| Radio controlled planes have a rich history and are | | | | For beginning hobbyists, park flyers are ideal. The term |
| very popular, despite being a relatively new addition to | | | | denotes small, primarily electric rc planes, so named |
| the model family. Flying radio controlled, or rc planes, is | | | | because their size enables them to be flown inside |
| suitable for flyers of all ages and skill levels, with some | | | | large public parks, with slower models also being |
| even participating in sanctioned contests. So how did | | | | suitable for indoors activity such as gymnasiums and |
| rc planes come to be and what is a suitable model for | | | | living rooms. Examples of suitable models are the |
| you? | | | | Silverlit X-Twin Acrobat 3D and Air Dasher, the |
| The earliest prototypes of radio controlled planes were | | | | Hobbyzone Mini Super Cub and the Parkzone Super |
| simple hydrogen-filled model airships, which, in the late | | | | Decathlon. Beginners should also check out flight |
| 19th century, were part of music hall acts, using a basic | | | | simulator software, with many programmes, such as |
| form of spark-emitted radio signal to enthral captivated | | | | the RC Plane Master Flight Simulator from Reality |
| theatre audiences. | | | | Craft, coming complete with controllers. |
| The idea of remote controlled aircraft was then further | | | | For intermediate flyers there are glow plug engine, |
| developed for military purposes. By the early 20th | | | | sailplane and electric radio controlled planes. Glow |
| Century, the Royal Aircraft Establishment had built and | | | | plugs, similar to spark plugs, ignite the fuel in the model |
| tested the Larynx, a monoplane with a 100-mile range | | | | airplanes, acting as small internal combustion engine. |
| and top speed of 200 mph. Powered by a Lynx IV | | | | Sailplanes, or rc gliders, do not depend on propulsion, |
| engine, it was essentially an early cruise missile guided | | | | and instead sustain continuous flight by exploiting the lift |
| by an autopilot. In WW2 the RAF developed the | | | | produced by slopes and thermals, controlled remotely |
| Queen Bee, a modified de Havilland Tiger Moth, which | | | | from the ground with a transmitter. An ideal choice for |
| was used as an unmanned target drone. | | | | any intermediate radio control pilot is the Hobbyzone |
| Radio controlled aircraft technology was eventually | | | | Aerobird 3. |
| extended to scale models and today, aircraft model | | | | For expert pilot, jets, helicopters, and other high end |
| enthusiasts are simply spoilt for choice, with different | | | | competition aircraft prove to be popular and an |
| kits requiring varying amounts of assembly, costs and | | | | adequate challenge. Jets commonly use ducted fans |
| levels of skill and experience. They are also made of | | | | or micro turbines to power them, constructed from |
| different materials, with some radio controlled planes | | | | carbon fibre and fibre glass. These can often reach |
| being made mostly of foam or plastic, with others | | | | speeds in excess of 200 mph, requiring quick reflexes |
| consisting solely of balsa wood. Finally, some rc planes | | | | and are therefore unsuitable for novices. Examples of |
| are created to incredible detail, with a detailed cockpit, | | | | rc airplanes suitable for experts are the Parkzone |
| illuminating navigation lighting on the plane’s exterior | | | | Spitfire and Park Flite F4-E Phantom. |
| and extracting landing gear, whereas others are | | | | So regardless of your particular skill level, there is a |
| constructed purely for flying. | | | | suitable radio control plane to suit you to let you |
| Generally, the ideal choice of rc plane and engine | | | | participate in one of the most popular pastimes around |
| depends on the pilot’s skill level. | | | | the world. |