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The first part of this article, “Software” dealt with how to find a local RC model club and instructors, information sources, Simulators, Flight Schools and the questions never to ask. Now we can look at some of the fun parts: Picking the right model aircraft is important and is covered in this installment. In the last installment of this series, we’ll review radio and engine choices plus basic or luxury field equipment used to get you flying.
There are so many great trainers available that choosing one can be difficult. So lets look at the selection of trainer aircraft. First, you should understand that only certain model aircraft are suitable for a beginning model pilot. I know that you really want to fly a P-51 Mustang fighter, (F-16, F-15, Extra 300, Spitfire, B-17, Pitts Special, insert dream airplane of choice). But that is really, really not a good idea.
 
Photo 1 Photo 2
Scale models (model replicas of full size aircraft) like the Spitfire shown in photo 2 or highly aerobatic scale models like the Dave Patrick Extra 330L in Photo 1 make poor choices as trainers. First, they fly too fast and require that the pilot be far ahead of them. Second, these models have no self-righting ability; they stay exactly where they are put even it that is the wrong place to be. Takeoff and landing speeds are high because wing loadings are high. So are roll rates and elevator response. Stall characteristics can be fierce with fast wing drops and snap rolls developing into spins. While great for an experienced pilot, these types of models are best deferred to next season’s flying.
Photo 3
What about scale models of light aircraft? Shouldn’t they be good trainers? Not really. Even the venerable Piper Cub shown in photo 3 is not the best trainer. While it may takeoff, fly and land slowly it has other flight characteristics that limit its use as a basic trainer. First, it is too “short-coupled” meaning that the distance from the wing’s trailing edge to the front of the elevators is much too short when compared to the airplane’s wingspan. This makes the model airplane, as it does the full-size, less stable around the yaw axis. There is a lot of adverse yaw in a full-size or in a model cub. Being short-coupled also makes the elevator too sensitive for a basic trainer and the ailerons somewhat fast.
The cub is also difficult to handle during the ground roll part of the takeoff. No student pilot needs these hassles while trying to learn to fly RC. The cub pictured is a great second aircraft however if you like scale airplanes (who doesn’t?), Most other scale kits of light aircraft have high wing loadings in addition to most of the Cub’s problems. Their takeoff and landing speeds are too high while their stall characteristics are too drastic.
 
Photo 4 Photo 5
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