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Sport Aviator's Sure-Start Guide for the New RC Pilot

Model Aviation is a fascinating, wide ranging Sport. By far the most popular form of the sport is Radio Controlled flying (RC). RC model flying allows the pilot to have complete control of his aircraft as it soars and flies free through the clouds and blue skies. There are numerous forms of RC flying including replica's of real full-size aircraft, aerobatic airplanes, gliders, helicopters, jets and even indoor aircraft. RC flying is also one of the best family participation sports around.

But what is it all about? What is the best way to get started? Is it hard to do and how would I learn? Maybe it costs too much and I'll have to build the airplane; I don't know how to do that. It looks too complicated and very technical; I don't have a lot of time to invest in learning technical details. It looks like fun and I have always liked airplanes, but can I really do this?

Sport Aviator's Sure-Start Guide will answer all these concerns and questions plus many more. Read the following articles and watch the videos in the order listed. Most questions and concerns are answered in text and pictures (maybe even a few videos). If you still have any left after reading the Guide, please e-mail me at EditorSptAviator@aol.com. I'll do my best to address any questions or concerns you may still have. If the Guide answers all your needs, get to the hobby shop and meet us out at the field.

Sincerely,

Frank Granelli - Editor

Getting Started Video
RC Flying is a Great Family Sport: This short video (1:43) lets you see just how much fun RC flying is for everyone in the family. It also gives a small idea of what learning to fly is about.
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Getting Started in RC Modeling
So you are interested in taking up the sport of Radio Control Model Flying. This first article covered some aspects of the non-model part of getting started in RC.

Getting Started in RC Modeling - Hardware
Choosing your first training model can be daunting. Learn all the pros and cons of various airframes so you can get the basic trainer you want without frustration and extra expense.

Flight Lessons
If you are wondering what it is like to take that first RC flight, fly along with Bill as he takes his first RC flight on an Alpha 60. Go to Ground School, fly the airplane and then see what it takes to land your trainer. This is a real-world, un-rehearsed video taken as it happened at the flying field.

		Ground School - Dial-up \| Broadband
		First Flying Lesson - Dial-up \| Broadband
		Landing - Dial-up \| Broadband

Way Up High In The Virtual Sky
A simulator will allow you to learn at a more rapid pace than you ever could at the field. As long as you have electricity and free time, you can be in the air—virtually.

Fast-Start Guide
RC Trainers are designed to be easy to fly and land. They are great learning tools. But that doesn't mean they are boring to fly. Watch this short video to see some surprising trainer performance.
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How to Assemble Your First Ready-To-Fly Trainer
If you have wondered just how hard it is to build your first RC trainer, read how simple it is to do in this photo illustrated article. Modern Ready-to-Fly trainers use simple tools, no adhesives, don't require any special skills or knowledge and can be built in less than an hour.

Art Tech Wing Dragon 4
Not all first trainers must be engine powered, expensive and big. The 47-inch wingspan Wing Dragon 4 is a complete 4-channel airplane (equipped with ailerons) that is Ready-To-Fly right out of the box. For less than $140, this capable, electric-powered aircraft will teach anyone how to fly even in small fields and school yards.