FAQs About RC Planes

Remote, or radio controlled, planes, also called RC planes, are model airplanes that are controlled by means of a transmitter and receiver. The radio transmitter is held by the airplane's operator, who stands on the ground, and the receiver is located in the body of the airplane.

Q: Types of RC planes

A: RC airplanes come in several types. Different styles of radio controlled airplanes are best suited for operators of different skill levels. Beginning RC hobbyist can have a lot of fun with park fliers or trainers. More advanced operators can enjoy glow-plug engine planes, electric power planes and sail planes. Expert RC operators looking for a challenge may fly jets, RC helicopters, autogyros and other high-end competition style craft. There are even remote control planes designed to look and operate like a bird, called ornithopters.

Q: RC airplane assembly

A: There are several ways to build an RC aircraft, depending on the skill level of the builder and the amount of money available. Some kits are made of plastic or light-weight balsa wood. These kits use ribs and spars for the wings and tail surfaces, and formers and longerons for the fuselage. Other models use solid sheets of wood for these structures instead. Some even use a polystyrene core covered in wood.

Q: Types of kits

A: Ready-to-fly planes are pre-assembled and generally require the user to attach the wings or perform other basic assembly tasks. Almost ready-to-fly kits require some construction and are usually ready for the air with less than four hours of labor. Hobbyists that have gained skill from kits may find themselves ready to venture into the world of scratch-built aircraft. Ready-made blueprints are available for building such planes.