Useful tips and suggestions for newcomers to the sport.
The Very Beginning …
As the animation below suggests, starting out with the wrong model can be a frustrating experience . . .
So where to begin?
Join us at Namadgi Sports Flyers by completing our membership application …
There are a multitude of RC model aircraft available. As the name suggests, “Fixed-Wing” aircraft are distinguished from “Rotary-Wing” aircraft (e.g Helicopter, quad-coptor), because their wing/s are attached to the aircraft’s fuselage in a fixed position.
Which Plane?
A good guide to different types of model aircraft can be found at the Wikipedia Guide to Radio controlled aircraft.
Fixed-Wing models are a very popular choice for beginners however some are more difficult to master than others. The Getting Started – Fixed Wing guide provides advice on the things you should consider before investing in your first model; and trust us in this, it will only be your first . . .
What to buy?
Our Chief Flying Instructor (CFI) offers the following advice …
The document below details an example of some items and price estimates required to get started flying a glow powered, fixed wing model suitable for training / learning to fly…..
Namadgi Sports Flyers CFI
Please note that NSFC does not necessarily recommend or endorse any one brand, make or supplier – FYI only……….
Potential members of the hobby / club / sport should seek independant advice before purchasing…..
All About Transmitter Modes
You will probably hear talk of different transmitter modes, but which mode should you choose? Talk to your flying instructor or club members to hear what they suggest. This document has a good description of the different modes …
Learning To Fly
NSFC Pilot Training Manual
The NSFC Pilot Training Manual provides the information you’ll need to begin training under the guidance of one of our MAAA certified instructors.
Flight Simulators
An RC flight simulator is a computer program that allows pilots of radio controlled aircraft to practice on a computer, without the risk and expense of a damaging a real model. Besides the obvious use of training beginners, they are also used for practising new aerobatics, evaluating a model before buying it, and to allow flight practice when conditions are otherwise unsuitable. Most simulators allow the use of real R/C transmitters to control the sim.
There are quite a few simulators available ranging from “freeware” versions that can be downloaded from the internet to sophisticated commercial versions that provide enhanced graphic features. While a flight simulator cannot replace the training received from a qualified instructor, they do allow you to practice developing your skills regardless of the weather or time of day.
Wikipedia provide a useful RC Simulator Comparison chart which is a good place to start looking.
R/C Flight Simulation With Your Own Transmitter
SmartPropoPlus was designed for the Remote Control (R/C) community. In enables you to use your own R/C transmitter (a.k.a. Controller) to control your simulator.
Using your transmitter, rather than a standard joystick, gives you a more realistic simulation experience.
The transmitter hooks to your computer’s audio input (e.g. Microphone socket) – you just have to buy or create a suitable cable.
SmartPropoPlus is free, open source software that is under constant development since 2006 and has thousands of users.
Useful Links
| Link | Description |
|---|---|
| All about RC | A collection of basic RC tips from a US commercial aviation site |
| Drone buying guide | A basic guide to buying a drone. Contains brief descriptions of the types of Drones available and contains links to online shopping sites. |
| EFO | Electric Flight Only - An established US club site with links to many useful Electric Flight resources, |
| Electric Flight eBook | An introduction and some basics of Electric Flight by Ken Meyers |
| FAQ 2.4Ghz Systems | Article from RC Model Reviews |
| Flight Simulators | Comparison of RC Flight Simulator applications |
| Full house setup guide | A helpful article on setting up a full-house glder/sailplane |
| Getting Started Guide | 'Getting Started' Article by RCME Magazine |
| RC Advisor | A forum for UAV and Model Airplane Design Building and Flying |
| Soaring Tutorial | An excellent tutorial on a wide range of soaring topics |
| Thermal Soaring Circle | Provides excellent guidance on all aspects of silent and (almost) silent flight along with very honest reviews of many models. |