rc airplane advisor

New Site Format!

2005-12-29T14:07:00.000-08:00

Dear RCAA readers,

Just in time for the New Year, we've reformatted the RC Airplane Advisor site, and moved it to a new webhost. The changes are just cosmetic for now, but the new host will enable us to introduce more powerful interactive features in the future. Thanks for being patient during the transition.

Send us your Comments on the New Features that you would like to see. Also let us know if any links got broken or if any photos went missing during the move.

Thanks, and Best Wishes for 2006.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Airbrushing eBook!

2005-09-19T12:04:00.000-07:00

The airbrush is the ultimate tool for applying a painted finish to a model airplane, whether a plastic display model or a fully functional RC scale model. Many modelers are mystified or frustrated with understanding how to use this tool.

If you're one of these modelers, this electronic book has been created just for you! It's packed full of practical advice, useful tips and "hard lessons learned". This information can put you on the road to turning out airbrushed works of art.

Check out the ebook Learn to Airbrush Model Airplanes.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Futaba 9CAF On Sale!

2005-07-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

The Futaba 9C radio that we reviewed on our site has gone On Sale at Tower Hobbies (www.towerhobbies.com). The transmitter plus 8 channel FM receiver and 14 model memory module, reduced $50 to $319. This is a great deal on a great radio.

Check out our independent Futaba 9C review then decide if its for you.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Airplane Movie Guide updated

2005-06-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

If you missed it the first time around, our Airplane Movie guide is back and better than ever. We've added links to reviews and purchasing at Amazon, for both DVD's and VHS tapes.

Follow the link to check out our Airplane Movie Guide.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Site Map added!

2005-06-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

To help you get around our site faster, we've added a Site Map. This works somewhat like a table of contents, giving you the big picture view of our site.

If you prefer, you can still use our Navigation bar on the left of each page, or the Search function, to move through our web pages.

Follow the link to check out our Site Map.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Fail-safe for FM receivers

2005-05-27T21:51:00.000-07:00

Just a note to tell you about an interesting new product. This is a unit that allows fail-safe on FM receivers. Fail-safe (a feature of higher-priced PCM systems) lets the receiver return to pre-programmed settings in the event of a signal loss. E.g. return throttle to low, reducing any damage from a runaway airplane.

Well now you can achieve a similar effect with your current FM receiver. The Airguard Fail-Safe (from Hangar 9) simply plugs into the throttle channel, and returns the signal to your preset level in the event of interference, low battery, etc.

The device is available from ehobbies.com or HorizonHobby.com for about $25.

[Note that the 6 channel FM Berg receivers also feature Failsafe. I've used only the 5 channel (does not have Failsafe) Bergs, and have been really happy with their solid performance.]

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Futaba 9C radio review

2005-05-19T14:10:00.000-07:00

The Futaba 9C is an excellent radio control system. We've written an independent review for those who may be contemplating a new radio purchase.

Follow the link to find out more about the Futaba 9C radio.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Our new eBook!

2005-05-18T14:04:00.000-07:00

Learn to Fly RC Airplanes is our new electronic book (ebook). It contains the same important lessons about learning to fly that are on the RC Airplane Advisor site.

The book can be read on your PC. This is very useful if you are traveling and have a PC and the time but no internet access. Or you can print the whole thing or any of the pages you need, and read it like a regular book (it's been reformatted for that purpose). It's easy to navigate, in either the electronic or print form.

Follow the link to find out more about the eBook Learn to Fly RC Airplanes.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

New USB cable for FMS rc flight simulator

2005-05-02T08:35:00.000-07:00

We've talked about the free RC flight simulator called FMS. It can be operated with keyboard, USB game controller, or your own radio transmitter with a commercial USB cable. Until now, this last option has been somewhat expensive, with USB cables around $50.

Now Hitec RCD (hitecrcd.com) has a USB cable product for FMS. For JR brand transmitters, only $12. Hitec and Futaba transmitters need an additional adapter, for a $24 total price tag.

This is a low cost way to get into simulators with the same transmitter that you will use on your rc airplane.

Find out more about RC Flight Simulators on our website.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

DIY speed controller from recycled servo

2005-04-24T08:32:00.000-07:00

Do you have a servo with stripped gears? Do you like soldering and electronic projects? Well, with a resistor and a power amp or mosfet, you can turn that old servo into a working speed control for your electric rc airplane, boat, or car.

Find out more in our tutorial on the DIY Electronic Speed Controller.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Electric Ducted Fans

2005-04-05T08:59:00.000-07:00

Designers of rc jet airplanes have a few options available to them. They can stick a big propellor on the back (pusher jet), but this doesn't look so nice. Then there's the very scale model jet turbine, but this is an expensive option. A good compromise of form, function and price is the ducted fan engine. These can be driven by either glow-powered engines, or electric motors. The latter are becoming very popular for this type of power system.

Find out more about this type of rc airplane in our guide to the Electric Ducted Fan.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

EZ400G improvements

2005-03-25T17:39:00.000-08:00

The EZ400G rc airplane is great for aerial photography. It is a slow and stable flier, and comes mostly pre-built. For carrying a camera, certain strengthening upgrades are advised.

Find out more about the recommended upgrades in our guide to the EZ400G mods.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Model Helicopters on Prime Time TV

2005-03-24T10:02:00.000-08:00

OK, show of hands, who saw the TAG (Tactical Assistance Group) chopper on CSI: NY last night? This radio controlled helicopter had twin machine guns that proved very deadly.

There was a small inaccuracy in the script (which we’ll forgive since we’re just happy to see our “toys” on television). The pilot referred to battery time as if it were an electric helicopter (and a battery looking a lot like an 8 cell NiCad pack was shown). Yet when the helicopter canopy was lifted off, you could clearly see a glow engine muffler 

Or maybe you saw the UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Assault Chopper on Alias a couple of weeks ago? This was a smaller electric heli that was totally autonomous. It could use facial recognition software to acquire, then go after, a target.

It’s perhaps a sign of the times that these units are now featured as main parts of the plot lines in these episodes. Previous use of rc helicopters and rc airplanes was primarily to represent the real thing, in special effects, chase or crash scenes.

However with the advent of electric parkflyers, rc airplanes and their kin are perhaps more forefront in the minds of television writers. Couple that with military action taking place overseas using well-publicized UAV’s, and it’s no wonder that writers are coming up with these ideas.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Scale Models - Weathering

2005-03-22T20:51:00.000-08:00

Weathering of scale models is the process of duplicating the wear and tear that real airplanes see during their life. A nice shiny new-looking model is fine for representing something just out of the factory. Most planes in operation start to show signs of wear quickly.

Check out our guide to Scale Models - Weathering to learn more about weathering techniques that will make your model look that much more realistic.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Scale Models - Panel Lines

2005-03-20T08:46:00.000-08:00

The panel lines on real aircraft, when duplicated on models, add a great amount of realism to rc airplanes. The model builder needs good documentation (reference photos) and a systematic procedure for drawing lines on the model. The right types of marking instruments can add greatly to the illusion (please, no black Sharpie pens!)

Check out our guide to Scale Models - Panel Lines to learn more.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

How to Become a Pilot

2005-03-19T08:51:00.000-08:00

Some of our readers have expressed interest in flying full-size, people-carrying airplanes. It's quite a natural progression for rc pilots to get a private pilot license. You'll need to know what the requirements are, what types of training you'll need, and what the costs will be like.

Find out more in our guide:How to Become a Pilot.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Scale Models - Decals and Markings

2005-03-16T20:40:00.000-08:00

Real aircraft have letters, numbers, flags and other insignia that make each one unique. Decals are used on model aircraft to capture this uniqueness. Well-made and applied decals and markings can set your scale model apart.

Check out our guide to Scale Models - Decals and Markings to learn more about applying markings, including how to make your own.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Scale Models: Warbird Camouflage

2005-03-15T17:46:00.000-08:00

Camouflage on military planes is neat to look at, but challenging to paint on a small model. However, a bit of simple planning and careful execution can create a very convincing scale rc model.

Find out more in our guide to Painting Scale Models: Camouflage.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Scale Models: Masking

2005-03-15T17:41:00.000-08:00

Ever wondered how a multi-colored paint scheme was done on an RC airplane? More often than not, this involves some masking. Carefully planned and well executed masking can be the difference between an easily-painted scale masterpiece, or a frustrating dud.

Check out our guide to Painting Scale Models: Masking to learn more.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Scale Models: Pre-Shading

2005-03-15T17:35:00.000-08:00

Real airplanes are subject to lots of wear and tear. Their paint will usually fade in the sun, and it can be challenging to duplicate that "faded look". Pre-shading is one technique that can help achieve that look.

Check out our guide to Painting Scale Models: Pre-Shading to learn more.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Air America: the airline and the movie

2005-03-05T08:14:00.000-08:00

The Pilatus Porter free plan (from a previous blog entry) was finished in the colors of "Air America". This historic airline in Southeast Asia inspired a movie of the same name. This is a fun (if not entirely accurate) account that makes a great aviation movie.

Check out our History of Air America to learn more.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Airplanes in the Movies

2005-03-04T08:03:00.000-08:00

Do you love airplanes, and movies about airplanes? Looking for inspiration for your next scale rc airplane model? Or maybe just looking for a good addition to your Netflix list?

If the answer to any of these questions is "yes", check out our guide to Airplanes in the Movies.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Scale Model Airplane Finishing: Foam

2005-03-03T09:40:00.000-08:00

Been wondering how to get a smooth paintjob on a foam airplane? Wondering how to seal up that coarse grain? Or maybe you do have a smooth molded foam surface but are wondering what to paint with, and how to apply panel lines and weathering.

Our Foam Airplane Finishing Guide was written just for you.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Pilatus Porter photo build sequence

2005-03-01T21:21:00.000-08:00

To accompany the free model airplane plan of the Pilatus Porter, we're releasing building instructions with photos. These will help you figure out the plans and get into the air sooner.

See our Pilatus Porter model plane build sequence.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Free Flight Airplane Trimming Guide

2005-02-28T13:20:00.000-08:00

So you've built the Pilatus Porter free flight airplane from the plans shown in the previous blog. Now you're wondering how to get this rubber-powered plane to perform its best. This is simple to do if you follow the correct steps to build, align, and flight test (known as trimming).

Find out more in our Free Flight Airplane Trimming Guide.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

FREE model airplane plan

2005-02-27T10:01:00.000-08:00

This original, never-before-published plan is available for your personal use at our website. It's a model of the Pilatus Porter, one of the planes used in the "Air America" campaign in Southeast Asia. This model airplane is under development for micro radio control; the current plan is a rubber-powered prototype. Maybe you can beat us to the punch and convert it to RC yourself!

Get your FREE plan here: Pilatus Porter model airplane plan.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Indoor RC Flying

2005-02-21T14:06:00.000-08:00

Is the weather in your part of the world a bit grim right now? No chance of seeing the sun or doing outdoor stuff for a while? If you've wondered what it might be like to fly a mini rc airplane in a nice warm gym or in your house, you're in luck! The technology now exists to make indoor rc flying practical and affordable. You can even fly mini rc helicopters inside your home!

Find out about more about Indoor RC Flying at the RC Airplane Advisor.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Model Jet Engines

2005-02-19T14:27:00.000-08:00

We've added a section on Model Jet Engines. These high-powered devices can propel a model jet plane to speeds well in excess of 200 mph!

Find out about more about Model Jet Engines at our site.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane, including info on choosing the right plane and learning to fly.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Accent Trim Schemes

2005-02-18T08:19:00.000-08:00

Following on the heels of our recent lesson on how to do heat shrink plastic coverings, is this one on how to do trim schemes from the same material. Accent trim not only makes your rc airplane look better, but it could also help prevent a crash. Planes covered in only color can be hard to see clearly at a distance. Some color schemes (e.g. sky blue!) should be avoided. We discuss color schemes and how to apply them.

Find out about coloring your rc airplane in our Guide to Creating Trim Schemes with Heat Shrink Plastic Film Covering.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane, including info on choosing the right plane and learning to fly.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Heat Shrink Plastic Film Covering

2005-02-16T19:26:00.000-08:00

Covering an RC airplane with heat shrinkable plastic film such as Monokote or Ultracote can result in a beautiful, customized craft. There is definitely an art to doing this well, but the good news is that the art can be learned. Following a few simple procedures, and a bit of practice, will result in airplanes that are envied by your entire flying group.

Find out how to cover with "iron-on" film in our Guide to Using Heat Shrink Plastic Film Covering.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane, including info on choosing the right plane and learning to fly.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Balsa Wood Building Sequence

2005-02-14T15:04:00.000-08:00

Many modern RC airplanes come with a high degree of prefabrication, and are sometimes made out of foam or fiberglass. These planes can usually be assembled very quickly. Yet there's something to be said about building one's own airplane from balsa wood. The structure can be stronger, lighter, and more durable. Plus, the finish can be completely customized.

Find out how to build from balsa in our Guide to Building a Balsa Wood Airplane Wing.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane, including info on choosing the right plane and learning to fly.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Drawing Model Airplane Plans using a Plastic Kit

2005-02-11T13:56:00.000-08:00

Ever heard of someone taking a plastic display model (e.g. Monogram or Testors), and from that drawing their own rc airplane plans and building a scale masterpiece? How on earth is that done? Well, in small steps. Part of the challenge is transferring the 3D information from the model shape onto a 2D plan. This can be done readily using a Contour Gauge.

Find out how in our Guide to Using a Contour Gauge.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane, including info on choosing the right plane and learning to fly.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

How to transfer drawings to wood

2005-02-10T17:06:00.000-08:00

For those of you who build rc airplanes from plans, you will have spent a bit of time transferring the drawings of all the component parts from the plan to the balsa or plywood. I've tried several methods and the easiest and quickest has been the use of lacquer thinner. I highly recommend that you give this method a try!

Find out more in our Parts Transfer by Lacquer Thinner tutorial.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane, including info on choosing the right plane and learning to fly.

RC Airplane Purchase Recommendations

2005-02-10T10:44:00.000-08:00

You've probably seen our page describing what to look for in your first rc airplane. We've now added a page with some specific recommendations for good first RC airplanes. Find out more in our RC Airplane Buying Guide.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane, including info on choosing the right plane and learning to fly.

RC Airplane Accessories

2005-02-09T13:59:00.000-08:00

So you've bought a neat rc airplane, plus an engine or electric motor. What "other stuff" is needed for a practical attempt at flight? And what other stuff is "nice to have, just in case"?

Like all other pastimes, this hobby has its share of accessory goodies. Find out more in our RC Airplane Accessories Guide.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane, including info on choosing the right plane and learning to fly.

Tuning the RC Airplane Engine for Best Performance

2005-02-07T21:07:00.000-08:00

Tuning the model airplane engine is sometimes seen as a black art, only to be attempted by those with years of experience. The truth is that you can tune your engine for peak performance by following some fairly simple procedures. Having the engine tuned correctly will ensure that it delivers maximum power without overheating, and that it will idle smoothly without quitting. This is a skill well worth learning! See our How to Tune Your Engine guide to learn more.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane, including info on choosing the right plane and learning to fly.

Airbrush Photo Sequence

2005-02-06T14:25:00.000-08:00

There has been a lot of interest in our Airbrush Tutorial. To help those learning this new skill, we've improved the tutorial by adding an airbrush photo sequence.

Enjoy the pics!

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane, including info on choosing the right plane and learning to fly.

Added RC Aerial Photography Equipment

2005-02-05T17:12:00.000-08:00

If you've been wondering what type of equipment is commonly used to take RC aerial photos, check out our new page:

rc aerial photography equipment

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane, including info on choosing the right plane and learning to fly.

Movie: The Aviator

2005-02-04T19:03:00.000-08:00

If you're reading this blog you probably have some interest in aviation and aviation history. If so you should definitely catch the Scorcese movie "The Aviator" while it's still in theaters. Saw it today and liked it: great acting, historical content, and of course, airplanes.

Some of these were actually RC airplanes. Visit this link for some short videos that show the making of the film, including model planes and special effects:

Making of The Aviator movie

Now I really have an urge to build a Hughes H1B Racer! Found a source that has a plan for a speed 400 Electric version. You will need a program that opens .dfx (I use Adobe Illustrator). You will definitely need experience to build this one (and to fly it!). BTW, the plan text is in Italian, but CAD is the universal language, right?

Plans for Hughes H1B Racer

Choose the British flag for English language, then "Plans and Drawings". Use the Search box at the top, search by name, enter "racer". Have fun!

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane, including info on choosing the right plane and learning to fly.

Photorealistic Sceneries for AeroflyPro

2005-02-03T08:52:00.000-08:00

The background sceneries that come with Aerofly Pro are pretty good, especially when considering how realistic the flight physics are. However, you can improve on these sceneries, by downloading photorealistic ones that have already been created, for free!

The download site also has files for Reflex and FMS. Definitely worth checking out!

If you'd like to see how to do this, check out our photo tutorial here.

Enjoy!

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane, including info on choosing the right plane and learning to fly.

USB controller mod for RC flight simulator use

2005-02-02T19:24:00.000-08:00

Some RC flight sims do support USB controllers. Computer game controllers with two sticks similar to an RC airplane transmitter can be found cheaply, e.g. the Logitech Dual Pad Axis controller. These are around $20 or so, and a great compliment to the free (yes!) FMS flight simulator.

One nice thing to do to make these controllers even better is to modify the throttle control. The game pad is designed so that all sticks recenter after letting go. We'd like the throttle to stay where it's put, as in the picture below:

After this mod, throttle stick will no longer recenter itself

If you'd like to see how to do this, check out our photo tutorial here.

Enjoy!

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane, including info on choosing the right plane and learning to fly.

RC Aerial Photography Gallery added

2005-01-31T21:30:00.000-08:00

For some reason, people just love to look at photographs. Especially ones taken from unusual perspectives. This is part of what makes aerial photos so interesting. Throw in an rc airplane as the camera mount, and taking pictures gets really fun!

If you'd like to see some neat pictures taken with an rc airplane, check out our RC Aerial Photography Gallery.

Enjoy!

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane, including info on choosing the right plane and learning to fly.

RC flight simulator hints and tips

2005-01-31T08:41:00.000-08:00

The RC sim is a great learning tool. Like any tool, it can be used well, or not. So we've added some hints and tips to help you
get the most out of your rc flight simulator experience.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane, including info on choosing the right plane and learning to fly.

How the Four-Stroke RC Airplane Engine Works

2005-01-30T14:48:00.000-08:00

A new section has been added the site, explaining how the four-stroke engine works.

We had so much fun doing the tutorial for the two-stroke (especially drawing the pictures!) that we had to do this, too.

Enjoy!

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane, including info on choosing the right plane and learning to fly.

How the typical RC Airplane Engine works

2005-01-27T19:26:00.000-08:00

If you've wondered how exactly that engine on your trainer produces power, look no further.

We've just created a detailed illustrated tutorial on how a two-stroke glow engine works.

The basic concept is neat, simple, and light. Understanding the basic operating principle will help you when you eventually need to troubleshoot your airplane's engine.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane, including info on choosing the right plane and learning to fly.

RC Flight Simulator section updated

2005-01-25T20:10:00.000-08:00

We’ve updated our section on rc flight simulators, with screenshots of popular sims on the market:

http://www.rc-airplane-advisor.com/rc-flight-simulators.html

If you’re not familiar with the rc flight simulator concept, take a look at that link. The flight sim can save you lots of time and money when learning to fly. This is especially true when trying to learn aerobatics, or when learning to fly helicopters (which have a high cost per crash value). Even if you already know how to fly, flight simulators can be fun to play with when the weather is bad, or if your pride and joy is undergoing some so-called "maintenance”.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane, including info on choosing the right plane and learning to fly.

Airbrush Tutorial added to site!

2005-01-22T20:54:00.000-08:00

The best painting solution for rc airplanes is really the airbrush. When equipped with an air compressor as the air source, it becomes like a bottomless spray can, with the added benefits of control of the air pressure and of the paint amount. An airbrush can be used to paint small plastic display models as well as large RC airplane kits.

Most scale rc airplanes are painted with an airbrush. It's a skill that takes some practice to acquire, but is well worth learning as it is applicable to many other hobbies.

We've now added a comprehensive Airbrush Tutorial to the website. This goes into great detail about selecting the proper equipment and paints, as well as how to paint. Don't miss it!

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane, including info on choosing the right plane and learning to fly.

Search function & Site Map added!

2005-01-20T13:12:00.000-08:00

A Search function & a Site Map have been been added to RC Airplane Advisor. These will make it much easier for our users to navigate around the site.

You can use the Search this Site button on the Navigation Bar (left side of each page), or the Search box at the bottom of the homepage. Or, use the Site Map (same locations) to get a detailed overview of the site.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

RC slope gliders explained

2005-01-18T19:07:00.000-08:00

Added some drawings to better explain how rc slope gliders work:

http://www.rc-airplane-advisor.com/slope-gliders.html

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

RSS feed available!

2005-01-17T21:45:00.000-08:00

RC Airplane Advisor updates are now available via RSS feed! Click the xml button at the bottom of the homepage www.rc-airplane-advisor.com to subscribe to the feed.

If you have no idea what blogs and RSS are, don't worry (you don't need to know). It has nothing to do with RC airplanes :)

It's just a neat way to provide (blog) and deliver (rss) new web content. You can read more about blogs at www.blogger.com, and about RSS at www.feedburner.com .

Happy Landings.

2005-01-16T13:35:00.000-08:00

Make sure to check out advice on choosing an Rc airplane:

http://www.rc-airplane-advisor.com/choosing-rc-airplane.html

and learning to fly (alone or with an instructor):
http://www.rc-airplane-advisor.com/learn-to-fly-rc-airplanes.html

Blog to tower: preparing for take-off

2005-01-08T21:50:00.000-08:00

This Blog will be used to document updates to

www.rc-airplane-advisor.com

where you can learn to choose, build, and fly rc airplanes.