Getting Started with Aerial RC Vehicles:

A Few Steps to Save A Lot of Money!!!

There is a big difference between flying an RC airplane for the first time and taking an RC dune buggy out of the box for the first time and cruisin' it around the yard. First off, the chance of wrecking a RC airplane is much greater when you are just starting off and the amount of damage that can occur is much larger. Secondly, the controls and knowledge required to successfully pilot any aerial remote control vehicle are more complex than most RC vehicles that stay on land. However, there are a few small steps that you can take that will greatly reduce your chances of crashing, help to improve your piloting skills, and possibly save you hundreds of dollars.

The first step is to purchase a computer based flight simulator program. These programs use your real life transmitter to control the RC aircraft which helps to give hands on experience with the danger of damaging your vehicle. Most programs offer the options of flying an RC airplane, helicopter, or sail plane. The more advanced programs allow you to change the scenery, weather conditions, and other factors that affect your flight. Prices of these flight simulator programs can range from $20 to hundreds depending on how realistic and advanced of a program you want.

After getting a good grasp of how to control your remote control airplane or helicopter through the use of a flight simulator it is time to try flying the real thing, but before jumping right in to it there is one additional step that you can take. This step involves getting help from another more experienced pilot and using a transmitter system called a "Buddy Box" which can be used on either. This system involves two transmitters: a "master" transmitter that the more experienced pilot would use and a "slave" transmitter that the less experienced pilot would use. The two transmitters are connected by a cable and the "master" transmitter has a switch which turns the "slave" transmitter on and off. This allows the teacher to take control of the RC aircraft if the need should arise. It is possible to purchase a "Buddy Box" system, but I recommend you check the transmitter of your aircraft first because many transmitters are already capable of connecting to another transmitter and would only require a cable. With the help of an already experienced pilot and the fact that they can take control of the aircraft at any time you will be able to fly with relative ease in no time.

Additionally, RC helicopter can have a "training kit" that attaches directly to the vehicle. The system works to balance the helicopter while in flight and because of the enlarger base area it helps avoid crashes when taking off and landing.

These few, inexpensive steps can end up saving time, money, and your pride at the flying field.

To learn more about RC helicopter and airplanes check out www.allthingsrc.net

-Tim