Soaring on the energy of thermal currents, a sailplane permits its pilot to mimic nature's majestic birds. A radio-controlled (R/C) scale-model sailplane brings that same thrill to a hobbyist's fingertips.
Instructions
1. Read, read, read. Subscribe to enthusiast magazines and use the Internet. Make an informed decision.
2. Visit a variety of hobby stores.
3. Talk to store owners and knowledgeable clerks.
4. Join a radio-control model flying club.
5. Take part in the club's flying activities and learn from the performance of the various sailplane replicas.
6. Find a mentor among flying club members.
7. Study the dynamics of flight. Sailplanes truly are miniature airplanes operating on the same physical principles as their regular counterparts.
8. Relate the various models to your skill level. A sailplane, by definition, has a large wing area and wants to soar, but you'll want to begin your hobby with a trainer model.
9. Choose a model that also relates to your skills as a constructor. "Almost ready to fly" models are available for inexperienced constructors.
10. Take flying lessons from a qualified instructor if you're new to the hobby in order to avoid crashing expensive models and becoming discouraged.
11. Check with your instructor for a recommendation about your first scale model purchase.
12. Remember, true sailplanes have no engines. Controls are limited to rudder, elevator and ailerons.
13. Judge basic stability and performance partly on wing shape, wing span and dihedral.
Tags: flying club