RC Airplane Wing Location and Pilot Experience

You wander, intentionally or by chance, into a hobby shop or, better yet, a website that sells radio controlled airplanes. A sleek delta-winged model captures your attention. You imagine it slicing through the air at nearly 100 mph, your fingers guiding its every move, and you wonder if you can handle it without ending up with a pile of wreckage at the end of your adventure? Your previous rc airplane flying experience and the location of the wings are two key factors in answering that question.

RC airplanes with their wings mounted above the vertical center-of-gravity, above the fuselage, react like kites or parachutes. Heavy military transport planes often use this wing configuration, as do flight training aircraft as well. They generally fly slower, require less power, and always return to a level attitude, as most of their weight hangs below the wings. They are, therefore, more stable and easier to fly. These planes are great for beginners, especially those with a low wing-load rating that allows the plane to glide.

Beginner Trick Skateboard

RC airplanes with their wings mounted below the vertical center-of-gravity, below the fuselage, act like surfboards or skateboards; fine adjustments in balance result in dramatic changes in direction. These RC planes, with their weight distributed above the wings, like military fighter aircraft, usually have more powerful motors or ducted fan units, fly faster and require quicker, more delicate reactions to control. A skilled pilot can perform amazing aerobatic maneuvers with such planes.

RC Airplane Wing Location and Pilot Experience

A wide range of possibilities for stability and maneuverability, speed and control, safety and fun falls between those two extremes in wing placement. A beginner might find it difficult to manage such radio controlled airplanes, but they can do exciting stunts and tricks in the hands of a pilot with a little more experience.

Though you still might really want that "cool" sky-screamer, consider your skill as a pilot and the location of the wings first-as an indicator of how satisfied you will be with your purchase of an RC airplane. Then, pick the model that fits your ability, take off into the blue with your new radio controlled airplane, and have fun.

RC Airplane Wing Location and Pilot Experience