Some of the basics of how a
Remote Control (RC) Airplane works

This is a short tutorial with pictures that shows you the basics of how a Remote Control airplane works. I go over the theory of how the whole set up operates including a look at the actual mechanics of the airplane and the use of the hand-held controller. There are lots of different controls and controllers and they will vary but in this tutorial I take a look at a pretty standard set up and it will give you a good understanding of how RC airplanes work.

And here is a video I made showing this airplane coming out of the box and some short footage of me launching it off.

The controls on an RC airplane are pretty much the same as on a real airplane. This makes sense because you have the same thing (An airplane), it is just the size that is changed. There are four major controls in an RC airplane:

Throttle
Elevator
Ailerons
Rudder.

Basic Controls of an RC Airplane

An explanation of the Controls

1. The Throttle: This affects the speed of the airplane. The more throttle you apply the faster the airplane will go. This also affects the climbing and descening speed. Applying more or less throttle will cause the airplane to descend or climb faster. This is important to know because it means that the other controls are not the only thing that affect take off and landing.

The three next parts: Elevators, Ailerons and Rudder control three movements of the airplane called "Pitch, Roll, and Yaw". I explain these parts and these three movements.

Pitch of an airplane

Roll of an airplane

Yaw of an airplane

2. Elevators: These control something called "The Pitch" of the airplane. Changing the angle of these elevators will control whether the airplane goes up or down. Now, its important to realize that if the elevators go down the airplane will go up and if the elevators go up the airplane will go down. This is because the elevators control whether the nose of the airplane goes up or down. The picture below explains this concept.

Elevator is down

In this picture the elevator is down. This will force the nose of the airplane up and the airplane will climb. Conversely, if the elevator is up the plane will descend.

3. Ailerons: These are not on all RC airplanes. And they are not needed, many RC airplanes work just fine without them. And, if you are a beginner you don't need them. They can just make it a little bit more of a challenge to operate. The Ailerons control the roll of an airplane.

4. Rudder: The rudder controls the Yaw of the airplane. This is what turns it to the left or right.

Yaw of an airplane

This picture shows how the rudder moves. The motions of the rudder will control the Yaw of the airplane.

Let's continue with this and look at a common hand held controller for an RC airplane

Megatech Night Flyer 2 Channel Illuminated Remote Control Airplane

The Megatech Night Flyer is an inexpensive and easy to start out with airplane. I have a complete tutorial on this airplane located here. I bought this plane, put it together and took it out for some flights. It is a nice way to start out in the hobby without having complexity or expense. It isn't a super duper airplane, it is just something inexpensive to get you started. I have a separate webpage and tutorial about this airplane

Super Cub RTF Electric

This plane costs more but has a whole series of great reviews on amazon.com It might not be something that is suitable for young children or for your absolute first plane but if you are a bit more ambitious you might want to take a look at this plane

Variety of Planes and other Flying Vehicles

Pitts Model 12 15e ARF

One of the best things about the hobby of model airplanes is the wide variety of styles and models that are available. Just about every kind of airplane that has been made in real size can also be had in model size. This includes military fighter planes and even helicopters. Some planes like the Pitts Model shown here are specially designed for in the air acrobatics.

Solo Star Trainer ARF,Value Series

What could be better than an easy-to-build, inexpensive .40 size ARF Trainer? How about a choice of trim schemes to go along with it? With a Hangar 9 Solo Series Trainer, not only do you get quality balsa construction and all the necessary hardware needed to assemble the kit, you get to choose from one of two great looking trim schemes, too!

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Some of the basics of how a Remote Control (RC) Airplane works

An explanation of the Controls

Some of the basics of how a
Remote Control (RC) Airplane works