Getting Started In RC Flying- State Of The Hobby 2009
Posted on October 19, 2009 by aaronredbaron
Flying a model by radio control (RC) is hobby which began in the middle of the 20th century and made a slow but steady climb in popularity until the end of the century. Despite the widespread availability of quality hobby products by the turn of the century, the hobby was still out of reach from the average consumer because of scale and economy. In addition, if someone wanted to be able to enjoy the hobby of RC flying, there was a significant learning curve to get off the ground. Ready to fly airplanes were mostly low quality, and the availability of practical electric power systems were still in the future, further limiting potential modelers options. Fast forward a short decade later, and the hobby of RC has grown more than ever before, in a large part because of the technology. Practical electric powered models are now available in all sizes, reducing the learning curve and noise associated with fuel powered models. Ready To Fly (RTF) models are now available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and lightweight batteries allow them to fly the way one would expect; with predictable slow flight and aerobatic abilities, depending on your selection. Perhaps most importantly to the growth of the hobby, the size and cost of a radio control model has dropped for the beginner, allowing more people to experience the hobby with less complications and less money.
Airplanes
If you had walked into a hobby shop 10 years ago looking to get into the hobby, you would be looking at $400- $1000 for a 40 sized trainer (meaning its powered by a .40 cubic inch engine) with all the field accessories you need to fly it. A 40 sized trainer has about a 5 foot wingspan and weighs 5-6 pounds. These models should be flown at a designated RC flying area, which usually involves joining a club. While the price for a similar 40 sized trainer today hasn’t changed much, the cost of a decent pre-built trainer has dropped while the quality has gone up. But more importantly, there are now a wide variety of small electric models you could learn with without having to join a club, and which cost far less. A steady stream of reasonably priced RTF airplanes suitable for beginners continue to roll into hobby shops, such as the new Ultra-Micro J-3 Cub from Parkzone. The remarkably tiny and flight worthy Ultra-Micro airplanes from Parkzone, which all weigh in around an ounce and cost just over $100, are a great example of how simple and easy it can be to break into the hobby. Mid sized electric models such as those from Multiplex are often available in “Receiver Ready” condition out of the box, which means you select a control system separate from the model , but most of the electronics are already installed for you. Most of todays models are made of foam, but a few still use proven built up structures of balsa and plywood. New versions of older 40 sized trainers, such as Great Planes NexSTAR Mini EP, take the concepts used in conventional 40 sized trainers and adapt them for today’s electric power.
Helicopters
While airplanes have come a long way, nothing compares with the growth seen in the last decade in the helicopter portion of the industry. It began with better flying, more reliable models in the 1990’s. By the turn of the Century, new gyro technology was beginning to make an influence. Model helicopters require stability assistance to help manage tail control either from mechanical stability devices or electronics. Early mechanical and solid state rate gyros were steps in the right direction, but it wasn’t until heading hold gyros became available that model helicopters came into their own. Click here to read a fascinating account of the history of RC Heli gyros by James Wang. Combined with lithium battery and brushless motor technology, better servos, and 2.4 gHz radio systems, gyro technology has made modern model helicopters a practical hobby for practically anyone. Where as it formerly took much preparation and expense to get to the point your model helicopter was able to fly, there are now countless ready to fly helicopter available, even for indoor use. Counter rotator helicopters, with inherent stability which lends them perfectly to indoor flight for beginners, have become the new staple for beginner helicopter pilots. Click here for one of our articles about Counter rotator helis. One great example of a counter rotator perfect for any beginner is the Eflite MCX, with a price tag of just $120. Heli kits for more involved hobbiests are also miles better than they once were, ranging from a 200mm rotor blade micro to a 700mm rotor blade machine. Its likely more RTF helis with advanced features will be hitting the market, the Thunder Tiger Innovator is a great example of a fully capable heli which eliminates many of the complications of building the model yourself.
A Great Time To Get Into the Hobby!
Getting started with RC flying has never been easier, or less expensive! If you ever wanted to buzz the tree tops at your neighborhood park, or take full advantage of your vaulted ceilings, there has never been a better time to get into the hobby. With the proliferation of high-tech, low-cost models which are ready to go out of the box, fly better than you would expect, and can be fixed with readily available repair parts, getting into the hobby of flying models is no longer the daunting challenge it once was. In addition, simulators have become common for beginner training. A simulator is ALWAYS a great training tool and a wise investment if you intend to really get involved with the hobby. Visit your local hobby store first, its always nice to have local parts support if possible, and they can also put you in touch with clubs for training help if the club route sounds like something you would enjoy.
