RC Airplane Terminology

Before you start your quest to flying, I recommend you take a look at some definitions of basic aircraft terminology below. This information will aid you in choosing the right RC airplane, and ensure you have successful flights.

Aerodynamics - For an airplane to fly, the wing has to overcome gravity by developing lift greater than the weight of the plane. To achieve that, airplanes use thrust which drive the wing forward through the air and generate lift. However, thrust has its own opposition to overcome in the form of drag, which is the resistance of the air to a body moving through it. If the lift and thrust are greater then the gravity and drag, your plane will fly.

Fuselage - The fuselage is the models main body, which all other components are attached to. It houses the radio and the airplanes power plant.

Wing Location - Wing placement, for the most part, falls into two major categories—high wing design and low wing design. A high wing design on a plane allows the aircraft to have much better stability. Why you ask? The weight of the fuselage below the wing will always stabilize the model in flight because the fuselage weighs more then the wing. For example, when you turn the plane will level it self out because the bottom will be weighing it down. RC trainer airplanes have a high wing design, which is one reason they are ideal for beginners.

With a low wing design, the opposite happens here. The fuselage is heavier above the wing, so it will not level itself. This is mainly used if you want your model to do aerobatics.

Airfoil - If you face the wing tip of the plane and cut it from front to back, the cross section exposed would be the wing's airfoil. The Flat-Bottom Airfoil will develop the most lift at low speeds and helps return the model to upright when tilted. This is ideal for trainers and first-time pilots. A Symmetrical Airfoil's top and bottom have the same shape, allowing it to produce lift equally whether right side up or upside down and to transition between the two smoothly. This is recommended for advanced pilots. Lastly, a Semi-Symmetrical Airfoil is a combination of the other two and favored by intermediate and sport pilots.

Elevator - The elevators control the planes altitude in the pitch axis of our model.

Wing Area & Wing Loading - Wing area is the amount of wing surface available to create lift. Wing loading is the weight that a given area of the wing has to lift and is usually measured in ounces per square foot. Generally, a light wing loading is best for beginners. The plane will perform better and be easier to control.

Landing Gear - Tricycle gear includes a nose gear and two wing (main) gears, making takeoffs and landings easier—ideal for beginners.

Dihedral - The upsweep angle of the two wing panels relative to the fuselage.

Wing Thickness - Wing thickness is measured from top to bottom, and determines how much drag is created. A thick wing creates more drag, causing slower speeds and gentler stalls and is ideal for beginners. A thin wing permits higher speeds and sudden stalls.

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