The basic elements of a model airplane All model airplanes are equipped with the same elements, such as fuselage, wings, stabilizers and control surfaces. Due to many different demands on the type of construction there is a variety of model types with different flight performance and characteristics. Last but not least the elaborate technology of radio-controlled equipment contributes to this variety making it possible for the model aircraft to perform in exactly the same way as the full size. How do gliders and powered aircraft work? Every aircraft including the model aircraft has to obey the laws of aerodynamics. Gliders utilize rising air to supply the necessary lift force. Whereas a powered aircraft relies on an electric or combustion engine. The running engine draws the model forward by means of the thrust generated by the propeller. Due to the forward motion of the aircraft air streams along the upper and lower side of the wing producing lift. Having reached a certain speed the lift becomes greater than the model’s weight. The model aircraft lifts off and flies, while the tailplane stabilizes the direction of flight. A rudder movement has an effect on the vertical axis (yaw); the model flies a curve. An aileron deflection creates a movement around the longitudinal axis (roll) rolling the model. A change in elevator creates a movement in the lateral axis (pitch); the plane ascends or descends. | 
