Your First RC Flight
Here is a summary description of a nice, simple training flight, followed by detailed steps to do this:
Pilot checks the flight-worthiness of the aircraft, and range of the radio. Engine is started and placed on the runway, pointing into the wind.
Throttle is slowly advanced and pilot steers the plane straight ahead.
When the plane has enough speed to fly, the pilot gently pulls back on the elevator and smiles as his rc airplane goes airborne!
At 20 to 30 ft of altitude the pilot initiates a gentle turn and heads back roughly parallel to the runway. The plane is still climbing gently.
At 50 to 100 ft the pilot levels off, and performs gentle circuits of the field. Preparing to land the pilot reduces throttle and flies downwind, past the end of the runway.
Then turns onto final approach. The descent is adjusted for a nice shallow angle approach to the runway.
At 6 to 12 inches before touchdown, the pilot applies slight up elevator to help the plane "flare" onto the runway right at touchdown. The plane then rolls straight ahead, and is steered back to the start point.
The pilot is all smiles!
Note 1: If the plane is not equipped with wheels, throw gently forward at the horizon (also into the wind).
Note 2: If you are learning on your own and have a large enough field, make your first test flight short, straight-ahead hops or glides. (You'll have enough going on without trying to turn the plane.)
Sounds simple enough, eh? Well here are the steps to make it happen:
Pilot checklist
Takeoff procedure
Flying circuits
landing
and some help if things don't go perfectly smooth:
What if the engine or motor quits?
What if I lose radio control (glitch)?