rc airplane advisor

New Site Format!

2005-12-29T14:07:00.000-08:00

Dear RCAA readers,

Just in time for the New Year, we've reformatted the RC Airplane Advisor site, and moved it to a new webhost. The changes are just cosmetic for now, but the new host will enable us to introduce more powerful interactive features in the future. Thanks for being patient during the transition.

Send us your Comments on the New Features that you would like to see. Also let us know if any links got broken or if any photos went missing during the move.

Thanks, and Best Wishes for 2006.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Airbrushing eBook!

2005-09-19T12:04:00.000-07:00

The airbrush is the ultimate tool for applying a painted finish to a model airplane, whether a plastic display model or a fully functional RC scale model. Many modelers are mystified or frustrated with understanding how to use this tool.

If you're one of these modelers, this electronic book has been created just for you! It's packed full of practical advice, useful tips and "hard lessons learned". This information can put you on the road to turning out airbrushed works of art.

Check out the ebook Learn to Airbrush Model Airplanes.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Futaba 9CAF On Sale!

2005-07-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

The Futaba 9C radio that we reviewed on our site has gone On Sale at Tower Hobbies (www.towerhobbies.com). The transmitter plus 8 channel FM receiver and 14 model memory module, reduced $50 to $319. This is a great deal on a great radio.

Check out our independent Futaba 9C review then decide if its for you.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Airplane Movie Guide updated

2005-06-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

If you missed it the first time around, our Airplane Movie guide is back and better than ever. We've added links to reviews and purchasing at Amazon, for both DVD's and VHS tapes.

Follow the link to check out our Airplane Movie Guide.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Site Map added!

2005-06-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

To help you get around our site faster, we've added a Site Map. This works somewhat like a table of contents, giving you the big picture view of our site.

If you prefer, you can still use our Navigation bar on the left of each page, or the Search function, to move through our web pages.

Follow the link to check out our Site Map.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Fail-safe for FM receivers

2005-05-27T21:51:00.000-07:00

Just a note to tell you about an interesting new product. This is a unit that allows fail-safe on FM receivers. Fail-safe (a feature of higher-priced PCM systems) lets the receiver return to pre-programmed settings in the event of a signal loss. E.g. return throttle to low, reducing any damage from a runaway airplane.

Well now you can achieve a similar effect with your current FM receiver. The Airguard Fail-Safe (from Hangar 9) simply plugs into the throttle channel, and returns the signal to your preset level in the event of interference, low battery, etc.

The device is available from ehobbies.com or HorizonHobby.com for about $25.

[Note that the 6 channel FM Berg receivers also feature Failsafe. I've used only the 5 channel (does not have Failsafe) Bergs, and have been really happy with their solid performance.]

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Futaba 9C radio review

2005-05-19T14:10:00.000-07:00

The Futaba 9C is an excellent radio control system. We've written an independent review for those who may be contemplating a new radio purchase.

Follow the link to find out more about the Futaba 9C radio.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Our new eBook!

2005-05-18T14:04:00.000-07:00

Learn to Fly RC Airplanes is our new electronic book (ebook). It contains the same important lessons about learning to fly that are on the RC Airplane Advisor site.

The book can be read on your PC. This is very useful if you are traveling and have a PC and the time but no internet access. Or you can print the whole thing or any of the pages you need, and read it like a regular book (it's been reformatted for that purpose). It's easy to navigate, in either the electronic or print form.

Follow the link to find out more about the eBook Learn to Fly RC Airplanes.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

New USB cable for FMS rc flight simulator

2005-05-02T08:35:00.000-07:00

We've talked about the free RC flight simulator called FMS. It can be operated with keyboard, USB game controller, or your own radio transmitter with a commercial USB cable. Until now, this last option has been somewhat expensive, with USB cables around $50.

Now Hitec RCD (hitecrcd.com) has a USB cable product for FMS. For JR brand transmitters, only $12. Hitec and Futaba transmitters need an additional adapter, for a $24 total price tag.

This is a low cost way to get into simulators with the same transmitter that you will use on your rc airplane.

Find out more about RC Flight Simulators on our website.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

DIY speed controller from recycled servo

2005-04-24T08:32:00.000-07:00

Do you have a servo with stripped gears? Do you like soldering and electronic projects? Well, with a resistor and a power amp or mosfet, you can turn that old servo into a working speed control for your electric rc airplane, boat, or car.

Find out more in our tutorial on the DIY Electronic Speed Controller.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Electric Ducted Fans

2005-04-05T08:59:00.000-07:00

Designers of rc jet airplanes have a few options available to them. They can stick a big propellor on the back (pusher jet), but this doesn't look so nice. Then there's the very scale model jet turbine, but this is an expensive option. A good compromise of form, function and price is the ducted fan engine. These can be driven by either glow-powered engines, or electric motors. The latter are becoming very popular for this type of power system.

Find out more about this type of rc airplane in our guide to the Electric Ducted Fan.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

EZ400G improvements

2005-03-25T17:39:00.000-08:00

The EZ400G rc airplane is great for aerial photography. It is a slow and stable flier, and comes mostly pre-built. For carrying a camera, certain strengthening upgrades are advised.

Find out more about the recommended upgrades in our guide to the EZ400G mods.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Model Helicopters on Prime Time TV

2005-03-24T10:02:00.000-08:00

OK, show of hands, who saw the TAG (Tactical Assistance Group) chopper on CSI: NY last night? This radio controlled helicopter had twin machine guns that proved very deadly.

There was a small inaccuracy in the script (which we’ll forgive since we’re just happy to see our “toys” on television). The pilot referred to battery time as if it were an electric helicopter (and a battery looking a lot like an 8 cell NiCad pack was shown). Yet when the helicopter canopy was lifted off, you could clearly see a glow engine muffler 

Or maybe you saw the UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Assault Chopper on Alias a couple of weeks ago? This was a smaller electric heli that was totally autonomous. It could use facial recognition software to acquire, then go after, a target.

It’s perhaps a sign of the times that these units are now featured as main parts of the plot lines in these episodes. Previous use of rc helicopters and rc airplanes was primarily to represent the real thing, in special effects, chase or crash scenes.

However with the advent of electric parkflyers, rc airplanes and their kin are perhaps more forefront in the minds of television writers. Couple that with military action taking place overseas using well-publicized UAV’s, and it’s no wonder that writers are coming up with these ideas.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Scale Models - Weathering

2005-03-22T20:51:00.000-08:00

Weathering of scale models is the process of duplicating the wear and tear that real airplanes see during their life. A nice shiny new-looking model is fine for representing something just out of the factory. Most planes in operation start to show signs of wear quickly.

Check out our guide to Scale Models - Weathering to learn more about weathering techniques that will make your model look that much more realistic.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Scale Models - Panel Lines

2005-03-20T08:46:00.000-08:00

The panel lines on real aircraft, when duplicated on models, add a great amount of realism to rc airplanes. The model builder needs good documentation (reference photos) and a systematic procedure for drawing lines on the model. The right types of marking instruments can add greatly to the illusion (please, no black Sharpie pens!)

Check out our guide to Scale Models - Panel Lines to learn more.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

How to Become a Pilot

2005-03-19T08:51:00.000-08:00

Some of our readers have expressed interest in flying full-size, people-carrying airplanes. It's quite a natural progression for rc pilots to get a private pilot license. You'll need to know what the requirements are, what types of training you'll need, and what the costs will be like.

Find out more in our guide:How to Become a Pilot.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Scale Models - Decals and Markings

2005-03-16T20:40:00.000-08:00

Real aircraft have letters, numbers, flags and other insignia that make each one unique. Decals are used on model aircraft to capture this uniqueness. Well-made and applied decals and markings can set your scale model apart.

Check out our guide to Scale Models - Decals and Markings to learn more about applying markings, including how to make your own.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Scale Models: Warbird Camouflage

2005-03-15T17:46:00.000-08:00

Camouflage on military planes is neat to look at, but challenging to paint on a small model. However, a bit of simple planning and careful execution can create a very convincing scale rc model.

Find out more in our guide to Painting Scale Models: Camouflage.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Scale Models: Masking

2005-03-15T17:41:00.000-08:00

Ever wondered how a multi-colored paint scheme was done on an RC airplane? More often than not, this involves some masking. Carefully planned and well executed masking can be the difference between an easily-painted scale masterpiece, or a frustrating dud.

Check out our guide to Painting Scale Models: Masking to learn more.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Scale Models: Pre-Shading

2005-03-15T17:35:00.000-08:00

Real airplanes are subject to lots of wear and tear. Their paint will usually fade in the sun, and it can be challenging to duplicate that "faded look". Pre-shading is one technique that can help achieve that look.

Check out our guide to Painting Scale Models: Pre-Shading to learn more.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Air America: the airline and the movie

2005-03-05T08:14:00.000-08:00

The Pilatus Porter free plan (from a previous blog entry) was finished in the colors of "Air America". This historic airline in Southeast Asia inspired a movie of the same name. This is a fun (if not entirely accurate) account that makes a great aviation movie.

Check out our History of Air America to learn more.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Airplanes in the Movies

2005-03-04T08:03:00.000-08:00

Do you love airplanes, and movies about airplanes? Looking for inspiration for your next scale rc airplane model? Or maybe just looking for a good addition to your Netflix list?

If the answer to any of these questions is "yes", check out our guide to Airplanes in the Movies.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Scale Model Airplane Finishing: Foam

2005-03-03T09:40:00.000-08:00

Been wondering how to get a smooth paintjob on a foam airplane? Wondering how to seal up that coarse grain? Or maybe you do have a smooth molded foam surface but are wondering what to paint with, and how to apply panel lines and weathering.

Our Foam Airplane Finishing Guide was written just for you.

Pilatus Porter photo build sequence

2005-03-01T21:21:00.000-08:00

To accompany the free model airplane plan of the Pilatus Porter, we're releasing building instructions with photos. These will help you figure out the plans and get into the air sooner.

See our Pilatus Porter model plane build sequence.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor

Free Flight Airplane Trimming Guide

2005-02-28T13:20:00.000-08:00

So you've built the Pilatus Porter free flight airplane from the plans shown in the previous blog. Now you're wondering how to get this rubber-powered plane to perform its best. This is simple to do if you follow the correct steps to build, align, and flight test (known as trimming).

Find out more in our Free Flight Airplane Trimming Guide.

Visit our website to learn more about the rc airplane.

Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor