Flying Techniques

1. Make an informed purchase. The vast choice of model helicopters that are available can seem overwhelming. Before you buy, think about where you will fly and for how long, what spares availability is like, your level of competence and what the reviews say. If you’re new to the hobby, arguably the best way to start…

Continue reading »

Right then, here’s the scenario. You’re a beginner, you’ve had a good few flights now and you’re doing well. Circuits seem easy, and you’ve even accomplished a nervy take-off. Your instructor decides to let you try a landing, and why not? It’s a calm day, after all. Anyway, the model clatters down and comes to…

Continue reading »

1. Aerodynamic appreciation. You don’t have to become an aerodynamicist, but it helps if you can appreciate some of the basic principles of flight and how they affect your model’s performance. Do you know why aircraft stall? What about the difference between ground speed and air speed, and why differing wing sections work the way they…

Continue reading »

1. Know the Law. Regrettably in our increasingly litigious society, flying R/C model aircraft is not a free-for-all. Laws are in place which govern its practice. When, where and how you can fly and even to some extent what models you can operate, are all areas where some element of control is imposed. While it…

Continue reading »

TEST FLIGHTS CAN JUST AS EASILY BE PROBLEM-FREE AS THEY CAN DAUNTING AND DISASTROUS. ANDY ELLISON PROVIDES 10 TOP TIPS TO HELP ACHIEVE THE FORMER 1 Don’t overstep your mark. Every pilot knows his own ability and for a test flight to go well it’s important not to overstep this unless you’re absolutely sure that…

Continue reading »

       It was back in August 1977 that my friend Tim Martin let me try and fly his Veron Impala – a kind offer which, as things turned out, was a sad error of judgement on his part. Although I offered to repair the damage, Tim never repeated his offer of flying instruction, which was…

Continue reading »

I’ve not long returned after ‘time out’ from this wonderful hobby and I suspect my story will ring true with many. Maybe it was the arrival of children, or maybe your job or something else – whatever the reason, coming back to R/C flying after a lay-off can be fraught with problems. The world moves…

Continue reading »

That's the ambition, but how easy is it? The last few years have seen a steady increase in the number of people entering the hobby without the support of their local model flying club, a trend that’s been accelerated by the development of affordable, ready-to-fly, electric-powered helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft aimed specifically at the beginner.…

Continue reading »

A structured training programme is better for both the pupil and club. A good few years ago now, as the groundswell of the ARTF craze swept across my flying club (Tyldesley MFC), we had 36 novice fliers listed on our books out of a total membership of 76. This novice influx came thick and fast,…

Continue reading »

Getting a slope model away means reaching a reasonable flying speed asap so throw it like it just spat in your face! So you fancy R/C model flying, but without a motor, soaring like the birds and pitting your aeromodelling wits against Mother Nature? It’s a fascinating branch of our wonderful hobby that many power…

Continue reading »