Taking off with the wind has the opposite effect, making it harder to climb, while taking off across the wind makes the aiRCraft hard to control as the gusts push it in directions other than your intention.

The RC Plane Take Off

Having cleared the prior checks, you are now ready for flight. It's wise to turn your transmitter on before you power up the plane or start its engine. Done the other way, there's a risk that little twitches in the transmitter when you turn it on will cause movement in the plane. If your plane starts on the ground, it's time to push the throttle and get it moving. For air starting craft, hold the plane at shoulder level in one hand just behind the landing gear and the transmitter in your other hand. Push the throttle, then propel your model RC plane directly into the wind.

When You're Done - The Landing

Hopefully, whether it lasts 2 minutes or 20 minutes, your plane's flight runs smoothly and ends with a great approach followed by a smooth landing at the same place it took off from. The landing process lends itself to a separate article, but in essence your task is to guide the plane back towards its starting point and to lower it to no more than 200 feet. At this point you should be left with a straight path to the landing point and, as with take off, you should aim to land into the wind. If you have good control of your RC plane, you just need to reduce the speed using the throttle to bring it into a nice controlled landing, cutting the throttle to zero to bring it to its final halt.