New R/C Fliers

We encourage all new or potential flyers to contact us before they purchase a plane and radio. There are a number of good planes available for new flyers, and the correct choice makes it much easier to learn to fly. While it may be very tempting to purchase a WWII fighter, or stunt aerobatic plane, these choices will make for an extremely difficult learning process. Also, selecting the correct radio system will allow the use of a "buddy cord" during training. This cord allows two radios to be connected together, letting the trainer take control if the student gets in trouble.

A new trainer airplane, motor, and radio will cost between $300 and $400. Whatever you do, stay away from those small, <$100 kits that are available in some hobby shops or toy stores. They are not only of poor quality, they are very difficult to fly and almost guarantee failure!. Your local hobby shop is a good source for information, and will likely carry a number of Trainers in stock.

When shopping for a new plane you may come across some new terminology.

Frequency - There are 50 available frequencies assigned for RC airplanes on the 72 MHz band. These are numbered from 10 to 60. While it makes no difference what frequency you are on you might want to check with the club you plan to fly with to avoid duplicating someone elses frequency (it makes it a little easier to go up when you don't have to wait for someone else to come down). A list of frequencies currently in use by the Mountaineer RC Club is shown at the end of this page.

ARF - Almost ready to fly. Generally refers to a plane that is pre-assembled, and already covered. It will usually mean that the radio and engine will need to be installed (not a difficult task!). Some kits now available have a motor and engine already installed and represent solid planes at a reasonable cost.

Kits - The opposite of ARFs. They are a box of parts that have to be assembled and covered

40 size, 60 size etc - Refers to the engine size. A 40 size engine has a displacement of 0.40 cubic inches. Most trainers are 40 to 60

2 cycle, 4 cycle - refers to how the engine work. 2 cycle engines are similar in operation to chainsaws or weed eaters. 4 cylinders are like your car engine. For a given size 2 cycles develop more power than a 4 cycle, but 4 cycles can last longer and sound a lot more realistic

High wing, low wing - refers to the wing location on the body. High wings are more stable, and all Trainers are high wing. Low wing planes are less stable and thus more suited for aerobatics.

2, 3, 4 Channel - Refers to the number of actions a radio can control. Most trainer planes are 4 channel controlling the Aeilerons, Elevator, Throttle, and Rudder



Frequencies in use by current Mountaineer RC members
12,16,18,19,22,23,25,27,29,30,32,33,34,35,38,42,43,44,45, 46,47,48,49,50,52,56,60