All About RC Model Airplanes

You're in the pilot seat

The radio control or RC model airplane is popular among young-at-heart adults because it puts you in the pilot seat!

Aided by electric motors and aerodynamically engineered body styles, the RC model airplane actually flies.  A hand-held radio transmits signals to a device inside the plane which controls the maneuvers.  You are the pilot.

Growing popularity

Thanks to advances in technology, RC model airplanes are growing in popularity. Now, you can use your computer to transmit various radio frequencies, allowing you to store memory information for several radio control planes.  These advances make it more interesting and exciting to control the plane. 

The design

In order for RC model airplanes to actually be able to fly, they must be designed and constructed similarly to how real planes are.  So, scale and proportion is very important in the construction.  RC model airplanes are actually miniatures of the real thing! 

Airplane construction

You can purchase RC model airplanes constructed of a variety of materials, but they are normally made of either balsa wood or plastic.  The more expensive die cast models are very authentic in the detailing.  You can also choose to individualize your plane by painting and decorating it yourself.  

In control

Depending on how many aspects of the plane you want to control with the radio, the transmitters for RC model airplanes typically have three or four channels.   Each channel is designed to control a different part of the plane.  For example, the transmitter can control the RC model air plane's lights, wings, flight pattern and more.  

The excitement of "piloting" a radio control airplane brings many people to this hobby. Once the RC model airplane takes flight, you can just feel the excitement.

More information on model planes