80 MODEL AVIATION
“TEACH YOURSELF to fly RC? You’re
gonna need a lot of airplanes.” Hobby-shop
owner Tony Naccarato has taught hundreds
of budding pilots and knows what works.
Several readers have inquired about selftaught
RC flying. Flight instruction is a
subject on which wise people can have
different opinions. I am less wise than the
average RC instructor, but I do have some
thoughts. There are valid reasons for going it
alone; the following may or may not be them.
1) Scheduling. You can fly whenever it
is convenient; there is no need to
rendezvous with an instructor. You can also
more easily schedule the repair of your
crashed model.
2) Pride. There is no need to humble
yourself by taking advice and direction from
some schmo just because he or she has more
experience. Your ego stays intact, right up
until you “land” during an uncontrolled
inverted flat spin.
3) Pace. You can learn at your own
speed, which is no faster than you can
rebuild your trainer’s damaged parts after
each session.
Dave Gee
S a f e t y C o m e s F i r s t
Box 7081, Van Nuys CA 91409; E-mail: [email protected]
Dremel makes state-of-the-art hobby tools, but many of its older products are still used.
Modern safety equipment should be used regardless of power-tool vintage.
Ellis Grumer, who still makes models at 91, was unsatisfied with his hobby knife’s
handle, so he carved this custom replacement. Thanks to Andy Kunz for the photo.
This young lady is launching her first
glider, but model airplanes can make us
feel like this at any age. Ralph Gee photo.
Now some reasons for using a flight
instructor.
1) Your chances of success are much
greater. Therefore, you will have more fun
more quickly.
2) Any bad habits you pick up will be
noticed and corrected before they become
ingrained.
3) It is much cheaper, as measured in
repair/replacement cost of models.
4) Having a good instructor makes the
learning process much safer. Hey, this is the
safety column, right? Naturally we want to
make choices that minimize the chances of
harming ourselves or others.
Adjusting an RC model takes skill and
experience. The controls and flight surfaces
must be set up properly or the model might
not fly at all. Who wants to learn how to
preflight a model by trial and error?
If you insist on going it alone, plan on
progressing in stages. FF is a great way to
learn how and why models fly. Start with a
“disturbed FF” aircraft. That does not refer
to emotional problems, although that may
describe some of my own creations.
Disturbed FF means the model will fly on its
own but can also be mildly steered via a
rudder-only RC system.
Once you have mastered that, try a twochannel
airplane with rudder and elevator
control. Gliders are great fun, fly well on
two channels, and provide excellent deadstick
landing experience.
Adding engine control is next. Then try
an “advanced trainer,” which is an aileronequipped
model with true three-axis control
and a great deal to think about during
landing approach.
Eventually you will be competing at a
world-class level with your Scale ducted-fan
VTOL (Vertical Take Off & Landing)
Harrier. Maybe. This method of stages is
only the least costly approach to a poor idea
and is much less desirable than finding a
competent RC instructor. You will need
many models and plenty of expensive gear,
along with tremendous determination to deal
with the inevitable crashes and
disappointments solo RC training holds in
store.
Finding an instructor is not always easy,
but it is worth the effort. Fortunate newbies
will live near an active field with a club that
welcomes new members and provides
lessons. Good hobby shops will often have
some arrangement to teach RC pilots how to
fly their new purchases, which makes for a
happy pilot who will buy even more models.
Internet groups are a fine way to locate
experienced teachers in your area, and I
have seen many such requests. FF, CL, and
indoor neophytes have made good use of
computers to find local enthusiasts. Don’t be
discouraged if a particular teacher’s style
doesn’t fit you. Shop around and find an
instructor-student relationship that feels
comfortable.
The market is flooded with inexpensive
RTF foam electric-powered RC models with
rudder/throttle or controlled only by
differential thrust of twin motors. I have an
indoor RTF with throttle only, which is great
fun and surprisingly controllable.
These airplanes are an exception to the
rule, in that it is possible for a new pilot to
fly them successfully without help. The
problem is that mastering throttle-controlled
foamies does not necessarily prepare you for
conventional full-house, gas-powered
models.
They may only be a step on the path
toward “conventional” RC flying, but to
many sport modelers they are an end unto
themselves. These models are great fun, and
as a cheapskate I enjoy the low prices. Also,
the electronic systems can really perform
when transplanted into a custom-built
airframe after the stock one wears out.
Just don’t forget that mastering this type
of model is only preparation for actual RC
flight instruction—not a substitute.
Now I’ll touch on the dreaded “third rail”
of RC flight training: computer-based
simulator programs. At the risk of receiving
loads of irate E-mail from those with strong
feelings on the subject, here is an opinion: I
like ’em!
Simulator games are great fun and offer
you a chance to practice flying RC
regardless of the weather and without
risking an actual model. Flying on a
computer can also be quite useful as a
training aid.
Admittedly there are limitations and
adjustments to be made when translating
your “sim time” to real life. Still, I have seen
how much skill can be obtained with no
repairs or cost. Virtual RC helps develop
correct reflexes and gives pilots a head start
on the enjoyment of RC flight. It is possible
to try new model configurations and designs
before construction. And did I mention how
much fun they are?
Andy Kunz sent a picture of the custom
knife handle his friend Ellis Grumer (age 91)
built. Ellis has apparently outgrown the need
for adult supervision when using sharp tools
because he grafted the commercial blade
holder into a beautifully carved custom
handle.
The knife is now much easier to hold,
and it will not roll off the table, either!
Professional safety people (of whom I am
not one) have introduced the concept of
“wellness” as an extension of industrial
safety programs. The idea is that if you get
sick or injured at home, you lose work
time the same as if you were hurt on the
job. Smart employers want to avoid missed
days regardless of the cause, so they
encourage anything that keeps their staff
healthy and happy.
Can we relate this to our modelairplane
hobby? You bet! Look at the
expression on the little girl’s face as she
launches her first glider. The picture was
taken during an after-school demo session
that was her first exposure to model
airplanes. Her grin shows exactly how I feel
about aeromodeling. Do you get that same
smile when flying your models?
The boundless enthusiasm and joy of a
good flight can make otherwise mature
grown-ups feel like kids again, which is the
point of it all as far as I’m concerned. The
look on the face is the same whether you are
new to the hobby or not and whether you fly
an RTF foamie or a scratch-built Indoor
Scale model. The joy and satisfaction we get
contributes to our “wellness” and will keep
us young—at least on the inside.
By the way, that girl had such a fine
launch technique that she won the mass
launch of some 50 airplanes. I didn’t even
get her name!
Old model designs and old-fashioned
building techniques are cool, as the popular
Old-Timer and Nostalgia movements prove.
Opening an original Dime Scale kit is like
visiting 1938 in a time machine. I love old
kits and using antique tools to build them.
My trusty Dremel Moto-Shop (with flex
shaft and disk-sander attachments) was built
many years ago, but it still gives service and
is fun to use.
Look at the photograph of the latest
model jigsaw that was demonstrated in the
Dremel booth at AMA Convention 2005.
The operator is wearing proper “personal
protection” gear, and the machine has all of
the latest features to make sure the blade
cuts only the wood, plus he is having fun.
(See the subject of “wellness” in the
preceding.)
Those eccentrics among us who enjoy
using tools from another generation need to
keep abreast of modern developments and
make the best use of newfangled
equipment. Space-age sanding-disk
materials, carbon fiber, and cyanoacrylate
glue didn’t exist when my Dremel Moto-
Shop was designed. Neither did my fancy
safety glasses, but they go just fine with
vintage power tools.
On the subject of old-fashioned model
stuff, loyal reader Curtis Mattikow sent Email
greetings. Better known as
“Easytiger,” this renowned eBay dealer
specializes in hobby items from bygone
eras.
A recent shipment from him included a
toy glider with fascinating instructions that
mentioned the possible need for nose ballast
based on “the different wind currents in
parts of the US.” As a service to readers, I
will attempt to determine which parts of
North America require the least nose weight
on model airplanes. See you there. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/06
Page Numbers: 80,82,84
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/06
Page Numbers: 80,82,84
80 MODEL AVIATION
“TEACH YOURSELF to fly RC? You’re
gonna need a lot of airplanes.” Hobby-shop
owner Tony Naccarato has taught hundreds
of budding pilots and knows what works.
Several readers have inquired about selftaught
RC flying. Flight instruction is a
subject on which wise people can have
different opinions. I am less wise than the
average RC instructor, but I do have some
thoughts. There are valid reasons for going it
alone; the following may or may not be them.
1) Scheduling. You can fly whenever it
is convenient; there is no need to
rendezvous with an instructor. You can also
more easily schedule the repair of your
crashed model.
2) Pride. There is no need to humble
yourself by taking advice and direction from
some schmo just because he or she has more
experience. Your ego stays intact, right up
until you “land” during an uncontrolled
inverted flat spin.
3) Pace. You can learn at your own
speed, which is no faster than you can
rebuild your trainer’s damaged parts after
each session.
Dave Gee
S a f e t y C o m e s F i r s t
Box 7081, Van Nuys CA 91409; E-mail: [email protected]
Dremel makes state-of-the-art hobby tools, but many of its older products are still used.
Modern safety equipment should be used regardless of power-tool vintage.
Ellis Grumer, who still makes models at 91, was unsatisfied with his hobby knife’s
handle, so he carved this custom replacement. Thanks to Andy Kunz for the photo.
This young lady is launching her first
glider, but model airplanes can make us
feel like this at any age. Ralph Gee photo.
Now some reasons for using a flight
instructor.
1) Your chances of success are much
greater. Therefore, you will have more fun
more quickly.
2) Any bad habits you pick up will be
noticed and corrected before they become
ingrained.
3) It is much cheaper, as measured in
repair/replacement cost of models.
4) Having a good instructor makes the
learning process much safer. Hey, this is the
safety column, right? Naturally we want to
make choices that minimize the chances of
harming ourselves or others.
Adjusting an RC model takes skill and
experience. The controls and flight surfaces
must be set up properly or the model might
not fly at all. Who wants to learn how to
preflight a model by trial and error?
If you insist on going it alone, plan on
progressing in stages. FF is a great way to
learn how and why models fly. Start with a
“disturbed FF” aircraft. That does not refer
to emotional problems, although that may
describe some of my own creations.
Disturbed FF means the model will fly on its
own but can also be mildly steered via a
rudder-only RC system.
Once you have mastered that, try a twochannel
airplane with rudder and elevator
control. Gliders are great fun, fly well on
two channels, and provide excellent deadstick
landing experience.
Adding engine control is next. Then try
an “advanced trainer,” which is an aileronequipped
model with true three-axis control
and a great deal to think about during
landing approach.
Eventually you will be competing at a
world-class level with your Scale ducted-fan
VTOL (Vertical Take Off & Landing)
Harrier. Maybe. This method of stages is
only the least costly approach to a poor idea
and is much less desirable than finding a
competent RC instructor. You will need
many models and plenty of expensive gear,
along with tremendous determination to deal
with the inevitable crashes and
disappointments solo RC training holds in
store.
Finding an instructor is not always easy,
but it is worth the effort. Fortunate newbies
will live near an active field with a club that
welcomes new members and provides
lessons. Good hobby shops will often have
some arrangement to teach RC pilots how to
fly their new purchases, which makes for a
happy pilot who will buy even more models.
Internet groups are a fine way to locate
experienced teachers in your area, and I
have seen many such requests. FF, CL, and
indoor neophytes have made good use of
computers to find local enthusiasts. Don’t be
discouraged if a particular teacher’s style
doesn’t fit you. Shop around and find an
instructor-student relationship that feels
comfortable.
The market is flooded with inexpensive
RTF foam electric-powered RC models with
rudder/throttle or controlled only by
differential thrust of twin motors. I have an
indoor RTF with throttle only, which is great
fun and surprisingly controllable.
These airplanes are an exception to the
rule, in that it is possible for a new pilot to
fly them successfully without help. The
problem is that mastering throttle-controlled
foamies does not necessarily prepare you for
conventional full-house, gas-powered
models.
They may only be a step on the path
toward “conventional” RC flying, but to
many sport modelers they are an end unto
themselves. These models are great fun, and
as a cheapskate I enjoy the low prices. Also,
the electronic systems can really perform
when transplanted into a custom-built
airframe after the stock one wears out.
Just don’t forget that mastering this type
of model is only preparation for actual RC
flight instruction—not a substitute.
Now I’ll touch on the dreaded “third rail”
of RC flight training: computer-based
simulator programs. At the risk of receiving
loads of irate E-mail from those with strong
feelings on the subject, here is an opinion: I
like ’em!
Simulator games are great fun and offer
you a chance to practice flying RC
regardless of the weather and without
risking an actual model. Flying on a
computer can also be quite useful as a
training aid.
Admittedly there are limitations and
adjustments to be made when translating
your “sim time” to real life. Still, I have seen
how much skill can be obtained with no
repairs or cost. Virtual RC helps develop
correct reflexes and gives pilots a head start
on the enjoyment of RC flight. It is possible
to try new model configurations and designs
before construction. And did I mention how
much fun they are?
Andy Kunz sent a picture of the custom
knife handle his friend Ellis Grumer (age 91)
built. Ellis has apparently outgrown the need
for adult supervision when using sharp tools
because he grafted the commercial blade
holder into a beautifully carved custom
handle.
The knife is now much easier to hold,
and it will not roll off the table, either!
Professional safety people (of whom I am
not one) have introduced the concept of
“wellness” as an extension of industrial
safety programs. The idea is that if you get
sick or injured at home, you lose work
time the same as if you were hurt on the
job. Smart employers want to avoid missed
days regardless of the cause, so they
encourage anything that keeps their staff
healthy and happy.
Can we relate this to our modelairplane
hobby? You bet! Look at the
expression on the little girl’s face as she
launches her first glider. The picture was
taken during an after-school demo session
that was her first exposure to model
airplanes. Her grin shows exactly how I feel
about aeromodeling. Do you get that same
smile when flying your models?
The boundless enthusiasm and joy of a
good flight can make otherwise mature
grown-ups feel like kids again, which is the
point of it all as far as I’m concerned. The
look on the face is the same whether you are
new to the hobby or not and whether you fly
an RTF foamie or a scratch-built Indoor
Scale model. The joy and satisfaction we get
contributes to our “wellness” and will keep
us young—at least on the inside.
By the way, that girl had such a fine
launch technique that she won the mass
launch of some 50 airplanes. I didn’t even
get her name!
Old model designs and old-fashioned
building techniques are cool, as the popular
Old-Timer and Nostalgia movements prove.
Opening an original Dime Scale kit is like
visiting 1938 in a time machine. I love old
kits and using antique tools to build them.
My trusty Dremel Moto-Shop (with flex
shaft and disk-sander attachments) was built
many years ago, but it still gives service and
is fun to use.
Look at the photograph of the latest
model jigsaw that was demonstrated in the
Dremel booth at AMA Convention 2005.
The operator is wearing proper “personal
protection” gear, and the machine has all of
the latest features to make sure the blade
cuts only the wood, plus he is having fun.
(See the subject of “wellness” in the
preceding.)
Those eccentrics among us who enjoy
using tools from another generation need to
keep abreast of modern developments and
make the best use of newfangled
equipment. Space-age sanding-disk
materials, carbon fiber, and cyanoacrylate
glue didn’t exist when my Dremel Moto-
Shop was designed. Neither did my fancy
safety glasses, but they go just fine with
vintage power tools.
On the subject of old-fashioned model
stuff, loyal reader Curtis Mattikow sent Email
greetings. Better known as
“Easytiger,” this renowned eBay dealer
specializes in hobby items from bygone
eras.
A recent shipment from him included a
toy glider with fascinating instructions that
mentioned the possible need for nose ballast
based on “the different wind currents in
parts of the US.” As a service to readers, I
will attempt to determine which parts of
North America require the least nose weight
on model airplanes. See you there. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/06
Page Numbers: 80,82,84
80 MODEL AVIATION
“TEACH YOURSELF to fly RC? You’re
gonna need a lot of airplanes.” Hobby-shop
owner Tony Naccarato has taught hundreds
of budding pilots and knows what works.
Several readers have inquired about selftaught
RC flying. Flight instruction is a
subject on which wise people can have
different opinions. I am less wise than the
average RC instructor, but I do have some
thoughts. There are valid reasons for going it
alone; the following may or may not be them.
1) Scheduling. You can fly whenever it
is convenient; there is no need to
rendezvous with an instructor. You can also
more easily schedule the repair of your
crashed model.
2) Pride. There is no need to humble
yourself by taking advice and direction from
some schmo just because he or she has more
experience. Your ego stays intact, right up
until you “land” during an uncontrolled
inverted flat spin.
3) Pace. You can learn at your own
speed, which is no faster than you can
rebuild your trainer’s damaged parts after
each session.
Dave Gee
S a f e t y C o m e s F i r s t
Box 7081, Van Nuys CA 91409; E-mail: [email protected]
Dremel makes state-of-the-art hobby tools, but many of its older products are still used.
Modern safety equipment should be used regardless of power-tool vintage.
Ellis Grumer, who still makes models at 91, was unsatisfied with his hobby knife’s
handle, so he carved this custom replacement. Thanks to Andy Kunz for the photo.
This young lady is launching her first
glider, but model airplanes can make us
feel like this at any age. Ralph Gee photo.
Now some reasons for using a flight
instructor.
1) Your chances of success are much
greater. Therefore, you will have more fun
more quickly.
2) Any bad habits you pick up will be
noticed and corrected before they become
ingrained.
3) It is much cheaper, as measured in
repair/replacement cost of models.
4) Having a good instructor makes the
learning process much safer. Hey, this is the
safety column, right? Naturally we want to
make choices that minimize the chances of
harming ourselves or others.
Adjusting an RC model takes skill and
experience. The controls and flight surfaces
must be set up properly or the model might
not fly at all. Who wants to learn how to
preflight a model by trial and error?
If you insist on going it alone, plan on
progressing in stages. FF is a great way to
learn how and why models fly. Start with a
“disturbed FF” aircraft. That does not refer
to emotional problems, although that may
describe some of my own creations.
Disturbed FF means the model will fly on its
own but can also be mildly steered via a
rudder-only RC system.
Once you have mastered that, try a twochannel
airplane with rudder and elevator
control. Gliders are great fun, fly well on
two channels, and provide excellent deadstick
landing experience.
Adding engine control is next. Then try
an “advanced trainer,” which is an aileronequipped
model with true three-axis control
and a great deal to think about during
landing approach.
Eventually you will be competing at a
world-class level with your Scale ducted-fan
VTOL (Vertical Take Off & Landing)
Harrier. Maybe. This method of stages is
only the least costly approach to a poor idea
and is much less desirable than finding a
competent RC instructor. You will need
many models and plenty of expensive gear,
along with tremendous determination to deal
with the inevitable crashes and
disappointments solo RC training holds in
store.
Finding an instructor is not always easy,
but it is worth the effort. Fortunate newbies
will live near an active field with a club that
welcomes new members and provides
lessons. Good hobby shops will often have
some arrangement to teach RC pilots how to
fly their new purchases, which makes for a
happy pilot who will buy even more models.
Internet groups are a fine way to locate
experienced teachers in your area, and I
have seen many such requests. FF, CL, and
indoor neophytes have made good use of
computers to find local enthusiasts. Don’t be
discouraged if a particular teacher’s style
doesn’t fit you. Shop around and find an
instructor-student relationship that feels
comfortable.
The market is flooded with inexpensive
RTF foam electric-powered RC models with
rudder/throttle or controlled only by
differential thrust of twin motors. I have an
indoor RTF with throttle only, which is great
fun and surprisingly controllable.
These airplanes are an exception to the
rule, in that it is possible for a new pilot to
fly them successfully without help. The
problem is that mastering throttle-controlled
foamies does not necessarily prepare you for
conventional full-house, gas-powered
models.
They may only be a step on the path
toward “conventional” RC flying, but to
many sport modelers they are an end unto
themselves. These models are great fun, and
as a cheapskate I enjoy the low prices. Also,
the electronic systems can really perform
when transplanted into a custom-built
airframe after the stock one wears out.
Just don’t forget that mastering this type
of model is only preparation for actual RC
flight instruction—not a substitute.
Now I’ll touch on the dreaded “third rail”
of RC flight training: computer-based
simulator programs. At the risk of receiving
loads of irate E-mail from those with strong
feelings on the subject, here is an opinion: I
like ’em!
Simulator games are great fun and offer
you a chance to practice flying RC
regardless of the weather and without
risking an actual model. Flying on a
computer can also be quite useful as a
training aid.
Admittedly there are limitations and
adjustments to be made when translating
your “sim time” to real life. Still, I have seen
how much skill can be obtained with no
repairs or cost. Virtual RC helps develop
correct reflexes and gives pilots a head start
on the enjoyment of RC flight. It is possible
to try new model configurations and designs
before construction. And did I mention how
much fun they are?
Andy Kunz sent a picture of the custom
knife handle his friend Ellis Grumer (age 91)
built. Ellis has apparently outgrown the need
for adult supervision when using sharp tools
because he grafted the commercial blade
holder into a beautifully carved custom
handle.
The knife is now much easier to hold,
and it will not roll off the table, either!
Professional safety people (of whom I am
not one) have introduced the concept of
“wellness” as an extension of industrial
safety programs. The idea is that if you get
sick or injured at home, you lose work
time the same as if you were hurt on the
job. Smart employers want to avoid missed
days regardless of the cause, so they
encourage anything that keeps their staff
healthy and happy.
Can we relate this to our modelairplane
hobby? You bet! Look at the
expression on the little girl’s face as she
launches her first glider. The picture was
taken during an after-school demo session
that was her first exposure to model
airplanes. Her grin shows exactly how I feel
about aeromodeling. Do you get that same
smile when flying your models?
The boundless enthusiasm and joy of a
good flight can make otherwise mature
grown-ups feel like kids again, which is the
point of it all as far as I’m concerned. The
look on the face is the same whether you are
new to the hobby or not and whether you fly
an RTF foamie or a scratch-built Indoor
Scale model. The joy and satisfaction we get
contributes to our “wellness” and will keep
us young—at least on the inside.
By the way, that girl had such a fine
launch technique that she won the mass
launch of some 50 airplanes. I didn’t even
get her name!
Old model designs and old-fashioned
building techniques are cool, as the popular
Old-Timer and Nostalgia movements prove.
Opening an original Dime Scale kit is like
visiting 1938 in a time machine. I love old
kits and using antique tools to build them.
My trusty Dremel Moto-Shop (with flex
shaft and disk-sander attachments) was built
many years ago, but it still gives service and
is fun to use.
Look at the photograph of the latest
model jigsaw that was demonstrated in the
Dremel booth at AMA Convention 2005.
The operator is wearing proper “personal
protection” gear, and the machine has all of
the latest features to make sure the blade
cuts only the wood, plus he is having fun.
(See the subject of “wellness” in the
preceding.)
Those eccentrics among us who enjoy
using tools from another generation need to
keep abreast of modern developments and
make the best use of newfangled
equipment. Space-age sanding-disk
materials, carbon fiber, and cyanoacrylate
glue didn’t exist when my Dremel Moto-
Shop was designed. Neither did my fancy
safety glasses, but they go just fine with
vintage power tools.
On the subject of old-fashioned model
stuff, loyal reader Curtis Mattikow sent Email
greetings. Better known as
“Easytiger,” this renowned eBay dealer
specializes in hobby items from bygone
eras.
A recent shipment from him included a
toy glider with fascinating instructions that
mentioned the possible need for nose ballast
based on “the different wind currents in
parts of the US.” As a service to readers, I
will attempt to determine which parts of
North America require the least nose weight
on model airplanes. See you there. MA