| Radio controlled (R/C) vehicles are controlled with a wireless, hand-held transmitter which communicates with the vehicle through radio frequencies, providing the advantage of long-range control. The following page provides information on their use.
Just as a radio station broadcasts on a specific radio frequency, an R/C transmitter sends radio frequency signals that tell its vehicle how to perform. The signals are sent to the vehicle’s receiver on one of two frequencies (27MHz or 40 or 35MHz) designated for use in R/C toys.
In order for two R/C vehicles to be operated at one time and in the same area, the vehicles must operate on different frequencies. Our higher-end R/C vehicles come with a removable frequency band crystal that allows you to operate the vehicle on up to 6 different bands within the 27MHz frequency, e.g., for competitive racing.
Our R/C vehicles are either Full Function or Multi-Function. Full Function land and water vehicles have standard forward, reverse & stop features, and can make left and right turns in both forward & reverse. In addition to these capabilities, Multi-Function R/C vehicles have features such as a Differential Gear for better traction, Trim Adjustment for enhanced steering, working headlights, etc.
Multi-Function Airplanes can turn left and right, have engine cut-off switches for powerless gliding, elevation (rudder) control, and so on.
The range of a vehicle is the area in which the R/C vehicle can receive the radio frequency signals from the vehicle’s transmitter. The range can be anywhere from 50 to over 1500 feet and varies from vehicle to vehicle. Planes have the greatest control range. The range of R/C boats is generally greater than that of R/C land vehicles; however, it is best to operate your boat within 100 feet of your transmitter to avoid having to retrieve it from the water.
Range can be affected by weak transmitter batteries or interference from other items that emit radio frequency signals such as another R/C item on the same frequency, CB radios, cordless phones, high voltage transformers, etc. For best results, hold the transmitter so that the antenna is directed straight up, rather than toward the vehicle, and operate the vehicle away from any likely source of interference.
The scale size, e.g., 1/16, indicates the size of the R/C vehicle in comparison to an actual vehicle of that type. The smaller the scale fraction, the smaller the size of the item. For example, a 1/16 scale is much smaller than a 1/10 scale vehicle.
R/C items have regular steering - one position for right turns and one position for left turns. The turning radius is always the same. Many of our higher-end items have digital proportional steering, which is similar to that of a real car. Digital steering is very precise and allows for sharp or wide turns. This sensitive steering system is necessary for larger, high-performance vehicles in order to prevent them from flipping over or losing control.
R/C items have different battery requirements based on their size, features and performance. Look for the battery requirements under the individual vehicle description to determine what batteries are required and whether they are included. Whereas some of our smaller R/C vehicles require AA batteries, most other vehicles come complete with a rechargeable NiCad (nickel cadmium) battery pack, charger, and a 9v battery for the transmitter.
All battery packs must be charged before use (charging time is approximately 4 hours). Battery packs may be charged hundreds of times. However, if the battery is continually overcharged (more than four hours) or if the battery is recharged before power is completely drained, the battery life may be shortened. It’s a good idea to have an extra battery pack on hand to increase playing time. Extra battery packs are available for purchase by special order.
Run time varies according to the type and age of the battery pack, the size of the vehicle, the performance level of the vehicle, and the playing conditions. The larger the vehicle, the shorter the run time. Some vehicles, such as the Cessna & Windjammer Planes and the Mariner Sailboat, use wind or thermal power and depend on batteries only to power their steering. These vehicles have an extremely long run time. For other vehicles, average run times are as follows:
- 4.8V vehicles: 30 to 45 minutes
- 6.0V vehicles: 20 to 25 minutes
- 9.6V vehicles: 15 to 20 minutes
- 7.2V vehicles: 10 to 15 minutes
R/C boats should only be operated in pools or fresh water ponds or lakes. Never operate in salt water, since salt will cause the motor and other parts to corrode. After use, allow any water to drain out of the boat by storing it upside down.
READ OWNERS MANUAL BEFORE CHARGING BATTERY PACK AND BEFORE OPERATING VEHICLE.
- Do not overcharge the battery pack.
- Do not charge a damaged battery pack.
- Do not cover the battery pack with any sort of material while charging.
- Use the battery charger indoors only, unless your vehicle includes a portable field charger.
- Battery pack will be warm after charging, and hot after use in a vehicle. Use care when handling.
- Wait until battery pack cools before installing in vehicle and before charging.
- Do not mix rechargeable batteries with alkaline batteries, and do not mix old batteries with new batteries.
- Always turn transmitter OFF before handling the vehicle.
- Do not use vehicles on the same frequency at the same time.
- Do not try to upgrade a vehicle’s circuit board or motor: this will cause the circuit board to burn out.
- Take note of the age-grading given on the gift box. Children under 8 should have parental supervision while operating R/C toys.
Problem: Vehicle does not respond, or responds erratically, to transmitter commands.
Likely causes:
1) Weak transmitter batteries, weak or uncharged vehicle batteries, low-quality battery packs and/or alkaline batteries.
2) Incorrect battery installation.
3) Vehicle is beyond range of transmitter.
4) Radio frequency interference from R/C vehicle on same frequency, CB radio, microwave transmitters, cordless phones, high voltage transformers, etc.
Solutions:
1) Use high quality, fresh alkaline batteries. Use high-quality battery packs (if vehicle requires rechargeable battery pack). Charge or recharge battery pack (after fully discharging). Change alkaline batteries.
2) Ensure that alkaline batteries are installed correctly and make good connection with battery terminals. Ensure that battery packs are plugged in to vehicle.
3) Make sure transmitter antenna is fully extended. Walk toward vehicle with the transmitter to come within range (anywhere from 30 - 100 feet).
4) Turn off transmitter of vehicle on same frequency; move to location with less interference.
Problem: Extremely short run time.
Likely causes:
1) Vehicle and or transmitter have been left on when not in use.
2) Weak or old batteries.
3) Battery pack has not been properly charged.
Solutions:
1) Turn transmitter and vehicle OFF when not in use.
2) Use high quality, fresh alkaline batteries. Use high-quality battery packs (if vehicle requires rechargeable battery pack). Charge or recharge battery pack (after fully discharging). Change alkaline batteries.
3) Ensure battery pack is always completely drained of power before recharging. Avoid overcharging battery pack. Replace battery pack.
If the suggested solutions do not remedy the problem, contact us for assistance. Be sure to have your item number and vehicle name at hand
Drag
The air resistance to forward motion. Drag can be increased with the use of certain types of devices installed on the aircraft, such as spoilers, airbrakes, or flaps. Old-style aircraft with lots of supporting wires had very large amounts of drag, while modern aircraft such as military jets, have very low drag.
Dual Rates
Radio function used to adjust control sensitivity.
EDF
Electric ducted fan. A battery-powered, fan (rather than exterior propeller) driven model.
Electric Starter
A hand-held electric motor used for starting a model airplane engine. Usually powered by a 12-volt battery.
Elevator
Pitch control. Causes the model to raise or lower its nose, resulting in a climbing or diving response. Moving the elevator down causes the tail to rise, pushing the nose down and causing the model to dive. Moving the elevator up causes the tail to drop, raising the nose in reference to the tail (as if you were sitting in the aircraft).
Empennage
The vertical and horizontal tail surfaces of an airplane.
Engine
The methanol or gasoline fuelled power plant used in a model. Two or four-stroke gasoline and glow engines are very popular in aircraft. Four-stroke engines tend to turn higher diameter lower pitch props, and therefore tend to be used in applications requiring more torque and less speed response.
Epoxy
A two-part resin/hardener glue that is extremely strong. It is generally available in 6 and 30-minute formulas. Used for critical points in the aircraft where high strength is necessary.
Expanded Scale Voltmeter (ESV)
Device used to read the battery voltage of the on- board battery pack or transmitter battery pack.
Exponential
This radio function allows the modeller to adjust the sensitivity of the control towards the centre. This will make the small stick motions very precise, while longer stick movement moves the servo arm at a proportional rate.
FM
Frequency Modulation. This describes the mode of transmission of radio signal from transmitter to receiver.
Failsafe
A PCM function which moves servos to a pre programmed position if transmitter signal is lost or corrupted.
Fairing
A shaped area used to smooth out, streamline, or "fair", the joint between two members of an airplane. A wing fairing joins the wing and fuselage. A landing gear fairing streamlines the landing gear struts, and wheel fairings (wheel "pants") streamline the bulky shape of the wheels.
Field charger
A fast battery charger designed to work from a 12-volt power source, such as a car battery.
"Figure 9"
Can be an "official" competition manoeuvre, or a badly done loop. When the model flies over the top of a loop and picks up too much speed, the momentum prevents it from maintaining a loop's round shape.
Fin, Vertical Fin
The fixed portion of the vertical tail surface.
Flaps
Hinged control surface located at the trailing edge of the wing inboard of the ailerons. The flaps are lowered to produce more aerodynamic lift from the wing, allowing a slower takeoff and landing speed. Flaps are often found on scale models, but usually not on basic trainers.
Flare
The point during the landing approach in which the pilot gives an increased amount of up elevator to smooth the touchdown of the airplane.
Flight Box
A special box used to hold and transport all equipment used at the flying field.
Flight Pack or Airborne pack
All of the radio equipment installed in the airplane, i.e., Receiver, Servos, Battery, Switch harness.
Floats
Long, canoe-shaped structures that allow an airplane to land on water. They are not a part of the aircraft structure, but suspended below the fuselage on struts. Also called "Pontoons".
Flutter
A phenomenon whereby the elevator or aileron control surface begins to oscillate violently in flight. This can sometimes cause the surface to break away from the aircraft and cause a crash. There are many reasons for this, but the most common are excessive hinge gap or excessive "slop" in the pushrod connections and control horns. If you ever hear a low-pitched buzzing sound, reduce throttle and land immediately.
Flying Boat
The type of aircraft where the fuselage has the lower portion shaped like a power boat. The plane lands on water directly onto the fuselage. There may be small floats suspended from the wings to keep the plane level when it's in the water.
Fore, Forward
Towards the front. Used such as: "...the forward edge of the rib...", or as in: "...with fore and aft movement...."
Frequency Control
The FCC has allowed the 72MHz (72.010 - 72.990) band to be used for R/C aircraft operations. This band is divided up into many different channels in which you can choose a radio system. You should be aware that certain areas have frequencies in which there is pager interference. This is why it is always a wise move to check with your local hobby shop to find out any channels that may be troublesome in the area you wish to fly. The FCC has allowed band 75MHz (75.410 through 75.990) for ground model use only (robots, battlebots, cars, boats), 50MHz (50.800 - 50.980) is allocated only to Amateur HAM license holders for R/C use (and only at 1W maximum power output.)
Fuel
The methanol/nitromethane/lubricant mix used to fuel model engines. A helicopter fuel mix has a higher concentration of lubricant to counter the lack of sufficient airflow over the engine in a hover.
Fuse
Fuselage, main body
Fuselage
The body of an airplane.
Gain
Gyro sensitivity. When too low, the tail will not hold position well. When too high, the surface being dampened by the gyro will tend to wag, or hunt for centre.
Gasser
Slang for a model using a gasoline engine as a power plant.
Glitch
Momentary radio problem that never happens unless you are over trees or a swamp.
Glow Fuel
A Methanol based fuel, with a lubricating agent, used in most model engines. Most model fuels also use a percentage of nitromethane.
Glow Heater
This is used to heat the element in a glow plug, and is used when starting the model engine. AKA Ni-Starter.
Glow Plug
This is the plug that is used to help ignite the fuel in a model engine. The combustion of the fuel in the engine keeps the element hot between cycles, thus the glow plug does not need to be regulated or powered while the engine is running.
Ground Effect
The cushion of air that the model rides on when close to the ground. This will decrease the amount of elevator needed to maintain a constant altitude when near the ground/landing.
Gyro
A mechanical or electronic device which helps to stabilise the orientation of the model by sensing rotation, and moving the appropriate servo to compensate. This device can be used on any axis, but is most frequently used on rudder and elevator, typically used to aid in 3D and precision flying.
Header Tank
This is a small fuel tank used in line between the main tank and the carburettor. The purpose of the header tank is to ensure that the fuel fed to the carb is free of bubbles, which can be caused by foaming, or by the clunk falling away from fuel during complex manoeuvres.
Heading Hold
This describes a type of Gyro which senses rotation, and maintains direction. This is accomplished by sensing the rate of motion, and the time of motion, then compensating for the distance. While this sounds complicated, the effect is that if you have the model dialled in, and point the nose north, with a heading hold gyro on the yaw axis the model will continue to face north until you command it to yaw. See also Heading Lock. This is not recommended for aircraft use while in flight due to the requirement to use YAW (rudder) command to turn the model. Often used for ground use only for perfect take off and landing runs.
Heading Lock
Slang term for Heading Hold Gyro.
Hit (or to be hit)
Sudden radio interference which causes your model to fly in an erratic manner. Most often caused by someone turning on a radio that is on your frequency, but can be caused by other radio sources miles away.
Horizontal Stabiliser
The horizontal tail surface at the back of the fuselage which provides aerodynamic pitch stability to the airplane.
Hot Start
An engine which has been running will tend to remain hot for a short time. During this period, it is possible to restart the engine by turning the crankshaft without the glow plug being plugged in to a glow starter. This is something to be aware of, as it could possibly create an unsafe condition.
Hover
The art of flying without moving. This can also be an illusion, depending on windspeed. For airplanes, this is a 3D manoeuvre also known as a 'hanger'. The aircraft is pointing straight upward, hanging solely on the thrust from the propeller. The model may be drifting horizontally with the wind but should not climb or dive.
Hydraulic Lock
Hydraulic lock happens when the engine becomes flooded with fuel, to the point where the piston cannot compress it in the combustion chamber. This can result in engine damage if the crankshaft is forced through a rotation without relieving the pressure. To cure, remove the glow plug, and pour out the excess fuel.
Immelmann
A manoeuvre originally used to reverse direction in combat. The airplane noses up and over onto its back. It then rolls upright and continues in the direction opposite to the original direction. It was invented by the World War I German pilot Max Immelmann, whose airplane could perform the manoeuvre, and other's couldn't. It got him out of a lot of trouble in combat until the Allied aircraft designs caught-up and allowed their planes to perform the manoeuvre, too.
Incidence
The angle of one portion of a model when compared to another portion of the model. For example, if the stabiliser is perfectly parallel to the ground and the leading edge of the wing points up 2 degrees when compared to the stabiliser, the wing has a 2 degree positive incidence when compared to the stabiliser. Up or down thrust angle are also called engine incidence. Having these 3 measurements in proper relation to one another affects how well the model flies, particularly on vertical lines. An improper engine-to-wing incidence often results in a model which cannot be trimmed on pitch because at higher throttle the engine is pulling the model upward and at lower throttle it is pulling the model downward, or vice versa.
Incidence Meter
Used to measure the angle of attack of an airfoil, can be used to measure blade pitch, or paddle pitch.
Intake
An air inlet on an aircraft. You can have a carburettor intake, cooling intake, air conditioning intake (on full-size aircraft), and so on. Named because it "takes in" air, and because "intake" is a better-sounding word than "takesin".
Inverted
Flying upside down. Note that elevator and rudder seem to work backward from the ground, as elevator, aileron and rudder inputs are all based upon the model's orientation (as if you were sitting inside).
Kit
A Kit describes an unassembled model, arrives as packages of parts which must be assembled, as opposed to an ARF, or Almost Ready to Fly, which is mostly pre assembled.
LE
Leading edge (front)
Landing Gear
The assemblies that include the wheels and the wheel struts. The word "gear" is used in the sense of "equipment", as opposed to the "toothed wheel" meaning of "gear". The British call the landing gear the "undercarriage".
Landing Skid
The rail type landing gear used on some models which have no wheels.
Leading Edge (LE)
The very front edge of the wing or stabiliser. This is the edge that hits the air first.
Lean
Refers to carburettor setting. When an engine is run too lean it will overheat, causing damage, and likely an in flight engine failure. Tuning a carburettor is best accomplished by starting rich, and working gradually to the condition which produces maximum power, while allowing a small amount of unburned fuel mixture to lubricate and cool the engine.
Lean Run
This happens when an engine develops a lean condition. Possible causes are improper tuning, improper fuel choice, fuel foaming due to excessive vibration, or a leak developing in the fuel delivery system. The air in the fuel line will cause the engine to run lean.
LG
Landing gear
Loading
a.k.a wing loading. The load placed on the airfoil of a flying machine. In the case of an aircraft, this would be wing loading. Typically found by dividing the weight of the model by the total area of the main wing(s). Note that wing loading is only a good comparison between models of the same size. Larger models appear to have a far higher wing loading while displaying similar flight characteristics.
Loop
A vertical circle in the air. The plane noses up, keeps rotating until it's on its back, and then comes down and around to describe a vertical circle in the air.
Lubricant
The agent used to aid in the reduction of friction between two parts. This term is used for many substances, which in turn are used in many different ways. They are all, however, used to reach the same objective, that being the reduction of wear between parts. In the case of engine fuel, the lubricant is added to the fuel at the factory in many cases. This might be castor, a synthetic, or a blend. The percentage of lubricant required in the fuel will depend on the type of fuel, the engine, and the model requirement.
Main Gear
Also Main Landing Gear. The large, heavy-duty landing gear struts and wheels that support most of the weight of the airplane. They are usually under the wing or under the fuselage near the centre of the aircraft. Any other landing gear struts and wheels are noticeably smaller.
Midrange
The power band of an engine between idle and full throttle.
Mixing
Radios with mixing will take two or more controls and mix their output in relation to stick input. The number of channels that can be mixed, and the precision of the mixing curve, or number of curve points, will depend on the transmitter used.
Mixing Arm
A specialised lever which has three or more pivots. The length between pivots will determine the proportion of the mix between two or more linkages.
Mixture
Fuel to air mixture is determined by the needle valve on the engine carburettor.
Motor
Any electric motor used in the model. Examples are the servo motors, which move the servo arms, and thus the control surfaces. There are also kits which use electric motors in place of the engine for quieter, cleaner flight.
MPH
Speed in Miles Per Hour. Like RPM, MPH is both singular and plural. You can go 1 MPH or 100 MPH. You don't go 100 MPH's.
Needle Valve
This is used to tune the fuel to air mixture on the engine carburettor. On most engines, the needle is turned clockwise to lean the mixture, and counter clockwise to enrich.
NiCad (or NiCd)
Nickel Cadmium battery. Rechargeable batteries which are typically used as power for radio transmitters and receivers.
Nitro
Abbreviation for nitromethane. The addition of nitromethane in fuel provides more power, and a smoother idle, thus making the engine easier to tune. The nitro also makes an engine require more careful tuning, therefore, the amount of nitro added to a fuel results in a trade-off. Common nitro mixes vary from 0% to 30% and beyond.
Nitromethane
The addition of nitromethane in fuel provides more power, and a smoother idle, thus making the engine easier to tune. The nitro also makes an engine require more careful tuning, however, to avoid overheating. Common nitro mixes range from 0% (FAI fuel) to 30%.
Nose
The front portion of a model's fuselage.
Nose Gear
The strut and wheel that's under the nose of some aircraft.
PCM
Pulse Code Modulation. A modified FM signal used in high end radios. The signal is coded by the transmitter, resulting in a cleaner signal.
PPM
Pulse Position Modulation. Another term for FM.
Peak
This is the point at which a battery will no longer accept a charge, and converts the energy to heat. This is damaging to the battery pack, and potentially hazardous.
Peak Charger
This type of charger will eliminate the guesswork. When the battery has reached peak, the charger reverts to a maintenance charge rate, which will not damage the pack.
Pitch
Describes the fore and aft attitude of the model. (Nose high or low in comparison to the ground.) Controlled by the elevator(s).
Pitch Axis
The airplane axis controlled by the elevator. Pitch is illustrated by holding the airplane at each wing tip. Raising or lowering the nose is the pitch movement. This is how the climb or dive is controlled.
Ply
Plywood
Pontoons
See Floats.
Power Panel
12-volt distribution panel that provides correct voltage for accessories like glow-plug clips, fuel pumps and electric starters. Usually mounted on a field box and connected to a 12-volt battery.
Prop Balancer
Device designed to aid in the balancing of model airplane propellers.
Pull-Pull
A linkage set up using two rods or wires. One is pulled for one direction, the other is pulled for the other.
Push-Pull
A linkage set up using two rods. One rod pushes, while the other pulls.
Receiver (Rx)
The radio unit in the airplane which receives the transmitter signal and relays the control to the servos. This is somewhat similar to the radio you may have in your family automobile, except the radio in the airplane perceives commands from the transmitter, while the radio in your car perceives music from the radio station.
Reflex
If a wing has an airfoil that curves down from the high point, and then curves back up, it's said to be "reflexed". Reflex is the size of that reverse curve.
Resonance
This is the vibration frequency of a rotating or moving object. When the resonance of many parts of a machine are in synch, the whole machine will vibrate at a greater rate. This can cause vibration damage. Resonance can cause difficulties in an aircraft, particularly when using a vibration mount with an improperly balanced propeller/spinner wherein the engine is vibrating at one frequency and the propeller at another.
Retract servo
Specifically used for mechanical retracts. It is a non-proportional servo which only moves 180 degrees. That is to say this servo is either "off" (gear up and fully locked) or "on" (gear down and fully locked). No ATV, EPA, or AST adjustments can be made on these servos because they are not proportional. The linkage must be set up properly to allow this servo to operate at its full range and do its job -- securing your model's landing gear in a gear-up or gear-down position.
Retracts
Short for retractable landing gear. Wheels and struts that fold up into the airplane to get them out of the airstream and present less resistance to the airflow.
Right Thrust
Right yaw angle of the engine relative to the centreline of the airplane. Right thrust helps overcome the normal yaw tendency caused by the torque of the engine. Please refer to this FAQ for further information.
Ringed
An engine which uses a piston with a piston ring. Compare to ABC or ABN. Best used in dusty environments, a ringed engine is less susceptible to damage from contaminants in the fuel/air mixture, but does not provide the higher compression ratio of the ABC/ABN engines.
Roll (manoeuvre)
The airplane keeps the nose pointed in one direction while it rolls over on its back and then upright again.
Roll Axis
The airplane axis controlled by the ailerons. Roll is illustrated by holding the airplane by the nose and tail. Dropping either wing tip is the roll movement. This is used to bank or turn the airplane. Many aircraft are not equipped with ailerons and the Roll and Yaw motions are controlled by the rudder. This is one reason why most trainer aircraft have a larger amount of dihedral.
RPM
Revolutions Per Minute. How fast something turns. It is both singular and plural. An engine can turn one RPM, or 10,000 RPM, NEVER 10,000 RPM's.
Rudder
The moveable portion of the vertical tail surface. The rudder controls the airplane around the yaw axis.
Rx
Abbreviation for receiver.
Seaplane
An airplane that has floats, or pontoons, attached to allow it to land on water.
Servo
The radio component which does the work of moving a control surface.
Servo Output Arm
The removable arm or wheel which bolts to the output shaft of a servo and connects to the pushrod.
Shot down
A "hit" that results in a crash landing. Sometimes caused by radios miles away.
Simulator
A computer program which uses a modified radio transmitter, and a graphic depiction of a model and flying area. This is used to give model pilots a feel for flying, without the risk of a crash. The simulator can be used by the newcomer to learn to take off/hover/forward flight/landings, or by the expert to dial in that new 3D routine without crashing a very expensive 3D model.
Slats
Moveable surfaces on the leading edge of the wing that help airflow in low-speed flight. They enable the wing to fly at lower airspeeds than without them by directing the airflow over the wing and preventing separation of the airflow. Basically, they are retractable slots. All modern jetliners have slats, which open when landing flaps are lowered. Some aircraft intended for very short takeoff and landing have slats that open and close automatically, depending upon airspeed and angle of attack.
Slip
A manoeuvre where the airplane's controls are used to make the fuselage fly at an angle to the line of flight. This causes a tremendous increase in drag, and allows an airplane without landing flaps to increase its angle of descent without picking up a lot of speed.
Slop
Slop occurs when a control surfaces movement does not move the servo. Common cause is a worn linkage point or poor linkage setup.
Slot
A specially shaped slot in the wing just behind the leading edge. This directs airflow from below to the top of the wing, and helps low-speed flight by delaying the stall. Because they are permanently mounted, they do add drag. See also "Slats"
Slow Roll
A very slow version of the roll.
Snap Roll
A type of rolling manoeuvre that is very quick and violent. It's basically a spin where the flight path is in any direction chosen by the pilot. Improper speed control during a landing approach can also make the model snap over on one wing and enter a spin. Since it's close to the ground, there's not enough room to recover, and a crash results.
Solo
Your first totally unassisted flight that results in a controlled landing.
Span, also "Wingspan"
The widest straight-line distance between the two wingtips.
Speed Brakes
Large panels that fold out of the aircraft structure to provide a lot of extra drag to the air. They are not part of the wing structure, but are usually mounted on the fuselage. Military jets most often have speed brakes, which fold out of the fuselage. Some airliners use spoilers as speed brakes when at altitude.
Spin
A manoeuvre where one wing is stalled and the other is still flying. This causes the airplane to rotate around its middle while it descends at a high rate of speed. When it's done on purpose, it is a precision manoeuvre, with the pilot trying to get the airplane to rotate an exact number of turns from entry to exit. When it's done accidentally, it can easily result in a crash. Many models crash when the pilot enters an accidental spin too close to the ground. This is caused by improper speed control during the landing approach.
Spinner
The bullet-shaped fairing on the nose of the airplane around the propeller. This smoothes the airflow around the propeller hub and also makes the airplane look much better.
Split-S
Basically a reverse Immelmann. The airplane rolls onto its back, and then the nose comes down to finish a 1/2-loop. The direction of flight is changed 180°.
Spoiler(s)
Control surfaces on the wing that destroy lift. They "spoil" it. They are used on sail-planes because they can steepen the very flat glide of the aircraft, which makes landings much easier. On full-size aircraft, spoilers are also used to kill lift on landing to make sure the airplane is firmly on the ground. They also add a lot of drag to help with aerodynamic braking.
Stab
Horizontal stabiliser, 'smaller wing'
Stabiliser
A surface which increases the stability of a model. Most aircraft have two stabilisers, the horizontal (stab) and vertical (fin), which are mounted on the tail. The stabilisers help the model overcome the rotational forces caused by the engine.
Stall
When the air flowing over the wing cannot produce enough lift to support the weight of the model, it's called a "stall". This can happen if the modeller flies too slowly, or if the wing is at a too-high angle to the incoming airflow. If the wing is at a too-high angle to the incoming airflow, then it cannot flow over the wing properly to develop lift.
Stall Turn
The manoeuvre in which the model is flown to a point at which the main wing is vertical, stalls, then is turned about the yaw axis to continue in a nose down attitude, then is returned to horizontal flight.
Strut
Basically this is a supporting member. A wing strut supports the wing, and goes from the fuselage to the wing. Cabane struts are on biplanes, and support the upper wing over the fuselage. A landing gear strut is the portion that holds the wheel assembly to the airplane, and away from the wing or fuselage.
Sub-Trim
This is a trim function on many computer radios, allowing trim function during set-up, and still allowing the full trim function in flight.
Tachometer
An optical sensor designed specifically to count light impulses through a turning propeller and read out the engine RPM.
Taildragger
The nickname of an airplane that sits on its tail with the two main wheels in front and a tailwheel in the rear.
Tailskid
On old World War I type aircraft, or pioneer-type aircraft, there was no tailwheel. A wooden skid was used to support the tail of the airplane. While this helps slow the airplane during landing, it is useless as an aid to steering on the ground. The real aircraft with tailskids had to be manoeuvred on the ground by ground crews, who put the tail on a small cart and towed the airplane where they wanted it. For small distances, the tail was picked-up by hand and the airplane pushed into position by the ground crew.
Tailwheel
The small wheel at the tail of the airplane. This is found on the type of airplane that has the two large wheels in the front, and the small one in the rear. The airplane sits on its tail.
TE
Trailing edge (rear)
Throttle
The control that allows the pilot to change the speed of the engine. In a car, the "gas pedal" is actually the throttle control for the car.
Thrust
The forward force provided by the airplane's engine. This is the force that drives the airplane forward.
Torque
The force which tends to cause rotation.
TR
Abbreviation for Torque Roll, a 3D manoeuvre which begins as a hover and the torque of the engine/propeller rotates the model in a counterclockwise direction without any aileron (roll) inputs.
Trainer Airplane
A model designed to be inherently stable and fly at low speeds, to give first-time modellers time to think and react as they learn to fly.
Trailing Edge (TE)
The rearmost edge of the wing or stabiliser.
Transmitter (Tx)
The hand-held radio controller. This is the unit that sends out the commands that you input.
Tricycle Gear
The landing gear arrangement where the airplane has main gear and a nose gear.
Tx
Abbreviation for transmitter.
Undercamber
This means that the lower surface of the wing has a hollow curve when observed from front to back. A thin wing with a high camber will be undercambered.
Ventral Fin
A small vertical surface on the bottom of the aft fuselage. Usually a long, slim triangle that is narrow at the front, and widens toward the rear. It usually ends at the rudder hinge line.
Washout
The twist in an airfoil which causes less angle of attack at the tips than the root. For airplanes, this increases stability of the model at slow speeds as the wing tips will stall after the centre of the wing, avoiding accidental tip stalls.
Weathervane
This describes the tendency to point into the wind. Stabilisers on a model result in its desire to weathervane.
Wheel Pants
The large fairings used to streamline the wheels of an aircraft that has non-retracting, or "fixed" landing gear (so-called because it's "fixed" in place).
Windsock
This can be used to describe a number of devices, all of which give a visual clue to the direction and speed of wind in a given location.
Wing
The main lifting surface of an airplane.
Wing Loading
This is the amount of weight per square foot that has to be overcome to provide lift. It is normally expressed in ounces per square foot. This specification can be easily calculated as follows: If you know the square inches of the wing, simply divide by 144 to obtain square feet. Divide the total weight (in ounces) of the airplane by the wing area (in square feet). This information is valuable when deciding on which airplane to build next. Planes with high wing loading numbers must fly faster to stay in the air. These are generally "performance" airplanes. Conversely, planes with lower numbers do not need as much air flowing around the wing to keep it flying. Trainers are designed to have low wing loading because slow, efficient flight is desired.
Wing Root
The centreline of the wing, where the left and right wing panels are joined.
Winglet
A small vertical surface at the tips of the wings. They help direct the turbulent airflow that all wings have at the tips. They makes the wings more efficient.
Yaw
The nose-left and nose-right movement of the airplane. This is controlled by the rudder.
Yaw Axis
The airplane axis controlled by the rudder. Yaw is illustrated by hanging the airplane level by a wire located at the centre of gravity. Left or right movement of the nose is the Yaw movement.
Yaw Rate
The rate of movement about the vertical axis of a model.
Z-Bend
A type of linkage point using a bend in the control rod which
WHAT MAKES A GOOD TRAINER?
If you've never flown an RC model airplane before, you might be tempted to buy one that has a lot of visual appeal, such as a scale model or an advanced sport flyer. Though many of those types of kits are fairly easy to assemble, the models can be very difficult to fly if you have no previous experience. Your first plane should be a good trainer something to cut your teeth on before moving up the performance ladder. A lot of excellent trainers are available. Here are some basic things to consider when deciding which one is right for you. Repairability
The simple truth is that your first hand maybe your second airplane will be damaged in the course of your learning how to fly. Knowing this, you should look for a trainer that has relatively few parts that can be easily repaired if they are broken. Wood and foam are high on the easy-to-fix list; moulded plastic is more difficult to repair.
Cyanoacrylate (CA) glue, e.g., Super glue and epoxy (Araldite) are the most common adhesives used for gluing wood and plastic parts together, white glue, (PVA) is excellent for gluing foam pieces back together. Most of our ready to fly kits are designed to be easy to repair - some use plastic fuselage’s and most use a foam wing Parts availability
Sometimes it will be easier to replace damaged parts than to fix them. Try to select a model that has replacement parts readily available from the manufacturer. Some model kits come with extra wings just in case you damage one beyond repair. Parts such as motors, batteries and speed controls get damaged or worn out, so be aware that you can simply replace these parts instead of having to buy a new model. |
