<h1>Radio Controlled Planes - A Favorite Pastime</h1>
Original By Paul J Jones
Radio controlled planes have a rich history and are highly popular, despite being a relatively new addition to the model family. Flying radio controlled, or rc planes, is enjoyable for fliers of all ages and skill levels, with many even participating in sanctioned contests. How did rc planes come about and what would be a suitable model for you?
The earliest prototypes of radio controlled planes were simple hydrogen-filled model airships, which, in the late 19th century, were used as part of music hall acts, using a somewhat basic form of spark-emitted radio signal to enthrall theater audiences.
The idea of remote controlled airplanes was then developed further for military use. By the early 20th Century, the Royal Aircraft Establishment England had built and tested the Larynx, a monoplane (single wing) with a 100-mile range and top speed of 200 mph. The Larynx was powered by a Lynx IV engine, it was essentially an early cruise missile guided by an autopilot. In WW2 the RAF developed the Queen Bee, a modified version of the well known de Havilland Tiger Moth, which was used as an unmanned target drone.
Radio controlled aircraft technology was eventually extended to scale models and today, aircraft model enthusiasts are simply spoiled with a choice of many different kits requiring varying amounts of assembly, costs and skill levels and experience. They are also made of different materials, with some radio controlled planes being made mostly of foam or plastic, while others consist solely of balsa wood. Finally, some rc planes are created with an incredible level of detail, having a detailed cockpit, illuminating navigation lighting on the plane's exterior and extracting landing gear, whereas others are constructed purely for flying.
Generally speaking, the ideal choice of rc plane and engine has to be based on the pilot's skill level.
For beginning hobbyists, park fliers are ideal. The term "park fliers"denotes small, primarily electric rc planes, so named because their size enables them to be flown inside large public parks, with slower models even being suitable for indoors activity such as gymnasiums and even living rooms. Examples of suitable models are the Silverlit X-Twin Acrobat 3D and Air Dasher, the Hobbyzone Mini Super Cub and the Parkzone Super Decathlon. Beginners should also check out flight simulator software, with many programs, such as the RC Plane Master Flight Simulator from Reality Craft, coming complete with controllers.
For the intermediate fliers there are glow plug engine, sailplane and electric radio controlled planes. Glow plugs, similar to spark plugs, ignite the fuel in the model airplanes, acting as small internal combustion engine. Sailplanes, or rc gliders, do not depend on propulsion, and instead sustain continuous flight by utilizing the lift produced by slopes and thermals, while being controlled remotely from the ground with a transmitter. An ideal choice for any intermediate radio control pilot is the Hobbyzone Aerobird 3.
For the expert pilot among you, jets, helicopters, and other high end competition aircraft have proven to be popular and present an adequate challenge. Jets commonly use ducted fans or micro turbines to power them, constructed from carbon fibre and fibre glass. These can often reach speeds in excess of 200 mph, requiring quick reflexes and are therefore unsuitable for novices. Examples of rc airplanes suitable for experts are the Parkzone Spitfire and Park Flite F4-E Phantom.
So regardless of your particular skill level, there is a suitable radio control plane to fit your needs, pocketbook and skill level that will allow you to participate in one of the most popular pastimes around the globe today.