Aeromodelling: what if I started?

You have always dreamed of flying radio-controlled (RC) airplanes, but you are afraid to take the plunge and you don't know how to go about it?

When you are lucky, you have someone around you who already practices and to whom you can ask all your questions, accompany you to the airfields, learn the first notions. In short, this is really ideal, but we are not always so lucky...

No problem, through this article you will know how to start and where to make your first flights...

1. Is RC flying for me?

Here is a presentation of the different facets of RC aerobatics. It's up to you to see if it's for you!

Practicing RC aeromodeling and flying an RC model aircraft will give you

- Mechanical and model aircraft notions: if you like to tinker, then you can have fun. You can build a model from scratch or simply equip it, there is something for everyone. But you have to understand a minimum of how it works in order to be able to operate the control surfaces and fly the plane.

- The love of flying: a plane moves in 3 dimensions, and is flown differently depending on the weather conditions, the model, the power, etc... It's up to you to fly it with your radio control. Joysticks and other fun lovers... The piloting is exhilarating and playful, it is really the pure pleasure of this hobby.

- A lot of time spent in the open air: the only joystick that can be used in the great outdoors. Club grounds, mountains or other sites, you will spend your time outside! You can also practice indoors (this is called indoor flying and is mostly practiced in winter).

- rich, varied and intergenerational meetings: you will meet other enthusiasts, exchange with them to learn, discover and enjoy this hobby. They are from all horizons and all ages!

Be careful, we won't lie, this hobby also has its constraints: it is time consuming (you will spend a lot of time), it requires a minimum of budget and expertise (which is easily acquired). But we forget all that when our bird whistles in the air ;-)

So, are you still ready to start?

2. I come to observe the practice of RC aeromodelling

Generally we can observe this practice on model airfields that are affiliated FFAM (French Federation of Model Aeronautics) to start safely and have a pedagogical learning by the different members of the club.

It is however possible to start in your own garden with an adapted equipment and by respecting the legislation.

3. How an RC plane works

An RC plane works in the same way as a normal plane, i.e. with control surfaces that are controlled by the radio.

Instead of controlling them from the cockpit, they are controlled by the radio. The radio, or transmitter, sends signals to the receiver in the aircraft, which then executes the commands given on the radio to the control surfaces.

The motorization of an RC aircraft can be electric or thermal. The electric motorization has the advantage of being easy to access and maintenance free.

4. I plan the necessary equipment to get started

To get started you will need :

- an airplane and the necessary equipment depending on the model. This point is so important that we have dedicated an article to it, here

- a radio (see our article on choosing your first radio here)

Don't forget to bring good quality sunglasses, a cap, sun cream or warm clothes and windbreaker depending on the weather.

To conclude, take your time to understand, compare, and do not forget that at Flash RC, we are here to help and advise you!