Sport Aviator is free service of the AMA to anyone interested in joining the exciting world of model aviation. Sport Aviator covers many facets of model aviation including aircraft, radios, piloting techniques and technical subjects. There is a lot of information in Sport Aviator. But there is more than someone just getting interested really needs or wants to know.

Sport Aviator is designed for those individuals either actually getting started in RC modeling, almost taking that first step or returning to the sport after being UA (Unexplained Absence) or AWOL to us “more experienced” (read older) people. The information presented here corresponds to that interest level.

But there are many more individuals just thinking about getting interested in RC modeling. They are not yet ready to start and really have little idea of what is involved. While Sport Aviator tries to help them, it can be a little overwhelming if someone does not already know a few things about the sport.

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So the Academy of Model Aeronautics has developed and produced the RC model Aircraft Quick-Start Guide. The Guide is designed to provide a very basic, but comprehensive overview of RC modeling. The Guide is published on a CD using very high-quality photographs. Bob Aberle, Model Aviation’s Technical Editor and frequent Sport Aviator product reviewer, wrote the Guide to help introduce RC modeling to the general populace.

The Guide covers a lot of information including a basic introduction, what is a radio control system, how to choose an aircraft, how to find an instructor, safety aspects, where to fly, what learning involves and many more subjects. While the Guide mentions glow-powered airplanes, it focuses exclusively on electric-powered aircraft and systems.

Using the MultiPlex Easy Star Ready-To-Fly (RTF) electric trainer, the Guide explains aircraft assembly, trimming and flight training. The information level is comprehensive but written for people who may not have even seen an RC model fly. In fact, one of the first sections explains what a model is and how to find out where to go to see one in the air.

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As the above photo shows, the Guide labels all the aircraft’s parts while providing comprehensive explanations on what everything is, like the control surfaces, and how it all functions. The same type of detailed information is presented about radio and power systems.

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Using the Easy Star, one of the more popular RTF small electric trainers, the Guide explains just how to assemble this level of model aircraft. Using step-by-step photo illustrations, Bob takes everyone through each assembly step. Each part of the building process is carefully detailed and explained. There is a lot of information here that even more experienced newer pilots would be interested in learning.

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Bob takes the reader through assembling the wing and insuring it is properly aligned. The same detailed instructions and explanations accompany every step in the building process. Bob takes great pains to insure that everyone is aware that no special skills are required to assemble airplanes like the Easy Star.

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Bob spends a great deal of time explaining the electric power systems and its differences from glow power (photo 3). At the same time, the Guide discusses safety procedures, motor operations and propeller information. While discussing how the transmitter works and what the various levers and control functions do, Bob explains airplane setup and trimming concepts.

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During the assembly process, the Guide details the various parts of the electric power system such as the speed controller and its Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC). Bob also details battery types and their respective care and management. Laying out the entire electric power system in detail, Bob explains each part’s function as well as how the system as a whole operates.

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Once the assembly is complete, the field and flying part comes next. The Guide explains about flight parameters, aircraft trimming and explains, in general terms, just what to expect at the field. It even suggests ways to find the “field” and how best to get assistance there.

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The Guide goes on to discuss flight training including working with an instructor, the devices like training cords (buddy boxes) used and what to expect to learn during the training process.

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Of course, the Guide includes a lot of piloting information as well. Photo 9 illustrates the section about “landing”; an activity most RC pilots have at least a passing interest in studying. It provides piloting tips and explains the do’s and don’t of this important part of model flying. Many piloting subjects are covered in equal detail and are extremely helpful for the new pilot.

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The Guide even provides a section devoted to “additional reading”, including all the major RC magazines and web sites, that can extend the readers information base and move them to the next interest level.

There is a lot of detailed information in the Guide covering about every subject someone just learning about RC modeling needs to know. The photographs illustrate all the detailed explanations and every subject is covered in such detail that there are probably few questions in anyone’s mind after reading the Guide.

The Guide sells for only $3.00 which is great considering all the information it contains. The $3.00 price includes all shipping and handling so that is the total cost. To receive a copy of the Quick-Start Guide, please call this toll-free number 1-888-435-9262 and dial Ext. 212. Just ask for the RC Model Aircraft Quick-Start Guide and it will be on its way to you in short order.